Mike's Ramblings

In our discussions, it was interesting to note how Germans (and I think many Europeans) have such a different attitude about things than we do in the US. There are things like the fuel prices, which include a hefty amount of tax, which is basically an accepted cost of living. If the price of fuel came anywhere near $5 per gallon in the U.S., Americans would have an absolute fit. In Germany, they've got an incredibly complex recycling system, where practically everything is separated out and recycled; despite the complexity, the Germans are fanatical about making sure everything is put into the proper container for pickup. In my neighborhood, if it's more complex than a garbage bin and a general recycling bin, it just gets tossed. In Germany, driving is quite intense; the Germans expect you to focus 100% on driving your car. Using a cell phone while driving is forbidden. In California, drivers seem to think that control of the car while driving is a distraction; I've seen men shaving, women putting on makeup, and folks in general reading, eating, and talking on the phone as they're doing 80 mph down the freeway. And yet when it comes to smoking, Germans seem to be quite comfortable continuing to do it despite the known danges. I've seen young teenagers puffing away, a guy playing soccer lighting up during his break, bicycle riders with a cig dangling from their mouth as they ride by, and so on, and so on. In our discussions during dinner with the neighbors, they practically encouraged my aunt to smoke in the house, even though neither of them smoke. In California, such a thing would be unthinkable when visiting non-smoking neighbors. It seems quite odd to be so intense about recycling, about driving responsibly, and then to be so lax about smoking.

After so much discussion, I've started to actually think in German again. I still have trouble finding the right words to talk about more involved subjects like politics and technology (or even the weather), but for simple phrases I'm doing pretty well.

I'd better get to bed; it's getting late. The meal was great, but I've eaten way too much; I am so disgustingly full, I don't think I'm going to sleep very well. Tomorrow, I want to do a little sightseeing around Krofdorf-Gleiberg, the little village near the house, and I want to check out the old castle ruins at the top of the hill.

Interior of Christa and Dieter's Modern Home	View of Gleiberg castle ruins from Christa and Dieter's living room