Welcome to Austria!
A collection of random incidences that I refer to as "welcome to Austria" moments. While living in Turkey, they were fondly referred to as "welcome to Turkey" occurrences. Now, in a new country with rather interesting and specific nuances, I'd like to document a handful of happenings from our first three months here. There have been several and not without drama or at the very least a heavy dose of laughter and ranting. Here is my disclaimer though, I am grateful. For every last bit of it. All the slap your forehead I can't believe this is happening to me times and everything in between. I have learned at the very least to laugh at myself and the cultural differences I so often fail to understand. Sometimes that is all I can do. And other times it's a tad more serious. Life spans both extremes, don't you think? No matter where one lives or calls home.
Here goes. To begin with we made this move without a vehicle or any other mode of transportation. Our intent being that city living wouldn't require that and we'd learn to navigate the public system here. We're trying. And getting more savvy every day. The first day in my attempt to get us to the grocery Thing 3 and myself went the wrong direction, not once but twice, within minutes. Yes. That was me, walking circles, holding my phone in the air and almost crying. We had been on the S-bahn and underground with Husband Jared and found on our way. I've told the Things, that's OK, if you find yourself heading in the wrong direction just hop off and try again, in the other direction. Well, let's just say I wasn't the best example this day.
Next up. Our door buzzer did not work for a majority of the time we lived in our temporary apartment. Almost two months folks. All in all, not a huge deal. Except that we were waiting on a package to be delivered from the States. After three failed attempts where I was certain we were home a phone call was made. The people on the other end told us that the package would be returned to the States and we'd have to pay. No sir. Another try and still no. Once the actual problem was sorted, you see we didn't know the buzzer was broken, it still was not fixed. We had to have the package delivered to the property management building. Only the first time it was delivered a tax was due and they refused the box. Hello, didn't we just discuss this yesterday? Issue averted, the drop off was arranged and this time a phone call came through when the box was downstairs and I was able to receive our goods. Wow. What an ordeal. This tax or fine, whatever you'd like to call it would be the first of many incurred.
I am not sure how I had forgotten to mention this but when you arrive in Austria, or at least the city of Vienna as potential residents, you are required to register with the local district's ministry office. Like, within three days. You know, so your address is on file, they know where you live and all that. Well, no one told us of that little detail. Or that even our temporary residence would require registration and without no e-card, residency status or other benefits. Oops. Crisis averted thanks to Husband Jared's lengthy phone calls, persistence and constant advocation for us all. It really has been like a second job for him these past few months.
Another laughable moment occurred in our new apartment building. I was on my way out when I glanced down the hallway and saw my neighbor. We made eye contact, I waved and smiled. He all too quickly made his way inside without so much as a nod. For a hot second I thought maybe I had two heads. Nope, that wasn't the case at all. Then I thought maybe that wasn't the cultural norm here. I rarely see anyone waving or otherwise when greeting people. Nope, that's not either. We're going to chalk this one up to circumstances unbeknownst to us. Not a cultural faux pa, just a random miscommunication. I'm not giving up just yet.
And now prepare for a bit of ranting. Upon purchasing our television it was brought to my attention that there is a television tax. Yes, you read that correctly. Exactly 20 EURO monthly for the privilege of owning a television and the possibility that you might broadcast certain radio or television channels in your very own home. That you are paying for. On the electronics that you paid for. I'm not sure why this one gets me so wound up. Maybe because the Austrian government is taking so much of our money already, or because I've paid once and don't think I should continue to pay for a service that I am not using. Not ever have I or do I think I will watch local television or listen to local radio stations in German. Nonetheless the fine for not paying the monthly fee is well over 2000 Euros so I guess we'll cough up the 20 to save ourselves from yet another fine.
