eluckhardt

I am not a history buff at all, and feel like I need some background knowledge about the cities/countries we are planning to visit. We will be in Slovenia for the longest time, and am aware of Farewell to Arms being written(?)/based there, as well as a little about the Lipica stud farm, and I think the Soca river valley being the setting for a movie, but not much more. I am clueless about Vienna and Munich.

I suppose I should buy some guide books and read the info. there, but I wonder if in addition you all might have any favorite books/movies that are related to the aforementioned areas? My husband mentioned the movie Amadeus as being something we could re-watch for Vienna. Is that movie fairly accurate and relevant?

Obviously, I am not expecting to be an expert before our May travels, but would like to be somewhat aware and not completely clueless.

adrienne

For Vienna I'd watch "The Third Man." There's also a Third Man walking tour which looks interesting.

I would go to the library and check out a few books on where you're going. Otherwise you'll get to some wonderful places and say to each other: "what should we do?" Guide books have brief histories in the beginning of the book. It's never enough to overwhelm you but enough to give you a flavor of the country/city.

You can also do a search here on Vienna, Munich, and Slovenia for some first-hand information.

Have a great time!

eluckhardt

Thanks. I will look into "The Third Man" . I also found a link on Rick Steve's website that lists relevant reading/movies for destinations, so I will look into that as well.

julia_t

Before Sunrise starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy is set in Vienna.

ekscrunchy

The Fig Eater by Jody Shields is a good book.