'A'-king

I've been here for close to two weeks now and have begun noticing some differences between German and American culture.  Some of these things you literally won't believe.  For instance, people here speak using some sort of crazy, made up language.  They will look you right in your good eye and sputter the most bizarre, incoherent, and nonsensical sounds you've ever heard...and expect a coherent response.  I refuse to oblige.  On the other hand, many of these cultural differences are easily believable.  They are as follows:

1.  SHOES

I do not believe that Germans by definition have small feet, but I do know that they wear tiny shoes.  They all walk around in narrow soled, paper thin sneakers.  (Think two size too small, extremely worn out Sambas.)  This may be good for a soccer game, but for just plain walking around it must be awful.  I believe their thinking is, "Hey, a foosball (yes, that's what they call it) match could break out at any minute.  I need to be ready."  

2.  DIRECTIONS

German people ask for directions much more than Americans.  I've been here for 12 days and have already given blank stares to at least 7 different people.  I can't imagine how many times I would have been asked if I wore tiny sneakers and shirts without English writing.  

I was even asked directions in downtown Munich while trying to take a picture of some old building with a clock tower.  If focusing your camera upward in the most touristy part of the city doesn't scream "I don't know where anything is!" than I don't know what does.

3.  TIME

The Germans do not realize that it is not 1991.  They still zip up the yellow track jacket, lace up the Reebok Pumps, and throw Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em into the Walkman before heading out for a power walk. 

I wish that were true.  I really do.  But it's not.  They do still inline skate, though, so I think that's close enough.

4.  ACHING

They just can't say it.  I don't know if it's genetic or what, but they all say 'H'-ing, instead of...well you know how to say it.

These are the things that I have noticed so far.  I'll make sure to keep you updated as I delve farther into this exciting world of sauerkraut and oddities