One Day in Vienna INNES GesmbH

Join us in this episode as we meet Jelena Andjelkovic, a Serbian-born interpreter who has called Vienna home for nearly 30 years. Arriving in 1994, Jelena beautifully highlights a unique aspect of Vienna: the opportunity to enjoy clean, beautiful waters of the Danube for a refreshing swim, all within a vibrant city.
Tune in to hear how Jelena's almost perfect day turned truly perfect. This episode is a wonderful reminder of two important things: the power of kindness and the fortune of living in a place like Vienna. Jelena also shares her experiences learning German – an initially tough but ultimately rewarding journey that eventually becomes "leiwand." Discover the beauty of Vienna, the charm of the university, and a touch of local "Kitsch." Don’t miss out!

Meet Ian Huang, an audio engineer from Singapore who moved to Vienna in 2021. Seeking a less stressful environment to raise their children, Ian and his wife decided to leave the bustling life of Singapore. After a "pit stop" in Germany, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, where Ian spent some time as a stay-at-home dad, they chose Vienna — a city they had never visited but saw as full of opportunities. Vienna, with its rich cultural landscape and vibrant spots like the Naschmarkt, a blend of cultures, food, and bustling flea markets, offered a unique charm and captivated them. It's also a fantastic place for families, with numerous opportunities to explore nature and enjoy family-friendly activities.
While adjusting to the infamous Viennese "Grant" (grumpiness) was challenging at first, Ian shares how he came to see it as just part of the local charm, sometimes even as a game. Tune in to hear Ian's fascinating journey from Singapore to Vienna, his insights on adapting to a new culture, and his favorite family-friendly spots in and around the city. Don't miss his unique perspective on life as an expat in Vienna!

Meet Gergö Fazekas, an expert in international communication and co-founder of MajorDesign — a collective of professional communication, media, and graphic designers. Originally from Hungary, Gergö's journey led him from diplomatic missions for the Hungarian Foreign Ministry across Europe and North Africa to Vienna, where he's resided with his wife and now three kids since 2013.
Drawn by Vienna's rich cultural landscape and its proximity to Hungary, Gergö saw many opportunities in the city for both his family and his firm, collaborating with numerous Hungarian and international artists. However, settling into Vienna wasn't without its culture clashes, despite his beautiful childhood memories of the city. He humorously recounts stories from inviting four neighbors for dinner, leading to some awkward encounters, to navigating Viennese coffee house culture during his time as a waiter. Particularly fond of the authenticity and coziness of Viennese coffee houses, Gergö gained insights into both coffee and people. His favorite spots overall are where people of all ages and backgrounds converge, embodying the city's dynamic spirit.
Additionally, Gergö honestly acknowledges the challenges of learning German, especially with its dialects throughout the country, but finds solace in the whimsical quirks of the language. Join us und Explore Vienna's cultural treasures through Gergö's eyes.

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!