September 2019 Highlights by AWA Office

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Highlights! SEPTEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019/Highlights! PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE What a glorious summer! I so enjoyed being pain-free, alternating between my caravan and my garden in Himberg, reading at least a couple of books every day, relaxing, gardening (new flagstones laid, reseeding the grass, planting new shrubs after the dreaded cotoneaster had been removed), and just pootling about. The odd days with AWA - at Weiden, meeting the cyclists at Das Fritz restaurant there and then in Purbach, a great lunch date in Laxenburg with a mini-train ride and boating on the lake, plus the annual Summer Luncheon - all occasionally broke my routine of indolence! As Autumn approaches, I am reminded of this John Keats poem: Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, And still more, later flowers for the bees, Until they think warm days will never cease, For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells. But there were fewer bees on my lavender, not a single butterfly on my Buddleia, and very few mosquitoes compared to last summer. With a 95% decline in the population of insects in Europe, the number of insect-eating birds swooping the skies in Oggau at dusk was significantly lower this year (even despite the Austrian government paying farmers to set aside areas of wildflowers for insects). However, back to work I go with an action-packed September and plenty in the pipeline for beyond. Here's to growing and blooming...

CONTENTS 03 President's Message MEMBERS

04 Home Country Q&A: Serbia / Katarina Spasic 05 Kleingärten, Caravans, Camping / Sheila Hargreaves LANDMARKS

06 A Royal View of a Hotel Jewel / Sheila Hargreaves Connecting the Lions / Linda Manco FOOD

07 A Taste of Cyprus / Irene Schlegelmilch ISSUES

08 Homeless in Vienna / Sheila Hargreaves, Irene Schlegelmilch 09 FAWCO Unites Women of the World / Bev Bachmeyer ACTIVITIES

10 Activities Listing / Food & Friends Photos 12 Calendar 14 Tours, Trips, Social Events Listing EXPLORE

16 Go Bezirk: 8th District - Josefstadt 18 Two-Day Vacation in...Vienna / Vera Saunders 19 Jewellery and Mahogany 20 Contrast, Cuisine, History in Cyprus / Joanna Loizou 22 Charity Report 23 Vienna in September

Sheila

Cover photo: Club regular Prinz (constant companion of AWA President Sheila Hargreaves) enjoys a ride around the lake - especially when someone else is pedalling. For more about the Kleingarten life, read Sheila's article on page 5. Photo/model grooming by Sheila Hargreaves.

HIGHLIGHTS TEAM Editor/Layout Virginia Sheridan/awahighlights@gmail.com Assistant Editor Sheila Hargreaves/sheilahargreaves@a1.net Proofreaders Irene Schlegelmilch, Erin Silangil, Jane Webster Advertising Manager Nadia Di Paola/ 0678 125 2229/ awahighlightsads@gmail.com Advertising, Online Design/Membership Erin Silangil /01 966 2925 /spindler.silangil@gmail.com Margarita Randl /01 966 2925 awa@awavienna.com

AWA VIENNA IBAN: AT59 1952 0018 0009 2361 Highlights is published by AWA Vienna, on a monthly basis from September to June, and is sent to all members. All inquiries should be addressed to: AWA Vienna Attn: Highlights Editor, Singerstrasse 4/11 1010 Vienna All rights to the printed material in Highlights, including advertising and the cover painting/photo, revert to the contributors following the publication. Highlights is printed on chlorine-free paper. ZVR-Zahl 327744193 Eigentümer, Herausgeber und Verleger: AWA Vienna, Singerstrasse 4/11, 1010 Wien. Für den Inhalt verantwortlich: Offenlegung/Herausgeber: Sheila Hargreaves, Krautgartengasse 3A/2/3, Himberg bei Wien Diese Zeitschrift dient dem Zweck, Freunde der American Women’s Association über Aktivitäten der Organisation zu informieren.

Home Country Q&A: Serbia

MEMBERS

AWA might have "American" in its name, but it's international in practice with members from 40 countries (and counting). Travel the globe with "sister" members and discover new information about each other and their/our world in our new series "Home Country Q&A."

Member: Katarina Spasic Home Country: Serbia How long did you live in Serbia? I was born in Serbia (Belgrade) and lived there for 38 years. I completed my schooling there through University, where I started my career in Journalism and then Media Consulting. Your favourite Serbian dishes? Gibanica (a phyllo dough pastry with soft cheese and eggs), sarma (minced meat rolled in sour cabbage leaves), pasulj (a white bean soup). My favourite place to get a taste of home in Vienna (outside of my kitchen) is Koliba (Laxenburger Str. 6, 1100) for the Serbian grill čevapčići. Teach us some useful phrases in Serbian. Hello - hallo or zdravo Thank you - hvala Cheers - živeli Your recommendations for places to visit? Most popular is Belgrade (literally “White City”), the capital and the largest city in Serbia, with a very attractive location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. One “must visit” spot there is Skadarlija, a car-free, cobblestone, vintage-looking street and bohemian headquarter (something like Montmartre in Paris) that has always attracted famous poets, actors, and painters to its cafes. (BBC named Belgrade one of the top 5 Most Creative Cities in the World writing, "Long cut off from the international movements, Belgrade is a hub for international art in Europe... fuelled by a vibrant youth culture.")

Belgrade, waterfront view.

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia, on the banks of the Danube river, facing the northern slopes of the mountain Fruška Gora. I also recommend seeing one of the famous orthodox monasteries, such as the beautiful Manasija, situated in the central part of country. What are "must do" activities in Belgrade? 1. Belgrade is maybe most famous for its night life and entertainment (it has been called “a city that never sleeps”), so definitely stay out late. 2. Serbians are well known for their extreme hospitality. Try to get invited to a Serbian home, where you will be treated like royalty and fed large quantities of food. 3. Take a photo in Kalemegdan park. Beautiful views to the new parts of the city located across the river. Something to see “off the tourist trail”? A completely new Belgrade area is growing called “Belgrade Waterfront.” It is a commercial and residential area, meant to orient city-life toward the banks of the river Sava and rebuild a formerly ruined part of the city. What do you like to do when back in Serbia? Do: Walk or drive along the city and try to notice how it’s changing. Eat: Čevapčići, much better back home than anywhere in Vienna. Buy: Always a new book. Serbia has many good writers and I like to be up-to date with its modern literature. Any special memories to share? From the time I was strolled in a pram by my parents to my university days, my deepest and happiest memories are connected with Tašmajdan park. Located near my home and the famous church of Sveti Marko, the park had nice children’s playgrounds, and the trendy Madera restaurant with a beautiful garden. It might seem like any other park to outsiders, but to me, it’s the place where my memories grew. Did you know... ● Most Serbian last names end on 'ić', translated as “the offspring,” similar to the Nordic suffix 'son.' ● Almost 95% of raspberries sold in the world are grown in Serbia. ● 18 Roman emperors, including Constantine the Great, were born in what is now Serbia. ● "Vampire" is the only Serbian word that is recognised and used throughout the world.

Belgrade fortress, Kaemegdan Park

Kleingärten, Caravans & Camping By Sheila Hargreaves

MEMBERS

next door is a great attraction! The 180 temporary Camping Plätze nearby ebb and flow with You may have noticed across Vienna that there are large areas of fenced garden areas with rather campers of all nationalities, many travelling south, some staying for a holiday. It is quite a diverse, fancy single-story structures on them. These started as illegal gardens many years ago, but the busy, seasonal community. shortage of food after WWI and WWII overrode My return to Oggau this year was later than usual, even the Austrian at the end of June, love of law and order after my operation and they were made and the long wait for official as allotments physiotherapy. My with sheds. There neighbors there greeted are now more than me with pleasure and 27,000 of these curiosity. Where was gardens and 247 I, everyone asked, “Clubs” tending them. and why had I not visited earlier in the Until 1992, the sheds season? Strange that were only allowed to I have finally become be occupied in the one of the regulars summer. Gradually after 11 years. Since many of the modest then I’ve been busy structures were in the garden, which transformed into had gone to pot and more elaborate required a full week of weeding, sweeping, mini-houses and are now inhabited all year. deadheading roses, and unpacking garden The land belongs to Vienna, but the title to the furniture, etc before I was happy. My garden is a plots is generally family-owned and handed joy and lots of work, but all the plants have deep down the generations. As a result, not only roots so watering is not an issue. are very few plots available for new owners, but they are also enormously expensive (from I have always loved camping, from my first €150,000 to €600,000). Hence the explosion of outdoor adventure at the age of 16 on the River similar Kleingärten across Niederösterreich and Wye in Wales. Since then, all my holidays were Burgenland. Every small lake or puddle has a in a tent. Buying a caravan in 2005 was my first cluster of small houses, no longer for just growing taste of “luxury.” But best of all, in my caravan, I food but also (mainly) for leisure. can escape the noisy neighbours that disturb my peace in my “other” full-time residence. I have just When I first moved to Vienna, I travelled all over Austria, from Villach to the Waldviertel, searching signed a new contract for my little house in Oggau for the next seven years, so I’ll be back next for the ideal spot for my own Kleingarten, and season, hopefully earlier than this year. eventually chose Oggau. Only a few of the 450 permanent places there (mostly mobile homes) Sheila Hargreaves is AWA President, Tours Organiser, become available each year (mainly as pensioners Assistant Editor of Highlights and an avid camper. die off). I quickly snatched up a spot, packed up the precious caravan I had left behind in Germany, and hired a big car to tow it to Burgenland. My caravan, albeit with a stationary wooden roof, now sits on a lovely garden plot. It has running water, electricity and a sewage system. I also have two wooden huts, one for fridge and garden implements, and the other for shower, toilet, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. I may not be on the Neusiedlersee, but there are sailing boats galore all summer in the channel from the Hafen (a brisk walk from my caravan spot). The restaurant there is quite pleasant, with cool winds off the water. The site is only open seasonally, from 1 April to 1 November, and some residents live there all summer. Some drive back and forth to work in Vienna and some travel every weekend, while the pensioners remain all summer to await the arrival of hordes of grandchildren. The children all seem to know each other and cycle, very safely, all over the area. The swimming pool

