Last Saturday, the weather was nice, and I had no big plans. I felt a little homesick, because anything I’d usually do on such a day was out of reach. I grew up in Karlsruhe, Germany, and I’ve been interning at Olmstead Williams Communications for the past few months. I’ll be leaving in March. Throughout the time I’ve been here, I’ve really become aware of the differences between my first home and this temporary one. Germany is not fundamentally different from America, but it’s the little things and habits that set us apart. And out of all those little things that I miss, they can add up. So here’s a list of 5 of those elements I have missed from my home country.
SOCCER
On Saturday afternoons, Germans watch Bundesliga, the national soccer league. Soccer is the most popular sport in Germany, and — as most sports — it’s not always about the game itself, but it’s about the atmosphere; it’s about leaning back, hanging out with your friends and amicably insulting opposing teams. People watch it at home, in their favorite pub, or, when the weather is nice, in a beer garden. Beer gardens are like an outdoor brewery or bar, where people share big tables and have a Beer, Radler (beer with lemonade), or Apfelschorle (apple juice with carbonated water – very refreshing!). These beer gardens are a homegrown German concept and one of the best locations to watch soccer or just hang out.
FOOD & DRINKS
I’m not trying to promote German clichés, but I have to admit that I miss the beer. A good Hefeweizen (a yeasty beer brewed with wheat) and a real German pretzel are simple foods but taste heavenly. Due to its large number of Turkish immigrants, Germany also has an excellent fast food option that has yet to be found elsewhere called the Döner: flat bread (similar to a gyro) stuffed with chopped veggies, meat and yogurt dressing. This treat — you can also get a vegetarian option with falafel or cheese — has become one of the most popular meals, especially as a midnight snack, among young people.
MY BIKE
I’ve spent a lot of my recent life in Freiburg, Germany. It’s a small town, and I ride my bike everywhere. Apart from being cheap, Eco-friendly and relatively safe, a bike is the most practical way to go somewhere. In Freiburg, it seldom takes more than 15 minutes to go somewhere by bike, which is quick compared to my 1-hour commute in L.A. While L.A. has much to offer, it’s a sprawling city, and it’s difficult to get around. Maybe I just don’t miss the bike; maybe I also miss the size of Freiburg.
COST OF LIVING
Apart from clothing and electronics, everything is more expensive in the U.S. — especially groceries. Also, the sales tax is already included in the price of an item in Europe, which I find very practical. Here’s an example: If I went out for a drink with my friends at home, then I would pay an average of $4 for a large beer and $7 for a cocktail (sales tax included), and I would leave a 5-10% tip. In L.A, the drink would be more expensive to begin with (at least $8 for a beer, sales tax not included), and I would leave a 20% tip — not to mention trying to convince the staff that my German ID is not fake!
HOLIDAYS
This is the second year in a row that I’m not at home for Christmas, and I’ve really missed it. The entire month of December is special in Germany. We have treats in our advent calendars; we celebrate St. Nick’s Day; we bake Christmas Cookies and drink Glühwein (hot red wine with spices); we have Christmas markets; and we decorate wreaths with four candles –- one for every Sunday leading up to Christmas. Finally, we unwrap our presents on Christmas Eve. You don’t realize how much you miss the little elements of holidays until you’re without them.
I guess it’s just 10 more months until the next German Christmas frenzy. Meanwhile, I had a great time experiencing the American holiday season, and I have rather enjoyed the turkey, cranberries, ham, eggnog and plum pudding that go with it. And this isn’t to say that I’m not enjoying my time in L.A.; on the contrary, I’m loving it, but when you’re gone from home for so long, you start to realize that your culture has had an impact on you — usually through the elements of life that go unnoticed. Check back soon for the five reasons while I miss Los Angeles in March.
