66 CultureShock! Austria
actually kisses the hand, merely the air above it. The custom
is old-fashioned and very formal. You could envision Emperor
Franz Josef doing it with his many women friends.
The greeting is used at formal events such as balls,
weddings, special parties and among the supposedly defunct
aristocracy. The male will normally be older and from an
old Austrian family, or a younger man with savoir-faire who
wants to make a good impression. We wouldn’t suggest this
practice to any non-Austrian.MANNERS
Manners on Public Transportation
The public transportation system is a good example of
Austrian civility. Before getting on the train, tram or bus,
everyone waits for the people on board to alight. There is also
special seating near the exit doors for the elderly, pregnant
women, children and the handicapped. Lively discussions
are rarely carried on between strangers, although these may
take place in smaller cities more often than in larger ones.
No one goes out of his or her way to make small talk, even
about the weather.
Children are also well controlled on public transportation,
and do not chatter, jump or run around. Our inference is that
older ladies can stare so creepily at children who have made
any untoward noise that they are dumbstruck forevermore.
Furthermore, even though eating and drinking are allowed
on public transportation, passengers are seldom seen taking
the privilege. Drinking coffee on the go is never done as it is
considered a pleasure and a form of relaxation.Table Manners
Table manners are similar throughout Europe. When invited
to someone’s home for a meal, start eating only after the
host has begun. It is customary to say Guten Appetit or
Mahlzeit, which means ‘have a good meal’, beforehand.
The former is for more formal situations and the latter
is used among friends and family. The napkin then goes
on the lap, the fork in the left hand and the knife in the
right. The hands are above the table at all times. Elbows