Although perhaps more subtle here than in some countries, after a few days the cultural differences between the U.S. and Austria are definitely starting to show. For one thing, Austrians comment on every—and I mean EVERY—breach in manners. This has both its advantages and its disadvantages. On the one hand, it’s a little embarrassing to be called out for putting your salad and main course on the same plate or wearing flip flops outside of the hotel—but on the other hand, at least you will not make the same mistake twice! Although I had the impression before coming here that Europe was more formal than the U.S. (don’t ask me where I got that idea), I think the difference is not so much that Austria is more formal as that Austrians are more likely than Americans to call you out on etiquette faux-pas. Whatever the case is, I have never been so grateful to my parents for all their nagging at Christmas dinners as I am now…
Another cultural difference by which I was slightly surprised is how prevalent the honor system is here. For example, in the U.S., if you want to buy a newspaper from a stand on the street, you must first put in your change before you can even open the machine to get out the newspaper. The streets of Salzburg, however, are covered with little bags full of newspapers hanging from trees and lampposts, with only a small device for inserting your change at the top. Someone could easily open the bag and take out a newspaper without paying for it—but then again, I suppose it reflects well on the city’s population that nobody does that…
I am also starting to realize that Americans are workaholics in comparison to the Austrians! Most of the shops—including Spar, a huge grocery store chain—close around 7pm on weekdays—and almost none of them are open on Sundays. Additionally, I was kind of surprised to find that our hotel does not have a 24-hr. receptionist. Shorter workdays, Sundays off, a stronger currency—I think I’m going to move to Europe when I want a job!
It is true what everybody says—Europeans are trendier than Americans. Our group is still working on the fashion thing (ok, I’m still working on the fashion thing—the boys got mistaken for locals the other night)—but I am definitely open to suggestions…
Ok, that's all for now....more posts to come soon!
Austrian Newsstands
I'm glad you have this little blog, Ann. It's so interesting to see Europe through your eyes...
ReplyDeleteAs for the cultural differences:
I miss the 24/7 shops, too. I mean, I would probably never go to a supermarket at 3 a.m. in the morning, but then, who knows. At least you have an option.
I would say nobody works on Sundays here since Europe is mostly Christian and we are therefore supposed to take the day off. That shops close at 7 p.m. is not because nobody wants to work but because we still cherish the social aspect in working ethics too much - we don't want people to miss out on family life or whatever just because we feel like shopping at midnight.
In every other branch people work about 42 hours a week I would say (but only get paid for like 38).
I noticed the style thing, too. In the US comfort comes before stlye, here everybody tries so hard to look bohemian in some sort of way. I'm still behind when it comes to what's hot and what's not but I decided to take a break from trend-setting. Instead, I'm going to observe how other people are making a fool of themselves in clothes that are not really made for them.
However, if you want to look European you have to buy skinny jeans, leggings, boots (for wintertime), Chucks, flowing tops and a lot of accessories - preferably golden.
Hope that helps :)
How's the German learning going?
Thanks for the fashion tips, Katharina! I actually find the lack of 24-hr. shops here kind of refreshing....another thing I have noticed is that the stores here are a lot smaller-definitely nothing like Walmart! I think this is kind of nice in a way though...although it's convenient, as you said, to go to a huge 24-hr. store and find everything you need in one place, it can also be kind of overwhelming, and very impersonal. Although there's a lot less selection in some of the stores here, I think they are also more personal, and in that way much easier and much more comfortable to shop at. As far as cherishing the social aspects goes, I think this is a general theme not just in working ethics, but in everyday life here. For example, our meals last much longer here, as most people sit around the table after dinner and talk for awhile after they finish eating rather than leaving right away. Naturally, as I love to talk, this is one of my favorite aspects of Austrian culture! :) Our group was just talking today about how relaxed everything here seems...even though the Austrians are very focused on being punctual, they seem to somehow take their time as well...
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