Which leads me to our most recent welcome to Austria happening. This time Husband Jared, Thing 3 and myself were on our way to the Easter market at Schonbrunn Palace. There was a line change for our train and we had to walk and thus we encountered our first ticket shake down. It was all perfectly legit, the public transport enforcers and loads of Polizei were blocking the entrance to the exit and checking tickets. Husband Jared and I promptly showed ours and then Thing 3 hers. We purchased her a student ticket which is significantly less expensive and come to found out illegal. You know since she isn't an actual student at an Austrian school, except she is still of school age and technically a student of my home school, which is in Vienna. Anyhow, the big guy was not having any of our excuses or attempts at understanding the system, we made a mistake and we must pay. At least that is what he continued to say over and over again. No room for conversation or assistance or grace. We paid the 105 Euro fine begrudgingly and went on our way with the hope that we'd at least be refunded for the incorrect ticket and be able to apply that to Thing 3's new ticket. Or at least that was what the big guy told us to do. We walked upstairs and made our best efforts at explaining the situation to the ticket agent only to find out that he could not issue a refund, we'd have to go to the main station which is only open until 3pm M-F. I'd like those hours please. Anyhow, we'd have to wait because it was the weekend. The following week Husband Jared made the trek to the station, once again explained our situation and was NOT issued a refund. Of any sort. Two new tickets purchased for Things 3 and 4 and a fine paid. This is proving to be a rather expensive venture. Still not as costly as owning a vehicle here so there's that. There is always a silver lining if we look hard enough, am I right?
Another cultural nuance that I've found particularly interesting is sniffling. Sniffling is considered rude, yet feel free to blow your nose wherever and whenever. There you have it.
I must say that since my encounter with our neighbor there have been countless other times upon entering our building or exiting/entering the lift that we have been greeted with appropriate hellos or goodbyes and dare I say even a smile. That is my mission. To collect smiles. This is not necessarily a warm culture. People stare on the train but not with smiles or understanding. It's expected and normal and you're not to be offended by it. As we say in our family, it's not better or worse, just different. And I am learning to appreciate different.
Let's see what other "welcome to Austria" oddities can I share with you. Oh, the movie theatre. There is an English cinema I discovered. In fact, I've been there a few times. Each time I purchase tickets I have been assigned a seat. And let me tell you that whether that theatre is full or almost empty people will sit in their assigned seat. No matter what. Even if it means walking in front of countless people when there is an entirely empty row behind them. Even if they are five minutes into the movie already. Yes, rule followers. Mostly, I appreciate this. Mostly. I still find it a bit strange and contrary but I can appreciate the spirit. Again, different.
A beautiful welcome to Austria memory occurred when a new "friend" connected me with a friend of hers to shed some light on the footie situation here. We met for coffee and shared a bit of our stories with each other and a sweet connection was made over being mothers of four children each, our love for the sport and our commitment to our families. Authentic and genuine and such a gift to this delirious Mama learning to navigate the new for her Things. This lovely lady made a phone call and shared the number of a trainer with us and the ball began rolling in such an unexpected way. I have this to say about the International community: in all my limited experience the lengths others are willing to go to in order to help make the transition a bit lighter, less complicated, for one another is all overwhelming to me in the very best way. Nothing expected in return. Kind gestures, messages, phone numbers, recommendations, tips on markets, ingredients and International stores, etc. all given freely, because they've been there and they might go back to being the newbie again and then they'd be on the receiving end of this somewhere else. Its a cycle. A sweet, finely tuned circle that flows with giving and receiving.
Welcome to Austria on public transport, a disclaimer. Expect to be pushed, bumped into and stared at. As mentioned above. It is considered normal practice to make your own way onto an overly crowded train or bus. No matter if there isn't really any standing room. Do it anyway. Now, queuing is expected before entering. Please kindly let the passengers exit before stepping on board. Or don't. I've witnessed it both ways.
