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Studying in Austria
This is the follow up post to a recent one we did about doing a study abroad in Austria.
Throughout this post we are going to talk about why you might want to decide to study in Austria?
First of all, Austria is right in the middle of Europe, from here you can easily access and travel to other countries in Europe without being too far away. Also, Vienna is the center of Europe because it is – well, in the center of Europe ;). Sandwiched between Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary (with which we were once unified), Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Lichtenstein, Austria is located pretty much in the dead center of Europe, forming a bridge between east and west.
Geographically, Austria is furthermore dominated by the Alps in its southeast and center, and the River Danube – 10% of which lies within the nation’s borders – on which the capital city Vienna was built.
Quality of life in Austria is generally high In fact, in Mercer’s 2012 Quality of Living Survey, Vienna was named the city with the world’s best quality of life (http://www.mercer.com/press-releases/quality-of-living-report-2012)!! Vienna is home to over a quarter of Austria’s population, and is known as one of Europe’s great cultural capitals. For fans of architecture, music and art, this is not to be missed.
Universities in Austria
Universities in Austria are highly international! More than 15% of the total tertiary enrolment in the country is made up of international students, rising up to more than 20% if only advanced research programs are considered.
Austria’s leading university, Universität Wien, sits at 160 in the 2012/13 QS World Rankings, and is joined by Technische Universität Wien (274), Universität Innsbruck (276), Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz (373), Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (451-500), Paris Lodron University Salzburg (551-600) and Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (601+).
But especially when you are thinking of getting a degree in any kind of Business Area or Economics, and at the same time are thinking about Europe, you will almost automatically come across the so-called WU, or Wirtschaftsuniversitaet of Vienna. The ‘WU’ is THE Vienna University of Business and Economics and it is not only the largest one in Austria but THE LARGEST UNIVERSITY FOCUSING ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS IN EUROPE and it is also one of the BEST (http://www.wu.ac.at/)!!!
With that being said, there are also many other very attractive universities in Vienna and you will find that studying in Austria (including the day-to-day living costs) is actually much cheaper than when you would, for instance, think about studying in London or Paris.
If you do now to decide to do your whole Bachelor’s or Master’s in Vienna, the following links provide you with great information about the most important things like, a list of all the Austrian Universities (by rank), required travel documents and how to obtain your student visa, housing in Austria (specifically Vienna), local transportation, what to expect when getting to Austria as a student, student life in Vienna, and much more.
http://www.central.edu/abroad/parents/supportDocs/ViennaStudentSurvivalGuide.pdf
http://www.austria.info/us/plan-your-trip/driving-regulations-in-austria-1084578.html
http://www.wu.ac.at/structure/about/publications/publ_pdfs/factsfigures.pdf
http://www.uniko.ac.at/index.php?lang=EN
Study Abroad in Austria
To our TTMAA fan student community,
After Cornelia has studied in the U.S. and has also just recently completed a study abroad semester in Seoul, South Korea, she has become truly passionate about the ‘whole thing called study-abroad-experience’.
Studying abroad in a different country, will be one of the most important, eye-opening, rewarding, fun, exciting and AMAZING experiences you will ever make!
As a result, why not think about studying abroad in AMAZING AUSTRIA :)??
After receiving a few inquiries and questions, we decided to post this short article and provide you guys with some links to get more information on how to get started. A good starting point is, of course, always the university/institution you are studying at at the moment. Almost every university in the United States has its own ‘study abroad office’ or ‘study abroad person’ to speak to. So go and get some info so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
And now, here is a list of helpful links. And of course, don’t forget to follow TTMAA because you will find that this website is the best resource for preparing you for your life in Austria.
http://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/austria
http://www.aifsabroad.com/austria/
http://www.studyabroad360.com/country-profiles/austria-study-abroad
http://www.studyabroad.com/programs/europe,austria/default.aspx
http://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad/austria
P.s.: A friend of ours actually has decided to do her entire Masters in Austria! Yay! As a result, we are going to post some info tomorrow on how you can become an international full-time student at an Austrian university, immigration requirements, etc. and why – indeed – you might realize that this small but amazing country might be the perfect fit for you to go study and work towards a degree (aka low-cost compared to the States and a high quality education among many other factors). Stay tuned ;)!
An Austrian’s BUCKET LIST – or 17 things to do before you die
The essence of any good bucket list includes overcoming certain fears, achieving goals you have set for yourself in this life, realizing dreams and even, satisfying simple pleasure like trying Sachertorte for once ;).
