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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Vienna food market

On Saturday I joined many tourists and Viennese at the fabulous food market – there seemed to be shopping baskets and cameras in equal number.

The market is set up on temporary stalls along a road between two tram stations.  The first thing I saw when I emerged from the escalator were these magnificent buildings. There are decorated building fronts all over the city and I particularly enjoyed the two different styles next to each other here.

market-1

Once into the market I was surrounded by delicious and fresh food that would make a wonderful spread of food for grazing – cheeses, breads, tapas style stuffed items and lots of dried fruit and nuts.  There were also salamis and hams but I didn’t get a photo of them.  The food market really showed how  Austria uses its central position and mixes the foods of north and south Europe. 

Lovely fresh fruit and vegetables too – look at the size of the asparagus – white and green (middle photo, standing upright on right). 

market-2

Flowers were also in abundance on the stalls – big bunches of tulips or roses as well as vibrant mixed bunches.  I was delighted to see them selling bunches of lilly of the valley because it is my birthday flower. There were also lots of herbs in pots – I wanted to squeeze them all for the smell.

market-3

And I was amazed to see pink chestnut flowers on the trees (bottom right).  I was enjoying how many chestnut trees were in bloom down many streets, with lovely big white blossom and then saw pink flowers in several places – I never knew they came in pink too.

And then at the end, as I was looking for the next tram stop, I spied another beautiful building facade

market-4

I’d love to have a market like this in Edinburgh, our Farmer’s market is mostly meat. 

Next instalment from Vienna will be a sampling of the many photos I took of the Imperial architecture covered in imposing sculpture.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Storytelling–a childhood memory

 

Time to share another story with Sian’s Storytelling Sunday – even if it is Monday.  I knew I’d be away on Sunday and prepared one earlier but then left it only on my home hard drive so I couldn’t access it to post on Sunday.

storytelling-sunday-4--for-

Another short story using an old photo to carry half the work (prepared for inclusion in Project Life album). 

I’m the one in the pink dress at the front, with my sister and Mum behind me and Aunt and cousin to the right. 

Join me as I check out the other stories being shared this month.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

April in numbers

Really enjoying this monthly summary – thanks to Julie   for the idea and collecting them each month.  I’m finding from mine and reading others that some stories are told through this project that would not otherwise we told.

APRIL-IN-NUMBERS

PAPER PAISLEE PRESS, FILE BRUSH AUDREY NEAL, TITLE ADAPTED FROM K PERTIET

FONT 1942 REPORT, APRIL FONT J.D.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Where am I?

30 april (7)

I’m away from home again, for  a week this time, to facilitate a workshop.  Can you guess where I am?  A clue – I’m spending euros.

30 april (1)

I admit that when I knew I was coming here I had no visual idea of what to expect – not a country I’m aware of seeing on TV or films.  In fact I couldn’t think of much that I knew about life here now – only historical things.

30 april (4)

I was surprised to see so many trees down the streets – here lots of chestnut trees.

Also very surprised that ice cream is a big thing here

1 may (2)

(chocolate, pistachio and vanilla ice-cream, caramel sauce, cream and lots of hazelnuts)

The streets and pavements are wide, there are trams and lots of bicycles.  Lots of people smoke (outside) and bakery and meat feature heavily in menus.

I haven’t seen the river yet, nor a grand historic building, nor heard  a waltz, nor eaten apple strudel or schnitzel. 

Guessed yet? – I’m in Vienna.  I get to stay for the weekend after the workshop so intend to see and share more of the city (and sample more ice cream and pastry) 

ps.  I’ve been having problems leaving messages on posts since being here – sorry for the lack of comments – I typed them and then they disappeared.