My daughter and I just spent a week in Vienna, Austria. For you government school graduates, that's the country that does not have kangaroos. Except for the Australian Pub that served kangaroo steak. I had several observations about life in Vienna. One that really hit home was the pace at which they live their daily lives. Don't get me wrong, there is still a sense of urgency in Vienna as there is in any big city. Got to get to work now.

But as we sat in the cafes and restaurants, we quickly began to realize that things are different in Austria, and most of Europe, when it comes to dining. Having a meal whether alone or with others is not primarily a reason to obtain nourishment, it's an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the moment of respite or to socialize. Getting a bratwurst or slice of pizza from a street vendor is still the same, grab and go, with a beer I might add. But sitting down is treated quite differently.

Wait staff will take their time in getting to you for your order, but generally they will take your drink and food order at that initial engagement. Food might even be delivered to your table rather quickly depending on the meal. Breakfast and lunch for example as the assumption is you need to get to or back to work. But even then, it's not unusual for breakfast to last an hour or lunch for 2 hours.

The idea is to socialize, enjoy the meal at a much slower pace than you might experience in the States, where we seem to be the hare to the tortoise when it comes to eating. Eat slowly, enjoy two or three pints or a hard cider. Talk to each other, discuss current events or weekend plans. Read the paper if you are alone. We certainly did not see noses buried in cell phones. People actually talked to each other.

Even when the meal is consumed, wait staff clean off the table, but it's expected you will remain to socialize for quite some time afterwards. Can you imagine? American kids would be apoplectic if they actually had to talk to friends or family. I noticed the sense of calm that took over after fighting crowds at museums or on the tram. It was relaxing.

I know quite a few of you also take your time at meals. But generally, I don't see it that often. Maybe we could learn a little patience and realize recharging our batteries removes a tremendous amount of stress from our daily lives. Given the increasing number of stupid people we come across every day, I'd say it's more important than ever.