Thoughts on Germany

As I am leaving Germany now I wanted to pen down my thoughts on this country.

This is surprisingly my first visit to Germany. I have transited at Frankfurt airport many times but never entered the country. And I am glad I made the trip here.

It has been so different from what I imagined the country would be. I had such a different impression from what I have read online and what I heard from other people.

I first knew about West Germany when I was growing up. In primary school, I used to be crazy about football and the country I supported was West Germany. I used to watch their local football league matches on Sunday on tv and I watched them play and win the 1974 World Cup. I remember that was shown live and that was the first time Singapore telecasted in colour. Of course I could only watch it in black and white with my parents.

Back to my present trip which is now ending as I am at the airport.

The people are nice. Some of the most helpful and courteous people I have met in Europe. And they speak English everywhere. I remember going to France, Italy and Spain and I had so much difficulty communicating with people. No such problem here.

I had the best service anywhere in Europe. In the hotels, restaurants and in shops. The staff were pleasant, friendly and helpful.

They have good coffee and cafes everywhere. And the pastries are so good without being sweet. Open early some as early as 7 am. I have to mention the wonderful Lindt cafe in Frankfurt where I had a very good cup of coffee and dark chocolates.

The food everywhere was good. And not just sausages and schnitzels, which is what everyone told me would be the only thing I will find in Germany. Italian, Middle Eastern and even ordinary burgers were good and inexpensive. There was great chocolate everywhere, albeit Swiss ones, and so fresh.

I took the trains between cities. They were not always punctual in their arrivals but still I found it a more convenient way to get around without having to assert myself renting and driving a car

The taxis were the best anywhere. Clean, comfortable and spacious. The drivers were polite and friendly and knew their destinations well.

Every city I visited in Germany was clean. No vagrants or homeless people like in London, Paris or Rome. I felt very safe in Germany. I never worried about pickpockets or snatch theives.

Sundays are interesting. Practically all the shops are closed except for some cafes and restaurants. So on the way to the airport, there was no one on the streets and very few cars. Very peaceful. Something to think about when I see how busy everyone is on a Sunday in Singapore.

Supermarkets are superb. They have everything and things are much cheaper compared to Singapore.

Hotels I stayed in were good and comfortable but I guess that’s a function of the price you are prepared to pay so I shall not say much about that.

Beautiful art museums and galleries to walk into when avoiding the bright afternoon sun!

They have embraced and welcomed people from everywhere. This morning my taxi driver was from Afghanistan. I have met Palestinians, Syrians, Turks and so many nationalities all working and living here with families.

Is it the guilt of the last war that has made them embrace people, even though it is not second nature to anyone when having to entertain a foreigner, I wonder.

Anyway it was a good trip and I am so glad I visited Germany. Given another chance, I will surely come here again.