Exiting the train station my destination was Vienna’s fabled city centre. But as the streets grew quieter, I realised I was heading in the opposite direction. Frustration and weariness were creeping in, until I passed a passageway that changed everything.
Overhanging the passage’s length were a myriad of coloured umbrellas — the blues, reds, oranges, yellows and pinks beautifully complementing the tall beige buildings standing either side, the flowers from pots and hanging baskets, and the empty wooden tables and chairs from a restaurant. A gorgeous conglomerate of colour.
There I lingered a while, taking photos and people-watching. You could tell the locals from the tourists — the former hastily walked through disinterested in the quaint surroundings, whilst the latter lazily pondered, looked around and took selfies.
Vienna’s umbrellas will always be a colourful reminder that getting lost and going off the beaten track need not mean missing out on the odd unexpected discovery. Finding them can provide a moment to savour and delight, and give some much-needed motivation to get back on the road.