24. No shortage of Chocolates
It's everywhere in every shop and corner, you can find chocolates. Not a big fan of German chocolates but they sell chocolates from all over the world. Never thought I would hear myself say this, but I am actually sick of it right now, (I know can you believe?!?) but I guess too much of a good thing can leave you not craving it anymore (or just fat).
Saturday, April 18, 2009
21. Thermal Baths and Spas
These suckers are everywhere, some hotels even have saunas and spas, the Europeans love them. We went to the biggest thermal bath in Germany, called Erding, this place was massive. In Baden-Baden, they have 2 of the nicest thermal baths, Caracalla and Friedrichsbad, the first one is modern with natural, thermal waters the second, you have to go naked (wasn't too keen on that one!) what's up with all the nakedness here.!?!? sorry had a relapse. Although you'd have to read my other blog ("100 reasons why I hate Germany" to understand) Beware, that certain parks in Germany have naked sunbathing too, ok I guess a positive if you're into that stuff.
These suckers are everywhere, some hotels even have saunas and spas, the Europeans love them. We went to the biggest thermal bath in Germany, called Erding, this place was massive. In Baden-Baden, they have 2 of the nicest thermal baths, Caracalla and Friedrichsbad, the first one is modern with natural, thermal waters the second, you have to go naked (wasn't too keen on that one!) what's up with all the nakedness here.!?!? sorry had a relapse. Although you'd have to read my other blog ("100 reasons why I hate Germany" to understand) Beware, that certain parks in Germany have naked sunbathing too, ok I guess a positive if you're into that stuff.
19. You are a celebrity here
So, if you tell them you come from L.A. you will get the ooohing and ahhhing. They really like anything from the States, you know Hollywood, movies, Ed Hardy, Polo stuff like that. They dream about going there and they really think that if you're in LA, you'll run into celebs, drive convertibles along Malibu, and see Paris Hilton in the clubs, but wait you really do!
So, if you tell them you come from L.A. you will get the ooohing and ahhhing. They really like anything from the States, you know Hollywood, movies, Ed Hardy, Polo stuff like that. They dream about going there and they really think that if you're in LA, you'll run into celebs, drive convertibles along Malibu, and see Paris Hilton in the clubs, but wait you really do!
16. Stylish 'Ol Ladies
Ok, they're not that old but, some middle-aged German women especially in the big cities I have to say are very well dressed. I think it's a European thing, when they get dressed, it's full on scarves, coiffed hair, makeup, matching shoes, bags the whole nine yards. I have to respect them for that especially on the cobblestones! No, juicy sweats here!
Ok, they're not that old but, some middle-aged German women especially in the big cities I have to say are very well dressed. I think it's a European thing, when they get dressed, it's full on scarves, coiffed hair, makeup, matching shoes, bags the whole nine yards. I have to respect them for that especially on the cobblestones! No, juicy sweats here!
15. It's a nice place to visit
No, really for a few days, or weeks it can be pretty nice, there are some really cool towns like Hamburg, Berlin, Munich. The big towns are great, haven't made it to Berlin but I heard it's a site to see, especially after the Berlin Wall. I heard it's very free, very artsy, I'm looking forward to ck it out. Hamburg was so nice, quite a huge contrast from extreme wealth to seedy red-light district. But the seafood was delicious and with all the waterways and modern architecture, quite a place to visit. Munich is charming and is my saving grace here, the biggest city next to me so I go quite a bit, very expensive though, one of the most in Germany to live.
No, really for a few days, or weeks it can be pretty nice, there are some really cool towns like Hamburg, Berlin, Munich. The big towns are great, haven't made it to Berlin but I heard it's a site to see, especially after the Berlin Wall. I heard it's very free, very artsy, I'm looking forward to ck it out. Hamburg was so nice, quite a huge contrast from extreme wealth to seedy red-light district. But the seafood was delicious and with all the waterways and modern architecture, quite a place to visit. Munich is charming and is my saving grace here, the biggest city next to me so I go quite a bit, very expensive though, one of the most in Germany to live.
14. Breakfast included
One really nice thing about Europe is that many hotels include a very nice breakfast. These are not the continental types we have in the States, but many are really satisfying incl. eggs, meats, cheeses, asst breads, muesli, coffee/tea etc. It's a nice plus when you're traveling.
