What if... Moving to Vienna
Aug 28th, 2007, 02:50 PM
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What if... Moving to Vienna
Calling all Vienna-philes!
Because of my husband's job, we move often. We recently moved from Beijing to Washington DC, and we are now considering options for our next move.
We are both Francophiles and it has been my deepest dream to live in Paris. Unfortunately, many, many, many other people share this dream, making Paris an unlikely option for us. As for other French speaking cities, we are hoping for Brussels or Geneva.
Vienna is also a possibility. Though I long to live in Europe, it's never been top on my list, mainly because it is not French-speaking. So, my question is -- would you advise a Francophile to move to Vienna? We would probably not get language training (a big negative). I know it is charming and beautiful, but would it satisfy my desire to live in (French-speaking) Europe? Or would it be better to put those dreams aside for now and focus on another region of the world -- like Russia?
I know this is like comparing apples and sailboats, but any knowledge about Vienna, and/or life in Vienna, would be appreciated!
Because of my husband's job, we move often. We recently moved from Beijing to Washington DC, and we are now considering options for our next move.
We are both Francophiles and it has been my deepest dream to live in Paris. Unfortunately, many, many, many other people share this dream, making Paris an unlikely option for us. As for other French speaking cities, we are hoping for Brussels or Geneva.
Vienna is also a possibility. Though I long to live in Europe, it's never been top on my list, mainly because it is not French-speaking. So, my question is -- would you advise a Francophile to move to Vienna? We would probably not get language training (a big negative). I know it is charming and beautiful, but would it satisfy my desire to live in (French-speaking) Europe? Or would it be better to put those dreams aside for now and focus on another region of the world -- like Russia?
I know this is like comparing apples and sailboats, but any knowledge about Vienna, and/or life in Vienna, would be appreciated!
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:03 PM
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Well, it certainly won't satisfy your desire to speak in French-speaking Europe, as German is the language there. So I'm not sure I understand that question.
But there are probably few cities besides Vienna that match Paris in elegance and beauty. Add to that museums, cafes, parks, and palaces, and you have a very Paris-like city. I would say it's a bit more formal than Paris and a bit less frenetic, which may be a good thing. I'd certainly choose Vienna over anywhere in Russia.
But there are probably few cities besides Vienna that match Paris in elegance and beauty. Add to that museums, cafes, parks, and palaces, and you have a very Paris-like city. I would say it's a bit more formal than Paris and a bit less frenetic, which may be a good thing. I'd certainly choose Vienna over anywhere in Russia.
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:09 PM
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petitepois-Vienna may not be Paris but it is closer than living in Washington, DC and with Vienna as your "hub" you can do lots of travel to those french speaking countries that you so desire. In the early 90's we transferred to Germany for a year and used that as our base to do lots of travel that we continue to do. I'd love to have your dilemma but that's only my opinion. Investigate your options. Good luck in whichever you choose.
Susan
Susan
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:11 PM
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Thanks for your response! To clarify -- I know the language is German. Part of my love for France is French culture -- and by this I mean appreciation of food and wine, taken to an almost extreme degree of seriousness. Can Vienna offer this?
I would choose Russia for totally different reasons -- namely, it would be a very exciting place for my work, and also for my husband's job.
I would choose Russia for totally different reasons -- namely, it would be a very exciting place for my work, and also for my husband's job.
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:19 PM
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>appreciation of food and wine, taken to an almost extreme degree of seriousness. Can Vienna offer this?
You're kidding, aren't you? The Burgenland reds can compete easy with what the common person can afford anywhere in France. The whites are good too. Food is different and better, (but tastes vary). ;-)
You're kidding, aren't you? The Burgenland reds can compete easy with what the common person can afford anywhere in France. The whites are good too. Food is different and better, (but tastes vary). ;-)
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:21 PM
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http://www.wein-rust.at/index3.htm
Their vintage vinegar is great, just a little expensive.
Their vintage vinegar is great, just a little expensive.
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:30 PM
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All I can tell you is that a) I'm a lifelong francophile, b) I live in the Washington, DC, area, and c) Vienna is one of my least favorite places in Europe. As much as I'd jump at a chance to relocate to Europe, if it were Vienna being offered, I'd say no thanks.
I don't like the food, I don't like the wine, and I don't like stumpy, snarly people who think it's cute to get dressed up like dolls. It's the only place in Europe I've traveled where I consistently encountered unpleasant people. Oh, and Sacher Torte is so very overrated.
I'll freely admit it is a city of amazing culture, architecture, beauty, and elegance. But I could not live there.
I don't like the food, I don't like the wine, and I don't like stumpy, snarly people who think it's cute to get dressed up like dolls. It's the only place in Europe I've traveled where I consistently encountered unpleasant people. Oh, and Sacher Torte is so very overrated.
I'll freely admit it is a city of amazing culture, architecture, beauty, and elegance. But I could not live there.
Aug 28th, 2007, 03:48 PM
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I lived in Vienna for 2 years in the early 1980's. We did have German language instruction while we were there and it does make it easier to assimilate. But many of my friends did not speak more than a few words of German and got along just fine. You could look into taking some instruction on your own.
While the Viennese are somewhat reserved, I never encountered anybody who was "snarling". Most of the people I came in contact with on a day to day basis (shopkeepers, etc.) were very nice.
