Eastern European Escapade Part 4

Eastern European Escapade Part 4

The car’s packed, the playlist is set, and our hearts are racing with anticipation. We’re continuing our adventure and heading to Austria! From the stunning Alpine landscapes to the rich cultural heritage, we’re ready to explore every corner and create unforgettable memories. Buckle up—this journey promises to be incredible! Can you tell I'm excited?

Who better to welcome us to Austria but Mozart.

Here’s a fun fact about Vienna: Vienna has a unique tradition known as “Wiener Schnitzel,” but did you know that it has been a part of Viennese culture for centuries? Rumor has it that the dish is believed to have originated in Vienna in the 19th century, but its roots go back even further. The traditional Wiener Schnitzel is made from veal, and its preparation and presentation have become a hallmark of Viennese cuisine. If you’re a fan of food, you have at least try an authentic Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna is a must!

Here's a fascinating fact: Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sisi) and Marie Antoinette were indeed related. Sisi was Marie Antoinette’s grandniece. Sisi's mother, Duchess Ludovika of Bavaria, was the sister of Marie Antoinette's husband, Louis XVI. So, while they never met, these two iconic women from history shared a family connection through their royal bloodlines! Also, a Palace!

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace in also like the Louvre is known for its stunning art collection, particularly its impressive array of Austrian art. The palace houses two main museums: the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, both showcasing masterpieces from different periods.

Upper Belvedere:

Gustav Klimt: The Upper Belvedere is home to Klimt’s iconic "The Kiss" (1907-1908), one of the most famous works of the Art Nouveau movement. This masterpiece, with its intricate gold leaf and sensual portrayal, is a highlight of the collection.

Egon Schiele: You’ll also find works by Schiele, a protégé of Klimt, known for his raw and expressive style. His pieces often explore themes of human emotion and form.

Lower Belvedere:

Baroque Art: The Lower Belvedere features a collection of Baroque art and architecture. It includes works by artists like Johann Michael Rottmayr and the magnificent frescoes by Luca Giordano that decorate the palace’s ceilings.

Medieval and Renaissance Art: It also displays a range of medieval and Renaissance pieces, showcasing the evolution of art through the centuries.

The Belvedere Palace itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The stunning gardens and the palace's design complement the exceptional art collections housed within.

In the heart of Austria lies Salzburg, a city where history and melody intertwine seamlessly. Nestled between rolling hills and the majestic Alps, Salzburg is famously known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its baroque architecture and charming streets feel like a living museum, taking visitors back to a bygone era.

But Salzburg’s fame extends beyond its classical roots. In the early 1960s, this picturesque city became the backdrop for one of cinema’s most beloved musicals, The Sound of Music. The film’s enchanting scenes, from the hills alive with the sound of music to the picturesque Mirabell Gardens, were shot here, capturing the city's serene beauty and adding a touch of Hollywood magic to its historic charm.

Visitors today can follow the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp family, exploring iconic filming locations such as the Nonnberg Abbey and the stunning Leopoldskron Palace. As you wander through Salzburg’s cobblestone streets and lush gardens, you can’t help but feel a sense of timeless wonder, where music and history harmoniously blend into an unforgettable experience.

10 days in France 🇫🇷

I boarded an overnight flight departing from Miami with Paris as my destination. Arrived at 11:30am picked up my rental car, checked into the hotel and proceeded to have the most epic three days in Paris. I think I would like to purchase a small flat in Paris and visit once a year, it was glorious and I’m sad I’m back home.

I ask you honestly, who doesn’t like trains? I remember being fascinated by them when I was a child, I grew up in a small coastal town called Crystal Beach on the west coast of Florida. We had a train that came through twice a day until I was 9, I would always run liaise to see it. I also would leave Penney’s on the tail for it to flatten.

Oh the good ole days!

As the new year unfolds 2021 is starting to look a lot better than 2020. We loaded up our bikes for the 1st time this year (with full entions of doing this on the regular) and headed down to beautiful Sarasota Florida to do the bayfront bike trail, we went off script a little bit and took a detour through downtown. What an amazing area Sarasota is, we absolutely fell in love with this quaint and charming little town, Who knew that this area had so much to offer, not only does it have the Ringling Museum, but also a timeless and magical waterfront community. We stopped for lunch, and we’re wowed by Duval’s Fresh restaurants amazing food (a must if you are in Sarasota). We look forward to having many more adventures in amazing areas like this. If you haven’t already sat out on an adventure for 2021, I encourage every single person to do so. Too long have we been cooped up in our homes, too long have we been listening to the rhetoric, let’s get out and do some thing, Go somewhere, live your life. And remember you are the master of your fate.

I spent the day by myself working on my boat. There is something truly relaxing about time spent on the water doing things that I love. It’s been a really stressful 2021, is been emotionally exhausting, taxing, frustrating, and has delivered a lot of hardships.

I’m hopeful that there will be a path that is illuminated for me, a path of meaningful employment that can sustain myself and my family. I have to believe that everything is planned and that this too was a necessary growth stage to help me understand my new path when it presents itself.

I have the most incredible man by my side, showering me with encouragement, love, support, and a powerful winning mindset. Together nothing will stand in our way, I’m going to marry this man.

I am proud and gratefully to be unanimously voted in by the board to be an officer of the board (Treasurer) of the Rotary Club Of Tarpon Springs.

Rotary was started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. This Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could come together to give back to their community. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” - Paul Harris