Untitled Document Home
Chef & Hotel Profile
Publisher's Page
Gift Guide
Travel Adventures
Epicurean Events
Health Minded
Spa Baby Secrets
Sips
Book Bites
Culinary Coup
Sense of Style
Kids Kaleidoscope
Tinsletown Tidbits
Wheels
Radio Show & Links
Contact Us

JetBlue Airways
Eurail
Eurofly
Pearl Seas Cruises
WeatherReports.com


TRAVEL  .  .  .

TEN BEST THINGS TO SEE IN VIENNA

A Quick Tour of Historic Favorites

by Bonnie Carroll

Vienna Hofburg

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.

Vienna State Opera House

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.

Hotel Sacher

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

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.

Perfumerie J.B. Filz

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.

Photo of Empress Elizabeth "Sisi" Funeral in Vienna

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.

Gustav Klimpt - The Kiss

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.

OPUS Restaurant, Hotel Imperial

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.

Mozart Monument

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.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

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.

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

HONORING OUR VETERANS IN SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara’s Veterans Weekend 2015  

 
 Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation  2015 VETERANS WEEKEND EVENTS 

  
 Saturday, Nov. 7    HALF MARATHON  starts 7:15 am       

Line the VETERAN’S MILE from 8:30am to 12 noon

Saturday, Nov. 7    ANNUAL MILITARY BALL 5 pm – 10 pm  

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     

SATURDAY EVENING  5:00 p.m.  ANNUAL MILITARY BALL         

(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

Military Ball    $125. per person  

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  

___________________________________________________________________

PUERTO VALLARTA LAUNCHES “12 DAYS OF WINTER” CAMPAIGN AS A CELEBRATION
OF THE START OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND MANY FESTIVITIES
Chances to win daily prizes from December 1st – 12th including a 12-day all expenses paid vacation in Puerto Vallarta

 
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 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | February 09 | March 09 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | September 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | April 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | February 12 | March 12 | April 12 | May 12 | June 12 | July 12 | September 12 | October 12 | August 12 | November 12 | December 12 | January 13 | February 13 | March 13 | April 13 | May 13 | June 13 | July 13 | August 13 | September 13 | October 13 | November 13 | December 13 | January 14 | February 14 | March 14 | April 14 | August 14 | May 14 | June 14 | July 14 | September 14 | October 14 | November 14 | December 14 | January 15 | February 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | June 15 | July 15 | August 15 | September 15 | October 15 | November 15 | December 15 | January 16 | February 16 | March 16 | April 16 | May 16 | June 16 | July 16 | August 16 | September 16 | October 16 | November 16 | December 16 | February 17 | January 17 | March 17 | April 17 | May 17 | June 17 | September 17 | July 17 | August 17 | October 17 | November 17 | December 17 | January 18 | February 18 | April 18 | March 18 | May 18 | June 18 | July 18 | August 18 | September 18 | October 18 | November 18 | December 18 | January 19 | February 19 | March 19 | May 19 | June 19 | April 19 | July 19 | August 19 | September 19 | October 19 | November 19 | December 19 | January 20 | February 20 | March 20 | April 20 | May 20 | June 20 | July 20 | August 20 | September 20 | October 20 | November 20 | December 20 | January 21 | February 21 | March 21 | April 21 | May 21 | June 21 | July 21 | August 21 | September 21 | November 21 | October 21 | December 21 | January 22 | February 22 | March 22 | April 22 | May 22 | June 22 | July 22 | August 22 | September 22 | October 22 | November 22 | December 22 | January 23 | February 23 | March 23 | April 23 | May 23 | June 23 | July 23 | August 23 | September 23 | October 23 | November 23 | December 23 | January 24 | February 24 | February 08 | January 08

2007
December007
| November 07 | October 07 | September 07 | August 07 | July 07 | June 07 | May 07
April 07 | March 07 | February 07 | January 07

2006
December 06
| November 06 | October 06 | September 06 | August 06 | July 06 | June 06 | May 06
April 06 | March 06 | February 06 | January 06

2005
December 05
| November 05 | October 05 | September 05 | August 05 | July 05 | June 05 | May 05
April 05 | March 05 | February 05 | January 05

© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved