Expat Life
One aspect of Grounded Traveler is what I call “putting down roots.” Being an expat is the expression of this aspect. Choosing to live in another culture from where I grew up was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. It has brought me some of the most amazing experiences. Despite which actually living that life is one of the most difficult things I continue to do. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here are stories of the expat lifestyle as I experience it. This is also where I observe my adopted culture. So there is a wealth of my thoughts about life in Germany here as well.
Are Germans Any Fun?
The German culture is known for order and efficiency. The stereotypes of well run train systems and high engineering pervade. But does this mean that the creativity and whimsy is gone from the Germanic culture completely?
Using German Numbers – A Travelers’ Guide
So how cultural can numbers really be, you ask? We learn them as a kid and just use them. Well there are differences on how things are presented and used in Germany. Here is a guide to them from an American expat’s point of view.
The Beautiful German Language
When you ask someone to list the most appealing languages, German is quite unlikely to be in that list. This is unfortunate. Perhaps it is not flowy and melodic like the romance languages nor as flexible as English, but there is an elegance in the perceived perversity.
Sleeping with Germans
Sleep is such a natural part of life. However it occurred to me that the aspect of sleep is part of culture as well. So sleep itself, the act of being unconscious and resting, I imagine, is pretty similar across the human expanse, but how they choose to do it, where and when does seem to vary. I have seen enough pictures of Japanese sleeping rooms to believe this, so I though I would look at my experience with Germans. They have a number of differences to what I grew up with in the US.
Hot Spa in a Cold Town
Sinking slowly into the hot water, I closed my eyes and let the cares of the day float away. It is so nice to have the thermal spas so close to Freiburg. Just a short ride out from town and in under 30 minutes from my desk I can be soaking in bathwater temperature mineral water. Especially since it has started to get darker and colder, I have made coming to the thermal baths my relaxation outing of choice.
Imker – Maker Of Things From Bees
Honey and bee related things are far more common in Germany that I experienced in the US. The Freiburg market has several stands at least from Imkereien selling honey in small and large bottle in tends of different sorts. Beeswax candles with their distinctive deep yellow color are also common. At Christmas Market time, the markets attract more stalls. The second soggy Saturday in a row I ventured out to the Christmas market and an Imker stall to sample the wares and see what the retail side of an Imkerei looks like.
Cheese on a Stick and a Bit of Munich
I am always on the look out for odd things. I have a pretty wacky sense of humor that is central to my personality. The oddball things are the most interesting to me, so I am constantly taking pictures of signs and odd foods. So I was so happy when I found Cheese on a Stick in the Munich train station. In a country where every time I mention spray cheese, I get a laugh, this is ironic and hilarious.
Is it really Expats versus Locals?
Many travel guides and blogs talk about getting to know the locals when you travel. As a expat though, it makes me rethink where is the line between an expat and a local. I like to feel what it would be like to live in a place. I like that the guy at the little breakfast bar notices when we don’t come around or that a waitress knows our order after only a few days. This is that sense of “home away from home” that I enjoy. Connections with locals can make you feel like you belong even when you obviously don’t.
