Day 124 of international places giving smiles – Remembering Austrian History at Veldon Resort
On Thursday, 10th April, 2008 I wore a simple blue chiffon saree which was greatly appreciated by almost every European and Australian tourist in the bus. I was so proud to be Indian, I said that this is not just a party outfit, it is also what I wear formally, when I go to work. We travelled in the southern direction towards lower Austria. We drive past the second largest city in Austria called Graz which is the capital of the Carinthia State. Arnold Swachaneger was from this city. It was once nominated as the culture capital of Europe. Fortification walls were constructed around this city, as it used to lie along the border between the Turkish Empire and the Christian empire. The Griffen Castle is well known here. We had a very long drive today, and on the way we had a comfort stop at a wierd looking Altogrill made by the same eccentric architect whose other colourful building we had seen 2 days ago. We packed up a veg sandwich, a turkey schndzel and some cheesecake to have later at the Velden Resort.(pronounced Felden. In Austria the alphabet V is pronounced as F and the letter W is pronounced as V, so their capital Vienna is is spelt as Wien). Janos told us to look just behind the hills. In the distance, behind the border of Austria was the newly formed country of Slovenia which is also known as the green heart of Europe. Its capital Ljubljana is supposed to be the smallest capital in the world! This small Resort of Velden is extremely popular with local tourists.Nearby there is the High Tower National Park from where one can go to Grosclokner which is the highest point in Austria. Veldon has only 6000 local inhabitants but over 9000 beds in hotel rooms. In summer the natural beauty of this hill resort and the cool lake attracts tourists as a spa center and a beach resort. In winter the snow on the slopes and the stalagmites in the caves makes it a popular Ski Resort and an adventure sports centre. We did see snow settled at some odd places on the mountain tops as we drove by. So they have tourists throughout the year. As soon as stopped we went to the famous Casino of Veldon, not to try our hand at gambling, but to use the free washrooms! We walked through the small park, past a small church and I felt that a lot of people were staring at my saree. Not many Indians must be coming to Velden, though we did see a Sardar at a garment store. We fed both the ducks and ourselves, as we sat on a bench just next to the Lake Worth and saw fishes in the water. A dog was fetching a ball again and again from the water. As I tried to connect with the natural serenity of the place, I remembered a Sale board at Kik- a local garment store chain that Janos had told us about. I ran to the place and picked up 4 tops in 10 minutes along with Shringar. What fun to do hurried bargain shopping with my daughter! We continued our long drive through the spotlessly clean, beautiful countryside of Austria. Janos, our excellent Tour guide used this time to narrate the history of the country and its royal rulers- the Habsburgs! The Habsburgs were the longest reigning European dynasty having ruled for over 700 years. Between 1717 and 1780, Austria was ruled by the first female ruler- Empress Maria Theresa. She had 16 children in all (though it is alleged that some of them may be illegitimate children of Hungarian soldiers!). The Austrians extended their empire, not by war but by marriage! Her children were married into different royal families of Europe. Her youngest daughter was the infamous Marie Antoniette who married King Louis-XVI of France! Just before the first World War, the Austrian Empire covered around 12 mostly East European countries, spread across the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. An Empire, ruling over more than 70 million people, suddenly collapsed. In the span of just one generation it was reduced to being just another small country. What went wrong? What caused the downfall of the mighty Austrian Empire? What Janos told us next is what seemed like a soap opera- yet it was actually the true story of the sad ending of the Habsburg dynasty – from Austrian royal family to commoners! Emperor Franz Joseph-I was crowned King of Austria when he was just 15 years old in 1850. He ruled Austria for the next 68 years before he died during the World War-I. He was supposed to marry princess Helen from another Bavarian family, but at a Royal Ball he saw her beautiful younger sister Elizabeth, fell instantly in love with her and decided to marry the younger sister instead. However Empress Elizabeth was very rebellious in nature. She was extremely bothered about her appearance especially her long hair, She did not like to be controlled by the set rules of royalty. She used to have fights with her mother-in-law Queen Sophie. Around 1867 after the Austrian-Hungarian compromise, she often used to go to Hungary and experience a normal life there as a commoner! Due to her colourful nature, she was nicnamed ‘Sisi’ by the Austrian people. The fall of the Austrian Empire was probably foretold by a series of misfortunate events that happened to Franz Joseph around the end of the 19th century. His brother was executed by the people of Mexico. His nephew Ferdinand was assasinated in Sarajevo. His son crown prince Rudolf was not allowed to marry Baronesse Vetsera whom he loved and so both of them jointly committed suicide at the Mayerling hunting lodge in 1889. His sister-in-law Helen married her cousin Ludwig and lived in the Dreamland castle in Bavaria. After sometime her husband was declared insane. 