Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Travel Adventures

My recent visit to Vienna originally included a twenty hour schedule of activities that suddenly was reduced to eight hours. This unexpected time challenge forced me to create a best ten bucket list to be covered in less than eight hours. Having been to Wien in years past, and having a great love for the city and it's history, I selected familiar places, all in close proximity to each other, that I knew would not disappoint.

Following a historic statement from Kaiser Franz Joseph in December 1857 that appeared in the Wiener Zeitung stating his wish that the Vienna suburbs should be connected to the center of imperial power, the 5.3-kilometer-long Ringstrasse was built in over 50 years, and it remains unparalleled. The Ringstrasse is the heart of Vienna, and my “Best Ten” favored locations are all here.

The Vienna State Opera House is an architectural treasure that is recognized as the musical heart of the city, and showcases the statues of the two riders on horseback, which were placed on the main facade of the loggia in 1876. They were created by Ernst Julius Hähnel, and represent Erato’s two winged horses that are led by “Harmony and the Muse of Poetry”. On the arches above the veranda are Hähnel’s five bronze statues representing, from left to right: heroism, tragedy, fantasy, comedy, and love, and on the right and left sides of the opera house are two fountains by Josef Gasser, representing two different worlds: on the left, music, dance, joy, and levity, and on the right, seduction, sorrow, love, and revenge. When you enter through one of the main front doors of the lobby, which has been preserved in its original form, you get an immediate impression of the interior of the old opera house. Unaffected by the bombing were the whole main front, the main lobby, the central staircase, the Schwind Foyer and attached veranda, and the Tea Salon on the first floor. These have been preserved in their original state.

Just across the street is the historic Hotel Sacher, where royals and diplomats have enjoyed lunch and cocktails since 1876. This exquisite jewel of a hotel is home to the Rote Restaurant Bar featuring the exceptional culinary skills of Chef Werner Pichlmaier. A Viennese lunch of Tafelspitz in this elegant room, or a Sacher Torte in the Cafe Sacher is a must for anyone visiting Wien.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna. Construction commenced in the 12th century, and today it is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. A total of 13 bells hang in the tower, which offers amazing views of Vienna. The best-known bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Pummerin, is located in north tower, and it is the second-largest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe.

The roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral is comprised of colorful roof tiles laid to create the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. The Cathredral contains the tombs of royalty and princes of the church. It is my favorite Cathredral in the Austro-Hungarian regions.

Just a few steps from the Cathedral you will find my favorite shopping area, and home of the Perfumerie J.B. Filz at Graben 13, where the perfumes of the Royal's have been created by the Filz family for centuries, and today “Wiener Lieblings-Duft” (Vienna Darling) perfume can still be purchased.

On a sunny day there is not a more lovely place than the Hofburg Palace, and my visit to the Sisi Museum was magical. Elizabeth Empress of Austria/Queen of Hungary was truly a 'now' women living in luxury in a past century. The exhibition is beautifully done, and provides an inside look at the life the Empress and Emperor experienced in the huge Hofburg complex. The exhibition was created by renowned set designer Prof. Rolf Langenfass, and inspired by the monarch's poetry.

The Belvedere Museum (Lower) houses beautiful paintings of Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862 – February 6, 1918). For centuries it has housed the exceptional paintings and watercolors of historic artists. It is a beautiful property with charming gardens that was the location of the goodbye dinner for Marie Antoinette when she left Vienna to travel to Paris to become the Queen of France.

A visit to Wien would not be complete without a dinner at the OPUS in the Hotel Imperial. This historic palace was once a family owned palace that became a respected hotel destination for State officials and visiting dignitaries, including several American Presidents. The five star restaurant features the award winning plates of Executive Chef Rupert Schnait. The menu items showcase Viennese flavors served in modern presentations that are photo perfect and amazing.

The Burggarten Park not only offers prominent monuments to Empress Elizabeth and her husband Emperor Franz Joseph, but there is a beautiful monument to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, featuring a large colorful Clef of vibrant pink flowers that would make anyone smile. This park is a peaceful respite to rest and enjoy a water between sightseeing destinations.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum was built in 1891 near the Imperial Palace to house the extensive collections of the imperial family. With its vast array of eminent works and the largest Bruegel collection in the world, it is considered one of the most eminent museums in the world.

Raphael’s "Madonna in the Meadow," Vermeer’s "The Allegory of Painting," the Infanta paintings by Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto are housed in the paintings gallery. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection contains fascinating treasures from mysterious cultures long past.

So, if you are pressed for time, I hope my quick pick list may help you make the most of precious moments in Vienna. Enjoy! For additional information visit: www.vienna.info.

