frackledJJ
 |
They will live on base (most likely, because of the strong Euro), so there is a PX and other stuff on base that will provide them with what they know and love from home.
Going out grocery or clothes-shopping in Germany is different, and might be called a culture "shock". Most Germans by their groceries at so-called "Discount" stores, like ALDI, LIDL, NORMA,... if you have been to an "ALDI" in the states, it's basiclly the same as it is in Germany, though the products offered will differ a little. But the set-up and organisation will be the same. The other discont chains are not that different from the basic idea, though they have their own brand foods and stuff, an this chain store will have a better quality cheese or whatever than the other.
One-stop-shops like Walmart or stuff are more rare, and usually more expensive in everything, which is why they are not that popular.
There are mostly no big Malls like you will be used to, but instead you go shopping in the city centers, which is also where musicians, some beggars and loads and loads of people handing out pamphlets and trying to sell magazine subscriptions and stuff try to drum up money.
Big advantage: no food court, but instead there are cafes, "Döner"-stalls, "Bratwurst"-Buden, bakeries, ice-cream-shops, chocolate shops,... for the snack in between shopping. Of course there are now also coffee-shops, Subways, and the ever present McDonalds and Burger King.
No Wendys', D'Arby's, Taco-Bell and so on, though. at least not usually. I think there are one or two Taco-Bell in Germany now, but I am not sure.
Towns are not plastered with highways. Usually, or that's the way I feel about it, highways ("AUTOBAHN") is for going far distances, not for travel to the other end of town or the town 20 miles down the road. They will drive "cross country" on smaler strets a lot instead of using the Autobahn. The Autobahn is not the high-speed-heaven it is made out to be. About 50% of it are restricted by speed limits, and about all of the rest (carefull: sarcasm on my side! ;) is too busy to go any faster than 80km/h. If you can, though, going fast is fun - until someone behind you wants to go even faster. Than it's getting stressful! Overtaking other vehicles is strictly aloud on the left side. No taking over on the right lane! Big no!
Also, shop asisstants are usually few and far between, and not the "Hi! How are you? Can I help you with anything?" kind of bright smiles they are in the US. In a big clothes shop, expect them to shoot you mistrusting glances - you might want them to have to work by helping you... Unless their boss is there, that is...
In a bakery, a direct look into your eye or a searching "Der Nächste?" (=next?) will indicate that you will be served now. On the other hand, when they realize that your German might not be up to speed or even nonexistend, they will make all hell get loose to ensure you get what you want and are treated absolutely fair.
Their are loads more green/farmers markets than in the states. Germany is also famous for its many different kinds o bread and spreads and cold cuts, so dive in and try as much as you can.
Bread tends to need to be really chewed, so prepare for some sore jaw muscles in the first two weeks, if you switch to all-German bread completely. Also: try the different kinds of rolls, creasants, danish...
Muffins tend to be smaller and less fatty here, Donuts from here are simply not donuts for one who knows the original.
Other than that: Road signs are the same, street lights are white, not yellow, as are the markings on the roads. No stinking driven over skunks, which is a plus! Lots of great landscapes and old buildings...
Just come over, you will have fun! |
News
Travel Topics
Travel Forum Travel Directories
Dictionary 
Travel
Forum 
Germany 
No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