3 days later the body of Helen and the doctor were found, killed under mysterious circumstances. And what happened to Sisi? Well, Sisi was stabbed to death by a madman who did not really want to kill her! This story of Sisi’s death can be likened to a soap opera by itself. There was an Italian carpenter who was against the concept of royalty and wanted to take his revenge by murdering one of them. He heard that the crown prince of Sweden was going to come to Geneva, so he specifically came to Geneva with a plan to murder him. However at the last minute, the program of the Swedish Prince was changed and he did not come to Geneva. Our carpenter was very upset and he went to the lake to reflect on his disappointment. It so happened that around this time Sisi had come to Geneva on an unofficial visit. She would do this often, she liked travelling around, not as a queen but probably like any other high society lady. By sheer coincidence she happened to be at the lake at the very same moment as the carpenter, yet he was not aware that royalty was next to him. Suddenly a small 6 year old girl recognised Empress Sisi and screamed out the Empress’s name in excitement. The carpenter used this opportunity to do what he came to Geneva for! He casually walked near to Sisi, stabbed her quickly in her chest with his sharp carpenters file, and ran away before anyone realised what has happened. With her many layers of clothing even Sisi was not immediately aware of what happened. She walked a few steps and then she suddenly collapsed. By the time medical aid came, it was too late. Sisi had died! After the death of Franz Joseph, Emperor Charles and Empress Zeta ruled Austria just for 2 years from 1918 to 1920. It was events in Austria that led to the start of the First World War and after the war a peace treaty was signed, the contents of which were very unfair to the people of Austria. The Habsburg family was sent to exile and could never again be royalty. Austria became a Republic and could no longer be a constitutional monarchy. Even now it is called the Republic of Austria. It is said that a majority of the Austrian people want the Habsburg family to return, yet as per the terms of the treaty, the Habsburg family cannot rule anymore. Now we have three living generations who are the descendants of the Habsburg family. Instead of getting married or baptised at the majestic chapels of the royal Hofsburg or Schonbrunn palace, they now live in Budapest in Hungary as any other common citizen. If they want to visit their old palaces in Vienna(which are now properties of the Austrian government), they would probably have to by an entrance ticket like anyone else! A descendant of the royal Habsburg family,-Ottofan Hafsburg actively participated in important matters and was the President of the European Parliament. Not much is heard about his son George and his children. However even after 100 years of losing power the general people of Austria still consider the Habsburg family to be Royalty! This bit of history that Janos told us actually changed my perception about Austria… I really did not know that they were once a very powerful country. I used to think that Austria was just another European country! I realised that I left Austria having learnt much more about this country than what I knew when I entered Austria! So what place made you smile today? Be thankful for the places that make you smile!
Day 124 of international places giving smiles – Remembering Austrian History at Veldon Resort
On Thursday, 10th April, 2008 I wore a simple blue chiffon saree which was greatly appreciated by almost every European and Australian tourist in the bus. I was so proud to be Indian, I said that this is not just a party outfit, it is also what I wear formally, when I go to work.
We travelled in the southern direction towards lower Austria. We drive past the second largest city in Austria called Graz which is the capital of the Carinthia State. Arnold Swachaneger was from this city. It was once nominated as the culture capital of Europe. Fortification walls were constructed around this city, as it used to lie along the border between the Turkish Empire and the Christian empire. The Griffen Castle is well known here.
We had a very long drive today, and on the way we had a comfort stop at a wierd looking Altogrill made by the same eccentric architect whose other colourful building we had seen 2 days ago. We packed up a veg sandwich, a turkey schndzel and some cheesecake to have later at the Velden Resort.(pronounced Felden. In Austria the alphabet V is pronounced as F and the letter W is pronounced as V, so their capital Vienna is is spelt as Wien).
Janos told us to look just behind the hills. In the distance, behind the border of Austria was the newly formed country of Slovenia which is also known as the green heart of Europe. Its capital Ljubljana is supposed to be the smallest capital in the world!
This small Resort of Velden is extremely popular with local tourists.Nearby there is the High Tower National Park from where one can go to Grosclokner which is the highest point in Austria.
Veldon has only 6000 local inhabitants but over 9000 beds in hotel rooms. In summer the natural beauty of this hill resort and the cool lake attracts tourists as a spa center and a beach resort. In winter the snow on the slopes and the stalagmites in the caves makes it a popular Ski Resort and an adventure sports centre. We did see snow settled at some odd places on the mountain tops as we drove by. So they have tourists throughout the year.
As soon as stopped we went to the famous Casino of Veldon, not to try our hand at gambling, but to use the free washrooms! We walked through the small park, past a small church and I felt that a lot of people were staring at my saree. Not many Indians must be coming to Velden, though we did see a Sardar at a garment store.
We fed both the ducks and ourselves, as we sat on a bench just next to the Lake Worth and saw fishes in the water. A dog was fetching a ball again and again from the water. As I tried to connect with the natural serenity of the place, I remembered a Sale board at Kik- a local garment store chain that Janos had told us about. I ran to the place and picked up 4 tops in 10 minutes along with Shringar. What fun to do hurried bargain shopping with my daughter!
