The Christmas market thing is now so overdone all across Europe that it has stopped being fun. Certainly no longer magical, although maybe I am being unfair to Americans who have never experienced anything like it. I would recommend Bratislava over Vienna these days if Christmas markets are your thing - better food options and fewer Chinese wares. In my experience Americans still find Vienna dirt cheap - possibly because my friends and relatives are mostly in the Northeast, and Vienna is a bargain compared to Boston or NYC. But yes, a lot more expensive than Spain or Italy. There are also plenty of interesting parts of the city where you still don’t see tourists - most tourists don’t seem to realize how much of the city exists outside the Ringstrasse. Other than the ridiculous Instagram/TikTok driven lines for Ferhat Döner. I met a friend today to walk our dogs on the Donauinsel - I recommend that as a mental health break. No tourists, beautiful views of Kahlenberg and Viennese are never more pleasant and friendly than when they are at the Hundezone.
We visited Vienna in October several years ago. It's a beautiful city, but I'm sure tourists grate on residents. Tourists grate on me and I am one. This year I'm also doing 50% and fighting for a sense of normalcy vs over-exuberance. Cheers to you and your middle class tree.
I'm finally getting around to sending you a feed back.
I read your text to the family and spread it around because I found it so good, interesting, critical (and self-critical); I live in Vienna, but still don't realize the overtourism in the city centre (thank God).
Thank you for your observations, a happy new year to you and your family, keep sharing your reflections with us.
I just came back from Vienna. I am sorry that I did not get to meet you.
W did enjoy the Christmas markets although my wallet was stolen out of my handbag. And the food is so good, no matter what little dive you go in. And the desserts at Oberlaa…great Chagall exhibit at the Albertina. And, yes, Austria is more expensive than the US ,yet you don’t see a bunch of homeless people in tents.. The US is also becoming a country without a middle class.. but to navigate our cities and get a job you cannot live without a car..I wish that walking was an alternative, as it is in Vienna..
The Christmas market thing is now so overdone all across Europe that it has stopped being fun. Certainly no longer magical, although maybe I am being unfair to Americans who have never experienced anything like it. I would recommend Bratislava over Vienna these days if Christmas markets are your thing - better food options and fewer Chinese wares. In my experience Americans still find Vienna dirt cheap - possibly because my friends and relatives are mostly in the Northeast, and Vienna is a bargain compared to Boston or NYC. But yes, a lot more expensive than Spain or Italy. There are also plenty of interesting parts of the city where you still don’t see tourists - most tourists don’t seem to realize how much of the city exists outside the Ringstrasse. Other than the ridiculous Instagram/TikTok driven lines for Ferhat Döner. I met a friend today to walk our dogs on the Donauinsel - I recommend that as a mental health break. No tourists, beautiful views of Kahlenberg and Viennese are never more pleasant and friendly than when they are at the Hundezone.
We visited Vienna in October several years ago. It's a beautiful city, but I'm sure tourists grate on residents. Tourists grate on me and I am one. This year I'm also doing 50% and fighting for a sense of normalcy vs over-exuberance. Cheers to you and your middle class tree.
Dear Tanja,
I'm finally getting around to sending you a feed back.
I read your text to the family and spread it around because I found it so good, interesting, critical (and self-critical); I live in Vienna, but still don't realize the overtourism in the city centre (thank God).
Thank you for your observations, a happy new year to you and your family, keep sharing your reflections with us.
Sincerely Regina
I just came back from Vienna. I am sorry that I did not get to meet you.
W did enjoy the Christmas markets although my wallet was stolen out of my handbag. And the food is so good, no matter what little dive you go in. And the desserts at Oberlaa…great Chagall exhibit at the Albertina. And, yes, Austria is more expensive than the US ,yet you don’t see a bunch of homeless people in tents.. The US is also becoming a country without a middle class.. but to navigate our cities and get a job you cannot live without a car..I wish that walking was an alternative, as it is in Vienna..