So, I was reading this blog about "10 Things that I Miss About Germany." Needless to say, I'm excited about it all!
10 Things I Miss About Germany
10 Things I Miss About Germany 1. Cobblestone streets - In Freiburg, the streets had a cobblestone design in front of each shop usually depicting what service the store offered. It's so sweet seeing a German man in orange overalls laying in, by hand, stone paths. 2. European Architecture - The cathedral in Cologne took 600 years to build and absolutely demands attention and adoration. But really, everywhere you turn, the architecture romances you. 3. Lifestyle - It's something of another world. I hear that the Germans are stressed but I don't see it. I see them outside riding their bikes, laying on the grass along the river, drinking beer with friends in the park, socializing at outdoor restaurants and generally leading a life that I am envious of. 4. Cars in Germany actually stop for pedestrians! - Don't try this stunt in America. Although it is the law in both countries, if you try to cross a street in Houston trucks will purposely speed up to let you know - bubba got a truck and that truck owns the road - not you. Germany is refreshingly different. It takes time and courage to convince yourself that it's ok to cross, they will stop. Just keep walking, otherwise they will know you're American! 5. Fresh Air - Coming from Houston, where the weather knocks you down through slow brutal suffocation by heat and air thicker than mashed potatoes, it's heaven just to be able to spend the day outside... without the fear of sudden death by sunshine. 6. Small cars - I guess in Germany they use cars to get around. In America, cars are an accessory, extension of -lack of- manhood, means to show off wealth/debt, and a vulgar display of power. Most of these cars max out at 10+ mpg. Definitely not designed to get around. I tried asking what the miles per gallon were on cars in Germany but they started talking in liters and things just got lost from there. 7. Genuine friendliness - People in Germany are not nice for no reason. If you are wrong they will tell you. But if you meet someone on the streets or in a train and talk to them, they are genuinely friendly. They don't fill the air with small talk but instead offer a real conversation. Germans also don't walk around just smiling. I was wondering why so many guys were hitting on me in Cologne. It's because I smile too much! By American standards I don't smile enough, but in Germany I think they took it as a flirt. 8. Freedom of expression - It was really common to see people outside doing tricks on skateboards, bikes and rollerblades. I saw a group of guys who tied a rope from one tree to another and to see who could walk on it the longest without falling off. I saw a man playing a grand piano on wheels in front of the cathedral and a student who spent two days drawing a chalk picture of tigers on the ground, also next to the cathedral. Along a bridge I saw an extravagant display of locks that were meant to symbolize love. They lock the engraved lock along metal wall and throw the key over the bridge. I saw a drum circle along the Rhine river and countless other displays of creative expression that would otherwise end in a lawsuit or at least a ticket in America. 9. German - I miss hearing German everywhere I turn. I miss speaking it too. I miss the accent and I miss discovering new words. 10. Detachable shower heads - Hell yeah |
