Going Bezirk in Wien

The World fo the Hapsburgs

2010-11-19T15:01:00.002+01:00

Intrigued by the Austrian Royal family? Check out: http://www.habsburger.net/

Mariahilf

2010-10-20T18:55:00.004+02:00

"If you live in Vienna, you are affiliated with the district that you live at in a similar manner as tribal societies are associated with a clan - you feel a cold breeze and hateful stares every time you cross the border to another district. When I lived in Vienna, the sixth district or Mariahilf was my home for a quite a while and in a way, I still feel like I have the duty to defend Mariahilf and portray it as being particularly cool. Just that you are warned and not disappointed to find out that Mariahilf might be not that great after all.” -- Long time Mariahilf resident (from http://www.tourmycountry.com/austria/sixth-district-vienna.htm)

Mariahilf is Vienna’s 6th district. Its western border is outlined by the Gürtel, a red light area in Vienna. The southern border is the Naschmarkt with amazing food stalls of domestic and exotic fruits, vegetables and spices. The northern border is the Mariahilferstraße, a continuous shopping area where you can shop at larger international brands. The eastern borer is the Lastenstraße, which was built mostly for deliveries for the palaces of the Ringstraße and the Academy of Fine Arts.

History:

First settlements around the Roman roads of the area developed around the year 1000. In 1428, a copy of a sacral painting from Passau was installed in a chapel which came to be known as Mariahilf ("Mary's help"). More settlement started after the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna in 1683. The area was of some importance because the road to imperial Schönbrunn Palace went through it.

The old neighborhoods represented in the district crest include: Gumpendorf which was developed from a Roman watchtower. It was subject to various feudal lords and was sold to the municipality of Vienna in 1798. Magdalenengrund consisted only of vineyards until 1698 when some plots were released for construction. The Laimgrube (clay pit) is probably the oldest part of Mariahilf and existed since the 11th century. Its name is derived from the clay soil, which produced bricks. Windmühle (windmill) developed from a feudal holding used by various monastic orders that was destroyed during the First Turkish Siege. On March 6, 1850, the five Vorstädte of Gumpendorf, Mariahilf, Windmühle, Magdalenengrund and Laimgrube became part of Vienna as the Fifth District, Mariahilf. When Wieden was split into two districts in 1861, it became the 6th District. Towards the end of the 19th century, Mariahilf had developed to become an important business district of Vienna.

What's there?

Naschmarkt & Theatre Scene of Mariahilf:
The Academy is responsible for the arty atmosphere of the eastern corner of Mariahilf. Here you find many small galleries, art shops, and professional interior design and designer furniture shops. Just by the Wienzeile across from the the Naschmarkt is the Theater an der Wien. In the 18th century, it was a suburban theater of dubious reputation, run by a freemason Emmanuel Schikaneder. Together with his drinking buddy and loge brother Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, he produced an opera called "Die Zauberflöte" (The Magic Flute), which was first performed in the Theater an der Wien. This did not prevent the people in charge with the Theater to transform its sacred halls into a musical stage until a few years ago. The area is also very popular for gay culture in Vienna and includes a gay community center.

Wienzeile & Haus des Meeres Aquarium:
On the Wienzeile, are two of the most famous buildings in Mariahilf: The Wienzeilenhaus and the Majolikahaus, both designs in Jugendstil by Otto Wagner. If you turn right toward the central part of Mariahilf, this area is dominated by a massive concrete Flak tower - built by the Nazis do defend Vienna during WWII. It is now used as a private zoo and aquarium called the Haus des Meeres.

Also in this area is The Barnabitenkirche or Mariahilfer Church is a baroque church of pilgrimage and worth a closer look. The memorial for Joseph Haydn in front of the church commemorates the "father" of the Viennese Classic who lived and died in Mariahilf. Right next to the concrete tower, you can find the Apollo movie theatre, remarkable for its Art Deco façade; inside there is a standard multi-screen cinema.

The area further west is mostly residential, but is full with small shops, restaurants and a few backyard stage theatres. IN the west there is also the Raimund theatre, though, named after the playwright and actor Ferdinand Raimund which is now Vienna′s premier musical stage.

Adjusting to life in Europe: Shoes

2010-10-20T17:31:00.004+02:00

Practically Speaking

You'll need good shoes to walk and stand in. No seriously, be practical with foot wear choices. It’s amazing how fast your shoes will wear out. You can find cheap shoes here, but keep in mind what kind of strain you’re putting on your body by walking in shoes that are not supportive.

My grandfather stood all day for his work as a dentist and he taught me a trick. Whatever shoes you have, and however good they are, do not wear the same shoes two days in a row. Every pair of shoes is made slightly different so the pressures on your feet will be different. If you change it up, your feet (and therefore your whole body) will feel more refreshed! Trust me, it works.

Who Rules?

2010-09-30T16:27:00.004+02:00

Below is a complete list of the rulers of the Danube Valley, known as Austria
(Margraves, Dukes, Archdukes, Emperors, and Chancellors)

Babenberg Dynasty
Margraves
Leopold I (Luitpold I., der Erlauchte) 976–994
Henry I the Strong (Heinrich I., der Starke) 994–1018
Adalbert the Victorious (der Siegreiche) 1018–1055
Ernest the Brave (Ernst, der Tapfere) 1055–1075
Leopold II the Fair (Luitpold II., der Schöne) 1075-1095
Leopold III the Good (Luitpold III., der Heilige) 1095–1136
Leopold IV the Generous (Luitpold IV., der Freigiebige) 1136–1141
Henry II Jasomirgott (Heinrich II., Jasomirgott) 1141–1156

Dukes of Austria: 1156, independent of the Duchy of Bavaria.
Leopold V the Virtuous (Luitpold V., der Tugendhafte) 1177-1194
Frederick I the Catholic (Friedrich I., der Katholische) 1195-1198
Leopold VI the Glorious (Luitpold VI., der Glorreiche) 1198-1230
Frederick II the Quarrelsome (Friedrich II., der Streitbare) 1230-1246

Interregnum: After Frederick's death, succession was disputed:
Vladislaus I of Moravia claimant 1246-1247
Herman VI of Baden claimant 1248-1250
Frederick I of Baden claimant 1250-1268
Ottokar II of Bohemia claimant 1251-1278

In 1278, Rudolph I defeated Ottokar for control of Austria. In 1282 he invested his sons with the Duchies of Austria and Styria, thereby securing it for the Habsburg dynasty.

