One of the reasons that I love traveling is getting to experience other cultures. Seeing a new culture makes me view my own home culture in a new way. The American way isn’t always the best way. I didn’t expect to observe so many cultural differences while in Vienna, Austria, but I found quite a few and I want to share them with you, whether you’re headed to Austria or not!
- Speaking with Utensils: In Europe, eating utensils speak a language all their own. If you still want to chase that Weiner schnitzel around your plate but need a drink of water, set your fork and knife perpendicular to each other. If you’re done eating and want the waiter to take your plate away, lay your utensils parallel to one another. This tip will save you embarrassment when you waiter swoops in to take your plate, and you’re nowhere near done.
- Public Transportation Norm: Everyone uses the public transportation. Children and grandmothers. Your Aunt Audra. My great Uncle Peter. It’s easily accessible and a day pass is super awesome for use within Vienna city lines. Most people don’t own vehicles, especially singles, because the public transportation works so well. Growing up with multiple vehicles in my family, this world perspective is so different and I like it. I like not having to find parking for the car in the city.
- Being American in another Country: Being a silly American, I thought everyone loved Americans because we’re told that in school by Americans. Sure, I know the terrorists don’t like us. I don’t like them either. But I was surprised when in Germany and in Austria, people tended to turn up their noses a bit when they found out that I was from America. All negative stereotypes of Americans slammed down on my shoulders. It surprised me, and I had to work really hard not to be offended by their simple assumptions of me because of my nationality.
- Tuck in the Duvet: I come from the stock of people that likes to curl up in a bed with a tucked top sheet and a tucked blanket. I feel safe. Secure. In Austria, they use duvets, which is a comforter covered in sheet material. It acts as your top sheet and your blanket. It took me a very long time to adjust to using a duvet and many nights I woke cold because I had managed to wiggle my way out from underneath the free-flying duvet.
- Everyone Recycles: Austrians are big on recycling. Households sort their colored glass, paper, plastics, besides already having pick up times for trash and compost. Even public areas offer at least four specific options for trash disposal. America should take note. There are still states in the USA that don’t even recycle!
- Daily Tea Time (give me some of that!): I’ve never worked in an office that had a delineated tea time, but apparently this is a common feature in European offices. A mid-morning and mid-afternoon break of about fifteen minutes including a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie. This irked the American task master within me that didn’t want to take the break in the middle of my day, but the community that this time fostered within the office is irreplaceable.
- Yellow Mail Boxes: Americans have their blue postal boxes. The British have their red royal mail boxes, and the Austrian have their bright yellow mail boxes. Has somebody thought to start a website devoted to all the mailboxes in the world? If they haven’t, you should!
What About You?
Have you ever visited Vienna and have been struck by a specific cultural difference?
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