Wether it’s bungee jumping of the Europabridge or something simpler, like spending time with your loved ones, what matters is that you live your life to the fullest in every way you can!
This is Part 1 of 17 things to do in Austria before you die. And of course, a few of them might be considered to be a cliché, but we tried hard to make it a priority to think mostly outside the box.
So, without further ado…
1. Cruising along the Danube River
Take a boat trip along the river to appreciate Vienna from a different perspective. There are numberous cruise companies in Vienna that offer cruises along River Danube that even includes passing by Bratislava.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/riversandcanals/10078515/River-cruises-for-2014.html
2. Go Wild-water rafting
If you’ve never experienced the thrill, the rush and adrenaline coursing through your body while trying to stir a boat through the wild waters of a river, well…let’s just say that is one of the things you should have definitely done once in your life. And, the beautiful and clear waters of the state of Tyrol offer the perfect invitation for you to do so. Just check out the following link:
http://www.outdoorplanet.net/english/rafting_tirol.html
3. Ride all the Roller Coaster’s at the Prater Park in Vienna
The Wiener Prater is a large public park in Vienna’s 2nd district and also includes the famous Wiener Riesenrad (ferries wheel). We urge you to enjoy one day at the ‘Prater’ (as we Austrian’s call this huge amusement park right in the middle of Vienna), while eating all sorts of yummy greasy junk foods (try one of the so-called ‘Bratwuerste’ you wont regret it) and trying out all the rides the Prater has to offer.
http://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/prater
4. Visit Steirereck, one of the best restaurants in the world!
Steirereck is among the Top 10 Restaurants in the World! As a result, it is not only famous among locals but is also a popular tourist spot. However, when you’re already in Vienna we encourage you to try out their infamous food. It is pricy truth be told. Nevertheless, how cool is it to brag about to your friends and family that you have been to one of the best restaurants in the entire world ;). Still not convinced, check out the yelp reviews below:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurant-steirereck-im-stadtpark-wien
http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/steirereck/
5. Jump off Europabridge
If you don’t know what we are referring to, check out our earlier blog post at:
http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/08/22/why-not-jump-off-a-bridge/
6. Attend a soccer game between Rapid vs. Austria
You’ve probably already heard that we Europeans are crazy when it comes to soccer. So we suggest you make your own picture and attend a game between the 2 ever-competing soccer clubs in Austria.
Trust us, you will have to redefine the word crazy :).
7. Take a ride through Vienna on a Fiaker
We’re almost certain that if you are not from Europe, you might have never been on a horse-drawn carriage before. It’s quite a special experience especially when you share it with your loved ones.
Check out our earlier post on Vienna’s Fiaker’s:
http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/09/01/viennese-fiakers/
8. Visit the top 26 Wellness Spas in Austria
We Austrians are seriously big on Wellness, Saunas and all that good stuff. Every year we at least make one vacation to one of the countless beautiful Wellness Hotels in Austria. Austria’s Wellness culture is seriously its own culture and just as popular as going to ‘Finish Saunas’ for Finish people. Stay tuned as we’re going to post a post soon on Austrian Spa Culture ;). For more info go to:
http://www.wellnesshotel.com/en/
9. Attend an event at the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna
“The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practiced for over 440 years and continues to cultivate classical equitition in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école.
The objective of classical equitation is to study the way the horse naturally moves and to cultivate the highest levels of haute école elegance the horse is capable of through systematic training. The result creates an unparalleled harmony between rider and horse, as only Vienna’s Spanish Riding School achieves.”
~ SpanishRidingSchool.com {http://www.srs.at/en/}
10. Taste your way through the many Heurigens of Austria
To taste your way through some of the numerous Heurigen in Austria is a must do for the gourmet and wine lovers of you out there! For more information, check out the following website that gves you a short introduction into the Austrian Heurigen culture :).
http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Austrian-Heurigen
11. Visit the Danube Island Festival and shake it to your heart’s content
Attend at least once the super famous Danube Island Festival that features the hottest gigs from the American charts and the European ones. It is the BIGGEST open air festival in Europe and trust us you don’t want to miss this.
