tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91905310826813553692024-03-12T16:04:38.810-07:00A Vienna WaltzOur dance of life, family and a move across the sea.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-27029859655278978402016-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:002016-06-23T12:55:09.095-07:00Where the Heart Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Ex-pat living comes with a series of topics routinely covered in polite conversation. Have you learned the language? How do you like it? Where do you feel most at home?<br />
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There are two other questions, most often asked when meeting new people in your ex-pat location. How long have you been here? How long will you be here? Unfortunately, depending on the answers to these questions <i>some</i> people will instantly decide whether it is worth it to invest the emotional energy and time into developing a connected relationship. Or even worse, they judge that you are not living your ex-pat life they way they do (or the way they "think" you should), so maintaining a connection is of no value or interest. It is a fascinating dynamic. </div>
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So, back to the question of home. We have the good fortune to travel between our home in Vienna and our home in Arizona. What I've discovered, is that my "home" is when and where I am with my people. Regardless of the location on a map. No photo of a castle ruin, historic old town center, art-filled museum or delicious meal can replace a single moment spent connecting or reconnecting with friends and family. If we are surrounded by the beautiful places and spaces of the world, great, but it is absolutely not necessary. <br />
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I look forward to dedicating time this Summer to nurturing those many connections in Vienna, in Arizona and around the world. If food or wine or Dairy Queen is involved, all the better. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-24576174367174741812016-05-22T05:19:00.000-07:002016-05-22T11:45:26.610-07:00Welcome to HipsterplatzMay is a month filled with family Birthdays and school holidays in our neck of the City. I decided that a Mother-Tween Son road trip to Graz would be a fun getaway, since it was a regular work week for UN employees. <br />
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On departure morning and in fine tween form, I was reminded that the coming years will be tricky:<br />
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"Do I really have to go? Why don't you just go by yourself and I'll stay here." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really? Uh, NO.</td></tr>
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After some age appropriate bribes and threats (I'm Italian, for crying out loud!) we were on our way to Graz, 120 miles southwest of Vienna. Graz is the capital of Styria and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage and City of Design. In the spirit of mixing old world and modernity, we stayed at the <a href="http://schlossberg-hotel.at/en/packages/" target="_blank">Schlossberg Hotel</a>. Maybe it was the Oscar Wilde quote on their webpage that hooked me, "I have a simple taste. I am always satisfied with the best." Bwahahahahaha! Of course I booked it! In addition to its excellent location, the hotel is really spectacular; filled with antique furniture and modern art in the rooms and public spaces. I highly recommend. So does the tween. <br />
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And then we wandered. There is a great visitor center with a booklet of mapped walks and recommended stops. And the City Tourism website <a href="https://www.graztourismus.at/en" target="_blank">here.</a> Graz is gorgeous and walkable, with plenty of options for architecture, art, culture, shopping and eating. The Rathaus square was filled with music and artisans. The cafes and restaurants were loaded with smiling people, relaxing and enjoying some much needed sunshine. Best of all, the tween started to loosen up. Graz is a place to stroll and just be happy. <br />
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And then.......this conversation:<br />
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Me: So, what do you think about Graz?<br />
Tween: It's great, but......well......have you noticed that we don't fit in?<br />
Me: What do you mean?<br />
Tween: We're not Hipsters.<br />
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Snort.<br />
I looked around. Man buns, dreadlocks and beanies. Peace signs, pedal (petal) power, plaid and patchouli. No wonder we felt so relaxed.<br />
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Yep. Graz is the "Portlandia" of Austria. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmLljk2t8M" target="_blank">Put a Bird on It!</a> See you at Hipsterplatz.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-11234625038510391472016-04-27T00:53:00.003-07:002016-04-27T06:30:50.213-07:00Barca, Barca, Barca!Well, this is what happens when you walk away from blogging, post purgatory! <br />
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Then, something happens that gets you percolating once again. Here is some unfinished business from our Barcelona visit in October 2015. Please stay tuned family and friends.....the school semester is almost over and my writing will turn from the academic (that which you <b>do not</b> want to read), to some thoughts on what's been going on around here over the past few months. Until then.<br />
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Winter. Blah. I'm sick of it already and we are only just beginning January. <br />
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Netflix binges have been part of this Holiday Break and why not!?! The 11 year old discovered an oldie, but goodie.....The Brady Bunch. We've spent time together laughing at iconic sayings and characters. Peter and his "pork chops and applesauce" Jan and her "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!" and of course, Beebe Gallini, who has always cracked me up.......dahling. <br />
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True confession time, my Grandma named her pet parakeet Beebe Gallini. And she taught that bird to talk. I can't help but laugh when I think of, and still hear, her squeaking, "Say goodnight to the Poppy!" (meaning my Grandpa) And I'll be damned, that bird would say it right back......<br />
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Bright, sunny, funny on a cold winter's day. <br />
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To use a very Brady simile, Barcelona is like Beebe Gallini. We visited in October and I still smile whenever I think about it. It's a flamboyant, colorful, talk real loud with your mouth full and your hands flapping, kind of city. Bustling, boisterous, bonita.<br />
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Of course, if you ask the 11 year old boy, all he will remember is the Barcelona Football experience. We caught the sights <i><b>and</b></i> a Luis Suarez hat trick at Camp Nou. Apparently, it doesn't get better than that. Well.....maybe if Messi hadn't been injured and was able to play. Or if we there for a Barca-Real Madrid match. <br />
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But, really, who is complaining, dahling!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-52223799875658364482016-01-05T03:21:00.002-08:002016-04-28T01:57:59.690-07:00Postcards from Mary LouDear Readers,<br />
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"A Vienna Waltz" took a break to focus on charitable and educational commitments that required (and very often drained) my creative efforts and time. Unfortunately, I put aside the blog, but did not forget about the enjoyment found in writing, sharing and photographing our adventures. While the commitment to charity and education continues in 2016, I hope to strike the right balance and get back to the blog. <br />
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That being said, Summer in Innsbruck is a great time to visit. Especially when you are on a hunt for the perfect picture-postcard.<br />
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When we moved, some boxes destined for long term storage made their way into our shipment. These small boxes contain envelopes and paper bags filled with postcards from around the world. This collection of postcards was how Mary Lou, my Mother-in-Law, documented many of her world travels during the 1960s when she was a "corporate spouse". Although, I really should say, when she was a busy Mom of 4, responsible for moving the family household around the World. <br />
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As you can see, the postcards have little written on them, usually a date and sometimes a line or two about the location. <br />
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It was coincidental that I came across the boxes again, well hidden in the back of a closet, before our trip to Innsbruck. Inside I found a stack of cards, collected during a family Easter trip from April 21-23, 1962. <br />
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While we were doing the tourist scene, I decided to recreate the postcards to the best of my ability. It was fun for our kiddo to try to match the card to the scene and then guide Mom on how best to capture the photo. Not surprisingly, we were able to match up many of the cards with the present day vistas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town</td></tr>
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Golden Roof</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grauer Bar Hotel-Easter 1962</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father and Son </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innsbruck with a view to Nordkette</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNSJ1EL8hG5YNWg8NaupscV34XbPBjKiUdeaZGPm8qSVTwjWeBIVrn_Gx564hepQJKjS3NvBwaRSONAPTB9L7tgYhVR7opcrZmKJAWZy20x9P6DSvPAk8-NjukZAWLFkV9CdUg2rvu1k/s1600/DSCN4901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNSJ1EL8hG5YNWg8NaupscV34XbPBjKiUdeaZGPm8qSVTwjWeBIVrn_Gx564hepQJKjS3NvBwaRSONAPTB9L7tgYhVR7opcrZmKJAWZy20x9P6DSvPAk8-NjukZAWLFkV9CdUg2rvu1k/s320/DSCN4901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilten Basilica</td></tr>
