#vienna travel guide

[thepastry0]

Best Vienna Travel Guide - Thepastrychefaround.com

Explore Vienna's rich history and culture with this ultimate travel guide. Plan your perfect trip with insights from https://thepastrychefaround.com/the-perfect-itinerary-how-to-spend-2-days-in-vienna-austria/

[hooliganists]

Visiting Vienna on a Budget - What to See

Famously beautiful and famously expensive, Austria’s capital city of Vienna is rich with culture. Its massive palaces, baroque architecture, coffee culture, and musical legacy make it an appealing destination for visitors of all backgrounds- though some may find it a bit cost prohibitive. Traveling on a budget, we had to find a balance between the luxury of the city and the lack thereof in our…

[ronda1466]

Australia's serene landscapes embrace you with tranquility, from the lush rainforests of Daintree to the golden expanses of the Outback. In Vienna, immerse yourself in the city's cultural heartbeat, with classical music resonating through historic concert halls. The harmony of nature and city life creates a unique blend, inviting you to unwind by the serene Danube River or explore the vibrant gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Whether it's the mesmerizing Great Barrier Reef or a leisurely stroll through Vienna's parks, both destinations offer a soothing escape from the hustle of daily life.

Please subscribe to my channel:@DMmahfuz14318

Australia's serene landscapes beckon with tranquility. In Vienna, a cityscape blends with nature's symphony. Picture the iconic Sydney Opera House standing proudly against the azure sky, a testament to architectural brilliance. Venture into the lush Blue Mountains, where eucalyptus-scented air enchants the senses. Feel the golden sands of Bondi Beach beneath your feet, waves whispering tales of the Pacific.

Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden in Melbourne, where vibrant flora dances in harmony. Immerse yourself in the ancient allure of Uluru, a colossal monolith watching time unfold. The Great Barrier Reef unveils a kaleidoscope beneath crystal-clear waters, a masterpiece of marine life.

In the Yarra Valley, sip exquisite wines amid rolling vineyards, each glass a toast to nature's bounty. Kangaroos graze in the Grampians, their silhouettes against a fiery sunset creating a living canvas. The Daintree Rainforest whispers ancient secrets, lush greenery embracing you like an old friend.

Dive into the serenity of Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, its freshwater inviting you to linger. The Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road stand stoically, a testament to the ceaseless rhythm of the Southern Ocean. Tasmania's Cradle Mountain unveils landscapes frozen in time, a wilderness playground.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney, the Royal National Park whispers tales of Aboriginal heritage. The Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory beckons with sacred sites and diverse ecosystems. Gaze at the star-studded Outback sky, an astral display beyond imagination.

Australia, a symphony of nature, invites you to relax and immerse yourself in its diverse, breathtaking beauty.

[savvytravelers]

14-Night Danube Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable 14-night Danube cruise with Savvy Travelers, indulging in luxury and adventure along this iconic river!

[travelseewrite]

48 Hours In Vienna, A Detailed Travel Guide For First-Time Visitors To The Austrian Capital

Vienna, the capital of Austria, exudes imperial grandeur and artistic legacy. Every time I have visited this historic city, I have been in awe of its stunning architecture, classical music, and culinary delights. Though as cliched as it sounds, the city perfectly blends old and new with its beautiful historic buildings and contemporary cultural scene. Vienna attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Although I’ve visited this imperial city thrice, I explore it like a first-time visitor. Therefore, I could only say yes when Air India offered me to visit Vienna on their newly launched Delhi-Vienna route.

Why visit Vienna

Last but not least, Austria’s capital, Vienna, is the biggest wine-producing city in the world. Home to 700 hectares of vineyards and more than 630 wine producers, Vienna is the only capital in the world to produce so much wine within the city limits — including famous wine destinations like France’s Bordeaux, Italy’s Tuscany and USA’s Napa Valley.

When is the best time to visit Vienna?

Although there is no wrong time to visit Vienna, having visited Vienna several times in different seasons, the best time to visit Vienna is during the spring and fall months — from April to May and September to October. The weather is mild, and the city has a lesser influx of tourists than in the peak summer months. However, visiting Vienna during the holiday season is a must if you enjoy Christmas markets.

Spring in Vienna is a magical time of year when the city is brimming with blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and abundant cultural events. Renowned for its beautiful gardens and parks, the city has many spots to check out spring blooms. Some of Vienna’s best places to check out spring blooms are Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Stadtpark, Belvedere Palace Gardens, and Volksgarten.

How to reach Vienna

My Experience Flying Delhi to Vienna by Air India

If you are flying from India, I recommend you take Air India’s direct flight from Delhi to Vienna. I flew business class with them, and it was a delightful experience. Firstly, the flight timings are super convenient — departure and arrival are not at odd hours of the day. My Delhi to Vienna flight departed from Delhi at 2.30 pm and arrived at Vienna airport at 6.30 pm. This convenient time of flying and landing gifted me extra time to explore the nightlife the same day. While returning, I had an 8:30 pm flight departure and a 7 am landing. This gave me a whole night’s rest and no jet lag.

The in-flight comfort and entertainment were exceptionally great, and the multicourse meals served on the plane were prepared by the reputed Chefs of the Taj Hotel. My entire journey from airport check-in to landing at Vienna airport was smooth and comfortable.

Most importantly, the friendly and polite cabin crew won my heart. They made me feel like I was not travelling with some airline staff but with family members.

Getting around Vienna

Exploring Vienna by Public Transport

Although Vienna is a walkable city, I recommend purchasing a Vienna City Card to cover more ground in less time. This card offers unlimited use of Vienna’s public transportation system and discounts at various attractions and restaurants. Vienna has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe, which includes buses, trams, and a metro system known as the U-Bahn. You can purchase single tickets or a 24-hour or 48-hour pass, depending on your needs. Prices start at Price 17 Euro. Taxis and Uber are also available for getting around the city.

