Begin: 9/10/2023
Finish: 10/29/2023
Title: European Cities
Instructor: Rick Steves
Why I chose to take this class:
This class shows us the various cities in Europe: Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Slovenia, Dubrovnik – Croatia, Vienna, Salzburg, Alps – Italian Dolomites, French Chamonix to the Swiss Jungfrau.
What I learned in this class:
Austria and the Alps:
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. the city lies in Northeastern Austria on the South bank of the Danube River. A favorite Viennese pastime is to gather at the coffee house or Konditorei (Pastry Shop). People also enjoy visiting the wine houses located North and West of the city to drink freshly made wine, called Heurigen. Vienna is famous for its Viennese waltz, Vienna Boy’s Choir and famous artist like Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert resided in Vienna. Salzburg is a city in the mountains of Northwest Austria. It is best known for its annual music and theater festivals. The greatest composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg.
The Alps stretch across South – Central Europe and extend from the Mediterranean sea and run along the border between France and Italy. The Alps stretch Northward and Eastward through Northern Italy, Switzerland, Lichtenstein/ Southern Germany, Austria and Slovenia. The highest peak is Mont Blanc in France, other famous peaks include: The Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Jungfrau (Switzerland) and Grossglockner in Vienna, Austria. The major Alpine lakes that were created by the erosive force of Glacier include: lake Como, Lake Constantine, Lake Garda, Lake Geneva, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich. Travel through the Alps through Highways and railroads built through many of them. The Brenner Pass is the most widely used pass in Eastern Alps between Austria and Italy, Via Highways and Railways the St. Gotthard road tunnel – south central Switzerland is 10.5 miles is the longest highway tunnel in the worlds – between Germany and Italy. The Lotschbergbase tunnel is the longest railroad tunnel in the Alps – 21.5 miles, runs through Southcentral Switzerland and Northwest Italy. the great St. Bernard tunnel was the first major highway tunnel to connect Italy and Switzerland. the Frejus tunnel and the Mont Blanc road tunnel link France and Italy.
In Poland, we see Krakow’s Baroque past, Warsaw Renaissance. Warsaw is the capital and largest city in Poland. it was destroyed in world war II, but was rebuilt with assistance from the Soviet Union. Communist control of Poland ended in 1989. The Vistula river divides the city. the center of Warsaw and most of the residential areas are on the left bank. After independence from the communist it has seen dramatic growth and redevelopment. It is one of Europe chief railroad hubs.
Budapest is the capital an largest city of Hungary. Budapest lies on both banks of the Danube river. It was formed by joining three cities Buda, Pest and Obuda with Margaret Island to form Budapest. Most of the historical buildings were destroyed in world war II, but were rebuilt in the original style. It is a beautiful city. Many Ballets and operas are performed in Budapest.
Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. It is bordered by Bosnia-Herzegovina, pn the west by the Adriatic sea. on the North by Slovenia and Hungary, on the North by Serbia. Zagreb is Croatia’s capital city. Croatia dramatic coastline along the Adriatic sea has drawn many Tourists.
Slovenia it’s capital is Ljubljana. Tourist visit Slovenia throughout the year; ski resorts, beautiful lakes, short coastline has sunny beaches. Caves at Postojna near Ljubljana is the largest cavern in Europe.
How will this class contribute to my success upon release:
Eastern European cities has lots of history and beauty to offer. Historical and Geographical knowledge gained will help my critical thinking and aid my volunteering effort for teaching others.
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