One really nice thing about Europe is that many hotels include a very nice breakfast. These are not the continental types we have in the States, but many are really satisfying incl. eggs, meats, cheeses, asst breads, muesli, coffee/tea etc. It's a nice plus when you're traveling.
13. They are loyal
We have a very dear German friend we met in Baden, she was so nice to us, she adopted us and was like our mom. She told us, Germans are hard to get to know, but once they let you in, you will have a friend for life. They also mean what they say, no joking and flaking here, when they say something they mean it. None of this, "hey let's do lunch" and never hear from them again here...
We're still working on meeting some friends here, hasn't really happened but we're trying, let us in!! haha
We have a very dear German friend we met in Baden, she was so nice to us, she adopted us and was like our mom. She told us, Germans are hard to get to know, but once they let you in, you will have a friend for life. They also mean what they say, no joking and flaking here, when they say something they mean it. None of this, "hey let's do lunch" and never hear from them again here...
We're still working on meeting some friends here, hasn't really happened but we're trying, let us in!! haha
12. The Home of Beemers, Porsches, Benz and Audis
Yes, this is the birthplace of these babies and they are everywhere. They even have museums and car shows, and a dealership in every major town. You will see them as taxis, on the autobahns whizzing through, and even special models that you don't see in the states. If your into cars, this is the place, I can't tell you how many auto shows are on t.v. I heard they even have test courses to rent these babies on a race track, it is expensive but where else can you race one of these at 240 km/hr?
Yes, this is the birthplace of these babies and they are everywhere. They even have museums and car shows, and a dealership in every major town. You will see them as taxis, on the autobahns whizzing through, and even special models that you don't see in the states. If your into cars, this is the place, I can't tell you how many auto shows are on t.v. I heard they even have test courses to rent these babies on a race track, it is expensive but where else can you race one of these at 240 km/hr?
11. My husband's job is great!
He really loves his job, his bosses are super nice and the colleagues are cool too. They also have the coolest cafeteria in the building and everything there is $3.50 Euros every day! Really, I can't believe how cheap and good that place is. Sometimes I go and it's better than a restaurant, an entree and salad for $3.50? Now, that's a huge bargain in Germany and it's cheaper than me cooking! Plus, no dishes, nice!
He really loves his job, his bosses are super nice and the colleagues are cool too. They also have the coolest cafeteria in the building and everything there is $3.50 Euros every day! Really, I can't believe how cheap and good that place is. Sometimes I go and it's better than a restaurant, an entree and salad for $3.50? Now, that's a huge bargain in Germany and it's cheaper than me cooking! Plus, no dishes, nice!
10. Spotless Pay Bathrooms
Remember the pay bathrooms I wrote about? Well, lemme tell you they are freakin clean. I mean there is a bathroom attendant full time collecting your change and wiping that seat after you, sometimes mop in hand as soon as you leave the stall. Sometimes, I hear they still wipe,while you're in the bathroom (men's bathrooms) haha!
I was in a public free bathroom (very seldom do these exist, but they do) and it was not much better than the gas station bathrooms in the States, Eeeeeww! So, maybe the 50 cents is really worth it...
Remember the pay bathrooms I wrote about? Well, lemme tell you they are freakin clean. I mean there is a bathroom attendant full time collecting your change and wiping that seat after you, sometimes mop in hand as soon as you leave the stall. Sometimes, I hear they still wipe,while you're in the bathroom (men's bathrooms) haha!
I was in a public free bathroom (very seldom do these exist, but they do) and it was not much better than the gas station bathrooms in the States, Eeeeeww! So, maybe the 50 cents is really worth it...
9. Tax is included
Ok, so the meal costs 10.50 it's 10.50 no adding any more tax or tip because sometimes they are both included in the price. Whatever the price is marked that's the price and the 20% tax is already included. Even though you're paying 20% tax, you don't see it, so it doesn't hurt as bad I guess...
Ok, so the meal costs 10.50 it's 10.50 no adding any more tax or tip because sometimes they are both included in the price. Whatever the price is marked that's the price and the 20% tax is already included. Even though you're paying 20% tax, you don't see it, so it doesn't hurt as bad I guess...
8. Less Tipping
It's true a little shock for me, from used to tipping 15-20% in the States, but you don't have to do that here. It's a little weird still but you round up to the next Euro and 10% is really good. You will be shocked when you give them 50 cents and they are thanking you like mad. Crazy.
