Not writing frequently any more - work demands curtail my time!
Not writing frequently any more - work demands curtail my time!
Member since:26.07.2000
Reviews:572
Members who trust:274
Austria is a country that I have fallen in love with, ever since I was plunged headlong into a valley to be an English Teacher (although the way I describe it here, makes it sound more like a bungie jump!) Most people know very little about Austria, other than having heard of Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbrück, and having heard of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nikki Lauda, Sachertorte and anti-freeze in wine. That was until February 2000, when Jörg Haider's "Freedom Party" the FPÖ, became junior partners in a coalition government. Overnight the country was made into a pariah by the EU, and whilst sanctions have been removed, the threat of Haider still remains.
In the West, in the Vorarlberg, the Tirol and Salzburgerland, Austria boasts some of Europe's finest skislopes, with world class resorts, including St Anton and Saalbach-Hinterglemm, not to mention Innsbrück, twice an Olympic Games host. Salzburg is right on the border with Germany and is probably known for two musical reasons, first of all Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and secondly, The Sound of Music.
Moving East of Salzburg, the provinces of Lower and Upper Austria, are on the edge of the Magyar Plain, and in the middle of Lower Austria is the city state Vienna. Vienna has a wonderful array of galleries, theatres and a world famous opera house. It also has impressive architecture from the baroque, through Jugendstil, through to the alternative style of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The city is lively, vibrant and safe, and served by an excellent tram system and underground.
To the East of Vienna, there is flat land heading towards Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and of course until World War I these countries were part of the Hapsburg dual monarchy, forming Austrohungary. The border area of Burgenland still has a certain imperial charm, and the border areas of Hungary still maintain an Austrian feel.
Styria, in the south of the country is a very diverse province. From the vineyards in the East, to the lakes and valleys of the North and West, as well as ski resorts like Haus and Schladming, it offers everything for the tourist. Graz, Austria's second city is pretty and a great gateway to explore the bordering countries.
Finally there is Carinthia, parts of which were formerly part of Slovenia, and which also border Italy. There are lakes and valley here to, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Velden and the Wörthersee, whilst Shrove Tuesday in Villach is something to be seen.
The Viennese can be bolshy and unfriendly, but generally Austrians are warm and hospitable, although really on occasions they struggle to emerge from the shadow of Germany, and are struggling with their current political setup. There is a myth that Austria is an expensive place, but really, although Vienna is quite pricey for accommodation, Austria can be seen very cheaply, and good hearty cooking doesn't set you back as much as you would often have to pay in Britain. I have weathered the storm out here away from the fuel crises and have no regrets about moving out here.
Na hoffentlich mehr als M, H und A....du hast sicher recht, dass speziell die Wiener oft über alles Mögliche raunzen und die Leute in den U-Bahnen fade Gesichter haben. Trotzdem würde ich mit keiner Stadt tauschen wollen, die fast perfekte Infrastruktur möchte ich wie das gute Essen nicht missen und dass aus den Hähnen das beste Trinkwasser der Welt kommt, ist dir sicher auch schon aufgefallen
Schini 22.11.2001 09:30
You are completely right about the inferiotity complex... I have always loved to read an 'outsider's' psychogramm of the austrian identity (and Tomas Bernhard ;-), Schini
herdsman 31.08.2001 01:14
I was thinking of going to Austria now I am definately going. Good Op.
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Nov 16th, 2000
very helpful by (100%):
