Tatra mountains, Slovak Republic

Let me introduce you to a few magic places close to Wien. Tatra mountains, the highest mountains of the Slovak Republic; once the highest mountains of the Czechoslovakia. Tatra mountains are the highest range in the Carpatian Mountains which range down to central Rumania. Tatras beautiful hiking and climbing possibilities.


This trip was special not only because of hiking which I love, but also because that fact that I got to see my friends from the Czech Republic Lucka and Tomas after 3 or 4 years.

GOLD

While being in US this Sptember my boyfriend Eugene and I went to BlackHills (South Dakota) to do some placer mining.. we also stopped in real mines to get some inspiration. Where are we know and how much gold did we finally get? Lets wait a bit and you will get the story..

Extreme weather monitoring at the Technical University of Vienna
These articles were published on 29th of July 2007 at the Terra Daily News about Planet Earth and Science and Development Network. These further describe products which we produce and investigate here at the Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at the University of Vienna. Links to the originally articles are provided below.


http://www.scidev.net/content/news/eng/african-mapping-highlights-risk-of-drought-and-flood.cfm
&
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Extreme_Weather_Monitoring_Boosted_By_Space_Sensor_999.html

West African Instruments

Let me just shortly introduce you some of West African Instruments which I saw and heard first time in my life on the African Festival in Wien (source of information: Mamadou and Wikipedia). These were introduce by a musicion Mamadou Diabate who came to Austria from Burkina Fasso in 2000. Since then he recorded serveral albums and presents West African music in European countries. So here we go:

Balafon = pentatonic or heptatonic (that means that its scale does have 5 instead of common 7 distinct notes) resonated frame xylofon (thats the thing which you can see at the background of the second picture), usually has 17 - 21 keys. This instrument is typical for Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and The Gambia.

N'goni = string instrument, something like lute. (on both pictures). This instrument is several houndred years old. Originally, was played by young men during hunting ceremonies. There exists various types of N'gonis instruements, which may have from 4 to 10 strings. N'goni is probably the most popular instrument in Mali.

Doundoun = the generic name for a family of West African Drums (picture will come later)

Ensemble IYASA (Simbabwe)

I had this incredible music experience yesterday which I have to share with you!! As part of the African festival, the ensemble IYASA from Zimbabwe came to the Donau Insel to perform as well. Ensemble IYASA has been touring Europe for 4 months and this is one of their last performances. These young guys and girls from the Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts performed a full of energy dance and singing show for more than 1.5 hours. They literally brought people around to the african continent with them. I don't have words for that... please come to see them.

African Festival 2007, Wien, Austria

African festival started at Donau Island this Friday. Its a 10-day long event full of music, dance, food, fashion... Various groups fighting against racism in Austria also present them selfs. So does the radio Africa. I only picked one out of the enormous amount of stalls presenting crafts from Libya to South Africa and provided picture of it below. This Kenyan lady from Stuttgart is presenting craft, jewelry, decorations, and various items made originally in Kenya and Tanzania. Every piece looks absolutely authentic.

Rathaus Festival, Keith Jarrett

There is a summer Rathaus (Townhall) festival these days in Wien. That means that every evening around 9 30 when you browse around the the main townHall you will here some jazzy or classic notes coming from there. Dont hesitate and stop by, thats probably some big concert being broad casted from NY, Berlin, etc. Though the concerts are not live, they have a touchable great atmosphere.


Yesterday, Keith Jarrett concert was presented. Until few days ago I did not actually know who is Keith Jarrett. For those of you who are in the same shows, check this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPqK1JJOFxw&mode=related&search=
This american piano player can improvise for 2 hours bringing you feel of piano music you have not had before.

AUSTRIA and SMOKING

You all know that I am not a smoker. Most of my life I either was in countires were public smoking was not allowed or , if that was not the case, I tried to stay always little aside from smokers when they had "their while". Things changed when I came to Wiena. No.. I did not start smoking.

The smoking is allowed everywhere here and people literally TAKE advantage of it. There is no place to hide. Not even at your own home. During these hot days with average daily 28 Degrees, you really want to keep your window open. Than, however, you should be prepared, that you would have to share a deep smoke with your neighbor. Sometimes I think "lets" go better somewhere out. But, that doesnt usually help. People smoke in bars, thats nothing surprising. But people smoke on open concerts while being 20 cm from you, people smoke on a bus station 1m from you, people even smoke in the swimming pool!!.. That time I got really pissed, though.

