Naschmarkt,The "Belly Of Vienna" - Where Life Tastes Good

Oh dear, I missed you all and I missed blogging.
During my time off, your comments and kind words, support and likes on FB and Instagram meant the world to me!
Now I'm back and it feels wonderful and strange at once writing my first post after a long time.
As you know, I live a life between two worlds, Austria and Peru and there are always new sights,flavours and experiences on these travels which I love to share with you.
This time I would like to take you along on a visit to the Naschmarkt, one of the most beautiful open air markets in the world.
Over 120 stalls  sell their products here and the real challenge is NOT to find, what you are looking for.
Founded in 1774, the Naschmarkt has an extension of 2,3 Hektars and has been planned by the famous Viennes Art Nouveau architect Otto Wagner.
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/otto-wagner-vienna-austria-modernism-architecture-blog
There you will discover many hidden culinary gems much beyond Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
The place is a true encounter of cultures where Occident meets Orient, enriched as well with Asian and African influences.
It's an adventure for all senses, the colors, textures and aromas are amazing.
In the neighborhood of the market many small eateries have settled and offer drinks, coffee and food to the hungry visitors.
The number of trendy cafes,bars and restaurants in the area has exploded in the past years and it has become "The Place" to see and be seen.
Families, the young and the beautiful, trendsetters and foreign visitors are sitting side by side enjoying peacefully the delicatessen the place has to offer.
One of my favorites for a fabulous brunch is the restaurant "Orient Occident"
http://www.orientoccident.at/
A stroll through this incredible open air market is highly recommended whether you are a foodie, architecure lover or just a visitor interested to explore "the belly of Vienna" and truly get to know the tastes, sights and sounds of the city.

Wild mushrooms, fresh Chicoree, horse radish and gorgeous tomatoes making PR for fresh veggies.
 

Variations of hand made Pasta and Gnocci


Turkish sweets


All kind of nuts- roasted, Wasabi coated or sweeetned with wild honey


Olives from all over the world in different colours and shapes


Fresh herbs for the health conscious



 Your future fruit salad on display


 I don't know what she has seen - was it the price?

 For the ones with a sweet tooth - candied fruits


 Vitamines the whole year long - dried berries and fruits


So many legumes


For tea lovers


All stuffed: tomatoes,mini pumkins,dates, pepperonies,bell pepper

 Even the Austrian National costume is present - Dirndl for children


Early visitors


Serving local specialities in style

 Arriving early for breakfast



And many beautiful sights in the neighbourhood. This is the code of arms of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The curious thing is that the city of Lima,capital of Peru has a very similar code of arms, due to Charles V, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and of the Vicekingdom of Peru! 

Tip: The Naschmarkt is open from Monday through Friday from 6.30 to 19h,
Saturdays from 6.30 to 18h. Closed on Sunday. Best day to go is on Saturday.
More info about how to get there on public transport and other useful orientation at:
 https://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/einkaufen/maerkte/lebensmittel/naschmarkt/
https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/markets/naschmarkt


 

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Istanbul - Where Orient Meets Occident

Just close your eyes and imagine a far away place where Orient meets Occident, where a bridge connects Asia with Europe, where the old Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Osmans erected stunning buildings and now people from all over the world come to visit, admiring it's beauty.
Got the picture? No more guessing, it's Istanbul the former Constantinople, Capital of the East Roman Empire.
The sights, sounds and scents of the city are amazing.
When you walk through Istanbul, open not only your eyes but experience the place with all your senses.
So many long gone Empires ruled here and left their traces, the stunning Byzantine Hagia Sophia , one of the most beautiful  buildings the world has ever seen, the amazing Blue Mosque, The Basilica Cistern, for sure the world's most beautiful water reservoir.
After hours of strolling through the city, visiting the many sights it has to offer, we decided to experience the ambience of Istanbul,  enjoying a Turkish coffee at the garden of the Archeological Museum.
Surrounded by stunning vegetation, it's a place where time and the noise of modern Istanbul  stand still for a precious moment and the old Greek columns, sarcophagus and sculptures seem to speak to the visitors.
The nights are long in Istanbul and in the evening there are many restaurants serving excellent Turkish cuisine making it quite difficult which one to choose.
Pricy roof top bars with amazing views invite visitors to sip drinks and enjoy the amazing views over the city.  
Later, trendy nightclubs for the young and beautiful ones open their doors with the beat of Arabic and International Dancefloor music.
The next morning, I would recommend you to try some Anatolian Breakfast to recover your energies. It offers different kind of fruits, veggies, cheese, Philo past filled with spinach or cheese and wonderful honey with fresh made yogurt, the perfect treat to start a new day.

The perfect beauty of Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century.

It's central dome was often interpreted as the dome of heaven itself.

The splendor of the Ottoman Empire captured in this room at the Topkapi Palace.

Charms and decorations, used to repel the evil eye.

A colorful selection of hand made soaps.

Tasting Turkish Coffee at the Grand Bazaar

Sharing ou breakfast with this cute little fellow

A huge variety of bath sponges on display

The right ilumination for 1001 nights

The legendary Blue Mosque

Having tea at the garden of the Archeological Museum

Rich sweets made of honey and pistaccios called rightfully Turkish Delights

A symphony in blue at the Topkapi Palace

 Freshly made bread at a restaurant

The old city seen from the Bosphorus side

Our last evening at Istanbul - dinner at a friend's place with a to die for view over the city and the sea

Places to visit:
Hagia Sophia- http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/haso/hd_haso.htm
Chora Church -  http://www.choramuseum.com/history/mosaics-and-frescoes/, one of my favorites, it-s mosaics are stunning. Unfortunatly, the main part is under restauration until 2016, but the entrance, which is open to the public is worth the visit.
 Basilica Cistern - http://www.istanbultrails.com/2008/06/the-basilica-cistern-the-coolest-spot-in-town/
Blue Mosque - http://www.bluemosque.co/
Topkapi Palace -  http://topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en
Insider Tip:
-A beautiful place to enjoy Turkish tea or coffee is the garden of the Archeological Museum   
http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/main_page
-Instead of the quite pricy and very touristic Bosphorus cruises take one of the regular ferry boats - an enjoyable aprox. 2 hours boat trip at a moderate price.

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