Habsburg Dynasty
Dukes of Austria
1278-1282 Rudolph I of Germany Breisgau
1273–1291 Holy Roman Emperor, never crowned

1282-1308 Albert I of Germany 1298–1308 Holy Roman Emperor, never crowned

1282-1283 Rudolph II the Debonair
1298-1307 Rudolph III the Good
1308-1330 Frederick I the Fair
1308-1326 Leopold I the Glorious
1330-1358 Albert II the Wise
1330-1339 Otto I the Merry
1339-1344 Frederick II
1339-1344 Leopold II

1358-1365 Rudolph IV the Founder

Archdukes of Austria
With the Privilegium Maius in 1359, Rudoph IV attempted to invest the Dukes of Austria with the position of an Archduke, but not recognized until Frederick V confirmed in 1453.

1365-1379 Albert III the Pigtail

1365-1379 Leopold III

Territories divided Rule between the brothers in 1379: The Albertinian Line received the Archduchy of Austria and Lower Austria (not the modern state):

1379-1395 Albert III the Pigtail (See above)

1395-1404 Albert IV

1404-1439* Albert V*
1438–1439 Holy Roman Emperor, Albert II, never crowned
under joint guardianship of Leopold IV and Ernest (1404–1411)

Vacant 1439-1440

1440-1457 Ladislaus I the Posthumous
under guardianship of Emperor Frederick V (1440–1452)

After Ladislaus' death his territories passed to the Leopoldinian Line:

1457-1493 Frederick V*
1440–1493 Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III

1457-1463 Albert VI the Prodigal

1490 these territories were handed over to:

1490-1493 Maximilian I
1508–1519 Holy Roman Emperor

1485-1490* Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary
Occupied Austria proper and Styria. Claiming the title "Duke of Austria"

1519-1521 Charles I
1519–1556 Holy Roman Emperor

1521-1564 Ferdinand I
1556–1564 emperor of Holy Roman Empire

1564 The Austrian territories were divided among Ferdinand's sons:

Lower and Upper Austria (Austria proper)
1564-1576 Maximilian II
1564–1576 Holy Roman Emperor

1576-1608 Rudolph V*
1576–1612 Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolph II

1608-1619 Matthias
1612–1619 Holy Roman Emperor

1619 Albert VII

Inner Austria (Styria, Carinthia and Carniola) passed to Ferdinand III under the regency of Maximilian III. The Austrian territories were reunited again by inheritance in 1620 under Ferdinand III, Archduke of Inner Austria, but in 1623 Thirty Years' War gave him so much to do, Ferdinand divided them yet again.

Lower Austria & Inner Austria remained with the elder line:

1590 Ferdinand III*
1619–1637 Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II

1637-1657 Ferdinand IV*
1637–1657 Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand III

Upper Austria passed to the Younger Tyrolean Line:

1623-1632 Leopold V

1632-1662 Ferdinand Charles

1662-1665 Sigismund Francis

Sigismund Francis’s territories reverted to the elder line, uniting Austria

1657/1665-1705 Leopold VI*
1658–1705 Holy Roman Empire, Leopold I

1705-1711 Joseph I
1705–1711 Holy Roman Emperor

1711-1740 Charles III*
1711–1740 Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI

1740-1780 Maria Theresa
(1740-1780) Holy Roman Empress (Joint rule with husband and Son)

* The Austrian branch technically ended in 1780 and was replaced by the Vaudemont branch of the House of Lorraine. The new house styled itself as Habsburg-Lorraine (Habsburg-Lothringen), as agnatic descendants of Maria Theresa and Francis Stephen.

1765-1790 Joseph II
1765–1790 Holy Roman Emperor with Maria Theresa until 1780

1790–1792 Leopold VII*
1790–1792 Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold II

1792–1811 Francis II*
1792–1806 Holy Roman Emperor, also Francis I of Austria

Emperors of Austria: 1806 the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved.
1804–1835 Francis I (See above)

1835-1848 Ferdinand I

1848-1916 Francis Joseph I

1916-1918 Charles I

Chancellors of the First Republic of Austria

1918-1920 Karl Renner SDAPÖ, Social Democratic
1920-1921 Michael Mayr Christian Socialist
1921-1922 Johann Schober non-partisan (Beamter)
1922-1922 Walter Breisky Christian Socialist
1922 Johann Schober non-partisan (Beamter)
1922-1924 Ignaz Seipel Christian Socialist
1924-1926 Rudolf Ramek Christian Socialist
1926-1929 Ignaz Seipel Christians Socialist
1929 Ernst Streeruwitz Christian Socialist
1929-1930 Johann Schober non-partisan (Beamter)
1930 Karl Vaugoin Christian Socialist
1930-1931 Otto Ender Christian Socialist
1931-1932 Karl Buresch Christian Socialist
1932-1934 Engelbert Dollfuss Christian Socialist
Austro-fascist Dictatorship
1934-1938 Kurt Schuschnigg Austro-fascist Dictatorship
1938 Arthur Seyss-Inquart National-Socialist Dictatorship

Nazi Germany pressured Austrian President Wilhelm Miklas to appoint Seyß-Inquart, who oversaw the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938. Austria's independence was restored in 1945.

Chancellors of the Second Austrian Republic

1945 Karl Renner SPÖ, Social Democratic Party
1945-1953 Leopold Figl ÖVP, Austrian People’s Party
1953-1961 Julius Raab ÖVP
1961-1964 Alfons Gorbach ÖVP
1964-1970 Josef Klaus ÖVP
1970-1983 Bruno Kreisky SPÖ
1983-1986 Fred Sinowatz SPÖ
1986-1997 Franz Vranitzky SPÖ
1997-2000 Viktor Klima SPÖ
2000-2007 Wolfgang Schüssel ÖVP
2007-2008 Alfred Gusenbauer SPÖ
2008- Werner Faymann SPÖ

Tips for Those Not Used to Public Transport

2010-09-23T23:50:00.004+02:00

- Avoid using your phone on public. You will see people who talk loudly but many people find it rude. Keep conversations to a quiet minimum and/or do as they do and text conversations.

- The silent dance: Be aware of those people whom you are blocking the door on buses and U-bahns. They will silently begin to adjust their things to imply they’re getting off at the next stop. Move a bit yourself in response to their subtle movements to show you’re aware and prepared to move. When the car begins to stop, move out of their way and nod in greeting as they pass. This is a successful transition!

- Occasionally people on crowded cars will ask if you’re getting off at the next stop to indirectly tell you they are getting off at the next stop. This also usually means that if you’re not getting off then they want to trade places with you to have an easier time getting off the car.

- Keep your bags in front of you as much as possible. This not only a security tip: you will also annoy your fellow riders less if you take up less room and not knock out an old lady with your backpack.

