Conversely, after living here for a little over a year, we find ourselves sometime saying things like, "Why do Germans do it like this? What's their deal?!" We have decided it would be fun to keep track of these sayings to see how we can someday promote a utopian society when we do finally return by making sure we never speak of them again:)
So without further introduction:
What will be left behind when we leave:
- The inability to stand in line patiently. One must huff, make grand gestures while looking to see what it holding everything up or even move closer to the slow subject in attempt that proximity will speed things up. *Please note the only time to display patience is when the person in front of you has decided to use the opportunity of a long line to empty their coin purse and count out exact change for their 97 cent purchase.
- Condiments. Seriously, enough said. In what other country do they charge you for ketchup and mustard. At McDonalds and they give you one pack of ketchup (if you are lucky) for multiple orders or fries. Biergartens and even at the BMW work cafe charge you per package. Are they worried people are going to go nuts and just eat condiments!? "If I leave the ketchup out, it will be mayhem. People might just eat that!" Seriously, can't they build it into the price of items that need it? On a sidenote, I do know of one biergarten in Munich where you can help yourself to condiments (ketchup, mustard and even bbq sauce) for FREE! You'll have to ask me though as I don't want to cause a run on the condiments and loose merit to this post.
- Shopping carts where every wheel turns individually. These carts are impossible to drive. Tip - keep the back wheels fixed, just like a car. There is a reason for this. No need to go to the gym for a workout if you go shopping first - it is a complete inner-core workout just to keep it running straight. On a side-note, it is a great entertainment to spin Will 360 as he goes down the aisles. And of course to prove you can't have everything, at least they still have the 1 euro cart fee going for them.
- The insane amount and intensity of the firecrackers at New Years. It's amazing to not see more 9-or-less-fingered Germans around town in ratio with the amount of dynamite that gets exploded while imbibed.
- German toilets (aka Poop on deck). What the heck dude. Seriously, who decided this design was a good idea? A picture below of the "outhouse," our 2nd bathroom.
Photos for Reference
No, this is not a photo from the 60's but rather our actual 2nd bathroom. This is all of it - sink the size of an airplane sink cold water only. And yes, the toilet.
