The Broadway in New York City has a long history and tradition. It is famous for the many musicals and plays that have had showings in theaters along and close to the road. The most popular musicals include:
The Lion King: Like the Disney film, the Lion King is about Simba and the circle of life. The audience gets to watch Simba find his place in the world and deal with many emotions like luck, love anger and responsibility. My favorite songs include "I just can't wait to be king" and "Hakuna Matata".
Wicked: Wicked is basically an extension of "The Wizard of Oz". This musical describes the story and friendship of Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west, and the beautiful Glinda, who are both in love with Fiyero, the prince. The show contains many plot twists that the visitor won't be able to foresee. I have seen this musical on Broadway myself and can highly recommend it to people who love good music and a fantastic plot all rolled into one.
The Book of Mormon: This show is a religious satire that follows two male characters on their mission to Uganda. It is not a musical for people who get easily offended, but is one of the most popular shows at the moment.
Chicago: This musical tells the story of Roxie Hart, a dancer who killed her lover and therefore has to go to prison. The audience follows her progress from prison back to a normal life. My favorite songs are "Cell Block Tango" and "All that jazz".
The Phantom of the Opera: This musical is basically world-famous and has a movie version. It is about the mysterious Phantom that lives in the catacombs of the opera house in Paris. He falls in love with the dancer Christine, who becomes a star because of him.
I've been very lucky to have seen two shows on Broadway already. The first one I saw was "How to succeed in business without really trying" with Darren Criss in the lead and the second show I've seen was "Wicked". I think that watching a show on Broadway is basically mandatory for tourists in New York City.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
American culture in Austria
Cultures are always changing and intermingling with each other and
the Austrian culture is no exception. Of course, migration is a big
factor, but another element that people sometimes forget are movies and
advertisements.
The best example for this is perhaps Santa Claus. Coca Cola invented him as he is today - an overweight old man, with a white beard and a red suit, living on North Pole with his wife and a lot of elves. The film industry then made movies about him that, along with the ad, are being shown in Austria and thus, a lot of younger children now believe in Santa Claus, rather than the Christkind.
Since we are on the topic of holidays, Halloween is another thing that we've incorporated in our culture. For Austrians, this date traditionally only is a normal day, but with a lot of movies being made about the topic of Halloween, a lot of people have started to celebrate it in Austria as well. In bigger cities it is not that rare to see trick-or-treaters, and Halloween decorations along Halloween themed candy can be bought in basically every grocery store. For young adults, Halloween parties are now offering another opportunity to party and let loose.
Another part of American culture that has found its way to Austria is the food. While I don't really consider McDonalds a classic American restaurant, I can't deny that Burgers and french fries are quite American. The sheer number of McDonalds per town/city in Austria seems to actually outnumber the amount per town (with relatively the same size of course) in America, which fascinates me a lot. But it's not just McDonalds that offers "the classic American food", on the contrary, there are a lot of restaurants that only serve different Burger variations in Austria nowadays.
Of course, I'm not going to forget about the sweet concoctions that have made their way across the pond. Cupcakes, Cookies and Brownies are becoming more and more popular, with a lot of shops opening that just offer these sweet temptations.
A big element that we don't even notice as a part of American culture is music. But one only has to listen to OE3 to understand that American music, which for me is part of a culture, is dominating the radio stations. Teenagers in Austria don't listen to traditional Austrian music, but rather to the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
American sports are now also part of the everyday culture. Basketball, which arguably could be Canadian as well since the inventor is a Canadian American, is a fixed feature in our sports world and even American Football has seen a steady increase of players in Austria.
The best example for this is perhaps Santa Claus. Coca Cola invented him as he is today - an overweight old man, with a white beard and a red suit, living on North Pole with his wife and a lot of elves. The film industry then made movies about him that, along with the ad, are being shown in Austria and thus, a lot of younger children now believe in Santa Claus, rather than the Christkind.
Since we are on the topic of holidays, Halloween is another thing that we've incorporated in our culture. For Austrians, this date traditionally only is a normal day, but with a lot of movies being made about the topic of Halloween, a lot of people have started to celebrate it in Austria as well. In bigger cities it is not that rare to see trick-or-treaters, and Halloween decorations along Halloween themed candy can be bought in basically every grocery store. For young adults, Halloween parties are now offering another opportunity to party and let loose.
