Non-smoking please

After receiving an email about the American Lung Association, I was compelled to blog about this. This has been on my mind ever since I arrived here...everyone smokes! (ok, not everyone, but a lot) Growing up in CA, I've been accustomed to leaving a bar/restaurant and not smelling like an ashtray. I'm not a big fan of smoking cigarettes, I prefer cigars but I smoke a cigar about 3-4 times a year. I've got several friends in the US that smoke and its never bothered me because I'm not around it 24-7. So when I would go out, my clothes didn't need to be febreeze'd. It's a different story out here.
Now my general stereotype regarding Europeans and smoking is that its more accepted here than in the US. Maybe it's because of all of thetruth.com ads. So, I figured that smoking is more prevalent here, but failed to realize the extent. I've only visited European countries in the past...never lived in any of them. When I first came to Bp last year, I smoked cigarettes b/c it was very "european" but knew it would only last until I returned home. My time frame here is a little longer than my previous 2 week vacation. But there is relief in sight. Rumor has it that Hungary will ban smoking in bars and restaurants starting next year. One of Gabi's acquaintances mentioned this when I first arrived here. Even if it's only half true and it's only banned for restaurants, that would be a big relief. As a former asthma sufferer, I can't wait for that.

Vienna, Austria

Some pictures from Vienna, Austria:

me in front of Schönbrunn Palace

Gabi and I at the fountain below Gloriette

Autumn in Austria

Gabi showin' some love

Wienerschnitzel!!!! It ain't a hot dog!?!?!