Dear Anna,
I voted for your post, reblogged, shared on Twitter and commented. But my comment has disappeared. It was so late at night that perhaps I forgot to 'post'. Oh well, here I go again :)
Transportation and history. Along with communication, one of the drivers of progress. I was struck by this line:
The monarchy thus relied on a vehicle that was already obsolete at the time.
This old world mindset would very dramatically be ruptured by WWI. It's interesting how that war changed the world order, drove reluctant regimes suddenly into modern times.
Your pictures are brilliant. The Imperial carriages are amazing. Almost grotesquely ornate...highlights the privilege of both wealth and position enjoyed by royalty. (Of course, today's private jets are equally dramatic reminders of wealth disparity).
I found your narrative to be very insightful, and informative. Thank you so much for another brilliant blog. Be well and peaceful.
Respectfully and affectionately,
AG
Dear AG,
This quote is said to be from Gustav Mahler, a famous Austrian composer. As far as the subway is concerned, that's certainly true. While the first subway in Vienna did not go into operation until 1976, other western European cities were much earlier. For example, London in 1863, Budapest in 1896, Paris in 1900 or Berlin in 1902. At the turn of the century, the "Wiener Stadtbahn" (Vienna Metropolitan Railway) was opened, which was planned by Otto Wagner. Even today, some art nouveau pavilions along the subway remind us of the metropolitan structure that is one of the key works of modern architecture around 1900. The Stadtbahn will also be one subject of the second part of my series on Viennese art nouveau, which I dedicate to the great architect and visionary Otto Wagner.thank you very much for your efforts regarding my blog. I'm glad you wrote the commentary again.
I'm always glad and grateful if someone takes a closer look at my articles, thank you. After a few rainy days, the sun is shining again today. I send you many sun rays to faraway New York. Stay well and healthy!
Affectionately,
Anna
Dear Anna
<If the world should ever end, I'll move to Vienna, because there everything happens 50 years later.
😄 What a wonderful quote. Of course a national government cannot long endure with that frame of mind, but to me it sounds deliciously peaceful. Perhaps one reason Vienna today is a living museum. The past is not discarded but gently surpassed.
I hope those sun rays endure for you. So warm and sunny here, also.
Affectionately,
AG
🌻 🌞 🌻