READ ABOUT THE WORLD
HOW MUCH NEW CAN WE LEARN BY TRAVELLING!
Go back
Amazing Austria: One of the Most Beautiful Places in the Country
by Sofia Shirshina
by Sofia Shirshina
Photo Source: Pinterest
Austria is an incredibly beautiful country. There are quite a lot of tourist places that are worth visiting because of their beauty which fascinates the spirit. Today I will tell you about the five most interesting and entertaining sites.
Vienna
The Austrian capital is one of the country's attractions, namely the so-called old town. It has preserved the layout and architecture of the past centuries. The old town was founded in the first century (scientists range between 881 and 976), and now there is a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of that time: cozy squares, cathedrals, cobbled narrow streets. Vienna's main attractions are located at the main square of the old town. St. Stephen's Cathedral is considered to be the main tourist site. It was founded more than 800 years ago. St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the ten tallest cathedrals in the world, its height is 136 meters. The cathedral has 13 bells located in various towers surrounding. The double-headed eagle of the imperial and royal courts is depicted on its roofs, as well as the coat of arms of Vienna. The remains of the Habsburg emperors (for example, Frederick the Second) are kept here. Entrance to the cathedral is free. The old town is also known by the Hofburg Palace, the Habsburg residence. The Hofburg is now an art and history museum. Another attraction is the Vienna State Opera, the beauty of which is admired to this day. It was built in 1869. The first production was the play “Don Juan” (Mozart). The opera was completely destroyed in 1945, and only by 1956-1957 it was restored. The Vienna Opera is considered to be the guardian of the traditions of the classical school, in particular Mozart.
Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the cities in western Austria. Literally, Salzburg translates as “salt fortress". The second name of the city is Rome of the North. This name was given because of the architecture of the Italian character. The city was founded in 1077. Mozart was born here and nowadays you can visit the famous house. Architecture, history and mountain landscape are intertwined (mountains surround Salzburg). In this city the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located, for example, the oldest restaurant in Europe and a fully preserved fortress, which is more than 900 years old. The symbol of Salzburg is the unique Hohensalzburg fortress, founded in 1077. The princely chambers and the famous “golden hall” is open for public visiting all year round. The fortress opens an incredible view of the Alps.
Helbrunn, the summer residence of the archbishop, is also located near the city. Helbrunn was founded in 1612-1615 by Italian architects. The world's only functioning funny fountains that spray water on passers-by have been saved here. There is a park within the residence with statues of unicorns and other mythical creatures. Another attraction of Helbrunn is two theaters – mechanical and stone. The first one is a theater of toys activated by the water. This theater was created in the middle of the 18th century. More than 250 wooden figures are set in motion to the sounds of a water organ, depicting scenes of a medieval city. The Stone Theatre is the oldest open-air stage in Europe, carved right into the rock.
Graz
Graz is considered to be a student city, as most of the country's universities are located here. Graz differs in many ways from other cities in Austria, in particular with its special atmosphere, energy, and the mixing of new generation buildings with historical architecture. In the old part of the city historical monuments such as the Cathedral of St. Aegidi (Graz Cathedral, made in the late Gothic style), a museum with a huge collection of historical weapons, a mausoleum with the ashes of Emperor Ferdinand II and many others are located. But the town is famous not only for its architecture and monuments, but also for the road to the city. It is an amazing railway with a beautiful view. The train follows the Semmering mountain railway, the oldest in the world. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. Ancient tunnels, arched bridges are still saved here, and the mountain landscapes with Austrian villages opening from the railway are breathtaking.
The Krimml Waterfalls
The Krimml Waterfalls is one of the wonders of Austria. The Krimml Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Europe. Its height is 380 meters. It is located in the national park “High Tauern". Every second the waterfall drops tons of water, and a rainbow often appears in the spray. There are hiking trails along the waterfall, which leads you to the source of the Krimml Waterfalls. Along the way there is a view of the waterfall, which can be viewed from observation decks, and the trail passes through a forest with pines and ferns.
The bridge in Bad Gastein
The frenzied heartbeat and adrenaline are felt when you first approach the bridge in Bad Gastein. This is a pedestrian bridge located in the Alps. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Sometimes the bridge swings because of the strong wind. In clear weather, it offers views of the Austrian Alps and the country's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and in cloudy weather, you feel like a tightrope walker walking above the clouds.