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Looking forward to more postcards from Mary Lou. It's a small connection across time for a Grandson to have with a Grandma he never met. It is also our way of reconnecting with Mary Lou; through the eyes of a wonderfully kind woman on the adventures of her lifetime.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-76564022392079744422015-08-11T03:51:00.002-07:002015-08-12T00:56:59.526-07:00Our Haus and Her HausWe live in a very fine house. In a fine neighborhood.<br />
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In 1938, thirteen thousand four hundred Jewish people lived in our Vienna city neighborhood. They were wiped out of the neighborhood by the Nazis. Their houses and possessions became other people's (stolen) houses and possessions.<br />
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1n 1938, seventeen Jewish people lived in our house. 7 Men. 7 Women. 3 Children. <br />
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In 1938, the lives of Families BLUM, LUX, NASCH, MAHELR, and POLLAK were changed forever.<br />
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There is an organization in Vienna, <a href="http://www.steinedesgedenkens.at/index.php?c=Home" target="_blank">Steine des Gedenkens</a> (Stones of Remembrance), that works within the local Community to place remembrance plaques at the locations where Jewish people lived, worked, worshiped and then were destroyed by Nazi genocide. <br />
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While I was in the USA, our house received a Stone of Remembrance. <br />
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Ceremonies are scheduled throughout the 3rd District (our neighborhood) and I happened to see that one was taking place this week, just a couple of blocks away. This dedication ceremony would be unique, given the attendance of 91 year old Lea Peled (Helene Holzer). The Holzer Family lived at Neulinggasse 7 and ran a nearby clothing shop. The Nazis separated the Holzer family from each other and their life in Vienna. Helene escaped Vienna, made it to Denmark and eventually settled in Israel. <br />
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Yesterday, Lea returned to Neulinggasse 7, along with her son and grandson, where a small group of us gathered to hear a brief presentation about Jewish life in the 3rd District, along with remarks from her son. Someone shared that she was invited in for a tour of her former home. According to those with her, she remembered every room and commented that the parquet floor was exactly the same. "While she might forget last week, her memory of that time was very clear." commented a woman on the tour. <br />
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A film crew was capturing the event for a documentary about Holocaust victims whose grandchildren are returning to Vienna to make a life. "Why would you ever want to do that?" she reportedly asked her grandson. It should be a fascinating film. I have the same question.<br />
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The conclusion of the dedication involved passing the stone around to each member of the group before it's placed in location. As my spot in the group would have it, I handed over to 91 year old Holocaust survivor Lea Peled her stone of remembrance. In front of her house.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-10606647514065067152015-08-04T03:06:00.001-07:002015-08-04T03:06:28.072-07:00Hot Fun in the SummertimeThis Summer was full of endings and beginnings. <br />
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We begin our 3rd year in Vienna after an unforgettable trip to Tucson. We have no way to repay our family and friends for their hospitality, support and shared good times. These are the moments that sustain us while we are away. <br />
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We will also miss.......air conditioning. No matter how hot it gets in the Arizona desert, there is welcome escape into AC. There is no true escape here, especially at night, when a tower fan and wishful thinking just does not cut it. <br />
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My morning walk brought back the sights and sounds of living in Vienna. I practiced my "resting bitch face" along with the rest of the Viennese (yes, the men too!), navigated the throngs of tourists putting their 48 hour deodorant to the test and appreciated the beauty of this place we call home for now. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PtOrLPLc1jYZ-vV_Q-wHJ3fAvvQt7juO9j9Uh1T6X508MVhld12b4xfFenLJMzPgGIWN3YK3mXURnqp6EvKPnqezmya2WoYzsWcnl0pZKtDbcy3LCcXqMMM04tkDUn36uIVphP-ZdBc/s640/blogger-image--1326481595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PtOrLPLc1jYZ-vV_Q-wHJ3fAvvQt7juO9j9Uh1T6X508MVhld12b4xfFenLJMzPgGIWN3YK3mXURnqp6EvKPnqezmya2WoYzsWcnl0pZKtDbcy3LCcXqMMM04tkDUn36uIVphP-ZdBc/s640/blogger-image--1326481595.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Sculpture on The Graben</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTYVUMowCfczFbdNLjKK3PKpBjKI0S6NEH4kp8ttMtp6M_G0NCt-OP03d7hFuutvrLw7B26q7MkkMCTSpPHllqze8H9wwk2yqFn9y-wsBvvL3Ps2VIHWXWV2rp4ER4Vp6n7U7DnA8To/s640/blogger-image--1418492413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTYVUMowCfczFbdNLjKK3PKpBjKI0S6NEH4kp8ttMtp6M_G0NCt-OP03d7hFuutvrLw7B26q7MkkMCTSpPHllqze8H9wwk2yqFn9y-wsBvvL3Ps2VIHWXWV2rp4ER4Vp6n7U7DnA8To/s640/blogger-image--1418492413.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hofburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_VR1jw4IHAlzbRWShNJ5sk9af5-CxQtWyMRfoRawoiXdU4GTtaM2y3zlI1hHC5MPsM3nPnlyPvsxqq_ix2P1r6Gm8DlB_0q1Bdlz5cC4JZoSVGNcWs18LssYKcm2NW237CqAzyBE8Ss/s640/blogger-image--1906994698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_VR1jw4IHAlzbRWShNJ5sk9af5-CxQtWyMRfoRawoiXdU4GTtaM2y3zlI1hHC5MPsM3nPnlyPvsxqq_ix2P1r6Gm8DlB_0q1Bdlz5cC4JZoSVGNcWs18LssYKcm2NW237CqAzyBE8Ss/s640/blogger-image--1906994698.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hofburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwgf6aEEKrObqGov8Tbrjni76vq6BXMzs1eOTowrGv35w3DOABtu6MD88CMvZGHZCaPzb380DRWr8uS0AnqMCDYVN6OD216752x6apTkVZ2pEx9Pam4pnLmWSZxQ_dd2A7OMvfB-aWAg/s640/blogger-image-652257643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwgf6aEEKrObqGov8Tbrjni76vq6BXMzs1eOTowrGv35w3DOABtu6MD88CMvZGHZCaPzb380DRWr8uS0AnqMCDYVN6OD216752x6apTkVZ2pEx9Pam4pnLmWSZxQ_dd2A7OMvfB-aWAg/s640/blogger-image-652257643.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mozart in Burggarten</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO_uNGiaZ_-w5Bckj8QIY17PAcSLzYnaxMxFSZ7_-g06uXdZ6Wm9ezM8lBQ-Zc9EnaM3V068zOu7MLoIoFezslVeCPiPiovbKB1tlX2TD8EZFm7S-H6rRBEntR8QyoyZ0VXZFY_xVRpE/s640/blogger-image--2113006066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO_uNGiaZ_-w5Bckj8QIY17PAcSLzYnaxMxFSZ7_-g06uXdZ6Wm9ezM8lBQ-Zc9EnaM3V068zOu7MLoIoFezslVeCPiPiovbKB1tlX2TD8EZFm7S-H6rRBEntR8QyoyZ0VXZFY_xVRpE/s640/blogger-image--2113006066.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On My "To Do" List</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJUAck0kNmuuKGNBgvMu-Y5kF36UJ_uwDFytM3k32zzusTE_-7i_-MQKw4UFLkZR9EozDf0tZgeWNCR0Fb8T3_tIRePPoLr9bEhsrHu8i9hWtLUY0H-4aULdTb2Lj0P5h0mzyb32iO_w/s640/blogger-image--955081595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJUAck0kNmuuKGNBgvMu-Y5kF36UJ_uwDFytM3k32zzusTE_-7i_-MQKw4UFLkZR9EozDf0tZgeWNCR0Fb8T3_tIRePPoLr9bEhsrHu8i9hWtLUY0H-4aULdTb2Lj0P5h0mzyb32iO_w/s640/blogger-image--955081595.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Around Town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83KYU77fF81qDF6pXgIMJTyDSUapNXlO429KUvon7EmtA96-e8HMiUQ7d8sJPQV5gqnnLlOsacBs3ytg9qOYoOgBNlmOFfF1c7KMtvhjc_G6SYbgXlTPYQHaM3fa7xogfS07_KJaNuug/s640/blogger-image--1072312623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83KYU77fF81qDF6pXgIMJTyDSUapNXlO429KUvon7EmtA96-e8HMiUQ7d8sJPQV5gqnnLlOsacBs3ytg9qOYoOgBNlmOFfF1c7KMtvhjc_G6SYbgXlTPYQHaM3fa7xogfS07_KJaNuug/s640/blogger-image--1072312623.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaifsZejob5g02wmHsW3igsyr2OKdH3seSZgM6QflgMbhEC6WldRZXBQcutBzepHffnqQfVNDG2vHjqnAFyg5NUzg6W6r0W5agUAXHhvTEf1xv7ZCQWMGtQM4AjA8LVgMtOR6v6m6SM0/s640/blogger-image--749403740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaifsZejob5g02wmHsW3igsyr2OKdH3seSZgM6QflgMbhEC6WldRZXBQcutBzepHffnqQfVNDG2vHjqnAFyg5NUzg6W6r0W5agUAXHhvTEf1xv7ZCQWMGtQM4AjA8LVgMtOR6v6m6SM0/s640/blogger-image--749403740.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Patch of Green in StadPark</td></tr>
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Over the next week, I'll be fighting jet lag, unpacking and reconnecting with friends. We know change is coming, but don't know what it looks like. For the moment, we will enjoy the continuation of our Vienna Waltz. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-40475132617293362012015-06-08T09:09:00.001-07:002015-06-08T09:09:05.421-07:00Stairway to Neon Heaven-My Favorite ThingsVintage Neon Heaven is a favorite <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/vintageneonheaven/" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a>. It's a place where neon sign lovers share photos, history and mourn the loss of signs gone by. The growth and popularity of neon signs in the United States spanned 1920-1960; after that, many ended up corroded eyesores or replaced and turned into junkyard ghosts.<br />
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In Tucson, Arizona, preservationists created a <a href="https://preservetucson.org/projects/neon-art-walk" target="_blank">neon project</a> to save signs that once beckoned motorists into the cool "air refrigeration" of motels and restaurants along Miracle Mile. Since I've been here, my "hobby" is photographing and sharing the signs on Instagram (@retroranch). While many have been restored and/or relocated as part of the local project, there are still opportunities to find Tucson neon "in the wild."<br />
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The Tucson Airport control tower has been a neon beacon welcoming visitors since the late 1950s. I was surprised to see a new tower going up as I arrived this Summer, but progress marches forward. The good news is that the old tower will be preserved. Whether a journey near or far, that feeling of having made it "home" starts when I see the Tucson tower. <br />
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These are a few of my favorite things, day or night. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-60740011486782473502015-05-28T20:13:00.001-07:002015-05-28T20:13:19.492-07:00Vintage Voyage-My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Amazing how once I leave Austria, I come face to face with a few of my favorite things. I will reveal these things in a very un-Julie Andrews-like way over the next few blog posts.<br />