Another part of American culture that has found its way to Austria is the food. While I don't really consider McDonalds a classic American restaurant, I can't deny that Burgers and french fries are quite American. The sheer number of McDonalds per town/city in Austria seems to actually outnumber the amount per town (with relatively the same size of course) in America, which fascinates me a lot. But it's not just McDonalds that offers "the classic American food", on the contrary, there are a lot of restaurants that only serve different Burger variations in Austria nowadays.
Of course, I'm not going to forget about the sweet concoctions that have made their way across the pond. Cupcakes, Cookies and Brownies are becoming more and more popular, with a lot of shops opening that just offer these sweet temptations.
A big element that we don't even notice as a part of American culture is music. But one only has to listen to OE3 to understand that American music, which for me is part of a culture, is dominating the radio stations. Teenagers in Austria don't listen to traditional Austrian music, but rather to the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
American sports are now also part of the everyday culture. Basketball, which arguably could be Canadian as well since the inventor is a Canadian American, is a fixed feature in our sports world and even American Football has seen a steady increase of players in Austria.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Oregon Country Fair
The most fascinating place I have ever been to is the Oregon Country Fair. It is influenced by the counter-culture, mostly the hippie subculture, which makes the fair very colorful and flamboyant. Because of this inspiration, the Oregon Country Fair takes place in a forest, along the Long Tom River in Veneta, Oregon. It is known for using environmentally friendly practices and has its own infrastructure.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Oregon_Country_Fair_2005_Community_Villiage.jpg
Entertainment-wise, the fair offers 18 stages with musical, theatrical, comedic, juggling and daredevil performances. Throughout the venue there are also parades with marching bands, puppets and more. Since it is a fair, there are also a lot of vendors present who sell many different things, such as clothes, jewelry or instruments. Of course, the visitors also have interesting food and drink choices.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Oregon_Country_Fair_2005_Brass_Band_Parade.jpg
The best part though, are the visitors themselves. Many families, as well as people in their 20s visit the 3-day spectacular to get their faces painted or to just enjoy being outside with many friendly people. Whereas toplessness is permitted, the fair has a ban on alcohol, smoking and drugs, but as far as I have noticed drugs are still as much part of the fair as the performances. This might be because of the location, but also because of the culture it is part of. All in all, the Oregon Country Fair is the place to be if someone wants to experience the vibe of Eugene, Oregon with its amazing performances and colorful lifestyle.
I do not own the pictures. All rights go to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Entertainment-wise, the fair offers 18 stages with musical, theatrical, comedic, juggling and daredevil performances. Throughout the venue there are also parades with marching bands, puppets and more. Since it is a fair, there are also a lot of vendors present who sell many different things, such as clothes, jewelry or instruments. Of course, the visitors also have interesting food and drink choices.
The best part though, are the visitors themselves. Many families, as well as people in their 20s visit the 3-day spectacular to get their faces painted or to just enjoy being outside with many friendly people. Whereas toplessness is permitted, the fair has a ban on alcohol, smoking and drugs, but as far as I have noticed drugs are still as much part of the fair as the performances. This might be because of the location, but also because of the culture it is part of. All in all, the Oregon Country Fair is the place to be if someone wants to experience the vibe of Eugene, Oregon with its amazing performances and colorful lifestyle.
I do not own the pictures. All rights go to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
British Musicians and their influence in the music industry
In recent years, the music industry as undergone major changes. While it was previously dominated by American artists, Britons have now taken over some parts of the industry. In 2011, 12% of the global market music market was accounted for by British artists and this movement as only gotten stronger. If we look back in history, there have always been British groups, such as the Beatles, who managed to "tame" the global/American market and these groups and singers certainly made it easier for the following artists who wanted to accomplish the same thing.
UK-artists have also taken over various chart lists all over the world and the US, such as the Billboard Hot 100. What is even more surprising is the success of UK debut albums in the Billboard Hot 100. Only 7 British artists have managed to score a Top 10 spot, like the Spice Girls, One Direction or the Beatles. This change is also visible at award shows, like the American Music Awards. At last years (2014) award ceremony, British artists snagged up 6 awards, including the "Artist of the year"-Award - won by One Direction.
