Vienna : Naschmarkt

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(Posted previously in "On The Road")

By far, Vienna seems to be one of the most expensive cities among
those we have visited.  On our first night, we searched for some time
before settling for the only restaurant that was open, a pizzeria.
Where we stayed, there are scarce pubs scattered around and they
usually stop serving food after 9pm.  And this is where living in an
apartment with a kitchen (you’ll read more about our version of a
kitchen) comes in handy compared to the hostel. 

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Hungry, tired and lack of sleep – on days like these, dinner becomes
merely a means of survival, no longer a social event to look forward
to.  We decided at the pizzeria not to have further dinners outside
when both are almost falling asleep and the walk back would take
another 15 minutes.  And paying €20 for it!

 

Naschmarkt is listed as a recommended visit for tourists and it is
located near the tourist-central of Ringstrasse.  Occupying what we
could call a large divider between two main roads, you can find many
eateries, cafes, bakeries, delis, Asian groceries and of course a huge
array of fresh produce. 

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Usually it is easy to learn about the city’s people just by walking
in the market.  Vienna does have a multicultural society.  Turkish
dried fruits were sold next to spices from India.  Frozen lemongrass
and durians were to be found at the Asian grocer.  Then when you reach
the next stall, they only sell vinegar – about 20 types!

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The market became almost a daily stopover for quick snacks and to
pick up ingredients for dinner because I refused to purchase meat from
anyone except a proper butcher. 

On a bright sunny evening, people flood the eateries and cafes to
soak in the last hours of sunshine with conversations, food and wine.
And that, we definitely did!