All through this trip I noticed, more then ever, the differences between my life in the states and good 'ol Germany also affectionately called "the motherland" So here is a compilation of my observations.
You know you're in Germany when,...
... it's morning when all you want to do is count the stars or go to sleep (8 hours time difference, gotta love it!)
... when you're brother is sporting the minivan by driving 105 miles per hour on the "Autobahn" and a green/white police car leisurely drives by with 115 mph (both legal)
... when it's 40 °F, drizzly and overcast but the weather report says it is an uncommonly pleasant day considering the season! (Fall) (brrrrrr)
.... when all of nature (and I mean ALL) is dipped in colors of green, orange, brown, red.
.... it's september and the stores sell Cookies, Lebkuchen and all sorts of Christmas goodies
... no matter what direction you go, you will find a castle, ruin or monument within 10 to 15 min.
... you can pick your own bouquet of gorgeous flowers from the field and pay 3 Euro for about 15 stems. (it's a common curtesy to bring a little treat or flowers or something when you go visit someone, with these prices that makes sense)
... Gasoline costs approx. €1.50 a liter (approx. $1.65 a quart) and about 80% of that comes from taxes
... Mc. Donald sells Bratwurst instead of Breakfast saussages
... people stare at you when you walk around with more then 2 kids (it's kind of funny when you know people are trying to do the math watching you with 3 girls and guessing your age, thinking you're the mom...)
... when the radio plays American hit's only to be interrupted by a man telling you about "Stau's" (Traffic jams) in a thick Bavarian accent
... Public transportation is convenient and available in the dinkiest towns (love the U-Bahn)
... SOCCER is the nation's sport, on game nights the cities get crowded, you feel loopy by the beer fumes in the air and you get hit on by some drunk fan while shopping :) (happened many a times)
... you recycle everything and you pay 25 cents on every bottle you buy, which will be refunded when you return the empty canisters
... smoking and drinking is allowed at age 16 but you can't drive until you're 18
ok, I could go on and on... Germany is a great place!
You know you're at the Dautel home when....
... you are awakened early in the morning by 2 ecstatic nieces jumping on the couch on which you have been blissfully trying to overcome jet lag, they grab your face, ask if you're awake followed by an overflow of questions that spill out of their mouths so quickly you can't answer them...
.... everybody DREADS the mentioning of whinnie the poo, because it's the girls favorite movie and the've watched it a gazillion times (and Aunt Rike enjoys brining it up maliciously--retaliation for extensive teasing)
... there are 4 guitars in the house, one drum set, and one piano and still somehow there are discussions about who can use which, when
... One person starts singing a song while playing the piano and all of the sudden the whole family will gather around and join singing
... 3 nieces start a dance party as soon as you turn on Dad's Elvis collection! Favorite nr. 1. Return to sender, 2. Can't help falling in love 3. Teddy Bear... Alicia also LOVES "Breaking up is hard to do" by the Carpenters... there is nothing cuter than watching her sit in a corner, singing to her doll (named Rike) "Down, dubby do down down.. breaking up is hard to do"
... one person has a question and a intense family talk will unfold and last for easily 3-4 hours.
... every meal is an extensive master piece and delicious!
... everything you try to do for someone else is a surprise (we all Love to try and surprise)
... there is only one bath room and everybody tries to be first because after 20 min. there won't be any hot water left for the shower
... Christmas plans start in October additionally to Thanksgiving and everyone loves the preparations. Christmas is the most magical experience in my home and in Nürnberg with the Christkindles Market as well. It will be weird experiencing my first Christmas away from home and immediate family.
... when you play x-box, wii or card games (mostly 500 or scum) until the wee hours of the morning, realizing that your basically just a victim not competition for your brothers but too competitive to give up.
... you go to church and immediately are asked to conduct the music, translate for investigators, play the piano, help out in primary and afterward the first question you get asked by all your friends is "So who are you dating?" After disappointing them with the lack of stories to tell, they tried to convince me to move back, going through all sorts of measures setting me up with everyone male and available...oh well "
For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors" (name that movie/book)
... breakfast cereal, bread spreads, gravy, snacks, dessert all include chocolate
... you are loved by everyone unconditionally and you are supported by any means you can possibly think of!!! I love my home and my family and all my loved ones in Germany!
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| My brother Richy brought these "Schokoküsse" (Chocolate kisses) and we were having a eating contest. I lost, but I think it was rigged!!! |
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| I made this 3 layer birthday cake for my Mom's surprise party. |
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| We prepared for a halloween party that they were having a day after I left for Utah (wait a minute... Halloween party? Maybe they were actually partying 'cause they finally had the house to themselves again) |
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(For more pictures, I have to wait for Kristin. I don't have any more worth showing, sorry!)