Another welcome to Austria, or maybe welcome to Europe, regarding restaurants. Do not expect your waitress/waiter to be on a first name basis with you. They are not after a relationship, friendly or otherwise. You are expected to know what you'd like: drink, appetizer, main course, etc. and place your order promptly and succinctly. Do not change your order without some sort of guffaw from the wait staff. And you may not see your waiter/waitress again until it is time for the check. Now, to be fair here, you also are not expected to tip like we do in the States. Rounding up on the bill is acceptable and maybe a 10% tip but certainly no more. It takes some getting used to. I enjoyed talking to the people in restaurants and cafes in America. Different mind set here. I'm adjusting, but old habits die hard. I refuse to stop smiling, and I refuse to end my attempts in conversation. Well, for now anyways, I wonder if that will change.
Now on to the medical care system here. I am still working on my understanding. I do know that we have an E-card, which I think is related. In fact I think it will house my medical records electronically for me so that whatever doctor or other medical professional I see they will have prompt access to all my personal information. Maybe? And because I am on the Krankenkasse, as it is called here, I do not make appointments for doctor visits. The doctors have specific hours, at least in the public sector. I show up and keep my fingers crossed that I'll be seen on the day I go. If not, I try again. Whenever their hours allow. There are specific hospitals for specific illnesses, trauma, etc. Yes, that is similar to the States, but here I've been told you may be asked to go somewhere else even the event of an emergency. Seems odd. Now, I have yet to experience any of this first hand so stay tuned for further information and firsthand commentary. I am currently in the process of finding a dentist. Preferably one that offers sedation. Things could get real interesting!
Another fairly European lifestyle practice we've been forced to learn is the art of shopping for groceries, toiletries, household items, etc. There are specific stores for everything. That is unless you have one of the larger markets in your district where limited offerings of said items are stocked regularly. Otherwise shopping days include trips to multiple stores. No Super Target or Costco here folks. This way of life has forced me into re thinking my previous practices and "needs". Everything is smaller, ovens, refrigerators, etc. so the big shop every other week that was once normal practice has become non existent. Now there is a warehouse store here, Metro, but it requires membership and then there's the car issue and with our small-ish family it doesn't seem necessary. My cart is still fuller than full every few days when I am at the market, because hello teen age boy in the house!
Alright, on to toilets, because who doesn't like to talk bathroom talk? WC's, short for water closet, or toilet, public bathrooms as we would call them in the states are like unicorns. Difficult to find and usually require payment. This has been a somewhat traumatic learning curve for me. As I used to remind the Things when they were little, always potty before we leave the house, even if you do not think you need to. Yep, I am speaking those same words to my forty year old self now. Always go before you leave. Always. I have had to make more than a few mad dashes since we've arrived.
Last one for now, the laundry situation. We were living as a family of six before moving to Vienna, which meant super sized washer and dryer in our conveniently located laundry room. Even though we are now only four and the Things have been responsible for their own laundry for some time now I must say our washing machine is small. As in can only fit two towels and maybe a hand towel for one load. That means laundry almost everyday, or maybe learning to wear certain items of clothing more than once. Oh, and one cycle can take up to three hours. Yes, folks, three hours for two towels. And let me tell you where it is located: in the bathroom. That's not even the best part. We cannot open our bathroom door all the way to enter because our machine is too large. Yep. Leave it to the Americans. So, partially open the door, enter bathroom, close door and then move about freely, including when you'd like to start an actual load of laundry. Silver lining here, it fit and it serves it's purpose, that is good enough for me. Now the dryer, well that is in another room altogether. We are fortunate enough to first even have a dryer and secondly to have a storage room. It may be down the hall, and we might have to walk with our clothes, which can't all fit in the dryer at once, but we have a dryer. It works a bit differently, we have to empty a water container every so often and the cycle takes about twice as long as what we're used to but it works. Which means when it's winter and freezing we don't have to worry about hanging laundry outside.
I am certain that this will be an ongoing process for me as we learn to navigate in and around Vienna. I expect that and I hope it brings out the very best in me, pushes me out of my comfort zone, duh, it already has, and offers a new perspective. Here goes! Welcome to Austria!
