Atlantica - 01.06.2001, Page 31

meal, Frankfurt is a blend of many dif-
ferent nationalities and has a distinct,
old-world flavour.
TAKING A STROLL
The refreshing mix of people is abun-
dantly clear as I step down the winding
pedestrian streets flowing out from
Hauptwache, the town centre. As is my
custom upon arriving in a new city, I
stuff the guidebook into my satchel and
start walking with the rest of the crowd,
as if I know my destination.
To my ears, the crowd is anything but
German. Echoes of English can be heard
while I slide in and out of the myriad
fashion shops jutting up to Zeil Street. I
hear Frankfurters calling out “Ciao” in
passing, and all around expats abound,
which makes sense considering that
thousands upon thousands of former
Yugoslavians, Italians, Spanish, Turks,
Americans, British and French call
Frankfurt home. This diversity is particu-
larly noticeable in the number of ethnic
restaurants I’ve already walked past.
Speaking of food, I’m starving.
Fortunately, I’m standing in Paulsplatz, a
square steaming with choices, from
Italian to one of the many döner kebab
Photos by Páll Stefánsson
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