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Both my husband and I have German Ancestry. My husband is also has strong interest in history. I guess my impression of Germany (before and after our two visits) was that of an intelligent, hard working country. Rebuilding from world war I to WWII was quite an accomplishment. The country has romance in its castles, warmth in its villages and fun with its Oktoberfest. From Rothenburg to Munich and Dachau to Berchesgarden (spelling) the country has much to tell and learn from in its past. We have stayed at B & Bs where no one spoke English, but they smiled alot and we had probably one of our best meals in Europe. (The kids who spoke English were out). We have only positive memories along with our daughter who did a semester at the University of Augsburg. We will be back!!
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Hi! I've just finished reading the messages. It is very interesting people views. My wife and I are both Jewish. The first time that we were going to travel to Germany, it brought many negative thoiughts to mind about the Hallocaust. we were sittin, waiting for our plane at JFK when a German asked if he could share our table at the bar. We had a few hours to go and he had missed his flight. Though it is considered rude to discuss politics, he asked us where we were going and we told him. we also spoke about our hesitency to go there. After a couple of beers and a good discussion, he convinced us that we should not blame his generation but his parents. We agree with him and had a good time until it was time to go. We have since been back to Germany many times. and have come to appreciate the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the people. We will never understand how a people cultured, sophisticated, educated etc could have done the horrible things that were done during WWII. When we visit we still seek out Jewish sights and museums. I think germany has come to terms with there past better than some of the other countries, inc Switzerland, France and Austria. alan
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Between Bavaria, Becker and Biergartens, <BR>and Steffi, what's there not to like? <BR> <BR>It is my favorite country in Europe. it is an amazing country that forces, literally, forces me, to slow down from my life in America. Nothing there is operational between 1230 and 1400 hours! The mail and trains leave exactly on time. Some people who rue this great nation and its meticulous people often quote instances of the holocaust and its causes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, whathisname and the other guy in Italy, were evil. that is simply it. <BR> <BR>They were evil. Evil exists. <BR> <BR>The world blames the german populace as being complicit in that evil. At that time,the german people were looking for a way out from their problems. Along <BR>comes a con-man who convinces them that he can do it. <BR> <BR>Just like here in America, now. We have a con-man who has also convinced a nation that it needs him. In my mind, he is no better, and he is not done with the world yet. He will go on to destroy more. And then we, too will be complcit, indeed, have been so far. <BR> <BR>But this is not a political rant. For either country. Your question was about <BR>Germany. As an American, I admire your <BR>work ethic. <BR> <BR>What, perhaps, you can explain to me is your disdain for the Austrians. <BR> <BR>KK
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I am an engineer and have worked in Germany, mostly in the far west near the Dutch border, visiting Dusseldorf and Venlo at weekends. I had a touring holiday which took me down Germanys' western border to the Black Forest. <BR> <BR>I was really impressed with the qaulity of food and accomodation at all of the places I visited or worked in. The German people I met were, on the whole, very friendly and helpful. I enjoy the cleanliness and the efficiency, which seems to be a way of life in the small villages as much as in the towns and cities. The people have a pride in their homes and surroundings and expect the same standards when they are in town. <BR> <BR> I enjoyed working there so much that I felt I had to take my familly there on holiday to let them see what a lovely country you have. My wife cannot speak German but everyone she met was very welcoming to her and the children. <BR> <BR>We plan to visit again next year. Our proposed route is to fly to Berlin and stay for a few days then to hire a car and make our way south west to Bavaria. <BR> <BR>Have you any suggestions for interesting stops on the way?
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Hallo Miriam, <BR>danke für die Idee, einmal die Meinung anderer über Deutschland und die Deutschen in Erfahrung zu bringen. <BR>Ralf
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A visit to Germany (3 yrs. ago)was my first exposure to Europe. We were there for 10 days (Augsburg, Coburg, Rothenberg O.T., Nurnberg & Munich)and there were 10 of us travelling together, including 3 kids ( ages: 8, 6 & 4). We had an absolutely fantastic time!! My parents have been to Germany many times, my dad has lots of business contacts there that helped us with logistics. <BR>Yes, the scenery was beautiful, the kids loved the castles, but I remember how nice everyone was. People everyplace were friendly, helpful and really made a difference in our experience. I couldn't wait to go back - and now I am: I leave in about 2 weeks (with a friend who has never been out of the country) and the first place we're going is Munich. Can't wait!!
