Misc. cultural observations
Collectec over the last months....
- It is not uncommon for an opposite sex gym employee to walk through the men's locker room. It never really bothered me, but now I think it no longer surprises me.
- They do not sell solid deoderant here. Just sprays and roll-ons. I know, it's an American thing but I miss my stick deoderant.
- Clothes are cut slimmer here. I just bought an XXL shirt for length. It's still kind of snug and tapered at the waist.
- Germans must have small feet. Size 12 shoes are the largest standard size.
- I think nothing of getting in the left (merge lane) at stop lights and cutting back into traffic. They're required to let me in, and always do.
- I can hypothetically put modelling clay in my hair, sleep on it for two days, and end up looking fashionable.
- Drinking 2 liters of beer in 2 hours does have an effect on you.
- A female sales person reaching around from behind me and into the front pockets of the pants I just tried on to smooth them out is part of good service.
- I apparently look (or sound) Scandinavian.
- Opening the apartment windows once a day is usually part of the lease agreement.
-It is very easy to piss off the Americans who drive around with U.S. flag stickers on their cars by driving like everybody else. (heh heh)
Comments
So I guess you'll be buying "extra" stick deoderant while your in SC in May ??
Posted by: jodie | 04.05.07 20:53
Cultural observations from a different point of view:
- They tought me in my intercultural lesson to be careful when having a meeting with a female colleague: Don't close the door - this might be judged as sexual harassment.
- Solid deodorant makes you feel like having glue in your armpits. And the stains remaining on your T-shirt might be another reason for the marginal excitement about that stuff in Europe.
- In the meantime I switched from medium to small to prevent that clothes are fitting like a potato sack.
- I hope you will find appropriate shoes for your Lederhosn in your size. I have to admit, there is nothing to complain about here in the US.
- Pushing and pressing in daily traffic is really easy here in the US. Everybody is so forgiving with rowdily Europeans. Thank you!
- No comment on modelling clay due to lack of hair! Never had a need to try that.
- I wonder what the effect would be if I had two liters of Jack Daniels in two hours.
- A clerk reaching in your front pockets is not good service, it is simply disgusting!
- I wonder if it is part of the lease here to run the air conditioning every day.
- I see, you are geeting used to the local driving style and seem to enjoy it. The same happens to me right now. When I come back to Europe I will be a downright Sunday Driver! (heh heh)
Posted by: Ludwig | 06.05.07 00:36