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This week I've been scouring favorite thrift-antique-treasure haunts across Southern Arizona and stopped by a new vintage store in Tucson, Russell's Retro Furnishings. Russell has had other mid mod booths inside existing antique malls, but decided to venture out on his own with a larger space to display more of his stock. As the name implies, the shop is focused on mid century furnishings, accessories, and lighting. They also specialize in upholstery using vintage textiles and refurbishing mid century pieces. <br />
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Of course, my retro radar zeroed in on more than one treasure; if only the Tucson storage unit had more space. I'll share some pictures so you can see some of the great finds. F<span style="text-align: center;">eel free to buy out from under me-I know Russell would appreciate the business!! The website with contact information can be found <a href="http://russellsretro.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVz5zhbL_pbIfYb4ooNWCjQPb_BGIJg81knWq-qXlpuqY3noEQ0_h3qAlET-WMObs-_5RlivD-YiRxEJqoLY3e8hUmvCtdbG600Y4BcjalRdjfPyobw1Ac45sGrjcYzkv9uU5ESpr1Y8/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
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As many of you already know, one of my prized possessions is a 1961 Kroehler sofa. We purchased the sofa in Tucson and moved it with us to Vienna. We had all 10 feet of mid century majesty re-upholstered and found the Kroehler manufacturing tag inside the frame. As Russell and I pieced through our history of buying and selling, we came to the same conclusion. I purchased the sofa from him. This vintage voyage has come full circle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmQ-OGVijtjQhFAC-nC55CPg7yMED5d-b1iAh_X4jeAWLjBjmU-vPbdvQx1xAwSXvr2pnyqi-bsqOpw8ru1PV4kfkN1RKCKHPcfKhVC4s4ds4GVIuk2dxyYC1I5d7215fuZXKTIlizFA/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmQ-OGVijtjQhFAC-nC55CPg7yMED5d-b1iAh_X4jeAWLjBjmU-vPbdvQx1xAwSXvr2pnyqi-bsqOpw8ru1PV4kfkN1RKCKHPcfKhVC4s4ds4GVIuk2dxyYC1I5d7215fuZXKTIlizFA/s640/IMG_0431.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrheXZs_Y2xhsDkQkslqJmeikunIlkmGhp1LrWDWjzPLdNn2qDGTCpWQj8zPferoyd4hWMH5Wl-MA6j1RLGOvcvv4VSR_f5GBCavIB87e1eFHmiL3E7mXlqjfGoJslLZVRjdWd0NMvMiE/s1600/IMG_1601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrheXZs_Y2xhsDkQkslqJmeikunIlkmGhp1LrWDWjzPLdNn2qDGTCpWQj8zPferoyd4hWMH5Wl-MA6j1RLGOvcvv4VSR_f5GBCavIB87e1eFHmiL3E7mXlqjfGoJslLZVRjdWd0NMvMiE/s640/IMG_1601.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Home in Vienna</td></tr>
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I simply remember my favorite things.......<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-28374481729062088482015-05-02T03:55:00.001-07:002015-05-02T04:15:51.305-07:00Form Meets Functionalism in Prague - A Flashback This is what happens when I have more on the "to do" list than hours in a day, I flip through photos and discover blog posts not yet born. My own set of virtual "frozen embryos"......although Sofia Vergara is dealing with a much, much worse conundrum. This flashback takes us to Prague (of course) Summer 2014. <br />
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The Prague National Gallery is a series of locations and also known as Národnà Galerie v Praze. This particular gallery is off the beaten path and one of my favorite spaces, if only for the fact that it looks nothing like the standard issue neoclassic architecture, typical of Vienna and Prague galleries. Veletržnà Palác was constructed in 1925, a functionalist building of clean lines and light, originally an exhibition hall for machinery. It burned in 1970 and was given a new lease on life when selected to house the National Gallery's collection of 19th and 20th Century art, as well as Alfons Mucha's "Slav Epic". Eight floors of art, architecture, design, graphic and applied arts, this gallery is paradise for lovers of the avant-garde. <br />
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As you can see above, the practically empty Gallery is a place for wandering and taking photos. I'm sharing a very small fraction of the treasures on display. If you are going, plan for a very full day and grab the audio self-tour. It is worth the trip to share space with these masterworks and their stories. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9FVmUoeyIrwOTOFf1FSFzyBSO1nMhgYO6kujrAkRXmlRuwjd5mU3zfV0SZxjYy6Ce4AO5iotXglKnlet-jKvBZl2n0LLq4VtH-9vNMI5FmRFL7t56olPIiJ9BgPDLCPG9KsuLOHcC0o/s1600/DSCN1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9FVmUoeyIrwOTOFf1FSFzyBSO1nMhgYO6kujrAkRXmlRuwjd5mU3zfV0SZxjYy6Ce4AO5iotXglKnlet-jKvBZl2n0LLq4VtH-9vNMI5FmRFL7t56olPIiJ9BgPDLCPG9KsuLOHcC0o/s640/DSCN1820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of Breuer and Thonet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFZxbjVipQhxG03Y25mG2V1YlglVG92ag2nInxRpaRgaGWXNapXzwD-PB1Um5aizK7XwXPYXASUXFcR9c9y1-qAvBnejegGgmx1M1_vJgiUhKMdman2LDN8eHCiS-WvurNp8CM1HSDWg/s1600/DSCN1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFZxbjVipQhxG03Y25mG2V1YlglVG92ag2nInxRpaRgaGWXNapXzwD-PB1Um5aizK7XwXPYXASUXFcR9c9y1-qAvBnejegGgmx1M1_vJgiUhKMdman2LDN8eHCiS-WvurNp8CM1HSDWg/s640/DSCN1829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohumil Kubišta "Fakir Taming Snakes" 1915</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvgZ3EO8C6dSAP13drYytURll2gchs5aw6YZi9AJLfv9S_6aImFBnB6QavNuAPOiHgYeAEtvHlpPfvt3eSdq-HYD6dtOXIJqfmQOnK1obKoqo6KYYTANMALm7O1MryAbHlKCtmxAKV_Y/s1600/DSCN1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvgZ3EO8C6dSAP13drYytURll2gchs5aw6YZi9AJLfv9S_6aImFBnB6QavNuAPOiHgYeAEtvHlpPfvt3eSdq-HYD6dtOXIJqfmQOnK1obKoqo6KYYTANMALm7O1MryAbHlKCtmxAKV_Y/s640/DSCN1831.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otakar KubÃn "Figure" 1912-1914</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1g5G7cGEItO1Ej1m5yJEi0LtJJT7fxx014Vpx736-IhYGJmF93Pve0txdvRxJEA2rctnRK9MToz3lXpyGOVy09_xP6HzWyLwSh1NclNb_vqW5iCZFKWstWVoM4P21PDr2NPWm-5kh34/s1600/DSCN1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1g5G7cGEItO1Ej1m5yJEi0LtJJT7fxx014Vpx736-IhYGJmF93Pve0txdvRxJEA2rctnRK9MToz3lXpyGOVy09_xP6HzWyLwSh1NclNb_vqW5iCZFKWstWVoM4P21PDr2NPWm-5kh34/s640/DSCN1834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavel Janák and Vlastislav Hofman glazed ceramics 1911-1914</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUghm4ErbdmUP3TKXo_dnc20qmEjqE2o8HkMd5CDCWt23YA0qpRLTpuxHyUxZ-eWf_0EtZng6yVCsWEVX5C5OCzRVjYetvcZMlBfwTWHLg191y9WFSPbtexmzpg0w2WIOiLwZfhKoA3F0/s1600/DSCN3380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUghm4ErbdmUP3TKXo_dnc20qmEjqE2o8HkMd5CDCWt23YA0qpRLTpuxHyUxZ-eWf_0EtZng6yVCsWEVX5C5OCzRVjYetvcZMlBfwTWHLg191y9WFSPbtexmzpg0w2WIOiLwZfhKoA3F0/s640/DSCN3380.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My collection of reproductions waiting for more.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTmfU5SS82RKNlATpWrqv3Ur2De4zp956JLncBYsgTiaw5gKQv4ikCgVihS6mpTAVG2pEoPEm5HE6Ov99EhADM_NvTuyyyh7OpKBUwnuS2FrKiHDoPAkZ0LEMXvLOl_bl7xTo_Qh5pTc/s1600/DSCN1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTmfU5SS82RKNlATpWrqv3Ur2De4zp956JLncBYsgTiaw5gKQv4ikCgVihS6mpTAVG2pEoPEm5HE6Ov99EhADM_NvTuyyyh7OpKBUwnuS2FrKiHDoPAkZ0LEMXvLOl_bl7xTo_Qh5pTc/s640/DSCN1846.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pablo Picasso "Violin Glass Pipe and Anchor, Souvenir of Le Havre" 1912 (Pavel Janák cubist frame)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qp2_Am9BLUNJN1aI1WBJ-XjTsMDqY_T0gTT4JLlrk066c1oKXINiQ1ZrS3IbRmTEpDoA9Mu-CKl7sIZ70UVyWEOkg5GzIIjjfnh9wOqe0L_KOQyenMs-fEG9lpnLNU8qUt8fWzVnx6g/s1600/DSCN1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qp2_Am9BLUNJN1aI1WBJ-XjTsMDqY_T0gTT4JLlrk066c1oKXINiQ1ZrS3IbRmTEpDoA9Mu-CKl7sIZ70UVyWEOkg5GzIIjjfnh9wOqe0L_KOQyenMs-fEG9lpnLNU8qUt8fWzVnx6g/s640/DSCN1850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Corbusier "Nude Woman" 1934</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p_5TyLaExd3rFZW9BAVM0IRekqhA03sNur2_eK_xtBA2Z8LYFBfsIJTpBXyy9BbfTXdrWdUaed0OA5KySSs66m9XflUDEYDA1z97b1-eYRYF0qPDi1pvVdeNHYgEtuIXqon5YCydhe4/s1600/DSCN1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p_5TyLaExd3rFZW9BAVM0IRekqhA03sNur2_eK_xtBA2Z8LYFBfsIJTpBXyy9BbfTXdrWdUaed0OA5KySSs66m9XflUDEYDA1z97b1-eYRYF0qPDi1pvVdeNHYgEtuIXqon5YCydhe4/s640/DSCN1864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cezeta 502 Scooter 1961</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gustav Klimt "Lady with a Muff" 1916-1917 (last displayed in Vienna in 1926 and presumed lost, from private collection) Take that, Vienna!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDJ80IhtJQrnUvSVPVmay1iwN1MKG7jzfSHBnzYt57-flblwylcDuxHDjJVbyKnb4DleMMB-A_mI25p1On8gyQMbClcMT69euswEouirv6Ja54xOvuDKQxgnyjA52CYpTQd20WEiFPpg/s1600/DSCN1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDJ80IhtJQrnUvSVPVmay1iwN1MKG7jzfSHBnzYt57-flblwylcDuxHDjJVbyKnb4DleMMB-A_mI25p1On8gyQMbClcMT69euswEouirv6Ja54xOvuDKQxgnyjA52CYpTQd20WEiFPpg/s640/DSCN1898.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edvard Munch "Sea Shore Landscape" 1907</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank Gehry "Dancing House" 1995</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank Gehry "Dancing House" Prague 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cQXjc-OTqjiGSeoNfVRsE7r5v2EZZyFyDyXnMFwwk9kuovVWaU4Lqvdu-eejVLtqCXKNDxzsG8W5kBycyrGK153x7yXwcE15qUpsL4vliQpgb-l3zI86N2ZHG3_kOgl5PYUBTGWJJ2s/s1600/DSCN1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cQXjc-OTqjiGSeoNfVRsE7r5v2EZZyFyDyXnMFwwk9kuovVWaU4Lqvdu-eejVLtqCXKNDxzsG8W5kBycyrGK153x7yXwcE15qUpsL4vliQpgb-l3zI86N2ZHG3_kOgl5PYUBTGWJJ2s/s640/DSCN1888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonáš Czesaný "<span style="text-align: start;">Veletržnà Palác" 1972</span></span></td></tr>
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Now, where is that "to do" list?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-33964614363837919682015-04-07T09:59:00.000-07:002015-04-07T09:59:52.690-07:00"Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner"We were floundering with making choices for Spring Break travel when a friend shared their plan for a quick trip to a "wellness resort" on Carinthia's Worthersee, a large alpine lake in Southern Austria. Werzers Portschach Resort was our destination and the scenery was incredible. <br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">The resort areas also had such a retro vibe. In its heyday (1950s-1970s) the population of summer visitors would swell to several hundred thousand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cgUCLRIkZp2dQgTuDqw_poJcYAdxF0a83kg7CHv5vrdWwporEp7wvI0JDQokh0N1_0Q8aGz78Qf2K4vs8gATI_bYqXwVfpJ6Ot_0ZwAKTtei9Jt6fNrav_UbQaoy9-cNhXKG0LH8m2w/s1600/DSCN3315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cgUCLRIkZp2dQgTuDqw_poJcYAdxF0a83kg7CHv5vrdWwporEp7wvI0JDQokh0N1_0Q8aGz78Qf2K4vs8gATI_bYqXwVfpJ6Ot_0ZwAKTtei9Jt6fNrav_UbQaoy9-cNhXKG0LH8m2w/s1600/DSCN3315.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In fact, Werzers looks like the "Borscht Belt" resorts of the Catskills (oh, the irony), with its chintz covered antique furniture in the halls. The daily drill for the majority of the guests went something like this: communal buffet breakfast, lounging in the spa, thermal or family pool, skinny dipping in the lake (pass the eye bleach, please), smoking a pack of cigarettes in a white spa robe, lather....rinse....repeat, until dinner time buffet-complete with assigned tables. After dinner, the guests gathered in the lobby to listen to the musical entertainment, smoke another pack of cigarettes and watch the children run wild. <br />