But Britons haven't just secured spots in the elite of the American music industry, they have also had global success. Now, it's not just American artists who tour the world, but also Brits like Ed Sheeran, Adele and Robbie Williams with sold out shows all over the world. But the first ones to achieve this and pave the way for the future were The Beatles.
UK-artists have also taken over various chart lists all over the world and the US, such as the Billboard Hot 100. What is even more surprising is the success of UK debut albums in the Billboard Hot 100. Only 7 British artists have managed to score a Top 10 spot, like the Spice Girls, One Direction or the Beatles. This change is also visible at award shows, like the American Music Awards. At last years (2014) award ceremony, British artists snagged up 6 awards, including the "Artist of the year"-Award - won by One Direction.
But Britons haven't just secured spots in the elite of the American music industry, they have also had global success. Now, it's not just American artists who tour the world, but also Brits like Ed Sheeran, Adele and Robbie Williams with sold out shows all over the world. But the first ones to achieve this and pave the way for the future were The Beatles.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Book recommendations from a person addicted to reading
These are my Top 5 favorite books of all time in no particular order:
1. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is the classic from American literature. The novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925 and tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a newly rich man living in West Egg, Long Island. The book represents the American Dream and shows the reader the time of the Jazz age and the roaring twenties, along with describing idealism and decadence.
The Great Gatsby is definitely a must-read. The first version called "Trimalchio" is also worth a read with it's uncut story.
2. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
This novel is fairly new compared to most of my Top 5, but I would still consider it a classic must-read story. It was written by Kathryn Stockett and shows the reader the life in Mississippi during the 1960's. The novel is told by three different woman, one white and two black who explain their life during the time of the civil rights movement. The story itself is pure fiction, but the circumstances in which the women live were the norm back then.
This book sets the time of the civil rights movement into perspective and especially helps Europeans understand that time better.
3. Slated Trilogy - Teri Terry
This Trilogy is truly captivating. It consists of three books: Slated, Fractured and Shattered. The story itself is pure Science-Fiction, but it does have a real core in my opinion. The books tell the tale of Kyla, a teenage girl whose memory has been wiped by the government. With time, she realizes that she isn't like normal "Slateds" and discovers her true self. The reader gets to follow her through her adventures, sees her fighting the system and also gets to experience the troubles any normal teenage girl goes through - falling in love.
These books are the only Sci-Fi books I've read so far, but to be honest they don't feel like they are Science Fiction. This trilogy is perfect for someone who loves adventures and plot twists, but still wants some fluffy romance as well.
4. The Fall of the House of Usher - Edgar Allan Poe
I've read this book in German, but it was still good. This short story is a classic by Edgar Allan Poe, the crime author everyone has to read. The plot is very hard to explain, which is why I'm just going to tell you to read it yourself.
5. Fatelessness - Imre Kertész
Fatelessness is a truly heartbreaking story. Kertész basically writes about his own experiences in the concentration camps in Nazi Germany, but as the character György. The reader feels the emotions the 14-year Jew feels and understands what so many people had to go through. I would say it is a must-read as well, especially to get people to realize the true horrors of that time.
I do not own the pictures. All rights go to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
1. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is the classic from American literature. The novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925 and tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a newly rich man living in West Egg, Long Island. The book represents the American Dream and shows the reader the time of the Jazz age and the roaring twenties, along with describing idealism and decadence.
The Great Gatsby is definitely a must-read. The first version called "Trimalchio" is also worth a read with it's uncut story.
2. The Help - Kathryn StockettThis novel is fairly new compared to most of my Top 5, but I would still consider it a classic must-read story. It was written by Kathryn Stockett and shows the reader the life in Mississippi during the 1960's. The novel is told by three different woman, one white and two black who explain their life during the time of the civil rights movement. The story itself is pure fiction, but the circumstances in which the women live were the norm back then.
This book sets the time of the civil rights movement into perspective and especially helps Europeans understand that time better.