- If the car is mostly empty, feel free to use the seat next to yours to set bags, et at. However, if there are less than about 3 seats within view put you bags in you lap and tucked behind/in between your feet.

- Don’t feel you have to keep your ticket out, but know where it is at all times. Controllers check tickets at random on platforms, in cars, and at exits. They check the commuter trains coming and going from the airport most often.

- Remember that the Vienna airport is in Zone 2, so even if you have a regular Vienna ticket, you need to get an additional 1 zone ticket to and from the airport.

Catholic Underneath

2010-09-23T01:16:00.006+02:00

Vienna’s connection to the Catholic Church is rather subtle, apart from the opulent churches on every plaza. Few young people participate in religious life and only about seven percent of all Austrians attend services weekly, which is typical throughout post-Christian Europe. Nevertheless, the social memory remains that to be Austrian is to be Catholic.

During the Counter-Reformation the Hapsburgs called for complete loyalty to the social system of the monarchy and the Church and there were severe consequences for those who rebelled. Indeed, those who stood against the Baroque Church left the country, were imprisoned, or were killed. Baroque architecture was tantamount to a propaganda campaign for people to join in and conform. While more liberal ideas have won the day, the social memory remains.

Today, Viennese school children are taught Catholic teachings (or "Evangelical" which is rather vague Christian stories if the parents write a request for special classes) in state school religion classes from the first grade. Parents consider it the job of the state to educate their children about all things including religion. Most of the young people I talked to had no at home education about their faith. The education is mainly teaching the Christian stories, such as the stories of saints, and the dogma of the Catholic Church. All school children attend Mass on the first and last days of the school year as a school trip.

In time the children's science teachers or another adult told some other option for belief, such as simple idea of Darwinian evolution, so many quietly turned their minds away from the Church. Nevertheless, the allure of presents and money brought most to fulfill confirmation classes. Indeed, most continue to go to Catholic religion classes into Gymnasium (prep school). By that time, the religion classes were mostly philosophy, ethics, and sex education. No other Christian denominations were taught in Catholic religion classes, but other world religions were surveyed.

As on student explained, “To the outside they spoke of God on the mountain top and that all ways reached the top. But, on inside, it was clear that [Catholic] teaching was the only way for us.” This seems to be the Austrian take on post-modernism is: All ways may be okay in other cultures, but for us - our tribe - we show solidarity by going along with out heritage, despite unconvincing teaching, because it is part of us.

This religion education surfaces in conversation with Viennese. In my experience, there are two main responses: Some write-off religion as an uninteresting subject that they have already passed; others are deeply intrigued with all faiths, as though their religion classes on wet their appetites to understand how other people worship. As a protestant Christian who is deeply dedicated to Jesus Christ and a free thinking person, I obviously have a more interesting time with the second group. However, I've been mutually surprised by the members of the first group who suddenly speak of deep existential issues which apparently were outside their understanding of Faith.

The bond to the Church also remains in the form of strong family ties. Food, feasts, holidays, and celebrations of rites of passage is still all directed to the memory of their Catholic legacy. Children are christened into the community and confirmed with presents in early adolescence. Most married Viennese eat at home with the family, and turning the TV on during this sacred time is not acceptable in most households. The family is first, especially for women according to the Church, and to prioritize anything above family time is simply not acceptable.

Unfortunately, religious ideals are often upheld with negative reinforcement. One student recalled being shamed by the priest and a mother of one of her classmates for ending her ministry to the church as a candle holder at services when she was a child as the though the integrity of the community were depending on her. Even though her mother had left the church, as an aspiring lawyer this student told me that it would be bad for business connections to leave the community completely.

Part of this honor-shame control in the community for conformity, there is a certain formality and way in which you engage with people socially that is still very hierarchical. Younger people speak to elders first in respect, as do new people to the established neighbors. The elder ladies of communities are more or less seen as guardians of Ruhe und Ordnung (quiet peace and order). If one calls attention to a faux pas, it is best to humbly acquiesce even if you'd rather tell her to mind her own business.

Of course, there are frequent rebellions against this system, but for an outsider, it's important to understand that there is a system to begin with.

Who Was Karl Leuger?

2010-09-14T18:16:00.003+02:00

As one drives along the most monument filled area of the Ringstrasse, one may notice that part of the famous street as well as two statues remember Karl Leuger.

As opposed to the extremes of others of the time, Karl Leuger, was a more pragmatic “Schwarz-gelb,” a believer in Austria with populist ideals at the turn of the century. An opportunist, Leuger changed to the democratic camp and used anti-Semitism to promote Vienna’s native son to higher offices. He quickly broke with anti-Semitic extremism of Schönerer to create the Christian Socialist Party, centered on the interest of “little men” and “Greater Austria.” However, he did continue to support the Germanic supremesist, Guido von List.

His time in office as mayor of Vienna (1897 to 1910) was highlighted by improvements in city living: construction of public buildings; development of the tramway systems; the Wiener Hochquellwasserleitung, which still brings fresh water from nearby the mountains; and the creation of a greenbelt of meadows and forests around the city.

However, Leuger’s policies slid in to dictatorship as the people worshiped their new hero, leaving a legacy that is said to have led the way to Austro-Fascism and even Hitler's reign of terror.

As one hymn sung his praises:
Let us praise the hero, who leads us in the fight.
Joyfully show him praise and thanks which are his due.
Let us also raise our hands in prayer,
May God make us victorious, wherever his banner flies.

Josefstadt

2010-09-13T18:41:00.005+02:00

(Above: great French cafe in the foreground, in the back is Piaristenkirche)

The Josefstadt, Vienna′s 8th District, is the smallest with a population of only 23,000. Its located just behind the City Hall, making this area known for university students and civil servants. Most mayors of Vienna have lived here, as does the current Federal president. Due to its proximity to the University of Vienna, Josefstadt is also the home of many students.

This is a comfortable residential area, but there are few tourist attractions. Since the Green Party appeals to both, students and nationalized Austrian citizens, Josefstadt became the second district in Austria to get a Green administration.The charming side of the Josefstadt include small cafes, bars, galleries and independent shops. There are various student dormitories in the fashionable eastern part of the Josefstadt and a large population of foreigners in the not-at-all-fashionable western part near the Gürtel road, which is Vienna′s prime red-light area.

Palais Schönborn is one of the few classic sightseeing spots in the Josefstadt (The current cardinal of Vienna is a Schönborn). The Palais is now property of the City of Vienna and serves as the "Österreichische Volkskundemuseum", a museum of folk culture. Other palaces in the Eight district are the more centrally located Palais Auersperg and the Palais Trautson, both very big and impressive palaces. On contrast, Palais Damian and Palais Strozzi are sad shells of previously splendid Baroque palaces.

