SchlankeBlume
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My goodness, you do have a lot of questions. I lived in Vienna for a school year about ten years ago. I haven't been back (not that I haven't wanted to) so I don't know how much things have changed, but I'll just share some of my experiences with you because I think you can get a lot of your questions answered by looking on the embassy or consulate(s) websites (see below).
You will probably encounter people who don't like the US or Americans, but you will be in no danger, so I wouldn't worry about it. It's more the US policy that they will disagree with (the war in Iraq) rather than the actual people (unless you are very vocal about your right to bear arms and other very American traits, for example). The Austrians like to debate more than anything and will want to have a deep discussion about politics. It might get a bit annoying to feel like you have to defend the US all the time, but they're not openly hostile. Like I said, don't worry about this issue.
Austria was at one time a great Empire and it is a bit difficult for this small country, with its rich history and tradition, to accept that it has little importance or influence in the rest of the world. It has a tense relationship with its neighbor, Germany, not unlike the relationship we have with Canada. The Canadians don't much like us, and the Austrians don't much like the Germans. The reverse does not seem to be true.
Austria is a wealthy country, you don't need to worry about drinking the tap water, it's not like it will make you sick. But I will tell you that the Austrians *choose* not to drink it and will buy bottled water because it tastes better. As with the rest of continental Europe, you will be given a choice of still/natural or sparkling/fizzy. There are different brands to choose from with different levels of fizz and different tastes. Experiment to see what you like best. If you can't get your head around buying big bottles and dragging them back to your home, you could buy a Brita filter just like the kind we use in the U.S. (it's a German company).
I cannot speak for Austria anymore, but if their pharmacies are anything like the pharmacies in Italy and France, you will want to bring your own aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, vitamins, theraflu, moleskin, etc. Also, any English books, especially a good German/English dictionary, should come with you from the US. You can mail them to yourself at a very good book rate through the USPS.
Europeans in general do not use air conditioning half as much as we do. When I return to the US now in the summer, I get irritated with how cold our stores are. But, I wouldn't worry, Austria's summers are fairly mild.
Their cars are the same as ours--you can get one with or without air con. Most cars are standard rather than automatic, smaller in general and you will probably encounter a lot more diesel cars. But realistically, if you are living in Vienna, you won't need a car! How nice is that? They've got a nice, safe, clean public transportation system. And as far as "bad areas" go, their bad areas look like children's playgrounds compared to our US cities. Don't worry.
Europeans in general dress nicer than Americans, so just plan on dressing up a bit nicer and you'll be fine. Try to avoid wearing the clothes that will make you stand out as an American: college sweatshirts, ball team jerseys, baseball caps, shorts, white tennis shoes. No need to advertise it I always say!
You will need a converter and adapter for any electrical device you plan to plug into the wall.
Let me just say that Vienna is a wonderful city and that if you have a chance to live there, I doubt you would regret it. That said, I feel I should warn you that I found the Austrians to be very reserved and it was difficult to meet and get to know people, but when I did, they were the most generous hosts/hostesses I've ever known.
Good luck. |
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