Read more About:- 48 Hours In Vienna

[wanderingwynns]

Vienna 3 Day Guide

Vienna 3 Day Guide

[bullet-prooflove]

LongDistance!Series - Part One: Melina - Manny x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets  @kmc1989  @withakindheartx  @darqchilddaydreamz @theesirenteller @wnbweasley @skyesthebomb @delightfulbelieverwerewolf@redpool @trublu2u @fleureeee @thiashazzywriting @lauraaan182 @hatersaremymotivators @fanfic-n-tabulous @ravennaortiz @just-a-throw-away @yousigned-upforthis @kabloswrld @keyweegirlie @katymae12344 @rampsen @@jaebae

In the months that follow more postcards appear on Manny’s fridge, almost more than he can count because you’re bouncing around from country to country, city to city documenting Tattoo Expos throughout Europe.

Barcelona, Lisbon, Munich, Berlin, Paris, Versailles, Vienna.

You’re getting busier and busier these days and Manny can’t help but wonder when you’ll eventually stop to take a breath.

The two of you have been together almost six months and speak daily over Whatsapp through messages, voice notes or video calls. You send the occasional care package from whichever country you’re visiting, beers from Germany, wine from Spain that he’d put aside for when you returned, a gourmet food hamper from France. He’d shared that with his daughter Melina, one evening. The two of them had dressed in striped shirts with matching berets when they sat down and sampled the delicacies.

“Where did this come from?” She’d asked him as he’d set the wicker basket it had arrived in on the kitchen table.

“My friend sent it.” He tells her as they sample some of the salted butter caramel. “She travels all over the world taking pictures of people’s bodyart. Sometimes she sends me things so I can get a taste of the country she’s in.”

“Can I meet her?” Melina had asked.

He’d paused then because although it’s been on his mind recently, but he hasn’t actually broached the topic. There hasn’t been a woman in his life since his ex-Samantha. He’s fucked other women, girls who hung out at the bar, but he’s never brought them home. The truth is he knows it’s not him that they want, it’s the patch. There’s prestige that comes with being acquainted with the President of the club; it gives a woman status. He doesn’t want to bring a person like that into Melina’s world. His daughter is the most precious thing in his life, he doesn’t want her to be tainted by the darker aspects of his existence. She needs better role models in her life than the women who hang around the club and fuck their way up the hierarchy.

“She’s very far away.” He tells her as he snags a handful of coconut popcorn. “Somewhere called Versailles in France.”

He’d hoped that was the end of it before Melina picked up his cellphone and reminded him how video chat worked. His daughter was too smart for her own good and for his.

It’s later that night when Melina’s gone home that he calls you. It’s past midnight in Yuma, which makes it eight am your time. You’re still in your pyjamas, a pretty silk set that he wishes he was there to help you take off. He imagines his fingertips trailing over the thin strap before he guides it down your shoulders.

“My daughter wants to meet you.” He tells you as he sits with his back against the headboard, the room illuminated by the light from his lamp.

“Is that what you want?” You ask him, cradling a mug of coffee to your chest.

He tips his head back against the wall for a second before considering his next words carefully.

“I think this…” He says gesturing between the phone and himself. “…would be a good introduction, a way of testing the waters moving forward. I’ve spoken to Sam and she’s cool with it.”

He’d had the conversation while Melina was packing up her stuff. Once she’d learned you weren’t one of the club girls she had warmed to the idea significantly, he’d shown her some of your pictures and a couple of your articles.

“The two of you getting serious?” She’d asked in that New York drawl of hers and he hadn’t been able to keep the edges of his mouth from twitching up.

Sam can read every single one of his tells. They’ve known each other for over a decade, she’s seen him at his worst and at his best. It’s the first time she’s seen that look on his face in a while and she’s glad that he’s finally focusing on something that isn’t the club or Melina, that he’s allowing himself to be happy.

“Well, she’s successful, she’s smart, she travels the world. I think you could do a lot worse.” She teases him before nudging his shoulder with her own. “At the very least Melina meets an interesting person.”

He’s taken that on board before he’d called you. Even if this thing between the two of you didn’t work out, you can give his daughter insight into another world, one that she won’t get to see here in Yuma.

“If Sam’s signed off and it’s cool with you then I would love to meet her.” You tell him with a smile before taking a sip from your coffee cup. “However, let’s actually schedule a call so that I’m wearing something a little more appropriate when I meet your daughter.”

“I don’t know Mami, that looks pretty appropriate to me right now.” He says, biting his lower lip as the silk clings to your chest. You aren’t wearing a bra, and he can see the dark shape of your nipples through the fabric. “Maybe you could show me a little more.”

You laugh before setting your coffee cup down on the nightstand. You put the phone in the little wooden stand you usually use for when your video calls with Manny get a little risqué.

“So, tell me Manny,” You say as your thumbs hook underneath the straps of your camisole, drawing them down just a little. “What would you like to see first?”

Love Manny? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[falinearthur17]

Hi Taylor,

I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude and admiration, even though my heart is heavy. I traveled all the way from Boise, Idaho, to Vienna to experience your incredible Eras Tour, but sadly, the show was canceled due to the recent events. While I am heartbroken, I am incredibly thankful that everyone is safe.

Your music has been a guiding light for me, and the journey to see you perform in Vienna was a dream come true. Although I couldn't see you this time, I wanted you to know how much your art means to me. Your songs have accompanied me through so many moments in life, and they continue to inspire and uplift me.

Thank you for bringing so much joy and connection to your fans. I hope to see you perform someday soon, and until then, I’ll keep your music close to my heart.

With love and gratitude,

🫶🏼 Faline Arthur

@taylorswift @taylornation

[blackswaneuroparedux]

We might know how it ends, but like all good stories it bears repetition. So here it is again, the story of a battle.

Bernard Cornwell, Waterloo: The True Story of Four Days, Three Armies and Three Battles

So I've been getting lots of questions about the significance of the Battle of Waterloo for Britain, France, and indeed Europe.

Great claims have been made as to the legacy of the Battle of Waterloo; but it is not as clear cut as many may claim; for it certainly did not crush all French opposition in a single blow; it did not augur in a century of enduring peace and prosperity across Europe; nor can it claim to have permanently re-established the monarchical system in Europe. Therefore after all the glory, the death and suffering caused on that battlefield, what were its real long term legacies?

