Summary of iiSBE AGM & SB13 Graz (Part: 7)
![]() On September 30, 2013, we set off in the morning from the Leonardo Hotel to the Old Danube region. On the way, we passed by the Austrian Parliament, cathedrals and buildings with modern glass facades before crossing the Danube River. Cruise ships could be seen sailing along the Danube showing that Danube River cruises remain quite popular. We also saw the first signs of traffic congestion in the direction of the city center. Very few of the walls along the streets had any graffiti and most of these consisted of text. Elaborate graffiti murals were quite rare. Along the lake, there were a few houses dotted here and there. The lake waters were so clear you could see the lake bottom. A white swan and two wild ducks happened to paddle by on the lake so everyone gathered around the swan to take photos or have their photos taken. As we got ready to leave, we noticed recycling bins and portable toilets next to the river. ![]() On the way to the Hundertwasser-haus we passed by public housing that can be rented on a long-term basis until as long as the renter wanted. They must however pay rent regularly or they will be evicted. Hundertwasserhaus is renowned for its unique frontage, irregular curves and bold colors. Many students and tourists were gathered in front of the building as well. They showed that Austria's wealth in art, culture and creativity probably came from making life a part of education and this in turn made Vienna one of the top international cities in Europe as well. ![]() After leaving Hundertwasserhaus, we went directly to the Schonbrunn Palace built by the House of Hapsburg. The Schonbrunn Palace has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is an important symbol of Vienna. The design of the garden features geometric patterns, exquisite cast iron pieces and complex lines that emphasized the House of Hapsburg's wealth and power. Fine permeable gravel and ponds defined the basic tone of the garden and complemented the hunting forest at the far end. This was undoubtedly designed for easy access by horses. ![]() We then went to the boutique street lined by famous international brands. The clash of old and new could be seen in the advertising signage as well. Mixed among them was St. Stephen Cathedral, the second largest cathedral in Europe. Our visit coincided with the refurbishing of St. Stephen Cathedral so we could not tour its interior. The design of the square, the fully-fledged pedestrian zone, the drainage system running along the shallow depression in the middle of the street and the stone slab paving were similar to those of other European countries. The buildings and shops that were frequently over a hundred years old as well as the trams that seemingly ran everywhere left a strong impression. The high cost of living however meant that living in Austria on an average monthly salary of 2,000 euros (equivalent to 80,000 NTD) couldn't be that easy. |