Vienna
The Austrian capital is one of the country's attractions, namely the so-called old town. It has preserved the layout and architecture of the past centuries. The old town was founded in the first century (scientists range between 881 and 976), and now there is a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of that time: cozy squares, cathedrals, cobbled narrow streets. Vienna's main attractions are located at the main square of the old town. St. Stephen's Cathedral is considered to be the main tourist site. It was founded more than 800 years ago. St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the ten tallest cathedrals in the world, its height is 136 meters. The cathedral has 13 bells located in various towers surrounding. The double-headed eagle of the imperial and royal courts is depicted on its roofs, as well as the coat of arms of Vienna. The remains of the Habsburg emperors (for example, Frederick the Second) are kept here. Entrance to the cathedral is free. The old town is also known by the Hofburg Palace, the Habsburg residence. The Hofburg is now an art and history museum. Another attraction is the Vienna State Opera, the beauty of which is admired to this day. It was built in 1869. The first production was the play “Don Juan” (Mozart). The opera was completely destroyed in 1945, and only by 1956-1957 it was restored. The Vienna Opera is considered to be the guardian of the traditions of the classical school, in particular Mozart.
Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the cities in western Austria. Literally, Salzburg translates as “salt fortress". The second name of the city is Rome of the North. This name was given because of the architecture of the Italian character. The city was founded in 1077. Mozart was born here and nowadays you can visit the famous house. Architecture, history and mountain landscape are intertwined (mountains surround Salzburg). In this city the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located, for example, the oldest restaurant in Europe and a fully preserved fortress, which is more than 900 years old. The symbol of Salzburg is the unique Hohensalzburg fortress, founded in 1077. The princely chambers and the famous “golden hall” is open for public visiting all year round. The fortress opens an incredible view of the Alps.
Helbrunn, the summer residence of the archbishop, is also located near the city. Helbrunn was founded in 1612-1615 by Italian architects. The world's only functioning funny fountains that spray water on passers-by have been saved here. There is a park within the residence with statues of unicorns and other mythical creatures. Another attraction of Helbrunn is two theaters – mechanical and stone. The first one is a theater of toys activated by the water. This theater was created in the middle of the 18th century. More than 250 wooden figures are set in motion to the sounds of a water organ, depicting scenes of a medieval city. The Stone Theatre is the oldest open-air stage in Europe, carved right into the rock.
Graz
Graz is considered to be a student city, as most of the country's universities are located here. Graz differs in many ways from other cities in Austria, in particular with its special atmosphere, energy, and the mixing of new generation buildings with historical architecture. In the old part of the city historical monuments such as the Cathedral of St. Aegidi (Graz Cathedral, made in the late Gothic style), a museum with a huge collection of historical weapons, a mausoleum with the ashes of Emperor Ferdinand II and many others are located. But the town is famous not only for its architecture and monuments, but also for the road to the city. It is an amazing railway with a beautiful view. The train follows the Semmering mountain railway, the oldest in the world. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. Ancient tunnels, arched bridges are still saved here, and the mountain landscapes with Austrian villages opening from the railway are breathtaking.
The Krimml Waterfalls
The Krimml Waterfalls is one of the wonders of Austria. The Krimml Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Europe. Its height is 380 meters. It is located in the national park “High Tauern". Every second the waterfall drops tons of water, and a rainbow often appears in the spray. There are hiking trails along the waterfall, which leads you to the source of the Krimml Waterfalls. Along the way there is a view of the waterfall, which can be viewed from observation decks, and the trail passes through a forest with pines and ferns.
The bridge in Bad Gastein
The frenzied heartbeat and adrenaline are felt when you first approach the bridge in Bad Gastein. This is a pedestrian bridge located in the Alps. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Sometimes the bridge swings because of the strong wind. In clear weather, it offers views of the Austrian Alps and the country's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and in cloudy weather, you feel like a tightrope walker walking above the clouds.
The Footprint of the Roman Empire on Modern Britain
by Elizaveta Gromova
by Elizaveta Gromova
Photo source: Pinterest
The UK is certainly a country with a very rich history. Huge battles, powerful royals and stone castles fascinate lots of people even in the 21st century. However, let's go back in time when Britain didn't look like it does nowadays and people didn't even speak English there!
How it all started…
In 55 BC, the Roman army of 10,000 men invaded Britain. The Celts (tribes who lived in Britain back at that time) saw their ships approaching and rushed to attack the invaders. They actually managed to make a great impression on the Romans, who saw them for the first time in battle. It was quite a view: their hair and mustaches were dyed red and their bodies were painted blue. The Celts fought naked shouting very loudly at the same time. Invincible Roman army under one of the greatest generals of that time Julius Caesar had to return to the continent.
The conquest
In 54 BC, the Romans came to Britain with larger forces. They had better armor and were much better trained. After several battles some of the Celtic Chiefs submitted and promised to pay tribute to Rome.
In 43 AD, the Roman army invaded Britain again. At this time they were confident they wanted to stay on the island. They were unable to conquer the Scottish Highlands, so the Roman province of Britain consisted only of the southern part of the Island. It means that they couldn't conquer the land which belongs to Scotland today!