For the people living in the vicinity of Waterloo, the utter destruction of the land and of their homes was devastating to their lives, but time soon healed the wounds on the landscape and the abandoned equipment scattered across the battlefields became a virtual treasure trove for the locals as the field of Waterloo was soon at the top of every travellers ‘must see’ list during a sojourn in Belgium. Numbers lived for years selling relics of the battle or became guides to the battlefield as the bloody fields instantly became a top tourist attraction. Every poet and writer in Europe had to visit to witness the scenes of devastation before penning their impressions and publishing to an eager audience, hungry for every new edition.

When they are examined with the benefit of hindsight, battles are rarely accorded the significance given to them. Few become venerated among a nation’s lieux de mémoire, or contribute to the foundation myths of modern nations. Of the battles of the Napoleonic Wars, it is arguable that Leipzig [the 1813 battle lost to the Allies by French troops under Napoleon] has its place in the rise of German nationalism, even if its real importance was greatly exaggerated and mythologized by 19th-century cultural nationalists. In Pierre Nora’s magisterial study of France, only Bouvines, in 1214 [which ended the 1202–14 Anglo-French War], makes the cut. Waterloo, unsurprisingly, does not figure.

Yet at the time Waterloo was hailed in Britain as a battle different in scale and import from any other of the modern era. It had, it was claimed, ushered in a century of peace in continental Europe. It had brought to a close, in Britain’s favour, the centuries-old military rivalry with France. And it had ended France’s dream of building a great continental empire in Europe, while leaving Britain’s global ambitions intact. If the Victorian age could be claimed as ‘Britain’s century’, it was her victory over Napoleon that had ushered it in. Britain, it seemed, had every reason to celebrate, every reason to claim Waterloo as its own.

To some extent Britain’s response was justified; it was a victory that positioned the country favourably, bolstering its global ambitions and helping to create the conditions for the economic success that lay ahead in the Victorian era. Having laid the final, decisive blow on Napoleon, Britain could command a leading role in the peace negotiations that followed and thus shape a settlement that suited its interests. While other coalition states claimed back sections of Europe, the Vienna Treaty gave Britain control over a number of global territories, including South Africa, Tobago, Sri Lanka, Martinique and the Dutch East Indies, something that would become instrumental in the development of the British Empire’s vast colonial command. It is not surprising then that in other parts of Europe, Waterloo - though still widely acknowledged as decisive - is generally accorded less significance than the Battle of Leipzig.

If Waterloo was Britain’s greatest military triumph, as it is often feted, it surely does not owe that status to the battle itself. Military historians generally agree that the battle was not a great showcase of either Napoleon’s or Wellington’s strategic prowess. Indeed, Napoleon is commonly believed to have made several important blunders at Waterloo, ensuring that Wellington’s task of holding firm was less challenging than it might have been. The battle was a bloodbath on an epic scale but, as an example of two great military leaders locking horns, it leaves a lot to be desired.

The short term significance in the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo marked the end of Napoleon’s storied military career. He reportedly rode away from the battle in tears. Though he emerged victorious, the Duke of Wellington later reflected on the the horrific costs of that victory: “My heart is broken by the terrible loss I have sustained in my old friends and companions and my poor soldiers. Believe me, nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.” Wellington went on to serve as British prime minister, while Blucher, in his 70s at the time of the Waterloo battle, died a few years later.

Waterloo’s long term significance must surely be the role it played in achieving lasting peace in Europe. Wellington, who did not share Napoleon’s relish for battle, is said to have told his men, “If you survive, if you just stand there and repel the French, I’ll guarantee you a generation of peace”. Perhaps the lesson of this historic battle the nations of Europe which fought as foes that day need to forget these old sores and celebrate together; recognising that it did force Europe to acknowledge that it must find a new path of reconciliation and accord. This road has been far from smooth, but each time it has failed, a greater understanding of the need for the European states to work more closely together has emerged from the ashes.

Ultimately this is the truly significant importance of Waterloo.

[thepastry0]

Explore Vienna's rich history and culture with this ultimate travel guide. Plan your perfect trip with insights from https://thepastrychefaround.com/the-perfect-itinerary-how-to-spend-2-days-in-vienna-austria/

[hooliganists]

Visiting Vienna on a Budget- What to Eat

Heading into Vienna, I was a little nervous about over spending on my budget- Austrian prices were certainly a shock after spending so much time in budget friendly Greece. Since we were visiting Vienna in the wintertime, we spent quite a bit of time at Vienna’s various Christmas Markets. You can check out my Vienna Christmas Market Guide here, but suffice to say, some serious snacking was born…

[maryjane888]

On the stump (h.s.)

Part II

Two weeks. Only two more weeks and the semester would be over. It's hard to fuck it all up in only 14 days, but not impossible. Y/n was not going to allow herself to lose focus being this close to her dreams. She had it all planned on her journal and in her meticulously curated vision board. She was going to finish all her grading this week and give Mr Morris a highly detailed lesson plan for next semester like none other. He would recognize her hard work and send that recommendation letter to the UN offices. She would reserve the last week to focus on her last exam. Acing that was a guarantee. By the start of the summer she would receive her congratulations email, making her an official UN intern. A celebration was obviously going to be arranged with her friends and family. Then, the search for an apartment and logistic details would occupy the rest of her summer. By the beginning of fall, y/n was going to be on her cozy new place in Vienna working at the UNOV. There was no room for failure.

Y/n kept thinking about the strange interaction she had with that man Harry and Mr Morris. She decided not to question her professor about it. She didn't want to come off as intrusive. If he felt like it would have been important for her to properly meet him, then he would have formally introduced them that day. Who was he, anyway? Not a student of his, at least not a current one. Y/n was also almost sure he wasn't teaching there either. He looked to young for that. Maybe they were relatives? She decided she needed to go somewhere public in order to continue her work and feel the pressure of strangers to stop herself from wondering about silly things.

…

Y/n's plans came true. Although it did not surprise her, she always felt the warmest sense of fulfilment when she got the things she most wanted. Receiving tight hugs and numerous praises from her family and few friends, recognizing her hard work and high achievements, was definitely one of her favourite things in life. Y/n thrived on that; it gave her purpose.