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My God, it is the Catskills. <br />
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Now, how do I say "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" in German?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catskills vintage postcard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catskills vintage postcard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Werzers today</td></tr>
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Just add some music and you get the idea.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KpEA5QGYJFQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KpEA5QGYJFQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-38583519138170834602015-03-20T02:14:00.001-07:002015-03-20T02:14:49.492-07:00Baden, Bright and BeautifulFinally, the sweet whispers of Spring on the breeze. Or is it the screaming of my Arizona Wildcat fan during March Madness? It's both, but all good with me. Yesterday brought an opportunity to venture out of Vienna to explore Baden, a spa town located about 25 miles away.<br />
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Too much history, especially when written by this amateur, can make for boring reading-but stay with me for a moment. Since 869, through various invasions and even a devastating fire, Baden has stayed true to its origin: thermae, spa, healing waters. "Everyone" made their way to Baden since the Romans, from Hapsburgs to Beethoven, Strauss and the Soviets. The town is walkable, through neoclassic architecture, cobbled pedestrian streets, lush parks with views to the vineyards, an outdoor market and of course the spas and casino (one of the largest in Europe). To get there is an easy ride on the local train (Lokalbahn Wien-Baden) hop on in front of the Vienna Opera. It runs every 15 minutes. <br />
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Welcome Spring. Great to meet you Baden. Go Cats!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-27788325380798677652015-03-14T12:57:00.001-07:002015-03-15T02:04:33.974-07:00Dubai. Again.I wish I could say I was one of those hearty souls who thrives in Winter, making the most of grey days, preparing meals with hearty root vegetables and warding off the bitter cold with grace. In fact, I spend much of the season whining about the wind blowing through our poorly insulated windows, itching dry skin, and gaining the winter 15. Perhaps this crap attitude is why we decided to spend the February ski break in Dubai, yet again. <br />
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Dubai is our adventure into the warmth, a re-charging of the batteries. Mike and I get to thaw out, lounge by the pool, and enjoy happy hour, while our boy sets off to meet new friends and play beach soccer for a week. We might as well just say goodbye at the entrance to the resort and meet him in the airport at week's end. This year, he left with the names and email addresses of kids from all over Europe. I listened to one conversation where he was invited to Paris to play......"and bring your parents along, too." <br />
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We stayed at the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr, on the Persian Gulf, in the shadow of Burj al Arab. The accommodation and service is exceptional. My photo obsession meant more vacation pictures of the Burj than the family.<br />
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Dubai is Las Vegas-hold the sin, a melting pot, where east mingles with west, a city of obvious haves and hidden have nots, as well as a place that is still carefully and quickly constructing its identity. Most importantly, it is a place where we can tell old man winter to "shove it", for a week, every February.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-70864596282921106302015-02-12T11:16:00.000-08:002015-02-12T11:22:49.503-08:00Having a BallBall season is in full swing in Vienna. It is also referred to as "Vienna's Glorious Ball Season" on one of the tourism websites. There are hundreds of events to choose from - including these tantalizing opportunities: The Vienna Coffee House Owner's Ball, The Ball of Legal Professionals and BonBon Ball. In fact, tonight is the famous Vienna Opera Ball, where red carpet entrances are covered like the Oscars and year after year a skeevy eighty-something mall millionaire pays "starlets" hundreds of thousands of dollars to be his date. Last year his victim was none other than "happy to take the money, honey" Kim Kardashian. This year, he will have George Clooney-ex Elisabetta Canalis on his arm along with his 24 year old Playboy model wife.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim Earning Her Salary (Web Photo)</td></tr>
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On a more sedate note, we just attended our second annual Staff Association Ball hosted by dear husband's employer. The evening was very elegant. There was a program of excellent entertainment, philanthropy, and the presentation of debutantes who waltzed beautifully with their escorts. Following the formal program, it was a huge party with separate stations for eating and drinking, along with dancing in the rooms of Vienna's Imperial Palace, the Hofburg. When in Vienna.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-72492350685141947282015-01-28T00:35:00.000-08:002015-01-28T00:35:14.822-08:00Please, Mr. PostmanI've been known to rant about the absurdities of living in Vienna to friends and strangers alike. This is not shocking to anyone who knows me. I'm going to generalize here: people in Austria relish making the obviously simple task into a difficult, if not damn near impossible, task. Just follow expats posting on the internet about living in Vienna and trying to get something accomplished, from banking to housing to registering their educational degree. <br />
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Side note: You read that last part right, Austrians are really into "titles". For example, If you have a Masters Degree, you can use the title Mag. (Magister) in front of your name. Officially, you must go through some kind of process to get your degree registered with the government. I think I am just going to start using Hag. in front of my name and let them wonder what it means.<br />
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Living in Vienna means you frequently deal with the party of "NO"- I don't mean the USA Democrats or Republicans (depending on your politics). The attitude of "Yes, we can!" or "Si se puedes!" does not translate. <br />
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That being said, last week I experienced something so amazing in its simplicity and ease, I nearly jumped for joy. At the Post Office. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5Up6h8CupAG0LkgmcwlkCYfuIiiT6oIPdAh3Lz0ELLrv_3sfIM5UsKfG_fAvVzFetarmixoYuO1LgNe0iDmgEXQbUghiTA4NIo5zqKaqZHwG-KloimSjI7aRsVkgaxn6EGnLIsotBy8/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5Up6h8CupAG0LkgmcwlkCYfuIiiT6oIPdAh3Lz0ELLrv_3sfIM5UsKfG_fAvVzFetarmixoYuO1LgNe0iDmgEXQbUghiTA4NIo5zqKaqZHwG-KloimSjI7aRsVkgaxn6EGnLIsotBy8/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: Closed on Saturdays</td></tr>
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In the past, the Austrian Post and I have not been friends. Customs is fanatical, searching (yes, opening) packages looking for something to tax. Oh, say, like a vintage (used) luxury item purchased at a charity auction and mailed to Vienna, only to be taxed by customs as if it were brand new. Fighting City Hall is not worth the effort, so one must pay Mag. Tax Man to get the goods out of jail. <br />
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For that reason, I don't purchase many items that require shipping, just in case I break some rule and have to pay. However, the time comes when ordering something from Amazon is critical to one's very existence. I missed the delivery, took my slip to the Post for pick-up and encountered this: Automated Package Pick-up. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEEhISIe754EydozmNY07AvSusTPZGWkWC2hzZ4hLGvacfiK7694gnzkwwdYnZeSCi477Gr41W0VtR65uWS2NIjiGGa0pF52ZUuXJ91NHoIvCkyMatTT39nEPhh-m11jOKFSa62pTnog/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEEhISIe754EydozmNY07AvSusTPZGWkWC2hzZ4hLGvacfiK7694gnzkwwdYnZeSCi477Gr41W0VtR65uWS2NIjiGGa0pF52ZUuXJ91NHoIvCkyMatTT39nEPhh-m11jOKFSa62pTnog/s1600/photo+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hag. Johnson, Your Package is Available for Pick Up</td></tr>
