Exploring Austria
Vienna and Beyond
by
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This book is about adventures you are encouraged to experience directly, not just dry history. Still, in order to get the most out of them, a little background helps. Especially now, embarking on the 21st century, in which the country could be personified as a ‘sleeping beauty,’ just re-awakening from almost a century of shadowed slumber that began with World War I and the loss of her illustrious empire. Before that, in her prime, Austria dazzled the hearts of a vibrant “empire upon which the sun never set”. Politically powerful and culturally alluring, Austria wielded influence over most of Europe. At the same time, her Viennese capital, home of the waltz, exuded a beguilingly feminine charm. This short introduction will take us back in time to witness Austria’s birth and trace how she arrived at where she is today, plus some bright promises for the future.
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About the Book
The book presents Austria as a contemporary Shangri-la for all seasons in the midst of an economically challenged, war-torn world. Starting with its historical background of imperial legacy and developed over the past six centuries, readers are then taken on an exploratory tour of modern-day Austria where they experience Vienna and its environs, as well as exploring Austria farther afield and including “must-see” Austrian sights. Then the book’s premise is illustrated through twelve vignettes—personalized, off-the-beaten-track experiences—each of which captures unique features of Austria’s nine provinces (including Vienna) during all four seasons of the year—contrasting places, times and individual adventures. A complementary concept profiles experiences of different kinds—sports, culture, customs and traditions, along with Austrian culinary and wine specialties.
About the Author
A professional and globally published writer, journalist and photographer since 1989, Adrea Mach’s initial work was done under the auspices of the United Nations Department of Public Information where she specialized in people-oriented issues, especially vulnerable population groups (e.g. women, children, the disabled and elderly) health, economics, environment and human rights. Within the UN system, she has worked with the UN Secretariat, WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, IAEA, the World Bank and ILO.
In 1998, Adrea branched out into creative non-fiction, poetry and photography. Since then, she has published articles and poems, often accompanied by her own photography, on diverse subjects ranging from travel to wellness lifestyles and mountain climbing to sailing.