Cultural differences

By Kelly Enright

Imagine waking up one morning and not having your normal bowl of cheerios. Well recently I experienced that. But not only were my cheerios missing, so was my car, my air conditioning, and even ice for my drinks! Guess what -- that’s what studying abroad is all about. In only the last four days I have experienced so many things outside of my comfort zone I never would have allowed to happen in the States.

Here are a few of the differences Mary and I jotted down during dinner tonight. Hopefully they will help you see into our own German experience.

1. Public Transportation: Everyone uses it. If not, they own a Mercedes, BMW, or small “Smart” cars comparable in size to golf carts. You will need to study the transportation system in detail for many weeks before you arrive, and a doctorate in German transportation wouldn’t hurt. Unless you want to sleep on the street, and that isn’t uncommon. (Munich is a big metropolis, after all.)

2. White asparagus (a.k.a. “Spargel”): It’s currently in season in Germany and is the main dish at every German restaurant. You have to try it. It is actually rather tasty. And by tasty, I mean good tasty, not tasty as in weird foreign stuff I can’t even pronounce.

3. Healthy food: Germans are much healthier than Americans in general. They walk everywhere. And the places they can’t walk to, they either bike to or ride a train to and then walk the rest of the way. Although it seems like they eat more carbohydrates, their lifestyle appears to burns them off, unlike that of Americans, who order delivery from the couch. I noticed at dinner that most of the dishes weren’t filled with the normal double portions of noodles with two pieces of bread and a side of potatoes. From what I’ve seen, Germans include a serving of protein, vegetables, and carbs at each meal. Why can’t Americans catch onto this trend? Probably because we are too lazy to even try it. I know, that couch is comfy.

4. Native language: Although I have studied German, I realized through the other members of the group how hard it really is to study in a country where you don’t speak the language. When someone can’t find the restroom or even order a glass of water, they feel helpless. Mary, our resident German speaker, has saved us many times from finding a table for eight (with menus in English) to helping us figure out that the tram was delayed because of a car accident (if not we would have continued standing for another 20 minutes, if not more!). I am so relieved that I know enough German to get by. If you plan on traveling abroad I recommend at least getting that little “German for Dummies” book and listening to the CD. Anything can help. Especially if you have to pee.

5. Punctuality: Germans are NEVER late. Ever. Apparently in the United States, we feel that if someone says we are supposed to be there at 9 a.m, he is just joking, because really, 10 a.m. is better. Well, the Germans don’t play games with punctuality. They are ALWAYS on time. Always. One night we were lucky enough to be invited to a film premier at the TV and Film University we are currently partnered with. We arrived about three minutes late, and the entire theater was being held up for us. After being rushed in and stared at, the director’s opening speech starting within 30 seconds. How embarrassing! So when you travel, learn the customs because it is embarrassing enough to be late, but much worse when your hosts are usually early.

6. Shopping: Today was my first shopping excursion in Munich. Besides the fact that I walked a complete circle for 15 minutes before I realized it, I had quite an interesting experience. Whitney and I ventured though Marienplatz, which is the popular shopping area. They have stores ranging from the local bakery to Swarovski and Cartier. I quickly realized that the majority of the stores were very high-end. And there were lots of them. Usually two or three of the same store within two blocks. The population of Munich is very rich, and the shopping culture accommodates them. In South Carolina, we have an Eckerd every few blocks, not United Colors of Benneton or Armani. I’ll just wait to shop until I reach the next Target.

7. Restaurant service: As a server at Ruby Tuesday, I work my butt off every shift. From filling up water glasses to bringing out food and the check, our guests expect everything to be perfect and on time. Well in Germany you’re in for quite a change. Instead of that 30-minute in-and-out meal, plan for a two-hour excursion. Although you may be seated promptly, you will wait at least 10 minutes before even approached by your server. Now there is a difference because the servers in Germany receive a reasonable salary, which is much more than the $2.13 an hour in the States. In Germany, they take their time meandering amongst their tables, taking your order and bringing out your food as they like. So sit tight, and if you’re hungry, eat before you come, because you are here for the long haul.

8. “Cigarettes, sir?”: Have you ever been eating peacefully, and had a man walk up carrying a stack of newspapers, or perhaps a bag full of cigarettes? Well, in Germany this is the norm in restaurants. People are allowed to attempt to sell whatever they please. And it’s legal. Now isn’t that interesting.

9. Hurry up and eat! You know how much it stinks when everyone’s food is at the table except for one person? And then you have to wait while their food gets cold? Well this is not the case in Germany. Whenever your food arrives, you are expected to eat it. Tonight, I was the last person, by probably about 15 minutes, to receive my food. And this is normal. Now while I watched the first person finish their food, I was still waiting … and waiting. But I suppose it makes sense. If your food is hot, why not eat it?

Well, I hope these few observations have given you some small insight into the German culture, and why it’s so interesting to spend time in country other than your own. As I notice more cultural differences, be sure I’ll keep you posted, so keep checking the site. Gute Nacht!