Observations

-Many, many people, young and old, smoke.  We read that the number of young women who smoke has doubled since the late 90’s, and that Germany has the highest number, per capita, of cigarette vending machines in Europe.  I thought Germans were smarter than that.  I also think of Germany as being very clean, but the number of cigarette butts on the sidewalks is appalling.

-Everyone rides bikes and no one wears a helmet.

-We could probably eat out at a different restaurant every night for the next six months and stay within a five block radius of our apartment.

-Beer is definitely the drink of choice – at lunch during a work day, after work in the office, at ten in the morning, while walking down the street, on the Underground, etc.  We recently registered with the city and the women who interviewed us had three cases of beer next to her desk.  The clerk next to her only had one case!  After tasting several kinds Gary concluded that all of the Helles are very good, but of course, the search will continue to verify that!  Also cheap, about 90 cents for a half liter at the grocery store.

-The hot water, whether it be shower or kitchen faucet is probably a tankless source.  Also, it is unlimited and very hot - 90 degrees C, with no warning about burns.

- Vinegar is 25% concentration, while in the US it is 4%.  We made the mistake of using full strength with three-bean salad and had to drain and rinse several times before it was edible.

-All beer and soda bottles have a Pfand or deposit of around .08 Euro.  Wine and other glass bottles do not.  Recycling bins are located on the street at various locations.  Bottles are returned to the store for refund of the Pfand.

-Prices at the grocery are comparable to the US, some cheaper and some more expensive.  Fruits and vegetables are very good quality, all but Grapes coming from Italy, Spain etc.  Peppers did come from the Netherlands, probably hothouse.

-The streets are lined with chestnut trees, mostly white blossoms but some pink.  The predominant flower now are lilac, which are in full fragrant bloom with white, pink, deep purple, and lavender blooms.

-The economy must be pretty good as we almost never see a vacant store-front.  At the same time, it is hard to see how some stay in business when it appears they have little inventory or you never see a customer in the store.

-Credit Cards are accepted almost nowhere.  Almost all stores accept EC Credit Cards - a German card.  We’re not going to get many frequent flyer miles in this six months!

-Homelessness doesn't seem to be a problem.  With a couple of exceptions, we have never been approached for money, or seen someone sleeping in the street or carrying their belongings.  No Salvation Army or Mission Kitchens.

(Gary and Denise)