| Black Travels.com An Original Guide to Exploring the World for the Adventurous Black Traveler |
| Travel Through Austria & Eastern Europe By Heather Calomese |
Austria and Eastern Europe still remain a bit of a mystery to the
African-American traveler. Long prized for its old world charm, these
tightly knit countries share many histories and pasts that have now
resulted in an interesting clash of the old and new. Since the reshuffling
of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, the various countries that
now comprise Eastern Europe are quickly finding their roots and also
quickly Austria, and Eastern Europe still remain a bit of a mystery to the
African-American traveler. Long prized for its old world charm, these
tightly knit countries share many histories and pasts that have now
resulted in a interesting clash of the old and new. Since the reshuffling of
the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, The various countries that now
comprise Eastern Europe are quickly finding their roots and also quickly
attracting tourists who were once leery of traveling to Eastern Europe.
African-American traveler. Long prized for its old world charm, these
tightly knit countries share many histories and pasts that have now
resulted in an interesting clash of the old and new. Since the reshuffling
of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, the various countries that
now comprise Eastern Europe are quickly finding their roots and also
quickly Austria, and Eastern Europe still remain a bit of a mystery to the
African-American traveler. Long prized for its old world charm, these
tightly knit countries share many histories and pasts that have now
resulted in a interesting clash of the old and new. Since the reshuffling of
the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, The various countries that now
comprise Eastern Europe are quickly finding their roots and also quickly
attracting tourists who were once leery of traveling to Eastern Europe.
African-American travelers who are afraid of traveling in counties other than England, France, and
Germany should reconsider.
I lived in Austria and have traveled to Slovenia, Slovakia, and Croatia and have fallen in love with
Eastern Europe and the rich diversity of each culture. Travelers should note, however, that people of
color are still highly exoticized in many places.
I find that the Austrians I met where more curious and excited about African-American culture than
anything. Basically, expect some stares and a LOT of questions about Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B! Most of
these interactions are non-threatening, but trust your instincts. While it is true that different cultures have
different communication styles, it is easy to know when a boundary has been crossed. It is also worth
mentioning that Neo-Nazi groups are on the rise in some communities. I was lucky and my friends told
me places to avoid, etc. However, it is not always preventable. I had lit firecrackers thrown at me along
with racial slurs from a group of young Neo-Nazis. It was scary and I went to the police (who were very
helpful) and documented the case. Again, common sense works here. It is important to stress the
MAJORITY of Austrians (and people in Eastern Europe) condemn this type of behavior.
Germany should reconsider.
I lived in Austria and have traveled to Slovenia, Slovakia, and Croatia and have fallen in love with
Eastern Europe and the rich diversity of each culture. Travelers should note, however, that people of
color are still highly exoticized in many places.
I find that the Austrians I met where more curious and excited about African-American culture than
anything. Basically, expect some stares and a LOT of questions about Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B! Most of
these interactions are non-threatening, but trust your instincts. While it is true that different cultures have
different communication styles, it is easy to know when a boundary has been crossed. It is also worth
mentioning that Neo-Nazi groups are on the rise in some communities. I was lucky and my friends told
me places to avoid, etc. However, it is not always preventable. I had lit firecrackers thrown at me along
with racial slurs from a group of young Neo-Nazis. It was scary and I went to the police (who were very
helpful) and documented the case. Again, common sense works here. It is important to stress the
MAJORITY of Austrians (and people in Eastern Europe) condemn this type of behavior.
Perhaps the feistiest country in Europe is Austria. The reason is that it has
always been the dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe. Once a
mighty empire, Austria is a small, mountainous country that finds itself leaning
more east than west. Several cities in Austria deserve a visit: Vienna,
Salzburg, Klagenfurt (my former residence), and Innsbruck. These cities are
all vastly different, offering visitors a chance to see western, eastern, and
southern European influence. Vienna is perhaps the most popular (and
considered safest) of the major cities in Austria. The city is known for its
famous coffeehouses where famous writers and composers would sit and
drink for hours. Thrifty tourists beware: the coffee (on average) can cost
upwards of $7 per cup.
always been the dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe. Once a
mighty empire, Austria is a small, mountainous country that finds itself leaning
more east than west. Several cities in Austria deserve a visit: Vienna,
Salzburg, Klagenfurt (my former residence), and Innsbruck. These cities are
all vastly different, offering visitors a chance to see western, eastern, and
southern European influence. Vienna is perhaps the most popular (and
considered safest) of the major cities in Austria. The city is known for its
famous coffeehouses where famous writers and composers would sit and
drink for hours. Thrifty tourists beware: the coffee (on average) can cost
upwards of $7 per cup.
Vienna is also known for its fashion, arts, and opera music. A day spent wandering museums and
marveling at the gaudy architecture is an absolute must. The city has wonderful accommodations to fit
every budget, and boosts a superior subway system. Clean, safe, and efficient, the subway is perhaps
the most reliable way to navigate the city.
marveling at the gaudy architecture is an absolute must. The city has wonderful accommodations to fit
every budget, and boosts a superior subway system. Clean, safe, and efficient, the subway is perhaps
the most reliable way to navigate the city.
In terms of language, most people can speak some English. I would highly recommend buying or
borrowing a language book. Europeans appreciate Americans trying to communicate in their language. I
was fortunate to live there long enough to pick up the language. So, I would suggest trying it out before
you leave for your vacation. Food is another important aspect, with meals beginning in the late evening
and lasting well into the night. Austrians typically eat bigger meals, with several courses. If you have
special dietary needs, it is best to ask your host or restaurant for other options. For the most part,
however, Austria is meat and dairy centered. In the Southern regions, the Italian influence produces
some of the best pasta and pizzas I have ever tasted.
Austria has a great nightlife for those who want to explore at night. There are many clubs and bars to
choose from in most cities, so it is best to look for a local paper which will list events in advance.
Another strange custom that I found is that men will often send free drinks to tables where there are
women...anonymously. It is a bit unsettling, and the waiters will not tell you who sent it. Usually, it is
easy to spot the person because they are, more often than not, looking in your direction. It is polite to at
least say "thank you" on your way out if you are not interested. If you are interested, then they will
expect that you join them at their table. Again, use common sense ladies.
Overall, I had a great experience and cannot wait to go back and visit my friends in Austria and other
places in Eastern Europe.
borrowing a language book. Europeans appreciate Americans trying to communicate in their language. I
was fortunate to live there long enough to pick up the language. So, I would suggest trying it out before
you leave for your vacation. Food is another important aspect, with meals beginning in the late evening
and lasting well into the night. Austrians typically eat bigger meals, with several courses. If you have
special dietary needs, it is best to ask your host or restaurant for other options. For the most part,
however, Austria is meat and dairy centered. In the Southern regions, the Italian influence produces
some of the best pasta and pizzas I have ever tasted.
Austria has a great nightlife for those who want to explore at night. There are many clubs and bars to
choose from in most cities, so it is best to look for a local paper which will list events in advance.
Another strange custom that I found is that men will often send free drinks to tables where there are
women...anonymously. It is a bit unsettling, and the waiters will not tell you who sent it. Usually, it is
easy to spot the person because they are, more often than not, looking in your direction. It is polite to at
least say "thank you" on your way out if you are not interested. If you are interested, then they will
expect that you join them at their table. Again, use common sense ladies.
Overall, I had a great experience and cannot wait to go back and visit my friends in Austria and other
places in Eastern Europe.
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