To read on, check out our previous post:
http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/08/11/danube-island-festival/
12. Attend the infamous Vienna Life ball
13. Milk a Cow
Austria is also famous for its many farms. You see, food is very important to us. Wait! Let me rephrase this: high quality good food is really important to us! As a result, Austrian farmers work hard on producing the best produce possible. Why don’t you help them once by let’s say, milk a cow at one of the milk farms in Austria where you can even go on vacation there :)?
14. Forgive and Let Go of Grudges
Life’s short—really, really short. Inasmuch, what’s the point of hanging onto old grudges and prejudices when, in the end, they’ll do you absolutely no good whilst you’re lain on your death bed, clinging to life. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a dark outlook. But hey, learn to let go of wrongs (real or perceived) and forgive. Forgive, but don’t forget. I know we Austrians can be a bit on the proud side. However, keeping hostility alive in your mind and heart only A. gives the other party more power over you, and B. deprives you of precious, oh-so-often illusive happiness. After all, I reiterate, it’s ALL petty when all’s said and done.
15. Stand in the Crown of the Stephansdom
The Stephansdom is a world famous church and cultural heritage. It is also THE Austrian landmark. Go and stand in front of it, taking in how special life is in the face of such a glorious and culturally rich architectural building that has endured and survived through centuries.
16. Visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg
Take a trip down Getreidegasse in Salzburg, a traditional shopping street in the Old Town. Mozart’s birthplace apartment can be seen from here, as well as little shops with several western brands, as well as tourist shops. Most charming is the tiny McDonalds, which in order to keep in context, has a famous little brass overhanging sign. Upon seeing it you’ll wonder whether to laugh or cry. Sometimes, globalization can be quite ironic…
17. Be Part of a Flash Mob
Oh, admit it already! We all wanted to be part of a flash mob once, right :)?
This was it for Part 1 of an Austrian’s Bucket List ;). We are going to post Part 2 next month and Part 3, the month after. Stay tuned for more interesting articles about amazing Austria.
Bis Bald <3! Tschuess!
Viennese Fiakers
There are just some things that are part of Vienna like breathing. And one of those things are the Viennese so-called Fiakers, or horse-drawn carriages.
Since I can remember, those proud and beautiful horses pull carriages with people from all walks of life in them, both locals and foreigners, to show them the beauty of our capital city in a bit of an unconvential way.
You will have that feeling of past times long gone by, bursting in your chest, while you excitedly watch the rhythm of the city as it breathes each day, in and out, enjoying life at its own pace and time.
The term “fiaker” actually originates from the French and refers to the hackney carriage stand in the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. In 1720, the carriages – which had previously been referred to as “Janschky” coaches in Vienna – were renamed “fiakers” (and numbered). Then, afterwards, the carriage trade really began to boom: more than 1,000 fiakers daily were on the road in Vienna between 1860 and 1900. The carriage drivers were often characters that were known throughout the city and also sometimes performed as singers (kinda like the gondoliers in Venice). They were appreciated for their discretion, especially when one or the other – shall we say – fine gentleman was amusing himself in the fiaker with the lady of his heart :). Probably most famous among them was Josef Bratfisch, the royal coachman of Crown Prince Rudolf, who brought the prince’s lover Mary Vetsera to Mayerling in 1889, where both lives found a tragic end.
Even today, it is impossible to imagine the cityscape of Vienna without the Viennese fiakers.
And where can you find this stands now to take your family or your special someone on a ride, you might ask yourself? Well, you can find fiaker stands in pretty much all of the important areas of the Inner city of Vienna, so: Stephansplatz, Heldenplatz (occasionally Michaelerplatz), Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater. Just stop by any of those places we just listed (during summer as well as winter time since the fiakers roam Vienna the whole year round), see which of the beautiful horses speaks t you ;), and off you go!
http://youtu.be/yCA05joOHXU
The short tour (approx. 20 min. through the centre of the Old City) costs € 55 (about $72); the long tour (approx. 40 min. through the Ringstrasse and the Old City) € 80 (about $105). We know they are a little bit on the pricier side, but then again, to do a fiaker tour is perfect (!) for a date or also to take your kids on a tour they will never forget. Me and my brother certainly never have and made some of our fondest and earliest memories of Vienna, riding through the city while sitting on the laps of our parents and being tucked into a warm and cozy blanket, all on a cute pink Manner fiaker being drawn by two white horses named Franz and Heidi.
And here’s a special tip: If you would like to enjoy a romantic journey, you should ask the fiaker coach for a “porcelain ride”, which is a particularly calm and steady drive through the city and away from the major tourist spots. This was provided long ago to transport precious porcelain safely from one place to another. Today, it’s a nice way to enchant your beloved.