When she got to Vienna, fresh out of Schwechat Airport, she had never felt so free. She opened the taxi's window and let the crisp air travel to her lungs, as she contemplated her new home for the next 9 months. Y/n carried her two large suitcases up the stairs to her small studio with the help of the taxi driver. There were lots of things to do now. Unpack everything, clean and tidy up the place, buy some decorations, groceries, get familiar with public transportations and timetables, learn the itinerary to UNOV. She did all that during the weekend prior to the start of the internship, and she also got a little time to explore the fun places in the city. She couldn't wait to make friends and hang out with them.

On Sunday night, as y/n was planning her perfect first day outfit, she began to feel her dinner turn into knots in her stomach. She wondered if the job would meet her expectations, if she was good enough and if she would get along with her colleagues. Y/n hoped things would run smoothly. She hoped she would enjoy it. Y/n tried to remind herself that not everything was under her control. She could only show up with a friendly smile and trust her capacities, and not be afraid to ask for help. Perfection was not something she should be expecting this early. Awkwardness was a part of the process of being successful. Y/n would do her best, and everything else would come to her.

She repeated these mantras as she arrived to the foyer. One of the secretaries at the reception guided her to a meeting room where she would meet the other interns and get familiar with the tasks she would be given. Y/n took a deep breath before entering, grounding herself to the moment. First impressions were everything.

There were five people sitting and two other standing side by side at the top of the table.

"Good morning. You must be Y/n." One of the women standing smiled at her. "Good morning. Yes, I'm Y/n". She smiled back at her and at the other eyes examining her.

"Welcome. You can take a seat. We will start the presentation now since everyone has arrived." Y/n sat down and checked the time. She was 15 minutes early. All the others had arrived before her. Mr Morris had warned her about this. She would be working with the best students at their universities. A group of overachievers. And she was the last one to arrive.

The presentation was divided by the two women. They were friendly and made sure the interns were comfortable. The activities didn't seem too difficult to y/n. Challenging, yes. But not discouraging. She felt motivated to start working.

"You will be attributed a tutor. Your tutor will be the one responsible for giving you your specific tasks. These tasks will concern mostly his work and position , although you can perform activities in any field of the UNOV. Your tutor will be someone with experience inside these offices. If you need any help, you should go to him. You will meet them now."

They ended the presentation and gave the interns the names and offices of the people responsible for them. Y/n looked at the printed sheet in her hand. Mr. Styles, office 33D. While she waited for the elevator, she read the brief description presented below. He was a Junior Professional Officer on Drugs and Crime. He had held that position for the last four years. She took a photo of his e-mail and schedules for easy access. Drugs and Crime were not her favourite fields, y/n preferred the Environment Programme. She even highlighted that during her interview, thinking she would be a lot more valuable to that department. Y/n tried to not look disappointed as she knocked on the door to his office. 33D.

“Come in.” As she opened the door, she stopped in her tracks, confused by the man sitting at the desk. Y/n couldn’t speak when she locked eyes with him. He didn’t seem to be surprised. “You can close the door now and take a seat.” Harry looked almost annoyed at her lack of action and words. Boy, how the tables have turned.

Y/n took a seat. Is this a joke? “I’m Harry Styles, your tutor.” Her tutor had seen her in her bra. “You’re- “ He raised and eyebrow at her loss of words. He was unimpressed. “I’m your tutor”. Was she hallucinating?

“We have met before.” Y/n made it sound more like a question than an affirmation. He broke the eye contact and took a deep breath.

“Yes, we have. We shouldn’t have. Specially in those circumstances. So, let us forget about it.” He clasped his hands and leaned a little forward. “I won’t be giving you a lot of work today. I’ll call someone to show you the department. You’ll get familiar with your intern colleagues later.” Y/n felt like he was trying to get rid of her. He wouldn’t even look her in the eye. “You can wait in the floor’s lobby.” Harry started to type on his computer, completely ignoring her. “You can go now.”

Y/n wanted to cry of frustration. She couldn’t believe she would be stuck with him for the rest of her internship. She wouldn’t ask for another tutor on her first day. That would make her look too demanding. She would wait a few weeks to ask for that. In the meantime, y/n would have to find a way to cope with this annoying man.

…

Three weeks had gone by, and y/n wasn’t happy. She had gotten familiar with two other interns, and they had even gone out for a couple of drinks in the city. She was really enjoying her cozy studio and her neighbours were quite friendly. Things were doing well except for the main reason she was staying in Vienna. Her job. Harry was giving her tasks that could be given to a 12-year-old. Go print these. Go get me a black coffee. Go give Mr. What’s His Name this file. And those were the few things she would do for him, because most of the time he would just send her off to watch some old documentaries about drugs in some empty tiny office. It was supposed to broaden her horizons on the matter. She was like a dog to him. Fetch, fetch, fetch. Sit there and do not disturb me. All day. Every day.

Y/n was losing her motivation and most importantly her mind. It was impossible to maintain sanity around that devil of a man. She had an exquisite curriculum. She had an amazing interview. She was chosen for her hard work and excellency. She could not tolerate this any longer.

So, on Monday morning, Y/n decided she would confront him about the tasks she was being given. And if he did not change the types of activities he planned for her, then she would ask for another tutor.

She looked at the reflection in front of her. Y/n didn’t particularly have the most threatening face. Her features were childlike. She just hoped her makeup would make her appear older and more serious. Fingers crossed for that smoked liner. After freshening up and giving herself a pep talk in the bathroom, y/n strode to 33D with determination.

“Good morning, Mr. Styles.” I felt weird calling him that. But it would also be bizarre to call your superior by his first name.

“Morning.” He barely even noticed her, preferring the sight of his computer screen.

“I would like to talk to you, if that’s possible.” Y/n tried to discreetly wipe her sweaty hands to her trousers. “Sure.” Not even a glance. Great.

“It has to do with the assignments you have been giving me.” He stopped typing “What about them?” Y/n cleared her throat and continued. “They’re not quite like the types of activities that were described to me during the internship presentation.”

