First Impressions - Manners on the Bahn

Apologies for not having a Week 2 blog, but it's so hard finding time to do this and also attend classes, study and hang out with the host family - as most of us know! Instead I will write 2 blogs later on (but not today).

My first few days at Stuttgart were pretty good. The people I met were very lovely. But now, being week 3, my opinion has started to slightly change. Or maybe I'm just not looking at it through new eyes/"rose coloured glasses."

Just like with every culture, there are nice and not so nice people. But each new day, I seem to come across more and more grumpy people here, like the ones on the Bahns or in some stores.

The biggest thing I'm struggling with here is the concept of stopping at the red pedestrian sign, especially when a child is waiting to cross, in order to teach them the importance. But, you wait with those people, cross the road, get on the Bahn and they sit down. The next stop, an old lady will get on with a walking stick or shopping bags and nobody makes an effort to get up. I saw a woman waiting with her two children to cross the road, even though there were no cars. We got on the U-Bahn and she sat down with them, on the packed U-Bahn. At the next stop, a little old lady gets on and this woman doesn't stand up or tell her children to stand up. Instead, I gave up by seat, because this is what I do at home also. I just don't understand the concept of teaching children one thing, but not another which in a way is related to it!

Another difference that I have noticed between here and Australia is the rudness from shop assistants. They sit on a chair all day, yet they are rude and they don't even put your things in a bag for you. You have to do it all yourself, and they can't even smile and say "Hallo. Wie gehts!" I was a checkout chick for a few years and most of them would not have work in Australia.

The difference between Germany and Australia, that I wish Australia had, is the quality of the food here!! OMG I can't walk past a bakery or a shop without walking in. I have to confess the I enjoy food shopping here more than clothes shopping!! The minute I walk in, put my little coin into the trolley and walk down the aisle, I get goosebumps. I want to buy and try everything!! So many differente chocolates and breads and youghurts. Not to mention that alcohol is sold in shops here. If I loved here, I would become a fat alcoholic!

For now, the food positive outweighs the negatives, but we'll see how I go once I start putting more weight on :)

Bis später