2015年4月15日 星期三

自由花 Second tryout!

Here are some before and after photos:
My work before the instructor's correction
The final work after teacher's fine tuning

More tips on arranging Jiyuka from this lesson:

  • The flower buds should always be facing up, as if they are greetingyou
  • Trim off unnecessary little buds and twitches because they create too much distraction. You want straight line to form Jiyuka
  • Follow the natural angle of the branches
  • Remembering perspectives! 
  • Try to put the flowers in sharper angle to create different levels

What amazed me after this evening's class is that, we are literally all using the same material, but just by arranging twigs in different angle, and trim a little bit, then - Voila!
A whole different composition and feeling!

2015年4月1日 星期三

My First Wine Tasting event in Vienna

I went for a blind wine tasting event yesterday at a local cafe (Kotor Café) to help the owner decide what wine he will be featuring in his store later on.

The organizer brought in three grape varieties that are completely new to me, they are all native grapes to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Blatina, Vranac and Zilavka.

We did tasting on eight bottles of wine. The first two are Žilavka, a white grape variety that is originated from that region (new word for me today too: Autochthonous! ). It has a nice citrus taste, zesty. Some would even describe it has a warm lemon drop taste. We tasted two bottles of the same grape, one bottle is from 2012(Kameno from Čitluk) , and the other one is 2013(Vukojie). It is surprising to me that within a year how these two bottles taste vary from each other. The Kameno has too much acidity for my taste, and it creates more of a shocking impression upon first taste. Thus, I prefer the later.

At the venue, we were really fortunate to have a wine journalist and some other more experienced Sommeliers to share their view with us. I feel I really learned a lot from them, and was happy to know some of my comments and food pair suggestions were concurred by them or were similar to their choices.

Among all, I think Blatina from Čitluk (2012) was my favorite. This wine first greets you with its nice floral/herbal fragrance. Then it soothes you with its rounded, plum and berry-like taste. It was aged in the Slovenian Oak barrel for ten months to create that nice almost Port-like taste in the mouth.

I was lucky enough to bring home with me these two bottles of wine from Čitluk winery!

To read more about these wine, please visit:




2015年3月26日 星期四

Ikebana fun!

I found my friend and myself this fun little gathering for Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement, 華道), and This evening the style we are trying is called "Jiyuka (Freestyle, Free flower, 自由花), it is one style under the 池坊 School in the Ikebana.

This was our first tryout, and we were both very excited about it!

Notes from the class:
  • The container is part of the arrangement
  • Keep the lower lines on the higher end, not the lower end
  • Arrange the flowers up and look spirited
  • Set your arrangement in the same angle
  • Things to keep in mind: point, line, area (mass), surface.
  • You are allowed to use wire to support your arrangement
I also like what I found from this Ikebana club has sum up Jiyuka pretty well.
In Jiyuka:
Think about
  • asymmetry
  • gradations of colour, contrast, accent
  • gradation of size
Styles
Naturalistic arrangements:
  • material is used as found in nature, no artificial elements
Artistic / Designed arrangements:
  • shaping, bending
  • wiring
  • stapling
  • taping
  • with or without artificial / decorative elements