I am angry, Come one people, Dont really think just about your self, can you just imagine that 30% of the population would just start fart for fun anywhere downtown? Its comparable, its actually much better, it at least doesn't damage our health..

Wageningen, Netherlands, IALE conference, 25 years

First week in July I visited Netherlands . The main reason was to visit with my former adviser who was presenting at the conference in a small city near to Utrecht (Wageningen). Moreover to meet my friend and former cooworker who came to Wageningen to present as well. Within 4 days I visited 4 cities and biked nearly 30 km. Although it was a short trip, I got some nice experiences, got to know part of Netherlands, and realized some trues about the Dutch people. Let me share with you puzzles from what I learnt.

Netherlands, typical architecture

Among other cities, I also visited Utrecht and Amsterdam. Architecture in both cities can be considered as typical dutch architecture. Some of the houses are as old as 550 years. BUT .. what does it mean "a typical dutch house"? ANSWER: A typical dutch historical buildings is leaning either to right, left or front. It doesn have more than 4 stores. And is usually not more than 10 m wide.

These houses were built during times when Amsterdam was the most important city in the world. The city was rising really fast and there was not too much space. Thus, most of houses are relatively narrow. One of the houses on Dam square hold the official world record. Is narrow only 101 cm.

Only very rich families could afford to build houses wider than 15 m. These are to see on the Kaizergracht. On the picture you see on the "poorer" houses. On the top you can notice the hook which was used to lift furniture to higher floors. The stairs are really narrow.

Netherlands, herring

Herring is a small oily fish, which has been part of traditional diets since 3000 B.C. There are numerous ways how to serve this fish, but Dutch prefer to eat it raw. First, I hesitated to put it into my moth, and better took picture of one older dutch gentleman who was enjoying posing for my picture:-) Later, I tried anyway! ... Its delicious. Can be served with pickles or onion. I tried the onion. What surprised me that it doesn't really smell fishy. There are some small bones. So be cautious.

BUT!!!
Its said that herring is served raw. Usually the fish is first cured with salt, though. Doing this the water is extracted. There may be also a second stage when flavorings are added (vineger, salt, sugar). I wonder if I would like a real raw one... I hesitate.

TRAVELING IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Recently, I found an excelent link for those who would like to travel in the Czech Republic. This not only provides an info about the most touristic places, but also suggest you trips to such areas as Beskydy or Palava to adore the natural beauties of my country. Go to:

http://www.travelguide.cz/en/tourism/nature-trips

and let me know when do you want to come.

Alps, Rax, Grosses Holental

The Moonrise was impresive. The second day we also reached the panorama view point above the Grosses Holental.

Alps, Rax, Otto Hutte

I already wrote something about Schneeberg. Today I will recommend you another place for a very nice hikes which is also very near to Wien. I talk about RAX. RAX is accessible on foot, but also with a lift which may safe up to 4 hours to those who do not necessary need the feeling of exhaustion to be enjoy the panorama view. The lift goes from Hirschmang a. d. Rax and drop you short distance from Otto's house. These are view from the Otto's hause and from the Preiner Wand close to See Hutte.

Alps

My dear regular readers. I do apologize for the gap in my diary. I just want to update you shortly. I have done and I am planning some short trips soon. One of these are was a 2-day trip to the Alps. Me, 2 my friends I met at the hall of the building of the Technical University completely by coincidence, and my new friend from Palestyne - FIDA.

I love this part of Austria, Europe. I love walking and wandering in these green and peacefully meadows.

Schneeberg, Alpen

I just got back from a one day trip to the Alp mountains. With my friend Jens I took a trail under the Schneebergmountain. Schneeberg is the closest mountain to Wien higer than 2000 m. Schneeberg is the most eastern part of Alps and belongs to the northern limestone section.

This weekend we took a trail which is suppose to be pretty busy (see the attached map which I borrowed from the Puchberg wandern website). Since it was an changing weather today , many tourists got scared and me and Jens could enjoy the silence of the Alps on our own. We got chance to see the Schneeberg angry (with fast moving and changing clouds) as well as the Schneeberg happy (with completely clear skies).