Fine Art Print by:
http://www.toddwilliamsfineart.com/html/collections_LandscapeViennaAndPrague.shtml
Now or Never
Guys!!
We almost forgot to post about our most favorite and dear Vienna event that’s in the middle of the capital city! We are talking about the Vienna Open-Air Film Festival!!
The Music Film Festival is beautifully located in front of the Vienna Rathaus. It is the Town Hall (in English) and a beautiful some-what gothic castle style looking building. The festival takes place throughout the entire summer and we just love it and have been going to it every year since my brother and I were little children :)!
Every night they project a classical or pop music concert onto a huge screen in front of the majestic town hall. It is completely FREE of charge and when you attend you will notice that the courtyard in front of the town hall is packed every night and the surrounding parks as well.
The event features some awesome concerts and everyone just sits for hours into the night watching, listening, and EATING!
Because what kind of festival would it be without food? There are about 30 different food stalls open all day with an international selection of cuisine (organic cuisine!)! It is truly THE food event of the year as well as in Vienna and oh! deliciousness, our stomachs crumble just thinking about it.
The many food stalls are actually representatives and advertisement at the same time from the most famous, popular and best restaurants in Vienna! So you pretty much can kill two birds with one stone, watch beautiful operas, concerts, or musicals on the big screen underneath the scars while eating from the amazingly diverse and international cuisine of Vienna.
So from 29 June to 1 September the 23rd the Film Festival will, once more, transform the Rathausplatz into a unique open-air concert hall and a popular gourmet hotspot for thousands of visitors. Do not miss to check out this event! It’s now or never. Check out the link below and like always, we would love to see pictures of when you have been there ;)!
Restaurant of the week
Hey guys!
So every time I go back to Vienna and me and my friends want to try out a new place to eat, we are always having troubles deciding on one. Why? Because choices are seriously limitless, you’ll find a restaurant around almost every street corner in the capital city. Plus, with the rising international crowd that lives nowadays in Vienna, you can find everything your heart desires from tasty Pho, to Gyros, Tacos, Tapas and even a Korean restaurant and a some amazing Churrascarias.
In addition to that, I have become ADDICTED to yelp while living in the States and there is nothing like yelp in Austria (at least not in English). Sure, yelp does have a few Austrian places in its search database, however they mostly have one or two reviews and well, they mostly seem to come from Americans living in Austria – so, still no idea which other hot place is in right now in Austria. Anyway, we make it our new mission to help those out of you guys that live in Vienna at the moment and are going to list one hot new place each week. Be prepared for some serious deliciousness and enjoyment ;)!
This week’s local tip: the Best Iranian Restaurant in Town: Pars restaurant!
In case you have ever randomly looked for an amazing Persian restaurant while in Vienna (who knows, right :)?), then seriously check out Pars! This place is truly authentic and truly amazing. The owner is a good friend of the best friend of my dad and we have been going there for decades. The prices are compatible with other restaurant prices in Vienna and when you step inside the place, you will find many Persians just hanging out, chatting or having lunch or dinner with the family. A true sign that this place promises you authentic Persian cuisine! Enjoy!
Address: Lerchenfelderstrasse 148, Vienna 1080, Austria (Altlerchenfeld)Telephone number: (0) 1 405 82 45
TTMAA CONTEST OF THE MONTH
Einen wunderschoenen Guten Morgen dear TTMAA fans!!
We wish you a good morning!
The above picture was sent to us by TTMAA fan, NINO EVOLA from Italy. Thanks again for the submission it is truly beautiful, don’t you guys think so?
By the way, If YOU have a cool picture of Austria or of yourself in Austria, we are accepting submissions from our TTMAA fans throughout this next month!
Step 1) EMAIL us your pictures and we are going to post them on our facebook site
Step 2) LIKE your favorite pictures
Step 3) the TOP 5 pictures with the MOST likes are going to be honored and FEATURED (yay :)! ) on our website in a post in exactly 4 weeks!!!
EMAIL AWAY AND SENT IT TO: talktomeaboutaustria@gmail.com
Carnuntum – Reborn City of Emperors
Okay so what do we mean by Carnuntum? What is that? Well, Carnuntum was one of the most important Roman army camps and settlements of its time on the Danube river in the Noricum province and after the 1st century the capital of the Upper Pannonia province. Its remains are situated in Lower Austria halfway between Vienna and Bratislava on the so-called “Archaeological Park Carnuntum”, extending over the area of 10 km² near today’s villages Petronell-Carnuntum and Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.
