Vienna
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I didn't speak the language but I have travelled quite a bit and didn't fear the difficulty. I had also been to Vienna before so I kind of know what to expect.
I had my family with me the first time which was about 4 years ago so I knew I would have a safety net so to speak. This time however, I am alone and its more difficult.
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This time I was very sad at first but I also had spent about 6 months in Abu Dhabi without family and that was much worse. Vienna has many cultural activities that one can take advantage of which I made a concerted effort to do.
It is difficult to interact with Austrians on a personal basis. Like many cultures in Europe, they are quite closed to outsiders. They are not unfriendly but its difficult to get past the niceties and actually make friends.
Its hard sometimes to get motivated to do things like travel or eat out when you are alone. I think that leads to thoughts of depression and homesickness.
Vienna is a great town with much to do. It is probably among the best cities in the world in which to live. Austrians are not necessarily difficult and English is spoken by virtually everyone now but closeness is still an issue.
Being alone and finding friends who are of like ideas and interests. I am happily married and am not looking for romance but having close friends with which to do things is a challenge.
When first here I rode the Tram and wanted to stop. Not knowing what the red handle was for, I chose to pull it, thereby stopping the tram abruptly. The driver came back and scolded me in German. You get the idea.
It would nice to have a forum to meet other married and alone persons for mutual interests. Not sure where to find it but you should keep on trying.
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Vienna, Austria has been ranked as one of world's most livable cities for the last several years. With its thriving nightlife, cultural attractions and low crime rates, Vienna seems to have it all. However, many expats in Vienna shared with Expat Exchange that they feel unwelcome and disconnected from the Viennese people. Learn how some eventually broke through and developed long-lasting friendships.
Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.
Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.
Well written and accurate.
guestOh I feel bad as Austrian now. What a shame I am not in Vienna at the moment to help you. I think if you meet people thru work that should help and be quit clear about your situation, I am sure everybody understands and invites you home and everything will go better from there. Most Austrians don't understand Expat life but if you tell them they will be more open. I went to the American school once, they had a flee market in Spring and we met lots of people there.
guestI'm a native Austrian who has lived in the USA for over 50 years, and I travel back every so often. I, too, find that Austrians are not the friendliest people in the wolrd -- virtually no eye contact, much less acknowledgement from strangers in the street (you get spoiled in friendly Texas!). I do remember that there are Austro-American clubs and societies in Vienna where people are interested in forming friendships. Check them out!
guestBeing from Austria (but having lived and worked abroad in different countries) the tram mishap just cracked me up (sorry!) But I know my people and some, not all, of the tram operators can be rather grumpy to put it mildly! I thought this individuals take on culture shock was quite thoughtful, you could almost feel how she/he feels, but that may also be because I can relate to a number of culture shocks on different continents.
ecoonce23Wonderful article, we to would like to meet other married couples of mutual interest, otherwise its more yard work. Thank you for the article insight.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Austria from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
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Vienna, Austria has been ranked as one of world's most livable cities for the last several years. With its thriving nightlife, cultural attractions and low crime rates, Vienna seems to have it all. However, many expats in Vienna shared with Expat Exchange that they feel unwelcome and disconnected from the Viennese people. Learn how some eventually broke through and developed long-lasting friendships.
Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.
Support your favorite restaurants in Vienna as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.
An American living in Vienna shares his experiences with healthcare there. He spent 6 months in the hospital and greatly appreciated the care he received, which entirely focused on helping him get better -- rather than than how he was going to pay.
Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.
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