The tour (see black arrows on the map) is moderately difficult and took us aproximately 4 hours. We took a lots of breaks, though. Doing a lot of pictures, digesting the beautiful panorama, etc. I think that experience hikers can do it in 3 hours from the Edelweis Hutte.

As I mentioned earlier, Schneeberg is consisted mostly of limestone. While hiking in higher parts we experienced how sharp this stone can get, you really dont want to lean yourself on the stone.


The first pictures shows the beautiful views on Schneeberg you can see shortly under the Edelweis Hutte. You have view to both valleys and the gras would seem to you as a green carpet prepared only for you.

As I mentioned the rocks are sharp. On this trail you will definitely feel it because you got to cross the stonefields maybe like 4 - 6 times. I dont remember exactly. This is view of one of them, if you are lucky you also will see Schneeberg at the top.

We thought to take the racket rail on the way down. BUT!!! Check the times in advance because the racket rail goes maybe 2-3 days a day. Moreover, dont forget that this rail is pretty expensive. I at least took a picture of it, turned around, and finished the whole hike on my own feet. They really heart now :-)

Vivat Schneeberg, we are already planning next trip. Having better equipment I would like to get to the top.

Trip to southern Moravia

We just returned from an amazing 4 day trip to the heart of South Moravia - to Mikulov, Lednice and Palava. I promise I will add comments to the photos as soon as I have more time. Sofar, you can come up with your own stories. Is not that actually better?

Mikulov, meeting Misa, beautiful panorama

Last day of our trip we got to see Mikulov. City famous for the Holy Hill at the background with Chapel of the Virgin Mary , the pilgrimage point. Mikulov is a small city close to the border to Austria, only 1.5 hour from Wiena. It may really surprise you with its rennesaince houses at the main square, chateau gardens, and expositions of the graphics, paintings of Dietrichstein, and wine making. All these expositions are located at the main museum at the castle.

Many people may get get the impression that since the Mikulov castle burnt down twice, one can not find here anything interesting. Please, forget this prejudice. Mikulov borrowed many exponats from Brno and also from the last descedant of Dietrichstein and light the beauty of this building (the first picture is btw view from the castle terrace).

After you saw the main part of the exhibition you may also go to the cellar to see the enormous barrel with 1010 hl.

Anyway, enough about history. In the afternoon we found a very nice restaurant U Hroznu with a beautiful view from the terrace. (Highly recommended!!), stayed here during a short storm and then got to see such amazing view on the way home.

I was incredible glad that Cecilia got to see this part of my home country! She is special and she deserve to see special things. So Tourists in Czech, please got to see some of the smaller towns, Prague is beautiful, but you may be surprised how many small cities are out there which would amazed you even more!

Pálava trip, UNESCO Biospherical reserve

Palava is an protected landscape area (chranena krajinna oblast CHKO) on the most southeastern corner of the Czech Republic. I remembered that somebody told me recently about this region this: "..if its raining in the whole Czech republic, you can be sure there will be drought in Palava." I do agree. During our trip we talked on phone with people from Prague, Cheb, Slovenia and Wien.. and it was raining everywhere. And in Palava?.. just check the pictures. No wonder, that Palava, literally translated, means actually "earth burnt by the sun".

The Palava highlands (first picture shows vew on Nove Mlyny from top of Devin, the second picture than offers far view on opposite highland) are dominant feature of this region south of the dam of Nove Mlyny.

At the top of the hills you can see for this region typical, but in the Czech Republic, very untipical step (picture 3 at the background). Its really surprising to see such ecosystem at 500 meters above see level.

Hikes in this mountains are easy level. You will be always awarded by either a beutiful panorama, old castle, or very nice people from neighboring villages who will try to invite you for a glass of slivovice (czech schnaps made at home). When we took a short afternoon walk along the dam, Cecilia got to taste it as well :-)

For people who plan to hike here here is a typ for accomodation, cheap, very nice personal, beautiful views. Really highly recommended!!!

http://www.kempuzapecu.cz/

I would suggest visitors to stay maybe two days and then head on to Mikulov or other area, dont plan to stay for swimming, the water is not the clearest I have seen in my life:-(

Wine testing, no comment