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Here is the long and short of it: stand in front of a bank of cabinets with your package slip, scan the barcode at the computer (directions available in English), sign your name on the touch screen and Holy Strauss! somewhere along the bank of happy yellow cabinets a door pops open and your package is ready for the taking. When you close the door, the next person can use the system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeBzZHj1FrMZNS-KqMjAAom-2M5-qd0gjvdjt5YkbWybmPwMb2S1NAges8JZYK2UMKDtsm0gH4VFi2sjkyoNP-otY9wInVgAFXvQssLzztY5cBbuyKVZcgi-0Ce6pIAEpO0y8InE5BeE/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeBzZHj1FrMZNS-KqMjAAom-2M5-qd0gjvdjt5YkbWybmPwMb2S1NAges8JZYK2UMKDtsm0gH4VFi2sjkyoNP-otY9wInVgAFXvQssLzztY5cBbuyKVZcgi-0Ce6pIAEpO0y8InE5BeE/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the Different Sized Cabinets and Sunny Color!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kVIQhfwUZDTvOCoot8FzwA2EJyfikhhypPMQgw728Tq7ZcvL4G8MCqdRJ9cpl31D-yDeg2p4GBX2TQidGlrtz-LAS6ubGq13SCHHjRiJCL1wFUoqJde8VkdEywBlvLdQunkRmwcNMcA/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kVIQhfwUZDTvOCoot8FzwA2EJyfikhhypPMQgw728Tq7ZcvL4G8MCqdRJ9cpl31D-yDeg2p4GBX2TQidGlrtz-LAS6ubGq13SCHHjRiJCL1wFUoqJde8VkdEywBlvLdQunkRmwcNMcA/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Easy, Even an English Speaking ExPat Can Do It!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This can only mean one thing. When living here frustrates the hell out of me, Amazon to the rescue. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-90905097565744623872015-01-03T05:45:00.000-08:002015-01-03T08:08:46.899-08:00If You Get Lost.....Over the Holiday, I was absorbed in another click through <strike>time waster</strike> of great importance on Architectural Digest and remembered I wanted to write you about Mies van der Rohe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architecture/2014-10/landmark-architecture-then-and-now-slideshow?title=1" target="_blank">AD's list of Landmark Buildings Then & Now</a> includes the Seagram Building, completed in 1958 by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Located at 375 Park Ave. New York, New York, the building was Mies' first US skyscraper construction and stands today as iconic "international style" architectural modernism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj7Kl0sH5VitdFpENczHBXulwL_VaR5bvnlXQmGyhgw5Cz4F7n7XxSbSRlohnQtae5FQxaqx6iIHl-WuwRLTXCqn2USWM8oBDDPZLhV0IkRyojqx2ZGjoR-Hj0mbb-ZUWlUHCfJnbPC8/s1600/item13.rendition.slideshowVertical.architecture-then-and-now-14-seagram-building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj7Kl0sH5VitdFpENczHBXulwL_VaR5bvnlXQmGyhgw5Cz4F7n7XxSbSRlohnQtae5FQxaqx6iIHl-WuwRLTXCqn2USWM8oBDDPZLhV0IkRyojqx2ZGjoR-Hj0mbb-ZUWlUHCfJnbPC8/s1600/item13.rendition.slideshowVertical.architecture-then-and-now-14-seagram-building.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo From AD Link with Credit</td></tr>
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So, it is really good to know that if you get lost between the moon and New York City, you'll end up in Brno and fall in love. Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and home to another Mies van der Rohe architectural achievement. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site at <a href="http://www.tugendhat.eu/en/" target="_blank">Villa Tugendhat</a>. A friend and I booked our tour and visited in November. <br />
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Fritz and Grete Tugendhat, both from Jewish German industrialist families, commissioned the house from van der Rohe in 1928. Grete admired the architect's early work in Germany and the "less is more" functionalism of his design aesthetic.<br />
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Mies employed novel residential construction techniques and technologies, including steel structural framing, forced air heating-cooling and an electric window lift system. Mies designed (and/or co-designed) the furniture. The Brno and Barcelona chairs are both recognizable and desirable today. Finishing details from around the world were installed-a curved dining room wall of Macassar ebony, Italian travertine, a Morocan onyx paneled wall and other rare hardwoods from Southeast Asia. Villa Tugendhat was completed in 1930 and the family lived there until the rumblings of war in 1938. The family fled and left the home in the care of a trusted friend who turned it over to the Gestapo. Some friend.<br />
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During WWII the Nazis damaged and dismantled the Villa and its furnishings and the post war years resulted in even more damage when the Russians housed a calvary unit <b>in the house</b>. The Villa was used as a dance school and a pediatric medical facility in the 1950s and 1960s. It became a registered landmark in 1963. Plans for restoration were thwarted by the Czech Communists throughout the 1970s, but Gerte Tugendhat visited twice in the late 1960s to speak about the Villa's construction and her communications with van der Rohe during that process. Two major restoration efforts took place in the 1980s and 1990s, saving the structure and contributing to its recognition as a UNESCO site in 2001. The first sentence in the UNESCO listing says it all:<br />
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<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1052/" target="_blank">"The Tugendhat Villa is a masterpiece of the Modern Movement in architecture."</a><br />
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To visit is to marvel-not only in the beauty of the building, but its lot position overlooking Brno, as well as the furnishings and finishes. All of which is the result of a significant restoration that took place between 2010-2012. One incredible story from the restoration was the discovery and reinstallation of the curved Macassar dining room wall panels. Removed by the Nazis in 1940, the panels were rediscovered in a Brno university canteen in 2010 by an art historian. They had been hiding in plain sight for 70 years. As had the onyx wall, it had been covered by a brick facade and left unscathed.<br />
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In scouting the internet for information, I found The Glass House by Simon Mawer. It is fiction that borrows from the story of Villa Tugendhat. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzVh1pGIAro" target="_blank">video link</a> is Simon Mawer discussing the inspiration for his book.<br />
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While this novel is on my reading list, the truth of Villa Tugendhat is a story worth knowing.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-13499375749659424522014-12-30T00:08:00.002-08:002014-12-30T00:08:22.051-08:00There's Something About PragueI may have mentioned before that you don't need to twist my arm to get me to the Czech Republic. <br />
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Trust me when I say it was a no brainer decision to spend our Christmas in Prague. <br />
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Yes, we live in Vienna and it is a beautiful city. In comparison, Prague's beauty glows. This particular place draws you in and wraps you in a warm hug with a big smile. Then it serves up a large hunk of street ham, with a side of potatoes and cabbage, washed down with hot red wine, topped off with this addicting warm, rolled, cinnamon sugar pastry named Trdelnik. Then you get another hug and a smile. Leaving is never easy.<br />
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So we celebrated Christmas Day with the throngs of joyful visitors from around the world at the Market in the Old Square. The Nutcracker at Prague's National Theater was enchanting from the nose bleed cheap seats. Our holiday celebrations have officially become traditional in their non-tradition. Should you decide to skip your Christmas tradition and embrace the non-traditional, go to Prague. The city waits with its warm hug. We will be there too.<br />
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Bless Us, Every One. May Your New Year be Filled with an Abundance of Joyful Moments.</div>
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The Family Johnson</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-18838341810779380062014-12-13T04:36:00.000-08:002014-12-13T07:01:25.786-08:00We Are The WorldI'm a member of the United Nations Women's Guild (UNWG) of Vienna. In January 2014, I volunteered to be the Manager of the UNWG Kiosk. The Kiosk is a small shop located at the Vienna International Center where we sell a variety of items sourced and donated from around the world, along with Austria souvenirs, T-Shirts and handmade jewelry created by our volunteer staff. <br />
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The money from the sales go directly into the UNWG Charity Fund. In addition, proceeds from other fundraising activities, like the UNWG International Bazaar, are distributed annually to charity projects supporting women and children around the world. <br />
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In 2014, the UNWG Vienna allocated 237,778 euros (about 300k dollars) for 37 projects in 28 countries. <br />
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When I was little, this was one of my favorite toys:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If You See in a Thrift Shop, Buy for Me! The Tom Thumb Pink Cash Register. Beloved by this Child of the 1960s.</td></tr>
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Now you know why I've loved working at the Kiosk and also why a career in sales was a great way to spend more than 15 years of my professional life! <br />
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The UNWG Kiosk enjoyed a very successful 2014, so proud of our team, appreciative of the guidance from our more experienced volunteers and confident we will continue to grow in 2015. In addition, I was just elected to serve on the UNWG Board of Directors. In this regard, I am my Father's Daughter. Find a group you like, then work from within to bring continued success through service, process improvement and innovation. Looking forward to the opportunities ahead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNWG Kiosk Bazaar Stall 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNWG Kiosk Bazaar 2014</td></tr>