3. Slated Trilogy - Teri Terry
This Trilogy is truly captivating. It consists of three books: Slated, Fractured and Shattered. The story itself is pure Science-Fiction, but it does have a real core in my opinion. The books tell the tale of Kyla, a teenage girl whose memory has been wiped by the government. With time, she realizes that she isn't like normal "Slateds" and discovers her true self. The reader gets to follow her through her adventures, sees her fighting the system and also gets to experience the troubles any normal teenage girl goes through - falling in love.
These books are the only Sci-Fi books I've read so far, but to be honest they don't feel like they are Science Fiction. This trilogy is perfect for someone who loves adventures and plot twists, but still wants some fluffy romance as well.
4. The Fall of the House of Usher - Edgar Allan PoeI've read this book in German, but it was still good. This short story is a classic by Edgar Allan Poe, the crime author everyone has to read. The plot is very hard to explain, which is why I'm just going to tell you to read it yourself.
5. Fatelessness - Imre Kertész
Fatelessness is a truly heartbreaking story. Kertész basically writes about his own experiences in the concentration camps in Nazi Germany, but as the character György. The reader feels the emotions the 14-year Jew feels and understands what so many people had to go through. I would say it is a must-read as well, especially to get people to realize the true horrors of that time.
I do not own the pictures. All rights go to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
British and American food
Austrians have always prided themselves in their ability to make delicious food, but I could not resist the delightful temptations Britain and the US have to offer. Please bear in mind that I do not know the true origins of the foods, but that I simply first had them in these two countries and I therefore connect to them.
When I went to England for the first time, my host mom made my friend and me a traditional Full English breakfast one Sunday morning. While some components, like the admittedly weird, canned tomatoes were not my thing at all, some parts have stuck with me, even 6 years after first having them. My favorite go-to from a fry-up are definitely the baked beans. I actually liked them even the first time I tried them and proceeded to immediately ask my host mom for the brand. I was very happy when I found out that the same kind was and still is available in Austria. I usually eat them with fried bacon, scrambled eggs and toast for lunch.
Another food item that I've started loving since trying it near Dartmoor, England are scones. After returning I hadn't had them for years, not until I started getting into baking and decided to try making some myself. They are now an item I make when I am in the mood for baking and crave something sweet that I can have for breakfast and I eat them the "traditional way" - with jam and butter.
Moving on to the food I have incorporated in my life after visiting the US, I can honestly say that cupcakes are the one thing that stand out the most. I went to Oregon via the Rotary Club and stayed with a very nice Asian-American family. They generally only made healthy food, which for America might seem surprising for some people. Anyway, we had a girls day and decided to make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting since I hadn't had any cupcakes before. Ours weren't red, but rather a blue-purpleish color and they were still so very delectable. I took the recipe home with me and still make them a lot.
The last thing I'm going to mention are grilled cheese sandwiches. I am aware that they kind of are like Austrian toast, but they are not completely the same thing. I don't make them as often as I'd like, but I still eat them sometimes, especially after finally managing to make them perfect, in my opinion.
When I went to England for the first time, my host mom made my friend and me a traditional Full English breakfast one Sunday morning. While some components, like the admittedly weird, canned tomatoes were not my thing at all, some parts have stuck with me, even 6 years after first having them. My favorite go-to from a fry-up are definitely the baked beans. I actually liked them even the first time I tried them and proceeded to immediately ask my host mom for the brand. I was very happy when I found out that the same kind was and still is available in Austria. I usually eat them with fried bacon, scrambled eggs and toast for lunch.
Another food item that I've started loving since trying it near Dartmoor, England are scones. After returning I hadn't had them for years, not until I started getting into baking and decided to try making some myself. They are now an item I make when I am in the mood for baking and crave something sweet that I can have for breakfast and I eat them the "traditional way" - with jam and butter.
Moving on to the food I have incorporated in my life after visiting the US, I can honestly say that cupcakes are the one thing that stand out the most. I went to Oregon via the Rotary Club and stayed with a very nice Asian-American family. They generally only made healthy food, which for America might seem surprising for some people. Anyway, we had a girls day and decided to make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting since I hadn't had any cupcakes before. Ours weren't red, but rather a blue-purpleish color and they were still so very delectable. I took the recipe home with me and still make them a lot.
