My experience as a black girl in Vienna, Austria & other parts of Europe

[@kaszaspeter77]

Your race matters a LOT more in the US than in Europe. People are not so laser focussed on race in Europe at all. If you feel someone is rude to you, 99% of the time that has nothing to do with your race and everything to do with the fact that you are in a different culture where rudeness is not perceived the same way, incl. that people don't normally make small talk because they find it superficial and dishonest. Staring is definitely a thing in German-speaking countries at least, and it is never a dangerous (like you seem to have thought) and not considered rude but I'd agree it can be weird.

[@tashewilson]

I reallyyy appreciate this comment. You hit the nail on the head about the small talk thing, as my Austrian friend confirmed that herself, but about the rudeness thing - I definitely noticed and experienced that too. Our server made a smart remark in Vienna and both him and my friend didn’t think it was a big deal while I was totally PO’d lol. I learnt as I went but I actually love how straightforward Europeans tend to be. I didn’t know that staring was a thing in German speaking countries though…thank you for that info and I’m glad you think it’s creepy too, haha.

[@derherrdersinne]

@@tashewilson I can second Peter Kaszas comments! In Austria and Germany, especially in the country side, they are not so used to seeing black women often and so when they do, and especially such a beauty like you are, they stare at them even more than staring at beautiful white women, which they also tend to do, so you are in good company😉 If you go to a city like Berlin or Cologne in Germany where a lot of black people live, it will be much less staring although staring seems to be a German trade mark😂 And yes, Europeans are not used to doing small talk, we come right to the point and state what we want and in contrast to Americans, we do mean what we say.

[@tashewilson]

@@derherrdersinne hahahaha thank you so much 😂 I really appreciate you both for clearing that up for me. That definitely makes me feel better…and excited for my next visit! But I like that Europeans intend to have more meaningful interactions. I respect that about you guys! I wish Americans thought the same hahaha. Thank you!💛

[@ayandasidzatane9432]

Thank you for sharing. I went to Germany, France, and Italy; the people were so nice. I was pregnant and people stood up to let me sit on buses and trains. They were still not super social but definitely courteous.

[@tashewilson]

Omg I love that. I’m so glad you had a positive experience too 🥰

[@millennialinaction9809]

i can confirm, being a Black woman in italy is . . . fun. not only fun, but also quite comforting coming from a place like the United States. of course, experiences vary, but i was in Florence and Rome for a month and Italians were genuine in their interactions. and yes, it is absolutely true that most men in Italy are fearless when it comes to showing their interest in a woman. unlike China, where people stared at me ALL the time, i felt almost incognito in Italy and was commonly mistaken for speaking Italian. again, experiences do vary and racism is everywhere. however, my existence did not feel like a nuisance in Florence and Rome.

[@tashewilson]

Yesss exactly. You’re so spot on with everything haha but I love that for you! I’m really happy you had a positive experience. In regards to China, I’ve heard similar stories lol but overall you said it, everyone’s experience is different😄

[@janas_portfolio]

I've heard Italy is SUPER racist toward black people, moreso than many other european countries, so this is an interesting perspective to hear. I heard one story where a black girl had to leave her friends' trip early and go home because it was so bad

[@ellabapitao9869]

Girl! I wish it was just Vienna. In all Austria people are like that. Just like your native Austrian friend said , its known. They know it but it is what it is. You should check this other Black beauty youtube channel (Smiley Keiko). She is also (half) american and now lives in Austria after living for over 10 years in north Italy. She talks about her experiences too as a black girl living abroad and shares stories about her life growing up in Italy and now living here in Austria. I am glad you enjoyed your mini Europe Tour :))

[@tashewilson]

Why am I not surprised🥲 that’s such a bummer lol but omg thank you for the recommendation! I’m gonna go binge watch all of her videos hahaha

[@sugarcube616]

this is so incredibly helpful

[@tashewilson]

Yay I’m so glad you found it helpful 😋 thank you, I’m excited for you!

[@bitsey200]

Been waiting for this sister 🤍

[@tashewilson]

Yay!♥️ idk why it took me so long lol

[@HaraldQuake]

Nice to hear you enjoyed Europe! 😁

[@ArgotRetro]

The day you eVer get an insta, i will be following. Your personality surpasses your immense beauty by a heir ✨😉✨

[@tashewilson]

Haha thank you!😄

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

Agreed, Austria and German people don't friendly chat. The chattiest place I've ever visited was Findland!

[@tashewilson]

I would’ve never guessed! I love that😄

[@TheNicoliyah]

I adore Barcelona, been a couple of ties and planning on going again this Summer. Haven’t been to Italy but defo in my wish list & good to hear that it’s good vibes there.

[@tashewilson]

Yesss I love that for you. I would like to give Barcelona another try in the future but please make the trip to Italy happen!🤩

[@TheNicoliyah]

@@tashewilson Well you have definitely given me the inspiration! : ) Good food, good people and looks gorgeous

[@cjonas4453]

I was considering traveling to Vienna by myself this coming spring but I’m unsure since I felt some slight aggression while visiting Portugal. I’m supposed to meet up with German friends there but I’m thinking it might be best to just stay in my hotel most of the time after all I’ve read. Now I know what to expect but I’m still unsure because I know it’ll be really uncomfortable, especially being alone.

