Since I’m planning on moving to Germany next year, of course I had to be very observant about everything during my time there. That way, I can take in all the details, and experience less culture shock when I move (although oddly, I find foreign countries a lot more comforting to be in than home in Toronto).
To be honest, I’ve been delaying my posts about Germany because I’m not exactly sure where to start. I mean, I loved it. Everything was better than I expected, and I always have really high expectations. But before I venture into some really exciting blog posts in the next few days, here’s a list to get everything started….(also, making lists seems like a very German thing to do)
Top 5 Differences Between Germany and Home
1. Germans have really big pillows. Like, huge. They’re these massive squares that are about three times the size of the rectangular North American pillows. I quite like them as they’re very good for pillow fights.
2. German buses are very clean. HUGE improvement from home, where I’m forced to sanitize my hands anytime I touch one of those bus poles in fear of contacting some incurable disease (Buses also always arrive on time – it’s a miracle!)
3. It’s hard to find a place that sells just regular bottled water, as everyone seems to like drinking the carbonated version, which I strongly dislike. Actually, everything seems to be carbonated and bubbly. Even apple juice (horrible invention).
4. Cobblestone roads, while very pretty, can be very difficult to walk with heels in. I must master this talent by taking long walks in Montreal before moving to Europe.
5. German doors can be very complicated. Further details can be quite embarrassing so I’ll leave it at that.
So now I’m fully prepared to move.
Just have to, you know, find a job there and learn the language.
Haha I love this post. I just moved back to California from Germany last week and all of these things are so true. I miss Germany so much. WHere are you planning on moving?
I really don't like carbonated water neither! But while living in Germany, I even used to have friends that had a little machine in the kitchen that carbonated their tap water, crazy, right?
Haha, the pillows one is great. So true! Although those are the 'new thing' back in the US. Always copying the Euros, lol. And learn to love the bubble, you will be so glad you did 🙂 haha
I feel the same way about foreign countries, also need to move fast!! lol
Hayley – Around next summer 🙂
Katherina – omg that's horrible! I would get a well or something installed to my house! haha
TexaGermaNadian – hopefully that trend comes to Canada too!
Rita – Definitley! 🙂
I think it's a great idea that you visited Germany before going to live there – kind of like a trial run. I went to South Korea a year before I finished my degree having already made advanced plans to come as a teacher a year later. I had an awesome time & when I came to live & work I didn't experience nearly as much culture shock – kind of just hit the ground running. Interesting tidbits to know about the pillows & carbonated beverages.
goodluck on finding a job nd learning the languagew!
Well i have to admit that the so called carbonated apple juice is called "Apfelschorle" her in Germany. it's usually a mixup of 50% apple juice and 50% carbonated water.
Once you get used to it it is much more refreshing than soda, and it just isn't that sweet… 😉
There isn't as much "regular bottled water" around (though not actually true) because most places have really well tasting tap water. It's the most supervised aliment in Germany and very safe to consume. Plus it's cheap!
The part about carbonated water and buses being on time are so true.
The same here "Just have to, you know, find a job there and learn the language"
This is a pretty useless, idiotic post. I lived in Germany for 4 years. I hated it. The people are cold, and you will not find a job if you don't speak German. You really have to prepare. I was shocked when I arrived. I thought I would love it, but the people, man, you just have to see, they will be somewhat friendly but you will never get friends. I can go on and on, and am in Ireland now loving it, and will soon go back home to USA and can't wait. I'm glad to be out of Germany (I lived in East Germany west may be a little different). But I can say, beer was cheap and good (you can get a wine bottle for 1.30), public transportation was excellent, and crime in Dresden was low, and like the rest of Europe, historic landmarks can be amazing.
Anonymous – I really don't appreciate people bashing other people's blog posts, especially if you're going to be cowardly by hiding under the anonymous title. I think you're the one who is "pretty useless and idiotic."
I do speak a decent amount of German, and I have a bunch of friends in the country already. I also have friends from home who have studied there or move there, and have only heard positive responses. Just because you didn't enjoy living there doesn't mean we all have to feel the same way as you.
EVERYTHING IN THIS POST IS 500% true. My pillows are huge lol. I drank carbonated water for like a week because I thought oh hey “wasser” (I can’t stand sparkling water ugh!) needless to say I finally found “still” water at the “Netto”. As for the doors, it didn’t take me long to realize that “Druken” meant push… but not all of the doors say that soooo…. I’ve embarrassed myself quite a lot. Loved this post, it’s so funny to think that I’m not the only who notices these things.
Waaait a second – did you just bully Apfelsaftschorle, the best drink invented on this planet (after hot chocolate and whisky)? It’s like apple juice, just less sweet and carbonated, which is the recipe for awesomeness! Healthier and more natural than coke.