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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and is forthcoming in Seventh Quarry. She recently self-published a collection of poems and completed the 50,000-word novel-writing challenge during November’s NaNoWriMo. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
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My partner and I have decided that Vienna would be the perfect city to visit as well as other nearby European cities as it offers the foothills of the Alps and is on the banks of the Danube. We’ve found that autumn traveling is priced best. Here are some top destinations (www.planetware.com/Vienna): • Vienna Highlights. The Hofburg is an historic palace spanning 59 acres and architectural styles from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo movements. It includes 19 courtyards, museums, chapels and the like. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque church. Highlights include climbing 343 steps to Steffl’s Watch Room for stunning views. Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens (18th century), Baroque designed, boasts a park-like setting. With 1,441 rooms and apartments, it includes those once used by Empress Maria Theresa. The Vienna State Opera House, home to the Philharmonic Orchestra, has hosted many of the world’s most prominent composers, conductors, soloists, and dancers. Beethoven’s Heiligenstadt is where he worked on his Second Symphony and is now a museum. • Budapest. About 150 miles from Vienna, it’s affectionately known as the “Paris of the East” as it sits along the Danube and is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Take in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, Castel Hill, home to the 18th-century Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square, and many museums. The Budapest Day Trip takes you to many of the cities famous landmarks. • Salzburg. For classical music lovers, Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most popular museums. Visit Mirabell Palace and gardens, where the famed Von Trapp children ran about. Take a walking tour of the city from the Residenzplatz, the large square and home to a magnificent marble fountain by Italian sculptor, Tommaso di Garone. • Bratislava. Slovakia’s capital is less than an hour from Vienna by train. Here old meets new in this striking city where 18th-century buildings line the streets of the old town and Soviet architecture can be seen. Visit Bratislava Castle, the old town hall, which houses the City Museum, and Michaels’ Gate from the original medieval fortifications. • Prague. It’s about 180 miles from Vienna. Begin at the Old Town Square for a walking tour where you’ll pass the famous Tyn Church and the Jewish Quarter. Other sites include the Prague Castle and Old Royal Palace. Stroll across the Charles Bridge or see a performance at the National Theatre. The 14-hour Prague Day Trip passes through the Moravia countryside. For savings, buy a Vienna Pass and don’t forget to enjoy the street-side cafes with famous coffees and pastries. Happy Travels! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 