One Day in Vienna INNES GesmbH

Another week, another episode. This time with Ester Sökjer-Petersen from Sweden. Ester has been living in Vienna since 2019, where she works as a sommelier. Turning 30 can be tricky, but Ester's bold move to Vienna was driven by a desire for change.
However, her arrival was met with the infamous "Viennese grumpiness," which, at times, can be quite disheartening, especially when directed towards foreigners, making Ester's initially sunny One Day in Vienna a memorable yet not-so-pleasant experience - perhaps a gentle reminder of the importance of kindness towards others. Nevertheless, Ester's resilient spirit prevailed, guided by the principle of treating others as she wishes to be treated.
Ester speaks German very well - just imagine having to describe wine nuances in another language – it's quite impressive. But writing can sometimes be a bit challenging – all those cases in German are simply a hassle. However, the more and the faster you learn and speak German, the quicker the "settling in" process in Vienna.
Join Ester on her podcast episode as she shares fantastic tips on coffee, pizza, wine, and swimming spots in Vienna. Tune in, take notes, and experience Vienna through Ester's expert-expat recommendations.

Anastassia Solomonova from Moscow, Russia, owner of a language travel agency and the official representative of the University of the Arts, London is our guest this week and has been in Vienna since 2020. Her journey to Vienna was driven by love – during a trip to the city, she "accidentally" met the love of her life. While her relationship with her husband blossomed quickly, her bond with the city took a bit more time to form. But it did, and over time, she seamlessly transitioned into the role of a local, offering insider insights herself and residing in a quintessential Viennese “Altbau”. Anastassia's narrative also vividly portrays Vienna as a city of perpetual surprises and endless fascination – it never gets boring – whether with international politicians or with oversized animals in the park...
Although she humorously refers to her German skills as "Supermarket German," she even understands the Austrian dialect very well and is quite a Pro in pronouncing it. Her favorite events – and at the same time, a good tip for other expats – ranging from exhibition openings at the Albertina to Poetry Reading Evenings and diverse music gatherings, underscore Vienna's diverse cultural landscape and possibilities. Subscribing to newsletters from various cultural centers ensures one remains abreast of the city's vibrant cultural scene. Keep your eyes open and relax, like Anastassia.
Anastassia's insights prompt intriguing discussions. She feels that Viennese people are consistently punctual, especially compared to people from Moscow. Is punctuality a common trait among people in Vienna? And while many say it takes time to feel comfortable here, the payoff is well worth it?

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. Ludwig Wittgenstein once famously wrote, “Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt" (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, 1921, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world”). Jeffrey embodies this sentiment, having delved deep into the German language and mastering it with sympathetic finesse. A linguistic virtuoso, Jeffrey not only converses fluently in the Austrian dialect but also delights in quirky wordplays unique to the region or sometimes even on a small stage, where he belts out the occasional Cali-Wiener-Waltz, embodying the Austrian soul. And isn't it refreshing to trade "Wiener Grant" for "Wiener Schmäh" sometimes? Just be mindful of your appearance when mingling with the older locals – greasy locks might not go unnoticed! Join Jeffrey, the Californian Viennese, as he shares his love for Vienna, his favorite spots in the city, and how Austrian legends like Tante Jolesch and Helmut Qualtinger introduced him to the local dialect. It's expat advice from one insider to another – don't miss out!

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 in pursuit of one's dreams. His experience underscores that Vienna, despite its reputation for grumpiness, can be remarkably accommodating. Imagine arriving in Vienna and realizing that your veterinary studies are exclusively in German, with complex terminology and specialized jargon to navigate. Despite the challenges, Vladimir persevered, mastering the language and finding fascination in the disparity between the sounds of words and their meanings. Join Vladimir on a rollercoaster of emotions as he recounts his day filled with anticipation, waiting, joy, and ultimately, success. Discover how he seamlessly integrated into Vienna's cultural tapestry and enriched the city with his delectable offerings. In Vladimir's story, there's no room for "what ifs" – it's all about taking action and making things happen.

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 paintings piercing through the darkness. A bit unsettling, you might think, but what does Manaho do? Exactly – she dances. It's a moment that transforms the spooky atmosphere into something magical, creating an unforgettable image.
Driven by a curiosity for different cultures, Manaho has dabbled in a wide range of dance styles, from classic to contemporary, Forsythe Technique to Tango. This diverse mix has helped her forge a unique identity as a “Chameleon Dancer” and she combines various movements to create performances that transcend traditional boundaries of art, incorporating elements of theater, poetry, music, film, and painting. Manaho's adaptability shines through her diverse projects and roles, notably in the upcoming performance at Odeon Theater, “Das große Heft,” an anti-war piece that explores the absurdity of war but also themes of love. Having traveled the world, Vienna has captured her heart as a permanent home for her, her partner, and daughter. She advocates for embracing the city with open eyes and an open heart, engaging with its people beyond the initial surface of grumpiness to discover a warm and genuine community. For Manaho, embracing a new language and culture is a dance outside one's comfort zone, but one that is ultimately rewarding.

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 all sorts of topics (Tip from Neil: talk, talk, talk!). Despite attempting to learn German 50 years ago, Austrian German presented a delightful set of challenges, from the complexities of spelling to the nuances of local dialects. Indeed, grappling with words like “Oachkatzlschwoaf” (squirrel's tail) proves that learning can be as challenging as it is fun. Neil has stepped out of his comfort zone in the most extraordinary ways. His engaging interactions range from discussing the best reads with eight-year-olds to debating the most fearsome animals with six-year-olds and giving the elderly directions without relying on the U-Bahn, possibly aided by his wise and (already) Viennese appearance. Moreover, Neil serves as the minister of the Vienna Community Church, holding services every Sunday in the Innere Stadt (Dorotheergasse 16, 1010 Wien). He continues taking courses at INNES in order to provide better instructions to people who ask for directions.