For expats, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can be a cause of an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
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The Eternal Challenge
Can you ever truly be comfortable living in another country? Personally I don’t think you can. Whether buying onions or a cup of coffee, everything is just that little bit more difficult. Then again, that’s half the fun. Why is living in Germany such a challenge and might that actually be a good thing?
You can't go home, you can't go back (Copy)
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
You had me at Hallo
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
You can't go home, you can't go back
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
The Eternal Challenge
Can you ever truly be comfortable living in another country? Personally I don’t think you can. Whether buying onions or a cup of coffee, everything is just that little bit more difficult, but then that’s half the fun. Why is living in Germany such a challenge and might that actually be a good thing?
You had me at Hallo
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
You can't go home, you can't go back
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
You're Invited...Or Are You?
Making friends in Germany can often take longer than in English-speaking countries. How does the German concept of public & private life complicate matters and why might a quirk of British politeness lead to ruining a burgeoning relationship?
Son of a Beach
It’s the summer holidays and many in Germany have packed up and headed directly to the nearest beach. Germans, especially in the south, are fascinated by the coast. For those who stay behind, they can still enjoy the beach with a replacement, the Stadtstrand.
Are the Germans Funny?
In the English speaking world, it is accepted that Germans are humourless robots, but how true is the stereotype? Can Germans really be funny?
Where We're Going, We Don't Need Speed Limits!
The German Autobahn famously has areas with no speed limits, but how long before they introduce them?
Christmas Markets and German Regional Diversity
Many people want to visit the best Christmas market in Germany, but with regional differences being such a crucial factor, is there such a thing?
Germany and Fireworks: How Not To Get Blown Up
It’s Bonfire Night in the UK, which means plenty of fireworks. How does Germany treat fireworks and is it really as safe as it could be?
Is Two Weeks Enough to Know a Country?
How long does it take to understand a country? James Delingpole’s two week stint suggests that it may take at least a month to work out Germany.
Germany: Champion Losers
No one likes to lose, but some are better at it than others.
I don't Hate the Royals (I just don't see the Point)
Germany is not the only country that seems infatuated with the British Royal Family, but is the monarchy the best representative of what it means to be British?
My Love Affair With The Royals (And Nearly Anything Else That's British)
The Royal wedding is only five days away, guest blogger @hepburn4ever tries to explain why the Germans, and herself in particular, still love the Royal family and all things British.
Crucifixes and Pretzels: The Symbols of Bavaria
What is the real symbol of Bavaria, the Crucifix or the Pretzel? Bavarian President Markus Söder thinks he knows, but which one would cause him more trouble?
Why Do Germans Love Asparagus?
It’s Spargelzeit in Germany, which seems to be a reason to celebrate. With Spargel. So much goddamn spargel.