All posts by She Seeks Serene

My Journey of Reimagining Life, Love and Education

Walking Tour: Belvedere Palace Gardens In Vienna

The Baroque gardens of the Belvedere rank among the most beautiful in the world. The main garden is situated between the Lower and the Upper Belvedere and extends over three large terraces.

Video timeline: 0:00 Belvedere Gardens 5:10 Upper Belvedere 11:35 Prinz Eugen Straße 14:05 Upper Belvedere 17:40 Belvedere Gardens 35:30 Privy Garden 36:30 Lower Belvedere 41:45 Rennweg 43:05 Lower Belvedere

The design, by Dominique Girard, garden architect of the Elector of Bavaria, showcases all the essential elements of Baroque garden architecture: symmetrical flower parterres, water basins, tiers and steps, trimmed hedges, and more. On the south side of the Upper Belvedere, the reflection pond offers a sophisticated visual: the mirroring effect creates a visible duplication of the monumental palace façade.

Opinion: The Despot In The Desert, Big-Tech Decline, Imperfect Is OK At Work

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, MBS: despot in the desert, the era of big-tech exceptionalism may be over (49:05), and why it’s OK not to be perfect at work (55:30). 

Transportation: Can E-Bikes Transform Cities?

Sales of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, as they’re better known, are booming. At the same time, innovations in battery technology have extended the range that an e-bike can travel. The FT’s Harry Dempsey explores the impact they’re having on commuting, deliveries, and the cities we live in.

Morning News: Senate Passes Health-Climate Bill, U.S. – Africa Relations

Senate Democrats pass major legislation addressing health care, taxes, and climate change. Antony Blinken is in South Africa to lay out a new strategy for US relations in the region. Results of a new poll find stark racial disparities when it comes to accessing healthcare.

Walking Tour: Cannes In Southeastern France

Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, is famed for its international film festival. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building complete with red carpet and Allée des Étoiles – Cannes’ walk of fame. 

Aerial Views: Carinthia In Southern Austria (4K)

Carinthia is a southern Austrian region in the eastern Alps that encompasses Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner. It’s characterized by alpine lakes and mountains, as well as medieval buildings such as Hochosterwitz Castle. The region’s capital of Klagenfurt sits on the shores of huge Lake Wörthersee, surrounded by vineyards. Its central Alter Platz (Old Square) has many Renaissance buildings.

Views: Boat Tour On The Canals Of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views.

The canals have for centuries been the veins of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to another magnificent view around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water. Veiled in mist, a family of swans floating past: time stands still on the canals.