“So? I don’t see the problem. I am not obligated to give you the exact same chores.”

“I understand, but the problem is that these chores are not very challenging. A child could do them.” He raised an eyebrow at her. He was not happy.

“Mr. Styles, I have skills and knowledge that could be very helpful to the department. I am not here to fetch coffee. All the other interns have been doing tasks that are far more interesting than the ones I’ve been given.” Maybe that was too much.

Harry got up from his chair and slipped his hands in his pockets and gazed at her for a minute before speaking. “Fine. I’ll give you more interesting tasks.”

“Oh.” Was it that easy? She should have complained sooner. “Thank you.” Y/n felt relieved at his answer. It wasn’t as bad has she thought it was going to be.

“You’re dismissed for the rest of the day. I’ll have to plan other errands for you.” Y/n swore she almost saw a glimpse of amusement in his eyes. Was he a mad man?

…

That morning, despite the heavy rain and dark grey clouds, y/n woke up on the best mood. If felt like her first day of work. She felt motivated again, knowing that she wouldn’t have to do the job of a secretary and actually or at least potentially do something fun.

On her way to the offices, she received and e-mail from Harry telling her to meet him in the lobby. They would be working somewhere else today. Y/n grew happier, not minding the fact that she forgot her umbrella at home. The walk from the bus stop to work wasn’t long anyway. Harry spotted her the moment she arrived. The girl with the dripping wet hair and a big smile on her face. She’s weird.

“You’re going to be sick. Go to the bathroom and try to dry it out before we go. Be quick.” She didn’t mind his moody demeanour as long as he didn’t ask for another one of his black coffees. Y/n used some toilet paper and the fancy hand dryer to help her look a little better. Her hair was more voluminous and had soft waves due to the humidity. She also looked a bit flush from the walk and the heat of the dryer. Y/n looked like she had just made out with someone. Not very professional.

They rode together in his car to the place where they would be working. The place in question was still a mystery to y/n. Better not bother him with any questions. It was a miracle alone that she was doing something different.

For some reason, Harry kept glancing at her. Did she look too bad? She wished there wouldn’t be someone too important wherever they were going. She noticed a few planes flying low. They were close to the airport.

He parked the car in front of what seemed to be an old warehouse. A very big one. Was she getting kidnapped? He probably got tired of her and decided he wouldn’t tolerate any interns for any longer.

“Where are we?” To y/n’s surprise, Harry opened the door for her. He showed his ID to the security guard that was standing near by and motioned her to follow him.

“This is where the Austrian federal police investigate drug smuggling and other cross-border crimes.” They walked side by side through a long dull corridor. Then he opened another door to a small dark room with a two-way mirror that allow them to see another one. A classic interrogation room.

“The UN tries to make sure that all the fundamental rights of the people being investigated are protected. Even if they are criminals. The department believes in a more humanistic approach to deal with bigger social problems.”

Two other men entered the room and greeted Harry. “This is y/n. She’s here for some field work.” They offered her warm smiles. Y/n didn’t exactly feel at ease, being in a small room with three other men in a random warehouse. She did always want to work in politics though. And politics were dominated by men.

“They’re about to bring him in.” One of them said.

“Who are they bringing?” She whispered to Harry.

“Just watch.”

A woman with a navy uniform entered the questioning room. “Polizei” was written on top of her right shirt pocket. This woman stood there waiting for something. Another man entered the room accompanied by a security guard. He was probably in his mid-forties.

As soon as he sat down, the officer started the interrogation. At first, she almost seemed friendly to him, but after a few minutes she was slowly becoming more serious. One by one, each question provoked the suspect just a little bit more, gradually tormenting him. With his cuffed wrists laid on the table, y/n could see how white his knuckles had become from how hard he was curling his fists. He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

All of a sudden, the alleged culprit, who had remained perfectly still until now, got up from his chair abruptly, making it fall sideways to the floor. The loud sound made y/n jump slightly. Harry did not move an inch, nor did the two other men by her side.

Then, the suspect managed to hit the officer and make a long cut across her cleavage with his shiny cuffs before the security guard could get a hold of him. Y/n hadn’t even heard the question that made him lose his mind. The only thing she could see was the crimson that was spreading through her chest. She started to feel faint.

“I’m not feeling well.” Y/n grabbed Harry’s shirt for some support. “I need to get out of here.” He noticed how pale she was. The flushed cheeks from minutes ago totally drained. Harry immediately helped her out of the room. She noticed the two other workers were no longer there. When did they leave?

Harry made her sit on the floor of the corridor and grabbed a cup of water from the machine nearby. “Drink” He squatted in front of her, eyes on the same level, and gaze at her, making sure she didn’t pass out. “Are you okay?” Did he look concerned?

“I’m better.” Y/n rested her head on the wall and handed him the plastic cup.

“What happened? Did you eat breakfast?”

“I don’t like blood.”

“Oh.” Y/n took a deep breath to try to relax and forget that awful image from moments ago.

“What happened?” One of the men from earlier returned. A confused look on his face. “We’ve managed to control the guy. Is she okay?”

“Yeah. Just some low blood sugar it’s all.” Harry gave him a tight smile.

“Was it because of the scene in there? Didn’t she pass the training?”

“Don’t know. Everything’s fine now. Sorry for the trouble.” He dismissed his colleague too quickly for y/n to protest. She still felt weak.

“What training? What did he mean?” They were alone in the grey corridor now.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go back to the offices. “ Harry wouldn´t look at her. “This was a bad idea.” He murmured to himself.

“No. What did he mean?” Y/n was irritated now. What was he hiding from her?

“It’s nothing, y/n, let it go.” He tried to pull her up, but she fought against him.

“No. Tell me now!”

“Fine!” Harry got up exasperated. Fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “People who observe these interrogations are supposed to take a stupid course on how to deal with violent situations.”

“What? Why did you bring me here then?”

“I didn’t know you would react like that!” Y/n couldn’t believe he thought this would be a good programme. Harry was the worst. He made her miserable. He was irresponsible and selfish. She had come to her final straw.

“I’m going to ask for another tutor.”