Sunday, Nov. 8 PARADE starts @ Noon Sunday, Nov. 8 CONCERT @ 2:00 pm
Events are designed to honor all veterans of foreign wars along with their families for their devotion & service. They will never be forgotten. PCVF Motto is “Never Forgotten.”

INFO BY EVENT:
SATURDAY 7:15 am Half   7th Annual SB Int’l Veterans Half Marathon
Half Marathon starts @ UCSB, University Plaza (NEW start!) Sponsored by UCSB Alumni Assoc.
Registration open until the day before for largest running event on the Central Coast with 4,000+ signed up. Half gets started on the UCSB campus overlooking the Pacific for the first time. Final mile is all down hill and runners get small American flags. The entire mile is decorated with U.S. & campaign flags, WWII & Vietnam vintage war crafts, and the community cheering the runners. USATF Certified & Boston Qualifying Event.    Registration info online: www.sbmarathon.com or e-mail: sbimarathon@cox.net
8:30 am – 12 noon ~ Line the Veteran’s Mile    The Veteran’s Mile starts at Shoreline Park (Shoreline Dr. & La Marina) and extends downhill where it ends on Leadbetter Beach. New this year: Finish Line Festival.   Everyone is encouraged to cheer the runners on the last mile dedicated to all Veterans. Awards presented to all veterans and a complimentary 805 brew from WalkerFirestone. Lots of vendors and cool stuff at the Finish Line Fest, bring the family and your camera for GREAT photo opportunities!
Special notes: “Veteran’s Mile” will be decorated with American flags and campaign flags from all the wars/conflicts of the 20th century as well as military vehicles in a static display. Runners really like getting cheered on for the final mile by you!   Look up for the flyover of vintage aircraft around 9:30am near the Veteran’s Mile & Leadbetter Beach.
INFO: (805) 259-4394 or online @ website www.PCVF.org

(Not Free + advance RSVP must) The Fess Parker, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Great chance to get all dressed up for a formal evening, and to meet members of our armed forces as well as many veterans in a social setting. Theme of the Ball is the 50th Anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War and our keynote speaker is the 1967 Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Sammy L. Davis (US Army). Evening includes: Cocktail hour, host and no-host bars and delicious three-course dinner. Dancing to the sounds of the Art Deco Band, plus a souvenir photo. C

INFO: To request an invitation call (805) 259-4394 ASAP Or e-mail to: MilitaryBall@pcvf.org You can also order tickets online at Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-ball-2015-tickets-18656709721

SUNDAY 12 Noon – 1pm VETERANS PARADE FREE WHERE: Starts @ at 1400 State Street ends at 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
Veterans are at the core or you could say are the corps of this parade and you’re invited to line the parade route to show your support for all the men and women who have served our country. More than 20 different vintage WWII military vehicles, a Huey helicopter from Vietnam with the local VVA Chapter 218 members; the Sea Cadets, UCSB ROTC Surfrider Battalion; floats from the local bases carrying active duty personnel to applaud; WWII re-enactors and the Primetime Band gets the red, white and blue flying in music and spirit. Scouts and SBHS Don Riders bike club pass out free flags to people along the route to wave as the parade rolls by. SB Sheriff’s helicopter buzzes State Street announcing the start of the parade @ 12 noon sharp. Route heads down State Street to Cabrillo Blvd., where it turns left this year, ending at The Fess Parker. Parade vehicles will be parked in the hotel lot to admire and get some photos. Then relax before the concert starts. Bring a picnic or check out the food trucks.

VERY SPECIAL NOTE: Approx. 12:45pm - Astounding Flyover of more than 25 vintage war birds in precise formations best seen from Cabrillo Blvd., although visible all over town. Largest flyover PCVF has done!

SUNDAY 2:00 pm VETERANS CONCERT FREE WHERE: The Fess Parker, Plaza del Sol, Outdoor Pavilion
633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 ABOUT: This 75-minute concert of patriotic classics and classical pieces from the Westmont Orchestra led by Dr. Michael Shasberger. It’s a wonderful way to end the Veterans Weekend activities on a high note. Bring a picnic; choose from the hotel menus or the food trucks. US Navy’s Parachute Team will tie the parade and concert together in an amazing display of precision and accuracy when they land by the hotel at the end of the parade…adding a new “Wow” factor to the weekend events. (Exact location of landing TBA).

COST: All events - except Military Ball - are Free. Donations always welcome INFO: (805) 259-4394 or by e-mail to: info@PCVF.org
www.PCVF.org www.facebook.com/PCVML www.mcfaddenpr.com

The start of winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1^st to 12^th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded: