Walking...

Dear peoples,

So I've been on this new kick of walking to get food. It is so good for you. You guys should definitely try it. Here let me demonstrate...
*disclaimer*
But before I demonstrate, let me say that walking to get food is not necessarily out of choice. I have no car. Thus I must foot it.


Let's say I need to get food. Ok, lets also assume that cooking in your kitchen is not an option, because the language-school program put you in an apartment where there is no kitchen. So its time to get food. Put on your "shoes." They are essential for making through many days of walking in Europe. And by shoes, I mean shoes, not stilettos or any type of high heel. Cowboy boots are bad too, especially for guys. You want something comfortable, and durable, and because I really love all of you, I put a short pictorial at the end of this blog for everyone...

So I got my comfortable yet stylish walking shoes on (and they must be stylish, because everyone here in Vienna is stylish... don't ask why, it's just part of their culture) and I'm walking out my door for the closest food place. I run into a small convenience store. I see some shady sandwiches that could be from last week. Nothing else around... Hmmm. OK, I have a monthly Tram/Bus/Subway pass, so everything is accessible if I can sit around for about 15 minutes. The only problem is that the nearest public transportation spot is a good 20 minute walk from my apartment.

So I pass the shady convienience store and head to the tram stop.







I get on the tram and sit for 15 minutes (maybe I should have just walked)...

(thats not me, I just wont take pictures of myself in a public tram... thats sketch)

I then get off and head to corner off the main street where there is a plethora of kebap stands. These kebap stands are the equivalent to our pizza joints in major cities, they have one at every corner, and they are relatively inexpensive. But ohh sooo goooooood.




Now, my dimmema is which kebap stand because here I am on a street with 3 or 4 kebap stands within 15 seconds of each other. I think this is what you do in a problem like this. Look for the stand with the most people and go there. Avoid the ones with no one around, they probably use questionable meat or something. I gobble this fantastic blend of pita, meat (don't ask what kind), cucumber sauce, hot sauce, tomato, and lettuce. I wash it down with a beer. Great lunch.








Time to walk back (and I will walk the entire distance) and work this off... I love eating in Europe.

Now get ready for a....


A Basic Shoe Guide for Europe


Bad Shoes for walking in European cities

Cowboy Boots... you'll just get made fun of (behind your back)... trust me.


Some Haute Couture heel...You make look like a diva, but your feet will have their revenge on you later.

Flip-flops (Jcrew, Gap, Reef, Rainbow, etc) They look cool, but trust me, after an hour of walking, they won't be so nice. Furthermore, with so many people walking around the cities, your piggies are bound to get trampled.

Giraffe Slippers...Hmmmm.... no.


New Balance mall walker shoes...OK folks, here's the deal. Only wear these if you are 75+ and walk around malls. Nothing screams uncultured and loud American more than these. We have some better alternatives for you...


Good shoes for walking in European cities




Classic loafers... get yourself a good insole if they don't fit too well and these babies are good to go.


Chuck Taylors... these puppies have made a huge resurgence among the younger crowds and fit pretty much every occasion. I saw a pair tonight in the Opera House (although not recommended). Oh yeah, and they are cheap in the US.

Asics Otsunika- These are nice, because of the retro look and for the über comfortable fit.
Puma Speedcats- Same as the Asics, and great with jeans.


Kenneth Cole Dress Boot- Guys, these are the way to go when you are dressed up and walking around Europe. Super durable and comfortable. Plus, most cobblers will replace these soles when they wear down.

Nike shoes... use these instead of your above New Balances...



Gucci flat pumps- I love these flat shoes for women... almost all women in Europe wear some type of flat shoe like this...


Remember, when your living in a foreign country you want to fit in- blend in rather. I know...I know. Fashion smashion. I'm just saying, wearing these shoes are very comfortable for all the walking you'll be doing, and no one will think you're a foreigner... till you open your mouth...