[@cjonas4453]

Also, Italy was incredible. I felt like Italians loved me!

[@tashewilson]

Hello!😄 if I’m honest, Vienna is known for being one of the unfriendliest cities (even for Austrians who move there from different parts of the country) so you shouldn’t take anything personal. I don’t think you’ll be unsafe, but you’re right, it may be a bit uncomfortable. If you’ll be with friends that will make the experience much better! If I were you, I’d go! It’s still worth seeing because it’s a beautiful city. About Italy - good! I love that for you. That was the experience for me too in Rome. I loved it!❤️

[@andywessel]

I’m happy to hear this. You are all welcome here :-) that staring guy sounds mental. It might offcourse be racially motivated, but we have some strange people here in Europe too 😂 have a great summer.

[@tashewilson]

Hahaha this has to be one of my favorite comments. Thank you, I appreciate it! You also have a great summer!😄

[@lauraolap9921]

Well the thing is, in Spain, we don't do small talk ( we are pretty blunt so we don't see the point in small talk, altho it can happen while waiting in a line or some scenario like that but we would talk about the line or something related), also if you don't speak spanish people won't talk to you (unless you are in a party and there's alcohol), most people in Spain don't feel comfy talking in english... we are very open when we start to know someone tho and if you get to truly befriend someone in Spain you get a friend for life :) It was shocking for me that you didn't say anything about staring in Spain but rather in other countries ! We stare a lot too, to everyone, even between us... sometimes i find myself staring at someone without realising

[@tashewilson]

Now that I know, I do really appreciate how blunt and straightforward you Europeans are. It’s much needed hahaha but I never even thought about the language barrier! That’s so true! Thank you for mentioning that because I can totally understand even more now but I think it’s cute how you added that Spaniards can make a forever friend - sounds like you guys are pretty loyal too!😄hahaha the staring, though…I think that’s so funny. I’m surprised but I can confidently say that I wasn’t stared at much in Spain at all…it was nice hahahaha

[@lauraolap9921]

@@tashewilson i'm glad you felt comfortable while being here ☺️☺️, we are pretty loyal friends, but that is both good and bad, we wouldn't take this liberties in other countries but here, if your friend is doing stuff near your house, It pretty much ends Up in your friend visiting your House out of nowhere or eating in a Friend's House with their family it's pretty common, Friends here are a Big part of your social life even after having kids, the friend group gets together with their children, etc. It's like having a sibling. They'll know everything about your Life but the good thing is no one gets mad if you say "meh i don't feel like going out today"

[@tashewilson]

@@lauraolap9921 thank you, but awww I love that about you guys. Friends are definitely family and treated as such!☺️

[@phebe2298]

Was it Saint Peter’s Basilica and it's dome with the illusion that you were talking about??

[@tashewilson]

OMG YES!! Thank you 😂

[@Nazygabs]

Hi, do you have a detailed video on how to you booked flights/train to each country?

[@tashewilson]

Hiii! No, I don’t have a video unfortunately but I can give you a couple tips! RyanAir is a super popular and veryyy affordable airline that a lot of people in Europe use to get around the continent. For trains, you can try Trainline to help you get around as well. I also just search on google for flights and trains when looking too. I hope this helps but if you have any other questions just let me know!😋

[@Nazygabs]

@@tashewilson thank you so much. This helps.

[@tashewilson]

@@Nazygabs your welcome!🫶🏾

[@Belinda.1999]

Vienna is different... The rest of Austria is really nice and layed back :D

[@tashewilson]

Hahaha “different…” well I would love to explore the rest of Austria 😄

[@dominicdominic]

Lies 😆 🤣 Graz, Linz are far worse than Vienna

[@tashewilson]

@@dominicdominic 😂😂😅

[@Belinda.1999]

@@dominicdominic So a Bledsinn 🙈 Don't listen to him 😂

[@wora1111]

Staring: I think I would look at ( I do not consider it staring) at everything and everybody that looks different than the average. Good looking girls obviously belong to that group. Often this process is finished by looking at each other and both parties smiling. But I would never stare at somebody because of something negative (limping, scars, ...) That would be impolite, so I was taught and taught my kids in turn.

[@tashewilson]

Ok, that’s totally understandable and I respect that. My mom raised my brother and I the same way. I feel like it’s definitely a cultural thing but that’s another reason why I love traveling. So much to learn😄

[@wora1111]

@@tashewilson That is the attitude to have!

[@blackrain1999]

Nah come on. You can have a few curious and friendly looks - depending on how the other person reacts (wants to be left alone, is avoiding you, or whatever), then maybe you smile at each other. That is that. You don't stare someone down and be obnoxious because you think "hey a pretty girl, let's stare her down and make her uncomfortable, and force some interaction out of her". Also, where is the logic in respecting people's boundaries and not "staring at someone because of something negative" but staring at a girl because you think she is pretty is fine? Edit: This is not just a cultural thing, as I am from Austria myself. So don't act as if she has to accept any bullshit because of "culture".