A photo posted by @mel5ive on

2015年3月17日 星期二

Summer time, Viennese Style


When in Rome do as the Romans do, but when in Vienna this summer, think about trying out some summer tips from Webster students.
Not only does Vienna have a rich history, famous musicians, and great architecture to offer, summer time here is filled with many exciting outdoor concerts and activities that cater everyone. Best of all, nearly all of them are free.
Enjoy a summer splash by the Danube, relax at open-air bars and restaurants along the canal, chill at a big beer garden inside Prater, or enjoy a glass of local wine at a Heuriger in the suburbs.
Entertainment is plentiful, with outdoor film festivals – yes, there are more than one – and concerts that offer a variety to satisfy all tastes.
International Relations sophomore, Alexandra Fomenko recommends starting off by checking the vienna-event web page, to find the latest happenings. But for insider tips on the best places to whet a whistle, most Webster students who have been here over the summer say they like to stick close to the Danube canal, known here by its German name, the Donau.
It’s all about being outdoors
“Always to the Donau!” senior Media major, Gretchen Gatzke, recommended in a survey. “You can swim, bring friends, (play) cards, a picnic and beer, and get a lot of sun.” 
That sentiment is echoed by most. Along the canal, or the nearby Danube Island, people can barbeque, rollerblade, water ski, go wave-boarding or just chill out with friends.
This year Donaukanaltreiben, a three-day festival for music, art and culture that runs along the canal from Spittelau in the north to Franzensbrücke at nearly the end of the city starts June 7. This year’s musical lineup includes Sofa Surfers Soundsystem featuring Saedi, the Vienna-Berlin quartet Luise Pop, the alternative rock band Mauracher as well as the newcomer Indie Pop band The Boys You Know.
U-Bahn-Station 'Alte Donau' and the bridge ©Österreich Werbung / Diejun
The Alte Donau is the dead-end of an old part of the river that acts more like the city’s lake. It’s easy to reach (only a block or two away from the Webster campus) or via the U1 Alte Donau station. The water is warm enough to swim in, but Molly Ochs, an IR senior, also likes to rent boats – sail boats, electric boats or even pedalos.
“This is a great way to enjoy a sunny day.” Ochs said, “It’s always cool on the water and is a great opportunity to swim and get out of the city while still being in the city.”
An[MH1]  electric boat rental starts at € 16 per hour, some companies even offer party boots that can accommodate 12 people, but choose a good captain because you will be dodging swimmers, rowing sculls and other paddlers on the water during busy days. You might want to steer a course away from the crowded beach, nude beach, and under water plants that will stop your motor. Or, you can try you your hand at the new Stand up Paddling (€ 14/ per hour).
Another good open space to relax is MQ (Museumsquartier) with its young atmosphere and the low prices. There are also great restaurants and bars in the nearby area.
Drew Fuhrman, an American MBA graduate student, said he usually goes MQ to study, because it has a lot of nice cafes and free wifi.
“Just (a) really nice atmosphere. Lots of students would just hang out there as well,” he said. “It’s a place to go, like, a nice afternoon.” 
New this summer at MQ is Aquadrome, a miniature boat racing game. People are encouraged to bring their own remote-controlled boats to compete, but you can also rent a boat for €5 for ten minutes. The competition takes places every Saturday, Sunday and holiday and runs until August 31.
http://echo-citythai.cc/wp-content/blogs.dir/28/files/summerstage/summerstage4.jpgKeeping cool even at night: Bars and Restaurants

A view at Summer Stage ©echo-citythai
 
IR and Media major Aleksandra Andjelkovic, who is spending her fifth summer in Vienna this year, said one of her favorite places to go is Summer Stage, located in the 9th district on the Donau canal, close to the Station Roßauer Lände U4 stop.

http://austria-forum.org/attach/Wissenssammlungen/Briefmarken/2002/Moderne_Kunst_-_Karl_Goldammer/RedakII_202250_1.jpgSummer Stage a great place for people to hang out, watch football games and enjoy the free concerts as well as the scenery along the canal. People can find a variety of culinary adventures ranging from Indian, Mexican, or Caribbean food, and you can even have your meal prepared by former Buckingham Palace chef Robert Morton and his team. Finding an empty table to sit isn’t easy.
Downstream, on the other side of the canal, is Schützenhaus, a beautiful blue and white Art Nouveau building designed by the architect Otto Wagner at the beginning of 1900 century. Recently converted into a restaurant, it now offers small quiet shady gardens, which allows the guests to enjoy the Danube and fine Viennese cuisine at the same time.