The spread of the Roman influence
There had been no towns in Britain before the Roman empire conquered it! Once the Romans arrived, they began to build splendid villas, public baths and towns where people continue to live nowadays.
Actually, many towns began as military camps or settlements for former soldiers. London and Colchester were the largest and the most important towns in Britain.
There is a little trick on how you can check whether a city or a town was founded by the Romans. Towns back then were called “castra”, which means “camps”. This word can be recognized in various forms in such names as Winchester, Manchester, Doncaster, Lancaster. Any English town today with the name ending in chester or cester or caster was once a Roman city, the Lincoln comes from the Latin word colonia, which means a colony.
What made Roman towns special?
In the center of any Roman town was an open space called the Forum used as a marketplace. There was also the Basilica used for local government, tax collecting and record keeping. The Roman towns were military stations surrounded by walls for defense and guarded by the Roman warriors.
Other buildings in towns might include one or more temples and occasionally a theater or amphitheater for events such as gladiatorial combats.
Nowadays, there are many things in Britain to remind the people of the Romans. For example, the wells, which the Romans dug, give water today, and Roman roads are forming the highways of modern England. Watling Street, which used to be one of the main roads used by the Roman legions, still runs from London to Chester, and long stretches of Hadrian's Wall, the ruins of public baths and parts of the Roman Bridges have remained to this day.
History of the most popular Roman-founded cities for you to visit
• York
York City Walls were built by the Romans around two thousand years ago. They are the longest town walls in England. York was actually the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. It is one of the most beautiful cities in England that is definitely worth visiting.
• Colchester
Colchester was known centuries ago as Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. It used to be an important military base for the Romans. Famous Colchester Castle, constructed in the eleventh century, was actually built on earlier Roman foundations.
• Bath
Bath is in fact famous for its baths built by the Romans who found some valuable hot springs there. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2012, 30,000 silver Roman coins were found there.
• Doncaster
The city was founded as a Roman fort of the 1st century AD on the River Don. Also, some primary roads of Roman Britain were built there. In Doncaster, some of the roads that are yet to be discovered are still hidden under buildings.
• Lincoln
Lindum Colonia developed from an Iron Age settlement of Britons (the Celtic tribe living there before the invasion). Colonia Domitiana Lindensium, named after Emperor Domitian, was set up as a fortress on the top of the hill. It was a very flourishing settlement.
The Romans’ constant desire to be the best helped to leave a huge footprint on the history of many European countries. Not only did they set a start to the development of modern Italy, but also affected many different countries around Europe. Luckily, Britain was one of them. And you can still find the Roman footprint when you visit the country!
How it all started…
In 55 BC, the Roman army of 10,000 men invaded Britain. The Celts (tribes who lived in Britain back at that time) saw their ships approaching and rushed to attack the invaders. They actually managed to make a great impression on the Romans, who saw them for the first time in battle. It was quite a view: their hair and mustaches were dyed red and their bodies were painted blue. The Celts fought naked shouting very loudly at the same time. Invincible Roman army under one of the greatest generals of that time Julius Caesar had to return to the continent.
The conquest
In 54 BC, the Romans came to Britain with larger forces. They had better armor and were much better trained. After several battles some of the Celtic Chiefs submitted and promised to pay tribute to Rome.
In 43 AD, the Roman army invaded Britain again. At this time they were confident they wanted to stay on the island. They were unable to conquer the Scottish Highlands, so the Roman province of Britain consisted only of the southern part of the Island. It means that they couldn't conquer the land which belongs to Scotland today!
The spread of the Roman influence
There had been no towns in Britain before the Roman empire conquered it! Once the Romans arrived, they began to build splendid villas, public baths and towns where people continue to live nowadays.
Actually, many towns began as military camps or settlements for former soldiers. London and Colchester were the largest and the most important towns in Britain.
There is a little trick on how you can check whether a city or a town was founded by the Romans. Towns back then were called “castra”, which means “camps”. This word can be recognized in various forms in such names as Winchester, Manchester, Doncaster, Lancaster. Any English town today with the name ending in chester or cester or caster was once a Roman city, the Lincoln comes from the Latin word colonia, which means a colony.
What made Roman towns special?
In the center of any Roman town was an open space called the Forum used as a marketplace. There was also the Basilica used for local government, tax collecting and record keeping. The Roman towns were military stations surrounded by walls for defense and guarded by the Roman warriors.
Other buildings in towns might include one or more temples and occasionally a theater or amphitheater for events such as gladiatorial combats.