We continued our long drive through the spotlessly clean, beautiful countryside of Austria. Janos, our excellent Tour guide used this time to narrate the history of the country and its royal rulers- the Habsburgs!
The Habsburgs were the longest reigning European dynasty having ruled for over 700 years. Between 1717 and 1780, Austria was ruled by the first female ruler- Empress Maria Theresa. She had 16 children in all (though it is alleged that some of them may be illegitimate children of Hungarian soldiers!). The Austrians extended their empire, not by war but by marriage! Her children were married into different royal families of Europe. Her youngest daughter was the infamous Marie Antoniette who married King Louis-XVI of France!
Just before the first World War, the Austrian Empire covered around 12 mostly East European countries, spread across the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. An Empire, ruling over more than 70 million people, suddenly collapsed. In the span of just one generation it was reduced to being just another small country. What went wrong? What caused the downfall of the mighty Austrian Empire?
What Janos told us next is what seemed like a soap opera- yet it was actually the true story of the sad ending of the Habsburg dynasty – from Austrian royal family to commoners!
Emperor Franz Joseph-I was crowned King of Austria when he was just 15 years old in 1850. He ruled Austria for the next 68 years before he died during the World War-I. He was supposed to marry princess Helen from another Bavarian family, but at a Royal Ball he saw her beautiful younger sister Elizabeth, fell instantly in love with her and decided to marry the younger sister instead.
However Empress Elizabeth was very rebellious in nature. She was extremely bothered about her appearance especially her long hair, She did not like to be controlled by the set rules of royalty. She used to have fights with her mother-in-law Queen Sophie. Around 1867 after the Austrian-Hungarian compromise, she often used to go to Hungary and experience a normal life there as a commoner! Due to her colourful nature, she was nicnamed ‘Sisi’ by the Austrian people.
The fall of the Austrian Empire was probably foretold by a series of misfortunate events that happened to Franz Joseph around the end of the 19th century.
His brother was executed by the people of Mexico.
His nephew Ferdinand was assasinated in Sarajevo.
His son crown prince Rudolf was not allowed to marry Baronesse Vetsera whom he loved and so both of them jointly committed suicide at the Mayerling hunting lodge in 1889.
His sister-in-law Helen married her cousin Ludwig and lived in the Dreamland castle in Bavaria. After sometime her husband was declared insane. 3 days later the body of Helen and the doctor were found, killed under mysterious circumstances.
And what happened to Sisi? Well, Sisi was stabbed to death by a madman who did not really want to kill her!
This story of Sisi’s death can be likened to a soap opera by itself. There was an Italian carpenter who was against the concept of royalty and wanted to take his revenge by murdering one of them. He heard that the crown prince of Sweden was going to come to Geneva, so he specifically came to Geneva with a plan to murder him. However at the last minute, the program of the Swedish Prince was changed and he did not come to Geneva. Our carpenter was very upset and he went to the lake to reflect on his disappointment.
It so happened that around this time Sisi had come to Geneva on an unofficial visit. She would do this often, she liked travelling around, not as a queen but probably like any other high society lady. By sheer coincidence she happened to be at the lake at the very same moment as the carpenter, yet he was not aware that royalty was next to him. Suddenly a small 6 year old girl recognised Empress Sisi and screamed out the Empress’s name in excitement.
The carpenter used this opportunity to do what he came to Geneva for! He casually walked near to Sisi, stabbed her quickly in her chest with his sharp carpenters file, and ran away before anyone realised what has happened. With her many layers of clothing even Sisi was not immediately aware of what happened. She walked a few steps and then she suddenly collapsed. By the time medical aid came, it was too late. Sisi had died!
After the death of Franz Joseph, Emperor Charles and Empress Zeta ruled Austria just for 2 years from 1918 to 1920. It was events in Austria that led to the start of the First World War and after the war a peace treaty was signed, the contents of which were very unfair to the people of Austria. The Habsburg family was sent to exile and could never again be royalty. Austria became a Republic and could no longer be a constitutional monarchy. Even now it is called the Republic of Austria.
It is said that a majority of the Austrian people want the Habsburg family to return, yet as per the terms of the treaty, the Habsburg family cannot rule anymore. Now we have three living generations who are the descendants of the Habsburg family. Instead of getting married or baptised at the majestic chapels of the royal Hofsburg or Schonbrunn palace, they now live in Budapest in Hungary as any other common citizen. If they want to visit their old palaces in Vienna(which are now properties of the Austrian government), they would probably have to by an entrance ticket like anyone else!
A descendant of the royal Habsburg family,-Ottofan Hafsburg actively participated in important matters and was the President of the European Parliament. Not much is heard about his son George and his children. However even after 100 years of losing power the general people of Austria still consider the Habsburg family to be Royalty!
This bit of history that Janos told us actually changed my perception about Austria… I really did not know that they were once a very powerful country. I used to think that Austria was just another European country! I realised that I left Austria having learnt much more about this country than what I knew when I entered Austria!
So what place made you smile today?
Be thankful for the places that make you smile!
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