1. Drinking in public is absolutely ok.
2. Putting feet on the opposite seat in the trains is strictly prohibited.
3. The countryside from a train window is breathtaking.
4. You have to pay to use a public toilet, but said public toilets are luxurious and spotless.
5. The food is hearty and delicious; bread, meat and cheese are served even at breakfast.
6. Waiters are paid very well and their tip is figured into the price of the food already (Value Added Tax) so a tip of about 5% is customary. 10% is considered extremely generous.
7. The price of a beer is cheaper than the price of a Coke.
8. Most Germany youth speak English and love hip hop music, McDonald’s and American clothes.
9. There is a giant church in every city. Guaranteed.
10. In a grocery store, there are two prices for bottled drinks. The first price is for the price of the liquid, and then there is an additional price for the bottle. You get that money back when you bring the bottle back.
11. No ice is served in drinks at restaurants. Ever.
12. If you ask for water at a restaurant, it is sparkling mineral water. You have to ask for it “still”.
13. You can bring your dog anywhere, anytime, even in a building.
14. Every car is tiny. I haven’t seen anything bigger than a station wagon. It is a parallel parking dream.
15. Men do their hair. Euro-hawks and Mullets abound.
16. Everybody smokes.
17. The bread is hard. Like rock hard.
18. Did I mention the countryside is beautiful?
19. Carts at the grocery store cost 1 euro. Suddenly your arms seem able to do the job.
20. Every kebab is different.
I am now located in Freiburg for 3 weeks. I will be taking intensive German courses for about 4 hours Monday through Friday. Class starts tomorrow!
Hi Spencer, reading your blog daily, very interesting, you are a very good writer! Hope you are splurging and buying the coke instead of the beer...Ha Ha...
ReplyDeleteLove you, Grandpa & Grandma
But Grandma & Grandpa, he's in Germany....do as the German's do! (ok, it just sounded good - don't do that Spenc) Great pictures on facebook mister - even seeing those photos from here makes the hair on my arms stand up so I can only imagine what it's like to visit in person. It leaves a heavy heart - hope you get to visit some cheerful, uplifting destinations as well:) I think this says Craig, but it's me, your favorite Aunt.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the blog Spencer.... You do know how to tell a story.... Is the beer served warm? If you find a cool one, have one for me.... Put it on my tab, add 10%.... All the best.... BL
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