My husband and I lived in germany from 1988 to 1992. I sold life insurance
to the military during this time. We had decided to move to Germany, and the following
week, my son got orders for Germany. My son and his family moved to Germany a week
before we did. We stayed for 4 years as my son's company was deployed to Desert Storm
and we stayed and helped my daughter-inlaw with the 4 children.
After arriving in Frankfurt we went through customs.
frankfurt Airport
After clearing customs, there is a train station on the lower level of the airport.
By taking the train from the airport, you do not have to take the taxi to the main train
station and have to deal with luggage. Most likely the train will go to the main station,
and you will have to transfer trains to the village you are going to. This way, you also
can buy your ticket at the airport for the village you are to arriving at. You can also
have you luggage transfered to your village and you do not have to hassel with it during
your trip. It may arrive the next day, so take a small bag for overnight needs.
Trains
The German high speed train is called ICE for InterCityExpress. They travel at speeds up to 250 km/hour quite smoothly. There are tables with electrical connections for laptops. At the end of each car there is a train computer, where you can determine your connections. It's a good idea to get a seat reservation on an ICE train. There is a suppliment that you'll pay for these speedy trains, but then again, second class on an ICE train is often better than first class on some other train lines.
bahn
Customs
It's usual to greet others when walking into a waiting room, small business or train compartment. A simple Guten Tag or, in southern Germany, Gruess Gott, is in order. Germans are also avid hand-shakers. Not only do they shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, but at every meeting thereafter. Upon arrival at small parties and gatherings, it is not unusual to greet everyone individually, with a handshake - and then make the round again when you leave. Never have a hand in your pocket when shaking hands. Always make eye contact.
When you're invited to a German home, it is customary to bring a gift. The safest tokens of appreciation are bottled, either wine or spirits. Chocolates are another option. If you choose to bring flowers, don't pick red roses - unless you're in love with the host - and unwrap the florist's paper before handing over the bouquet.
It's 2:00 In Central Europe
During our stay in Germany, AFN had their lingo everyday at 2:00 p.m. "Its 2:00 in central
europe." Everyone would rush to hear the news as the mark rate would change at this time
everyday. It may not do this now, as the money has changed to euro's.
Dinning
Many people from other countries live in Germany; up to 25 percent of the population in some cities comes from abroad. As a result, foreign restaurants spice up the dining options. It isn't customary to be seated by a host in many eating establishments. Often guests sit down at any unoccupied table or, after asking permission of those seated there, at an occupied table. Sharing tables with total strangers is common, especially in the South. Watch out, though, for tables with a Reserviert sign or those labeled Stammtisch, which are reserved for regulars. You won't automatically get a glass of water when you sit down. In fact, you should order something to drink, because 10 percent of the charge for the food and drink is part of your waiter's pay. Germans will look at you strangely and claim it's unhealthy if you drink tap water (Leitungswasser) - but will waiters bring it if you insist. After your food is served, it's polite to wish your fellow diners Guten Appetit. When you've finished eating, how you position your knife and fork sends a message. If you're done, put the knife and fork together, tips toward the middle of the plate and handles toward your right elbow. Lying them down in a V with the tip facing away from you means you'd like another serving. Diners should give a small tip at the end of the meal by rounding up the bill about one Mark per person. You are under no obligation to tip if the service is poor. There's no getting around it - you're bound to need a restroom at some point. When you ask, the simplest phrase is Wo ist die Toilette? Signs leading to the bathroom often call it by another common name, WC, short for water closet. Restrooms will be free for restaurant customers, but public toilets often charge a fee between 20 and 50 Pfennig, especially for women. The money goes toward keeping the facility stocked and clean - a small price to pay
Shopping
Christkindlemkt
For centuries Christmas markets have been held in Germany during Advent, ranging in size and atmosphere from one or two stalls in small towns and villages, decorated with pine-branches and lanterns, to the excitement and consciously cultivated magical atmosphere of the big markets in Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Magdeburg and the two oldest in Munich and Nuremberg.
The Christ Child Market at Nuremburg (Christkindlmarkt) has changed location several times, but still ranks as Germany's oldest and most famous market, dating back to 1639. It attracts over 2 million visitors each year.
The formal opening ceremony takes place at 5:30pm on Friday closest to December 4th (St. Barbara's Day). Originally, a Nuremberg Christmas Angel opened the market; but since 1948 a Christ Child, chosen every two years, recites a prologue from the outside gallery of Church of Out Lady, accompanied by festive music and church bells. Brass bands play and choirs of children sing carols. One afternoon, children holding homemade lanterns, form a procession from the Market Square to the Castle where they re-enact the Christmas story.
The romance of a Bavarian Christkindlmarkt, which begins each year on the first week of Advent and lasts until Christmas Eve, fills city centers with a wonderful festive atmosphere delighting young and old. Beautifully decorated stalls sell handmade crafts and gifts. Christmas music and carols fill the air, mingling with enticing aromas of baked apples, hot Gluhwein (spiced wine), delicious scents of cinnamon, cloves, freshly baked foods, sausages and Lebkuchen(gingerbread).
Some markets become fairs which include festive music, Kasperletheater, (puppet show) Christmas plays and visit from St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus).
Tradition of famous Christmas Markets is kept alive in Leavenworth (The Bavarian Village) each year Thanksgiving weekend. This year visitors will be treated to over 20 stalls selling Christmas goods and serving many foods. They will be treated to the smell of roasted almonds, hot spiced cider, baked apples and sizzling sausages. Strolling the market, sounds of Christmas will be heard from the town's Kinderchor (Children's choir), strolling carolers, accordion players, Alphorns, and town band (Musikkapelle Leavenworth). A special treat will feature a puppet theater for young and old alike. Throughout the weekend there will be visits by St. Nicholas, Santa Claus and Father Christmas and strolling nutcrackers & soldiers. There is a booth for children to make a Christmas lantern which they may carry and participate in Lantern Parade. .
Especially beautiful after dark, the combination of glowing lights, enticing smells and holiday music offers great beginning to the holiday season.
Oktoberfest
oktoberfest
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