As much as I love Texas - Europe sure is a great place to visit!

[Father Heathen]

You know this kind of thinking is what people dont like about americans.
"our ways are the best ever!"
Germany is not the USA. When in rome do as the romans.

The chinese literaly spit out bones during dinner. Thats not bad manner its different.

Dont expect the whole world to be like Indiana.
After all germans have to let it pass when the americans invade their personal space when they visit the USA.

of course there are cultural differences, but it crosses the line when it comes to grabbing and shoving complete strangers (doing that over here will get you punched). It's inconsiderate of others and no one should ever have to tolerate a strangers hands on their body against their will, regardless of culture.

Also, give an example of how Germans have their personal space invaded when visiting the U.S? (differences in hygienic standards tend to keep people a good distance away from European tourists)

 

[Flankerl]

of course there are cultural differences, but it crosses the line when it comes to grabbing and shoving complete strangers (doing that over here will get you punched). It's inconsiderate of others and no one should ever have to tolerate a strangers hands on their body against their will, regardless of culture.

Yes in the USA.

Also, give an example of how Germans have their personal space invaded when visiting the U.S? (differences in hygienic standards tend to keep people a good distance away from European tourists)

Like i already wrote its different. From the German point of view it is not friendliness to talk to random strangers, it is bothering them and they feel awkward in situations like that. It is just that the German personal space bubble works on a different level. Not physical, but psychological. They need their personal space to retract just as you do, but since they have been growing up in a culture where you spent your whole life in school elbow to elbow with another kid at a shared desk it is not physical space, it is silence and a kind of standby-mode.

For example scandinavians are even more reserved. And in some parts of england its the same.

 

[Kathryn]

You know this kind of thinking is what people dont like about americans.
"our ways are the best ever!"
Germany is not the USA. When in rome do as the romans.

This isn't strictly an American trait. Google "Travel tips for visiting the United States" and you will find all sorts of articles for people coming to the US explaining our different ways - as if they are "weird" and "unusual" just because they are different.

Many Germans are just as contemptuous of American ways as you seem to think Americans are of their ways. Which, by the way, I'm not. It's just different - and TRUE. They ARE different from us, and in some ways I like it and in some ways I don't. The exact same thing could be said for a German perspective of American behaviors. Your post proves this, by the way.

After all germans have to let it pass when the americans invade their personal space when they visit the USA.

Hmmm, I stayed in hotels and used a rental car. I don't really consider this "invading anyone's personal space." When I made my comment about "personal space" it was in reference to people literally shoving and pushing and cutting in line, as well as tailgating in traffic. Oh, and knocking kids to the floor to get pastries at half price. Which, in any country, seems to be a bit over the top.

No not crazy yanks. You just have a different personal space.

Germany is smaller and more crowded than the USA. That changes the personal space from the ground.

You show the signs of an expat who just cant handle differences.

I understand about the smaller, more crowded country. I have, after all, lived there, and go back fairly regularly to visit.

I think this OP makes it pretty obvious that I love Germany and have a lot of respect for much of German culture and the German people in general. If I didn't, I wouldn't spend thousands of dollars and most of my vacation time voluntarily visiting.

I have some Belgian friends who regularly visit the US because they love it here so much. We have many frank discussions about the differences between the US and Belgium - both pros and cons. When they bring up trailer parks and people littering in the US, I don't assume that they just can't "handle differences" or that they don't love the United States (which they definitely do). It's just a discussion about the differences - and the US DOES have lots of trailer parks and people DO litter more.

Germans ARE more aggressive and DO push and shove in lines and DO drive like bats out of hell. They also keep their streets and cars and homes neater, and their bakeries are like little slices of heaven on earth, and they embody an overall expectation of excellence that I find refreshing and impressive.

Its not unsettling. You always have to drive on the right side of the road. If there is someone you want to pass you switch to the left lane and pass. After that you switch back.

I know this. I am very familiar with German traffic rules.

So you drove 180 kmh on the left lane? I have to laugh. There is always someone who is faster than you.

What's funny? We only used the left lane for passing. As I said, we're very familiar with "how to drive on the autobahn." I'm just discussing differences. To an American who is used to speed limits, it IS a bit unsettling to be driving 135 mph and to suddenly be tailgated.

I'm only discussing personal opinions and observations. I don't want Germany to be like the United States - and I don't want the United States to be like Germany. Differences make things interesting - and I am already looking forward to our next trip to Europe so that we can revel in the differences once again. We basically find the idiosyncracies entertaining - even the "negative" experiences like people who push us out of line or literally put their hands on our shoulders and move us so they can see something (and believe me, that is very odd to Americans. Note to Germans - don't try that in the United States!).

 

[Flankerl]

Oh, and knocking kids to the floor to get pastries at half price. Which, in any country, seems to be a bit over the top.

Well the answer to that is confronting the ******* and perhaps to shove and push back. Which is a good tactic considering the german personal space bubble. Also i have never witnessed a kid being shoved to side or even trampled over.

Germans ARE more aggressive and DO push and shove in lines and DO drive like bats out of hell.

I still have to disagree. Its not aggressive. Its just a different personal space.

And driving like bats out of hell? When i made my drivers license my driving teacher and i drove after 4 normal driving lessons on the autobahn. And then it was "Alisah gib gas/Alisah drive fast" and there i was on my fifth driving lesson on the autobahn at 160km/h.

Another major difference to the US and probably almost all countries on earth. In germany you learn and study driving.

 

[Kathryn]

Well the answer to that is confronting the ******* and perhaps to shove and push back. Which is a good tactic considering the german personal space bubble. Also i have never witnessed a kid being shoved to side or even trampled over.

Well, I have. But maybe they just do it to American kids. I don't know.

And no, I am not going to shove someone back generally. I will, however, hold my ground and look someone in the eye. It's generally effective.

Another major difference to the US and probably almost all countries on earth. In germany you learn and study driving.

Here in Texas high school students cannot get a drivers license without attending a long and comprehensive driving course. Just so you know.

 

[Flankerl]

Well, I have. But maybe they just do it to American kids. I don't know.

And no, I am not going to shove someone back generally. I will, however, hold my ground and look someone in the eye. It's generally effective.



Here in Texas high school students cannot get a drivers license without attending a long and comprehensive driving course. Just so you know.

I've seen cutting lines in front of kids but they also do it to adults so its nothing special.

Ah well the germans basically invented the staring but if it works its good.


Oh i know that there are differences in the various US states. I know that if you are from texas you can just exchange your drivers licence to a german one if you stay longer than... 6 months i think.
But there are US states were you basically are just asked: "is that a car?" "uh yes" "here is your drivers licence"
I think if you are from Indiana(also various other states) you have to take a written exam. But not the driving test to be able to drive in germany.
But if you are Montana(and some other states) you have to do a written exam and a driving test.


I wonder where my learning books for driving are...




Also dont get me wrong. All people who go to foreign countries and expect the country to be like their home are stupid and i dont like them. Its not just americans.

 

[Kathryn]

I agree with your last statement. I don't visit foreign countries and expect them to be like the United States - in fact, I would be dissappointed if they were. If I wanted to experience the US on vacation, I wouldn't spend so much time on uncomfortable airplanes - or so much money - going other places!

Next year - the Carribean! And it better not be at all like South Padre Island (even though I really like it there too....)! I'm thinking...St Lucia...

 

[Flankerl]

Hm the carribean. I'd like to visit the former netherlands antilles. Its basically the netherlands in the carribean. I mean how awesome is that?


Hm visiting the US. I'd have to go in secret. If word got out to my family i'd have to visit all of them...

 

[Kathryn]

You can come incognito. Have you ever visited the United States?

Come to Texas - the food is fantastic and there's a LOT of diversity and different types of terrain, cities, etc. However, don't come in the summertime. It's been over 100 degrees farenheit every day for weeks now, with no end in sight.

Thank God for air conditioning. Otherwise, I just don't think I could live here, no matter how much I love it!

Yesterday it was 40.5 degrees celsius here. Lord have mercy! It's been hard to adjust to after two weeks of jacket weather in Europe.

 

[Flankerl]

Its been some time since i visited the US, probably 14 years ago.

Well when i think about texas i see the desert. I know that there are forests in the hills but i need a good chunk of mountains during my holiday. Though i think that there are mountains in texas. But iam not sure if its nice to climb them if they are located in the desert.

