Thinks I find along the way
“Intimacy is presence magnified by our vulnerability, magnified by increasing proximity to the fear that underlies that vulnerability.”
Read this great article in The Marginalian: The Wound Is the Gift: David Whyte on the Relationship Between Anxiety and Intimacy
One possible response to the American election…
“So, I shut it off
So, I shut it all off
So, I shut it off
So, I shut it all off
(Oh, oh, oh) It’s been a long way down (Oh, oh, oh)
It’s been a long way down
What you don’t know won’t hurt you, yeah
Ignorance is bliss
I’m a happy idiot, Waving at cars
I’m gonna bang my head to the wall
‘Til I feel like nothing at all
I’m a happy idiot”
The history of the Jewish community in Vienna is long and rich, dating back to at least the 12th century when Jews were first documented in the city. However, the era of the Nazis marks a profoundly tragic chapter in this history, characterized by persecution, displacement, and genocide.
Before the rise of the Nazi regime, Vienna was home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe. By the early 20th century, approximately 200,000 Jews lived in Vienna, contributing significantly to the cultural, political, and economic life of the city. They played prominent roles in various fields, including science, the arts, and politics. This community was known for its rich cultural legacy, symbolized by figures such as Sigmund Freud and Theodor Herzl.
Continue reading “The Jews of Vienna during the Nazi Era”
“Your new life is going to cost you your old one. It’s going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense of direction. It’s going to cost you relationships and friends. It’s going to cost you being liked and understood. It doesn’t matter. The people who are meant for you are going to meet you on the other side. You’re going to build a new comfort zone around the things that actually move you forward. Instead of being liked, you’re going to be loved. Instead of being understood, you’re going to be seen. All you’re going to lose is what was built for a person you no longer are.” Brianna Wiest
Source: 5 Unexpected Ways to Find the Right Mate – Tiny Buddha
The “Ben Franklin method” for making a choice involves creating a list of pros and cons for each option, then carefully weighing each factor against the other to determine the best course of action, essentially creating a balanced view to make an informed decision.
Continue reading “The Ben Franklin Method for Making a Choice”
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city rich in history and culture, and one of its most iconic landmarks is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, known locally as Stefansdom. This stunning Gothic structure is not only a symbol of the city but also a remarkable piece of architecture that tells the story of Vienna’s past.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands tall in the heart of Vienna, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral has seen numerous transformations over the centuries, evolving from a Romanesque church to the magnificent Gothic edifice we admire today. The most significant changes occurred in the 15th century when the cathedral was remodeled to feature intricate stone carvings and expansive stained glass windows.
Throughout its history, Stefansdom has witnessed various crucial events, including royal weddings, funerals, and even battles. It survived near destruction during World War II, and restoration efforts have ensured that it continues to stand as a testament to Vienna’s resilience.
Continue reading “Exploring the Majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stefansdom) in Vienna, Austria”
“Rock Me Amadeus” is a song recorded by Austrian musician Falco for his third studio album, Falco 3 (1985). The single was made available for physical sale in 1985 in German-speaking Europe, through A&M. “Rock Me Amadeus” was written by Falco along with Dutch music producers Bolland & Bolland. To date, the single is the only German language song to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, which it did on 29 March 1986.[5]
It topped the singles charts on both sides of the Atlantic. It was Falco’s only number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom, despite the artist’s popularity in his native Austria and much of Europe.
Continue reading “Rock Me Amadeus”
I love staying at German hotels like the H2 Hotel Wien Schönbrunn where they serve a full German breakfast buffet. It’s a great way to start a day of heavy tourism!
“A typical German Breakfast is coffee and various juices, German crusty rolls, jam, jelly, wurst and cheese platter and soft boiled eggs.”
Source: Frühstück, a German breakfast feast • European Cuisine, Culture & Travel©
In general, we noticed that Austrians (and Europeans) in general eat more whole foods and are fitter than Americans — yes, I know that’s a gross overgeneralization but I think we have a lot to learn in the US.
Who can go to Vienna without sampling some classical music in the city where so much great music has been born?
