To start with

GUTEN TAG!

 I am greeting you in German because this time I take you to Austria! Austria... The most vivid fantasy of mine. Let us start.

IN GENERAL 

National Emblem

National flag 

 Originally in German language Austria is Österreich, which is translated as "Eastern country". This name was noted firstly in 996. The official language is German (Austrian German) Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian.
 The flag of Austria consist of three stripes: the white one symbolizes waters of Danube and two red stands for the blood of Austrian patriots which was shed for the independence of Austrian republic. The official religion is Roman Catholic.

 

 For me Austria had always been a country of wonder. Why? Firstly, because of outstanding beauty of its nature. Green Alpine meadows, mountain lakes surrounded with snowy Alps are so picturesque! Alps and alpine skiing in Austria it is a single topic.

There are so many different ski resorts that anyone can find something that suits him exactly. But Alpine slopes are not only about skiing. There are opportunities to try snowbiking or snowkiting. If you are already interested, you can find more information on http://www.austria.info/ru/winter-urlaub-oesterreich


 Then I should mention architecture. As a person who studied arts and was preparing to become and architect I cannot neglect this topic. The Vienna is a real old European capital, where every stone is pierced through history and can tell you a whole story. Austria is often called " A country of palaces" as there are plenty of palaces and castles which witnessed the epoque of balls, gorgeous dresses, gallantry and honor. Till nowadays Austria keeps the spirit of that great history of Austria-Hungary and its architecture guards this spirit. But entrancing fairy palaces are getting on peacefully with modern buildings. This combination making you feel that you are travelling through time and as you turn to another street you step to another century.


I will not speak about national celebrations but Vienna's balls merit attention. "When Vienna dances, the whole world watching". You forget about the time and again you are in eighteenth century. Probably the most significant event of the ball season is The Vienna Opera Ball. You can find out more on http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/Content.Node/home/opernball/Allgemein.en.php. You will not lose your time - but you will get aesthetic delight reading it!
Doubtless, it can take not hours, but ages to discuss Austrian culture - especially ballet and music. Who does not know Mozart or Strauss? A country of Waltzes - another nickname of Austria.


One more thing I want to tell you about - strudel. It is one of the Austrian treasure which Austrians are very proud of. In the past, when music was played only live and when getting dark the candles were lightened no one would marry a girl who cannot bake a strudel! It was an old tradition to consider a girl ready to be a wife. There are plenty of legends created about it. One of them tells that the Austrian Emperor's perfectionist cook decreed that the pastry for strudel should be so thin and elastic that it should be possible to read a love letter through it.

For those who are fond of cooking I give a recipe:

APPLE STRUDEL

Strudel Dough
2 quarts cooking apples, cut fine
1 cup seeded raisins
1/2 cup currants
1/4 pound almonds, blanched and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter

Combine all ingredients except butter. As rapidly as possible, spread apple filling evenly over three-quarters of the stretched, buttered Strudel Dough. Drip some melted butter over filling. Roll up, trim edges, then place in pan. Brush with remaining butter from time to time while baking.

Serve slightly warm

I could write more and more... But I would stop here. See you next time in another country!