Category Archives: Allgemein

Mein erster Blick

Hallo zusammen!

Ich heiße Mariia und ich bin aus der Ukraine aus der schönen Hauptstadt – Kiew gekommen.

In Österreich bin ich als Au-Mädchen. Das ist schon zweite meine Erfahrung als Au-Pair. Warum noch Mal als Au-Pair? Warum in Österreich?  Warum Wien?

Ganz leicht – in Deutschland hat mir sehr gefallen: Kultur, Sprache, Architektur .
Und ich wollte das weiter kennenlernen.  Und wo kann man das besser machen, wenn nicht in Wien – eine schöne Stadt, wie im Märchen.

Die Sprache: Deutsche Sprache finde ich sehr logisch und nicht sehr kompliziert.
Z.b. die Verben stehen im Satz immer in der 2-te Position oder am Ende – das ist erster Regel, was man lernt. Und dann brauch man nicht mehr wählen, wohin das Verb stehlen.

Die Kultur und der Architektur in Wien: Die Mischung  von alten Gebäuden, die dir über den Vergangenheit  erzählen können, und progressive  Architekturrichtungen, die dir die Zukunft zeigen.
Neue Ideen und alte Erinnerungen, Gemütlichkeit und Progress – so finde ich Wien, und so gefehlt mir Wien.

Lieber Grüße
Mariia.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

When I visited Vienna for the first time, it was at the end of March. The sun was shining but it was really cold outside. Due to my outrageous love for animals, I didn’t miss the chance to take a long walk in the Vienna Zoo, known as “Tiergarten Schönbrunn”. The Schönbrunn Zoo is located in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. It can be reached either by car or by public transport. If you are travelling with public transport, you can take U4 metro underground line (stop at the station “Hietzing”), tramway (10, 58, 60) and bus (51A, 56A, 56B, 58A). In case you are hungry, there are various choices for food and drinks, such as Tirolergarten Tavern, Emperor’s Pavillion, Cafe Atelier Nonja, Cafe Hietzing, Jumbo Buffet, Rhino Bar Ice Cream Parlor, Beer Garden, and the Landtmann Park Cafe. My favourite one is Emperor’s Pavillion because it is in the heart of the zoo and from the terrace, you can watch flamingos, zebras, cheetahs, giant pandas, hippopotamuses, and antelopes.

I highly recommend you to visit the Vienna Zoo, when the weather is getting warmer and warmer. The reason why is double. One reason is to enjoy your walk to the Zoo without having in mind that might get a cold or flu. The second reason is that you can see the majority of animals which like to come out of their caves or hidden places when the sun is shining.

Last but not least, if you want a panoramic view of the grounds of Schönbrunn, you can ride in comfort to all of its attractions on the diesel-powered Schönbrunn Panorama Train. The stations of that train are Schönbrunn Palace, Wagenburg, Hietzinger Gate, Zoo/Palm House, Tirolergarten Tavern, Gloriette Hill, Hohenbergstraße/Tivoli, Obelisk Fountain /Schönbrunn Spa, and Meidlinger Gate. The duration of the journey is about fifty minutes.

I can’t wait for the Spring to come and go again to the Vienna Zoo! What about you?

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Donauzentrum VS Millennium Tower

Two of the most well-known shopping centres in Vienna are Donauzentrum and Millennium Tower. Both are easily accessible by the means of public transportation and many families choose them as their Saturday morning destination, for coffee, food and shopping. In this article, I will try to compare the two malls, discuss their pros and cons and decide which one maybe fits best your needs.

Donauzentrum

Donauzentrum is located in the 22nd district of Vienna. By getting off at the S-Bahn stop in Kagran (tram 25) it’s impossible not to notice the huge building on your left-hand side extended in three blocks connected with bridges. Donauzentrum has more than 100 different stores that can cover the needs of the most demanding client. It is a common destination for families, as parents can enjoy some relaxed mornings and evenings while their kids are playing safely in the big playground located within its premises. Furthermore, someone can find a huge variety of merchandise at different prices while keeping a good quality level. Donauzentrum can be divided into two main parts: first is the shopping part, where all the stores are located and second the part where restaurants and snack-bars of different types and countries can be found. I suggest you visit Donauzentrum as soon as possible, if you haven’t done so already, and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do.

 

Millennium Tower

Millennium Tower is located in the 22nd district of Vienna. It’s a two-minute walk from the U-Bahn station in Handelskai. Millennium Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Vienna (171m) and a great destination for shopping and entertainment. Even though the range of merchandise can be found in Millennium tower is, of course, more restricted than Donauzentrum, it is an even greater destination if you want to have some fun. Ocean Park, located in the basement of Millennium tower can serve for this scope. Ocean Park is a small amusement park frequently visited by bowling, pool and table tennis fans. It’s a place where many children decide to celebrate their birthdays and many different types of games such as pinball, table football and much more can found. I believe it’s a place that everyone should visit at least once and a great option to spend time with friends or kids.

