Vienna Shopping Tips by themajor

Johann Meindl & Co: THE TIMEPIECE THAT WAITS FOR NO MAN...OR WOMAN!

The pleasure of window shopping for things you cannot afford is only surpassed by the thrill of realising that you might just be able to buy them. It's unlikely happen in this case though!

Strolling down Wollzeile one evening, we came across a rather swish shop selling watches, clocks, jewellery etc My eye was drawn to this rather extraordinary timepiece in the window. Not particularly pretty, in fact not really to my taste at all. Even so, I was fascinated to see that the dial on the timepiece stretched all the way to the year 3000! After much delving I later discovered that this was Jaeger le Coultre's 'Atmos du Millénaire', an extraordinary bit of mechanical engineering powered purely by fluctuations in temperature and guaranteed to outlive both it's owner and a good many of his ancestors. Needless to say, no price was visible in the window and I wasn't able to find a price online either - I doubt they're embarrassed because it's so cheap and affordable!

What to pay: I dread to think! Probably not a good idea to put it in the kids bedroom and I wouldn't want to be the one who dropped it at 11.59 pm on the 31st December 2999!

Address: Wollzeile 8, 1010, Wien

Directions: A short stroll from Stephansplatz

Phone: +43 1/535 4828

Theme: Other

Julius Meinl am Graben: FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

If you've been to London and enjoyed visiting Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly, then this is the food shop for you. Similar in style and replete with fine produce from around the world it really is a delight. True, things aren't at supermarket prices but they're not too bad - and if it's quality and choice you are after, this is a food store par excellence. If you cant face walking any longer, and the evening trawl for restaurants doesn't appeal, you could do a lot worse than smuggle back some fine purchases from the delicatessen section into your hotel room to provide a relaxed supper. Be discreet though. Don't leave a mess for your chambermaids and dispose of your rubbish outside the hotel the next morning.

What to pay: How long is a pice of string...or should that be spaghetti?

Address: 1 Kohlmarkt

Directions: Smack at the top of the Graben where it meets Kohlmarkt - can't miss it!

Theme: Food and Drink