CAMPING
We love the “Stellplatz”. You will need a book called “Stellplatz”. If you want to find them and know what you are finding then it helps to have a GPS system and a german dictionary. Alot of these “Stellplatz” are in the most bizarre places and are not marked very well. They tend to have limited facilities. Some are free. Most are about 5 euros a nite.
FOOD
If you love to choose from about 20 types of sausages or mustard this is your place. However when we got tired of sausages we had a hard time finding meat that someone hasnt poured spices and chemicals on. Our german friends knew where to get the good stuff but when we were looking out for ourselves it was hard to find unassaulted meat.
Alot of the food stores are either Lidl or Lidl wannabe stores. Great for a bargain but not great for the variety and smells of a truly satisfying shopping experience.
Apples are always a winner. Apple anything. They love their apples.
You can also find big here. I went into one bakery and they had the most enormous croissant and donut rings I have ever seen.
CULTURE
Germans like their rules. This can be difficult for more easy-going people. This is also difficult for people who tend to make mistakes. Did I ever tell you what my pottery teacher told me after one of my many mistakes? He said, “There is only one way to make sure you dont make any mistakes…. dont ever try anything new.” He would give me a cheeky smile and continue, ” and we both know that is no life at all.”
Germans also tend to be painfully honest. This is especially difficult for an american. Now if you are an emotional american, like me, this is going to be a major hurdle. On the good side you never have to wonder what a german person is thinking. A german person would have no problem saying right to your face, “you have an ugly nose” or “I think that is a stupid thing to say”. They are trying to be honest, not insulting. People can seem scary and offensive if you are not used to it. I know a very tall, forceful, strong opinioned german man named Wolfgang. He scared the living daylights out of me so I brought my limited german heritage up to the front and said, “You are so big and loud. You scare me.” He is now one of my favourite people.
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