LANDMARKS

A Royal View of a Hotel Jewel

By Sheila Hargreaves Most visitors staying at the Royal Suite of the exclusive Imperial Hotel (Kärtner Ring 16) pay exorbitant fees to be there. But for our group of nearly 30, entrance was free! No jumping on the beds or use of the Bulgari toiletries allowed during the brief visit, but we did get that privileged view. It was all part of a first-time AWA tour, guided by Herr Moser, the former, knowledgeable Imperial Hotel Concierge. The Italian Neoclassical building was originally constructed in 1863 for a German prince, Duke Philipp of Württemburg, who abandoned it after only three years due to all the dirt and noise of the Ringstrasse construction boom. In 1873, it was converted into a hotel for the Vienna World’s Fair, and is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection of Five-Star hotels. From the foyer (once an open courtyard for the carriages to drop off guests), our group was ushered into the magnificent Festival Hall (the former open-roofed carriage hall decorated in mock marble, stucco lusso and wall coverings). Next door in the Marble Hall, we saw the real marble pillars and wooden ceiling once enjoyed by the horses when it served as the stables. We also saw the special back exit, the Herbert Von Karajan door, that leads the international conductors (who generally stay at the Imperial) directly to the Musikverein. Franz Joseph stands at the top of the first flight of the original marble grand staircase (now located at the side of the foyer), leading up to the Royal Suite. It is as sumptuous as one

would expect, with ornate “oldfashioned” furniture as well as modern technology (the windows are soundproof). The cost can be can €6000 per night in the high season! Considered “safe” from a security perspective as it is a standalone building, the Imperial Hotel has seen its share of royal visitors, including Emperor Akihito of Japan, the Shah of Persia, and Queen Elizabeth II. Other notables who have signed the guest book: world leaders Nikita Khrushchev, François Mitterrand, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Vladamir Putin (twice!); entertainment luminaries Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and many more. Not only was the tour free, but we were also offered tastings of the three versions of the Imperial Torte, similar to the Sachertorte (but better, in my view). A sweet, suite Imperial treat!

Historical Imperial

●For Queen Elizabeth's visit, all chairs were removed from the lobby to encourage standing. ●The hotel was once partly-owned by Samuel Schallinger, a Jewish businessman who was forced to sell the Imperial to the Nazis before WWII. He died in 1942 at the Theresienstadt camp. ●Adolf Hitler worked at the hotel as a labourer during his youth, and later returned as a guest in 1938. ●In 1945, the Imperial became the Russian HQ. It was returned in 1955 without furniture.

Connecting Two Lions By Linda Manco As a child, on holiday in a home on Waiheke Island, I saw a framed black and white photo of a lion in great distress. Year after year, any time I passed that photo, I would avert my eyes to avoid looking at it. I didn’t know where the photo was taken, only that it upset me. Fast forward half a century and I’m in Vienna. I love to take a train, tram or bus to the end of the line in or out of Vienna to explore what's there, then walk back. This is how I became acquainted with The Lion of Aspern monument, on Asperner Heldenplatz, during a trip in the 22nd District. The first time I saw the sculpture, I had an emotional reaction similar to when I saw that

photograph as a child. I now know that the monument commemorates the Battle of AspernEssling, fought in this district (a forest and wetlands at that time) over two days in May 1809. It was when the Austrian army (lead by Archduke Karl of Austria) repelled an attack by Napoleon’s troops. The French army retreated, and throughout Europe the “Battle of Aspern” was known as the first “defeat” of Napolean (though he did finally defeat the Austrian army two weeks later in the Battle of Wagram). The sandstone sculpture is of a dying lion. You can see the tip of the sword that pierced him under his left shoulder blade. Erected in 1858 to commemorate the battle (one of the biggest in pre-20th century army history), it also the represents the 10,000 soldiers killed on both sides, as well as the many thousands wounded. I’ve returned to Aspern several times and always enjoy that strong feeling of familiarity when I see the lion – now without having to look away.

A Taste of Cyprus By Irene Schlegelmilch Can too many cooks spoil the broth? In the case of the hands-on Cypriot cooking workshop lead by Joanna Loizou in May, it was more a case of “many hands make light work” when guided by such an enthusiastic instructor and provided with pre-washed and pre-measured ingredients. Each “sous chef” in attendance was assigned a specific task: chopping, grating, mixing, squeezing or stirring. The Cypriot music in the background, peppered with lots of laughter, helped everyone to work in good rhythm. With the calm and clear instructions of Joanna, a trained chef and longtime resident of Cyprus, the dishes were soon assembled and ready for boiling, baking and serving. Then we sat down to enjoy a family-style meal, complete with optional ouzo. Each of the dishes combined familiar ingredients but in interesting ways. The pourgouri, a dish of bulgur wheat and vermicelli in a tomato sauce (new for me), combined very basic ingredients into a rich, flavoursome dish suitable for vegans, yet hearty enough to be a main dish. Joanna’s version of hummus (a staple favourite of mine) had a pleasing chunky texture that came from crushing rather than blending the chickpeas. The recipe for the Cypriot meatballs (keftedes) used grated potato instead of bread as a binder (great for those with gluten intolerance) and the delicious addition of “secret” ingredient cinnamon. The Cypriot Greek salad (horiatiki salata) seemed to require endless chopping, but the resulting crunchy taste was well worth the labour. Hard to believe that we had room for dessert after such a sumptuous meal. But how could we resist a thick slice of doukissa, a no-bake chocolate refrigerator cake that Joanna (wearing her professional baker hat) kindly prepared in advance. She also treated us to a selection of her yummy JoJo’s Cakes and Bakes cupcakes (available at https://jojosbakes.com ). Throughout the workshop, Joanna spiced up the conversation with tasty historical morsels about each dish. For example, the name for the meatballs, keftedes, is said to have originated from the Hellenic words koptos/kopte, describing something finely chopped. Rice dish pourgouri can be prepared in four minutes and was considered to be a “poor man’s dish.” The olive oil in the horiatiki “village” salad (a.k.a. Greek salad) helps to lower cholesterol and has antioxidant properties that shield against heart attacks. Tzatziki became popular across the Mediterranean thanks to the Ottomans, who may have been influenced by the Indian dish raita. To create your own taste of Cyprus, try the attached keftedes recipe (option to bake as we did rather than fry). If you’d rather sample these dishes authentically with a visit to the country, see Joanna’s insider travel recommendations on pages 20 and 22.

FOOD Cuisine of Cyprus Class: Jocelyn, Bahar, Andrea, Joanna, Jacqueline, Irene.

KEFTEDES – Cyprus-style fried meatballs Makes 16-20 keftedes 750g minced pork 250g grated potatoes (strained of the excess water) 1 large onion grated 2 large handfuls of finely chopped parsley 1 tsp mint 2 tsps sea salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp black pepper 2 large eggs Serve with slices of lemon. Method Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together well. Leave to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then form oval meatballs about the size of your palm until all the mixture is gone. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of 2–3 cm and place over medium heat. Add the keftedes and cook for 10–12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towel and garnish with parsley. Delicious eaten hot or cold, or served with Greek salad and dips.

ISSUES

Homeless in Vienna - Who Helps?

