266 CultureShock! Austria
This is the loser’s way out. Every job you have will end
the same way unless you work with your own kind at an
embassy or consulate.SITUATION 3
After a long, tiring day on the ski slopes, you decide to unwind
in a hot steamy sauna. Knowing it to be mixed, you put on
your one-piece bathing suit to hide any little imperfections
and head off. When you open the door, you gasp: everyone
is stark naked. Do you: Alert the management and tell them to call the police
because there’s an orgy taking place.
Sit down in the far corner, subject to puzzled stares.
Make a mad dash to the privacy of your room where you
can enjoy a nice hot bath alone.
Strip off your suit, sit down and join the conversation.Comments
This is obviously not the correct answer. Austrians are
comfortable being naked in the sauna or at a nudist beach
and there is nothing sexual about the experience.
You could do this if you really want to be in the sauna but
just can’t take off your suit. The Austrians would think it
very odd though, and wouldn’t be able to figure out just
why you are wearing your bathing suit.
This is a good option if being in the sauna makes you
uncomfortable, but you have to settle for a bath instead
of a sauna.
If you can, go ahead and join in. Nudity is not out of the
ordinary for Austrians so they won’t stare or pay any more
attention to you than to anyone else. While they don’t use
their towels to cover up, you could drape yours strategically
for your own comfort.SITUATION 4
Your cupboards and fridge are bare and you need to go to
a grocery store. You buy everything in sight, then load it
all onto the conveyor belt. The cashier rapidly checks your