A visit to the Embassy and Residence of the Republic of Austria

At the start of our new club year, we continued our journey around the world. By invitation of H. E. Ambassador Dr. Michael Linhart and his wife Silvia, we visited the Embassy and residence of our neighboring country, the Republic
of Austria.

While touring the multimedia exhibition “Touch Nature Berlin”, which was produced by the Österreichisches Kulturforum (Austrian cultural forum), we learned a lot about the relationship between humans and nature and its consequences such as the destruction of nature. At the same time the presented art works introduced us to hopeful solutions and the possibilities of a more regardful human conduct. Thanks to the personal explanations by Co-Curator and participating artist Uli Aigner and by the cultural consultant Jaqueline Poledna, we got an even better understanding of the paintings, photographic and porcelain art, movies and sculptures, which were presented on the top floor of the Embassy.

Later the movie “So beautiful is Austria” about important landmarks of the country, showed us the interaction between tradition and modernity, high tech and Mozart in today’s Austria. During his speech, Ambassador Linhart added to this perception by pointing out the high-lights of the modern Austrian Embassy Building in Berlin designed by architect Hans Hollein.

Our host also emphasized the strong economic ties between the two neighboring countries, Germany and Austria, before he and his wife Silvia invited us all to the dining room of the residence, where we enjoyed Austrian “Schmankerl” (delicacies) created by Chef Lucas Huemer. Among them were Tafelspitz (boiled beef) with Apfelkren (apple and horse radish sauce) and of course: Apfelstrudel (Apple strudel). It felt like a honeymoon!