By Sheila Hargreaves and Irene Schlegelmilch

8 The sight of an elderly woman,

toothless and stick-thin in ragged clothes, standing by her multiple carrier bags of possessions at the U-Bahn Kärntnerstrasse exit, reminds me of the plight of the homeless. Numbering about 10,000 in Vienna, these individuals without a permanent place to live are in extremely vulnerable situations – sick, with permanent physical, mental or intellectual disabilities, often dependent on drugs and alcohol. Most of them have no income, do not receive social benefits, have no health insurance and lack personal documents. Who helps these people who seem beyond help? Die Gruft / Homeless Charity Caritas. The Crypt of the Church of Mariahilf serves as a Caritas emergency overnight shelter (one of many throughout the city) for homeless men. There are floor mats, sleeping bags, washing machines, showers, and other small comforts. The nearby daycare centre houses facilities for medical and dental care, food and social help, even hairdressing. When I visited this center a number of years ago, I was impressed by the care shown to the men and by the endless patience of the helpers. Caritas also operate the Kältetelefon (01 480 4553), a number that passersby can phone during the winter if they see a freezing sleeper. Augustin. Sellers of this magazine are a common sight on street corners and outside U-Bahn exits. Usually the first job the homeless can get when they leave the "Gruft," Augustin sellers earn €1.25 for each magazine they sell. Increasingly, refugees (who are unable to work legally) are selling the Augustin, but with the limited number of official permits, competition is fierce for the best spots. (Note that anyone with a criminal record cannot be registered as a seller, so be wary of those without badges.) Camilla, a lovely lady from the country of Georgia, has had an Augustin-selling spot under Stephansplatz two days a week for several years. She is a refugee waiting for a visa, selling to support her daughter. Interesting to note that the name of the newspaper is derived from the legend of Viennese bagpipe player Augustin who in 1679 fell into a drunken stupor, was mistaken as a victim of the plague, was buried in a mass grave, then awoke in a panic and blew his bagpipe until he was dug out again. Like Augustin, in many ways the call of the newspaper sellers is a means of “digging out” of a catastrophic situation. SH

Franziskaner Church Soup Kitchen. At 9am sharp every Friday, for more than ten years, the massive wooden doors open to the grand refectory of the Franziskaner monastery in the first district. The hungry guests hurry in and line up for a bowl of freshly prepared, hearty soup and bread. Each week between 80-180 homeless, poor and needy guests are welcomed. Nobody is turned away. Many are regulars who keep returning to escape the elements, if temporarily, and enjoy the food, company, and takeaway packages of cakes, bread, clothing and toiletries. A church social worker mingles with the guests, answers questions, and offers support. The fresh ingredients for the soup are supplied largely by individuals, neighboring bakeries, Wiener Tafel and other companies. Pre-Christmas time is particularly special. On the Advent Saturdays, the Hall is decorated festively and guests are served punch, sausages, and trays of traditional cookies. A local choir leads the singing of familiar Christmas Carols. Just before Christmas, gift parcels are handed out. Last year the packages contained woolly hats that were knitted by AWA members (who also baked and decorated Christmas cookies for the festivities). The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Present in 153 countries with more than 1 million volunteers, this global network of local charities (founded in France in 1833), focuses on the poor. The Austrian branch of the charity, Vinzenzgemeinschaften, includes more than 200 local groups that organise projects and resources such as overnight shelters, thrift stores, and medical centers. Once a month, a team of AWA volunteers prepares a warm evening meal for the residents of VinziPort in the third district, which provides short-term shelter to homeless men from the EU for up to two months. IS Contact AWA if you would like to help with cooking for the homeless. Volunteers report that it’s a humbling, educational and rewarding experience.

FAWCO Unites Women of the World By Beverly Bachmeyer A Vision. Carolyn Curtis Brown understood the potential power of united women. Then President of the American Women's Club in London, Carolyn believed that enlightened women, working cooperatively throughout the world, could help achieve international peace. In 1931 she organised a meeting of American Women’s clubs in Antwerp, Berlin,The Hague, London, Paris, Vienna and Zurich, and founded the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO). The group’s main objectives focused on international goodwill and peace, the cooperative solution of common problems, and aid for women whose citizenship rights were being restricted or ignored. From the outset FAWCO was involved with “bigpicture” issues: international peace initiatives, the Equal Rights Bill in the United States, citizenship status for U.S. women married to foreigners, and the creation of a scholarship program. History/Her Story. All FAWCO activities were suspended from 1939 to 1949, but in the first ten post-war years, the Federation grew from 8 to 18 member clubs, and made its first "Mutual Aid" donation to earthquake victims in Thessaloniki. During the Sixties, FAWCO turned its attention to changing patterns in family life and the richness of dual-cultural heritage. The FAWCO Foundation (1967) developed a large-scale awards program for study in the U.S. and abroad, and now also administers Development Grants to projects proposed by individual clubs. The photo-tracing of Rwandan children in the refugee camps of Tanzania, and a literacy project for women and girls in Morocco are just two of the many projects funded by these grants. In the 1970s, the organisation was instrumental in obtaining the vote for overseas U.S. citizens, and joined other American organisations to advocate

ISSUES

equitable treatment for American citizens abroad. FAWCO established a Relief Fund, made donations to Mexico earthquake victims, and set up a permanent Resource Center in The Hague. In 1990, FAWCO joined with other organisations to form the World Federation of Americans Abroad (WFAA). These representatives now meet regularly with Washington policymakers on behalf of the more than 3 million Americans who live abroad. The United Nations recognised the group as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in 1995. Among other accomplishments, FAWCO sent representatives to the Peace Conference in The Hague in May 1999. FAWCO Today. FAWCO's clubs stretch across six continents, from Norway to Kenya, and from Canada to Australia. As a UN-accredited NGO, FAWCO advocates on behalf of women’s issues in international fora, and provides information on/support for educational opportunities, U.S. citizenship, living and working abroad, literacy and training programs for women and children in developing countries, and environmental protection projects. Join us! Our forbearers made great strides by working together, but countless challenges remain, such as women’s health, discrimination in pay, and sex trafficking. To join a powerful force of united women, get involved in AWA FAWCO. See Highlights and AWA weekly email blasts for our monthly meeting dates, and/or contact Bev at awafawcorep@gmail.com or call 066473607487.

SOCIAL

Weekly/Monthly Activities

@ AWA Clubhouse

10 @ Off-Site Location

Languages

ITALIAN CONVERSATION Mondays, 9 and 23 September at 13:30 Nadia Di Paola / 0678 1252229 FLUENT SPANISH CONVERSATION Resumes in October. Teresa Benet / ftmirella@yahoo.com GERMAN FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Tuesdays starting on 17 September at 10:30, minimum two members ADVANCED BEGINNERS’ GERMAN CONVERSATION Tuesday, 3 and 10 September with Mona mona.angel.nilsson@gmail.com GERMAN CONVERSATION A1+ Tuesdays at 12:00 / 01 876 2041/ andrea.s.melchiorre@t-online.de FLUENT GERMAN CONVERSATION Wednesdays, after Weekly Coffee, lunch in different local restaurants. FRENCH CONVERSATION Wednesdays at 11:30 with Françoise Delannoy or Antonia Zane ENGLISH CONVERSATION FOR LEARNERS Thursdays at 13:00 with Lizzie Haszczyn

SpiritualitY & Exercise

SINGING GROUP Fridays, 10:30-12:00. Sing with the AWA choir, led and accompanied by Sandra Schweighofer on her piano! Contact Lidice Pollan lidice.pollan@gmail.com/0699/1924-7478

Reading & Study

MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Tuesday, 17 September at 13:00 For our first meeting after the summer break, we will discuss British journalist Richard Bassett’s Last Days in Old Europe: Trieste ’79, Vienna ’85, Prague ‘89. His account of these cities before the end of the Cold War recalls the relative stability of those years. Upcoming books may include Omani author Jokha Alharth’s novel of a 20th century family, Celestial Bodies (which won the Booker International Prize). Also possibly upcoming is French writer Maylis de Kerangi’s The Cook, a short novel of the young chef Mauro’s intensive training for his chosen profession. For those looking for a well-written, but challenging book for holiday reading, Rick Atkinson’s 776-page nonfiction book, The British Are Coming The War for America Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777, is recommended. All are welcome. Mary Wagener / mary.l.wagener@gmail.com BIBLE STUDY From Thursday, 12 September from 10:00-12:00 with Sandy Shaffer: /02243 287 01 / sshaffer@entrust4.org

Sport & Fitness

FALUN GONG Wednesdays from 14:00 to 15:00 (14:30 on 11 September) and 18:00 to 19:00 Nayiri Asvazadurian/ 0650 610 4545 n.asvazadurian@gmail.com

SOCIAL TENNIS Weekly, times by arrangement. Reservation required to guarantee the time and court. Contact Urte Paulus to be added to the tennis messenger group: urte.paulus@gmx.at 0676 676 58 29

AMERICAN MAHJONG Tuesdays at 13:00

Sunday Fitness Walk Sundays, meet at 10:55 for an 11:00 start in front of the main entrance to the Staatsoper. We walk in the direction of the Bristol Hotel. Leader: Minoo Cassens

Games & Music

BOARD GAMES Thursdays at 10:00. Words, Scrabble and numbers for fun. Anne Lugmayer 0699 500 9643 AWA BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Mondays from 15:00 -16:30 with Stephanie Barrett on guitar.

