Cultural Observations about Germany

5/20

So I'll just start off with my interview. 

Greta, 19 y.o. 

1. What do you like best about your country?

The old cities, because that is what I missed most while I was in New Zealand (when she was backpacking this past winter and spring for six months).

2. What do you feel is a unique part of your country?

The German history because it has not always been smooth but it is ours. We were in both world wars but now an industrial power after the wars in the 1950s-1970s (she mentioned being proud that Germany was able to rebuild itself).

3. How much time do you usually spend with family each day?

It depends on if I'm in school or not (Greta graduated last year from high school, and has been backpacking this year). When I'm in school, not a lot- maybe 2 hours in the evening. When I'm not in school, and I'm home (in Germany) most of my time is spent with family.

4. What do you do together?

Eat, watch TV, cook. I usually shop with my sister, and I like to go out and do things with my mom.

5. What is a typical meal in your country?

Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and sausage. We eat this a lot; it's my favorite meal.

6. Do you play any sports, and if not, what do you do in terms of physical activity?

I play tennis and golf, but I bike the most, in terms of physical activity.

7. How often do you visit the doctor?

Before I was vegetarian, I would only go when I didn't want to go to school. Now, when I'm vegetarian, about two times a year.

8. Do you have a regular doctor that you visit every year? Is this common in your country?

Every time you're sick you go to the doctors. There are some doctors you need to visit every year, if you're a woman, and people go to get blood work drawn every year.

9. Do you smoke?

No.

10. Do you feel that your country is overall healthy?

Definitely. 

11. Does your country have national or private healthcare?

We have both, mainly national. Private health care is used for the wealthier, if you want it. Mainly doctors have this, and people who own their own business.

I would say that this is pretty similar to the US... But maybe not question 10!!

In terms of being sensitive to my dairy allergy, most people are at least as knowledgable as those in the states, when told that I can't eat "milch" or butter. I have also seen lots of signs for foods that are gluten free and lactose free. Also, something else that was interesting about dietary restrictions- vegan ism is growing in Germany. Greta's sister asked me if I was vegan, and if I had heard of that. I'm not sure what the numerical ratio is of vegans in both countries, but its popular enough in Germany that they have some things labeled in restaurants that are vegan, and some vegan restaurants. 

Germans also eat differently than Americans. Greta was explaining the idea of having one "hot meal" a day, usually mid day, but it depends when this works in with your schedule. For example, if someone works until 3, they may come home and eat their hot meal at 4.

So there is less of an idea of having 3 large meals a day- some of the meals are a roll and different spreads (oh, the huge breakfast spread... Jelly and cream cheese are just the limited American options). 

Germans also know a lot of English! Knowing German is not as common in the US.

Also, EVERYONE has a BMW, Audi, or VW. And most people have the hatchback or small car models of these brands. Can't say that I've seen a lot of Hummers. Or any. 

During my first day in Berlin, I kept doing double takes... Were people carrying around open bottles of beer? Wine? Vodka? Germans carry around bottles here and drink literally anywhere they please. And a surprising amount of people take advantage of this on trains.

Definitely different than in the states, where this is not accepted.

There is one thing that is the same: hipsters. 

Bye for now! I'm off to the Dresden market to listen to jazz in the square and maybe drink a coffee.