After 3 months of being at home mostly, going to nearby parks for fresh air, the farthest I’ve been to was at the nearest train station from us. I’ve only went twice to meet friends for some minutes at a specialty grocery store.
Today though, I was able to go as far as the fourth district to submit some documents. I took the chance to walk around and visit my favourite Japanese store. I forgot to bring my camera, so pardon the quality of the shots from my phone.
Spotless
I went to one of the offices in Wiedner Hauptstrasse, a long street located in the 4th district of Vienna, the Wieden, extending to the 5th district, Margareten. It was named after the most important Viennese suburb in 1862 and was previously known as Alte Wieden Hauptstrasse, Matzleinsdorfer Hauptstrasse and Matzleinsdorfer Strasse. It is one of the more historical traffic routes in old Vienna, and houses many historic buildings.
The sweeper machine must have been busy despite the lockdown, the streets are ass spotless as they’ve always been. While there are a number of bims passing by this route going to the Japanese store, I chose to walk, even if that takes half an hour, I’ve often mentioned how I love getting lost around Vienna, discovering hidden corners as I go.
Green all around
March, when the lockdown was placed, was still pretty much cold and gray, and it felt like the lockdown was also a letdown. The surrounding started turning green a month into the lockdown, and it’s a refreshing sight to see that spring has sprung all around the city.
While the streets are lined with trees, establishments see to it that they also have their own greens to decorate their shops with. Sadly, some shops I peaked into have plants that are either too dry or dead, having no one to water them during lockdown. 🙁 Since it’s June, the flowers might have withered already, but I’m sure many are still blooming in the parks.
Shops Opened
Some coffee shops and food stores in the area opened partially – setting up tables and chairs for al fresco sipping/dining. Other shops are now offering to-go for their meals that weren’t included in the take-out list before. There’s still distancing practiced when inside restaurants, as to the number of limited people allowed inside, restaurant owners follow protocol (the government has stated how many should be allowed in the premises per square meter.
Most that remained open during lockdown were coffee shops but under strict distancing and contact tracing. Restaurants were allowed take out or do deliveries through online ordering sites.
The Japanese shop has been opened for some hours a day as other specialty grocery stores. But since it’s a little bit far from where we live, this is the first time I went to buy our favorite Japanese goods.
No Soul Around
Surely, there are people walking around, but not as much pre-pandemic. I was able to take photos of almost nil person in the frame. (Privacy aside, it just so happens that not a lot of people were walking whenever I click).
After getting our Japanese favorites, I went to Karlsplatz to take the train there, but I went around a little to take photos of course. I’m not sure if the Opera House is still showing plays outside on a big display at night, but they do this every summer before pandemic, so I hope they still do treat the passerby with free shows.
Vienna’s Lockdown Lifted (June 2020)
It’s surely a different atmosphere compared to before. And while the lockdown has been lifted, it is still best to take caution. Always wear a mask and sanitize hands as much as possible. If possible stay a meter away from others (not as easy when travelling via public transportation). To be safer when going out, make sure to take care of your health, practice breathing as well to strengthen your lungs. We do hope for normalcy soon but all we can do now is be cautious. Stay Safe!
For the latest information regarding protocols and other important matters regarding Coronavirus in Vienna, please visit https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information.