Another museum is dedicated mostly to Gustav Klimt. He had his workshop in the Josefstadt and created some of his most famous paintings here.

The Piaristenkirche is a masterpiece by Lukas von HildebrandtOne with its characteristic twin-tower. Another church worth noting is the Baroque Dreifaltigkeitskirche or the bizarre Mechitaristenkirche.

Within Austria, the Josefstadt has a reputation for being a theater district. There are many backyard stages and small theaters, including the La Petite with only 19 seats. There are several Cabaret stages, including the legendary Cabaret Niedermayer. The Theater in der Josefstadt is a big player, founded in 1788 and is therefore the second-oldest theater in Vienna, after the Burgtheater. The Vienna International Theatre, has many English speaking performances.

2. Bezirk Leopoldstadt

2010-09-13T18:36:00.003+02:00

Leopoldstadt or Leopold-Town is Vienna's 2nd district. There are over 95,000 inhabitants and is about 7 sq miles. Leopolstadt and, Brigittenau, the 20th district), form a large island surrounded by the Danube Canal and the Danube River.

History of Leopoldstadt
In 1625 Rabbi Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller became the rabbi of Vienna and was instrumental in reorganizing the Jewish community of Vienna and drew up its constitution. Heller obtained for the Jews the rights to establish a central Jewish community in Leopoldstadt, which was a suburb of Vienna at the time. In the mid-17th century, part of the area was used as a Jewish ghetto, called "Im Werd." The Jewish population was called "Unterer Werd."

Leopold I, expelled the Jews and the Jewish community (gesera), with the popular support. The new non-Jewish inhabitants renamed the area Leopoldstadt in thanks. However, Jewish immigrants from eastern parts of the realm tended to immigrate to Leopoldstadt though the centuries. The high number of Jewish inhabitants led to the area being called Mazzesinsel (Island of Mazzes bread). Several important synagogues such as the Schiff Shul, the Leopoldstädter Tempel, Türkischer Tempel, Polnische Schul and Pazmanitentempel and yeshivas were located there.

The Kristallnacht pogroms of November 1938 following the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany were so successfully destructive, none of the synagogues survivied. The Jewish population was systematically isolated, terrorized, and finally deported and murdered in the concentration camps. The once thriving communal life was completely destroyed. Only a handful of survivors were able to hide until the end of the war.

The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 renewed immigration from Eastern Europe, especially from the former Soviet Union, with a new Jewish population. Today, Leopoldstadt is again the center of Vienna’s Jewish community with kosher shops. Lately, the old residential areas are being gentrified. The new extension of the U2 metro line was opened in May 2008.

Sites of Leopoldstadt

The Wiener Prater (from Latin pratum "meadow"), which was the former imperial hunting grounds, takes the majority of the land of the 2nd district and was opened to the public in 1766. The Prater is home to a large amusement park, known as the Volksprater (People's Prater) or Wurstelprater (after the Harlequin-type figure of Hanswurst). The giant Wiener Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) that was opened there in 1897. This Ferris wheel has become a symbol of the city and is features prominently in the movie The Third Man. There is also a miniature steam railway called the Liliputbahn through the wooded park land. The Schweizerhaus (Swiss House) has a huge beer garden and its owners claim that, the potato crisp was invented there in the 1920s. Nearby you can find the Republic of Kugelmugel, a micronation proclaimed in 1984.

Another small park in Leopoldstadt is the Augarten, which is the home of the Vienna Boys' Choir and of a porcelain manufactory, Augarten-Porzellan. Its most distinguishing marks are two disused Flak towers built towards the end of the Second World War.

Other sites:
* Galopprennplatz Freudenau
* Johann Strauss Museum (Vienna Museum)
* Augarten Bridge
* Odeon
* Leopold Church
* "Mexico Church"
* Tegetthoff Monument
* Vienna Crime Museum
* District Museum Leopoldstadt

Other notables:
The Museum für Unterhaltungskunst - the history of clowns, artists and circuses
the Museum des Blindenwesens - the development of teaching the blind and Braille.
The Augarten Contemporary (contemporary art) and the neighboring
Gustinus-Ambrosi Museum.

The State of Vienna University

2010-09-13T17:47:00.003+02:00

So far, this is what I under stand is going on with the university system in Vienna.

Education federal funding allowed for free university admission which created educational boom in the beginning of the millennium. With the increase of students, construction of new buildings and the redevelopment of old ones was needed. Study fees were introduced by the center-right coalition in 2001.

Then, with the University Act of 2002, all Austrian universities became autonomous, self-dependent and performance-orientated. As a result, the University of Vienna reorganized in 2004, making the Medical Faculty became a separate university.

Now, the University of Vienna is home to 86,000 students from 130 countries who choose from fifty four bachelors, 112 masters, five Diploma and eight PhD programs, comprising fifteen faculties and three centers at over sixty locations throughout Vienna to give 10,000 lectures at the University of Vienna a year.

Like the city, the University of Vienna orientated towards international research and teaching including the Erasmus-Socrates Program and membership in several international networks.

Meanwhile, the effects of education cuts have begun to take the toll with result from worldwide university rankings. The debate over a reintroduction of study fees at Austrian colleges and universities has intensified over the past year and will probably continue as the University of Vienna was knocked down eleven places on a British research firm’s World University Ranking, from 132 to 142. The university was given just 55.27 overall points.

The People’s Party to had tried to abolish the mandatory fees students before the 2008 general elections after the end of the grand coalition of the ÖVP with the Social Democrats. Both SPÖ and ÖVP agree that Austria’s universities need subsidies to improve the quality of offered courses, but the Social Democrats strictly rule out a comeback of fees.

ÖVP Science Minister Beatrix Karl is in favor of the idea. Karl warned in early September that several universities would need to be shut down if their budgets were not increased soon. Karl tried to persuade the SPÖ by using Socialist ideology: "Why shouldn’t the wealthier ones contribute more to the education system by paying semester fees?"

Austria invested 1.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) into higher education institutions in 2006 compared to the United States which contributes 2.9% of its GDP into universities and other higher education institutes.

Several courses like medicine, journalism and media studies, and psychology face significantly more students at institutes across Austria than they can cope with, as current laws demand entry for all students who meet the qualifications.

Thousands of students began street demonstrations earlier in the year to express their disagreement with the European Bologna Process which aims to create comparable and compatible academic degrees and quality assurance standards throughout the continent, creating a more Western Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees. Vienna University was occupied for more than two months in 2009 by hundreds of students angered by overcrowded courses and the low quality of lectures.