The last thing I'm going to mention are grilled cheese sandwiches. I am aware that they kind of are like Austrian toast, but they are not completely the same thing. I don't make them as often as I'd like, but I still eat them sometimes, especially after finally managing to make them perfect, in my opinion.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Christmas/New Years Traditions in Austria
Since Christmas is now over, I thought it would be interesting to list some differences between the Austrian and English traditions.
1. Presents: Compared to English speaking countries, Austrian children typically get their gifts from the "Christkind" and not Santa Claus. The Christkind basically is baby Jesus, but is usually shown as a blond woman with curly hair and a white dress. But since the flood of American culture reached Austria, some children now get their presents from Santa as well. However, Austrians do not put up stockings.
2. Gifting day: Generally, Austrians celebrate Christmas and get their gifts on the 24th, but some people have changed it to the morning of the 25th (like Brits, Americans, etc.) out of convenience.
3. Christmas tree: Austrian Christmas trees are usually fir trees and are put up on "by the Christkind" (it's of course the parents doing it) on the 24th or the night before the 25th. The children don't get to see the tree until the handing out of presents and usually don't notice it when their parents put up the tree, but this has been changing recently too.
http://www.news.at/_storage/asset/5216394/storage/newsat:key-visual/file/72942410/christbaum.jpg
4. "Frisch und gsund"(Fresh and healthy): This is a tradition carried out by children until age 14. They go from house to house on December 28 and bring well-wishes for the next year. There is a specific saying they have to say while giving the person soft spanks with a twig for good luck and they get money in return.
5. "Neujahrsspielen": This is another tradition meant to bring well-wishes for the next year, however in this case, it's small music groups (e.g. from marching bands) instead of children. They play or sing short songs and say poems, for which they also get money and sometimes drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic, usually Schnapps) and Christmas cookies. This tradition is carried out between Christmas and New Years Eve.
6. 3 Holy Kings: Another tradition are the 3 Holy Kings. They are usually played by children that go from house to house to collect money for charity and they bring good luck for the next year in return. They come anywhere between Christmas and January 6 and also get drinks or cookies.
http://amfedersee.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3k%C3%B6nig1.jpg
I do not own the pictures. All rights go to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
1. Presents: Compared to English speaking countries, Austrian children typically get their gifts from the "Christkind" and not Santa Claus. The Christkind basically is baby Jesus, but is usually shown as a blond woman with curly hair and a white dress. But since the flood of American culture reached Austria, some children now get their presents from Santa as well. However, Austrians do not put up stockings.
http://www.ots.at/anhang/2011/11/02/OBS/OBS_20111102_OBS0006.layout.jpg
2. Gifting day: Generally, Austrians celebrate Christmas and get their gifts on the 24th, but some people have changed it to the morning of the 25th (like Brits, Americans, etc.) out of convenience.
3. Christmas tree: Austrian Christmas trees are usually fir trees and are put up on "by the Christkind" (it's of course the parents doing it) on the 24th or the night before the 25th. The children don't get to see the tree until the handing out of presents and usually don't notice it when their parents put up the tree, but this has been changing recently too.http://www.news.at/_storage/asset/5216394/storage/newsat:key-visual/file/72942410/christbaum.jpg
4. "Frisch und gsund"(Fresh and healthy): This is a tradition carried out by children until age 14. They go from house to house on December 28 and bring well-wishes for the next year. There is a specific saying they have to say while giving the person soft spanks with a twig for good luck and they get money in return.
http://media05.regionaut.meinbezirk.at/2012/12/19/3499808_preview.jpg?1355945946
5. "Neujahrsspielen": This is another tradition meant to bring well-wishes for the next year, however in this case, it's small music groups (e.g. from marching bands) instead of children. They play or sing short songs and say poems, for which they also get money and sometimes drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic, usually Schnapps) and Christmas cookies. This tradition is carried out between Christmas and New Years Eve.
http://www.mkhaiming.at/uploads/pics/IMG_1639.jpg
http://amfedersee.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3k%C3%B6nig1.jpg
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)