[4V50 Gary]

Pre WW II Austria and a young boy has his Catholic Confirmation Ceremony but his God Uncle wouln't buy him a gold watch like other boys traditionally received (but in all fairness, it's the depression and who has money?). Oh well.

He was asked what he would like to eat in the celebratory meal that followed at his aunt's house.

"I wanted a schnitzel so large that it hung over all of the edges of the plate. That was what I'd been promised and I had a right to it.

"The table was already laid out after our return from church. I noticed that in front of my seat there was no dinner plate, rather just a little sugar dish, as is used in Austria for the sugar cubes. I thought this must be a mistake and so I fetched a bigger plate for myself. After a short time, as we sat down for our supper, at my spot there was only the tiny sugar dish again. But then auntie came with the schnitzels already, handing out the portions for everyone during which she passed over me. Lastly, I received as I wanted my schnitzel, it even hung over all the sides of the plate, only the dish was tiny and the schnitzel 'bigger' by comparison.

"I sat there flabbergasted, everyone looked at me and laughed at the top of their voices.

"I started to bawl, knocking the midget schnitzel back and howling like a wounded dog. I still don't know today why I had taken this harmless joke so seriously back then. I only know that I didn't take a single bite from either the small schnitzel nor from the larger one they brought out after. I was deeply hurt. First everyone spoke nicely to me, then they all told me off, but the day was totally ruined for me now."

Taken from 30 Years' Travel, page 86. It's also offers insights into post WW I depression era Austria.

BTW, a stunt was done in my family. My nephew loved chocolate cake so one was made for him. Initially he only received the top curved portion that was sliced off to make the cake flat for the frosting. It had frosting and candles on it along with his name. He didn't bawl like the kid above did but accepted it. Then the real layered cake was brought out and the joy on his face was priceless.