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Miriam: Thank you for the opportunity to relate my experiences in Germany in 1999. We were on a two weeek whirlwind driving tour on both sides of the Alps. We landed in Munich and also spent our last three nights there. I found the Bavarian people very warm and friendly and PATIENT. This was in sharp contrast to the attitudes I found further north when we stayed in the Mosel valley. It could have been me but I felt you had to push your way to the front of asny line because people would not que up for service. This happened at castles fast food outlets etc. It may have been the fact that we were there on the May long weekend and eveybody was in a hurry. I talked to some people from New York and they did not find this a problem. By and large, though I enjoyed my time in Germany. I especially loved eating at the movenpick(correct spelling?) I agree people are people the world over. My problem could be just that being from a more sparsley populated area(western Cananda) I'm not used to the pushing and shoving.
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Dear co-authors <BR> <BR>I truly believe that most of you missed the point here. I do not think that Miriam was interested in the "bad German" story and WWII stuff (or shall we start to talk about enslaving 6 million blacks from Africa to the U.S.? or bombing Vietnam and killing innocent farmers?). It seems to me that most people have very little sense on what the situation back then was and - as a piece of Hollywood education you might want to go to see Pearl Harbour in order to find out what the U.S. did back then (or rather - did not do back then). To cut a long story short: I think Miriam just wanted an impression from people who were exposed to Germans and what they felt about it. <BR> <BR>Anyway, 49 responses is a lot so there is definitely something so say about Germany. <BR> <BR>Harry
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message: Great stories
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Hi Miriam: <BR> <BR>Love to get your opinion on the quaint areas to see for the Christmas Markets! I will be comming again this year (passing thru Frankfurt). <BR> <BR>Love Germany! Everything about it: Food, Scenery and especially the People. I guess I can say the same thing about Italy and Austria, that is why I seem to gravitate back to those three countries. I helps very much that I love skiing the Alps and have married a wonderful woman who came to America from Austria when she was 10yrs old. Her family put all three daughters into NYC German School to keep the language alive. My Mother (God rest her soul) came to America from Italy, and thought that having her children speaking the Itallian Language would be a burden in the NYC schools. Sad that it was that type of thinking back then, but I know how "proud" she was that she had made it to America! I do not see the same "pride" with today's immigrants to this great country....but that is my opinion, sorry to vent! <BR>JOHN <BR> <BR>
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LOVE Germany! I love the beautiful city markets, green countryside, castles, people and food. While traveling through Europe for 2 months, Germany was my favorite country. Be proud of Germany. Its a good place.
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I have been once to Central Germany and loved it. I especially like the attitudes about recycling and concern for the environment. I stayed in a small town with relatives who are there for work and found all the neighbors wonderful and friendly.
I speak a little German and many of them helped me when I couldn't find the words to express myself. Geographically, it's a lovely place. I hope to go back and see more of it! |
Will be back for my fourth time in a few months. Enough said..
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I responded to this question way back on May 20, 1999. My answer still stands: I love Germany and its people. They were always as nice to me as my fellow Americans and they have some jerks, just like we do in America. Fun place to visit and I have been back 2 more times since that May, 1999 post.