Weekly Coffee WEEKLY COFFEE AT CAFE SLUKA Weekly, Wednesdays, 10:00 - 12:00 Café Sluka, Weihburggasse 4, 1010 Weekly Coffee Chair: Gerda Moes, 0676 387 2450 Other hosts: Urte Paulus, 0676 6765829 /Hyacinth Krippner, 0650 554 7156 /Lini Stangl, 0664 179 7031/ Helena Schasché, 0676 331 8626 /Heike Little, 01 789 0199

WALKS AROUND THE RING

Tuesday Walk Tuesdays at 10:00 Meet in front of main entrance to the Staatsoper. Leader: Jacqueline Finniss

MAWA (Men of AWA) COFFEE Weekly, Wednesdays 10:30 - 12:00 Cafe Alt Wien, Bäckerstrasse 9, 1010 Robert Blaukopf/ robert.blaukopf@gmail.com Club & Activity Organisers: Please send photos and an update of your group (latest activity, anecdotes, etc) to awahighlights@gmail.com

Food & Friends Photos

SOCIAL

Brunch in the Summer. Linda, Barbara, Ania, Krisztina, Alejandra, Janet, Harriett, Lisa, Bev, Jacqueline

Clothes of Loden and traditional Austrian style Above: Bake-Along. Peggy, Jocelyne, Jane, Sandra. Below: Spanish cuisine. Teresa, Sharon, Choonai, Minoo, Helena.

The family-run business pays highest attention to customer service and specialized knowledge Michaelerplatz 6, A-1010 Wien Tel.: +43-(0)1-533 80 32 office@loden-plankl.at www.loden-plankl.at

Competent, friendly staff will welcome you to our office. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and as a patient you should accept nothing less. Our primary goal is to give you both a great smile and a healthy, long-lasting bite. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment using state-of-the art orthodontics in a caring, friendly environment. Billrothstrasse 58 1190 - Vienna +43 1 36 77 222 smile@claudia-aichinger.com www.claudia-aichinger.com

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 12

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

2 CLUBHOUSE RE-OPENS No Spanish until October 15:00 Baby & Toddler Group 17:00 Happy Hour @ Marriott

10:00 Tuesday Walk around the Ring 10:30 Adv Beginners German Conv 12:00 German A1+ Conversation 13:00 American Mahjong

9 10:30 Colour Workshop (Fashion) 13:30 Italian Conversation 15:00 Baby & Toddler Group

10:00 AWA Charity Bake Sale & President's Coffee 15:00 Baby & Toddler Group 15:00 Art in the Afternoon

15:00 Baby & Toddler Group 15:30 Golden Girls' Tea Party

Ladies’ Wine Evening/Farewell to Peggy and Katie!, Ida, Peggy, Lisa, Anthea, Katie, Maria, Kristina.

4 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 14:00 18:00

10 10:00 Tuesday Walk around the Ring 10:30 Adv Beginners German Conv 12:00 German A1+ Conversation 13:00 American Mahjong 13:30 Charity Knitting and Crafting 15:00 Charity Committee Meeting 17:30 Die Mőwe Volunteer Meeting

10:30 Health & Wellness 13:30 Italian Conversation 15:00 Baby & Toddler Group

10:00 Tuesday Walk around the Ring 10:30 German for Absolute Beginners 12:00 German A1+ Conversation 12:00 Veggie Vienna at Yamm 13:00 American Mahjong 13:00 Book Discussion Group 17:00 Bucket List 18:00 Prosecco & Popcorn Film Night

10:00 Tuesday Walk around the Ring 10:30 German for Absolute Beginners 12:00 German A1+ Conversation 13:00 American Mahjong

Weekly Coffee at Café Sluka MAWA Coffee French Conversation Fluent German Conversation Falun Gong Falun Gong

11 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 12:30 14:30

Weekly Coffee at Café Sluka MAWA Coffee French Conversation Fluent German Conversation AWA Board Meeting Falun Gong/ 18:00 Falun Gong

10:00 Weekly Coffee at Café Sluka 10:30 MAWA Coffee 11:30 French Conversation 12:00 Fluent German Conversation 14:00 Falun Gong/ 18:00 Falun Gong

10:00 Weekly Coffee at Café Sluka 10:30 MAWA Coffee 11:30 French Conversation 12:00 Fluent German Conversation 14:00 Falun Gong/ 18:00 Falun Gong 18:00 MAWA Dinner Night 19:00 Ladies' Dining Experience

@ AWA Clubhouse @ Off-Site Location ** By arrangement only

See pages 10-11, 14-15 for event/activity specifics

Thursday

Fri/Sat/Sun

5 10:00 Board Games 13:00 English Conv for Learners 14:00 Tour Zentralfriedhof museum 19:00 Ladies' Wine Evening

FRIDAY 06 10:30 Singing Group

SUNDAY 08 11:00 Fitness Walk around the Ring ADVANCE NOTICE

12 10:00 10:00 13:00 15:00

Board Games Bible Study English Conv for Learners Third Man Sewer Tour

10:00 Board Games 10:00 Bible Study 13:00 English Conv for Learners 13:00 Seniors' Luncheon

FRIDAY 13 10:30 Singing Group

SUNDAY 15 11:00 Fitness Walk around the Ring

FRIDAY 20 10:30 Singing Group 12:30 Monthly Luncheon

SATURDAY 21 19:00 Champagne Group SUNDAY 22 11:00 Fitness Walk around the Ring

10:00 Board Games 10:00 Bible Study 13:00 English Conv for Learners 14:30 Tour of Russian Cathedral 16:00 Tea/Cake at Imperial Riding School

FRIDAY 27 10:30 Singing Group 19:00 Charity Bingo Night

SUNDAY 29 11:00 Fitness Walk around the Ring

Company Tour: Borealis 29 October from 12:30 to 15:00 Borealis Polyolefine GMBH DanubiastraĂ&#x;e 21-25, 2320 Schwechat Courtesy of AWA member Maria Ciliberti, Vice President Marketing & New Business Development at Borealis, we have an exciting and highly unusual private visit to the Borealis Plant at Schwechat. A leading provider of polyolefins (present in plastics), base chemicals, and fertilizers, the company also seeks "new applications and material solutions that address global challenges in the areas of climate, energy, food, health, water and sanitation, waste, and the mechanical recycling of polyolefins." We will assemble at 12:30 at the main entrance to Borealis for an introduction and presentation about Borealisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; efforts on Energy, Climate and Sustainability, followed by a bus tour of the plant (saves us from having to wear safety gear!) Sign up: by Tuesday, 22 October Strict deadline as we must pre-register to enter. Maximum of 20, spouses and friends welcome. How to get there: Take the S7 Schnellbahn from Rennweg at 11:51, alight at Mannsworth Bhf, then walk (about 7 minutes) on Danubiastrasse. Return trains at 15:22 and 15:52. July Laxenburg train, boat and lunch: Lisa, Irene, Linda, Sheila, Urte, Naira, Virginia.

Middle left: Toddler Group. Kerstin, Holly and Sebbie, Nico, Paulina, Elaine and Jordan, Stephanie, Claudia Left. June Monthly lunch, at Ella's, clockwise from left: Sharon, Andrea, Jaqueline, Peggy, Regina, Christine, Krisztina, Janet, Nadia, LIsa, Jane, Naira, Elisabeth.

Tours/Trips/Social Events

EVENTS Sign up for the following tours/trips/social events by sending an email to awa@awavienna.com or by calling the AWA office at 01 9662925 (unless otherwise noted). AWA Clubhouse events located at Singerstr. 4/11,1010. Please arrive on time and call to cancel when plans have changed. Thank you!

Dining & Drinking

HAPPY HOUR COCKTAILS: Cascade Bar, Marriott Hotel Monday, 2 September from 17:00 to 19:00 Parkring 12a, 1010 Relaxed socialization with a group of smart, fun women! Hosted by Minoo and Sonja. Two-for-one drink prices and €5 all-you-can-eat buffet available. Bar is located rear lobby level. Toast to life with us - and bring friends! Sign up: by noon on the Monday. LADIES’ WINE EVENING: HEURIGER SCHÜBEL-AUER Thursday, 5 September at 19:00 Kahlenbergerstr. 22, 1190 We are going to a traditional Heuriger in the little village of Nussdorf, where we can enjoy traditional Viennese Heuriger food along with locallyproduced wines either in their comfortable rooms or outside in their beautiful wine garden. Join us for Viennese-style wine drinking. If you sign up but can't attend, please send apologies. Sign up: by Monday, 2 September Kristina Musil /awa@awavienna.com PROSECCO & POPCORN MOVIE NIGHT Tuesday, 17 September at 18:00, AWA Clubhouse Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018). Get your ABBA gear on and join us for another fun ABBA sing-along evening. Sign up: by noon, 17 September VEGGIE VIENNA: YAMM Tuesday, 17 September at 12:00 Universitätsring 10, 1010 This month we are returning to a favourite spot, Yamm. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices from the selfservice counter and the a la carte menu. Non-vegetarians welcome to join us to discover delicious, plant-based meals with us. Much more than "rabbit food"! Sign up: by Monday, 16 September SENIORS’ LUNCHEON: FROMME HELENE Thursday, 19 September at 13:00 Josefstädterstr.15, 1080 Sign up: with Phyllis Wieser directly 01 320 8418 phylliswieser@aon.at MONTHLY LUNCHEON: RESTAURANT LEBENBAUER Friday, 20 September at 12:30 Teinfaltstr. 3, 1010 Vienna This restaurant is lovely, with delicious food, great service, and a very good reputation: It was a 2018 winner of a Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award. Sign up: by Wednesday, 18 September by contacting Nadia Di Paola / 0678 1252229