Without quick thinking parliamentary negotiations could leave some higher education faculties unable to reopen for a fall semester in October.

Jewish Renaissance in Vienna

2010-08-31T20:16:00.006+02:00

In an attempt to understand Austrian reputation of anti-Semintism, this is an excerpt from my study of Vienna's history:

In a way, the hateful political extremes, like pan-Germanic Schönererists carrying pocket watches with chains set to look like a Jewish man on a hangman’s nooses, was outlet of rebellion after a century of oppression. Feelings of frustration sprang up from the differing factions of the bickering Parliament because no one seemed to have the skill or knowledge of how to lead by consensus. In 1867 Jews were declared equal under the law and within twenty years, sixty percent of Vienna’s doctors and fifty percent of lawyers were racially Jews. Some of these citizens became very successful in banking and in the stock exchange, particularly Salomon Rothschild and his clan. The class structure that oppressed the Austrians also allowed led them to condemn Jews for their new success as citizens. The Jews were once out-castes, and now, they were successful in working their way up the once impenetrable pyramid of society. In some eyes, these out-castes deserved punishment for their success.

Regardless, Jews continued to contribute to the culture for which Vienna was so proud. Some of the famous people of this Renaissance from 1848-1938 include: Fanny Arstein, who hosted a salon attended by the major personalities of the time; prominent Jewish physicians included Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Wilhelm Reich and Theodor Reik; in the field of Zionist politics, Theodore Herzl and Max Nordau; theologian, Martin Buber also lived in Vienna; in music, Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, Oscar Straus, Emmerich Kalman, Max Reinhardt, Fritz Kortner, Lily Darvas and Elisabeth Berner; and writers Arthur Schnitzler, Franz Kafka, Stefan Zweig and Felix Salten.

Here's a silent film from 1924 meant to remind the people of Vienna of the Cultural vacuum that would happen in the city if the Jews were expelled:

The Old Social Pyramid

2010-08-26T20:50:00.008+02:00

1848 . . . the Emperor absently piped up, “I’m the sovereign and I’m the one to decide. Tell the people I agree with everything.”

That a feeble-minded man, who had little to do with the inner workings of government, was able to give success (albeit limited) to a revolution by one comment seems ridiculous. However, this is a prime example of the pyramid of society that informed the working of Austria’s society. It was almost a caste system, impossible to cross its lines within one’s lifetime. Society taught that God put people in their place by the family in which they were born, not by any virtues a person may possess.

In the pinnacle were the Hapsburgs, the demi-god Archdukes with the Emperor leading. Below them were the rest of the nobility (Hochadel and Adel); then the class, Honoratior, of non-noble bureaucrats, university graduates, and professionals; next were the middle-class shop workers, Bughers; and those crowded at the bottom, the Proleten (peasants), who generated the wealth of the nation.

The different classes only saw each other in specific circumstances. There was no marriage allowed between classes. The Hapsburgs were expected to choose mates from the Hochadel. Meaning, when Franz Ferdinand wanted to marry a mere countess in 1900, he had to sign documents that his children would not aspire to the crown and his wife was not allowed elevate her standing by ever standing or sitting by her husband and his equals. This points to how special it was that, far from Vienna, they were given special permission from the Emperor in celebration of their anniversary to sit next to each other in public. Tragically, they were also assassinated together, starting WWI.

Today, Language, education, and job choices still lean toward the class of the a person's family. A person from a less birth-related culture would be wise to keep this in mind to understand people's reactions and comments, especially in regards to the groups to which they do not belong.

While noble titles were abolished along with the monarchy in the 20th century, modern Viennese society still acts according to or in rebellion against the memory of these expectations. Most are still in love with the use of titles. The highest officially allowed is Professor Doctor (a PhD who teaches in university), thereby making education all more honored. To squeeze the last bit out of this, no matter the number of doctorates you have, they just it tack on in any written address. For one written example "Herr Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Schmidt," and so on. Academic titles are important, but so are practical accomplishments. Master craftsmen are addressed as "Herr Meister Schmidt."

In person, one should address a new acquaintance as Herr or Frau and their highest title until told differently. This also should be remembered when making and receiving business cards. Put all post graduate credentials at the end of your name so people will know how to address you. They only address certain titles outloud, but they will interested to know if you have a master's, for instance.

[Recent changes to the university system may affect the use of MA. As a title in the old system of Vienna's Universities this title was only given to those who had made a particular kind of degree called a "Magister". I'm not clear how they will adjust to the bachelor/masters system.]

Austria's Expasion Emperors (Who didn't live in Vienna)

2010-08-23T18:05:00.001+02:00

Emperor Maximilian I
Although he never lived in his capital, one remarkable Hapsburg transformed the family from a secondary European royal house in to a world power within fifty years. More remarkable still, is that he was able to expand his lands primarily through marriages, money and diplomacy. Maximilian I (1459-1519) was the picture of the Renaissance Prince. He was very religious, spoke seven languages, humorous, skilled in arms crafting, and loved tournaments and hunting. He was a patron of the sciences and arts and insisted on demonstrating his dynasty's dominance with processions and portraits. Though his empire has crumbled of time, his legacy remains as Austrians look to diplomacy, rather than war, as the true maker and most positive element of Austrian culture.

After his marriage to the heiress, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477 Maximilian lived in the Netherlands to secure the Burgundy patrimony for his children. Then, when he was elected Roman King, he purchased Tyrol and the forelands, and reoccupied Lower Austria. He had himself proclaimed "Elected Roman Emperor" and claimed Bohemia and Hungary under the Treaty of Inheritance of 1463. In 1493 he inherited the rest of the Habsburg countries from his father and united them all.

Maximilian secured his possessions at the Vienna Conference of Princes in 1515 with the double marriage of the heir of Hungary throne, Louis, and Maximilian's granddaughter Mary; and between her brother, Archduke Ferdinand, and the Hungarian king’s daughter, Anna. While all parties of this marriage were minors at the time of the double knot, this wedding became the ground work of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and stretched Hapsburg lands east to Bohemia and Hungary. It is not surprising, then, that Austria was tagged with the saying, “Let others wage war; you, happy Austria, marry.”

Charles of Europe
Maximilian also married off his only son, Philip the Fair, to the Princess Joanna of Spain in 1496. Philip and Joanna’s son, Emperor Charles V, inherited all the Austrian, Portuguese and Spanish lands, including vast lands in the Americas, creating a true world power. While this broadened the power of the Hapsburgs, such large expanses only continued to separate the Austrian heartland from its sovereigns. In fact, Charles V is said to have only visited Vienna once in his life. In the Edicts of Worms and Brussels he divided his territories, giving the traditional Hausmacht of Austria to his brother Ferdinand I in 1521. Charles V kept the Imperial title until 1556 when he abdicated, passing it over to the Austrian Habsburg line in 1558.