Every kid growing up in Austria will remember going on a field trip to Carnuntum, the Roman City of Ruins. I still remember walking across the path ways, across stones much much older than I was or my family. I still remember glancing over walls and across buildings that are not more than ruins anymore, imagining how people, long gone and lost, have lived and breathed and survived every day.
Carnuntum is definitely a one of a kind experience you wont want to miss while traveling or being in Austria, especially among the history and architecture lovers among you.
Oh! And the wine lovers, I almost forgot to mention ;). Because equally remarkable, besides uncovering these ancient ruins many years ago, are the findings of the 910 hectares of prime and fertile soil for red wines that reflect regional characteristics.
The popular ‘Rubin Carnuntum’ wine is produced by a selection of the region’s dynamic producers. With the image of the Roman Heidentor (Heathen’s Gate) imprinted on its label, it is a recognition of the region’s cultural history. Check out the following video for more info: http://youtu.be/KoT7QSPq9wg
You will see that the Lost City of Emperors has been definitely reborn. Uniquely throughout the world, the basic types of architecture in a Roman city quarter have been reconstructed in Carnuntum in their historical context and you will be able to visit and enter: a citizen’s house, a splendid city mansion, temples, public baths and much more. All the buildings have, furthermore, been equipped with Roman underfloor heating systems and fully functioning kitchens, and all the rooms are furnished. All layouts and decorative details refer to a single era, as does the level of the streets in the city quarter.
Just as if time had stood still 1700 years ago, when Carnuntum was the scene of an event that was to change the world permanently…Do you know which event we are talking about :)?
VIENNA AWARDS for FASHION & LIFESTYLE
Have you guys ever been to the VA Awards? Every year they are hosted in the capital city of Austria, Vienna.
“Austria is a place of music, culture and beauty.” Just like Karolina Kurkova stated in her interview in 2012 after attending the Vienna Awards.
This year, in 2013, some stunning designs have hit the runway and in the photos below you can see an excerpt of what Austrian fashion designers have to offer ;).
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends! Thx ;)!
Photo of the day
Dear TTMAA fans!
We wish you a beautiful Sunday evening with this photo of Vienna by night. Isn’t Austria’s capital city beautiful :)?!
Take care and we’ll be back with many fresh new posts, including our very own youtube channel (!!), starting next week!
The Swarovski Crystal World
Any idea what this bright green monster is? It is the entrance of the Swarovski Crystal World.
We’re pretty sure you’ve heard of Swarovski before? Yes? Well if not, let us give you a short introduction of this Austrian company. It is a producer of luxury cut lead class (or crystals), headquartered in Wattens (Tyrol) and was founded in 1895.
Jumping a few decades into the future, to the year 1995 to be precise, which marked the 100 year anniversary of Swarovski, the multi-media artist Andre Heller created a place of true amazement with 14 subterranean Chambers of Wonder.
In 2003 and 2007 the so called home of the crystals became extended with new chambers. More than 8 million people have been enchanted by this world of experiences encompassing the full spectrum of art, music, dance and literature. This unique crystalline theatre is Austria’s second most visited museum, right after Schönbrunn Palace. There is a daily bus transfer between Innsbruck and Wattens available
All in all, we did hear that the Crystal World in all honesty was a little bit overrated. Nevertheless, our conclusion is that if you are into crystals, glass cutting, contemporary museums, and Swarovski, and – above all – are thinking of getting one of those pretty little crystals from this world-renowned Austrian company, then what better place to buy it then at the Swarovski Crystal World, right ;)?
Anyway, check out the pictures and decide for yourself.
We would love to hear your opinion: HOT or NOT?
Photo of the day
Have you ever gotten lost throughout the many narrow side streets of Vienna?
If not so far, please actually do ;)!
The ‘mysterious side streets’ are an important factor that contributes to the fascination and love most people have for Vienna. Why? Because you never know what you might actually find…
And even we, as locals, can assure you that even though we have lived our whole life in Vienna, we will never be able to know all the little treasures Vienna has to offer and is hiding in its many tiny side streets. That way though, it never gets boring, right ;)? And, we will do our best to discover as many of Vienna’s hidden treasures as possible via this website. So, stay tuned!