NEW! CHAMPAGNE CLUB: THE WINE BANK Saturday, 21 September, 19:00 to 21:30 Grünangergasse 8, 1010 (in the cellar) What is Champagne? So much more beyond what you drink on New Year's Eve! Join us and learn more about the production, health benefits, and more of this bubbly beverage. Cost: €70 per person for 7 champagnes, including cuisine paired with each tasting from Le Salzgries Paris. Sign up: by Wednesday, 18 September via AWA OR contact Sommelière Sandy Schweighofer directly via SMS on 0676-928-9699 MAWA (Men of AWA) DINNER NIGHT Wednesday, 25 September at 18:00 MAWA (Men of AWA) is the group for spouses of AWA members. New members are especially encouraged! Robert Blaukopf / robert.blaukopf@gmail.com LADIES’ DINING EXPERIENCE: DO & CO Wednesday, 25 September at 19:00 Stephansplatz 12, 1010 Time for white tablecloths and silver service, at this top-floor restaurant, which offers the spires of the Stephansdom as backdrop. Choices include savoury spices of Asia, the best of Sushi and Sashimi, classic Viennese dishes and more! Please contact Annick directly by Friday, 20 September. europolitan@chello.at / Annick Gauthier / 0699 1968 8173 THE GOLDEN GIRLS` TEA PARTY: GRAND HOTEL Monday, 30 September at 15:30 Kärntner Ring 9, 1010 (1st floor) Lively ladies share insights in elegant surroundings. It`s pure fun at a moderate price. Come and join the conversation. Sign up: by Friday, 27 September directly with Vera Saunders verasaunders@gmx.net or evenings (01) 990 6492

Charity & Outreach

CHARITY KNITTING AND CRAFTING Tuesday, 10 September 13:30- 15:00, AWA Clubhouse Join us in our goal to knit 110 scarves for our 2019 charity knitting project: Christmas presents for the homeless and needy. Don’t know how to knit and want to learn? Helena Schasché will be on hand to teach novice knitters. Needles and yarn are available in the clubhouse, but donations of acrylic yarn (not wool) are always welcome. Feel free to join us, too, if you are working on other crafting projects. Sign up: by Monday, 9 September DIE MÖWE VOLUNTEER MEETING Tuesday, 10 September at 17:30, AWA Clubhouse A get-together for all members currently working on our Die Mōwe Family Support project, and also for any members who are interested in joining this hands-on/hearts-on team. Come learn more about our current families, what our volunteers are doing to help, and the positive benefits to all. Bubbly and cake provided. Sign up: Monday, 9 September CHARITY BAKE SALE & PRESIDENT’S COFFEE Monday, 16 September, 10:00 to 12:00, AWA Clubhouse Join us for coffee, cakes and conversation in aid of the AWA Charity, Die Möwe. Donations of baked goods requested and greatly appreciated. Cost: €5, includes refreshments. Sign up: by Wednesday, 11 September

Tours/Trips/Social Events CHARITY FUNDRAISER BINGO NIGHT Friday, 27 September from 19:00-21:00 Die Möwe Centre, Börsegasse 9, 1010 Feeling lucky? Join us for our first Bingo night to support Die Möwe. Bring your family and friends for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights as Bingo champion. Cost: €10 entry fee includes a Bingo card, your first glass of wine, and snacks. Additional cards are €2 each or €5 for 3. Sign up: by Tuesday, 24 September

Health & Wellness BUCKET LIST: REACHING FOR DREAMS Tuesday, 17 September at 17:00, AWA Clubhouse The Bucket-Listers of AWA live their dreams. They ride elephants, swim with dolphins and Great White sharks, observe gorillas in Uganda, try new foods… no goal is too small or too high. Join us monthly to find and fulfill your dreams – and support group members in theirs. Sign up: by Monday, 16 September awa@awavienna.com Urte Paulus MENTAL DIET: YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK! Monday, 23 September at 10:30, AWA Clubhouse This session is led by Zuzana Schwalb who says: We are what we eat, but also we are what we think. We translate our thoughts into decisions and actions to create our own personal reality, but 95% of the 60,000 thoughts we have per day pass us by. Thoughts are extremely powerful and can either support or sabotage us. I’ve learned that trying to change my world without changing my mind is like trying to change my reflection in a mirror without changing my physical appearance! Sign up: by 20 September

Behind the Scenes

TOUR: MUSEUM OF THE ZENTRALFRIEDHOF Thursday, 5 September at 14:00 Simmeringer Hauptstr. 234, 1110 From Tor 2, walk forward and take the first right turn. This is an amazing museum, recently refurbished to represent death and funerals. The old and new rituals of death for the Viennese will be explained, and the top ten choices of funeral music today revealed (My Way is apparently one of the most popular!) Tour plus guide costs €10 per person. Friends and spouses welcome. Sign up: by Monday, 2 September Sheila Hargreaves awa@awavienna.com /0676 755 9804 TOUR: THE THIRD MAN SEWERS Thursday 12 September at 15:00 Karlsplatz-Girardipark, 1010 Opposite the Café Museum. A repeat for those unable to attend the May tour. Only 10 places available! Dress in layers to descend to the underground scenes where Harry Lime was chased by police in the film The Third Man. Tour

EVENTS features movie scenes and views the larger tunnels though which Orson Welles refused to run (a stunt double was used instead). Interesting info about Vienna sewer system, too. May not work for those sensitive to small spaces or odd scents. Cost is €10. Friends and partners/spouses welcome. Sign up: by Thursday, 5 September. TOUR: RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ST. NICHOLAS Thursday, 26 September at 14:30 Jaurèsgasse 2, 1030 St. Nicholas is a splendid Russian Orthodox Cathedral, with a magnificent interior decorated with 1500m2 of gold icons. Built between 1893 and 1899 right next to the Russian embassy, it sits on 30 loads of imported Russian subsoil and was funded in large part by Tsar Alexander III. The cathedral was extensively renovated in 2003-2008. Sign up: by Tuesday, 24 September Sheila Hargreaves awa@awavienna.com / 0676 7559 804 AFTER-TOUR REFRESHMENTS IMPERIAL RIDING SCHOOL RENAISSANCE HOTEL Thursday, 26 September at 16:00 Ungargasse 6 (across the train bridge from the Russian cathedral) Join us for refreshments at the hotel managed by Thomas van Opstal, husband of AWA Member Jing. Meant to be an add-on to those touring the Russian cathedral earlier in the day, but all are welcome to join (pay for what you order). Sign up: by Tuesday, 24 September

Fashion & Design

COLOURS & FASHION: CLAUDIA LINDEMOOD Monday, 9 September at 10:30 Claudia Lindemood Salon, Beatrixgasse 21, 1030 A hairdresser, make-up artist and a fashion and style consultant, Claudia Lindemood advises on how inner values, desires and goals can influence our appearance and are therefore closely linked to our look. Her motto is “Feel good in style.” Austrian-born, Claudia has lived around the world and has herself been an "expat" in Texas. The session will include a presentation with some individual analysis and Q&A. Sign up: by Thursday, 5 September

Arts & Culture

ART IN THE AFTERNOON: THE THEATRE MUSEUM-EVERYBODY DANCES Monday, 16 September at 15:00 Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 In the first part of the 20th century, Vienna was an important international centre for Modern Dance. This exhibition focuses on the female dancers, choreographers and teachers who were the pioneers for the European Modernism – and how the dance scene destroyed by Nazi dictatorship further developed in exile. No guided tour, but we will meet and then go through the exhibition at our own pace or in small groups. Tickets are €12. Purchase in advance online or at the ticket counter that day .https://www.theatermuseum.at/en/in-front-of-the-curtain/ exhibitions/everybody-dances/ Sign up: by Thursday, 12 September Ida Vickers/ awa@awavienna.com

EXPLORE

Go Bezirk! MEMBER TIPS

The smallest Bezirk, Josefstadt is compact, convenient and cultural. With a number of smaller palais, some quirky museums, and long-established theatres for both English and German language productions, it has no lack of interest. Yet it's not really on the tourist track (even thought it's right behind the Rathaus and the Ring). That means that the 8th's plethora of international and Viennese restaurants and cosy coffee shops are filled with students and long-time residents. Not much green space, but they did vote in a Green Party candidate.

