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Jeffrey Crowder, also known as "The CaliWiener," is not your average English teacher and translator – he's also an author and comedian originally from sunny San Diego, California. A self-proclaimed cultural and culinary refugee, his first encounters with Austria involved Lederhosen and the Sound of Music as a toddler. However, it was upon moving to Vienna in 1997 that Jeffrey truly discovered the depth of this remarkable country. Vienna, as Jeffrey describes, is a haven for expats, offering boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's a harmonious blend of classical grandeur and contemporary vibrancy, where tradition seamlessly meets innovation....

Originally from Belgrade, Vladimir Novicic embarked on a unique journey upon his arrival in Vienna in 2005. Trained as a veterinarian, he initially aspired to work with small animals. However, he discovered a new path, and together with his wife, he now co-owns and manages a Balkan delicatessen store called MezeSliva in the heart of Vienna. His path led him from treating small animals to transitioning into the food hygiene department, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles along the way. In this episode, Vladimir shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination, illustrating the importance of taking control of one's destiny and persisting...

Manaho Shimokawa, a Japanese performance artist and dancer, model, and director, has been captivating Vienna since 2010. Manaho moved to Austria with aspirations in ballet, but it wasn't long before she found her true calling in contemporary and barefoot dance. Accepted into the Konservatorium (MUK), she has been dancing through Vienna for 14 years now. Throughout the ups and downs and the chilly winters of Vienna, Manaho has grown deeply fond of the city and its marvelous spots. Picture this: getting accidentally locked inside the vast halls of the Kunsthistorisches Museum at night, with only the haunting gaze of Rembrandt...

We're excited to introduce Neil Ian Parker, originally from Canada. Since relocating to Vienna in 2019 to finally close the distance in his long-term relationship, Neil is enriching his retirement by diving deep into the Austrian way of life and language, embracing his new city with open arms. Among his favorite spots is the lively Yppenplatz, a melting pot of multicultural interactions, culinary delights, and educational opportunities. Neil's quest for mastering the German language took a charming turn when he enrolled at the INNES Language School. Here, he's an ambitious learner, often engaging in extensive conversations with INNES teachers on...

We are delighted to host Theresa Allsopp as our podcast guest this week. Theresa is a bilingual and bicultural freelance copywriter, fluent in both English and German. Originally from Salisbury, England, she has been living in Vienna, Austria since 2019 and is currently working at the Vienna Business Agency. Thanks to her roots, Theresa possesses a profound understanding of two cultures and languages, along with a deep love for words and communication. Theresa's journey to Vienna began with her studies in German and Italian. After her time abroad, she immediately fell in love with the city and knew she wanted...

Join us for an insightful journey with this week's guest, Gregory Weeks, originally from the USA, who has called Vienna home since 1995. Gregory is deeply passionate about contemporary history, in which he holds a doctorate. While Vienna thrives in the present, its rich history offers a compelling backdrop, especially for a historian like Gregory. Also, navigating Viennese culture isn't complete without regular visits to traditional coffeehouses like the Bräunerhof, where locals gather to fuel their days. From exploring historic places and figures to delving into Middle High German and Viennese literature, Gregory immerses himself in the city's cultural heritage,...

Originally from Germany, near Cologne, Lina Pohl has recently settled in the heart of Vienna since June 2022. As a young Research Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), seconded by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Lina delves into the intricate world of space policy. During her initial business trips to Vienna, she often strolled past the magnificent Belvedere Palace Gardens, a breathtaking oasis in the midst of the city. It's the kind of scenery that sets the tone for a great day ahead. Moreover, there's something magical about encountering a famous painting in real life that you've only...

Originally from Los Angeles, Diana Robleto moved to lovely Vienna almost two decades ago this year and never left. Her connection to the city stems from her recognition of Vienna's beauty, openness, and sense of security shortly after her arrival, evident during a memorable encounter in the Burggarten where she witnessed a woman confidently sunbathing topless. This experience, along with her humorous sauna escapade, illuminated cultural contrasts in attitudes towards bodies and aging, which Diana found remarkably invigorating among the women of Vienna. Through that, she embodies what one of her literary heroes, Susan Sontag, writes in "The Double Standard...

This week, step into the world of Soroosh Ghahramanloo, a talented musician coming from Iran. Arriving in Vienna for the first time in 1983 at the age of 7, during the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War, Soroosh's journey was fraught with fears and challenges. However, the decision to seek refuge in Vienna proved life-saving, both for his mother and him. Returning to Vienna in 2023, Soroosh not only found his love, Stephanie, but also faced the complexities of starting anew in a foreign land with only 200 euros in his pocket. At this point, you have to get creative, and...

Moving to a new city, let alone a new country or continent, poses countless challenges. Yet, having someone by your side who not only supports you but also endeavors to make the experience as enriching as possible, that's when the magic happens. In our latest episode, Blake Sclanders, originally from South Africa, shares his heartwarming love story and his growing fondness for Vienna amidst the trials of relocation. A seasoned aviation expert, Blake has been in a relationship with his husband for 21 years now. For his 40th birthday, his husband orchestrated a memorable celebration in Vienna's 7th district. Every...