 

[Valjean]

What were your impressions of the other regions you visited, Kathryn?

 

[Reptillian]

Its been some time since i visited the US, probably 14 years ago.

Well when i think about texas i see the desert. I know that there are forests in the hills but i need a good chunk of mountains during my holiday. Though i think that there are mountains in texas. But iam not sure if its nice to climb them if they are located in the desert.

Texas is interesting and all with its Alamo and the place Kennedy was assasinated, but you should visit South Dakota! We've got Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Black Hills National Forest. If that doesn't float your boat, you can always hop over to Wyoming and see Devil's Tower and Yellowstone, or Glacier National Park in Montana.

 

[Father Heathen]

I think if you are from Indiana(also various other states) you have to take a written exam. But not the driving test to be able to drive in germany.

In Indiana there are both written exams and road courses required for a licence.

Also, I can respect different cultures (as long as said cultures respect liberty and equality), but I find hostile physical contact to be uncivilized.

Some muslim countries will bury rape victims up to their neck and toss bricks at their head until they're dead for "committing the crime of adultery". Do you honestly think such a thing should be excused as a mere cultural difference?


Oh, and if you were to visit the U.S., don't visit Indiana, you won't be missing anything.

 

[Kathryn]

What were your impressions of the other regions you visited, Kathryn?

I love Belgium (well, the Flanders side of things) and the city of Ghent was a delightful surprise. I mean, it was absolutely beautiful, as was the Belgian countryside. The people were friendly too - very relaxed. Not quite as pristine as Germany, but it was a clean, pleasant place full of people who seemed more lively than some other central European populations.

Speaking of Flanders, though we didn't visit the Netherlands this time, I've been before and it seemed like a very placid place to me, full of rather large and tall people with broad faces and very calm demeanors.

Luxembourg was lovely. The people seemed reserved. Didn't spend a lot of time there though.

The Alsace Lorraine region of France was charming. Didn't have much contact with the locals because we were only there for one day. I've been there before though and the people were friendly - not as much so as the Belgians but similar to Germans, who seem overall to be blunt, but pretty cheerful and energetic - forthright and moderate when it comes to a balance between reserve and relaxation.

I have never been a huge fan of the Austrian personality - though I know that's a broad generalization. Overall, I prefer Germans to Austrians, though I'm sure there would be many exceptions to that rule if I lived there. Austria is interesting to me because it seems that as soon as you cross the border from Germany to Austria, things get a little crazier and more chaotic. But what isn't chaotic compared to the orderly cleanliness of Germany?

Those are my short and sweet impressions from both this trip and others. I'm sure others have different opinions - and that's OK.

 

[Flankerl]

Luxembourg was lovely. The people seemed reserved. Didn't spend a lot of time there though.

Well thats because they are basically germans.

I have never been a huge fan of the Austrian personality - though I know that's a broad generalization. Overall, I prefer Germans to Austrians, though I'm sure there would be many exceptions to that rule if I lived there. Austria is interesting to me because it seems that as soon as you cross the border from Germany to Austria, things get a little crazier and more chaotic. But what isn't chaotic compared to the orderly cleanliness of Germany?

Well austria is what happens to germans when they arent put together with the rest of the flock while being ruled out of the most ****** city in the history of the universe.

And dont you insult austria! Tirol and its people are magnificent! Basically the best place in the world. Forever!
No iam not biased....

 

[Kathryn]

Don't worry, sister, I'm not insulting Austria. I'm just making my own personal observations. If you visited Texas, you'd probably be shocked at the number of trailer parks, and if you commented on it, it would just be a realistic observation. I wouldn't take it to mean that you discounted everything great about the state of Texas! And there is plenty that is great about my state - and much that needs improvement. The same can be said for most places, I guess.

 

[Flankerl]

No Tirol is perfect. End of discussion.

 

[Revoltingest]

No Tirol is perfect. End of discussion.

I'll believe that only after I sample their BBQ.
Texas passes muster for food in my book.

 

[ninerbuff]

One reason I couldn't live in Europe...............smoking.

 

[Marble]

One reason I couldn't live in Europe...............smoking.

Nobody forces you to wear one.