“What? You can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious. You don’t know a thing about tutoring. I haven’t learned any thing with you these past weeks.”

“You will not ask for another tutor”. Harry lowered himself again and pointed a finger at her, an angry look in his eyes.

“Try me.” She had gained her colour back. The anger had awakened her.

“For fuck sakes, y/n.” Harry didn’t know what to do. He didn’t think she was this displeased. He thought she would be happy with the simple chores he gave her. That was stupid of him. It was also stupid to have brought her there.

“I’m sorry.” Harry let a heavy sigh leave his lips in defeat. “I shouldn’t have brought you here. I’ll be a better tutor.”

Y/n couldn’t believe what she had heard. “How can I trust you? Why do you even care that I might want another tutor?”

“It doesn’t matter why. I’m offering what you want, isn’t that enough?” She eyed him with suspicion. “At least think about it.”

“Fine.” Y/n gave in as well. He looked relieved.

Y/n got up slowly but still lost balance. Harry immediately snaked an arm around her steadying her by his side. They walked together towards the exit. Y/n couldn’t help but blush at the close proximity.

She was at least a foot sorter than him. While admiring his jawline and messy curls, her heart was beginning to beat a little faster. Y/n tried to remind herself that he was still her tutor.

“I’ll take you home.”

[savvytravelers]

Danube River Excursions

Embark On Unforgettable Danube River Cruises

Europe’s legendary Danube River offers the quintessential river cruise experience for first-time cruisers and repeat guests alike. Cruise through up to four countries in seven nights or eight countries on our all-encompassing 14-night journey, discovering grand capitals as well as charming off-the-beaten-path hamlets. Our distinctive sailings include a variety of excursions that compel many to return. Read on to learn more about the Danube River and the unique experiences you’ll only have with Savvy Travelers.

Geography of the Danube

Europe’s Danube River begins in Germany, flowing through 10 picturesque countries and four iconic capital cities – Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Belgrade. The portion of the waterway southeast from Budapest, known as the Lower Danube, showcases the lesser-visited countries of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Destination Highlights

Each city and town we visit holds its own special charm, from magnificent Old-World architecture to medieval town squares and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover some of the top destinations and experiences on our Danube River journeys.

Discover More on the Danube

The destinations along the Danube River offer unique history, traditions, local delicacies, and enriching experiences. Get inspired for your journey by reading the stories below.

Why Cruise the Danube

“Ama” means love – and we put love in everything we do, including our incredible Danube River experiences. Learn about the Savvy Travelers difference and why there’s no better way to cruise the Danube River.

Legendary Experiences Await

With an award-winning fleet of ships, including the innovative AmaMagna, cruising the Danube River nearly year-round, no two river cruises are the same. Immerse yourself in spectacular landscapes and distinct cultures on any of our Danube itineraries.

Our Heritage on the River

Our Co-Founder and President grew up in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube River. Each itinerary is thoughtfully curated under his guidance as the “Godfather of River Cruising.” Much of our crew also hails from the regions we sail through.

Highest Rated River Ships

Our award-winning Danube River fleet includes the innovative AmaMagna, featuring ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies, multiple bars, four unique restaurants, an expansive wellness studio, a chic onboard cinema, and a full-sized pickleball court. Many of our ships also have signature view-enhancing twin balconies.

Exclusive Experiences

Our heritage and relationships have granted us access to exclusive events just for our guests on the Danube River. Attend an intimate Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, Germany, enjoy a private tour at Austria’s Greinburg Castle, and savor the flavors of Wachau Valley wine paired with live music at the historic Klosterhof Restaurant in Spitz.

A Variety of Excursions

With up to eight included excursions each day, it’s easy to personalize your experience. In Dürnstein, Austria, take a guided hike or a walking tour, choosing the activity level best suited for you. We also offer culinary-themed special interest tours. All excursions are our treat to you.

Danube Itineraries

We offer a variety of unique itineraries along the Danube River, including 7-night, 5-night, and a 14-night river journey, sailing during spring, summer, fall, or winter.

New for 2025! Celebration of Music

Journey down the Danube, following the echoes of Mozart and Strauss through Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Experience the region's rich history, iconic architecture, and live music.

Magna on the Danube

Indulge your passion for architecture, music, landscapes, and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary designed for the AmaMagna, with plenty of daytime scenic sailing.

Gems of Southeast Europe

Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania as you sail along the lower Danube, showcasing Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, grand cities, and the Iron Gates.

Grand Danube

Explore the history and mystery along the Danube, from the capitals of Budapest and Vienna to timeless towns, immersing yourself in colorful folktales and traditions.

Celebration of Classical Music: the Danube

Experience the Danube's influence on classical music through themed journeys, whether you are a musician, a classical music connoisseur, or a discerning traveler.

Majestic Capitals of the Danube

Delight in the Old-World grandeur of Europe’s capital cities along the Danube during this special 5-night journey, celebrating spectacular journeys with royal treatment.

Melodies of the Danube

See firsthand why the Danube has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians. Let the melodies of the Danube carry you through scenic and historical gems.

Romantic Danube

Travel into the heart of Old World Europe, where empires were built and some of the world’s greatest music was composed. Be romanced by the Danube's regal splendor.

Legendary Danube

Delve into Europe’s history from the medieval city of Nuremberg to Budapest, cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and the Wachau Valley, with biking, hiking, and wine tasting.

Blue Danube Discovery

Discover art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to famous destinations. Visit cathedrals, Baroque abbeys, and the Wachau Valley winemaking region.

Iconic Christmas Markets

Walk through historic towns during Christmas, enjoying twinkling trees, handcrafted treasures, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive sounds.

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Explore traditional Christmas Markets in Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted gifts, sipping mulled wine, and cherishing the festive season in European style.

Unforgettable Land Packages

Enhance your Danube River journey with optional land programs before or after your sailing, accompanied by our wonderful Cruise Managers. Stay at four and five-star hotels and enjoy included amenities and excursions.

Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, timeless customs, and traditional cuisine of each port. Enjoy regionally-inspired cuisine prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Local Recipes

Wiener Schnitzel

Hungarian Goulash

Cozonac

Sacher Torte

Chef Joanne Weir’s Apricot Frangipane Puff Pastry Tart

Chef Joanne Weir’s Fresh Apricot Ice Cream

Embark on a journey through history, culture, and culinary delights with Savvy Travelers. Cruise the legendary Danube River with expertly curated itineraries, luxurious accommodations, and exclusive excursions. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, savor authentic dishes, and unwind aboard state-of-the-art river ships. Elevate your journey and explore the treasures of the Danube with Savvy Travelers!

[thethirdromana]

My journey is all mapped out: a two-week Dracula tour of Europe

A fun fact about me is that I enjoy planning holidays that I have no intention of taking. So, if I had two free weeks and more money than I actually do, here's the Dracula-inspired journey around Europe that I might consider.

(Spoilers under the cut)

Days 1-3: Whitby

This is the opportunity to visit all the key Dracula locations, from a coastal walk to Robin Hood's Bay to gazing out over the village and the sea from Mina and Lucy's favourite spot in the graveyard of St Mary's.

In non-Dracula things, Whitby Goth Weekend happens twice a year in April and October. I recommend the Magpie Café for fish and chips.

Day 4: travel to London

Most of the long train journeys in this plan are delightful overnight sleeper services that will make you feel like you're right there with Jonathan and Mina rattling across Europe. Unfortunately, the journey from Whitby to London is not one of them.

Services are infrequent and the journey takes a solid 5 hours. But the start, where you go very very slowly through the beautiful North York Moors, isn't too bad.

Days 5-7: London

There's a whole heap of things to see in London on a theme by either Dracula or Bram Stoker:

The Lyceum Theatre, where Bram Stoker worked for 27 years

The various houses that Bram Stoker lived in

Golders Green Crematorium, where Bram Stoker's ashes can be visited by appointment

Assorted Dracula settings, such as those the Harkers visited on their London day trip

I'd also suggest a visit to Highgate Cemetery, which may have been part of the inspiration for Lucy's tomb (pop in on Karl Marx and Douglas Adams while you're there), and the British Library for general literary joy.

Exeter is a 2.5 hour train journey from London, so you could also go there, either overnight or for a speedy day-trip, if you're a completist. But personally I'd skip it and spend the time going to see the Lion King at the Lyceum or a Shakespeare play at the Globe instead.

Day 8: Paris

The characters in Dracula take a number of different routes to get across Europe, but I've gone with the route that the Crew of Light take as they go to hunt Dracula down in his home.

That means following the Man in Seat 61 guide for travelling from London to Romania by train, taking an early Eurostar to get yourself to Paris. You'll only have a few hours in Paris before the evening sleeper train, but it should be enough to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, where Oscar Wilde is buried.

Day 9: Vienna

You'll arrive in Vienna around 10am, then have the day to spend there until another evening train. Personally, I'd spend the time visiting the Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum; Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria was famous in the late 19th century and her tragic life story feels fitting for a Dracula tour.

Yes, this plan involves fast trains crossing multiple European countries without much of a breather. Just like they do in Dracula :)

Day 10: Cluj-Napoca

Note: I've visited all the other destinations in this guide, but never been to Romania, though I'd really like to go to Cluj in particular. So from this point on, this is based on googling, not first-hand knowledge.

Cluj, referred to by the German name of Klausenburg in Dracula, is the unofficial capital of Transylvania. Your sleeper train from Vienna should get there around 8.20am, in time to hop on a tram to the Old Town's cluster of breakfast places. I've been told that Cluj is a lively, student-y city with great nightlife and festivals.

Days 11-14: Romania

Time to explore Romania! At this point there's a decision to make. On the one hand, there's strict adherence to the settings of Dracula, in which case you'll want to head to Bistrița, or maybe even extend your journey on to Varna or Galați.

On the other hand, you could go more on vibes. In which case, hire a car to drive through the remoter parts of Transylvania, then turn south to Bran Castle, which has very little actual connection to Dracula but certainly looks the part.

-------

In the unlikely event that anyone actually does this journey off the back of this post, please let me know how it goes. I'd be so thrilled to hear about it!

[hpoxfordprogram]

Running Around Europe

~by Michael Rascher Hectic, stunning, exhausting, and endlessly rewarding. My summer at GT Oxford was marked by incredible experiences that I will treasure for a lifetime. The friends I made, the foods I ate, the places I traveled to, and the views I saw were all spectacular. Despite how draining some days became, I truly wouldn’t trade a single one for anything else in the world.

As a member of the Italy travel group, I started my adventures in Rome where I quickly became immersed in the unimaginable amount of history and culture that it has to offer. Our first event together was a tour of the Vatican that ended in the Sistine Chapel! Truly an awe-inspiring space that encouraged wonder at how Michelangelo was able to skillfully paint such a beautiful fresco on the ceiling of a building over 500 years ago. It was also satisfying to connect bits of trivia I had learned from the pre-departure courses to what I was actually seeing in front of my face. My favorite part was seeing several depictions of scenes from the Biblical book of Genesis, especially The Creation of Adam. I’m thankful that I had some background knowledge from these courses so that I could further appreciate what I was viewing in the Vatican, as well as each of the following museums I visited later on the trip.

One of the best features of traveling with GT Oxford was that I got a free day in almost every city to go wherever I wished. On my free day in Florence, I traveled with a group of my friends to Cinque Terre, a gorgeous collection of five colorful coastal Italian cities. We had a short train layover in Pisa for about 20 minutes, and I was eager to quickly visit the Tower of Pisa but my friends urged me that it was still a mile away from the station. Taking this as a challenge, I grabbed a buddy of mine, hopped off the train as soon as it stopped, sprinted to the Tower, snapped a few pictures, and made it back just in time for our next train! It was well worth the effort to see an iconic piece of Italian architecture.

On my next free day in Milan, I took another trip with my friends to Lake Como which was absolutely spectacular. We spent the day hiking around the lake and swimming in the surroundings of beautiful mountain scenery. I would definitely recommend this as a destination for anyone traveling abroad next summer. The architecture was amazing and the views even more so. I even caught a glimpse of the villa where they filmed the Naboo lake house scenes in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, a rewarding pilgrimage for my younger self.

