Differences

Since arriving in Germany there have many differences (of course) that I thought you might find interesting. I have to admit many of these differences I have already come to love.


MY FAVORITE: Everything is so clean. You do not see litter or road kill. The day we flew into the airport, I went to use the restroom and there was toilet sanitizer spray on the wall beside the toilet. Last week Bob went with his dad about 4 hours away to help a lady move. They stopped at a gas station and he used the restroom (which you have to pay to use the restroom) and he said it was very clean. They came back through on the way home and used the same restroom and it was just as clean as the first time.

ROLLLADENS: Over the windows there are these heavy blind things on the outside of the window. You roll them down over the window and it cuts out ALL light. Very nice when you want to sleep in.

FAST FOOD: McDonald's here is a totally different experience. First of all, the food is so much better. It tastes so fresh. Even though our German is very bad, our order is always made the way we want it, because if you know me, I don't do onions. There are candles on the tables, and fresh flowers and candles in the bathroom. We have eaten at Burger King and KFC also (I know, I thought we were done with Fast Food, too!) and they also taste better. In every McDonalds there is a coffee shop and they serve your coffee in a real coffee mug and saucer!

GROCERY FOODS: When you buy milk here in Germany, you do not go to the refrigerator section. German milk is not refrigerated since they do not use the pasturizing methods that Americans use. Their eggs are the same way. The carton of eggs are sitting on a shelf near the can goods! Don't worry, everything is very healthy since Germans have stict standards of sanitation.

ICE and REFILLS: They do not serve ice in the drinks, and you pay for your refill (full price). The drinks are cold, but you do not get ice unless you request it - then you would only get a few cubes. The McDonald's here just recently installed refill machines and even an ice Machine, and to many Germans, refilling their Coke is a strange thing.

TAX: There is a 19% sales tax on everything you purchase. I almost choked when I heard that. The interesting and nice thing is that they include the tax in the price, so you really do not notice. The price on the item is the price you pay. But if you come and see us, they give non-residents a form every time you purchase something and at the airport customs, you are able to get all that tax money back.

There are many more, but I can't think of them at the moment. I think I will do a part 2 as I think of them. :)

Have a great day!!