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During the last weekend in November, I had my first experience at the UNWG International Bazaar. The World was there, literally. Stalls stocked with items for sale, representations from each participating country. Food and drink from all points across the globe. Entertainment and music filled The Austria Center. Just in case you decide to visit, Bazaar weekend is incredibly fun. Shopping, eating, drinking (did I mention the Cubans were making mojitos and the UK had a whiskey bar?) all in a single stop. A joyful event, outside of Disney and the Olympics, when it's really a small world after all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Treasures of Egypt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The World is Here!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-84474554383131004052014-12-06T10:54:00.001-08:002014-12-06T10:54:59.327-08:00Because The NightIt's Christmas Market time again! We've made our rounds and consensus is the Medieval Market at the Arsenal remains a favorite. We wish it lasted longer than one weekend, but feel thankful we braved the rain to make it out this evening. We walked through Belvedere, to get a glimpse of how the "palace people" were celebrating, before heading to the Arsenal.......where they have fire, cauldrons, swords and troubadours. Our kind of folk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOQyFCo2usP3VsZyjRPD6QdnDni7fM1PiiCAvcsWyp7hvAT6At7KWRpaaYqQfHzaabtGH8g2aaqnc8NovdiJkfp3VEonK8sOj-1p7z1txBCcFPP-bBjezD-o2CDcnhnqCavv2L6aKSfc/s1600/DSCN2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOQyFCo2usP3VsZyjRPD6QdnDni7fM1PiiCAvcsWyp7hvAT6At7KWRpaaYqQfHzaabtGH8g2aaqnc8NovdiJkfp3VEonK8sOj-1p7z1txBCcFPP-bBjezD-o2CDcnhnqCavv2L6aKSfc/s1600/DSCN2715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belvedere Christmas Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvJdcPFNzZncpVcqXIUpQqxUo3kBBTTPHr-3DxrNr_Kb4956p0dg2jMHwhbY_Mvw9YsK3HoiFLsRgIm_2pkUgRpJmOpRrZSsAGs2k6Bt0KkQCZi81L4wtyZNGE0DjkAfVK-FQH8UhRNE/s1600/DSCN2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvJdcPFNzZncpVcqXIUpQqxUo3kBBTTPHr-3DxrNr_Kb4956p0dg2jMHwhbY_Mvw9YsK3HoiFLsRgIm_2pkUgRpJmOpRrZSsAGs2k6Bt0KkQCZi81L4wtyZNGE0DjkAfVK-FQH8UhRNE/s1600/DSCN2716.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A View to the Belvedere Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthOOA7wKwvC9qX6oxd8edxp1wzqxlIKd3_v7LpD_xV_em_5ElrlEeGpZaL4aCWs-f5d0AAzhW1wDcC5z3JX-IhkVNn55-kxZAGDuUgdAQuI_6gdFLsZJOWQAO1pElgtbUdvF9csHn4EM/s1600/DSCN2717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthOOA7wKwvC9qX6oxd8edxp1wzqxlIKd3_v7LpD_xV_em_5ElrlEeGpZaL4aCWs-f5d0AAzhW1wDcC5z3JX-IhkVNn55-kxZAGDuUgdAQuI_6gdFLsZJOWQAO1pElgtbUdvF9csHn4EM/s1600/DSCN2717.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arsenal Medieval Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXFgIp-nFpqCqsXS5yT77pxsG-x5PfdGn0Py9xIBqIvqjXUzc5iI9eeemxdxJVNxPJkfW3iiYsPjOf94TP7PR4HhdCrbFC5GRkIAPYLc0JU7wYRdG84r78jLCC3hmkuYJN-jZuvMdOxA/s1600/DSCN2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXFgIp-nFpqCqsXS5yT77pxsG-x5PfdGn0Py9xIBqIvqjXUzc5iI9eeemxdxJVNxPJkfW3iiYsPjOf94TP7PR4HhdCrbFC5GRkIAPYLc0JU7wYRdG84r78jLCC3hmkuYJN-jZuvMdOxA/s1600/DSCN2719.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauldrons of Good Stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xoJ744188bAfo_eGKLXBjiDcQfSIz6h9QnsNuCuQgAYxY1sHeGgp4f4qP24HDkYSGZpUPtrxYZ8nB7pTuEi64VMAfnWX4-q8tkJfg_G9yfIwBajIKFrlNX3aRFGouXNyE0LfCMz0Lp0/s1600/DSCN2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xoJ744188bAfo_eGKLXBjiDcQfSIz6h9QnsNuCuQgAYxY1sHeGgp4f4qP24HDkYSGZpUPtrxYZ8nB7pTuEi64VMAfnWX4-q8tkJfg_G9yfIwBajIKFrlNX3aRFGouXNyE0LfCMz0Lp0/s1600/DSCN2721.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troubadours? Minstrels? They were Rocking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HRijsNncK2cK_d30RG4MWz0twVISGD5JpfVwdtDa0D9aHDnl3bhxWOcOMoxqxmRGTXJYKMPSNKQlDl-kSq5IZEPKd_wOq2WUlPMB4G2QR2G-uQwqpfNR7Vr_vML2r2zw5XXz2qk8avA/s1600/DSCN2725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HRijsNncK2cK_d30RG4MWz0twVISGD5JpfVwdtDa0D9aHDnl3bhxWOcOMoxqxmRGTXJYKMPSNKQlDl-kSq5IZEPKd_wOq2WUlPMB4G2QR2G-uQwqpfNR7Vr_vML2r2zw5XXz2qk8avA/s1600/DSCN2725.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Name is Inigo Montoya......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaP_UTxfF9XXKwTbkifoOnJMfM8Ow6l9GYrNTZ_oqQrsrhxL6SuIbJeuoH67rnQAFdYYaHOyYpszvC9FlJViTIuFuOeswHGvlBqPKc__s4KHYEdy3W6BdcSUq8y43JB3au3zmI7FRSSY/s1600/DSCN2727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaP_UTxfF9XXKwTbkifoOnJMfM8Ow6l9GYrNTZ_oqQrsrhxL6SuIbJeuoH67rnQAFdYYaHOyYpszvC9FlJViTIuFuOeswHGvlBqPKc__s4KHYEdy3W6BdcSUq8y43JB3au3zmI7FRSSY/s1600/DSCN2727.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Shoes, the Old Fashioned Way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmqNLNEi_LxW6xgaoy4_Qv0jNQRl0-lER_itXcThKmHiCj-qnsz4rafegtFADZshPZFAp720rPKaxm3PbrkNlo2fc1jKV_3ubwTSymg8HN4r-4usonlDR-cAqo_rJJXUcxGdDoIlSHUQ/s1600/DSCN2734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmqNLNEi_LxW6xgaoy4_Qv0jNQRl0-lER_itXcThKmHiCj-qnsz4rafegtFADZshPZFAp720rPKaxm3PbrkNlo2fc1jKV_3ubwTSymg8HN4r-4usonlDR-cAqo_rJJXUcxGdDoIlSHUQ/s1600/DSCN2734.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Little Star of Arsenal.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkDJCE5jD9QQyBW5VP3Htb317amVS7-lK0-oc1cBEgPTRBe1boMEiB-_yxh7ZTuiHzXhyphenhyphenKq-w3phXOB49NUeYW5xHYmfyrLOcPLBJSqp8U3Or0mLUEyZLd2I-_KkLMsaCiyGrkNsBrkw/s1600/DSCN2735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkDJCE5jD9QQyBW5VP3Htb317amVS7-lK0-oc1cBEgPTRBe1boMEiB-_yxh7ZTuiHzXhyphenhyphenKq-w3phXOB49NUeYW5xHYmfyrLOcPLBJSqp8U3Or0mLUEyZLd2I-_KkLMsaCiyGrkNsBrkw/s1600/DSCN2735.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Over Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Because the night belongs to us.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-64964570339561364752014-11-08T05:26:00.001-08:002015-01-28T12:02:38.307-08:00Budapest or BustFall break! A week long adventure with an elementary student who woke up everyday with the same question,<br />
<br />
"What are we doing today?" <br />
<br />
Answer: "Oh, X and Y." <br />
<br />
Elementary student response, "Then what?" <br />
<br />
This year, we took a short road trip to Budapest, Hungary. It feels funny to write that and even funnier to drive it, considering it takes about as long to travel from Tucson to Phoenix. It is only 2.5 hours between these major European capitals formerly divided by the Iron Curtain and linked together by a tragic and tumultuous history. We happened to be in town on the anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Initially a student led repudiation of Soviet actions taking place in Poland, it became a violent reassertion of the Soviet grasp on Hungary. The Revolution, though a failure at the time, was a harbinger of the future and is now recognized as a National Holiday. Interestingly, the police had areas where crowds could gather locked down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rVv3soo-y_EJxr_PDW1MQhMHMexTtbFvmDDYHqB5PB0FX429clyPEYGxElJio1ouCGkOggI1GN50wwCiRF0Vjd5IJZZJBCLcXdO-m1GUtNf4POxgrNw5NTpCTVWfoq9jVrgC51pCsto/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rVv3soo-y_EJxr_PDW1MQhMHMexTtbFvmDDYHqB5PB0FX429clyPEYGxElJio1ouCGkOggI1GN50wwCiRF0Vjd5IJZZJBCLcXdO-m1GUtNf4POxgrNw5NTpCTVWfoq9jVrgC51pCsto/s1600/41.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internet Image-October 1956</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98dz_MUx9tpujOtsviDkxTIas48adYQXCuSMGOUXqB0HW1xcIczBOy6W9p94SOGLmeBvXJ2XMokrmNH353REALBvh_t-hRKU0yXkpgsK9rnkqYJSuchh8Cn2k0tHT2s75ZcB9GSA4mRI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98dz_MUx9tpujOtsviDkxTIas48adYQXCuSMGOUXqB0HW1xcIczBOy6W9p94SOGLmeBvXJ2XMokrmNH353REALBvh_t-hRKU0yXkpgsK9rnkqYJSuchh8Cn2k0tHT2s75ZcB9GSA4mRI/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Like most tourists visiting a city for the first time, we get the lay of the land by taking a BigBus Tour. This type of touring may not appeal to everyone. I find it a great idea when exploring with an extremely curious 10 year old. You know, the kind who asks questions like, "How did the Hapsburgs join together with Hungary?" and "Why did the Austro-Hungarian Empire break up?"<br />
<br />
Answer: "Put on your headphones and listen to the tour guide!"<br />
<br />
Gulp. I really hate disappointing Mrs. Frieda Hollihan, the greatest European History teacher ever to grace the halls Pennsbury High School. Thirty plus years later, I can say that and really, truly, mean it.<br />
<br />
And so we roamed, in the rain in an open top BigBus wearing white BigBus trash bags to keep our headphones dry enough so we could learn about Budapest. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtz0kKZd96mfHHLqDMHB8vpc1R5rC2Xj5I1IQG3SS-VE2MTs4jBH3AhUUr2Q4HWI4pRiGdTsuUqDuDzzlWqwf-XpOkY-8nPA6h8krU0h61HhuvPy_VUmOcefl0fK2nzhqWxaWz7ehwCg/s1600/DSCN2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtz0kKZd96mfHHLqDMHB8vpc1R5rC2Xj5I1IQG3SS-VE2MTs4jBH3AhUUr2Q4HWI4pRiGdTsuUqDuDzzlWqwf-XpOkY-8nPA6h8krU0h61HhuvPy_VUmOcefl0fK2nzhqWxaWz7ehwCg/s1600/DSCN2376.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAOrxCWciiKIMTXffCp9NsBV3EWoj9lNKMJ9GYoj_mrcGA_q3x-9qzKO0ABvF0Tz4q2aNytLfiqRKLuRD-no6vNkXOsQuK1zzI7lCbcb_y5mE6b3cMApNeFUkRQHBB3SQQfV3DD-DQDE/s1600/DSCN2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAOrxCWciiKIMTXffCp9NsBV3EWoj9lNKMJ9GYoj_mrcGA_q3x-9qzKO0ABvF0Tz4q2aNytLfiqRKLuRD-no6vNkXOsQuK1zzI7lCbcb_y5mE6b3cMApNeFUkRQHBB3SQQfV3DD-DQDE/s1600/DSCN2398.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSI4OKMvkjsj_3Awma0VxC5-2qI0Z_wzkxXZ-e1ZS-B4qApgDgsSJ6N2NAeFj7045CdUbeKOrD1rVmuFJwpL7DRBvCpF-eUYksQ_dckKf8alKdvZHgL7sSeBOGlh8z7AyFO5TOXvfFA/s1600/DSCN2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSI4OKMvkjsj_3Awma0VxC5-2qI0Z_wzkxXZ-e1ZS-B4qApgDgsSJ6N2NAeFj7045CdUbeKOrD1rVmuFJwpL7DRBvCpF-eUYksQ_dckKf8alKdvZHgL7sSeBOGlh8z7AyFO5TOXvfFA/s1600/DSCN2377.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain Bridge to Castle District and Matthias Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPVU-1gnzs-_-zqvZ_d50GO_EQ7bK6xH19Rzl91OEXjenjLOlME3dnB5JH6y_MCfmkhIZxCe0kV6MQN4z7AM7IB8BqV_NS2gepDlfjKcIleNLBAN9ye3K5h8w8NjZ3-8WCGFHlrN99HI/s1600/DSCN2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPVU-1gnzs-_-zqvZ_d50GO_EQ7bK6xH19Rzl91OEXjenjLOlME3dnB5JH6y_MCfmkhIZxCe0kV6MQN4z7AM7IB8BqV_NS2gepDlfjKcIleNLBAN9ye3K5h8w8NjZ3-8WCGFHlrN99HI/s1600/DSCN2396.JPG" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh8eUnTSQSncqjScjg1kMoiLQYgk69qgTZ7zbr1m3qwtiXl2WsbMpXimXOf7ZlgyqHVpokD04GyXw-6dmfPRcvNOf6Ue2c-hniehrluMTXb9eo6CpENbQSM1uhYl85epgsROeTxRhzLw/s1600/DSCN2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh8eUnTSQSncqjScjg1kMoiLQYgk69qgTZ7zbr1m3qwtiXl2WsbMpXimXOf7ZlgyqHVpokD04GyXw-6dmfPRcvNOf6Ue2c-hniehrluMTXb9eo6CpENbQSM1uhYl85epgsROeTxRhzLw/s1600/DSCN2387.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD86EbPmlpyyG3UuQ2stgN70RtM7gKULiiaoWIRKRHgDHG_NW5ADRudQheCRvpT5ncM12cKo69zopeLRl2m8STYeAb_uBvGNnwy5PqkQ4chg6adp_rrL6RUxwaC4wU91CUKkelQJoiZ3g/s1600/DSCN2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD86EbPmlpyyG3UuQ2stgN70RtM7gKULiiaoWIRKRHgDHG_NW5ADRudQheCRvpT5ncM12cKo69zopeLRl2m8STYeAb_uBvGNnwy5PqkQ4chg6adp_rrL6RUxwaC4wU91CUKkelQJoiZ3g/s1600/DSCN2416.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Night</td></tr>
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My favorite part of the trip was our visit to the Central Market Hall. It is a tourist zone that truly retains its local color. Downstairs, the shopping for produce, fresh meat, fish and spices still attracts residents marketing on a Saturday morning. Upstairs, tourists can shop for "local" souvenirs just in from China, as well as from family run craft shops. Everyone can dip into the food stalls stocked full of local flavors. <br />
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We even met an American retiree, now living in Hungary, who invited us to her home on our next visit. We enjoyed her much more than the extremely loud river cruise Americans who were swapping European travel tips (gleaned from a fellow country club member, whose name I will not reveal) across the hotel restaurant for all to hear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central Market Hall</td></tr>
