Introduction
Traveling has given me the opportunity to experience new cultures and diverse cuisines. I’ve also had the chance to observe a lot of unique quirks and norms these countries flaunt.
Germany is a country straight out of a fairytale. I would say it’s not being celebrated enough for how beautiful and magical the land is.
Words and pictures will not do justice to its magnificence and the truckload of history it comes with.
Peculiar... Or not so much?
One of the most fun things, when I travel to a new place, is to discover new things that aren’t common back home.
And here are 5 things in Germany that were definitely uncommon to me but very matter-of-fact for the locals.
1. Germans love their bread
I cannot begin to explain how many types of bread comes out of that country! And I bet you would need a whole lifetime to sample them all. There is bread everywhere and they are absolutely delicious.
Milchbrötchen, and pretzels… Worth every calorie!
2. Autobahns have no speed limit
The autobahn is a German highway that has no legal speed limit. Cars will whiz past you at unimaginable speeds and that is totally normal. For once, you’d look like you’re breaking the rules if drive slow.
3. Germans follow rules to the T
No matter what the rule, how silly or serious, Germans will follow it. The unanimity when it comes to abiding by every small rule has made the country so organized and safe to live in. Walking at night, alone, and with a diamond necklace on? You’d probably be safe but I suggest you don’t push it to that extent.
4. Baby fever appears to be high
Be it Berlin, Munich, or Dresden, 3 of the cities I traveled to, the Germans were in love with my baby. I am biased and I will say that my baby is irresistibly cute. But, the older generation would peek into the stroller, wave, and speak in German with my child, and some even offered to pinch his fat cheeks and chubby feet.
5. Smile when necessary
Living in the U.S., a ‘How’s it going?”, or a big customary smile is something that is very common. Carry the practice into this foreign land and you will be met with nothing but confused looks. You do not need to smile if the situation doesn’t call for one. And save your “Good Mornings” for when you actually mean it.
It’s simply humbling to learn how every country is pregnant with its own attributes. One’s societal faux pas could be another one’s way of life.
And that’s one takeaway I get from traveling to new lands — to not be presumptuous and have room to be more accepting of everyone.