Which one to choose

Both! But for different reasons. If you want to combine great variety in your shopping options with food or coffee then Donauzentrum would be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a place to have fun and laugh with your friends and combine it with good food, then Millennium tower is the place you are looking for.

Have a magnificent week!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

The Albertina Museum Vienna

To tell you the truth, I am not that kind of person that knows super-detailed information about Art. What I mean is that I have a basic knowledge in the artistic field of painting. One visit to the Albertina Museum gave me the opportunity to learn more things not only about painters but also about their important masterpieces of Art. This museum has got various collections of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photography, and architecture. The current exhibitions in the Albertina Museum are “Monet to Picasso”, masterworks of architectural drawing from Albertina Museum (until 25th of February 2018), “Max Weiler. The donation” (until 18th of February 2018), and “Albertina Contemporary Art” (it’s amazing!!! until 18th of February 2018). Don’t forget to visit the classical State Rooms”, which were the residence of Habsburg archdukes and archduchesses for around 100 years. It took me nearly 4 hours to explore all the collections and exhibitions in the Albertina Museum. This museum made me be highly thirsty for Art!

1.Picture: Before entering the Albertina Museum, which is located next to the Wiener Staatsoper!   

2.Picture: In one of the 20 Staterooms, which is full of ancient Greek goddesses! 

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

My favorite seasons in Vienna

Before moving to Vienna, I visited this wonderful city for 10 days at the end of March. The weather was a little bit cold but sunny. With that kind of weather, you have the chance to explore the parks, go to the Zoo, enjoy the sun and do small trips to other cities of Austria, such as Linz, Graz or Salzburg. So, Spring is the best time of the year for visiting Vienna!

1.Picture: A sunny day at the Schönbrunner Schloss Park!

2.Picture: When it’s Spring in Vienna!

My second favorite season in Vienna is Christmas time. Although is Winter and the weather is getting colder and colder, I think that Christmas in Vienna is magical! If you go around the city, you see everywhere lights, Christmas trees, and, of course, Christmas open markets in which you can find a variety of nice presents and gifts related to the Viennese culture. Also, remember to drink a mug of steaming, hot and very sweet Weihnachtspunch. You can combine this drink with eating some roast chestnuts.

3.Picture: Christmas lights at the Wiener Rathaus!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Leisure time (Part 2)

After Milan and London, it’s time to share my trips to Frankfurt, Bansko, and Oslo!

Frankfurt, Germany

1.Picture: Walking in streets of Frankfurt! 

When I visited Frankfurt, it was a 2-day quick and hasty trip. Its official name is Frankfurt am Main. Frankfurt is the fifth largest city (after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne) in Germany. I went there for a business meeting and I didn’t have the time to explore the city. Nevertheless, I walked in the city center, did some souvenir shopping, ate Wurst and drunk their traditional beer.

Bansko, Bulgaria

2.Picture: It’s skiing time! 

Are you searching a cheap, calm and peaceful destination for winter holidays? Bansko in Bulgaria is the answer! It is only 160km from Sofia. During the winter session, Bansko is overcrowded and you have to arrange your accommodation many months before. Take into consideration that Bansko is a popular ski resort. The resort offers excellent ski and snowboard conditions. Regarding Apres ski, the resort offers hundreds of bars and traditional restaurants called „mehana“.

Oslo, Norway

3.Picture: The amazing view of Oslo city from Frognerseteren! 

The European program Erasmus+ gave me the opportunity to do my traineeship in Oslo. After the graduation of my Bachelor’s, I was chosen by the Democritus University of Thrace as a trainee teacher in the Greek School of Oslo for four months. I was really happy that I met so many wonderful Norwegian and Greek people there. The majority of them was familiar and willing to help me on every side of my everyday life. I have in my mind plenty of memorable moments. Oslo and Greece are at the peak of my heart!

4.Picture: The Vigeland Sculpture Park! 

I love traveling and I can’t wait to plan my next trip. Which European destination do you suggest me?

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Leisure time (Part 1)

What am I doing in my leisure time?

When I have enough free time, I really like going out for beers with friends, listening to music (especially Greek music!), doing Pilates, reading books and newspapers, and learning a new language (for now, German!). In addition, I enjoy drawing flowers and mandalas in coloring books because this helps me get rid of stress and negative thoughts. Also, I love traveling! I have visited many European countries and I don’t have a favorite one. Let’s begin!

Milan, Italy

1.Picture: Duomo di Milano!

The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano is situated in Piazza Duomo. The original name of Piazza Duomo is Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles. They say there are more statues on this gothic-style cathedral than any other building in the world. There are 3.400 statues and 700 figures that decorate Milan Duomo! Did you know about that?

2.Picture: Visiting the historic building Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II just for windows shopping!