Which leads me to our most recent welcome to Austria happening. This time Husband Jared, Thing 3 and myself were on our way to the Easter market at Schonbrunn Palace. There was a line change for our train and we had to walk and thus we encountered our first ticket shake down. It was all perfectly legit, the public transport enforcers and loads of Polizei were blocking the entrance to the exit and checking tickets. Husband Jared and I promptly showed ours and then Thing 3 hers. We purchased her a student ticket which is significantly less expensive and come to found out illegal. You know since she isn't an actual student at an Austrian school, except she is still of school age and technically a student of my home school, which is in Vienna. Anyhow, the big guy was not having any of our excuses or attempts at understanding the system, we made a mistake and we must pay. At least that is what he continued to say over and over again. No room for conversation or assistance or grace. We paid the 105 Euro fine begrudgingly and went on our way with the hope that we'd at least be refunded for the incorrect ticket and be able to apply that to Thing 3's new ticket. Or at least that was what the big guy told us to do. We walked upstairs and made our best efforts at explaining the situation to the ticket agent only to find out that he could not issue a refund, we'd have to go to the main station which is only open until 3pm M-F. I'd like those hours please. Anyhow, we'd have to wait because it was the weekend. The following week Husband Jared made the trek to the station, once again explained our situation and was NOT issued a refund. Of any sort. Two new tickets purchased for Things 3 and 4 and a fine paid. This is proving to be a rather expensive venture. Still not as costly as owning a vehicle here so there's that. There is always a silver lining if we look hard enough, am I right?
Another cultural nuance that I've found particularly interesting is sniffling. Sniffling is considered rude, yet feel free to blow your nose wherever and whenever. There you have it.
I must say that since my encounter with our neighbor there have been countless other times upon entering our building or exiting/entering the lift that we have been greeted with appropriate hellos or goodbyes and dare I say even a smile. That is my mission. To collect smiles. This is not necessarily a warm culture. People stare on the train but not with smiles or understanding. It's expected and normal and you're not to be offended by it. As we say in our family, it's not better or worse, just different. And I am learning to appreciate different.
Let's see what other "welcome to Austria" oddities can I share with you. Oh, the movie theatre. There is an English cinema I discovered. In fact, I've been there a few times. Each time I purchase tickets I have been assigned a seat. And let me tell you that whether that theatre is full or almost empty people will sit in their assigned seat. No matter what. Even if it means walking in front of countless people when there is an entirely empty row behind them. Even if they are five minutes into the movie already. Yes, rule followers. Mostly, I appreciate this. Mostly. I still find it a bit strange and contrary but I can appreciate the spirit. Again, different.
A beautiful welcome to Austria memory occurred when a new "friend" connected me with a friend of hers to shed some light on the footie situation here. We met for coffee and shared a bit of our stories with each other and a sweet connection was made over being mothers of four children each, our love for the sport and our commitment to our families. Authentic and genuine and such a gift to this delirious Mama learning to navigate the new for her Things. This lovely lady made a phone call and shared the number of a trainer with us and the ball began rolling in such an unexpected way. I have this to say about the International community: in all my limited experience the lengths others are willing to go to in order to help make the transition a bit lighter, less complicated, for one another is all overwhelming to me in the very best way. Nothing expected in return. Kind gestures, messages, phone numbers, recommendations, tips on markets, ingredients and International stores, etc. all given freely, because they've been there and they might go back to being the newbie again and then they'd be on the receiving end of this somewhere else. Its a cycle. A sweet, finely tuned circle that flows with giving and receiving.
Welcome to Austria on public transport, a disclaimer. Expect to be pushed, bumped into and stared at. As mentioned above. It is considered normal practice to make your own way onto an overly crowded train or bus. No matter if there isn't really any standing room. Do it anyway. Now, queuing is expected before entering. Please kindly let the passengers exit before stepping on board. Or don't. I've witnessed it both ways.