It's true a little shock for me, from used to tipping 15-20% in the States, but you don't have to do that here. It's a little weird still but you round up to the next Euro and 10% is really good. You will be shocked when you give them 50 cents and they are thanking you like mad. Crazy.
7. Lots of Nature
Every where you go, even in big cities, very close by they will have parks, nature retreats, forests. They are really into nature here and day trips and exercise. I couldn't believe how healthy these grandmas are riding their bikes around. Really, 80 year old grannies with toned legs, I think they live longer here and no wonder, exercise.
Every where you go, even in big cities, very close by they will have parks, nature retreats, forests. They are really into nature here and day trips and exercise. I couldn't believe how healthy these grandmas are riding their bikes around. Really, 80 year old grannies with toned legs, I think they live longer here and no wonder, exercise.
6. Socialized Healthcare System
I wouldn't say free but it does come out of the taxes you pay but if you get sick here, you are definitely covered. We watched the movie "Sicko" few months ago and I gotta say, if you don't have health insurance in the States, you are really dead (no, literally). Here, it's free, you can go to any doctor in the public system and I hear dental is covered too. Not bad, not bad. And I did find a really nice english speaking doctor, he is very nice.
I wouldn't say free but it does come out of the taxes you pay but if you get sick here, you are definitely covered. We watched the movie "Sicko" few months ago and I gotta say, if you don't have health insurance in the States, you are really dead (no, literally). Here, it's free, you can go to any doctor in the public system and I hear dental is covered too. Not bad, not bad. And I did find a really nice english speaking doctor, he is very nice.
5. Things are very organized
Better infrastructure I would say compared to let's say France or Italy. Because people are a little more uptight and good with the rules, the streets are well paved, organized, good freeway system. I heard it's a mess in France and Italy, things never get done over there, really hard to drive in France even with a Navi.
Better infrastructure I would say compared to let's say France or Italy. Because people are a little more uptight and good with the rules, the streets are well paved, organized, good freeway system. I heard it's a mess in France and Italy, things never get done over there, really hard to drive in France even with a Navi.
4. Dr. Haushka is really cheap
Ok, so this is the one thing I found cheaper here and was totally overpriced in the states. It's a German, natural beauty product line with face creams, toners, masks and they are about 50-75% cheaper than the States, I couldn't believe how overpriced and overhyped it is in the States. You know Jennifer Aniston uses it, other celebs etc..It's available in most drugstores, cool huh? smile smile, I'm really trying...
Ok, so this is the one thing I found cheaper here and was totally overpriced in the states. It's a German, natural beauty product line with face creams, toners, masks and they are about 50-75% cheaper than the States, I couldn't believe how overpriced and overhyped it is in the States. You know Jennifer Aniston uses it, other celebs etc..It's available in most drugstores, cool huh? smile smile, I'm really trying...
2. Places I've Traveled To:
Venice, Vienna, Graz, Strasbourg, Nancy, Alsace, Denmark, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Chiemsee, Schloss Neuschwanstein, Prague, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Barcelona, Valencia, Peniscola Spain...
I know that's really sweet right? I wouldn't have been able to do all that if I was in the States, I know I'm trying to keep positive here.
Venice, Vienna, Graz, Strasbourg, Nancy, Alsace, Denmark, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Chiemsee, Schloss Neuschwanstein, Prague, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Barcelona, Valencia, Peniscola Spain...
I know that's really sweet right? I wouldn't have been able to do all that if I was in the States, I know I'm trying to keep positive here.
1. Trips Around Europe
Being in Europe, you can easily (ok it's not that cheap, but it's cheaper than from where you are!) go to Paris, Rome, Berlin and skip around Europe for a reasonable price. You may even find some Ryan Air (it's like Southwest Airlines w/out the singing stewardessess) for 30 Euros or something, but the catch is you have to book way in advance and pay the $50 Euro tax. :)
Being in Europe, you can easily (ok it's not that cheap, but it's cheaper than from where you are!) go to Paris, Rome, Berlin and skip around Europe for a reasonable price. You may even find some Ryan Air (it's like Southwest Airlines w/out the singing stewardessess) for 30 Euros or something, but the catch is you have to book way in advance and pay the $50 Euro tax. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)