Embracing the Culture
One of the best ways to truly experience a place is to slow down and live like a local. To wander through the markets, chat with the stallholders and taste the flavours that make up everyday life.
During my recent trip to Austria, I made a point of doing just that. The local markets were a feast for the senses with rows of beautifully cured meats, jars of homemade chutneys and mustards, carefully presented vegetables and the comforting scent of freshly baked bread filling the air. Every product had a story behind it; the kind of story that comes from generations of craftsmanship and pride in what they create.
I couldn’t help but admire how much care went into even the simplest of displays- wooden shelves lined with neatly arranged jars, rustic crates filled with bright pumpkins and bunches of wildflowers adding a touch of charm and colour. It was the perfect blend of authenticity and artistry and I found endless inspiration in those small, thoughtful details.
And when I wasn’t sampling or photographing these little treasures, I was up in the mountains. Climbing them was a reminder of how grounding it can be to step away from the rush of daily life and reconnect with nature (and that not so subtle reminder of how unfit I am too!). There’s something about that crisp alpine air and the panoramic views that makes you stop, breathe and truly take it all in.
Travelling, for me, isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about feeling them. It’s about observing everything a place has to offer and serve as a wonderful reminder of how culture is something to be embraced, savoured and shared.
About the Author
Ansuya is a food photographer specialising in Indian and global cuisine.
