Things are different here

In Vienna, a few things have struck us as different, unique, culturally entrenched, or maybe better described as just plain odd. Here is the list, and I'm sure it will grow as time goes on. 

1. While walking down the street, nobody moves out of your way and would in fact, rather shoulder check you than move slightly in either direction.

2. People still smoke, roller blade, and tan, kind of like in the '80's. 

3. Thou shalt not cross a street if the light is not in your favor, lest you be barked at by an elder. 

4. Customer service is purely an American tradition. 

5. The check out process at the grocery store is a competition to see how fast you can simultaneously bag your groceries and pay, while being spoken to in gruff German, in numbers that are backwards to the native English speaker (e.g. 58 is ocht (8) und funfzig (50), so you hear the 8 then the 50, leading my sad little brain to think EIGHTY! until I realize it is fifty. 

6. Whipped cream is the new salt and pepper.

7. If you are younger, you have to say hello first. 

8. If you meet someone, you have to shake their hand.

9. If you leave a place, you have to say goodbye. No sneaking out the back like a wimpy salamander.

10. Bags are not provided at the grocery store. I often carry piles of groceries home teetering on top of each other. 

11. Men pee in public, usually in a corner. Modest! 

12. Children drop trow and pee in public constantly. Usually on a tree.

13. Bras and thongs are worn under exercise attire. 

14. Drinking cans of beer on public transportation is normal and classy. 

15. Large amounts of bread, whipped cream, and cured meats can be eaten and you will not become obese if you are Austrian and you hike regularly with fancy Alpine walking sticks. 

16. Dogs are better than children. 

17. It is important to always have alcohol on hand in case anyone stops by after 10am. 

That is all I can think of for now...Tschuus!