After being in Germany for only two weeks, I have noticed quite a few differences from the United States. It took me a few days to realize some of them, while others I noticed immediately. I find that while I’m writing specifically on Germany, these are pretty accurate for many European countries.
Oh those quirky Euros.
1. People rarely put leashes on their dogs.
Not only are dogs more loved than humans here, I have only seen about three dogs that were actually on leashes when taking their owners for a stroll. Compared to a country where we put our own children on leashes, I found this quite amazing.
2. People actually pay attention to crosswalks.
Being from a suburb of Chicago, I find it completely normal to ignore a “Do not cross” sign flashing obnoxiously, as long as no cars are coming. In Germany, the sign is a cute little light in the shape of a man that is either green or red. Red apparently means “Do not cross or you will most definitely be attacked by zombies,” because I have yet to see someone ignore it. This is probably a good idea and perhaps I should also watch out for zombies when crossing the streets of Chicago.
3. EVERYBODY smokes cigarettes.
I mean literally everyone.
4. Men’s fashion is quite different.
You have got to love a country where man-bags and deep v-necks imply nothing about a man’s lifestyle.
5. The drinking age is 16.
During my second day in Germany, I was quite shocked to look over, as I ate my currywurst, to see a boy who appeared to be amere 8 years old casually sipping a beer with his lunch. Then I remembered that the drinking age is 16 and that most 16 year old boys still look like kindergarteners.
6. Apfelshorle.
Speaking of drinking…here there is this amazing drink called Apfelshorle. It is literally just apple juice and tonic water, but it is perhaps by far the best thing I have ever tasted and I am considering dropping out of college just to open my very own Apfelshorle stand somewhere in the U.S.
7. The cars are very, very small.
Compared to a country where the “mom-van” is a norm, I found all the little Volkswagens adorable. It’s probably an extremely good idea to have bite-sized cars in a country where there is no parking, anywhere… ever.
8. There are no meat heads.
Clearly Germany has not heard about GTL quite yet. Or perhaps they are just ignoring the T and the extreme amount of G that Americans are accustomed to, either of which I am not complaining. They clearly know how to L, and they G enough for me.
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