The Capital of the Holy Roman Empire

2010-08-23T17:31:00.004+02:00

By 1440, Vienna became the main resident city of the Habsburg Dynasties and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire (1452) as well as the cultural centre for arts and science, music and fine cuisine. The economic mainstays were trade and wine export. Wine production was protected by import bans on foreign, particularly Hungarian, wines. Political unrest ending with the Hungarian occupation of Vienna under King Matthias I Corvinus (1485 - 1490). Vienna's economy was affected drastically. The "Stapelrecht," became ineffective. So, the Habsburgs turned to financial prowess of powerful trade dynasties such as the Fuggers. This time also marked the end of late medieval burgher autonomy of Vienna as it was now the center of a vast empire.

During this time, a mystery was left behind that can be seen on the doorways of castles and cathedrals built in the reign of Frederick III (1440-1499). The vowels AEIOU are carved over archways and portals; however; the cipher was never spelled out. All those who knew are long deceased. Some have mistakenly claimed various explanations in German and Latin, including the “Austrian birthmark,” “Austria will survive all others on earth.” Most of this conjecture has proved to be anachronistic and almost as cryptic as the vowels themselves. Perhaps the sovereign simply enjoyed the Latin vowels.

Rudolph "The Founder"

2010-08-23T17:30:00.001+02:00

Duke Rudolph IV is unique among the Hapsburgs in his early attempt to create a sense of “Austria” on the same vein as England and France. The intellectual appeal of Vienna was dramatically enriched when Rudolph establishment of the University of Vienna. “The Founder,” founded the Alma Mater Rudolphina Vindobonensi on 12 March 1365 as the first university in the German speaking world. In the dedication, Rudolph states his desire: “For the special honor and enhancement of our land Austria and of our city, Vienna.” With this aim, the members of this universitas magistrorum et scholarium (the fellowship of teachers and learners) were exempt from taxes and military service.

Rudolph IV also attempted to develop an Austrian identity by bringing in troubadours to sing of, “The fairest land on earth,” and Monk historian, Leopold Stainreuter, wrote the Chronicle of the Ninety-five Estates which is a precursor to an Austrian history. Nevertheless, even the names of the work belie no unified identity existed among the Estates. His attempts did seem to work with the Privilegium Maius, the “Great Patent of Freedom,” which gave Austria independence from the German Reich. Unfortunately, such an idea was still fresh when the Hapsburgs became the Kings of Germany and the title of Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation, superseding all independent identity under the label as the Hapsburg’s Hausmacht, or hereditary territorial base.

Hapsburg Beginnings

2010-08-23T17:07:00.000+02:00

When Rudolf von Habsburg, a relatively minor Swiss count, was elected German king in 1273, no one suspected that the Hapsburg age dawned. However, his defeat of the Bohemian King Ottarbar II outside of Vienna set the course for six centuries of Hapsburg dominance. The Middle Ages were the heyday of Vienna’s autonomy. By 1396 the people involved within the city government included burghers (upper middleclass) as well as tradesmen and craftsmen. Political and social tensions in Vienna were mostly reflected feudal quarreling within the Habsburg family, who lost the imperial crown upon the death of Frederick the Fair (1330) for more than a century. They re-ascended in 1438, when Albert II came to power.

The growing economy funded the city’s buildings as it was refashioned in Gothic style, including the church of St. Stephen's, which is now Stephansdom (St Stephan’s Cathedral). However, not all citizens enjoyed this time equally. Remnants early anit-Semintic Vienna is seen on an epigraph in the Judenplatz (Jewish Plaza), "In the Jordan-River where the body gets purified from all evil / also hidden sins are moving away / in the year 1421 vindictiveness raged through the city / to atone for the terrifying crimes of the Hebrew rats / once the world was purified by the flood / but now they paid their guilt through flames".

Early Vienna through the 13th Century

2010-08-23T17:05:00.000+02:00

Early
The city of Vienna was founded c. 500 BC as a Celtic settlement, Vendunia, (forest stream). All that remains of this society is the May Poles that every Austrian village and some Viennese districts erect in their squares. By 15 BC the migrations of peoples brought the Germanic tribes and the Romans, the latter of which referred to the area as Vindobona. The fortification wall of that ancient post is remembered to this day by significant streets in the city center. The Romans saw the Danube as the line between the civilized world of the Empire and the Germanic tribes to the north. Charlemagne also considered the region, the Avarian Mark, as a last out post of his empire. Remaining artifacts from the time include the remnants of the first Christian churches; however, most were probably destroyed by pagan Germanic tribes who warred with the Eastern Frankish Christians.

Vienna was first mentioned by its current German name, Wien, in 881 during the turbulent times of Magyar (Hungarian) expansion. The first historical reference to Austria as a kind of political region was in 996 AD when the Babenberg Family was given margrave authority over Ostarrichi, (Eastern Kingdom). The establishment of a margravate encouraged settlement and of course trade in the area, but Vienna continued to sit on the Magyar frontier until 1150 when the Austrian margraves, who were also dukes of Bavaria, transferred their residence to Vienna. In 1156 Fredrick I elevated the Babenburg territory to a duchy, thereby giving the dukes some autonomy from the emperor. Frederick also gave the Austrian people the red-white-red flag from him battle banner as well as a black eagle from his family crest.

A fortified wall was built around with city c.1200 and by 1221 Vienna was the second principal city of the Frankish Empire after Cologne, due to its trade network on the Danube and connections with Venice. A major improvement for the city came with the Stapelrecht (merchant regulating laws) which allowed for a middle class to develop. There was growing construction at the time even outside the walls along the major arteries around Vienna. The city walls completion was timely because Vienna came under threat from the Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. Mongol forces were moving toward Vienna as part of a large scale winter campaign in order to take control of Europe, when Ögedei Khan, son of Genghis Khan, died. Some historians claim that if he had not died, Vienna could have been one of the first of the Western European nations to fall under Mongol rule of the entire continent.

Historical Perspective:

2010-08-23T16:58:00.005+02:00

When studying Vienna, one could learn quite a bit of world history based on the peoples who have settled, left, or attempted to conquer this part of the Danube valley. Austria and its capital developed an identity as a dividing line between barbarians and Roman civilization, Pagans and Christians, Slavs and Germans, East and West. Compared to what developed in Paris and London, the six centuries of Hapsburg rulers lacked any profound bond with the lands they ruled. Therefore, any sense of patriotism in Vienna is civic pride. Austrian autocrats thought of God as the source of their power through the state Church. With a paternalistic mentality, they used increasingly invasive policing, censorship, and an, “informer society” in order to create what they believed to be the ideal civilization. Ideals from the Reformation, Enlightenment, and finally nationalism locked the people of Vienna in turmoil climaxing with the collapse of the monarchy and then the bewildered remnant’s absorption into Nazi Germany.

