Dear Diary,
So it’s been two weeks since I have arrived here and Germany, and now I think I’m starting to become German. Not only am I speaking German with people in school or at home, but I am also becoming accustomed to the German way of living. There are big differences here that make me either appreciate or dis appreciate America. For instance things here in Germany are closed on Sundays. While in America things are open, even if it’s for a small amount of time. This mindset of family and free time over the business of making money is so foreign to me. That I couldn’t buy groceries Sunday, because supermarkets aren’t open on Sunday and, therefore had to eat out. While in America the local Walmart is open 24 hours on Sunday. This inconvenience for the sake of the family is a double edged sword, because it provides many people in Germany a way to enjoy the weekends, something in America some people are unable to enjoy.
Another interesting thing I have experienced while living in Germany is the way people dry their clothes. Instead of putting pants and shirts in a drying machine, I have to hang my clothes and let them dry the slow and painful way. At first I found this to be a big problem. Since I, like all Americans, am used to putting my things in a really fast drying machine I’ve lost the convenience of American customs. But at the same time I understand why, one of the biggest lessons Germany teaches the world is energy conservation and environmental awareness. To save energy both my host family and Kapito don’t turn on or have Ac, everyone in Germany recycles, and everyone finds alternatives to driving. I’ve literally sweated in class because of it not having Ac, I recycle my water bottles at the local supermarket not only because I want to but there is a monetary reward everyone obtains when recycling, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many bicycles in one city my entire life.
In all I think that I’m really used to the continence America provides its citizens. Bring able to quickly dry clothes, drive anywhere you want, and shop/work on Sundays proves that it’s the little things you miss the most. But these little things in a menagerie also collide together to make big differences between Countries like Germany and the America.
It sounds like you are really taking advantage of the opportunity to be overseas because identifying and reflecting on differences you notice is a key part of studying abroad! Have fun!
-Becky, Summer Intern with International Programs
I also had to dry my clothes without a dryer. It didn’t occur to me that I might have to do this. I can now see why they air dry their clothing! It wasn’t bad at all!