Another welcome to Austria, or maybe welcome to Europe, regarding restaurants. Do not expect your waitress/waiter to be on a first name basis with you. They are not after a relationship, friendly or otherwise. You are expected to know what you'd like: drink, appetizer, main course, etc. and place your order promptly and succinctly. Do not change your order without some sort of guffaw from the wait staff. And you may not see your waiter/waitress again until it is time for the check. Now, to be fair here, you also are not expected to tip like we do in the States. Rounding up on the bill is acceptable and maybe a 10% tip but certainly no more. It takes some getting used to. I enjoyed talking to the people in restaurants and cafes in America. Different mind set here. I'm adjusting, but old habits die hard. I refuse to stop smiling, and I refuse to end my attempts in conversation. Well, for now anyways, I wonder if that will change.
Now on to the medical care system here. I am still working on my understanding. I do know that we have an E-card, which I think is related. In fact I think it will house my medical records electronically for me so that whatever doctor or other medical professional I see they will have prompt access to all my personal information. Maybe? And because I am on the Krankenkasse, as it is called here, I do not make appointments for doctor visits. The doctors have specific hours, at least in the public sector. I show up and keep my fingers crossed that I'll be seen on the day I go. If not, I try again. Whenever their hours allow. There are specific hospitals for specific illnesses, trauma, etc. Yes, that is similar to the States, but here I've been told you may be asked to go somewhere else even the event of an emergency. Seems odd. Now, I have yet to experience any of this first hand so stay tuned for further information and firsthand commentary. I am currently in the process of finding a dentist. Preferably one that offers sedation. Things could get real interesting!
Another fairly European lifestyle practice we've been forced to learn is the art of shopping for groceries, toiletries, household items, etc. There are specific stores for everything. That is unless you have one of the larger markets in your district where limited offerings of said items are stocked regularly. Otherwise shopping days include trips to multiple stores. No Super Target or Costco here folks. This way of life has forced me into re thinking my previous practices and "needs". Everything is smaller, ovens, refrigerators, etc. so the big shop every other week that was once normal practice has become non existent. Now there is a warehouse store here, Metro, but it requires membership and then there's the car issue and with our small-ish family it doesn't seem necessary. My cart is still fuller than full every few days when I am at the market, because hello teen age boy in the house!
Alright, on to toilets, because who doesn't like to talk bathroom talk? WC's, short for water closet, or toilet, public bathrooms as we would call them in the states are like unicorns. Difficult to find and usually require payment. This has been a somewhat traumatic learning curve for me. As I used to remind the Things when they were little, always potty before we leave the house, even if you do not think you need to. Yep, I am speaking those same words to my forty year old self now. Always go before you leave. Always. I have had to make more than a few mad dashes since we've arrived.
Last one for now, the laundry situation. We were living as a family of six before moving to Vienna, which meant super sized washer and dryer in our conveniently located laundry room. Even though we are now only four and the Things have been responsible for their own laundry for some time now I must say our washing machine is small. As in can only fit two towels and maybe a hand towel for one load. That means laundry almost everyday, or maybe learning to wear certain items of clothing more than once. Oh, and one cycle can take up to three hours. Yes, folks, three hours for two towels. And let me tell you where it is located: in the bathroom. That's not even the best part. We cannot open our bathroom door all the way to enter because our machine is too large. Yep. Leave it to the Americans. So, partially open the door, enter bathroom, close door and then move about freely, including when you'd like to start an actual load of laundry. Silver lining here, it fit and it serves it's purpose, that is good enough for me. Now the dryer, well that is in another room altogether. We are fortunate enough to first even have a dryer and secondly to have a storage room. It may be down the hall, and we might have to walk with our clothes, which can't all fit in the dryer at once, but we have a dryer. It works a bit differently, we have to empty a water container every so often and the cycle takes about twice as long as what we're used to but it works. Which means when it's winter and freezing we don't have to worry about hanging laundry outside.
I am certain that this will be an ongoing process for me as we learn to navigate in and around Vienna. I expect that and I hope it brings out the very best in me, pushes me out of my comfort zone, duh, it already has, and offers a new perspective. Here goes! Welcome to Austria!
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