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There are so many more questions about Budapest yet to be answered. We will return. Rain or shine.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-13025666842074614392014-10-28T02:45:00.000-07:002014-10-28T02:45:00.349-07:00Seasons ChangeAlways loved the change of season, Fall is my favorite.<br />
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Austria is just gorgeous, the colors and weather combine for some lovely days. I've changed seasons, literally, having just celebrated a milestone birthday. I hope to weather this change as elegantly as the entrance of Autumn. We celebrated in Salzburg, one of my favorite places. While we are speaking of favorite things, The Sound of Music will celebrate the same milestone birthday in 2015.<br />
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If you've visited Salzburg once, you'll want to return again and again. We highly recommend the Hotel Sacher Salzburg, a dip into luxury you will not forget. The last time we stayed at this hotel, it was September 11, 2001. We could not have asked for kinder or more generous hosts during a tragic time for Americans at home and a time of confusion and shock for those of us stranded abroad. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Sacher Salzburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounging Made Easy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Suite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Room with a View<br /></td></tr>
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What to do in Salzburg? Well, wandering the pedestrian streets of the Old Town is high on my list. There are shops, restaurants and an outdoor market on weekends, we especially enjoyed having an evening glass of wine standing outside a bottle shop. With this view, it is really a no brainer.<br />
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And although we are seasoned Salzburg tourists (yes, we've been on The Sound of Music Tour and to Mozart's birthplace and boyhood home), we decided to purchase the Salzburg Card and made our way through the majority of the venues while enjoying all of the "savings". The tour of the Stiegl Brewery is fantastic, a museum, beer tasting and free gift (yes, a bottle of beer each) makes the trek out on public transportation worth the trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Closed Out Oktoberfest </td></tr>
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No doubt we will return for the Christmas Markets, the Westbahn train (www.westbahn.at) takes a little over 2 hours to get there, making a day trip a possibility for anyone visiting Vienna. <br />
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The wonderful part of this adventure was my dear husband, who planned our getaway. Thank you from the bottom of my half century heart.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-91507702235986158822014-10-14T01:03:00.001-07:002014-10-14T01:17:06.952-07:00Pipistrellos Gone Wild<br />
This is what happens when you meet up in Milan with cousins who are traveling through Italy; you join their club for a brief moment in time. It's also a club you've belonged to for generations. I met Carla and Gina in Milan following their visit with family in San Severino. Yes, they were visiting the home-base Italian branch of the family. People I'd like to meet someday and re-trace the footsteps of my Great Grandmother and Grandmother. With love and devotion Carla has taken the reins of the Panicari-Martini Research Institute and continues gathering stories from all who have one to share, unraveling the mysteries and following the signs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes, Handbags and Chocolate......Enough Said</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love</td></tr>
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We explored Milan, hop on hop off Italian style. That is, we explored once we were finally able to locate the stops along the route. Then the buses arrived when they pleased. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navigating the Maze</td></tr>
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Milan is a city of sights. High end shopping to street hustlers. Il Duomo to Il Cenecolo. Gnocchi to Gelato. We saw as much as we could fit into two days. Time well spent and when it comes to family, over way too fast.<br />
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Ti amo.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-4016045457515753762014-10-04T00:52:00.001-07:002014-10-04T00:52:08.117-07:00We Salute You Sopron!About a month ago, we ventured to Sopron, Hungary to visit the infamous frame shop recommended by my husband's colleague. Having previously spent way too much in the USA on framing projects (what a racket), our 80 Euro "frame job" was a welcome relief and a brief glimpse of downtown Sopron went on the "return to do" list. <br />
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Today was that day, we were all home and looking for adventure. Dear husband had a UN holiday, not for the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, but for Id Al-Hadha a Muslim holiday, the two overlapping for the first time in more than 30 years. Dear son had a parent-teacher conference day off from school. His was outstanding, by the way.<br />
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Our journey to Sopron is a quick one from Vienna, about an hour. This small town is now a favorite. Sopron is known as the Civitas Fidelissima "the most faithful city" in reference to the 1921 referendum where the city's residents opted to remain part of Hungary instead of being absorbed into Austria. It seems that everyone has ventured through Sopron, Celts, Romans, Slavs, Turks, Germans and Magyars and eventually the Nazis and then the Red Army. Luckily, much of the medieval town remains for visitors to enjoy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They Make Exploring Easy, in English!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Broom Awaits</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petofi Theater</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firewatch Tower and City Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval Promenade</td></tr>
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Oh, there is an added benefit to visiting Sopron: A big TESCO! I know, I should say the Dentist, since Sopron has over 300 dental clinics and is also known as the dental capital of the world. But no, I was in it for TESCO and was not disappointed. 300 Fornits to the Euro meant we were able to stop, shop and save.<br />
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Hungary reminds me of the Czech Republic, you get there and spend time with happy people who smile and have a welcoming attitude toward "foreigners", on the streets, in the restaurants and the shops. It is always a welcome change from Vienna and why we keep returning. TESCO or not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sopron Scene</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of Course</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-12054655463745731532014-09-02T22:46:00.000-07:002014-09-02T22:52:10.325-07:00Let's Make a DealI applied for an Austrian driver's license in May. Accomplishing this task involved a stuffed manila envelope containing paperwork from 2 different government offices, photos in a special size, a Doctor's certification form, a USA driver's license, a passport, a "legitimation" card, an application, multiple copies of all of the items mentioned, some money and any other documents (plus copies) that could possibly be requested during my trip to the licensing office at the police station. I even had a friend who speaks German with me.....just in case the visit fell into the language gap. <br />
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After finding out that I had surrender my US driver's license as part of this process (ack!), I opted to wait and pick up the new license after our summer vacation in Arizona. With my paperwork approved and fees paid, I was told the license would be "ready and waiting" on my return, as the young woman pointed toward sets of shelves piled high with stacks of folders and papers. <br />
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Today. 3 months after my initial visit. I tried to pick up my license. <br />
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Two lines snaked out the door and a total of 1.5 bureaucrats were working two rows of windows. The mood was as dim as the lighting, the silence broken only by uncovered coughs and sneezes. Every so often, however, someone behind the windows would yell out an announcement I couldn't understand, causing a ripple of consternation in the lines. My ignorance was bliss, until I looked around at everyone clutching their version of the stuffed manila envelope. <br />
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My manila envelope was at home. <br />
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Have you ever watched "Let's Make a Deal" with Monty Hall?<br />
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It had everything a game show could want, zany costumes, fabulous prizes and zonks, the lovely assistant Carol Merrill and the ultimate deal of the day lurking behind Door Number 1, 2 or 3. My favorite part, however, was the show's end when Monty walked the audience asking for obscure items, like a hard boiled egg or can of soup, in exchange for a cash prize. People in the studio audience brought bags stuffed with everything unimaginable, including the kitchen sink. Looking at the envelopes and folders of those in line ahead was eerily similar.<br />
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So I dashed home to get mine. <br />
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And wouldn't you know, the female Austrian version of Monty Hall was working my window. As soon as I handed over my passport, she tapped a few keys on the computer and started playing her own version of "Let's Make a Deal". <br />
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Finally this: "Not Ready". "Not Ready?" I asked. "Not Ready" she confirmed. <br />
Ever see the movie 16 Candles? It took all I had not to snort.<br />
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She shook her head no as I continued pulling papers, copies, photos, applications, and letters out of that manila envelope. The line grumbled and I broke into a sweat digging through my wallet for identification cards, credit cards, library cards, anything. <br />