The affects of outward compliance have led many like Erwin Ringel, famous Austrian psychoanalyst and social critic, to describe Austria as a land of neuroses. This oppressive state also points to Austria’s surprising suicide rate, fear of risk, and fixation with death. Vienna has emerged from collapse after World War II to rediscover the assets of a multi-national identity and location, leading Vienna to success as a global center of commerce and diplomacy. Nevertheless, despite the fact that Vienna consistently ranks among the top cities in the world for quality of life, a typical response to hearing about a suicide is, “He's so lucky, he has left everything behind.” While there are spiritual implications that the wealth of the ciity is not enough to counter balance Vienna’s “desert” of spirituality, the history of oppression also reminds us that the Austrian culture has still not fully embraced freedom, thereby maintaining this place as a desert. The Viennese honor-shame social system remains with an ambivalence toward the individual over social norms.

Beyond the Fried: My Favorite Vienna Moment

2010-08-18T20:36:00.000+02:00

Beyond the Fried: My Favorite Vienna Moment

Adjusting to life in Europe: Clothes

2010-08-10T00:56:00.005+02:00

Here’s some practical thoughts on preparing and adjusting to life in Europe

Clothes:

Dress for the weather: Vienna
-Summer will be warm, but can have cool days from time to time.
• Bring one sweatshirt and/or light jacket plus normal “summer” type clothes.
-Fall and Spring will be cool, but some days can be quite cold or even very warm.
• Be prepared for anything.
-Winter is usually cold and often wet.

The best idea here is to wear layers.

Most people use public transportation most of the time, so you will be walking quite a bit. This means that what ever you wear will be stress-tested by wear, tear, and weather. I suggest natural fibers (cotton, linen, washable silks, wool), especially close to the skin. Regardless of your fashion statement, natural fibers deal with heat, cold, sweat, and rain better and wash much better than man-made materials.

Also, bring something to keep you dry in rain if there is the slightest chance. You may feel foolish carrying an umbrella in the sun, but it's much worse to look like a drowned rat at your next appointment.

Fashion
The idea is to maintain your own identity while only communicating what you want to communicate about yourself. Pay attention to the way people dress who want to reach. Dress like they dress, keeping in mind your personal taste. There is a lot of diversity in dress here, but you’re saying more with your clothes than you do in the States. Right now, for example, tan kakis and what Americans call “regular” fitting pants are still considered a foreign fashion. And, while capri pants are seen as a women’s fashion in the states, they are normal men’s fashion. Also, until recently, Austrians didn’t wear flip-flops at all and they are still considered VERY casual beach or pool wear. You can find fashions that look like what you found in the States and there are people who like American fashion here, but challenge yourself to make small choices to assimilate into their fashion enough to say, “I’m American, but I’m staying.” If you want to make sure you’re hitting the right mark, ask someone who seems normal for your group what stands out to them as foreign.

There is also a difference in the way Americans approach what they wear. Most Europeans tend to conform to current fashion changes more than Americans, but they don't wear different clothes every single day. Most people wear the same few clothes over and over. This is how people stay in the latest fashions without breaking the bank. They also have a very few high quality classic pieces that they wear for years.

Think about buying only few very good pieces (especially the layers people see like jackets, pants, and shoes) rather than, say, 10 t-shirts of the same style you wore ten years ago. This may be different if you live in a more suburban area, but the inner districts of Vienna call for more attention to your dress to look like you are not a tourist passing through.

Vienna
Vienna is a more conservative, classic city than almost any city in the world. Therefore, even lower income citizens are perhaps dressed "up" more than their peers in another cultures. Many events and locations have dress codes and there is a sense of right and wrong dress here that doesn't really exist in America. If you're invited to an event, ask specifically what to wear as a way to honor their culture. Students are somewhat immune to the demands of dress, but there is not really such as things as business casual. Even business students frequently dress in suits for class.

In contrast, Levis and Converse are very popular (and expensive) casual wear, so when you are in a casual setting, don't think I've lied to you!

2010-01-20T15:56:00.004+01:00

History of a Neighborhood reflects the History of the City:

Margareten is the fifth district of Vienna and is bounded to the north by the Vienna River and the southwest by the Gürtel which was once outer city wall and is now a multi-lane boulevard. Margareten is a heavily populated urban area with dense businesses and residential homes. The neighborhood around Kettenbrückengasse is popular with a young, student crowd, full of small bars, cafes, independent shops, and certainly the most charming corner of Margareten. There are few tourist sites, but under the surface, the history of this district reveals more about the character of the city.

Before the mid-19th century, Margareten was primarily suburban and then a craftsmen’s district. With increasing industrialization came a population explosion, by 1869, with in 921 houses lived around 54,000 inhabitants. By 1900, the number of dwellings reached 25,300 with about 107,000 inhabitants. As it turned into an increasingly laborer’s district, socialism was taking shape within the city. And so, Margareten was on the frontier of the movement. Within a few years, homeless shelters, educational institutions, and hospitals for the poor were built. Margareten Gürtel became the "Labourer's Ringstraße." The district became an experimental ground for communal living and the construction of large apartment blocks for people with low income. One of the first of these buildings was the Theodor-Körner Hof. The era of the "Red Vienna" ended in civil war and the establishment of a fascist regime by the conservatives. Margareten became a battle ground for a few days as a bastion for the social democrats.

This is Schönbrunner Straße with Amtshaus Margareten to the left and St. Josef's Church (1769) in the background. The Amtshaus is seat of the administration for Vienna's districts 4 and 5 since 1968, the building itself was built in 1867.

1919-1920, the Metzleinstaler Court, the first residential building of the municipality of Vienna

St. Joseph's was once the burial place of Franz Schubert until the moved him to the celebrity section of the Central Cemetery of Vienna.

During WWII, the many railways stations and lines connecting the city in Margareten brought on serious bombardment and destruction. In the years after WWII, The Gürtel turned from a popular living area into a terribly noisy region of Vienna and became the city’s primary red-light district. The population of Margareten gained a large number of people from Turkey and former Yugoslavia. The social status of Margareten continued to deteriorate until the 1990s. Since then, some revitalization projects of the new urbanization movement have helped the district to establish itself as a reasonably priced, but well-connected area in the heart of Vienna with a growing population of approximately 50,000. And, they do have some great shops in this area but you have to willing to wind through the lovely streets.

