The R-U-D-E factor

I do like Vienna. I do. I mean it. Truly.

But ...

Well ... Let me tell you what I don't like. Actually, what I cannot stand. I CAN NOT STAND the rudeness of some of the Viennese. It is rare to hear an apology or an "Excuse me" -- in any language. And it's beginning to work my nerves. (The first German words I learned were "excuse me," "please" and "thank you.")

One day on the underground (the subway) this week, one guy intentionally bumped into me THREE times. I guess he didn't expect that I would say much, even though he mumbled something that caused the girl in front of me to turn around and, in sympathy, give me a look of apology. I mean, I am a woman. And I am a foreigner. BUT, poor dear, he underestimated his prey, because when I pushed him back after his third assault and said to him in English: "If you push me one more time, I will kick your ass," he backed off. No amount of language barrier could mistake what I was saying to him. You could tell it in his face. So, when in some parts of Europe, realize that some people have not been taught the art of politeness, which is odd in a country that stands high on titles: PhD, MS, BA, AA, Dr ... you name it. My British boss always teases me about how polite I am -- always saying "excuse me" and "sorry," he says, adding that Americans are the most polite people in the world, besides Australians (which could explain why my Australian friend is always complaining about the manners of the Viennese!)

So the lesson is that while in Vienna, one must be acknowledged by his/her title, but one must not necessarily be acknowledged when one's foot is stepped on or when one is pushed.

Alison
10:39 p.m., 3 November 2009