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Back in 92, I went on my first backpacking trip to most of western Europe while studying in Spain my senior year of college. Compared to the many other countries I visited for the first time that summer, I found Germany to be the cleanest and most safe. I could concentrate on SEEING and EXPERIENCING rather than worrying about safety, getting lost, or late trains. Since then, I have since traveled to just about everywhere (even eastern Europe, South America). Only Switzerland and Austria impress me more in those aspects. Having German ancestry, I suppose I feel at "home" with the dining choices, logically engineered streets and alpine or forested landscapes. There's certainly nothing exotic to experience (unless you count some of the techno clubs in Berlin), but in terms of natural beauty and aesthetics blending in with modern life, you can't beat the Germanic countries. The clean, high-tech bathrooms make it a worthwhile stop on any European trek alone! I make an attempt to speak German, and the people, while a little distant, are very welcoming. Back home in the US, it's a shame that because of the negative connotation of Germans from the world wars, German-Americans (make up the largest immigrant population) aren't as vocal about their heritage as other groups. It is wrong to continue punishing people for what happened in those war years...we do that and we can expect something like that to happen again. Austria and Germany today both make payments to the state of Israel each year. Those young taxpayers who had nothing to do with WWII in Germany and Austria today pay higher taxes for such funding. The US completely bankrolls Israel. It is time to stop the resentment. The efficient Germans rebuilt, formed a democracy that works, with a powerhouse economy to boot. They stand up against agression now. It appears they have learned their lessons. Enjoy travelling to Germany, Switzerland and Austria!
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Are you the Miriam I was supposed to meet on Sept.11,2001 in Frankfurt? I am Kathy, from Louisville.
I have been to Germany a couple of times. I've been to the larger cities of Frankfurt and Munich, and the smaller cities from the Rhine and Mosel areas to places like Appenweier, in the Black Forest. I especially liked Bamberg and it's "raush beer." It is impossible for me to tell you how very much I enjoy visiting your country! Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but the local people have been very warm and welcoming. If I could live in one place in Europe, it would be Germany. I've spent time in England, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. While each country has been interesting, Germany still tops my list. If you want to personally respond, my email is [email protected]. Kathy |
Well, let's see. I like Germany and Germans. My grandparents came from Germany and I recall the German being spoken at their house. Also remember the delicious strudle my grandmother made! #2 Spent 2 years in the Army- Herzo Base, near Nurnberg- loved the area. #3 returned in 2002 for 1000th Anniversary of Herzogenaurach! Had a great time there and went on to Garmisch, Rothenburg, and Berlin... great visits. #4 Consider Germany a good friend of USA although you wouldn't know that at moment! #5 from 1-10 I rate Germany a 9, right behind USA!
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Miriam, I'm of German descent and my husband and I visited on our honeymoon four years ago. We've always joked that our the German side of our family is very reserved and hardworking while the other side of the family (Polish) was the wild, fun loving type. Our trip taught us that the Germans were really all of the above. We had a wonderful experience and found Germany to be the most efficient and business like of all the places we've visited (Italy, France, Belguim). The places we visited were beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Plus we got a kick out of seeing my maiden name (Walter) on a ton of the construction crews along the autobaun. It made us wonder what if our relatives had stuck it out in Germany!
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I should add that my grandparents came to the US when they were children in the 1910s so the missed the worst of recent history in Germany. As they put it, it was bad enough being a German here, they couldn't have imagined living in Germany at the time...
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Hi,
I absolutely love Germany! I am of German descent, and I suppose that is what caused me to study the German language in high school. I did a student exchange when I was a senior and fell in love with the country. We stayed in Hattingen for 2 weeks and visited Cologne, Essen, Dortmund, etc. From there we traveled to Munich. What I mostly remember from the trip is how clean everything was! So unlike America. And all of the churches, we saw so many! A couple of years ago my parents took my brother and I on a Bavarian tour through Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. I remember walking onto the Marianplatz and stopping for a moment, and then looking at my brother. At the same time we both said "It feels like home." That is how I feel in Munich. Like I am back home. I went back again last year, but only spent a day in Munich. I really got to test my German out then! I was the only one of the group who could speak the language. Most of the time I get a good reception when I try to speak, but, as another poster pointed out, more often then not, they will speak english back. Oh well! Mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut! In May I will return to visit some friends I made when I did my student exchange. The two sisters have already been here to visit me, and now I get to repay them. Of course I will go to Munich! How could I not? Then I will get to see Berlin, Leipzig and Halle. An area I have never seen. From there I get to return to Hattingen. Mmmmm, Blankenstein! And I'll be able to return to Cologne as well. We are also planning one day/night in Hamburg. Needless to say, Germany is the one country I HAVE to see whenever I have the chance to get to Europe! |
Hi Miriam and everyone else!
