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Weird things about Austria

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  • The paper size is weird. It is skinnier and longer than American 8 1/2 x 11, so some kids in our group bought folders that will actually hold their homework and things.
  • Women wear ridiculously huge fur coats during the winter, and some big fur hats. But they do look mighty warm!
  • When you walk on the street, people don't try to move or make way, or avoid you. Its up to YOU to move and get out of THEIR way. I suppose having lived in Provo for a while, I'm just not used to everybody bending over backwards to make me happy. haha jk.
  • Everyone smokes. I'm sure my lungs will turn black by the time I leave. I hate to think that my clothes and other things are being engulfed in the smell of smoke. But sadly, I'm getting quite used to it.
  • The showers are strange. Well, acutally- it's because of the water heating system. There aren't vast stores of warm water before you go in to take a shower, so often, you will be forced to hose yourself down with warm water, turn the water off, lather up and shampoo, then rinse- ALL TO MAKE SURE YOU GET WARM WATER! But luckily, my shower isn't like that. It's nice. 
  • Fat people could never survive here. I probably saw my first "large" woman at church today. And I would just call her pleasantly plump. Vienna is not a plus size friendly city. Seats and passageways and other things are built narrower. But I guess its ok. Everyone is skinnier here in general than in America. 
  • And also on that note, I'm noticing quite a few tall people as well. I'm more like a normal sized person. I see tall girls like me everywhere. It's quite nice, actually. But then agian, I haven't worn my heels yet. But who would in the freezing cold when you have to walk around for hours? Not ME!
  • There's nothing like the "Goodwill" over here, so they have a flea market type of place where everyone sells vintage things and cool looking scarves! I went on Saturday morning with Carli and it was awesome. We also got to buy these huge kebabs. 


    • Tipping in restaurants is also different here. You can just round up to the nearest euro. Which is a rule that I love. But I don't plan on eating in a restaurant anytime soon. I'm a little too cheap for that.
    • I'm going to Prague for my birthday.  March 12-14. We just decided that tonight.
    • If you want just regular tap water, you have to ask for it specifically - or else you'll get bottled stuff. And sometimes, carbonated bottled stuff. NOOOOO.
    • The milk is 3.5 % fat. It is very creamy and good, but I'm afraid for my figure. And the yogurt!! I love it so much. Its like 10% fat, but it is ohh soo good. They have all sorts of flavors and types. I like the fruit ones. 
    • They don't keep their refridgerators cold enough for my taste. 
    • In homes there are "water closets" with just a toilet in what looks like a closet. But you get used to it after a while. I just wish there was a sink in my WC here at home.
    • Sometimes the decor in the homes is quite weird. Take my friend Carli's room for example: she has these "princess curtains" on one side of her bed. hahaha. :D


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    Comments

    Carli Downs said…
    This is a great post. I feel that the greater populace needs to know the oddities of the Austrian people. Also, I feel kind of famous because my Princess curtains made your blog! Tee hee!
    Sunday, February 01, 2009
    Michael Bennett said…
    Seriously, ditto to everything in this blog.

    Except maybe the princess curtains. :)
    Sunday, February 01, 2009
    mmbateman said…
    Emily, This is Dad. We love to hear about wonderful Austria. Don't worry about 3.5 % milk (whole milk is 5%), it is healthy. Milk has a lot of essential nutrients. We are excited for you and Micheal Bennett our european ambassadors. Take Care. LOL
    Monday, February 02, 2009
    Sean and Bethany said…
    em! that kebabathingy looks soo yummy, and huge! i think if i were in the frozen tundra city like you i would always eat large things. europe sounds like a strange and wonderful place. :)
    Monday, February 02, 2009
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