Have you ever been to Germany for longer times?

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cakes4africa

Yes, I have been in and out of Germany since 1976.
1976 I was in Bremen and Lilienthal for a year: I was fascinated with Germany, found it a lovely place, except that my parents-in-law were awful. Then I went to stay with my husbandÂ´s grandparents. They were plain simple folk with no allures. I loved them. In Bremen Nord it was lovely to ride bicycle, the warm shops in winter were nice. What I found difficult was the shops having closed doors although they were open. Also, in winter, it was difficult for me to go shopping in daylight at about 15.30 and to come out to find it pitch dark at 16.30! I also found that the people at in the late 70Â´s were very honest, more open and friendlier to me (except that because I came from South Africa, everyone expected me to be black, so I was a sensation in the town!!)
I found it difficult to communicate sometimes. Germans seem to have no imagination of what one is trying to say when one does not have the absolutely correct word. So, at a supermarket, when I needed a plastic bag, but did not know what it was called, the cashier stared at me like I was crazy when I asked for a "paket". Germany was also much cleaner way back then.
1983, back in Germany for 10 years this time: Delmenhorst in Niedersachsen. I still enjoyed Germany. Got on well with the shopping, buses, and driving on autobahns etc. Oma had passed away, so the only family I had was Opa, parents-in-law still wierd. I had many friends through the contacts that children and school bring on one. The amount of east Europeans were increasing, and there were many more Africans on the streets. The late Thursday shopping and the lange Samstag shopping were ok.
2002, back again in Germany. Germany has got dirtier, the streets are full of cigarettes stubs and chewing gum. All over one sees people spitting, yuck. I find the people colder, warier of a foreigner, not as open and friendly any more. I also see more Turkish and Africans on the street. A pity that a lot of the Greek restaurants have gone, and replaced by dÃ¶nerbuden. The youth are less disciplined, and the schools have deteriorated in their standards. I like the approach to environmental issues, even though German car manufacturers are not caring too much. The health system has become worse. People are not so honest anymore, and this has also taken its toll on medical care. There is graffiti on the walls, never noticed it before (in 1983 to 1993) The public transport is still good. So is cycling and driving. Although there are more rowdies on the roads than before. A lot of the big chain stores have closed down in the city. Many more discounters have sprung up everywhere. Prices are ok, but the shopping hours are terrible. One should be able to close the shops at 6pm like before. And families seem to have become disjointed through the extended working times everywhere. One hears of more neglected children and more crimes take place. The street lighting is also not bright, it is very scary when it gets dark.
Sorry, it got a bit longer than I intended..

Nekkra

I've been here, more or less, since 1989. I left for a couple years (not by choice) from '96-'98, but have been here ever since.

I love the mentality of the people here. I love the peace and quiet, being able to leave my front door open all day and not worry about some cracked out thug taking it as an invitation. You can walk down any street here in any city and not have to worry about some gang or gangster trying to rob you or just shooting you for being on the wrong side of the street. Germany is quiet and safe, for the most part.

What I don't like? Well, there isn't much. I don't like that there are no Waffle Houses here. I don't like that I can't run out to the store at 2am if I need something. And most of all, I don't like the way the dollar has taken a nose dive making my cost of living increase by 50%. But these are all things that I can live with.

Yan

I was Born in Berlin... I love this city and I think it`s the greatest city on Earth... Berlin is in my heart and I`ll never forgett it...

"Ick bin ein Berliner"

Yan.

PJ Morris

Yes, I spent a year in Hamburg (went to uni there) and loved it!!
What did I like most? - Well, the city centre is quite amazing and beautiful. It's particularly nice and relaxing around the Alster - preferably during summer....although all the Christmas Markets and the Christmas Tree ON the Alster are cool as well.
I remember that there were a good deal of clubs, bars and pubs in the "Schanzenviertel" (...I think that's what it was called...). The people were friendly and very open.
And then, last but not least, the language - I love German so much.
The things I didn't like are really not worth mentioning....I'd go back any time!

Greetings from Jolly Old England

spaceball_1

I was there for 2 weeks last fall. My brother in law is stationed there right now so it was a reason to visit my sister. We spent most of our time between Bavaria and the Black Forest. The food and the beer was awesome. And with the exception of the occasional language barrier the people were incredibly friendly. We will definitely be back one of these days!!!

ShlomoNYC

Hamburg is my favorite city ... travel there as often as possible.

I spent a semester abroad there in the early 80s. That time, I left because the semester was over and I had to get back to the US for school (actually I stayed about a month longer, as long as I could, and toured around a bit.)

I was in school at a Goethe Institut in Iserlohn, in Nordrhinewestfallen. But I traveled a good deal and I liked Hamburg a LOT.

Then, in the early 90s I went back with my husband for about 3 weeks because he was going to speak at a conference in Berlin. I LOVED Berlin. I could really see living there.

chevykitty84

I have i been here for almost two years.. my hubby is in the
US Army, who is also deployed right now. I love the fact that there is so much history here and the view is always amazing no matter where u go

The baby penguin

yes, I was born here and still live here, lol

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