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<p><strong>Name:</strong> Philipp Lechner<br /><br />
<br /><strong>Age:</strong> 26<br /><br />
<br /><strong>Hometown:</strong> Vienna, Austria</p><br />
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<p><strong>Diva Minds Want to Know…</strong></p><br />
<p><strong>1. Where do you like to flirt?</strong><br /><br />
<br />I like to flirt everywhere but in nightclubs – I don’t think that the atmosphere is destined for a flirt. I prefer to have time for a conversation hopefully developing in a funny and interesting direction. Therefore restaurants or private places are more my taste.</p><br />
<p><strong>2. Where’s your favorite table for two?</strong><br /><br />
<br />I like to go to a restaurant called “Motto.” It is a young, atmospheric place with hip and<br /><br />
beautiful people of all ages, sometimes spontaneously transforming into a party. The food is excellent! Another place I like to go is called “Zimolo,” an Italian restaurant in a small Italian looking lane – sitting outside you feel like you’re in Rome. I could of course mention many more places with excellent food, but those two are special.</p><br />
<p><strong>3. Where should we stay when we visit (besides your place)?</strong><br /><br />
<br />I rarely stay in hotels in Vienna but from what I experienced the Meridien is a very good<br /><br />
hotel. The food is not the best but the accomodations and location are brilliant. It’s a five minute walk to the center of town, and it won’t be a problem to find a good restaurant close by.</p><br />
<p><strong>4. What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?</strong><br /><br />
<br />Of course I am very attracted to beautiful women, but what I really love are women that are glib. There is nothing better than a conversation on this certain slightly cynical and refreshing level – keeps me curious and amazed.</p><br />
<p><strong>5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon?</strong><br /><br />
<br />Most probably in the steamroom of my fitness club. My personal heaven! After a hard and intense Saturday night, that’s something I never miss. Second option is my favourite coffee house called “Blaustern.”>

6. What do you love most about your city (besides our arrival)?

I love that it is a very safe and clean place with beautiful architecture everywhere you look and go.

7. What should we bring when we visit your town? What should we leave with?

Curiosity for our culture and a lot of time to understand it. A positive impression of the Austrian people and way of living as well as some impressive memories of Vienna´s beauty.

8. What do we absolutely have to see while we’re there?

You should absolutely walk through our beautiful inner city and visit the museums of art history and natural history which are breathtaking (Initially they served for the emperor’s private collection of art and wildlife – remarkably big). Of course the Stefansdom, the town’s landmark and Schönbrunn (also housing our Zoo), the emperor’s second inner city castle next to the Hofburg. Our opera is also of great importance in the worldwide “opera scene.”

9. Any areas of town we should avoid?

Well, generally Vienna is not dangerous at all – during the day you can be everywhere, during the night there are a few places I would not go, e.g. the Karlsplatz, although it is almost in the center of town (many drug addicts), and some remote districts, but they are not of interest for tourists anyway – especially not during the night.

10. Any local secrets you want to share?

Our “Naschmarkt” is a classic for exquisite, fresh food. January is our famous “ball season.” Beautifully organized events in breathtaking cultural places like castles and palaces with classical music and a lot of flair and youth and fun. Another thing is the “Lifeball” in May – an awesome event dedicated to the cure of AIDS. It is a huge “ball” (very different from the above-mentioned though) in our town hall which is quite famous throughout the world. Some say it is the event of the year – hip and crazy with young people dancing the whole night. I agree!

11. In what other parts of the world will we find you?

Momentarily I am spending some time in Mexico City for business reasons. This country is really fantastic. People are very friendly and open-minded- I like that Latin attitude towards life. End of the year I will be in South Africa to spend New Years with some friends. Otherwise it’s Europe most of the time (from London to Paris and Amsterdam).

12. If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?

That’s a hard question because I immediately think about many animals in that context. If it could be only one I would say it should be a lion. Sounds like a stereotype, I know – but I love the beauty and majesty of these animals. They have this menacing elegance making them beautiful and fierce at the same time. Fascinating creatures, although I would be a bit more active than the normal male lion.