Schützenhaus© Österreichische Post
 
Not too far from the Schützenhaus, on the other side of the subway exit, Tel Aviv Beach lounge bar is a decidedly younger, more relaxed venue. For a sunny, laid back afternoon, submerge yourself in a white deck chair under the shade of an umbrella, while sipping homemade ice tea with fresh mint. Tel Aviv Beach is also part of Neni family restaurants, which allows the guests to enjoy the exotic authentic Israeli cuisine that is created by the famous Austrian chef, Haya Molcho by Neni at Naschmart.
 “During the day, it’s a wonderful spot, it has sand, and so it gives you a real feeling of a real beach in the middle of the city,” Andjelkovic said. Before night proceeds, Tel Aviv Beach turns into the place to enjoy the pastel-colored sunset.
At night, it frequently invites DJs to perform. You can find out upcoming events by following their Facebook page. In addition, Tel Aviv beach will also host some after-parties from Flex, Vienna’s most popular club, which, by the way, is just on other side of the canal.
If you are up for some Austrian food, MBA graduate Fuhrman recommended Schweizerhaus in the Prater – Vienna’s famous amusement park – for its beer garden and atmosphere. Another Webster student, Ochs, recommends its famous Viennese deep fried pork knuckle, Stelzen, and brew Budweiser beer (the Czech kind) which is unique in Vienna.  As with just about every good restaurant, you should probably reserve first to ensure you can get a table.
Another  IR/Media major, Austrian Lisa Walzel suggested people should go to a Heuriger in the evening to try out the local wine and authentic food.
Heurigers are traditional local taverns that usually serve up the newly made wine from last year’s harvest and a selection of cold food or warm buffet.
Although there are heurigers in town, to get the real feel, visit the heurigers located on idyllic side streets in the Vienna districts of Grinzing, Heiligenstadt and Nussdorf.  All are reachable by trams. For more information, you can visit here.
A midsummer night’s dream
Nighttime outdoor events, nearly all of them free, keep the Viennese busy throughout the entire summer.
http://kinountersternen.at/wp-content/uploads/Publikum-900x350.jpgSommerkino am Rathausplatz, from June 30 to September 2, screens movies where you don’t need any knowledge of German to enjoy. Last year’s celluloid ranged from a Rolling Stones concert film to Mozart’s “Magic flute.” While watching from a giant screen, you can munch on the cuisine from all over the world from the huge food court connected to it. Come early, though: Seating is first come first served.
For those who prefer a quiet night, Kino unter Sternen (Cinema under the Stars) at Karlsplatz, maybe a better choice, recent Business and Media graduate, Mina Nacheva suggested.

Attentive film-watching crowd © Kino unter Sternen
 
“It's in downtown Vienna, but it doesn't feel like it,” Mina wrote in a survey. In addition, it usually has a great selection of movies that includes classics and independent films from all over the world. Sometimes they include talks by film directors. This year, Kino unter Sternen is inviting audiences to submit their votes of the film they wish to watch. You can participate here .
The Sommerkozert at Schönbrunn, Thursday, May 30 at 9:00 p.m., is another summer highlight. The Vienna Philharmonic has performed a free open-air concert on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace annually since 2004. This year’s theme is devoted to the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.
“It’s beeeaauutiful, so romantic,” said Andjelkovic, who had been there previous years. If one can go with their partner, “that’s a place to go, definitely.”
Try to be there at least an hour early to secure a good spot.  Beware of the crowd. If you plan to go there with a group of friends, try to meet up first before going in Schönbrunn Palace. With the vast audience – thousands attend -- it can be tricky to search for your friends among the crowd.
Sitting on the hill provides a nice view from the top, but you are less likely to hear it very well. Bring a picnic blanket to sit on; after all, you are in for a two-hour long concert.
Last but not least, if it is raining…
Feel like taking a break from the summer heat and other outdoor activities? Check out ‘Dialogue in the Dark, located at the historic vaults of the Schottenstift. Tours are led by blind or visually impaired guides in pitch-dark rooms, allowing visitors to experience what it feel like to rely on other non-visual senses. In case you want to stay in the dark for a bit longer, stay for dinner. Reservations are recommended.








Zwei Kleine Wölfe

New mission of the month: learn to sing this song in German

Zwei Kleine Wölfe
Zwei kleine Wölfe gehn des Nachts im Dunkeln.
Man hört den einen zu dem andern munkeln:
"Warum gehn wir denn immer nur des Nachts herum?
Man tritt sich an den Wurzeln ja die Pfoten krumm.
Wenn's nur schon heller wär (pfeifen)
Wenn nur der Wald mit Sternenlicht beleuchtet wär.