THE 1080 TIP SQUAD Helene Gressenbauer (HG). 10 years. Enjoys the quiet areas and close proximity to the 1st. Lini Stangl (LS). 5 years. Chose the location to be walking distance to shops, restaurants. Marianne Spitzer. (MS) Since 1986. Convenient for commuting to work. Lisa Shull (LSh). 2.5 years. Enjoys sitting on her rooftop enjoying the view over the entire city.

HIDDEN GEMS

●Potstill, Strozzigasse 37. A whiskey shop with 1,000 different single malt scotch whiskies in stock and a knowledgeable staff. Fun shocolate/whiskey combos.

●Palais Auersperg, Auerspergstr. 1. Vienna’s oldest baroque palace where once Mozart played is now a music/ event hall with a stunning double FAVOURITE COFFEE/CAFE red-carpeted stairway and a Café Eiles, Josefstädterstr. 2. lovely park with grand old trees. Wonderful pastries and Aperol sprizz, few tourists. Good value. ●Gartenpalais Schönborn, Laudongasse 15-19. Finished in Open since 1840, but with 1930s décor. MS 1713, and since 1917 home to the Austrian Museum of Folk Life Café Florianihof, Florianigasse and Art (another hidden gem). It’s 45. Relaxed, Viennese flavor. one of the few historical buildings With smoking section way in the unchanged externally over back,non-smokers can breathe the years. Not to be confused freely. HG with Schönbrun or the Palais Schönborn-Batthyány in the 1st. Café der Provinz, Maria Treugasse 3. Known for galettes, ●Palais Damian, Langegasse excellent coffee, a view of the 53. A bit gritty but still pretty, this church. A locals' hangout. HG gives you a sense of what palais are like when not constantly Creme de la Creme, renovated. Now home to a Langegasse 76. Best cakes! LS regional Disability Assoc. HG FAVOURITE LUNCH/BRUNCH ●Weinstube Josefstadt Beef & Glory, Florianigasse 35. Heuriger, Piaristengasse 27. The Costly, but THE spot for meat rare heuriger close to city center lovers. Austrian Simmentaler with a beautiful shaded garden beef, imported grass fed beef, that seats 80. They also carry an Wagyu beef...HG extensive list of unusual Austrian bottled wines. Opens at 16:00 Sakai, Florianigasse 36. Highly daily. Reservations a must via recommended, great sushi, phone or their Facebook page. beautiful garden. LSh ●The Shoe Museum, Florianigasse 66. Only open every other Tuesday or by special appointment. Famous footwear such as Emperor Franz Josef’s riding boots, displays on history of shoemaking. Not surprising, it’s “the only museum of its kind” in Austria. ●The Common Room Florianigasse 54. Ceramic and arts classes and workshop space for children through adults. Chill vibe, friendly staff, coffee!

Muscheln & mehr, Kochgasse 18. Serves all kinds of seafood, specialising in mussels.HG Il Sestante, Piaristengasse 50. Italian restaurant with outdoor seating on the square in front of the church Maria Treu. HG Limoni’s, Josefstädterstr. 73. Healthy, homestyle lunches. LS The Nguyen’s Pho House, Lerchenfelder Str. 46. Authentic Vietnamese at reasonable prices. Very popular. LS

FOR

Josefstadt 1080

EXPLORE

children playing...especially Es Gibt Reis, Piaristengasse 15. Amazing mix of Asian cuisine lovely in summer/evening. LS and good cocktails. LS Lerchenfelderstrasse is full of interesting architecture and Westpol, Lerchenfelderstr. 71. Levantine food. Stuffed zucchini shops. LSh with feta! SPECIAL NIGHT OUT Pizzeria La Spiga, Fuhrmanns, Furmannsgasse Lerchenfelderstr. 65. For best 9. Run by one of Austria’s most pizzas outside Naples. MS well-known sommeliers, thus has an excellent wine list. HG Puerta del Sol, Langegasse 52. Authentic Spanish tapas, 90 Umami 5, Lerchenfelderstr. wines on list, cosy, good prices. 88-90. Have the five-course Omakase (chef's surpise) dinner. Las Mexicas, Langasse 12. Consistently delicious. LS Tacos and Margaritas! LSh

customer service. LS

Fromme Helene, Josefstädterstr. 15. It’s a classic with a beautiful Josefstädterstrasse is great garden in the basement area. We for shopping: Spar, DM, Bipa, like to sit at the bar for a drink in Denn’s, Oberlaa, nice boutiques, late evening. LSh Hannibals... and also for SHOPPING outdated little shops where you wonder how on earth they Doll’s Blumen, Langegasse manage to survive. Beautiful 62. Creative arrangements. buildings line the street, look up Husband/wife team. LS for the Jugendstil façades! HG Jumi Käse, Langegasse 28. Piaristenplatz. Church, cafes, Delicious Swiss Cheese! Great

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

RECOMMENDED WALKS

TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS ●Through the side entrance in Lederergasse of the Piaristenkirche (also called church Maria Treu), have a look at the interior, a favourite pick for weddings. Leave by the main entrance to admire the only curved baroque façade in Vienna modelled on the churches in Rome. Perhaps have a drink on the gorgeous square with an Italian feeling, walk up and down Josefstädterstrasse and the picturesque Lenaugasse, and stroll the Schönborn Park, originally the garden of the Palais Schönborn (now Volkskundemuseum). Pass by the new posh apartment building Palais Fürth (actually not a palace at all but the birth clinic for the wealthy Jewish community in 1900) and the newly renovated Amtshaus (government office) on Schlesinger Platz. On Landesgerichtsstr, I would show you two other impressive buildings: the former k.u.k. Military Geographical Institute (check out the globe on top of the roof!) and the Landesgericht für Strafsachen (higher criminal

Mair Botanics, Langegasse 41. Soaps, creams, perfumes from organic roses grown by owner. Grandia, Josefstädterstr. 50. Old, fabulous home goods store. HG Rene Stadlbauer Accessoires, Alserstr. 51. Cute little shop specialising in purses, scarves and gloves. The owner is from France and she loves to practise her English! LSh Muso koroni, Josefstädterstr 33. Vegan clothing and accessories. This smallest district has two major theatres: The English Theatre on Josefsgasse 12 (the oldest one in continental Europe), and the German-language Theater in der Josefstadt on Josefstädterstr. 26 (traditional, founded 1788 but also surprises with new productions). LS Kabarett Niedermayr, Lenaugasse 1A. For comedy in German. HG Tunnel, Florianigasse 39. For live music in the jazz cellar. Also a bar and restaurant. MS The Volkskundemuseum Wien/Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art in Palais Schönborn. Focus on everyday life objects like snowshoes, locks, closets and an entire Bavarian wooden room. LSh FAVOURITE FACT

court and jail) towards Alserstr. Search for hidden passageways with nice restaurants from the 8th to the 7th district off Lerchenfelderstr. HG ●Since the 8th district is the smallest and squarest of all of Vienna’s districts, I would suggest wandering among the streets, criss-crossing between the boundaries of Alserstr. and Lechenfelderstr. Stop at any of the boutiques, cafes, or bars that interest you. Most of the restaurants are closer to the Rathaus area of the district. Look for the few small parks and small green spaces throughout the district. LS

● Josefstadt was named after Emperor Joseph I. HG ● Most mayors of Vienna have lived in the 8th. ● The Coat of Arms for Josefstadt is that of Joseph 1, and features St. Joseph holding baby Jesus. ● Until 1911, artist Gustav Klimt's workshop was in the backyard of a house in the Josefstädterstr. The Kiss, Judith and the Head of Holofernes many other famous works were created here. Live in Landstrasse/1030? Please send your Bezirk tips by 1 September to awahighlights@gmail.com