[@tashewilson]

@@blackrain1999 points were definitely made. I try to be open-minded and respectful considering it could be a cultural thing but you are right. I think it’s all about respect - we all know that staring is “taboo” for lack of better words, and usually unacceptable in most, if not all, circumstances.

[@tashewilson]

@@blackrain1999 I appreciate you!

[@kquat7899]

The effect where a something gets bigger the further away you are is called "being drunk".

[@tashewilson]

LOLLLL that too😂

[@ralfhaggstrom9862]

What did you like SCHÖNBRUNN ?

[@tashewilson]

It was absolutely beautiful. All of it! I think just seeing a castle in real life was the most amazing part. I also really enjoyed hiking up to the top of the lookout, though. The view was breath taking😄

[@btte854]

Some men stare in the eyes when they really like a person, he probably really liked your body but he didn't wanted to stare at your breast, instead he just stared at your face..

[@tashewilson]

😅

[@sybillestogbuchner9585]

My friend call it- people watching, her hobby, but we are from Salzburg

[@tashewilson]

Haha “her hobby” that’s so funny 😂

[@ArgotRetro]

Yeah: your a Trophy Wife, poTenTially 😘

[@semi2893]

You're a very beautiful woman so I could imagine that this Austrian guy just stared at you because of that (and behind a mask it's not possible to read his face). But yeah, must definitely have been uneasy...

[@tashewilson]

Thank you, I appreciate that but I was also wearing a mask 😩😂 hahaha we’ll never truly know

[@zontarr8812]

In Europe we like beautiful people... cough cough(women) no matter the race colour or else. On the other hand ..if ugly in spirit and in appearance.... then >?

[@tashewilson]

Haha that’s fair!😂

[@blackrain1999]

As an Austrian I think especially in the countryside people are not as used to seeing more diverse and international people, contrary in bigger cities like Vienna, so a 'normal' stare (as in not too long, just some curious looks) are to be expected and mostly not meant to be disrespectful. But males staring at you as obnoxious and permanent as those men did is just creepy, I get that. I think it is rude and unacceptable and such men just need to stop that, f* them. Sorry that happened to you.

[@tashewilson]

Exactly. It’s to be expected, right? A few friendly glances! I can usually tell pretty quickly when it’s a benign interaction mostly based out of curiosity or slight admiration etc and I’m totally fine with it - I do it too! Thank you, though. I appreciate that. I agree and I’m just really happy he didn’t approach me or anything.

[@aminusoleh8206]

Please are u born in Africa ?

[@tashewilson]

No, I was not

[@aminusoleh8206]

@@tashewilson thanks for reply to me sweethuman , please where are you from ? I wish you all the best" both your and family" have a nice and helthy sleeping"🥰

[@paullinos820]

Yeah, Vienna is very racist and rude and they are very direct about that. They just don't want a black person there. But the city is magnificent. A lot of English speaker tourist but not a lot English information or very basic English info . Restaurants, attractions, transportation are designed for locals or people that already know the city. They practically want you to learn that ugly language. Foreigners get confused and get lost very easy for the lack of English sign. There are not many trees, just concrete every where. I definitely prefer the ocean or green countries in Latin America. Ahhh, and there are so many cigarette smokers everywhere.

[@tashewilson]

Oh wow, that’s a lot to take in! Thanks for the insight, Paul😄

[@anashiedler6926]

That's just not true. In most major cities including vienna almost all signs and everything in menus in restaurants is in german and english, and most people do speak english very well, and are friendly - if you ask them for help. if you don't ask, then they won't help you. It's the culture. No smalltalk, no talking with strangers (no matter race or color), but if you ask for help, they will mostly be friendly and help you. There might be a small dislike for American tourists(again no matter what race or color), but thats another thing. So if you are american, better state that you are from canada.... Very direct? Yes, definetly true, also the stare. But racist - nope. As i said, there is a dislike for american tourists, and also for the new immigrants, because we have a healthcare, etc. and some people feel that those new immigrants (mostly from the easter parts of europe) are taking advantage of those things that (in their mind) should be only for people that already have paid into those systems for years.

[@WienerVL]

Youre talking BS!

[@ushindi_I_am]

Going to Vienna is the worst decision I’ve ever made

[@tashewilson]

Omg…what happened?

[@ushindi_I_am]

@@tashewilson well public sharing is not for everyone but Vienna is one of the city I can’t recommend to a person,so we left early in the morning without even to having breakfast or coffee there🏃🏾‍♂️

[@tashewilson]

@@ushindi_I_am you're right, I could've been a bit more considerate but i'm glad you were able to leave as soon as you felt uncomfortable. I hope you have more positive experiences in the future!

[@TJ-fv3vt]

Can you elaborate please? I’m a black guy traveling through a couple different European cities and Vienna is top on my list

[@ushindi_I_am]

@@TJ-fv3vt Vienna is such a beautiful city worth to visit but the people are not so welcoming and they tend to treat white better than any other tourist in restaurant and … it’s always best to go and see by yourself you may have a different experience