Vienna

I was born in Vienna and every time I come back here I seem to find someone to mention that to. As an American, I kind of expect to have people ask me where, in what part of the city, how long ago did I leave, and questions like that. Somehow that never happens and all I get is a funny look from the Viennese that I mention it to.

So it suddenly dawned on me that people are embarrassed to ask what is perceived as personal information. As a matter of fact, they are even embarrassed to hear me telling them what they feel is none of their business and certainly not a conversation they’re anxious to pursue.

I, of all people should be aware of the strong sense of privacy that these people feel. I’m struck every time I’m here at the thickness of the doors, for example, and how even in offices doors are often kept closed. People don’t ask questions that could be perceived as personal, which even includes things about family and what you did last weekend. These subjects are reserved for conversations with friends, not strangers.

-Mike