Take Note

Since I’ve been here, I’ve been keeping a sort of list (imagine that…me, a list??) of things that I miss about America, as well as things that I love and will miss about Europe, or in some cases, Germany specifically. When my mom was here over Christmas, she helped me fine-tune the list with a new and fresh perspective, christening it the “Take Note” list. I figured I would share if with all of you now, and if you have any additions, feel free to comment!

Take Note, America: 

(what America needs to change)

+The train/tram/bus systems. I want to be able to hop on a train to Greenville if I feel like it.

+The windows that are virtually in every house/building/business here in Germany open two different ways. You can open it like a door on its hinges, or you can open it so that the top angles inward and lets in a nice draft of air (but not too much). They rock.

+More H&M’s.

+Christmas Markets in every town. So beautiful and fun.

+Dogs allowed everywhere. I’ve seen them in the grocery stores here. They can go everywhere. And if there is a building that doesn’t allow dogs (I’ve seen very few), they have a “doggy parking spot” outside with a place to tie them up while you run inside. (Quickly, please, as you shouldn’t leave your dog alone outside too long. Actually, I personally never would.)

+Recycling. The recycling here is on an unbelievable level. They recycle everything. You know how we have giant green trashcans and small recycling bins? Well, it’s reversed here. Their recycling towers over everything else, while their trash bin is smaller than our recycling bins. They also have a separate pick-up for compost. Come on, America, let’s get it together.

+Assigned seating at movies. I haven’t completely made up my mind whether this is a good thing or not. I think it needs an in-between. Like for movies that will possibly be sold-out, have assigned seating so you don’t have to arrive eight months beforehand to get a decent seat. The way they do it is like buying a concert ticket: when you buy your ticket, they show you the seating chart and you pick a seat.

+McDonald’s. I really don’t eat at McDonald’s that much, but when I do, I’d like them to look like the ones here. It’s like eating in a castle compared to the McDonald’s we have in the states.

+Separate Comforters on the beds. I think this one is just in Germany, but everyone has their own twin-sized comforter, so you always get your own. No more cover-hogging arguments = fewer divorces.

+Mercedes Taxis. I know that Europe pretty much has the monopoly on nice cars and it’s easier and cheaper for them to get Mercedes, but you’d think our Taxis could at least smell nice and have comfortable, clean (important word being clean) leather seats like the Taxis in Europe.

Take Note Europe:

(what Europe needs to recognize)

+Drink Prices. Quit making people pay more for their drinks than they do for their food. I don’t want to have to pay more for water than a regular drink and when I pay €2.50 for a Cola Light, I would like to get a bigger size than XXS. I will drink that before my meal even comes, and then I’ll have to order 3 more. Which brings it to €10 in drinks alone.

+To go along with drink prices...obviously, free refills would be appreciated with water, soda, and tea. I know they have fountain machines here, so there is no excuse for not having free refills. Except you’re just being mean. Also: ice. ‘nough said.

+FREE bathrooms. And if you’re going to charge people 50 cents – €2 to use the bathroom, don’t make them have exact change, too. Seriously, again, that’s just mean. Everyone here must have permanent UTIs from having to hold it all the time.

+Slow down and take a chill pill, people. We are not having a “Who’s the most stressed” contest. I thought Europeans were supposed to me more relaxed? Not in Germany. Also, learn to say, “I’m sorry”.

+Good Sushi. I miss you.

+Free sauces with meals. Again, don’t want to pay €1.50 for ketchup. It’s ketchup for crying out loud, not a port wine demi glaze. Oh, and add honey mustard to your repertoire.

+More Christmas Decorations. While the Christmas Markets here are lovely, people do not decorate their homes much for Christmas. It’s kind of sad.

 For the most part, there aren’t a whole lot of huge differences, but some things just smack me in the face in how different they are. I would say the biggest differences are the people and culture of all the different countries, but this is also the most interesting and rewarding part for me.

Again...if you have any other differences, comment below!