One thing that helped me immensely was joining the American Women's Association of Vienna. And it isn't just limited to Americans, either. Since Vienna is such a diverse city, we had women from all over the world who joined for the support and friendship. Many of the members have lived in Vienna for years and can provide unlimited assistance from shopping to language instruction to traveling.
Don't write off Vienna. The architecture, museums, music, food (yes, I loved the food) and wine make is a wonderful place to live.
http://www.awavienna.com/
While the Viennese are somewhat reserved, I never encountered anybody who was "snarling". Most of the people I came in contact with on a day to day basis (shopkeepers, etc.) were very nice.
One thing that helped me immensely was joining the American Women's Association of Vienna. And it isn't just limited to Americans, either. Since Vienna is such a diverse city, we had women from all over the world who joined for the support and friendship. Many of the members have lived in Vienna for years and can provide unlimited assistance from shopping to language instruction to traveling.
Don't write off Vienna. The architecture, museums, music, food (yes, I loved the food) and wine make is a wonderful place to live.
http://www.awavienna.com/
Aug 28th, 2007, 06:48 PM
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I've been to Vienna (didn't care for it) and live in Wash DC and there is probably more French culture and French expats in Wash DC than in Vienna. This just doesn't make any sense to me. If course it won't satisfy your desire for French culture and to live in a French-speaking country. They speak German, the cuisine and culture are entirely different.
Brussels or Geneva make more sense, as they do speak French there. How well do you know French? For example, your screenname doesn't make sense as it is grammatically incorrect.
Brussels or Geneva make more sense, as they do speak French there. How well do you know French? For example, your screenname doesn't make sense as it is grammatically incorrect.
Aug 28th, 2007, 09:01 PM
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Besides the language, there may be more pro and cons:
Geneva: by far the smallest city of the three you mentioned, close to the Alps, good for leisure time activities, hiking, boating, skiing, etc. Yet, after having lived in Beijing and DC it may be quite a change to live in a small town.
Brussels: not exactly the most beautiful city on the planet, due to its function as (one/the major) EU capital it has lots of lobbyists, politicians (and, of course, tourists), good cultural scene, rather wet climate
Vienna: Besides the pastry and sometimes reserved inhabitants it's also the gateway to Eastern Europe with places like Bratislava or Budapest only 1-3 hrs by car away, and still close to the mountains (yet not that close as Geneva). Other posters already talked about culture, architecture etc.
From an overall perspective I'd always choose Vienna out of the three. But without some basic command of German, I doubt that you will have much fun.
In Geneva or Brussels you'd definetely be more able to lead a "normal life".
Geneva: by far the smallest city of the three you mentioned, close to the Alps, good for leisure time activities, hiking, boating, skiing, etc. Yet, after having lived in Beijing and DC it may be quite a change to live in a small town.
Brussels: not exactly the most beautiful city on the planet, due to its function as (one/the major) EU capital it has lots of lobbyists, politicians (and, of course, tourists), good cultural scene, rather wet climate
Vienna: Besides the pastry and sometimes reserved inhabitants it's also the gateway to Eastern Europe with places like Bratislava or Budapest only 1-3 hrs by car away, and still close to the mountains (yet not that close as Geneva). Other posters already talked about culture, architecture etc.
From an overall perspective I'd always choose Vienna out of the three. But without some basic command of German, I doubt that you will have much fun.
In Geneva or Brussels you'd definetely be more able to lead a "normal life".
Aug 29th, 2007, 01:55 AM
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>>>>appreciation of food and wine, taken to an almost extreme degree of seriousness. Can Vienna offer this?<<<
Austrian wines are excellent. Too bad there is hardly ever enough to export them. Austrians keep them all to themselves.
Austrian wines are excellent. Too bad there is hardly ever enough to export them. Austrians keep them all to themselves.
Aug 29th, 2007, 04:31 AM
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Wow -- so many interesting responses!
This is not an either/or situation -- eg it is not either Brussels or Geneva or Vienna that I have to choose from right now. Rather, I am trying to gather information about whether or not we include it on our list, knowing that if we do there is a strong possibility we will go there. Brussels and Geneva are already on our list. I am still thinking about Vienna.
I am well aware that my screenname is grammatically incorrect. That is because Fodor's wouldn't let me register then correct version -- perhaps it was already taken? But thanks for pointing it out, Christina!
This is not an either/or situation -- eg it is not either Brussels or Geneva or Vienna that I have to choose from right now. Rather, I am trying to gather information about whether or not we include it on our list, knowing that if we do there is a strong possibility we will go there. Brussels and Geneva are already on our list. I am still thinking about Vienna.
I am well aware that my screenname is grammatically incorrect. That is because Fodor's wouldn't let me register then correct version -- perhaps it was already taken? But thanks for pointing it out, Christina!
Aug 29th, 2007, 04:48 AM
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Padraig -- unfortunately, yes, we are basically limited to capital cities (Geneva has the UN). I would love to live in another region of France. Strasbourg was a possibility, and I was really excited, but I don't think that's going to work out.
Aug 29th, 2007, 05:08 AM
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Given your love of all things French, the more I think about it, the better off you are with Geneva. It is one of those cities that is not a great place to visit (relatively dull) but seems like it would be a great place to live. It's pleasant if not beautiful. And as someone else pointed out, it is situated perfectly for excursions into the mountains and nearby FRANCE and French-speaking Switzerland. Brussels, to which I have not been, seems to have many people who dislike it.
