Germany - Andee's First Impression

Today I arrived in Germany after traveling for 16 hours.  The journey wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting...I think the anticipication of getting here and more importantly, seeing Steve, made the trip OK.  I slept 7 of the 8 hours from Chicago to Zurich and the flight wasn't bad at all.  All of the seats were recliners, we had dinner, a snack, and breakfast.  They gave free drinks, AND they gave everyone swiss chocolates and a warm washcloth in the morning.  Fancy and that was in coach.  Eat your heart out Steve!

Main Train Station in Dusseldorf

A couple of funny things did happen on the way here...in Zurich I tried to buy a cup of coffee in the airport (this is in Switzerland) and the cashier asked me to pay in francs.  I was only prepared (and studied Euros).  Lost in translation, I had a panic attack and was going to run away and just leave the coffee altogther.  An older man knew I was freaking out, he spoke English and explained what she was telling me...she could accept my American money but could only give me francs in return...duh.  Anyway, he felt so bad that he bought my coffee for me!

Steve Carrying My Luggage in Dusseldorf

On the flight from Zurich to Dusseldorf, I sat next to couple on the plane who didn't speak English.  The flight was only an hour and after half of it, I finally worked up enough courage to practice my German.  I leaned over and said, "Guten Morgan, ich sprech nur ein wenig deutsh" (good morning, I don't speak much german).  They both looked at me rather funny.  So I pointed to my book "Just Enough German".  The lady says, "Oh, no spreichen zie deutch"...they weren't german either...they were Swiss!  I should have known considering we were flying on Swiss Air!  Ha! Ha!

All things considered, the flights went well and when I finally arrived in Germany to see Steve waiting for me at the airport it was well worth the stress it took to get there!  And then we walked out of the airport onto the street...talk about culture shock!  My very first impression...chaos...absolute chaos!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Within 25 feet of exiting the train terminal from the airport, we were in the city centre of Dusseldorf (a place Steve hasn't been yet either).  What freaked me out the most was the fact that trains, busses, cars, and bikes all drive on the same road and if you don't get out of the way or if you aren't paying close enough attention, you get run over.  They don't stop or slow down for ANYTHING.  It is very scary.  There are train tracks everywhere and it is almost impossible to cross streets.  Steve says it's not like this in Cologne...I sure hope he's right because if it isn't, I'm going to get run over for sure!

Because of the busses and trains speeding through the roads, there aren't very many cars.  The few cars that are on the road are super small.  Parking is a luxury and almost everyone double parks.  Not uncommon to find people parking next to eachother in rows.  I now understand why Steve has not gotten a rental car.  No one in their right mind would ever try to drive anywhere in this madness! 

The Largest Intersection I Have Ever Seen

Other strange things, EVERYONE rides their bikes everywhere.  There are rows and rows of bike racks everywhere you go.  And the funny thing is, their are no bike stores.  If you have a bike, it is a hot commodity because they almost impossible to find.  No one wants to drive, everyone wants a bike, but no one sells them.  It's illegal here to walk on the bike path and bicyclers have the right of way to cars too.

Other interesting tidbits...unless you are in a restaurant, you have to pay to use the restrooms.  AND, they are not like they are in Holland.  Not even close!  For example, in the train station I tried to go and it cost .50EU to use it.  I was about to put my coins in before I walked inside until I saw two guys waiting behind me.  Confused, I let them go ahead thinking maybe I had the wrong door or something.  When they opened the door, I peeked inside and saw that every other stall was women's/men's/women's.  That's right...urinals right next to toilets.  Apparently public bathrooms (at least in Dusseldorf anyway) are Unisex).  I took one look, turned around, and literally ran back to Steve.  Can you even imagine sitting on the toilet with two guys peeing on either side of you?  Unbelievable!

One Quiet Street

So...it's now 7:00 p.m. Germany time which is 2:00 p.m. Michigan time.  I haven't even been here 24 hours and I can't believe all that I've seen and experienced.  It's so hard to believe that things could be SO different from home.  This place is crazy!  Steve keeps laughing at me because he says whenever he looks at me I have this look of absolute terror on my face.  I told him to be patient...that I'll adapt like he has.  But I think it's going to take some time...probably a long time!  That's all for now...

Side by Side

Double Parking Anyone?