Some of my favorite parts are included here:
Yes, I know if you’re a classical music aficionado these are very basic pieces, but it was perfect for someone who just wanted the opportunity to experience classical music, dressed casually, in a beautiful setting. You can have the same experience by booking through Tripadvisor here.
National Black Cat Day is celebrated annually on October 27th. The day was created in 2011 by Cats Protection to celebrate black cats and to dispel the myths and prejudices surrounding them. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here are some ways to celebrate National Black Cat Day: [1]
Black cats have been associated with witchcraft, the supernatural, and bad luck for centuries. This has led to some studies finding that black cats are not adopted as quickly as cats of other colors. National Black Cat Day aims to help dispel these myths and encourage people to give black cats the care and attention they deserve. [2, 5]
The superstitions surrounding black cats vary from culture to culture, and black cats have positive associations in the Celtic nations and England, where a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck.[5] In 2014, the animal welfare organisation RSPCA stated that “in UK folklore, black cats symbolise good luck”.[6] Scottish lore holds that a black cat’s arrival at a new home signifies prosperity, while Welsh lore states that a black cat brings good health…
[1] https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-black-cat-day-2024/
[2] https://www.fourpawsusa.org/campaigns-topics/topics/companion-animals/national-black-cat-day
[3] https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us/events/black-cats
[4] https://uk.news.yahoo.com/national-black-cat-day-sparks-000000876.html
Since you won’t find Hitler plaques and signs in Vienna here is your covert guide to learning about the Nazi Fuhrer when in Wien.
“In 1908, Adolf Hitler shared a small room in a flat in Stumpergasse 31 in Mariahilf (sixth district) with his childhood friend August Kubizek. After Hitler had used up his family inheritance he was forced to leave the flat and became temporarily homeless. Every now and then he would use the homeless shelter in the 12th district of Meidling before renting an inexpensive room in a large B&B for males (Männerheim).
While you can’t access the flat it’s worth visiting the area to get an idea of the place Hitler once called home. On a pragmatic note, combine it with a visit to the Imperial Furniture Collection (aka Hapsburgs Museum of Furniture), at 20-25 min walking distance.” Source: Hitler in Vienna: Uncovering The Führer And Nazi Vienna
Yesterday we toured the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. It’s a widely known fact that the Empress ‘Sisi’ Elisabeth was assassinated by an Italian anarchist in Geneva, Switzerland with a nail file. Why then do they sell a nail file with Sisi’s image on it in the gift shop? Too soon! #awkward
The Battles of Saratoga were pivotal in the American Revolutionary War for several reasons:
In essence, the Battles of Saratoga were a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War, leading to French support, a boost in morale, and increased international recognition of the American cause.
If you’d like to know more, I suggest this book or you can watch the series on AppleTV+:
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the St. Regis Hotel stands as a testament to luxury and sophistication. This architectural gem not only offers its guests unparalleled comfort and service but also embodies the innovative spirit of its designer, Jeanne Gang, a renowned architect and a leader in sustainable design.
Continue reading “The St. Regis Hotel in Chicago: A Masterpiece Designed by Jeanne Gang”OK, this is effing hilarious! We just watched Amadeus over the weekend in preparation for our trip to Vienna and She came across this…
Here’s a post I did on Mozart’s Requiem earlier this year. Me? Unlike Salieri I LOVE MOZART and I can’t wait to get to Vienna to see a live performance of some sort in an historic setting…
Dread of Friday the 13th looms large in the cultural consciousness, but it’s really just a day like any other: Fearless on Friday the 13th
This one gots out to my internet friend Raffaello Palandri — somewhere in Chicago you have a fan so big they named a building after you! I know how much you like to take pictures of interesting buildings in Germany — this one is for you…
Chop wood. Carry water.
You can get this beautiful dish at Oberweis! Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, topped with Reese’s peanut butter cup pieces and peanut butter sauce, served in a chocolate dipped waffle bowl. Chicago area only!
Bright, shiny objects! 
You must be logged in to post a comment.