Random notes

I bought a small notebook soon after moving to Germany which I keep in my purse for making observations (as well as lists and German words I need to translate).  I had hoped to use these in my blogs, but as time is running out and they are rather random, I thought I would share some of them here:


*Germans tend not to greet or acknowledge strangers in the streets or on public transport.  I am rather an introvert, but even so, in the US, if I were approaching someone walking towards me on the sidewalk, or sitting across from them on the bus, I would likely give a nod or smile in greeting. In Germany, most strangers look straight past you.  Elderly ladies seem to be the exception.

*It is not uncommon to never have a train attendant check your ticket.  Germans expect honesty.

*Children seem to be "over dressed" by American standards.  On warm days when I have dressed O without a jacket, I have seen children bundled in layers and a hat.  I have seen many adults also wearing scarves and jackets on warm days.

*German stores are closed on Sunday.  No groceries or other shopping.  Imagine that!

*I have seen owners bring their leashed dogs in stores, on buses and trains, and even restaurant.

*I've never seen anyone take a doggie bag from a restaurant.

*Most people board the bus as single passengers.  Imagine how many cars are kept off the road!

*Most transactions are made with cash or debit cards.  Wonder why the German economy is doing so well?

*Refrigerators are half as big as a small US model.  Washing machines take twice as long to do a load.

*There are no such thing as baggers at the grocery store.  You are on your own and sometimes there is little more than 12 inches between the scanner and the edge of the check-out.  Forget about organizing your groceries!  Toss them back in the cart and then move aside for the next customer.  There are often counters to the side for you to reorganize your purchases.

*Germans almost exclusively use glass-top stoves.

*Most windows lack screens to keep the bugs out.  Windows also swing in from the side and/or tilt in at the top rather than sliding.

*Butter comes in squares rather than rectangular blocks and never have measurement markings.

*Nutritional labels always include fat/carbs/fiber per 100 grams, in addition to per portion.