TOUR TALK

Two-Day Vacation in...Vienna

Day Two. I began with a little window-shopping in the first district. At Harro Berger Kermamik Ever felt stressed-out and ready to jump off (Weihburggasse 17, 1010), you can buy exquisite, the planet, yet had little time to spare for a real brilliantly-coloured ceramic jewellery. There are holiday? I have and I’ve found a way to have a also dishes, vases, jugs and mugs. I splurged on a break without leaving Vienna. I became a “tourist” small €10 blue bowl, which will come in handy as for two days. a house gift when I'm invited to an Austrian BBQ party. Across the street, there are assorted gift Day One. Ignoring my email, the TV, and the Internet, I walked out of my front door. No packing, shops and a lovely courtyard filled with flowers. security scans or flights involved! First stop: After a 90-minute boat ride on the Danube, I Belvedere Palace, where early in the morning toured Schönbrunn Palace, built in the 18th I sauntered through the magnificent park and century to surpass the beauty of Versailles. But Alpine Garden (the oldest in Europe) enjoying before entering the palatial buildings, I first took the fragrance of orchids and other exotic flowers. a stroll in the immense park. It's easy to imagine There’s even an original Japanese Bonsai among lovers in a bygone era playing Hide-and-Seek the flora and fauna. This sanctuary was soothing as they dodged around the high-leafed, wall-like for my body and soul. Of course, I also visited The hedges that create a maze-like effect. Belvedere Museum to admire and contemplate the breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece of Gustav Globe-trotting culture-vultures come to marvel at Klimt’s painting The Kiss. the sumptuously-decorated state rooms, but that afternoon I was in the mood for the zoo. Founded My next visual treat: the Ernst Fuchs Museum in 1752, the baroque buildings act as an imposing (Hüttelbergstrasse 26, 1140), built in 1889 by backdrop to the more than 8,000 animals that can architect Otto Wagner. This villa is a jewel, with be seen here. I wandered about looking at exotic six rooms housing a collection of oil paintings, birds, Siberian tigers, a crocodile and, pretending drawings, sculptures, turn-of-the century interior I was on holiday in a far-away land, watched a stained glass windows and handcrafted furniture. keeper feed the sea lions. Call ahead for a tour in English. A fifteen-minute walk through the palace grounds Then it was off to the Museum of Clocks and led to the Gloriette of Schönbrunn and its Watches (the Uhrenmuseum, at Schulhof 2, superb view of the city. Now converted into a 1010). Tiny, tucked away on a cobbled street, teahouse, the columned structure uphill from the its displays show the development of the art of castle was where Empress Marie Theresia liked watchmaking from the 15th to the 20th century. to have breakfast. I decided to have a homemade There I discovered (among other fascinating pastry and, out of a tall glass, sipped iced coffee horological details) that the quartz watch revealed through layers and layers of vanilla ice cream. that at the end of March the Earth advances In true Viennese style, I sat and leisurely read a 3/100th of a second and at the end of October it magazine supplied by the establishment. Now slows 3/100th of a second. that’s my idea of absolute heaven! Before ending this fact-filled day with a longTo cap off these two energy-enhancing, senseawaited refreshment, I visited the Museum of indulging days, I attended a Mozart and Strauss Crime (the Wiener Kriminalmuseum, at Grosse concert at the Palace Orangery of Schönbrunn, Sperlgasse 24, 1020), which jolted me out of letting my thoughts drift away to the magical my reverie as this place is definitely not for the sound of “The Blue Danube” and the familiar squeamish with its explicit photos and souvenirs melodies from the “The Magic Flute.” from executed criminals. If I really were emulating a tourist, I suppose I Late afternoon, footsore, but nevertheless in would have also checked into a hotel, perhaps the excellent spirits, I craved something sweet and Altstadt Hotel (Kirchengasse 41, 1070), with its dropped into elegant Demel (Kohlmarkt 14, 1010) red-carpeted stairs and stylish rooms that combine for a dessert and coffee. One of my favourite old-world charm with modern conveniences. A concoctions is steamed chocolate ring cake good idea for the next time I need a refreshing surrounded by whipped cream, colourfully named local Staycation. I can’t wait to get that stressed “Mohr im Hemd,” which literally translated (using out feeling once again! an outdated word) to “a Moor in a shirt.” What a gastronomic and visual treat. Vera Saunders hosts the monthly Golden Girls' Tea Party. By Vera Saunders

Jewellery & Mahogany

TOUR TALK

told, recently had her hair decked out for a ball with 30 large The Ciro shop is actually in stars from the Sisi collection (a Kärntnerstrasse 36, but our design matching those in the group visited the salon at the Empress’ hair in the famous Ciro office (tucked away in an portrait). Ciro started in London apartment in Annagasse). We selling costume jewellery: clip-on saw jewellery pieces from their earrings in 1917, imitation pearls classic line of elegant evening in the 1920’s (which became wear, Black Tie, the Maria popular with the elegant flapper Theresia with pearl drops and girls and early stars of stage and coloured stones, and the First screen) and much later “Cirolite” Love collection (suitable for early synthetic stones and diamonds. teens.) One customer, we were SCHMUCKSALON AT CIRO

Mavic,Marina, Naira.

LOOSHAUS TOUR A “secret” treasure in Michaelerplatz, Looshaus is not normally open to the general public but thanks to Helen Gressenbauer, our group received a grand tour of the lobby and beyond. Now owned by the Raffeisen Bank, the building was designed by famed architect Adolf Loos in 1909 for the gentlemen’s outfitters, Goldman and Salatsch. The foyer had to be magnificent to attract the rich: mirrors, huge mahogany pillars, and the redcarpeted central staircase all worked together to make the showroom a sumptuous focus. Sadly, the interior (except the large hanging clock) was destroyed in the 1920’s, but has been restored by Raffeisen Bank to its original plush look.

a bold contrast and not universally adored. The façade took several years to complete and the final addition of brass window boxes (“eyebrows”) softened the otherwise austere appearance.

On the first floor were the fitting rooms, mending and ironing rooms, while the apprentice school was in the attic. Our group was impressed in particular with the Jungendstil staircases, the back courtyard (that allowed light into the basements via Unusually for that time, the building was constructed with concrete. Facing the refurbished glass blocks) and the wall scribblings of the former Hofburg and Emperor Franz Joseph’s suite, it was tailors who worked there.

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Cyprus: Contrast & Cuisine, Left: Kourion Ampitheatre. Below: Joanna Loizou eating in Saripolou.

By Joanna Loizou Cyprus is a contrast of mountains and beaches, museums and nightlife, Greek and Turkish culture… and it’s also my home. I moved from England to Cyprus with my family when I was five-years old. We lived in Limassol, on the southeastern coast, which is not too quiet, not too touristy, and is centred on the island so you can get pretty much anywhere within 45 minutes - in my opinion, the best city in Cyprus. But let’s start with my favourite topic – food! Food and Wine. My all-time favourite dishes are Koupepia, Stifado, and spaghetti Bolognese. I know what you are thinking, that spaghetti Bolognese is not Cypriot, and you are right. But in Cyprus the sauce is made with less tomato, and a "secret" spice, cinnamon, a taste that makes all the difference. Rather than Italian Parmesan, it’s made with grated Halloumi, our traditional cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep’s milk. Stifado is a type of beef stew with wine, whole shallots, and spices. This stew used to be made with rabbit, and some yiayias (grandmothers) still make it that way. I learned this the hard way at a friend’s grandmother’s house after having already eaten my whole plate! Koupepia are similar to Greek dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), but include meat with the rice. For traditional dishes go to a psistaria, a large, buffet-style takeaway shop where the menu changes slightly daily. There are always meat, veggie and salad options. It is the closest to yiayia quality you can get, is great value for money, and will fill you up. My best food memories are attached to Easter. We dig a big pit in the garden and slow-roast a whole lamb and/or pig. Easter is a much larger celebration than Christmas in Cyprus, because it’s a time when all the family gather together and barbecue. After fasting from meat during Lent, everyone goes crazy eating meat at the barbecue. We still eat plenty of salad of course, but the social aspect of the barbecue, cold beer and wine is just great.

Definitely try Cypriot wines. They are made on a small scale and usually not exported, yet Cyprus’ climate is ideal for winemaking. A few of my favourites are Agios Fotios dry red (made from Maratheftico, a traditional local grape variety), Tsiakkas Chardonnay, Vlassides Shiraz and any wine from Argyrides from the village of Vasa. If you are in Cyprus at the end of August/beginning of September, don’t miss the Wine Festival at the Limassol Zoo along the seafront. Activity. What to do in Cyprus? That depends on your style. For a chill-out day, try the old town market Saripolou. I love to sit in the family-run restaurant Polykarpou, with its freshly-prepared daily specials, where I often order the simple mixed sandwich. This large, fresh bread roll, filled with lounza (Cypriot cured ham), halloumi, tomatoes and cucumber is only €3.50. Afterward, walk around the Old Town with its food markets, little shops, bars, restaurants and the small Limassol castle (which was erected during the Crusades as a fortress and is now a museum). If you like going to the beach, then Curium is for you. After swim and sun, go to Chris Blue Beach restaurant for lunch and/or cocktails. Then take a step back in time at the Kourion Amphitheatre, a 2nd century Roman/Byzantine UNESCO World Heritage site where open-air theatre and concerts are still performed with reportedly some of the best outdoor acoustics in the world. Stunningly located on a 100-meter promontory, you can also take in the views as you paraglide off the cliffs. Not enough action? You can rent quad bikes in Paralimni, or go Paintballing near Pyrgos Village. If you enjoy water parks, I recommend Water World in Ayia Napa and Fasouri Water Mania in Limassol. (Just make sure to smother yourself in factor 30 sunscreen every hour.) Prefer climbing? The Sparti Rope Park in Pano Platres (a lovely old

History & Discovery multilevel village known for winemakers and a monastery) is especially popular with kids. For hikers, the Troodos mountains offer several trails. The cooler air up there is such a relief from the humidity of the city. On your way up to Troodos, visit the Caledonian Falls. It’s a family tradition to dip under the freezing waterfall once we reach the top of the trail. In the winter, you can ski or snowboard in the mountains. On the way up or down from Troodos, you can stop in to Omodos for its cobblestone streets, cafes and grandmothers knitting perfect doilies.

