Since I am flying from Vienna to my next destination, I though it would be fun to spend a few days here. The train from Bratislava is only one hour long, cost €19 and I would have had to take this trip regardless, on my actual travel day. So let’s jump right in and see what this capital city has to offer. Here are my first impressions of Vienna Austria as I make my way on foot, from the station to my Airbnb.
Unsafe
Right from the get go, I am being followed. I spent two hours in the station itself, enjoying a coffee and treat, killing time before I could check in. When I was ready to leave, I gathered my belongings and found my way outside the main doors. I paused to check Google Maps one more time to make sure I was heading in the correct direction.
From the corner of my eye I noticed a male, red hoodie pulled up over his head, black pants, black trainers and carrying a large red plastic bag. He was lingering in one spot but not standing still. While I was looking down at my phone I kept my eye on him, he was perhaps 20 feet away. I noticed him glance my way a few times and my Spidey senses were on alert.
I began walking towards my Airbnb that is thirty minutes away. Passing him, I turn my head just slightly to see that he is behind me, keeping a distance but definitely following. He crosses the same streets, always behind. Over the next ten minutes, I perform the maneuvers I usually do in such a situation. Eventually he probably realizes I am not worth the effort and disappears.
General Safety
As a solo female traveller and an older one at that, I can look like an easy target. Aged, ladened down with a heavy suitcase, backpack and purse. I wear nothing fancy, no luxury brands, no jewellery. But still, I am prey. In this scenario, the first thing to do is make sure you are actually being followed, no use fretting for nothing. Cross a street and see if they do to. Turn a corner and look back. Stop and stand still, watch what they do. At this point if you are still being followed, stop and look directly at them. Catch their eye. This is when they turn tail and walk away.
When that doesn’t work, go into a shop and ask for help or simply spend time inside until you can see they have left. I did this in Rome. The staff behind the counter let me sit with them in safety. My best advice, be aware! Predators choose prey carefully. They select someone who looks distracted, which I did when I looked down at my phone. They chose someone who looks meek, who won’t fight back, who always conforms. If you can be aware of your surroundings, check often, you are in the strongest position you can be.
Grand
Ok back to impressions. The buildings are so huge and grand. Coming from Bratislava, where the architecture is somewhat similar, it’s the size that really stands out for me in Vienna. Lavish facades, wide avenues, pretty feminine architecture. Its really ornate and lovely.
Walkable
Nice wide sidewalks, free of obstruction and debris. This is a huge city, but in this central historical core, the municipality has done a great job at keeping garbage to a minimum and the streets clean. Its busy, there are a lot of pedestrians, tour groups and such, but it remains easy to navigate and move around.
I have arrived at my cute Airbnb, not inexpensive mind you, which is why my time in this city is so short. It’s an older building that is situated about thirty minutes away from St Stephens Cathedral. That will definitely be my first destination once I get changed and a load of laundry going.
