just john

I finally stirred myself up enough to go downtown tonight instead of last night. I had done some research and picked out a few bar/cafes. Unfortunately, they were more like the U.S version of "The Alley" in Anderson or maybe a forth of the Casba, without the wine. Not much of a social scene there.

As I was driving into to town I was thinking about this whole "being in Germany" thing and just wondered how I would fit in if I had actually been born here. Both of my parents were college educated and all that crap, but society here is just different and I can't help but wonder. The PhD system is different and I have learned there are two different ways to become an engineer. One is basically tech school with no chance of pursuing an advanced degree and the other follows through a work study program, which is very good, and a practical study in industry for a doctorate, which I'm not entirely convinced on. The U.S. system requires a unique contribution to the field of study and a peer review. I believe, though I'm open to correction, that the German system does not require this. Rather, a practical study and published paper undersigned by a mentor. I think there are some extraordinarily accomplished and technically skilled German doctorates out there but also some real duds who may not have made it in the U.S. system.

Back to downtown Stuttgart...I grew up in a small city. Not a town, or municipality, or incorporated village, but a genuine city with a mall and theaters and everything. Tonight I went down a street of about 100 yards and was beckoned to the door of several establishments by "professional" women. Not what I'm used to. I'm still at a loss for a reaction. None at all? Am I supposed to say thanks, good evening but no? Everyone was nice but it's a big leap from Anderson and Piedmont unless I just don't know what streets to walk down. In between I could have eaten at what looked to be some pretty decent restaurants.

Tomorrow I'll try something touristy and do something I never thought I'd need to; put on the summer tires.

For those of you who do that sort of thing, I have changed the comment status to require a valid email address. Net bots have found this page and keep trying to advertise for Levitra and Walgreens Pharmacy. I would prefer not.