This week, I am so excited that we are virtually visiting... Austria! I'm so glad that you've decided to come along for the trip. Before we set out on our travels, it will be good for us to familiarize ourselves a bit with the place. Here are some facts about Austria we might not have realized:
First of all, the Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world. Interestingly, when it is flown by citizens, it is simply three stripes of red, white and red. When it is flown by the government, the eagle and coat of arms is added (see the image at the top of this post).
A full quarter of the residents of Austria live in Vienna. This is partially due to the fact that 62% of the country is covered by the Austrian Alps.
The country is known for its mountain railways and trains, with the Giselabahn being especially well known.
Austria boasts the oldest zoo in the world, which was established in 1752.
At 2,860 carats, the world's largest emerald is on display at the Imperial Treasury in Vienna.
Every day at 3:00pm, "jause" occurs - a daily coffee break during which pastries are also served. Yum!
The people of Austria recycle an average of 63% of their waste.
Austria is also the first country to establish a set of national regulations regarding organic farming.
Austria is nuclear-free. The only plant ever built, Zwentendorf, never became operational, and is instead used for conferences and meetings these days.
The Waltz was born in the 17th century Vienna suburbs.
Austria has many claims to fame, and many innovations were created there. These include: Postcards; The Doppler Effect: the Alkeline Battery; Slow Motion technology; Psychoanalysis; Sewing Machines; and 'Red Bull' Energy Drink!
The former Summer palace of the Habsburgs, Schoenbrunn Palace, has more than 1,440 rooms!
Speaking of the Habsburgs, these Emporers did many things uniquely, including dealing with their own deaths. Their intestines were stored in copper containers at St. Stephen's Cathedral; their bodies went to the Imperial Vault in Capuchin Church; and their hearts were buried at the Church of the Augustins.
The Vienna Boys Choir is a national treasure and one of the most famous choirs in the world.
Austria boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world, and in 2019, Vienna was voted the world's most livable city.
Haslauer, founded in the year 803, is the world's oldest inn and restaurant still in operation, as well as Europe's oldest company.
Religious freedom is highly prized and respected in Austria. Every child over the age of 14 is free to choose their own religion, and the state pays for religious education for all, regardless of faith. However, Catholics and Protestants are required to pay a Church Fee or Church Tax to run and maintain the churches based upon their individual incomes.
Austria has twice hosted the Olympic games - in 1964 and in 1976.
Austrians enjoy gathering and socializing at 'Heurigers' which are a unique type of tavern that offer the latest wines, and hot and cold food buffets.
The world famous Salzburg Festival (100 years old, having first occurred in 1920) is the highlight of the Summer, with 170,000 visitors each year.
The average work week is 45 hours per week, making it one of the longest in Europe.
Austria is the only EU member that is not a member of NATO.
Oetzi, the best preserved Stone Age man in the world, was discovered in Austria frozen in a glacier. Oetzi is approximately 5,300 years old!
When you share a toast with an Austrian, be sure to maintain eye contact. If you break eye contact, you are cursing yourself to suffer seven years of bad sex!
Austria is home to 20,000 schnapps distilleries.
Werfen is home to the largest (and stunningly beautiful!) ice caves in the world.
Being the capital of Classical music, and boasting 20 Nobel Laureates, Austria claims many famous sons and daughters from throughout history and across disciplines, including: Arnold Schwarzenegger; Sigmund Freud; Mozart; Haydn; Schubert; Strauss; Gustav Klimt; Marie Antoinette; Hedy Lamarr; The Von Trapp Family; and Wolfgang Puck.
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