The Revelations of International Travel

The Revelations of International Travel

The beauty of getting older and having grown children, is I now have the time and money to travel.  I recently returned from an international trip to Austria. The main question most people have asked about my trip was, “What was the best part?” For anyone who has traveled abroad, one can experience many new, exciting and eye-opening experiences, especially if it is in a culturally different country than your home residence. I have traveled to many countries and this trip was no exception to magnifying cultural differences to some extent. My son and I would often discuss these differences and share what we liked while lingering at a local café.Pedestrian History:Vienna and Salzburg are full of history, not just in the arts and music but also in the details of the ancient, architecture of all the buildings. For example, some remaining parts of St. Stephens Cathedral date back to the 13th century. I use the word "ancient" only because in Dallas, Texas where I live, everything is new. I love learning about the history, visiting palaces, museums and cathedrals. The cobblestone streets and variety of small shops squeezed between cafes were enjoyable to walk and observe. While in Austria (and a day visit to Bratislava, Slovakia), we walked everywhere just like the Austrians and I loved it. My body was meant to move and getting out from behind my work desk for a whole week and being outside was exhilarating.Getting around Austria:Aside from walking, most people used the train to get around, even school students. The train system in Austria and most European countries is extensive and very accessible. The main train station in Vienna was like an airport with television screen displays of arrivals and departures and numerous levels and platforms, like airport terminals and gates. During our train ride to Salzburg, we encountered an issue, which we laugh about now. We got on the wrong train. It was going to Salzburg, but it was considered a “private train” and we purchased a ticket on the city/public train. The conductor was kind enough to not charge us and let us get off at the next stop and catch the correct train. The problem was the next station was fairly empty and way outside the city and no one spoke English. In Vienna, being a big city, we could always find someone who spoke English. We scrambled around trying to determine which platform without any directions from tv screens. Luckily, we finally found an info center and eventually got on the correct train. By the end of the week, we had gotten so good at understanding the train system, we felt like pros. I think riding the train is less stressful than driving a car in traffic like I do daily at home. It was a relaxing experience and provided an opportunity to see the landscape.Eating and health:Americans eat fast. Europeans linger for hours at dinner or at a café. They slowdown, which I needed to be reminded of. With David now being in the food service industry, we noticed the lack of customer service in restaurants in Austria. Unlike in America, where a server will check on a table several times during the quick one-hour, Austrian servers will get your drinks and order, bring your food and then you won’t see them until you have to flag them down hours later for your check, and good luck with that too. I was shocked at how many smokers there were in Vienna as well. During our walks of the city, there was always cigarette smoke around us. I also could not find any health clubs around. It is not that the Austrian’s are overweight, I suppose with them walking everywhere there would be no need for a gym. Ironically, there are probably more fitness places per capita in the US, yet we are the most overweight nation.There is more I could share about my trip but honestly my answer to, the best part of my trip was not working and sitting in an office while being unplugging from my phone for a week. My stress levels plumped, and I returned with a better attitude and have not allowed stress to disturb me from this balanced state. I guess I truly needed a vacation and an appreciation for what I have. It was also great to spend quality time with my son who is moving out soon. I only hope we can continue our yearly international trips together that we cherish.