My husband is in the military and we are moving to Germany in a couple of months. We will be stationed in Ramstein for 4 years and I could not be any more exacited than i am already to go! I look forward to meeting the people and to seeing all that there is to see. I want to absorb the culture and show my three children all of the wonders and the history that Germany possesses. I also have faimly there whom I would love to find and meet. All I know is that their last name is Ennenbach and that some of them came over to the states when Hitler was in reign. It will be an exciting few years for our family while we are there! Anyone can feel free to e-mail me with suggestions of things to see and do while we're there! [email protected] Sincerely, Stephanie |
How odd it is that the last two posts were the first since December, 2003. You each address "Miriam" as the one who started this thread. Obviously neither of you realizes that Miriam died last year in October, I think. Miriam gave Germany to all of us who frequent Fodors. She was always ready and willing to answer any and all questions. She loved people! Many Fodorites met with her either here in the USA when she would visit, or in Germany when we traveled there. The original thread asks, "What do people think of Germany?" My answer is "Miriam, I think of you." Rest in God's Peace.
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What a fascinating discussion and poignant ending.
Being originally from Germany (came to the US in 1952 at the "tender" age of 26, after living through WWII and most of the immediate post-war period), this discussion has been very revealing to me: The praises of the beauty of the countryside, friendliness of the people, etc. I don't know if this is the proper venue, but it would be interesting to continue the discussion, now almost 10 years after the original postings. Have perceptions changed since then? Have people experienced some of the same "smugness" that I have encountered in my visits in the last few years - - - insistence to tell me all that is wrong with the US and - right or wrong -with the US government, without giving me an opportunity to state my (our?)side of the debate; the apparent lack of "Zivilcourage" in matters like the withdrawal of the Mozart opera in Berlin, and other similar incidences listed in a recent article in the Economist. I don't want to open a can of worms of negative comments. Many of the positives mentioned in the earlier postings are still true, I am sure. Just, have travelers noted a shift in the German psyche and attitudes toward us here in the US? PS: If the Fodors "power that be" keeping watch over the contenet of this board think this is an inappropriate posting, I can well understand if they pull the plug on my posting. |
Just met my son in Paris. He lives just over the border in Belgium, but works in Germany.
Over dinner, the laments voiced by he and his German partner made the modern Germany seem a disaster zone. High prices, since the Euro; low wages; immigration pressures; unemployment; the impossibility of a young person to hope for a good job, much less home ownership, etc., etc. The doom and gloom went on and on. Don't know if it is just his own situation, and that of his friends, but he did not make Germany seem a happy campsite. :-( |
I believe it's a good old tradition to see the end of world coming soon as do most people here. :-) There's a growing number of people who once got everything for free from the state and now are faced with the fact that there's no money left for everybody but still I feel today the country is moving towards socialism at a fast pace. Everything as unimportant as it may be, needs to be regulated. The reforms aren't real reforms, just some patches to get by for the next few months or years. But anyway Germany is here to stay ;-)
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When we visited in 2004, we found that the "try and speak German, get replies in English" still very much the norm, at least in the toured areas.
We spoke little of politics with our friends there but when they visited us in the US, a lively discussion ensued. It was in no way heated, but I found we have more of a similar attitude on current world events. The ONLY time we received even the slightest hint at the difficult political situation in the US was while in Switzerland when a man asked very gently that we "change our President", he even said "please". I wonder if a North Carolina resident would be so polite in making a similar request of a French traveler. I was born there, lived there as an teenage Army brat in the mid-60s and absolutely love the country and the people. I would love to spend the maximum tourist time in Germany but would love even more to spend an extended period of time there, traveling to the other areas that I have not experienced. The country is beautiful, rich with history and arts, and the people are polite, efficient, and friendly. It is and will always be my number one destination when going to Europe. MvK |
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