Sites about Vienna

2010-01-20T15:30:00.003+01:00

http://www.tourmycountry.com/austria/vienna.htm
- I borrowed from this heavily, but hopefully not enough to be in trouble.

http://www.360cities.net/image/sg-austria-vienna-kettenbruckengasse-3
- My first views of the Naschtmarkt before moving here.

http://www.wien.info/en
- Great tourist site

Facts about 1. Bezirk

2009-09-08T15:10:00.005+02:00

The above seal symbol of Vienna and the first district, or as it's called: The Innere Stadt (Center City). This dates back to circa 1270.

Area: 2.88 km²

Population: (as of 2005) 17,289 - the least populated district in Vienna
At it's highest, there were 73,000 people in this small neighborhood

Prestige: "For lots of them, an office in the prestigious first district is necessary to have for the letterheads. Speaking of prestige: The first district has a population of a mere 17,000, with a high percentage of foreigners. Yet Viennese consider an address from the first district to be equivalent with an academic degree or a noble name." - from tourmycountry.com

Religion: (as of 2001) 51.3 %: Roman Catholic, 6.6 % Protestants, 5.1 % Orthodox Christians, 3.3 % Jews, 22.7 % non-confessional

Top Tourist Locations:
* Albertina (palace converted to art museum)
* Burgtheater (produces plays)
* Graben (main shopping street)
* Hofburg Imperial Palace (Imperial seat of the Hapsburgs)
* Kapuzinergruft (The Imperial Crypt)
* Kärntner Straße (main shopping street)
* Kunsthistorisches Museum (historical art museum)
* Maria am Gestade Kirche (church)
* Peterskirche (church)
* Ruprechtskirche (church)
* Schottenstift ("Scottish Abbey", a monastery)
* Stephansdom (St. Stephan's Cathedral)
* Das Rathaus (Vienna's city hall)
* Pestsäule (a plague column)
* Virgilkapelle (underground chapel in Stephansdom U-bahn station)
* Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera House)
* Stadtpark (City Park)
* Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit or University Church)

Größere Kartenansicht

4. Bezirk

2009-08-26T18:36:00.012+02:00

Many people know it for Karlskirche. It's also a fashionable area to live for artists and students. About 30,000 residents live in this Bezirk and many builings are under renovation as the neighborhood continues to enjoy it's historic architecture while keeping up with the 21st Century. There are still traces of post-war reconstruction but most of these buildings are at least well taken care of.

Karlskirche was built after an epidemic of the plague in 1713 outside the city walls. Guests who are really adventurous can still climb up scaffolding to the cupola to enjoy it's famous frescos and other architectural features. My father, an American architect, went to the top on a recent visit and enjoyed the trip up tremendously, but warned it is not for the faint of heart.

The Wien Museum right next to the Karlskirche. This museum focuses on the history of Vienna from the stone age to the present day, including an impressive historic art collection.

The Technische Universität or Technical University is on the opposite side of Karlsplatz and in the centre you find Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) Stadtbahn pavilions by Otto Wagner. These pavilions were once used for the commuter trains out into the suburbs, but have long been absorbed into the subway system.

The Naschmarkt runs along the northern border of the fourth district, west of the Technical University Library, just passed the famous Secession Building. The Naschmarkt, Vienna′s biggest fresh food market. This is one of my favorite places to buy food, get a good meal, and people watch. The Naschmarkt runs along the Wienzeile road, which covers a canal and marks the border between the fourth and the sixth district. Viennese people often meet friends here for casual meals.

From the Naschmarkt, you can go east on Argentinierstraße to see embassies, consulates, and the Diplomatic Academy on Favoritenstrasse. According to their own claim, it is the oldest grad school for international relations in the World, founded by Empress Maria Theresia. The academy shares a building with another famous school of Austria′s mother: The Theresianum.

There are many little shops, coffeehouses, and Eis salons here that are typically smaller and less expensive than those in the Inner Stadt. My favorite Local place is very close to my home, Cafe Goldegg.

Größere Kartenansicht

Erste Bezirk

2009-08-26T12:18:00.001+02:00

So, let's start at the very beginning. I could create a whole blog about nothing but the first district, so I'm sure I will return again and again to places I love in this area.

A little Geography:
Erste Bezirk, or Innere Stadt, borders on Leopoldstadt in the northeast, on Landstraße in the east, on Wieden and Mariahilf in the south, on Neubau and Josefstadt in the west, and on Alsergrund in the north. The district border are marked by Urania, Wienfluss, Lothringerstraße, Karlsplatz, Gedreidemarkt, Museumsplatz, Museumstraße, Auerspergstraße, Landesgerichtsstraße, Universitätsstraße, Maria-Theresien-Straße and the Donaukanal.

Of course, it's the oldest part of the city and has tons of old churches with dead Hapsburgs (the old ruling family) and palaces and museums. There is also great shopping and even better coffeehouses, Konditorei (confectioners), and Eis Salons (gelaterias).

This a very tourist friendly area, but in the off season I would not call it touristy in all areas. There are so many little Gassen (alleys) and archways that actually go through buildings, you do not have to feel like you always in a crowd. And the city is safe enough that you can feel free to explore. I mean, keep in mind this is a city so don't be foolish - but the side streets a surprising little jewels of interest to discover.

This is a little clock shop that is tucked into the eaves of a church.

A friend showing the delights of a Konditorei.

Window display at a textile shop

For more information check out Wikipedia and TourMyCountry.com

Blog Purpose

2009-08-26T11:54:00.002+02:00

I'm creating this blog to give people a view of the city I live in. I realize that my personal blog is not turning into a very articulate vision of the city itself. So, if you want to see Wien (Vienna, Vien, Viena, etc.) Keep a look out for blog postings here.

The city of Wien is divided into Bezirke, or districts. I will attempt to give "snapshots" of the city's Bezirke, but I will focus on those closest to where I live my life. I'll also probably give some history tips about certain locations, but please don't consider me a scholarly source. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful city and have any questions, I haven't been here long (Not quite five months) so I would be happy to answer what I can, but I'm still learning, too!

I'm also working on developing my own understanding of the history of Vienna from patch work of sources. This is not intended to be a scholarly writing, but if you would like to get more information on the subjects I talk about, I've listed some of my favorite online sources.

Honestly, wikipedia has good info on Vienna. Obviously, check their sources, but it's a good place to start.

The History of the University of Vienna

AEIOU

And the History of Vienna from Wien.at

And, for reading, I've gotten great information from the history of Austria from Englishman Gordon Brooks-Shepherd's The Austrians: A Thousand Year Odessey