The Third Man
The Third Man is an international film classic, filmed in 1948 in Vienna, Austria. We totally recommend this film especially to those of you who are interested in the pre- and post-war history of Austria and also those of you who are into noir/black & white films.
In 1949 “The Third Man” won the First Prize at the Film Festival in Cannes and was awarded the Oscar for Best Camera for a Black and White Movie in 1950. In 1999 the British Film Institute elected The Third Man as “Best Film of the Century”.
In October 2012 passed the 63rd anniversary of Austria regaining freedom after the Soviet occupation, that in years 1945-53 followed the allied forces agreement from June, 1945. Due to it, territory of Austria and Wien were divided — similarly to Germany and Berlin — into four occupational zones: American, British, French and Soviet. However, when a few years later the Cold War begun, the three Western zones united into one free-Austrian territory, while the Soviets still kept Eastern parts of Austria (including Vienna) in their hands. In spite of numerous appeals from the Western leaders to leave Austria, the Russian forces showed no intention of doing so. In 1940/50 — similarly to other Central and East European capitals (like Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, East Berlin) — Vienna shared the miserable fate of what it meant to be a bolshevik occupied city. Namely, to be overwhelmed by poverty, corruption, political terror and the ambiguous secret police monitoring the citizens.
The memorable Carol Reed’s masterpiece, The Third Man, represents this time of Austrian history and portrays Vienna as the gloomy city it was at that time, a city haunted by the spirits of evil. You will also be able to witness the unforgettable role of Harry Lime, the main character, masterly performed by Orson Welles, as well as listening to the title tune, which was composed and played on the zither by Viennese musician, Anton Karas.
In 1947, a Franciscan monk, Otto Augustin Pavlicek, started organizing among Austrian catholics the secular movement for the national rescue from the Bolshevik oppression, through committing a nationwide prayer of the Rosary. It was the time when, unanswered by Soviets, over 300 international governmental notes calling to end the Soviet occupation of Austria remained. In spite of international acclaim unfortunate facts have occurred so far, such as that in Dec. 1954 Soviet foreign affairs minister Molotov arrogantly admonished Austrian chancellor Leopold Figl to give up any speculations about Russian troops ever leaving Austria.
Though after Figl, a devoted catholic Julius Raab became the chancellor of Austria. He was aware that there were no chances of releasing Austria from its existing Soviet embrace by solely using diplomatic or back room maneuvers alone. And so he used religion in one of his letters stating that “the entire hope of Austrian people lay in the Virgin’s intervention (meaning in Virgin Mary)”. The Russians answered: “the Russian NIET (no) will not change into DA (yes) only through a YES to St. Mary”.
During Easter 1955, Raab went to Moscow in a last attempt to negotiate about the future of a freed Austria. He told his people: “Pray! May all the Austrians pray now!”. And the Austrian people replied through the ‘March of The Lights’, countless supporters gathering together in Vienna, when hundreds of thousands of Austrians marched with lit up candles and the Rosary prayer spoken aloud through the streets and squares of their tormented capital city. Bells of all Austrian churches were tolling with no break during three days and three nights while the negotiations in Moscow lasted.
And — when everything seemed to be lost — on the morning of April, the 13th, 1955; the Soviets suddenly in front of a completely shocked Austrian chancellor, declared their agreement to leave Austrian territory until October 1955. The withdrawal started immediately after the triumphant return of Julius Raab to Vienna where hundreds of thousands of Austrians were enthusiastically welcoming him.
“St. Mary made us free!” They yelled and sang through the streets of Vienna and the Austrian chancellor declared it from the balcony of the Belvedere. In the beginning of October 1955, the last Soviet soldier left the territory of Austria.
For historians, the reason of such radical change in Soviet strategy towards Austria remains unexplained. Especially because, when one year later in Budapest the Hungarians attempted a similar attempt to get rid of the Soviet occupation. However, that one was followed by the Russia’s bloody suppression and enforcement of the Russian domination over the entire Eastern bloc.
For more information, feel free to check out The Three Man museum: http://www.3mpc.net/englsamml.htm
Just For Laughs
We just found this video on youtube and thought it was pretty funny. It is a collection of various interviews with Markus Antonius Rogan. Rogan is an Austrian swimmer, who was born in Vienna in 1982 and who already won two silver medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece and a gold medal for 200 m backstroke at the 2008 World Championships in Manchester.
