Contrasting Cultures: My Experience Traveling from Germany to the United States
Having recently traveled from Germany to the United States to reunite with friends after 24 years, I was granted a firsthand glimpse into the contrasting cultures and travel experiences offered by these two nations. Each aspect of my trip, from transportation to cuisine to everyday life, highlighted the unique characteristics of both destinations.
Transportation Infrastructure
Having experienced Germany's efficient public transportation system, I found the reliance on cars and highways in the United States to be a notable difference. Renting a car and navigating the extensive highway network allowed me to explore the vast landscapes and diverse regions adjoining to the southern pacific coast. I had a feeling though, that most of the day is lost in travel and people can spend that time efficiently, if they could use public transport. Given that the country is huge in comparison to Germany and is not supportive of public transportation, I guess cars are the only way to commute.
Fair to say, CA has its own tiny rail network called the BART. It was comfortable actually, except for the fact that to reach a transit point one must still use a car.
Cultural Norms
Navigating cultural norms in the United States presented an interesting contrast to my experiences in Germany. While Germans prioritize punctuality and adherence to rules, I noticed a more relaxed attitude towards time in certain social contexts in the US. Americans are known for their friendliness and openness, readily engaging in conversations with strangers and making visitors feel welcome, which was a refreshing change. Small talk is not a thing in Germany unless you are talking about cars or football (read “Soccer”).
Language
As a German speaker, I appreciated the prevalence of English in the United States, making communication relatively seamless. While English is widely spoken in Germany, particularly in tourist areas and among the younger population, it was reassuring to navigate daily interactions in a language mostly everyone is familiar with. No wonder the places I visited had more immigrants than the local population.
Cuisine
During my stay in the US, I hung out always (well, barring one day) with my friends. So mostly Indian food and (due to my persistence) some Mexican food was all I could try. We did of course try a couple of times Asian cuisine and it was amazing. As an Indian visiting the US, one is usually spoilt by the options available for Indian food.
I wouldn’t say no to another culinary visit to the US, however I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss the German Breads or Kuchen.
Cultural Etiquette
Understanding cultural etiquette is essential for respectful and meaningful interactions while traveling. In the United States, tipping is customary in restaurants, taxis, and other service industries. While tipping practices may vary by region, a gratuity of 15-20% seems like generally considered standard for good service. In Germany, service charges are often included in the bill, but it's customary to round up or leave a small tip as a token of appreciation.
Addressing people with formal titles like "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Mrs.) is considered polite until invited to use their first name. Germans value personal space and may maintain a more reserved demeanor in public settings, particularly with strangers.
Safety and Security
In comparing safety and security between Germany and my recent visit to California, I encountered some notable differences. While both destinations offer a generally safe environment for travelers, there were concerns in California. In contrast to the cities in Germany, in California, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, there was a heightened awareness of property crime, mostly car break-ins. This required me to take extra precautions, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight in my vehicle thanks to the constant reminders from my friends.
Despite these challenges, I found that with proper precautions and awareness, I could still enjoy my time in California safely and focus on the enriching experiences that California had to offer.
In conclusion, my journey from Germany to the United States provided a captivating juxtaposition of cultures and travel experiences. By embracing the differences and nuances, I immersed myself in a rich tapestry of experiences, rekindling old friendships and forging unforgettable memories along the way.
As one of my friends aptly put it, it's the journey, not just the destination, that matters most.
That's a wrap this week. Happy traveling!
