This week, the reality that time here is coming to a close started to hit me. Unlike several of the other interns here who were excited to return home, it has been very bitter sweet for me. On one hand, since so many of the friends I have made up here have left, it feels like it is just time for me to go as well. I am excited to see my friends and family (and doggies!) back home, but I also just can’t imagine leaving Germany and everything that it has to offer. I just feel more at home here now that I have gotten used to all of the quirks this country has. Anyways, all this has made take a more thoughtful look at what differences Germany and America actually have, so I will share with you the list I have compiled:
Germany (Bavaria specifically) Pros:
- Fantastic beer culture – delicious beer and lots of it.
- Bakeries galore – an awesome replacement for fast food restaurants in my opinion.
- Recycling – bottle returns are located in all grocery stores, and you can get money back! 25 cents for plastic bottles! Plus, they separate all their trash; bio (organic waste), paper, plastic, glass (separated by color), and metals all have a place!
- Public transport – you can get nearly everywhere on Europe’s seamless and endless metro, train, add bus systems, and for relatively cheap!
- On the transportation note, the cars in Europe are typically all about functionality. Why use a gas-guzzling truck or hummer or other large car when you don’t need it?
- Another transportation note: the German autobahn and general lack of enforcement on the road. Having speeding and traffic cameras and police that set speed traps is just not cool. There are hardly any problems on the roads in Germany and the people are happier!
- German food. Sausage, bread, potatoes, sour kraut, mmmmm. Plus nearly everything is organic now!
- The drinking age. Everyone was thinking it…
- Beautiful, historic buildings, EVERYWHERE!
- Ease of access to so many other countries, cultures, and just beautiful places in general!
- The metric system. Really, everyone else uses it.
I could continue, but I should move on so that America doesn’t feel too bad…
America (Arizona specifically) Pros:
- Mexican food!
- Peanut butter. Germans don’t seem to eat it, so its impossible to find anything good…
- You don’t ever have to pay for bathrooms
- It is such a diverse place, socially and environmentally. Just a couple hours drive will take you from beautiful desert to beautiful, pine-covered mountains.
- My friends and family live there
- Everyone speaks a language I can understand?
Well, I didn’t take many photos this week, but here’s one from (probably) one of the last breweries I will visit in Germany:
Germany 2015 