Nowadays, there are many things in Britain to remind the people of the Romans. For example, the wells, which the Romans dug, give water today, and Roman roads are forming the highways of modern England. Watling Street, which used to be one of the main roads used by the Roman legions, still runs from London to Chester, and long stretches of Hadrian's Wall, the ruins of public baths and parts of the Roman Bridges have remained to this day.
History of the most popular Roman-founded cities for you to visit
• York
York City Walls were built by the Romans around two thousand years ago. They are the longest town walls in England. York was actually the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. It is one of the most beautiful cities in England that is definitely worth visiting.
• Colchester
Colchester was known centuries ago as Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. It used to be an important military base for the Romans. Famous Colchester Castle, constructed in the eleventh century, was actually built on earlier Roman foundations.
• Bath
Bath is in fact famous for its baths built by the Romans who found some valuable hot springs there. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2012, 30,000 silver Roman coins were found there.
• Doncaster
The city was founded as a Roman fort of the 1st century AD on the River Don. Also, some primary roads of Roman Britain were built there. In Doncaster, some of the roads that are yet to be discovered are still hidden under buildings.
• Lincoln
Lindum Colonia developed from an Iron Age settlement of Britons (the Celtic tribe living there before the invasion). Colonia Domitiana Lindensium, named after Emperor Domitian, was set up as a fortress on the top of the hill. It was a very flourishing settlement.
The Romans’ constant desire to be the best helped to leave a huge footprint on the history of many European countries. Not only did they set a start to the development of modern Italy, but also affected many different countries around Europe. Luckily, Britain was one of them. And you can still find the Roman footprint when you visit the country!
Same but Different: What Makes the Mentalities of Nations around the World So Unique?
by Elizabeth Gromova
by Elizabeth Gromova
Photo Source: Pinterest
Imagine it is your second day at the university and you are an international student. You just have found the classroom where you are supposed to have your first lesson. You even have managed to make eye contact with someone you had probably talked to the day before. Now, you are coming directly to that group of people. You are a bit excited, but mostly nervous and also a bit unsure. Now, they are right in front of you. So what would you do and what would they expect you to do?
Would you give them a kiss? Would you hug them? Would you just shake hands and say hi?
That is how we find out a bit more about you, or (more exactly) about your mentality.
Mentality is the way people think, their cast of mind, the way they make decisions and communicate with others.
There are many factors that influence a person's way of behavior. However, one of the most significant of them is the place where he was born and raised. Actually, mentality, as well as nation’s traditions and customs is affected by climate, landscape, proximity to the ocean and other geographical characteristics.
The northern climate makes people conserve their energy, while the southern climate makes them spend it.
People who grew up in a colder climate are more reserved and need more personal space than people from a warmer climate. By the way, this does not depend on a person’s nationality at all. Scientists say that cold climates lead to a more isolated lifestyle when people cannot go out together and see each other very often. So they grow up used to being alone, which ultimately affects their character.
The closer to the equator, the more lively nations tend to become. Their national dances become more energetic (for example, Argentine tango and Brazilian sambo). Also, Southern languages are more melodic and sensual according to many people (for example, French, Italian, Spanish). These factors are the reflection of the domination of sanguine and choleric temperaments of the southern nations.
Landscape also has a certain influence on human behavior. If we compare the inhabitants of the plains with the inhabitants of the mountainous areas, then in the first case the world seems united and monotonous to a person, and in the second one - complex, requiring constant attention to a lot of different factors. These contrasts cause differences in worldviews and personality traits too.
Actually, these rules are followed precisely by the parts of the world with contrasting northern and southern regions. For example, the artistic southern states of the USA with carnivals in New Orleans and vibrant Los Angeles, the city of music and cinema, contrast the northern states, where New York, Chicago and Seattle are the cities of business and high skyscrapers.
However, it is important to understand that there are exceptions to all rules. In general, the world would fit into them only if we lived in tribes, without the influence of the Internet, economics, culture and education.
In 2005, the research was conducted by Robert R McCrae. College students from 51 cultures (12,156 students) rated a person from their country whom they knew really well. Surprisingly, Americans and Europeans turned out to be more extroverted than people from Africa. Brazilians and French have indeed become one of the most extroverted nations, but at the same time, Nigerians and Indonesians, despite being the southern nations, turned out to be among the most introverted ones. Additionally, according to a study by David Schmitt held in 2007, people in Africa are much more conscientious than the rest of the world.
However, stereotypes cannot be trusted. Mentality is formed by a huge number of factors that often cannot even be analyzed in any way. In addition, all people in all places of the world are different. We are sure that you will meet both very gloomy and reserved Russians, as well as friendly and hospitable ones.
So, whatever you do to greet your new university friends is really not that important. Just respect each other and have fun. That is why we love to hang out with people.