English translation from Google translate:
Two little wolves go at night in the dark.
You can hear a whisper to the other:
"Why always we going around only at night?
It's paws occurs at the roots so crooked.
If it would only ever brighter (whistle)
If only the forest would be illuminated by starlight. 




http://de.wikibooks.org/wiki/Liederbuch/_Zwei_kleine_W%C3%B6lfe

I love the tune and it is really very fun and easy to sing, we had tried to sing in 3 canons in a group! One flow chasing another one...

2014年9月16日 星期二

Some more Motivation

2014年6月11日 星期三

Phrase of verbs

http://www.boredpanda.com/clever-pun-illustrations-nabhan-abdullatif/

I think this could turn into a fun teaching activity.

List a bunch of phrase of verbs, and have students brain storming, what are other ways to use it.

Ex: make up.

Or show them the photos and have them figure out what the original meaning is. (or give them a list of phrase of verbs with meaning and have them search for that?)

And follow an activity that give them a chance to use this phrase of verbs in a sentence. Or try to see if they can use all the verbs in a paragraph. 

2014年5月8日 星期四

Look Up

What a great campaign. I think it sends out very important message.



Text obtained from here:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140504174355AAIW4Rs

I have four-hundred-and-twenty-two friends, yet I am lonely. 
I speak to all of them everyday, yet none of them really know me. 

The problem I have sits in the spaces between looking into their eyes or at a name on a screen. I took a step back and opened my eyes, I looked around to realize the media we call social is anything but. 

When we open our computers, and it's our doors we shut. All this technology we have it's just an illusion. Community companionship a sense of inclusion yet, when you step away from this device of delusion, you awaken to see a world of confusion. 

A world where we're slaves to the technology we mastered, where information gets sold by some rich greedy bastard. A world of self interest, self image, self promotion. Where we all share our best bits, but, leave out the emotion. 

Were at 'almost happy' with an experience we share, but is it the same if no one is there? Be there for your friends and they'll be there too, but no one will be if a group message will do. 

We edit and exaggerate, crave adulation. We pretend not to notice the social isolation. We put our words into order and turn our lives a-glistening. We don't even know if anyone is listening! 

Being alone isn't a problem let me just emphasize; if you read a book, paint a picture, or do some exercise. You're being productive and present not reserved and recluse. You're being awake and attentive and putting your time to good use. 

So when you're in public, and you start to feel alone. Put your hands behind your head, step away from the phone! You don't need to stare at the menu, or a your contact list. Just talk to one another, learn to coexist. 

I can't stand to hear the silence of a busy commuter train when no one want's to talk for the fear of looking insane. We're becoming unsocial, it no longer satisfies to engage with one another, and look into someone's eyes. We're surrounded by children, who since they were born, have watched us living like robots, who now think it's the norm. 

It's not very likely you'll make worlds greatest dad, if you can't entertain a child without using an iPad. When I was a child, i'd never be home. Be out with my friends on our bikes we'd roam. I'd wear holes on my trainers, and graze up my knees. We'd build our own clubhouse, high up in the trees. 

Now the parks so quiet, it gives me a chill. 
See no children outside and the swings hanging still. 
There's no skipping, no hopscotch, no church and no steeple. 
We're a generation of idiots, smart phones and dumb people. 

So look up from your phone, shut down display. Take in your surroundings, make the most of today. Just one real connection is all it can take, to show you the difference that being there can make. 

Be there in the moment, when she gives you the look, that you remember forever as 'when love overtook'. The time she first held your hand, or first kissed your lips, the time you first disagreed and you still love her to bits. 

The time you don't have to tell hundreds of what you've just done. Because you want to share this moment with just this one. The time you sell you sell your computer, so you can buy a ring, for the girl of your dreams, who is now the real thing. 

The time you want to start a family, and the moment when, you first hold your little girl, and get to love again. The time she keeps you up at night, and all you want is rest. And the time you wipe away the tears as your baby flees the nest. 

The time your baby girl returns, with a boy for you to hold, and the time he calls you granddad and makes you feel real old. The time you've taken all you've made, just by giving life attention. And how you're glad you didn't waste it, by looking down at some invention. 

The time you hold your wife's hand, sit down beside her bed, you tell her that you love her and lay a kiss upon her head. She then whispers to you quietly as her heart gives a final beat, that she's lucky she got stopped by that lost boy in the street. 

