First Christmas market in Vienna opens next week

The first Christmas market, the one on Franz-Jonas-Platz in Vienna-Floridsdorf, will open on Thursday this week. The City of Vienna’s Market Office announced this in a press release on Wednesday. The Christmas market on Rathausplatz will also open on November 15, followed a day later by the traditional illumination of the Christmas tree, which this year comes from Lower Austria. All other markets open on November 16. According to the Market Office, a total of 796 stalls, including 190 food stalls, will then provide a pre-Christmas atmosphere in the federal…

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UNWG Briefing and Ocular Inspection for the International Festival and Charity Bazaar

Vienna, 4 November 2024 — In anticipation of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) International Festival and Charity Bazaar set for 30 November 2024, an essential planning meeting and venue inspection was held for participating Embassies, Permanent Missions and organizations, including the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC Club Filipino). This gathering ensured that all representatives were well-prepared for the highly anticipated event at the Austria Center Vienna. During the meeting, Ms. Kalpana Scholtes Dash, Newsletter Chair/Bazaar Site Manager, provided a comprehensive overview of all event logistics, procedures, and the program details, addressing each aspect…

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A Day to Remember: Exploring the Wonders of Cappadocia

At the break of dawn, precisely around 6:00 a.m., our day began with the excitement of an early taxi ride to the hot air balloon station in Cappadocia. The soft glow of morning light and the crisp, cool air set the perfect backdrop for what would soon be an unforgettable adventure. We watched in awe as the balloon operators expertly prepared their vibrant, multicolored balloons. The process was a dance of precision and expertise—envelopes inflating slowly, flickering flames from the burners illuminating the scene, and the anticipation palpable among the…

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Trip Delayed by Unexpected Road Closures in Antalya 

Today, what was expected to be a seamless journey from our hotel in Antalya to the stunning region of Cappadocia was interrupted by an unexpected event. Our group planned to depart at 8 a.m., setting a course to reach Konya and eventually Cappadocia within six hours. The itinerary included a tour of Konya, renowned for its historical treasures such as the icons of St. Paul and Barnabas. However, the start of our day took an unforeseen turn. Due to a large-scale bicycle tour in Antalya, the main roads were closed…

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Babaylan Austria Hosts Vibrant Mardi Gras-Themed Masquerade Ball 

Vienna, Austria – On November 2, 2024, the Marriott Hotel transformed into a dazzling scene reminiscent of New Orleans as Babaylan Austria, a prominent Philippine women’s group, hosted its annual Masquerade Ball. Themed “Mardi Gras,” the event was a brilliant showcase of Filipino culture, solidarity, and advocacy, attended by community members, supporters, and distinguished guests. Carmen Pacaigue, one of the prominent figures of Babaylan Austria, greeted attendees with warmth and enthusiasm as they arrived in a stunning array of masks and costumes. The vibrant atmosphere was charged with excitement as…

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Hunger or appetite—how we recognize the difference

Do you often fall into the “craving trap” and buy yourself an ice cream, a warm croissant, a slice of cake or a cheese roll even though you’re not hungry? Here’s the problem: these “cravings” come from the different types of hunger, and there are several of them. Hunger has 12 faces Hunger can have many triggers, from physical needs to emotional and social factors. Only stomach hunger is true hunger, while all other types often trigger cravings for food without our body needing food. It is important to know…

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The Beginning of an eagerly awaited adventure

Today marked the beginning of an eagerly awaited adventure as we set off for a one-week vacation in the breathtaking region of Cappadocia. Our day began at dawn, filled with anticipation as we packed our last essentials and ensured everything was ready for the journey. Breakfast was a quick but delightful affair, giving us the energy we needed for the busy morning ahead. Our son kindly drove us to the airport, where we checked in with minimal fuss. After navigating through security, we found our gate and settled in to…

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Death costs life – and a lot of money, because funerals have also become more expensive

If you plan your funeral during your lifetime, you take the burden off the shoulders of your children or other descendants. If someone in the family dies, you are left to your own devices. The cost of a funeral is not usually considered, as a recent representative survey has shown. Many may feel ashamed of skimping on the last funeral service for a loved one. In any case, not everyone has the same choice. In rural regions, people usually go to their local mortician, while in urban centres, there has…

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What do we celebrate on All Soul’s Day?

On All Souls’ Day, celebrated on November 2, people honour and remember the souls of deceased loved ones. Rooted in Christian tradition, this day focuses on prayer, remembrance, and the hope for eternal peace for the departed. All Souls’ Day follows All Saints’ Day, which is dedicated to canonized saints, while All Souls’ Day expands to include all faithful souls who have left this world, regardless of sainthood. The day is marked by unique traditions across cultures, but a common theme is prayer. Many people visit cemeteries to lay flowers,…

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