Op-Expat

In my last post, I mentioned the 7 Wonders of Vienna. All the things that most amaze me about the city and what it has to offer.

It’s only fair to give a counter perspective and mention the vexing aspects of Vienna.

1. Cranky waiters – They are as much a part of Viennese culture as the coffeehouses. They aren’t cranky with just tourists or foreigners; they treat all people with equal crankiness.

2. Not forming a line – Americans are great line formers. If they need to wait for something, they’ll just automatically stand behind one another at a respectful distance and wait their turn. Austrians group around and push, shove and elbow until they get to the front. I always have an odd feeling to want to MOO out loud when I am a part of this phenomenon. Of course, if you decide to drop the idea that forming a line should occur, go with the flow, and push yourself to the front, it can be rather great fun.

3. Getting straight to the point – Austrians are not interested in small talk, even if you’ve just been introduced. I was at a networking event and right after being introduced to an Austrian woman, she immediately proceeded to give me her opinions about the American economy and what was wrong with it. I have found the best way to get out of any situation like this is to claim that you are new to the city and ask if the person can recommend any good coffeehouses.

4. Austrian pessimism – My Austrian husband calls this the national sport. Austrians are terribly pessimistic! Things are always going badly for them. To amuse myself, I’ll ask how an Austrian is doing and get the normal response, “Terribly.” Without missing a beat I’ll respond, “Good to hear.”

5. The post office – It seems that no matter what country you live in, people who work at the post office are trolls. Every time I go there, they are grumpy, mean people. I can handle that. What I cannot deal with is that I have mailed four packages to the U.S. and only one has made it to its destination. This seems unique to Vienna. If you can, try to get to a post office outside of Vienna. I’ll bet it makes it to its destination.

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I’ve lived in Vienna for one year and three months now. I really feel a connection to the city and want to list out what I find to be the absolute best.

1. The Inner City – all locals call it that. Americans would call it the old city. It really represents Imperial Vienna. The builds are so ornate with fantastic statues built into them, gold lining, fantastic paintings on the walls. And it’s just one amazing building after the other. Everything is clean and very well preserved. It’s just great to take a walk through the Inner City and soak up the atmosphere.

2. Coffeehouses – Taking a walk through the Inner City can get tiring, so a coffeehouse break is in order. Coffeehouses are a strong part of every day life for the Viennese. No one can explain the comfortable, warm feeling that a coffeehouse in Vienna delivers. You just have to go in yourself and live it.

3. Public transportation – I love it. No matter where I am in Vienna, a short walk will take me to a bus, a streetcar or the underground. From there I can be whisked away to any destination that I have in mind.

4. Bread – I don’t know what they do differently with their bread here, but it is so flavorful. Forget butter, jam, cheese or anything else you usually put on bread, just take a bite right into it.

5. Sachertorte – The famous cake that has a secret recipe that no chef can figure out. It’s very sweet, so you need a cup of good Viennese coffee to mellow it out, but it’s oh so good!
www.sacher.com

6. Schönbrunn – The summer residence of the Imperial family. The gardens are extensive and frighteningly well taken care of. Fountains are revealed in the warmer months of May-September accompanied by extravagant flower arrangements. I swear it’s not gardeners that work there, its elves.
www.schoenbrunn.at

7. Klimt paintings – Gutav Klimt is the Austrian artist responsible for the famous painting, The Kiss. His most famous works, including The Kiss, are housed in the Vienna museum and palace, The Belvedere.
www.belvedere.at

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