But none of these times ever happened, you never had any of this. When you're too busy looking down, you don't see the chances you miss. 

So look up from your phone, shut down those displays, we have a final act existence a set number of days. Don't waste your life getting caught in the net, because when the end comes there's nothing worse than regret. I'm guilty too of being part of this machine, this digital world, we are hear but not seen. 

Where we type as we talk, and we read as we chat. Where we spend hours together without making eye-contact. So don't give into a life where you follow the hype. Give people your love, don't give them your 'like'. Disconnect from the need to be heard and defined, go out into the world leave instructions behind. 

Look up from your phone. Shut down that display. Stop watching this video. Live life the real way. 


2014年3月25日 星期二

One of the best new things

Dear wonderful people out there!

Happy last week of March!
Last weekend's hike with friend to catch a glimpse of Spring!We were out at Leopoldsberg, probably one of the famous hills nearby Vienna. 


Today I received these links from a friend who has a very creative mind, and they just made my day! 

And last but not least, as my friend says: "You're welcome." :-)

Enjoy!

2014年3月17日 星期一

Goal of the month: Beautifying your body and soul!

Hello friends, 

Happy Spring! (ahnn and happy St. Paddy's! :) I know it has been quite a while. I finally have the time that I can start posting something fun again. When I was in Taiwan this time, I came across this book, but haven't really have time to go through it in depth, but later I was so happy to find out that there are actually videos out there that go along with the book!


The reason why I am willing to give it a try is because I am hoping to find the balance of my body and soul, and trying to listening more to my inner voice and feelings, and trying to reach

找到身心的平衡點,聆聽你的內在聲音和感覺,達到身心的滿足。


相信自己,相信自己辦得到。

2013年9月9日 星期一

2013年7月18日 星期四

讀後感: 曲家瑞:3個禮物「好奇、勇敢、熱情 」

This is an article that I found from facebook these two days...and reading this passage really assures and relieves me a bit.

我才知道有些事情是急不了的,我一直希望獲得重視跟肯定,但最刻意時反而得不到。有一天離開,我不知道我已經形成了、完整了,到另外一個地方竟然被別人看到。這肯定終於來了,雖然它來的晚。
如果你持續還在這條路上,不用急,它會繞過來的。

有些事物巧妙的好似天生注定,剛好的讓在晦暗長廊上徘徊游離躊蹴許久的我,懷疑否定自己是否應該繼續教學的路子,在不經意的轉角看到瞥到一絲曙光與鼓勵。

加油。 

2013年7月16日 星期二

Impossible is nothing!

When you're doing things that really interest you! and you really want to do it well!
I wasn't thinking this was possible, but I really did it today!
Studying nuclear, working on website building and taking German class in the evening.

All within one day, alles ist möglich! :-) 

2013年7月8日 星期一

Ode to my lens

Down down down the sink,
so long my hard contact lens~
Gently, swiftly, instantly, cruelly,
So is my 200 euros. 

2013年6月7日 星期五

Summer time, Viennese Style

When in Rome do as the Romans do, but when in Vienna this summer, think about trying out some summer tips from some Webster students.

Not only does Vienna have a rich history, famous musicians, and great architecture to offer, summer time here is filled with many exciting outdoor concerts and activities that cater everyone. Best of all, nearly all of them are free.


Enjoy a summer splash by the Danube, relax at open-air bars and restaurants along the canal, chill at a big beer garden inside Prater, or enjoy a glass of local wine at a Heuriger in the suburbs.

Entertainment is plentiful, with outdoor film festivals – yes, there are more than one – and concerts that offer a variety to satisfy all tastes.

International Relations sophomore, Alexandra Fomenko recommends starting off by checking the vienna-event web page, to find the latest happenings. But for insider tips on the best places to whet a whistle, most Webster students who have been here over the summer say they like to stick close to the Danube canal, known here by its German name, the Donau.



It’s all about being outdoors


“Always to the Donau!” senior Media major, Gretchen Gatzke, recommended in a survey. “You can swim, bring friends, (play) cards, a picnic and beer, and get a lot of sun.”

