Grüß Gott from Vienna!

You already know that the Danube metropolis is one of my favorite cities. The good thing is: Vienna also offers the returning traveler undiscovered and inspiring things. A highlight of my current stay in Vienna is the visit to the State Hall in the Austrian National Library. In the 18th century by Emperor Karl VI. commissioned, the State Hall is one of the most beautiful and spectacular libraries in the world with 200,000 books from four centuries. Already last year an exhibition about the great Maria Theresia was shown in this impressive ambience. This year I was tempted by an exhibition about the secrets of the Freemasons in the Hofburg: 300 years of Masons – the real secret. Absolutely worthwhile with interesting insights and backgrounds about the mystery and myths entwined secret society. Unfortunately, only shown until January 7, 2018!

The Prunksaal in der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek, the State Hall in the Austrian National Library

As art is known to make you hungry, you can go to the Café Francais after, where you will find typical French snacks such as the wonderful ‘Salade Paris’. A MUST are the homemade fries: Just yummy, especially the curry dip! A good choice for lunch is the Café Le Bol – popular not only because of the delicious salad variations. Speaking of delicious: Breakfast I had in the dairy farm this time. Picturesquely located on the Danube Canal in the midst of the Vienna City Park, the dependance of the star Restaurant Steirereck actually resides on the foundations of a former dairy farm, where dairy products were produced in the Emperors time. The owners of the Steirereck – the Reitbauer family – have made this a duty and offer here alone 150 cheese specialties, which the guest selects under the expert advice of the cheese sommelier.

Me infront of the “Madonna with child” at the Albertina

For all Old Master fans, a visit to the Raffael exhibition shown in the Albertina is a MUST. Again, there is a hurry, because the exhibition will only be shown until January 7th. (For this there will be a detailed report on MyStylery). After so much enjoyment of art, it takes a little breather – or should I say a sugar shock? On to the Christmas decorated Hotel Sacher for a hot chocolate and a piece of the same named cake. Both of course with whipped cream – let’s go the whole hog! I do not just love the culinary here. The lavish decor at the Sacher just now at Christmas time is beautiful and a feast for the eyes.

Vienna – City of lights. I never get tired looking at this splendor. Is there anything comparable?

Afterwards, the calories burn up almost by itself, because let’s go to the Christmas market. This year, for the first time, I visit the market in front of Belvedere Palace, where I admire the magnificent rooms of the Upper Belvedere and the artworks on display there. Above all, of course, the famous works of Gustav Klimt: ‘The Kiss’ and the portrait of the beautiful Judith Holofernes.

The Christmas Market infront of the Schloss Belvedere – too beautiful

In Vienna you let yourself drift through the streets, immerse yourself in the centuries-old architecture of the Inner City, which is so authentically and wonderfully preserved that it would not be surprising if Mozart and his contemporaries suddenly stood face to face. I look forward to the evening and the upcoming premiere of Joseph Roth’s Radetzky March at the Burgtheater. Unfortunately, I did not particularly like the staging, but the more impressive ambience of this world class theater.

The restaurant Salon Plafond is very popular in Vienna. Tip: When reserving ask for a place inside. It’s way too cold on the window side

The culinary question of the evening will be answered with a visit to the Salon Plafond restaurant. We enjoy duck and scampi, the beautiful interior and the friendly service alike. The newcomer to Vienna’s Gastro scene ‚Spelunke‘ is also in great demand (reserve on time !!!) and popularity. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my table because the performance at the Burgtheater took three and a half hours. From the Burgtheater, I took a direct course on a nightcap towards the trendy Bar Fabios , where fabulous cocktails make up for a lot of things. Also about the approaching farewell. But Vienna, you know, I’ll be back!  BvH

Looking for some Christmas presents – it’s never too late ;-))

Magnificent light!

Breakfast in the Meierei (dairy farm) is served from 8 am to 12 noon. A reservation is advisable on the weekend and during Christmas time…

…We chose cheese omelettes and the Viennese breakfast with its excellent apricot jam and homemade bread…

The expert’s advice of the cheese sommelier

Strolling through Vienna with my lovely daughter

The famous but incomplete Wenceslas Bible from the 14th century at the State Hall of the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

At Café Francais you will find typical French snacks such as the wonderful ‘Salade Paris’…

…A MUST are the homemade fries: Just yummy, especially the curry dip!

Also a good choice: Café Le Bol – Who loves soups and salads, is at the right place here

Vienna in the Christmas glow: what an opulence, what a glamor! For me, Vienna is by far the most beautifully decorated city in the Christmas season

Impressing: The State Hall of Schloss Belvedere…

In the Belvedere the permanent collection of important impressionists and expressionists is shown and finally I could admire Gustav Klimt’s portrait of the beautiful Judith Holofernes …

…and also “The Kiss”

The best hot chocolate is available at the Hotel Sacher!

