I really like being married to a man who grew up in a different culture than me. We have very fun discussions because of it. A lot of it revolves around, “How did you grow up?” “Did you do this as a kid?” “What was it like…”
Our latest discussion went like this. We were watching TV and saw an ad for the upcoming 2010 movie “Alice in Wonderland.” I asked my husband, “Have you ever seen the old Disney movie?” and he said no. Then I asked, “Do you know the storyline behind it?” His answer was no.
How crazy is that!?! He doesn’t know the classic tale of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Though I have read the classic version of both this story and the sequel, “Through the Looking-Glass,” I had more fun explaining in great detail the Disney movie. I even broke out in song, “A very merry unbirthday to you! To me? To you!” My husband laughed like crazy.
This is how we spend our time together. It’s a lot of fun.
I think it’s quite similar when Austrians talk about the ‘Basilisk’ http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sch%C3%B6nlaterngasse or about the rhymes of the Stuwwelpeter http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struwwelpeter or Max & Moritz http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_und_Moritz. Things which are commonly known – but probably not so commonly in the US – it’s the funny side for us
)
As an Indian whose deepest wish to be able to live in Austria (since I was 10), it is gratifying to read your blog. The fascination for this nation stems from a variety of facts, from loving Summoning (a band), to the Sound of Music, the Tyrol and the simple fact that my closest friend is Austrian. Thank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Harry.
Hi Britta,
As an expat married to an Austrian, you definitely have valuable information for women traveling to Austria. Would you be interested in writing a guest post on my site for women travelers, http://www.pinkpangea.com? It would be great if you could send a photo of yourself in Austria, and write about your experiences there, providing helpful information for other travelers–on dating Austrian men,for example. You can email me at rachel@pinkpangea.com.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Rachel
@pinkpangea
Hi Harish,
I know someone who’s father moved to Austria just because he liked the Sound of Music. 30 years later the family is still here.
Hey Helimax,
I have NO idea what you are talking about! ahahaaaa
Britta,
I think we have a lot in common. We are both Americans in Vienna. We hate smoking and are married to European men. We should bond sometime. I think I found an apartment in the 3rd! It’s not available until June so that might be a deal breaker. I can’t live with my husband’s family that long and stay sane!
Chanda
How did you go about marrying this austrian?
hi Britta,,,
it’s very fun to read ur blog,,,
Thank you, I make an effort to make it entertaining