As requested from many, here is some information about Germany, my home country:
I was born and raised in Germany in September of 1968. Back then, the seasons were as you expect them on a calendar. Nowadays, you don’t know whether to expect cold weather, or rain, during the summers, and warm weather during winter. And believe me, if it’s time for me to visit Germany, it will always rain! Before going there on vacation, you might want to check and make sure I am not there so that you can enjoy a perfect season without rain!
Since I left Germany in September of 1992, nothing really has changed when it comes to the Entertainment industry. You will find Rex Gildo, Heino, Otto, Alfred Biolek, and many more as your typical Entertainers and Singers for the last 20 years! On the other hand it is nice to know that you can always enjoy the same scene, in case you were gone for a while.
One year in the 80’s, new bands were supported with contracts by a national program - called "Die Neue Deutsche Welle". Many great bands had hits that year. And if you remember Nena and Spliff, they were among the successful bands. As soon as the year was over, with the exception of these two bands, disappeared, much to my disappointment. I had hoped that Germany would finally get some attention in the music world, but without any hope.
Sites relating to the new German wave:
http://www.laut.de/lautwerk/neue_deutsche_welle/
http://www.cddb.com/xm/cd/misc/6c50b4755dab2331192074f2f181f7fc.html
My mom used to make me watch American black and white movies. The mushier the better, just like typical German movies! Again, you can still see them as reruns, and reruns, and reruns when you visit.
What I miss most about Germany is the good food. There is a large variety, such as meats, sausages, desserts, breads, and much more. If you have ever had a Schweinsbraten with Knoedel und Sauerkraut (pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), I am sure you would want it again. How about Weisswuerstl? Those are white sausages, which you can either cut in pieces, or suck on it to get the sausage out of the skin. There is a German tradition to eat this kind of sausage before 11AM (and don’t forget your Pretzel and sweet mustard with it!) so that it will stay fresh when it’s made early in the morning. And if you have ever tried some German bakeries, you will be in heaven! Also, the chocolates melt in your mouth without any aftertaste. The variety of breads with a crispy crust will make it difficult to choose from. One thing to remember though: If you are in a restaurant and can’t finish one of their large portions, no doggy-bag is allowed, or not custom! Sorry, but you will be looked down, if you even bring it up!
Check out this link for advice on how to handle Weisswuerstl: http://www.bavaria.com/entertainment/homecooking_us.html
Most pupils learn English in high school for about 5 years. It is required as one of the majors to pass it just like German. Although grammar and vocabulary is taught in much detail, there is still a lack of practicing spoken English. If that is the case, most likely you will be taught British English while learning about their history.
Germans know how to drink and smoke! Every opportunity you get to eat, you will probably find some alcohol to flush it down. At the same time, you could smoke pretty much everywhere. If you go to clubs or some restaurants, you might not find your way in first without tripping because of the smoke clouds. Every time I go back to visit, I have to wash all of my outfits in my suitcase, even though I may have only worn one around smokers. In Bavaria especially, there are very strict laws about the purity of alcohol. No preservatives can be used in beer, which makes it easier for your body to break it down. Therefore, you can drink a lot more without getting buzzed (unless you are American and overdo it).
Every year starting the last week in August and lasting for 16 days, there is a festival in my home town, Rosenheim, called Rosenheimer Volksfest. Siegfried and Roy visit every time since Siegfried was born a few streets away from where I grew up (that’s why the free admissions to his shows when you present your passport with birthplace as Rosenheim!). You will meet pretty much everyone you have met in and around Rosenheim in your lifetime at this festival. When it ends at 11PM, you can walk a few blocks to the center of most clubs in Rosenheim. During that festival, streets are packed and people drink in the streets outside the clubs and bars. Once this festival is over, two weeks later the Oktoberfest in Munich will start. It seems to have become an American tourist place. You will recognize Americans because those are the ones that most likely puke their guts out from drinking way too much!
Link to the Oktoberfest: http://www.oktoberfest.de/
There is this rumor that Germans don’t shave or change their underwear often enough. Hey, that’s not true. There are always some that don’t follow what society expects, but I have always been good about it. Nevertheless, once in a while you will get a whiff of sweat, just like here in the US. And not even once have I seen a bikini shaven girl in the locker room at the gym or spa! Trim it, girls, would you?
My hometown is close to the alps and Austrian border line (just about 15 minutes). Now that the borders are all open because of the European union, you can just drive to any country there without showing your passport. The Euro has taken over and many European countries are still adjusting. Since Germany was one of the strongest countries, they had to adjust their prices to the rest of the countries, too, which increased prices about four times. Be prepared that it is expensive to travel or live in Europe. Without doubt now, the Euro is a big competition for the US dollar.
Link to my home town: http://www.rosenheim.de/
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