That sentiment is echoed by most. Along the canal, or the nearby Danube Island, people can barbeque, rollerblade, water ski, go wave-boarding or just chill out with friends.


This year Donaukanaltreiben, a three-day festival for music, art and culture that runs along the canal from Spittelau in the north to Franzensbrücke at nearly the end of the city starts June 7. This year’s musical lineup includes Sofa Surfers Soundsystem featuring Saedi, the Vienna-Berlin quartet Luise Pop, the alternative rock band Mauracher as well as the newcomer Indie Pop band The Boys You Know.



Alte Donau
U-Bahn-Station 'Alte Donau' and the bridge ©Österreich Werbung / Diejun
The Alte Donau is the dead-end of an old part of the river that acts more like the city’s lake. It’s easy to reach (only a block or two away from the Webster campus) or via the U1 Alte Donau station. The water is warm enough to swim in, but Molly Ochs, an IR senior, also likes to rent boats – sail boats, electric boats or even pedalos.

“This is a great way to enjoy a sunny day.” Ochs said, “It’s always cool on the water and is a great opportunity to swim and get out of the city while still being in the city.”


An electric boat rental starts at € 16 per hour, some companies even offer party boots that can accommodate 12 people, but choose a good captain because you will be dodging swimmers, rowing sculls and other paddlers on the water during busy days. 


You might want to steer a course away from the crowded beach, nude beach, and under water plants that will stop your motor. 


Or, you can try you your hand at the new Stand up Paddling (€ 14/ per hour).
Videos of Stand up paddling 


Another good open space to relax is MQ (Museumsquartier) with its young atmosphere and the low prices. There are also great restaurants and bars in the nearby area.

Drew Fuhrman, an American MBA graduate student, said he usually goes MQ to study, because it has a lot of nice cafes and free wifi.


“Just (a) really nice atmosphere. Lots of students would just hang out there as well,” he said. “It’s a place to go, like, a nice afternoon.”


New this summer at MQ is Aquadrome, a miniature boat racing game. People are encouraged to bring their own remote-controlled boats to compete, but you can also rent a boat for €5 for ten minutes. The competition takes places every Saturday, Sunday and holiday and runs until August 31.



Keeping cool even at night:

                                                                                         Bars and Restaurants
A view at Summer Stage ©echo-citythai
IR and Media major Aleksandra Andjelkovic, who is spending her fifth summer in Vienna this year, said one of her favorite places to go is Summer Stage, located in the 9th district on the Donau canal, close to the Station Roßauer Lände U4 stop.

Summer Stage is a great place for people to hang out, watch football games and enjoy the free concerts as well as the scenery along the canal. People can find a variety of culinary adventures ranging from Indian, Mexican, or Caribbean food, and you can even have your meal prepared by former Buckingham Palace chef Robert Morton and his team. Finding an empty table to sit isn’t easy over weekends.

Schützenhaus© Österreichische Post
Downstream, on the other side of the canal, is Schützenhaus, a beautiful blue and white Art Nouveau building designed by the architect Otto Wagner at the beginning of 1900 century. Recently converted into a restaurant, it now offers small quiet shady gardens, which allows the guests to enjoy the Danube and fine Viennese cuisine at the same time.

Not too far from the Schützenhaus, on the other side of the subway exit,
Tel Aviv Beach lounge bar is a decidedly younger, more relaxed venue. For a sunny, laid back afternoon, submerge yourself in a white deck chair under the shade of an umbrella, while sipping homemade ice tea with fresh mint. Extend the exotic feel by ordering authentic Israeli cuisine.Tel Aviv Beach is also part of Neni family restaurants, which allows the guests to enjoy the exotic authentic Israeli cuisine that is created by the famous Austrian chef, Haya Molcho. (This link would lead you to a local newspaper story about her.Warning: It is in German, suggest to read it with Google Chrome's aid.)


A view of Tel Aviv Beach at day©Claudio Farkasch
During the day, it’s a wonderful spot, it has sand, and so it gives you a real feeling of a real beach in the middle of the city,” Andjelkovic said. Before night proceeds, Tel Aviv Beach turns into the place to enjoy the pastel-colored sunset.

