A Final Entry from Janice

German flag welcoming us home in New Jersey

A favorite topic of conversation among our Ex-pat FedEx friends was the likes and dislikes of German and American cultures.  We compiled a list of favorite, and not so favorite things about our years abroad.

Top Ten Things I Will NOT Miss in Germany

Trying to decide if someone is just being rude or if there is a cultural difference I just don’t understand yet.
Smoking!!!
Lack of eye contact and lack of friendly hello’s as you walk down the street, shopping, or in the park.
The way people “police” others all the time!
Grocery shopping and checkout cashiers.
Being told things are “not possible”, without a second thought.
Lack of knowing how to queue, with manners.
Lack of help or common courtesy on trains and trams with suitcases and bags.
The German language, it is so difficult to learn!
Cloudy, dreary winter months.

Top Ten Things I WILL Miss

Ease of transportation.
Sundays, where nothing is open and the day is for outings, and social gatherings.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, and most of all, the flowers.
Bakeries and fresh bread!
Clean public bathrooms.
Civilized driving, where drivers follow the rules.
Cafes where you are welcome to linger with a wine or cappuccino.
Public spaces and city squares, both the number of them and size.
Sharing our experiences with visitors from home.
The FedEx camaraderie, which felt so much like a military squadron, where everyone depends on each other for fast friendships and shared common experiences! It was the best!

I was so very happy that the list of the things I will miss was far easier to compile than the other.  I think that reflects on all the wonderful, positive experiences that I will never forget.

'Willkommen' from our family! Happy to be home too!