Athena’s Pride
Now, here’s another post to unriddle one of the pictures we posted a few days ago in the Amazing Austria picture series post.
(see: http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/08/14/amazing-austria-part-1/)
The Austrian Parliament looks totally different from what a visitor might expect when thinking about it. As you can see from the picture, it looks like a Greek Temple, straight out of Athens. This is one more reasons, why so many travelers who have been to Vienna love it, because you never know just what you might find around the corner ;).
Around this corner, you’ll find a really beautiful tall building with a fountain statue in front of it that might be known to some of you. It is the statue of the goddess Pallas Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom.
In modern day Austria the Parliament is the seat of both the National Council, the lower house of Austria’s bicameral parliament, whose representatives are elected by popular vote, and the Federal Council, whose members are chosen by the various states to serve in the upper house.
If you are interested to learn more about Austrian politics, check out the Austrian Parliament’s website: http://www.parlament.gv.at/ENGL/PERK/PARL/
The Parliament is, furthermore, one of the most loved tourist spots and you can tour it for 5 Euros a person (about $6.50).
Photo of the day
This photo stems from the gorgeous Belvedere Castle in Vienna. The Belvedere is not only one of the most popular tourist spots in Vienna, but also we locals love to go there. What makes the Belvedere so exciting, besides its breathtaking architecture and old-worldliness, is that it is a museum at the same time with new and changing exhibitions ever so often.
So we Viennese love to go there either with friends, with the family or for a special date with a special someone ;).
For more information, go to: http://www.belvedere.at/en
What a Skeleton and a Floating Stage have in common…
Three days ago we posted our first series of Amazing Austria and a lot of you have written us with interesting ideas of what the pictures could be all about.
Now, we want to give you the answer to one more and continue to unriddle all over the course of this weekend ;)!
Can you still remember the following two pictures from the series:
Well, these pictures stem from this years’ famous Bregenz Festival (or Bregenzer Festspiele) in Vorarlberg. The popular Floating Opera Stage (or Seebuehne) of the Festival is redecorated every year and the open-air theater has become widely known for its artistic design and grand scale (just the way we like to be known as Austrians hehe 😉 ).
Furthermore, did you know that even if you have never been to the Bregenz Festival, you’ve probably most likely already seen this stage if you caught the 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. This film features a performance of Puccini’s Tosca on the Seebühne (check out the video below).
The origin of this now world-famous stage dates back to 1946 when the 1st Bregenz Festival was held.
At this time, the city of Bregenz (which is the capital of Vorarlberg, the western-most federal state of Austria) didn’t have a single theatre. It did, however, possess a beautiful shoreline along Lake Constance (and Lake Constance is still today the third-largest freshwater lake in Europe!). The inaugural production, Mozart’s Bastien and Bastienne, was staged on two anchored barges – one acting as the stage and the other carrying the orchestra – with the picturesque lake serving as the backdrop. Between the extraordinary local, the great production, and the music provided by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Bregenz Festival was an instant hit among international opera fans. What started out as a 10-day festival featuring one opera, is today a two-month extravaganza, held in July and August, with a hundred different events.
(for more info or tickets, go to: http://www.bregenzerfestspiele.com/en/)
We love the Bregenz Festival and if you get the chance while in Austria, you have to attend one of the Bregenz Festivals! People from all over Europe are drawn to the festival each year and it is definitely known for being the most amazing and unique opera stage in the world, floating on Lake Constance in Western Austria.
And even if you might not be the biggest classical music or opera fan, trust us, the stage, the effects and the performance definitely make up for it and you will experience something you have never experienced before.
Austria’s World of the Ice Giants
Have you ever been inside the cave?
Where ice giants room and rage.
Visitors behold!
The giants are cold, and very old.
Though welcome you to their world,
to their icy fairy world!
Are you into caving? Or just into huge ice giants :)? Then this post is for you.
Austria is home of the World of the Ice Giants, or Eisriesenwelt in German, the largest ice caves of the world and also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Europe!
The caves extend 26.1 miles (or 42 km) inside Hochkogel mountain and are located about 25 miles from Salzburg.
The ice caves are open from May till October and you will want to make sure that you are dressed as if you would during a deep winter season, even if you visit the caves during the hottest summer months of Austria in July/August. For more detailed information, follow the link below and book your guided tour ;)!
http://www.eisriesenwelt.at/en/home.html
Talk to me about Austria 