Ironies I've Noticed Since Living in Germany
Fitness and health are a high priority to almost everyone (walking or biking instead of driving, spending some time outdoors every day, eating fresh foods and rarely "fast-food"), but you haven't seen a piece of buttered bread until coming here where there's not enough butter unless it's been done 3 or 4 times. Not to mention that it seems every third person smokes. *cough*
We sort our garbage, pay more for gas and environment-friendly cars...but then there's the widely endeared Trabant, a GDR manufactured "car" that sounds like a weed whacker and burns more oil than gas.
Tradition is highly valued here in Germany, and it's more evident when talking to people than, say, being here for a traditional celebration like Christmas. But then the government seems to be incredibly liberal, not to mention the ads around town in which seeing a bare bum or topless woman is common.
A few centuries ago religion became systemized, with everyone belonging to either the Catholic or Protestant church by paying a regular church tax and by that having the right to be married and buried there. Despite this widespread "membership" though, sadly only a small minority believe in the dynamic power God has in their day-to-day lives and that he's not just someone waiting to strike them with lightning when they mess up.
Dropping a piece of trash on the ground (aka littering) in one of the parks in Dresden is really unheard of--these areas are clean and stay that way. Unfortunately however, it's very rare to see an owner cleaning up their dog's poop...watch your step. (Not to mention that there's about a dog to every fifth person...a lot of dogs.)
When you buy shoes here, expect to pay more up front but for a really nice high quality pair that are well worth the investment. Germans walk alot, and I get the impression that it's important to take good care of your feet. But then enter latest fashion trend: pointy-toed stiletto heels. You can find a wide selection at any shoe store. How a woman can walk more than 20 steps in those without then collapsing in pain is beyond me, not to mention how she can walk around on cobblestone streets...even I have trouble with that in flat shoes.
And finally, something that makes a bit more sense...
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear. (obviously) :)
5 comments:
It's rather funny to see these ironies of Germany life in written form... you took the thoughts right out of my head :)
Hee hee - amen to that. I'll add to that: Lack of "ice" in drinks (because it's "unhealthy" to drink something so cold) yet eating ice cream like it's going out of STYLE when it's hot outside. Oh - and has Dresden made this Doggie DNA Database thing a law yet? I almost peed my pants I laughed so hard when I read it :)
Steve, please restrain yourself. I don't think anyone wants to clean up after you. ;o)
Allison, the pointy stiletto heels have been a befuddlement to me recently, as well. Every time I see them, if I'm capable of a coherent thought, I think to myself, "WHY???" Aren't there enough problems in the world without adding wobbly women into the mix?
Nice pun on the gummy bears. ;o)
i read this post before i came and visited you and i thought they were interesting points. but i just read it again now that i'm back and it's funnier to me because i witnessed them all! haha! and steve brings up a good point about ice vs. ice cream! altho nothing beats gelato in venice and vienna...5 times! :P
Your ability to see the ironies of life has always been a talent. Keep on using it. Life is worth laughing at!
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