I was fortunate to be able to travel to Germany and the Czech Republic the past few days. I saw Berlin, Dresden, and Prague. While there to watch Team USA (and my son) play in a hockey tournament for Team USA I found these things interesting:
- Europeans can be just as rude as anyone in Hugo!! As examples: One taxi driver in Dresden refused to take us to the hotel because we didn't speak German. One waiter in the Czech Republic told one of our friends to "Just go sit down" when the friend was trying to order a beer!!!!
- Europeans can be just as friendly as anyone in Hugo. At a bonfire in Dresden, I had about a 1-hour conversation with a woman and her daughter. They spoke almost zero English; I speak almost zero German. But, we made it through (with the help of beer and hot wine).
- Roundabouts there are HUGE. There are complaints in Hugo, Forest Lake, and other spots about how much land roundabouts take up. But, our roundabouts are nothing compared to theirs.
- Their beer is better. Way better, not even close.
- They drive crazily on the streets but strictly follow the semaphores. There's apparently. zero tolerance for yellow lights -- you stop no matter what. But, on the streets they're maniacs -- a lot of cutting other drivers off, high speeds, and, unlike Canada or Sweden, they'll dare you to walk across the street in front of them.
- They love big, open squares in their downtowns. They're not a great use of space I'd say, but it was enjoyable to have a cup of coffee in the sun and watch the Europeans walkabout.
- Their architecture is historical and beautiful. I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but their buildings are magnificent. Architecturally stunning I'd say.
- The trains are useful, but you might end up in a super cramped car with strangers. And, the trains are not made for today's luggage. If you travel light, no problems. If you have 3 suitcases, you might have a problem.