…Of course with fresh whipped cream…

…and in an elegant atmosphere

Vienna is always good for a surprise: Suddenly I find myself in this dreamlike staircase again, an architectural jewel in the 1st district

Window shopping in the festively decorated Vienna: The shopping heart is laughing

In the 7th district make a detour at Lena Hoschek . Here, the Austrian designer has a charming boutique with a living room atmosphere and lovely details in the midst of the romantic Spittelberg district

Bye bye Vienna…

Tip for Vienna:

Book your taxi from Schwechat Airport to the city (and back) online in advance on flextaxi-flughafentaxi.at at a very low fixed price!

The post A perfect day in Vienna III appeared first on My Stylery.

The arrival of the guests infront of the magnificent Staatsoper in Vienna, where the annual Opera Ball takes place. Photo: Wiener Staatsoper

Who doesn’t dream of it? One time hovering over the parquet of the Vienna Opera Ball in a roaring robe in three-fourths. For me this dream came true this year – including stage table with unobstructed view over opera stage and boxes.

The “proof of legitimation” of the evening: My opera ball ticket and my entry permit

The Vienna Opera Ball is by all accounts a great event that must be thoroughly prepared. Entrance tickets and lodges must be requested and booked in advance (by writing), as well as hotel and arrival. While the gentlemen appear in tailcoats, the question of clothes for the ladies is certainly one of the most central ones. A dress for the opera ball has to be long, an elegant robe, which underlines every own type. It was quite interesting how variable the term elegance was interpreted by the ladies. And please no doppelgangers! The nightmare par excellence, when you suddenly face your dress. I chose a dream robe of dark green velvet from the Munich design duo Talbot Runhof, in which I felt very comfortable.

My look for the Vienna Opera Ball: A décolleté emphasized robe in dark green velvet by Talbot Runhof. A clutch from Bottega Veneta and high heels by Jimmy Choo

The Vienna Opera Ball probably polarizes like no other social event. Degraded to a boulevard event in some places, where guests of all kinds and VIP categories romp about, the Vienna Opera Ball is considered the most elegant tradition of the Donau metropolis. And rightly so. The splendid halls of the state opera that have been opened in 1869 provide a perfect setting, and the opulence of the festively decorated rooms make the “k.u.k.” era lively. What an honor!

Dense crowds around the red carpet, where the arrival of the celebrities was observed and commented

The grande dame of the Opera Ball Elisabeth Gürtler handed the scepter over to her successor, Maria Großbauer, who for the first time was responsible for the overall organization as well as this year’s motto “All Opera”, including the guest list. Among them was the architect Jean Nouvel (Les Galleries Lafayettes Berlin), the head of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Christine Lagarde, publisher Liz Mohn and billionaires widow Ingrid Flick. But also colorful birds such as building contractor Richard Lugner, who flies in well-known personalities from the USA for a lot of cash – this year’s actress Goldie Hawn. As well as former participants of the RTL jungle camp. It is this special guest mix that makes the evening a dazzling one. To see and to be seen and a bit of gossip.

At the Opera Ball Dinner at the Hotel Sacher: Cheers to a bouncing ball night!

For me the evening started with a champagne reception, followed by an exclusive, delicious five-course meal in the green salon of the Sacher Hotel, where I also stayed. What a luxury, just in terms of the short distances. At 9:30 pm we went to opera house opposite the hotel, where the 5,000 guests of the ball floated on the left and right of the red carpet over the grand staircase (main stairs) that were festively decorated by lush floral arrangements. Passing by flashes of lightning and cameras, the ball visitors spread out on the five floors of the opera house. At 10 pm, the ball was opened in the presence of Austria’s just elected German President Alexander van den Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Kern.

Too beautiful: The opening waltz of the debutants

When the 144 debutants arrived, I became a little sentimental. Actually, my oldest daughter was supposed to take part in the opening, but unfortunately she sustained a torn ligament and could therefore not participate in the extensive and elaborate rehearsals of the debut. The young ladies – all in white evening dresses – wore a Swarovski diadem designed by Karl Lagerfeld this year. Each one looked like a princess, simply adorable! The ballet of the state opera enchanted with a performance and the subsequent performance of star-tenor Jonas Kaufmann did not only inspire me. Then it was finally time for the “All Waltz” – left to the left, of course – and the orchestra played until the early morning.

The imposing Grand Hall in the shape of an ellipse with its many boxes and ranks, which extend over five floors

Strolling around is part of the event, even for the guests of a lodge. Because there was program on all levels of the opera house. One could try ones luck in the casino, in the basement disco or take part in one of the popular quadrilles dance in the Great Hall. There were culinary servings from “slow food” to the classic sausage. The cloakroom of the philharmonics converted itself into a wine venue; the legendary Viennese Café Zum Schwarzen Kameel was represented with a branch as well as the best Austrian winemakers with seven wine bars. By happenstance I accidentally got into the staff canteen in the catacombs of the opera at an advanced hour. Opera stars, stage workers and ball guests sat together with liver cheese pies and beer (or a last champagne), and rested their tired feet. At five o’clock the ball of all the balls came to an end. It was already bright outside and the birds began to chirp. What a memorable night! BvH

The Red Carpet is reserved for VIPs at the Vienna Opera Ball. All other guests enter the Opera House on the left and right side

About the 61st Vienna Opera Ball:

An entry ticket for the Vienna Opera Ball 2017 costs 290 euros, a box between 10,000 and 20,500 euros; A table between 400 and 1,200 euros. Tickets for the dress rehearsal cost 25 euros, seating cards between 30 and 60 euros. Drinks and meals are not included in the price.