In Vienna, my day trip took me into the Austrian Alps where I hiked in the Rax mountain range, another incredibly rewarding experience.

Now as a distance runner, it’s been a goal of mine for years to run a full marathon. To my amazement, there just so happened to be a festival hosting a race in Belgium on our free day. While the fast pace of travel leading up to our stay in Antwerp left me with only a handful of opportunities for long training runs, I was still determined to compete and finish. So, I took a train with a couple buddies to the small town of Torhout and was immediately shocked at how many people had gathered there in the middle of nowhere to celebrate the Night of Flanders. The town was absolutely bustling and the environment was electric. After embracing the Flemish traditions and enjoying the festivities for a short while, the race began and I was off! Although it became incredibly difficult near the end, I successfully crossed the finish line (in excruciating pain) and completed my very first marathon as my friends cheered me on. Our spur-of-the-moment adventure resulted in one of my most memorable experiences of the entire trip.

Then, after arriving in Mansfield College and settling into my new home for the next six weeks, I was greeted by resident expert tour guide David Gunnell for an HP-exclusive walking tour of Oxford. He was so entertaining and contained a remarkable depth of knowledge surrounding the history of the city with corresponding literature and movie references. The tour was an enjoyable and informative blur that left me filled with wonder at the immense amount of culture contained in and produced by Oxford over the centuries. I developed a further appreciation for the city’s scholarly works in the classroom while learning from my professor in HTS 3032, Modern European Intellectual History. After reading a variety of influential letters and publishings, I can understand how important Oxford – and England as a whole – was in the development of progressive and forward-thinking ideologies. Together, these experiences opened my eyes to a thoughtful, academic world beneath the lovely facades of Oxford architecture.

One of my most memorable experiences in Oxford was visiting other colleges on Open Days, another opportunity I’d highly recommend. As I walked around the city with a friend, we got to tour the Bodleian’s Duke Humfrey’s Library and Christ Church’s dining hall – both incredibly famous Harry Potter filming locations – for free.

Weekends during GT Oxford were another huge highlight of the program. On the first weekend, I took a train to London with a group of friends and we met up with some more friends from the GT Europe program. It was incredible to see so many important landmarks and buildings in such a condensed area. I enjoyed it so much that I’m even going back to London on my last weekend to experience more.

The following week, I traveled to Dublin and Galway City in Ireland to do some hikes and visit the Guinness Storehouse.

Perhaps my favorite weekend was a vacation trip to the Spanish island of Mallorca with a small group of friends. We toured a family-owned orchard and I got to taste the best orange I’ve ever had in my entire life. After spending plenty of time on the beach, we finished the day with some paella. The next day, we had tapas for lunch and then went snorkeling and saw an incredible variety of sea life! The island was beautiful, and even the view out of our Airbnb window was stunning.

Another phenomenal weekend trip took me to Switzerland where I got to hike in the beauty of the Swiss Alps and swim in crystal-clear water. One surprising thing I got to do while staying in Basel was float down the Rhine River directly through the city center. The water was clean enough and the weather was warm enough that there were literally hundreds and hundreds of people gathered for a swim.

Joining study abroad with GT Oxford was one of the best decisions of my entire life and I am so grateful to have made so many new friends and new memories from all of the amazing experiences we shared together.

[taliatravels]

Back in Uganda again - 10 years later

Stepping off the plane in Entebbe, I was surprised how familiar everything still feels. The air smells the same, the accents tickle the ear the same way, the shops are brightly painted with the same paints. To be back somewhere after nearly ten years is such a blessing. I often find myself thinking about how much has changed since 2015--I now have a bachelor, a masters, and a new citizenship, I survived a global pandemic, I moved to Vienna (twice)--but I also marvel at how much is the same. Returning to Red Chilli, the same hotel where my Ugandan adventure began last time brought a special sort of nostalgia. 

But last time I was here, I missed out on touring Kampala. So this time, I was determined not to make the same mistake twice. I set off bright and early on a city tour of Uganda's capital. We started with a tour of the Old Taxi Park, where you can catch a ride to anywhere in Uganda--and some places even farther than that. Following the taxi park, we did a quick jaunt through the Okiwano Market, the biggest market in the city.

After, we made our way up Old Kampala Hill to the Gaddafi National Mosque. The mosque sits on top of the tallest hill in the city, where the British first built their colonial capital. The mosque was first begun by Idi Amin but was not completed before he was ousted in 1979. The mosque remained incomplete until 2002, when Gaddafi visited Kampala and pledged to finish the project. The mosque is built with wood from the Congo, carpets from Turkey, lamps from Egypt and art from Saudi Arabia. After the tour of the interior, we walked up the 292 steps (woof) of the minaret to see the best view of Kampala; from the top, you can see the city stadium, the first Anglican church and the first Catholic church in the city, and the Makerere University campus. 

Next, we traveled to Kabaka Palace, where the kings of Buganda Kingdom used to live. The palace was built in the late 1880s and housed three Bugandan kings before it was commandeered by Idi Amin's forces in the 70s. The palace armory then became the scene of torture and execution for thousands of innocent Ugandans. The guide told me to take a picture of the torture chamber, though I have not included it here, so that I could "remember the horrors of that time."

After perhaps the most depressing part of the tour, we went to lunch. For lunch, we stopped at a small local restaurant called Maama Barbarou, where we feasted on rice, brands, beef stew, yams and more to fortify us before our final stop.

Last, but not least, we visited the Martyr's Shrine, which was built at the site where the 32 first Christians in Uganda were killed for their faith in the late 1800s. The church is magnificent, built in a circular shape to resemble a traditional African home, the interior made of magnificent mahogany wood. On the 3rd of June every year, the area is overtaken by over one million pilgrims, many of whom walk from their homes in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzánia and Burundi. While I was visiting, the guide showed me the exact spot where the martyrs were burned alive, which is now where the church's alter sits. Outside, there is a large amphitheater, which was filled with pilgrims celebrating their faith.

Though the tour of Kampala was a little depressing, I am glad they I got to bettet understand the city and her people before heading to my next location.