Category Archives: Austria

A Walk along the Semmering Railway

At first glance, the landscape in the Vienna Alps looks idyllic. But the expert’s eye realizes immediately that something is missing here: a railroad! Because how are the people supposed to enjoy the picturesque landscape if they can’t get there … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, History, Photography, Technology, Travel, Video Blog | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

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Good news: the days are getting longer. Unless you live in the Southern hemisphere, then you are doomed to darkness. And unless you live on the equator, in which case you are missing out on something fabulous. My sister asked … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Books, Brazil, Canada, Economics, Germany, Iran, Language, Politics, Religion, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Travel, UK, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Birthday Walk from Vienna to Bratislava

Zur Originalfassung auf Deutsch. It had been storming and thunderstorming the whole night. That was good, because the air was clear and it was ten degrees cooler than the oppressive July average. Perfect for hiking. On the other hand, there … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Photography, Slovakia, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

“The Dark Valley”, a Western from Austria

Yes, Austria. Not Australia. That cute country with castles and Kaiserschmarrn, waltz and Waltz, Mozart and marzipan? But Austria has winters, too. Tough winters, like in Wyoming. And mountains like in Montana. Valleys like in Yosemite. And reclusive communities deep … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Cinema, Germany, Italy, Language | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

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If you care neither about the deficit, nor about providing public services, it’s actually quite easy to cut taxes. When I saw books by Džon Grišam at the bookshop in Montenegro, I was happy that my name wouldn’t have to be … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Books, Economics, Germany, Italy, Language, Montenegro, Politics, Romania, USA | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Vrmac – where you get drunk from hiking

Zur deutschen Fassung dieses Artikels. The only disadvantage about Kotor is its location in a fjord, surrounded by steep mountains, which to cross takes the sun a few cumbersome hours every morning while it already warms people and spirits elsewhere … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, History, Montenegro, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

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But what will become of James Bond if we don’t tolerate sexual harassment anymore? Trying to cash in on crypto-currencies, I have now invested all my savings in Paypal. I always find it strange when people say “I am writing … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Economics, Israel, Language, Montenegro, Politics, Romania | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

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What a week in South America. Venezuela is moving closer to dictatorship  and in Paraguay, protesters set the Parliament building on fire. Too bad I don’t have time to be everywhere myself. Both would be extremely interesting right now. I … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Books, France, History, Human Rights, Military, Politics, Sports, Travel, USA, Venezuela | Tagged , , | 3 Comments