In the Opera foye, the motto is “seeing and being seen”

How to survive:

1.) Do not appear with an empty stomach, eat something in advance

2.) It is warm in the lodges. Therefore do not forget a hand fan

3.) Before ordering ask for the price of the drinks: The bottle of champagne costs 500 euros

4.) Take flat shoes (eg ballerinas) as a substitute. From 3 o’clock in the morning this isn’t a sin of style

5.) Take the “Libretto” opera ball-book which includes an overview of rooms, music, culinary and service

Among the guests opera diva Anna Netrebko with her husband Yusif Eyvazov

MyStylerys Tipp I:

Even though the loge first appears to be the “best place”, I recommend a stage table. From there all participants have a wide-ranging view, which in comparison a lodge only provides from the front places.

MyStylerys Tipp II:

By the way: If you would like to lodge in one of the 149 rooms in the neighboring Sacher Hotel, you should already request for the 2018 Opera Ball.

Ready to rumble: My hubby and I well prepared

The Green Salon at the Hotel Sacher: Here I enjoyed the Opera Ball menu. And yes, green is my color!

Just a look at the menu …

… and the dessert with chocolate variations

General tension before the entry of the debutants

The Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera

Space with a view: From my stage table I could enjoy a wide-ranging view …

… including the performance of the Corps de Ballet of the Vienna State Opera:

… which was flanked and amazed by the debutants on the right and left of the stage

The Great Hall with its boxes. In the middle, the Emperor’s lodge, in which the Austrian Federal President Alexander van den Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Kern were placed

Elegant ball visitors: designer Lena Hoschek (left) in a beautiful, simple self-creation

It’s all about waltz! Whoever looks closely, recognizes me in the middle ;-)))

Various film teams looking for successful and less successful wow outfits, spectacular VIPs and of course some gossip

What an elegant and splendid location for the specially built casino: under the chandelier one could try his luck

Once a princess with a crown: Chanel-Designer Karl Lagerfeld created for Swarovski the beautiful diadem of the debutants with with 394 crystals. Photo by Wiener Staatsoper

…At five in the morning I said bye bye! What a devine night!

Contact Vienna Opera Ball:

wiener-staatsoper.at

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The post It’s all about waltz: The Opera Ball in Vienna appeared first on My Stylery.

In the legendary “Blue Bar” at the Sacher Hotel, where Graham Greene got his inspirations for his famous classic novel “The Third Man”

Do you know, what the English writer Graham Greene inspired to his legendary novel “The Third Man”? A drink and a talk at the bar of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna. Here Greene met a British officer, who told him about the underground passages of Vienna. Greene was intrigued and recorded his first ideas to the homonymous movie of 1949 on a napkin.

Central as it gets: The Hotel Sacher is located vis-à-vis to the opera amidst Vienna

Founded in 1876 by the Viennese restaurateur Eduard Sacher, the hotel is as before, one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. The Nobel hostel was just voted from the US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler with the “Readers’ Choice Awards 2014” to the best hotel in Austria and thus ranks third in the world of excellent luxury hotels.

In “Salon Metternich” breakfast is served

Located amidst the Danube-metropolis near by the Vienna Opera House, crowned heads, politicians and celebrities such as the great conductor Herbert von Karajan, ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, Queen Elizabeth of England, US President John F. Kennedy already lodged in the five-star luxury hotel. Even John Lennon and Yoko Ono took a break in the Sacher Hotel and invited to a press conference to one of their legendary “Bagism” – actions in their hotel suite in 1969. Lying in bed, covered with nothing but a bag, the former Beatle and his wife demonstrated to world peace this way.

Wien, Wien, nur du allein …

Finest food is served in the restaurant “Anna Sacher”, which was named after its founder

Since 1934, the five-star hotel and a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, is guided by family Gürtler that renovated the hotel completely in 2006 and now meet the criteria of the “Leading Spa” in the wellness area, too.

For whom the hotel accommodation (from 400 Euros per night) is too expensive, enjoy a piece of the famous Sacher Torte – best in the cozy hotel lobby, my favorite place. Here I enjoy the upcoming Christmas atmosphere whilst watching the other guests. My kind of pleasure! BvH

Teatime at the Hotel Sacher – here in the “Blue Bar”

Contact Hotel Sacher:

Philharmoniker Str. 4
1010 Wien, Austria

www.sacher.com

Featured pic by Hotel Sacher Vienna

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The post Still a classic in Vienna: The Hotel Sacher appeared first on My Stylery.