(B) - Vienna - The Friedrich Gulda Park - A hidden corner of music - and - complete with its very own keyboard!

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Vienna – The Friedrich Gulda Park

Vienna is beautiful. It has more trees, parks and water than most other cities on earth. Vienna is special. But, Vienna, too, is a city of music, and, in a small corner of town is a park that is not only green, but musical, too.

Named after Friedrich Gulda, the popular Austrian pianist, the Friedrich Gulda park gets its feeling of music from a keyboard that runs through its middle. And, the keyboard, of course, is the path that all have to walk on. And, if you find this a little unusual, well, it's hardly surprising. Friedrich Gulda, too, was a little eccentric!

Friedrich Gulda was a genius. And, he loved Beethoven and Mozart. In fact, during his time, Friedrich Gulda's interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven were amongst the best in the world! But, Friedrich Gulda had also a passion for jazz, and his compositions and performances were often considered just a little bit crazy! And, this was the Friedrich Gulda that many people loved. Eccentric and nice – and - in a way - just like his park.

Vienna is green. It has a park with a keyboard and a man and his music with the feeling of jazz. Friedrich Gulda was not like anyone else, and, that's why the Viennese still love him! Vienna, after all, is a city that is different.

Friedrich Gulda was born in Vienna in 1930 and died in Weißenbach am Attersee in January, 2000. And, if you're interested,  the Friedrich Gulda Park lies hidden in the third district of Vienna behind Ungargasse and Landstraße.

Friedrich Gulda – a great man of music who's still very much with us!

Friedrich Gulda

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(B+) - Travel - The Balaton Uplands and a Very Special Church!

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Alsöörs Church -  A Romanesque Beauty!  

The Balaton Uplands in Hungary lie to the north of Lake Balaton. And, the Balaton Uplands are a wonderful part of Hungary. Beautiful countryside, forested hills, traditional villages, Hungarian wine and Hungarian food, and, of course, Lake Balaton itself with all that it offers. But, there are many surprises as well. And, the church of Mary Magdalene in the picturesque village of Felsöörs is possibly one of the finest surprises of all.

The Church of Mary Magdalena in Felsöörs is not only the second oldest church in all Hungary, but also a Romanesque gem. And there, standing in the middle of its wondeful Romanesque nave, I could feel the power and strength and deep peace that the people of Felsöörs have been sharing for 500 years. This church is a building of beauty and strength, and, since it was built has survived periods of war, good times and bad times, invasions and even one or two fires. But, this church has not only an interesting history; it has a story as well.

One of the villagers told me of a secret tunnel that used to run from the church to an airfield in a clearing nearby. And from there, in the Second World War, resistance fighters were flown out to safety. A wonderful story. But sadly, no traces remain of this life saving tunnel.

But happily, the wonderful Romanesque beauty of this magnificent church is no secret at all. And so, if you find yourself in the Balaton Uplands, stop off at Felsöörs and go into the church. It's well worth a visit. And, if you're lucky, you may even catch one of the many fine concerts that are put on in this church. Its acoustics are great!

The Church of Mary Magdalena in Felsöörs, an amazing  church in a picturesque village. A timeless place for a wonderful day!

Vocabulary

airfield – Flugplatz

amazed – erstaunt

clearing - Lichtung

experienced – erlebte

nave – Schiff

picturesque – lieblich

remarkable – bemerkenswert

resistance fighters – Wiederstandkämpfer

secret – geheim

traces - Spurren

Questions

Which style is the church in Felsöörs?

How did I describe the village of Felsöörs?

Is the church the oldest church in Hungary?

What did I experience in the church?

How old is the church?

What is the story of the church?

Where was the airfield?

When was the airfield used?

FOR MORE INFO – please visit the website of Felsöörs – www.felsoors.hu

(A+/B) - Sigi Bergmann - Pure Austrian Gold

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Sigi Bergmann - Pure Austrian Gold!

Sigi Bergmann has a voice that's well known in Austria. He's a television boxing commentator and works for the ORF, an Austrian broadcaster. But, unknown to many, Sigi Bergman goes back a very long way. In fact, much further than most would imagine. And, his very long life has not only been been varied and fun, but interesting, too.

After successfully studying history and voice, Sigi Bergmann worked as a primary school teacher, and, in his spare time, a soloist in the Choir of St. Steven's Cathedral, Vienna. But, it was sport that was always his calling!

In 1969, Sigi Bergmann started presenting Sport Mosaic, a sports show on Austrian TV. This was followed 5 years later by Sport on Monday, a show that was a unique cross between culture and sport. And, amongst Sigi Bergmann's famous guests was Peter Ustinov, the well known actor. But, it was always boxing that interested Sigi Bergmann the most. And, over the years, Sigi Bergmann has commentated more than 3000 matches and made many boxing friends. And, right now, Sigi Bergmann is commentating the boxing at the Olympics in Rio. No easy job, especially for someone his age.

Next year Sigi Bergmann will be 80 – making him the oldest commentator in the world. But, his voice is still just as young and as crisp and as strong as it ever has been. But, of course, this isn't a question of luck. Voices, just like sport, need very much training. No training – no gold!

And, Sigi Bergmann is Austria's Gold. There is no one else quite like him. He's an example for us all. Keep on doing what you love, stay active and curious, and, you, too, will stay young. The last bell will sound when it sounds, and so, until then, enjoy every minute.

Sigi Bergmann – A great Austrian voice!

Vocabulary

broadcaster – Sender

curious – neugierig

example – Beispiel

imagine – vorstellen

quite - wirklich

voice – Stimme

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(B) - A Man in a Boat - A brilliant work by Australian artist Ron Muek. A MUST to be seen!

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A Man in a Boat - A Temple Surprise

The City of Vienna has very much to offer, and, right now there is very much to see. And, one of the most interesting of all is a statue of a man in a boat. It's by the Australian artist Ron Muek and it's not only unique, but incredible and special as well.

And, this little man in a rowing boat is special for one very good reason. Detail. From head to toe it is perfect. And, whilst admiring this work, I wondered at not only its beauty, but its feelings as well. Ron Muek's little man in a boat is not only physical perfection, but character, too. And, this shows in the little man's eyes, his feet, and the way he's holding his arms.

Vienna is full of surprises and this little man in a boat is one of best I have seen. But, be warned. This little man will keep you for longer than just one or two minutes; he needs time. There is much to admire. So, put this little man on the top of your list, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

This little man in a boat by Ron Muek can be seen until September the 6^th. The exhibition opens every day at 11 and closes at 6. And, the entrance is free.

The Theseus Temple, Volksgarten. Vienna.