Shanna

This is not about travel. This is about having my breath taken away. I’m living and working in Germany (how cool is that?!). Over the weekend I went on a wein wanderweg at Freinsheim sampling wine in the vineyards. At a table, a group of about ten Germans made room for us, toasted our arrival and practically adopted me and a friend. Throughout the 5-mile walk we ran across them, always wanting to chat and joke with us and just have fun together as if they’d known us forever. Today is my birthday. I’m feeling a tiny bit sorry for me being alone and away from friends/family. At about 7:30 my doorbell rings. It is my landlord and his wife. They shout “Happy birthday” and give me beautiful flowers. I am astounded. How did they even know? All the Germans I have interacted with are just so wonderful, warm and embracing. I am truly the luckiest person on the planet to be living here in this fantastic country.

lavandula

First of all, herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!!!! It is the nicest thing to find out that people are just people, full of love everywhere. Glad that this was your birthday present this year!

Did you fill out your birthdate on your rental contract? I had a similar thing happen to me on my thirtieth birthday. I had just moved to a new city and was without friends and family. My new landlord gave me a birthday card which gave me a real lift. It was hard being away from home for my thirtieth so I know exactly how you feel. Before long you will be part of the scene!

Lavandula

LSky

Happy Birthday! I can't imagine a better place to celebrate it It's such a friendly country.

kja

Happy Birthday! thanks for sharing your heartwarming experiences.

Anna_Galea

Happy Birthday!!

It is true you are away from friends and family, but you will make plenty of new wonderful friends in Germany (as well as on Fodors) to be of assistance to you.