London, United Kingdom

Two of my favorite places in London is the Big Ben and the London Zoo. Is the culture, the people, the atmosphere, the landmarks, the pubs, the fish and chips or something else that makes me fall in love with that city? I have been four times in London and it’s still amazing! Every time that I go there, I have the same enthusiasm with totally everything. Don’t forget to go to the Natural History Museum and to the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum!

3.Picture: The giant Big Ben!

4.Picture: The garden of the London Zoo!

In the next post, I am going to talk about my trips to Frankfurt (Germany), Bansko (Bulgaria) and Oslo (Norway). So, stay tuned!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Grüß Gott! Hello! Γεια σας!

My name is Sofia Papakonstantinou. I am 24 years old and I am from Greece! Especially, my hometown is Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second biggest city (after Athens which is the capital of Greece) in the northern part of Greece with over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Thessaloniki is located on the Thermaic Gulf, in the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea.


1.Picture: Walk next to the Aegean Sea!

In Thessaloniki someone can find many squares, but the central one is called Aristotelous Square. Below you could see some photos and information about Aristotelous Square!


2.Picture: Marvellous view to Aristotelous Square!


3.Picture: Interesting information about Aristotelous Square!

Regarding my profession, I am a primary school teacher! During the four years of my undergraduate studies in the Democritus University of Thrace (Alexandroupolis, Greece), I have gained experience teaching 6-to-12-year-old students in a variety of settings. Furthermore, I have been accepted to start my Master degree on Special Education (via distance learning) in the Hellenic Open University in March. I am extremely happy about it!

I moved to Vienna four months ago for personal and professional purposes. I am still discovering this magnificent capital of Austria! In order to be more flexible in this new city, I began taking German courses for A2.1 level in DeutschAkademie and I am going to continue with A2.2 level in February 🙂

Liebe Gruß,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

#교통권 #75유로

비엔나에서 한 학기 학생 교통권은 75유로이다. 9월1일부터 1월 31일까지 무려 다섯 달 동안 고작 75유로로(약10만원) 비엔나에 있는 교통수단을 사용할 수 있다. 여기에는 지하철, 버스, 트램 그리고 기차가 포함된다. 한국에서 매달 10만 원 이상을 교통비로 사용했었던 터라 처음 왔을 때는 거의 무료로 다니는 것 같기도 했다. 사실 비엔나에 있는 모두가 고작 이 가격만을 내고 대중교통을 사용하는 것은 아니다. 비엔나에 거주등록이 되어있으며, 정규 교육기관 소속인, 만26세 이하의 학생들에게만 해당되는 특별한 혜택이다. 다소 까다로워 보이지만 생각해보면 대부분의 대학생들이 이에 포함된다. 학생들의 가벼운 주머니사정을 어떻게 알고 이런 혜택을 마련했는지 참 부럽다.

비엔나의 학생들은 1년에 총 네 번의 정기교통권을 구매 한다. 겨울 학기 권(9/1-1.31), 여름 학기 권 (2.1-6.30), 7월 방학티켓, 8월 방학티켓. 다 해서 1년에 약 210유로 정도 된다. 이에 해당되지 않는 비엔나의 거주자들이 연간 365유로를 내는 것과 비교하면 그 차이가 더욱 눈에 띈다. 한 가지 더 주목할 점은 만 62세 이상 노인들 또한 연간 224유로를 지불한다는 것이다. 그렇다. 비엔나에선 노인보다 학생에게 더 큰 교통혜택을 준다. 한국의 ‘지공도사’가 떠올랐다. 일명 ‘지하철 공짜로 타는 늙은이’. 비엔나에 지공도사는 없다.

Decision making – Entscheidungen treffen

This week in class we had a theme about decisions and decision making. There was a text that talked about the process of taking a decision, and afterwards we talked amongst ourselves, in able to dig deeper into the matter.

We split into three groups, which received each a poster and we had to brainstorm ideas, or write down compelling arguments from the text.

There was a lot of talk about gut feeling, and how it is important to follow it, especially when it comes to big decisions. Also, list making came into question, as a way to write down all the important information so you have the big picture in front of you. When you are unsure, you should of course consult others, experts, friends, people who have had similar choices, but what it comes down to in the end is what is best for you, because decision making can differ so greatly from one person to the other.

I will leave you with the posters that we made in class, in hopes you will discover other useful tips.

Guessing Game – Konjunktiv II

Thursday in class we did a fun little game, which I have to tell you about. Our teacher wrapped up something small and invited us to feel it in our hands, and pass it from one person to the other. We all had post-its, on which we could write what we think it is, using Konjunktiv II, for expressing wishes and unreal things. It was a very fun way of putting the grammar into practice!

Passing it along from hand to hand, it finally got to me and it took me a minute to try and make out the shape of the object. We were also given a tip: it has something to do with the theme we were about to begin (Fit für die Prüfung).

This is what I wrote on my postit:

Other guesses were a variety of sweets, and the winner, meaning the person who guessed it right said: Glückschwein. As I learned, it is a New Year symbol here in Austria, gifted from one person to another, in order to wish them Good luck in the upcoming year.