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Damn it, Monty! I've got my eyes on the prize!<br />
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Exasperated, she snatched one of my IDs, scurried off to make a copy and said to me in English, "Come back next week." <br />
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Oh Monty, I'll be back. And I'm bringing a hard boiled egg, a can of soup and the kitchen sink.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-57874471906136430702014-08-29T01:15:00.001-07:002014-08-29T08:26:49.802-07:00Like a VirginI tend to share a bunch of links on Facebook and feel very happy when someone actually opens one and comments. This type of back and forthing is what makes Facebook "social" for me, especially when one runs out of witty status updates. When I linked a CNN story: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/21/travel/blood-countess-slovakia/index.html" target="_blank">On the trail of the "Blood Countess" in Slovakia</a>, one adventurous friend responded, "The castle is only 2 hours from here. Road Trip!" Another adventurous friend added, "Sounds fun" and a plan came together. Understand that this is all very lucky for me, since I am a "linker" and they are "doers".<br />
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The short story here: The town of Cachtice, Slovakia is home to a serial murderess from the 1600s, Countess Elizabeth Bathory. The Countess and some ne'er do well servants, murdered more than 100 and possibly up to 1000 local virgins. Why? Apparently, bathing in their blood (and possibly some cannibalism) was the secret to the Countess' youthful looking appearance, as well as the fast track to lifelong imprisonment at Cachtice Castle (the Countess) and being burned at the stake (her servants). <br />
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August 21, 2014 marked the 400 year anniversary of the Countess' death.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The centerpiece of downtown Cachtice: Countess Bathory and Victim (Wood on brick 2013)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remarkably smooth skin represented in this Countess puzzle, which hangs in the local pizza parlor </td></tr>
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From Vienna, there are two ways to get to Cachtice, the highway and the byway. Luckily, we travelled both to enjoy rural, scenic Slovakia with a view to more castles needing restoration. After locating the right castle, we climbed the hill to take in the restored ruins and gorgeous scenery. We also got our fill of the spooky vibe, purchased a bottle of the local vintage red in her name and appeared to be among the very few English writers signing the visitor log.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "linker" lagging behind the "doers" recognizing that they are both fun and impressive travel companions</td></tr>
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Obviously, the Countess was one brutal and disturbed criminal who deserved the same fate as her servants, in my opinion. This macabre history only leads me to the conclusion that the key to a youthful appearance is (in fact) a bottle of red, followed by busting a move to some old school Madonna, topped off with an ample slathering of Oil of Olay. Like a Virgin!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190531082681355369.post-61086043729091775182014-08-09T09:23:00.000-07:002014-08-09T09:57:03.460-07:00Abdicating the ThroneI was sorting through some of my home leave vacation photos this morning and came across this beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsZnRrhYy6dtWfUUIZTXfBp9wMqRyYKHvDN9xKMtoNBRDSHZFFWBoYSDKIpl8Wb1vE5gijMy_vDZnOGpGAD6pXaMBC14aQ4-X0BTtRt7jnWA-xxerYxWfqphh3FD8uLSAxt-NHbw9iA4/s1600/IMG_20140709_094447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsZnRrhYy6dtWfUUIZTXfBp9wMqRyYKHvDN9xKMtoNBRDSHZFFWBoYSDKIpl8Wb1vE5gijMy_vDZnOGpGAD6pXaMBC14aQ4-X0BTtRt7jnWA-xxerYxWfqphh3FD8uLSAxt-NHbw9iA4/s1600/IMG_20140709_094447.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Your Typical Vacation Photo</td></tr>
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Why toilets? Well, I'll tell you. First, if you are the least bit offended by potty humor, potty pictures, potty stories or potty behavior, I beg you, click over to Facebook or check your email now. We can catch up another time. After all, you've only seen one toilet picture. Be forewarned, a toilet rant is fast approaching.<br />
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Let me go back, for just a moment. Less than a year before we moved, we remodeled our master bathroom into one of my favorite spaces in the house. Yes, I still look at the pictures even though we no longer own it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLevIkDPyZgYCwwfsicj4gcLhohQSvp6XYYfnyFpvwhr5laBIKtGD0d-1iRGWszmhyOrI3ivnd_PrMIpQyfom5pQYtt7bn_8MB5d4MhsCSCcfabx33BcSAh52sb22bTlqGsCXvoNzvuD0/s1600/408170_3361438237672_1957129424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLevIkDPyZgYCwwfsicj4gcLhohQSvp6XYYfnyFpvwhr5laBIKtGD0d-1iRGWszmhyOrI3ivnd_PrMIpQyfom5pQYtt7bn_8MB5d4MhsCSCcfabx33BcSAh52sb22bTlqGsCXvoNzvuD0/s1600/408170_3361438237672_1957129424_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Happy Space</td></tr>
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While apartment hunting in Vienna, if the place had 2 bathrooms, or at least 2 toilets or WCs (as they are called here) it made the cut. Our current apartment has 2 WCs. However, toilets in Europe are different. They just are. If you've visited Europe, you know about the interior "shelf". I despise the shelf. Books need a shelf. Toilets do not. You also know that there is no "swirl". US has the swirl, Europe has the "whoosh". <br />
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Back to our toilets. The main bath toilet <i><b>looks</b></i> fine, even with the dreaded shelf and a plastic tank. Fine that is, until you flush. Then, with the sound of a fighter jet at take off, a vertical geyser erupts and sprays toilet water and whatnot across the room. No one is interested in what the not is. <br />
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The lid <b><i>must</i></b> be closed to flush. Even with the lid closed, I truly believe there is a horizontal projection system at work. Oh, and we have a 10 year old boy. Who forgets. To close. The lid. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nZCkCXSFFqrg0fm2_gYBgCA0Tl4pbSAp2kiH1ydpL-MHr0p-t0pHxkfopo2Qb3wC2Qn9lfBJJWPa4DHmpLuKWjTj4WYmeJCYNljnTgpODTQjC8JiNV-Bxh-DcQPP3TLBwcUhBwc7948/s1600/DSCN2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nZCkCXSFFqrg0fm2_gYBgCA0Tl4pbSAp2kiH1ydpL-MHr0p-t0pHxkfopo2Qb3wC2Qn9lfBJJWPa4DHmpLuKWjTj4WYmeJCYNljnTgpODTQjC8JiNV-Bxh-DcQPP3TLBwcUhBwc7948/s1600/DSCN2068.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa Nelly, She's Gonna Blow</td></tr>
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Then there is WC number 2. Pun intended, since the toilet and sink (where you can only wash one hand at a time) are shoe horned into a space the size of a broom closet. When you sit on this toilet, your knees hang out into the hallway. Short people, celebrate your size! I offer this demonstration for illustrative purposes only.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPaw0hs5ttgLpuwWGZdlrJVn195esxCWNvJvFdOdMWdO93_FHOx8TUAqkY-SKY0uvKtBcYVZMGXbEdNHd1wWpc9Xn2MztWH2OBEKOeKUxy8MOXCf24JLSAkoDD13SnQfH8htvGsV4Ii8/s1600/DSCN2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPaw0hs5ttgLpuwWGZdlrJVn195esxCWNvJvFdOdMWdO93_FHOx8TUAqkY-SKY0uvKtBcYVZMGXbEdNHd1wWpc9Xn2MztWH2OBEKOeKUxy8MOXCf24JLSAkoDD13SnQfH8htvGsV4Ii8/s1600/DSCN2072.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, Don't Mind Me</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wsanmm2zFbvWBafSbbXL7lXf4w1MdfgURACNdutQWxWrJDKWjQfy1JUyFN1q9G3TJ89muJ0R0r7WRcYMZQVEenqPfrD9G9C7hw7PQy5vdf-dsyA3d06qWS9jRkvqYH0WKmfD3s8LZ3g/s1600/DSCN2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wsanmm2zFbvWBafSbbXL7lXf4w1MdfgURACNdutQWxWrJDKWjQfy1JUyFN1q9G3TJ89muJ0R0r7WRcYMZQVEenqPfrD9G9C7hw7PQy5vdf-dsyA3d06qWS9jRkvqYH0WKmfD3s8LZ3g/s1600/DSCN2069.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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There Will Be No "I Got a Meetin' in the Ladies Room" Here</div>
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After living like this for a year, I had the brilliant idea of replacing the main bathroom toilet with something a little less "Old Faithful". We (because I sold dear husband on the idea) even volunteered to purchase the toilet when pitching the idea to the landlord. We both thought this would be easy, until we received the quotes. No wonder our landlord was so happy to accept our offer. Did you know that you are charged for individual pieces of a toilet here? Yep. Each and every stinking piece has a price. Even when you go to the "big box" home store, there are multiple aisles devoted to various and sundry toilet pieces. No box from Kohler and a couple of hours with the plumber. <br />
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Quote #1<br />
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Imagine my excitement when the first quote arrived. When I opened the email attachment, I nearly spewed my coffee in solidarity with my commode. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOE-FF0Kp8nmkt6ih4mjsI1C6vA2zWNBiPYGPqTNlY-2RXulljgjZXrbKqLbVPFxr7tZanyywZB9bWXmCPWVQkSDNOeYc-6mdyKzMVT3ciCqcMZzAZ12so9XCAOWGJ8HY1NEaHqNy51Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-09+at+6.15.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOE-FF0Kp8nmkt6ih4mjsI1C6vA2zWNBiPYGPqTNlY-2RXulljgjZXrbKqLbVPFxr7tZanyywZB9bWXmCPWVQkSDNOeYc-6mdyKzMVT3ciCqcMZzAZ12so9XCAOWGJ8HY1NEaHqNy51Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-09+at+6.15.37+PM.png" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your New Toilet Will Cost $2389.00 USD, When Can We Start Work?</td></tr>
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Yes indeed, the quote for our new toilet was over 2000 dollars. This is a serious quote. I am not making this up. In case this was a cruel joke, we asked for a second quote from a different supplier. They came back a scant 200 dollars cheaper. Probably because the toilet would be installed without a key part, like a lid. Or a handle. For now my quest for a new toilet for the kingdom is on hold. <br />
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Now, I am the first one to admit this is my first world problem. No doubt about it. At the end of the day, however, my home is my castle and I'm still looking for a new throne.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176700178034398674noreply@blogger.com2