As to be expected, some people back home have questions. This concise list from one friend will surely satisfy everyone.
Question 1. What was the very first impression you got of Germans or Germany as a whole?
Well, the airport was crazy, but there you couldn’t tell who was German. Now, on the train every morning on the way to language school I am impressed by how well-dressed they are. The only exceptions are the punks (they REALLY stand out!).
Question 2. What do you miss most (if anything)?
Right now I am so busy see new things and learning new things that I can’t think too much about home. That also is a defense mechanism to keep myself happy. However, I did admit to myself that I miss fresh fruit and vegetables. I fell in love with the market now and have fresh stuff every day. I also realized that I miss singing. There have been times in my life when I sang every single day. Now I don’t even sing on Sundays because I don’t know the words or where the books are. Last Sunday I really missed everyone involved with SPY. <><
Question 3. Do all german girls have blonde hair blue eyes?
Actually, the blondest people I see are in my group. Many Germans are dark blond, and a lot have brown eyes. This might change according to region though. In my neighborhood there are a LOT of immigrants. The most obvious are the Turkish Muslim women, but there are many others that I do not recognize their nationality. They of course are not blond or blue-eyed.
Question 4. Are Americans really much fatter than Europeans?
With all the walking the average European does it would be difficult to be obese. Natually then, anyone who does not walk is extremely heavy because of all the meat, cheese and bread the average German consumes. However, fast food is known as a bakery, so instant meals are somewhat healthier. So the real answer: the Europeans that I have seen are moderate. The “obese” and the “skinny” are all still healthy.
Question 5. How are you doing with the language barrier?
Language barrier? You mean people here actually speak something besides English? O.K., they do, but everyone I talk to speaks English. German classes are the exception, and I even had an entire conversation in German with my host family. I go to lengths to avoid speaking to anyone that I don’t know. I am embarrassed to be in their country and yet not be able to speak their language.
Question 6. What religion is most popular in Germany?
Hard to tell. Of course there are Muslim, Protestant and Catholic. Most it seems, including those in my group, just don’t practice any religion.
I walk past a Catholic church everyday between my house and the train station. I went there one Sunday and to the Cathedral the next. I would love to go to daily mass but it is really tough when I don’t understand the readings or homily at all. The Cathedral thankfully had papers with the readings and a reflection in different languages. The Sunday I went by my house I met some really nice people and they have youth activities, so I would love to get involved there. Pray for it.
Question 7. Do you have access to a telephone?
Question8. Do you have a current mailing address?
Yes and Yes, but you have to e-mail me for that.
Question 9. How is the weather?
Rain, and rain, and suddenly hot and sunny, and rain again. I really don’t see a pattern. I love the nice days and the rain is great until we have to walk somewhere and we didn’t bring our umbrellas. They say this is summer, but I wear a jacket and scarf every day.
My other excitement so far? I danced Flamenco for my class today, and everyone wants to take ballroom and swing dance lessons. Also, we are going to a Fussball game today. Ole ole ole…