At night, it frequently invites DJs to perform. You can find out upcoming events by following their Facebook page. In addition, Tel Aviv beach will also host some after-parties from Flex, Vienna’s most popular club, which, by the way, is just on other side of the canal.


If you are up for some Austrian food, MBA graduate Fuhrman recommended Schweizerhaus in the Prater – Vienna’s famous amusement park – for its beer garden and atmosphere. Another Webster student, Ochs, recommends its famous Viennese deep fried pork knuckle, Stelzen, and brew Budweiser beer (the Czech kind) which is unique in Vienna.  As with just about every good restaurant, you should probably reserve first to ensure you can get a table.



Weingut Entrance©Mayer am Pfarrplatz
Another  IR/Media major, Austrian Lisa Walzel suggested people should go to a Heuriger in the evening to try out the local wine and authentic food.

Heurigers are traditional local taverns that usually serve up the newly made wine from last year’s harvest and a selection of cold food or warm buffet.


Although there are heurigers in town, to get the real feel, visit the heurigers located on idyllic side streets in the Vienna districts of Grinzing, Heiligenstadt and Nussdorf.  All are reachable by trams. For more information, you can visit here.


A midsummer night’s dream


Nighttime outdoor events, nearly all of them free, keep the Viennese busy throughout the entire summer.

Sommerkino am Rathausplatz, from June 30 to September 2, screens movies where you don’t need any knowledge of German to enjoy. Last year’s celluloid ranged from a Rolling Stones concert film to Mozart’s “Magic flute.” While watching from a giant screen, you can munch on the cuisine from all over the world from the huge food court connected to it. Come early, though: Seating is first come first served.


For those who prefer a quiet night, Kino unter Sternen (Cinema under the Stars) at Karlsplatz, maybe a better choice, recent Business and Media graduate, Mina Nacheva suggested.


“It's in downtown Vienna, but it doesn't feel like it,” Mina wrote in a survey. In addition, it usually has a great selection of movies that includes classics and independent films from all over the world. Sometimes they include talks by film directors. This year, Kino unter Sternen is inviting audiences to submit their votes of the film they wish to watch. You can participate here.


The Sommerkozert at Schönbrunn, Thursday, May 30 at 9:00 p.m., is another summer highlight. The Vienna Philharmonic has performed a free open-air concert on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace annually since 2004. 
This year’s theme is devoted to the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.

“It’s beeeaauutiful, so romantic,” said Andjelkovic, who had been there previous years. If one can go with their partner, “that’s a place to go, definitely.”

Try to be there at least an hour early to secure a good spot.  Beware of the crowd. If you plan to go there with a group of friends, try to meet up first before going in Schönbrunn Palace. With the vast audience – thousands attend -- it can be tricky to search for your friends among the crowd.


Sitting on the hill provides a nice view from the top, but you are less likely to hear it very well. Bring a picnic blanket to sit on; after all, you are in for a two-hour long concert.

Sommernachtskonzert Vienna 2010, "Star Wars"                       Usually at the end of concert encores, the "unofficial anthem of
                                                                                                   Vienna", Johann Strauss' waltz “Wiener Blut” (Vienna Blood) will be played.

Extended: Watch the time-lapse of how the stage Sommernachtskonzert Vienna 2012 was build


Last but not least...


If it is raining…feel like taking a break from the summer heat and other outdoor activities? Check out ‘Dialogue in the Dark, located at the historic vaults of the Schottenstift. Tours are led by blind or visually impaired guides in pitch-dark rooms, allowing visitors to experience what it feel like to rely on other non-visual senses. You can also stay for dinner. Reservations are recommended.

What are your favorite places to go in Vienna during summertime?



Impressions of Vienna. Time-lapse shot of famous and historic places in Vienna. By Georg Riha

Share with us in the response section or post your ideas and photos of a fun way to spend your summer in Vienna! 

2013年6月6日 星期四

Do the work!

"Of course, your feelings are irrelevant to whether or not the market expects great work. 

Do the work. Ignore the feelings part and the work will follow."



A good read and reminder for myself for today! 
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/03/i-dont-feel-like-it.html

2013年4月16日 星期二

Some like it hot, Some like Lindy Hop



My second article on the school publishing platform. For the whole article please visit here.