1. You have to punch a button to get the subway train door to open, it's not automatic like in the states. We missed 3 trains until we figured this one out.
2. It takes about 2 hours to wash and dry one load of laundry....I advocate for wearing clothes more than once.
3. They have escalators for your shopping carts in the stores and malls....they are like moving ramps. What a strange sight.
4. You have to pay a Euro to get a shopping cart (you get the money back when you return the cart)
5. NOTHING...and I mean NOTHING is open on Sunday (I take it back, ice cream stores are open...you've got to love that). I found one Farmer's market open with fruits, veggies, milk, eggs, etc......what a goldmine! Also, gas stations are open with some food stuff.
6. They do not have closets in their houses, they use pieces of free standing furniture called Schranks. That's for regular closets, linen closets, etc.
7. They usually do not leave the kitchen cabinets, sinks, or appliances in the homes when they move....they also take curtain rods, curtains, and light fixtures. I am still wondering how they get their kitchen cabinets to fit in a different house????
8. They are crazy drivers. Couple that with really narrow roads and no speed limits on the Autobahn....it leads to lots of stress while driving....just ask Bill...two traffic tickets later and getting rear ended at the Mall. He's also seen two (Four now-2006) fatal rollover accidents.
9. There are no mosquitoes here....no screens on any doors or windows either. The flies are still bothersome. Keep your kitchen windows closed.
10. They love their dogs. Dogs are allowed just about anywhere, even in shopping malls, restaurants and museums. Snowball is having a great time.
11. Forget about getting tap water with your meal or ice in your drinks. It just doesn't happen. I've already bought ice trays for at home so I can have a cold coke.
12. The refrigerators are really small, with only enough freezer space for a few ice cube trays. Like the size you would find on a big boat or in a small apartment. We've already bought a another frig and freezer for the basement. That way I don't have to go to the grocery store every day.
13. You can't buy skim milk in Germany. Also the coffee cream is usually like condensed milk rather than American coffee cream. We're all starting to get used to it.
14. German coffee at the restaurants is VERY strong and usually comes in very small cups. Thank goodness I brought along my big mugs and have been able to adjust my coffee at home.
15. Large boxes or containers of anything are impossible to find. Maybe because the frig, freezer and kitchens cabinets are pretty small. I wonder what they would think of Costco sizes?????? I just found a COSTCO like store (Fegro)...go figure.
16. German restaurants don't ask you if you would like a "Doggie Bag". I've heard it is considered rude to ask. But we do it anyway.....hey we like leftovers (I don't have to cook).
17. They don't refrigerate their eggs, some cheese and margarine in the grocery store. I still put them in the refrigerator when I get home....old habits die hard.
18. Cheddar cheese is next to impossible to find--I found it in one store (Tangelman) and it tasted horrible--found some good ones (Irish and English Cheddar) at Edeka and Fegro. The Gouda here is the best I have ever had.
19. Elevator doors in Germany do not stop closing if you are in the way---they'll just close on you.
20. German munchies like potato chips and tortilla chips are VERY salty. Pringles are the only thing we have found so far that aren't salty. Yes they have Pringles here.