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Paul Mocko does it all! Electrical Work / Telephone & Internet Support/ Satellite dishes & SKY TV/ Installation/Wooden Deck Construction/ Removals/Furniture Assembly & Disassembly/ Painting / Patching / Hanging Curtains & Pictures/ Appliance Installation & Repair... Works Days & Evenings Speaks English, German & Polish 0676 950 5789 / s.mocko@gmx.at

Since the island is quite small, you can be hiking (or skiing) in the Troodos mountains one minute, then at the beach tanning an hour later! Transportation. Take the air-conditioned shuttle buses to and from both Larnaca and Paphos airports direct into Limassol. The cost is €9 versus a €50+ taxi ride – bargain! If you must take a taxi, carry smaller notes since drivers are not fond of giving change. If you are staying along the seafront, you can take the city bikes (like the ones in Vienna) to ride as far as the New and Old Ports for restaurants and marina views. There are no passenger trains or trams in Cyprus. By the way, no rules apply when driving in Cyprus! Not many people use indicator signals, and they pull out from every angle, so drivers need be alert. Fun facts about Cyprus ●Legend has it that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born in Cyprus. The country is also known as the playground of the gods. ●The world’s oldest wine, Commandaria, can be found here and dates back more than 5,000 years. It’s a sweet wine usually for after meals and also used in Catholic masses. Although most Cypriots speak English, here are a few words in the local lingo: Hello -Yiá sas Good morning - kaliméra Good night - Kaliníkta Thank you - efkaristó Cheers – stin iyiá sas

Sunday Service: 11:15 Rev. Matthew A. Laferty Sechshauser Straße 56, 1150 Vienna tel: +43 1 895 8175 office@esumc.at I www.esumc.at U4/U6 Längenfeldgasse or 57A Grimmgasse A friendly, caring community with many different nations, cultures, and traditions. Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors We offer: - a place for worship, study, growth - an opportunity to find your own ministry - a chance to feel at home - toddler care - a wonderful and fun Sunday School - five choirs and special music - active groups for families, men, women, young adults, prayer and others

The English-Speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna

REPORTS

Fun, Hands-On Fundraising

CHARITY TEAM NEWS Glancing Back. The first half of the year was certainly busy and very successful in terms of fundraising for Die Möwe. We raised more than €2000 in six months, had a lot of fun along the way, and polished off several crates of bubbly! The charity team put on a varied and full programme of fundraising events, including selling items at a bake sale, craft fair and flea market stand, and hosting the Art and Wine Evening, Easter Egg-Decorating Workshop, Talk and Wine evening, Hawaiian Ice Cream Party, Quiz Night and the Empty Bowls fundraiser. We also raffled an AWA membership (many thanks to Sheila), won by Susan Barr. Many thanks to all who planned, helped and donated needed items, and also thanks to those who attended the events. In addition to fundraising, we have been involved in ‘hands-on’ projects. Each month, five AWA cooks have prepared a hot meal for 55 residents in a homeless shelter. It’s a great team activity, which is much appreciated by the residents and helps to sharpen our culinary skills! In May, we started a Family Support Project, providing practical help to families with young children in need (referred to us by Die Möwe). Several AWA volunteers have been making regular house visits to these families over the summer months, and have very positive reports about their direct and useful interaction and the bonus learning they've experienced (for example, exposure to new districts and cultures, the opportunity to cuddle newborns and play with toddlers, human view of Vienna's social systems and more). They've witnessed how a few hours of time a week can make a significant impact on a stressed family. I invite you to find out more about this rewarding

Charity Fundraising Team: Suzanne, Erin, Mavic, Joanna, Irene, Bridget, Hyacynth, Urte, Eva.

project at our meeting on 10 September, 17:30, at the AWA Clubhouse. Looking Forward. There’s plenty in store for the coming months! We kick off with a tasty charity bake sale and President’s coffee on 16 September, followed by our first Bingo Night on 27 September. Later in the year, we plan another fascinating talk and wine evening, ballroom dancing classes, a fun end-of-year party, and some surprises along the way! If you are a knitter or would like to learn with a purpose, please join us on 10 September for our first monthly knitting and craft workshop. This year we’re knitting scarves for the homeless and needy for Christmas. Please help us reach our goal of 110 scarves! DONATION REQUEST: Looking for prizes for our fundraising events such as gift vouchers, wine, Prosecco & snacks. Please bring these donations to the Clubhouse anytime. After the summer holidays, maybe you have some foreign coins and notes left over? Please remember to drop them in our collection box in the clubhouse. We are aiming to collect another two kilograms of foreign and old currency to exchange into Euros to benefit our charity. VOLUNTEERS. Die Möwe, our 2019 (child protection) charity, is seeking volunteers to spend time with needy mothers and children: to chat with the mums, to play with the children, to accompany families on doctor visits, etc. German not essential as many families speak some English. Other languages may be useful, too. CONTACT: Irene Schlegelmilch in case of questions. ireneschlegelmilch@gmx.net / 06606404410

2019 AWA Board

Honorary President: Alexis Traina President: Sheila Hargreaves 0676 755 9804/ sheilahargreaves@a1.net Vice President/Programs: Helene Gressenbauer-Rösner 0664 920 9807/ helene@gressenbauer.org Charity Fundraising: Irene Schlegelmilch 0660 6404410/ awavpfundraising@gmail.com Treasurer: Jillanne Gabler 01 966 2925/ awa.viennatreasurer@gmail.com Secretary: Susan Cole 01 966 2925/ awa@awavienna.com Weekly Coffee: Gerda Moes 0676 387 2450/ gerdamz@gmail.com Internal Communications: Urte Paulus 0676 676 5829/ urte.paulus@gmx.at Membership: Sara 01 966 2925/AWAViennaMembership@gmail.com Webmanager/FAWCO Rep: Beverly Bachmayer 0664 7360 7487/ awafawcorep@gmail.com Highlights Advertising: Nadia Di Paola 0678 1252229/ awahighlightsads@gmail.com Highlights Editor/Layout: Virginia Sheridan awahighlights@gmail.com

Vienna in September DRINKING & DINING ● DRINKING & DINING ● DRINKING & DINING ●

ERNTEDANKFEST, AUGARTEN 7 September (12:00 -20:00), 8 September (10:00-18:00) This Harvest Festival is designed for families and has an agricultural feel. Food and drink, hay wagon rides etc! VIENNA RUM AND GIN FESTIVALS 21 and 22 September, Ottakringer Brewery A hearty piratical “Arrrrrr!” or some other rum-soaked cliché! If you like a drop of rum or a gin and tonic of an evening, then the aptly-named Vienna Rumfestival and Ginmarkt might be your thing with tastings, workshops, food & music. The two festivals can be ticketed separately or as a combi. WIENER WIESN-FEST/OKTOBERFEST IN THE PRATER 26 September to 13 October Austria’s largest traditional customs & folk music festival! Enjoy the authentic Oktoberfest with 700 hours of livemusic: traditional brass enchanting folk music or swinging party music. Join the get-together with traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen. http://www.wienerwiesnfest.at/

INFO into Vienna’s biggest venue of international street art. The Festival will offer street art of highest quality from clowns to fire-eating. https://buskers.at/?lang=en WA L K I N G ● WA L K I N G ●WA L K I N G ● WA L K I N G ● WA L K I N G ● WA L K I N G ●

VIENNA WEINWANDERTAGE 28 and 29 September The Vienna Wine Hiking Weekend is held every year in the autumn. The wine landscape can be hiked through on three routes with a total length of 25 kilometers. At many points along the way, Viennese vintners offer tastings from cellar and kitchen. Hopefully, AWA will be wandering from Stammersdorf to Strebersdof on Saturday 29 September at 12pm from the end station of tram 31 (details to come). https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/winetrail ART & MUSIC ● ART & MUSIC ● ART & MUSIC ● ART & MUSIC ● ART &

BUSKERS’ FESTIVAL 6 to 8 September For the eighth year running, Karlsplatz will be transformed

ALBRECHT DURER AT THE ALBERTINA 20 September 2019 to 6 January 2020 The Albertina museum has nearly 140 works by Dürer (1471–1528), the world’s largest and most important collection of the artist's drawings. The exhibition will include valuable international works on loan. (Alexandra Vogler is going to organise an AWA tour details to follow.) www.albertina.at

Russian Lunch. Bahar, Ania, Margarita, Naira, Krisztina, Irene, Erin

Cycling in Burgenland in July.

AWA VIENNA OFFICE & CLUBHOUSE: Singerstrasse 4/11, 1010 Wien T: (01) 966 29 25 E-mail: awa@awavienna.com www.awavienna.com

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 10:00-16:00 Friday closed OFFICE MANAGERS: Margarita Randl & Erin Silangil

Ã&#x2013;STERREICHISCHE POST AG INFO. MAIL ENTGELT BEZAHLT