The most common questions I have been getting since I got here, is how am I adjusting. What do I like, what don’t I like, what seems ridiculous, etc. Well, one thing that I have realized is that I am pretty darn flexible.
- There isn’t Mexican food… I got over it.
- It’s been raining a lot here…I bought an umbrella.
- Gas is expensive…I walk more and ride the bus.
- Peanut butter is expensive and not in candy or ice cream at all, I’m working on adjusting to this.
- There isn’t hot sauce (other than tabasco…gross), ok this one gives me issues.
There are a few things that have been an adjustment and I thought I would share them with you all. None of these things are bad, or wrong, they are just different. In fact, I kind of like some of them, but nonetheless there is an adjustment for sure.
- I’ve have woken up to the sound of cows mooing on more than one occasion. This is not a Germany thing, but this city boy is not used to that at all. No roosters, but definitely cows.
- Apparently the number one is written differently in Europe than in the US (with a tick from the top down to the left).
- 1 Euro 25 is written 1,25 not 1.25 like we would do.
- The date is written day/month/year.
- Most stores are closed on Sundays (I like this one, but I have to remember to grocery shop on Saturday so I can eat on Sunday!)
- Water isn’t free and there are no free refills in restaurants. Both of these almost blew my mind! Ok, I knew them before, but it still boggles my mind.
Anyway, the adjustment continues on this side of the pond (no I don’t really say that), but I am enjoying it and can’t wait to discover new things that are different!
JC Mission 
Chunky or creamy? I’ll add you to my peanut butter distribution list for August.
Creamy, no doubt! Thanks!
Differences – they have GREAT chocolate, especially the Ritter Sport yogert and the new summer flavors. They also have Coffee and Kuchen – the best!
Good points Gail, I don’t know how I forgot the chocolate. My favorite is Merci – Kaffee und Sahne
I believe a good German mustard is their hot sauce. Also, have you had any french fries from a street vendor? I remember them being served with some wonderful type of mayo in a cone shaped paper cup.
Yeah, they sure do love their mustard here, but its just not the same as a good hot sauce. My plan is to grow my own peppers and make my own hot sauce…not sure how that will end up though. 🙂
I have not had those kind of fries yet, but I will be on the lookout now and let you know if I find them!