Oddities and Ends - Stories from my life and travels as an American expat in Germany!

A Long Weekend in The Hague and Rotterdam

Over the holiday weekend last May, I went back to The Netherlands; this time, to The Hague and Rotterdam. While Americans were busy celebrating Memorial Day (if they’re lucky enough to even have it off), Germans celebrated Father’s Day. OK, technically the official holiday is Ascension Day, but everyone here knows the real holiday is Vatertag. Father’s Day in Germany is…interesting. If you’d like…Continue Reading

Why I Went Vegan: Choosing Compassion

I went vegan in early March of this year. A mere week before, I was saying I couldn’t possibly be vegan because, well…cheese. Yet I ended up making the switch from vegetarian and it’s been so easy. Much easier than I ever thought, in fact. There are many reasons I went vegan. I’ve decided to share them all here, for…Continue Reading

Pay-to-Pee: Public Toilets in Germany

Pay toilets: like pay-to-play, but worse. Although peeing for free is a God-given right in ‘Muricah, you’ll find that’s not (usually) the case in Germany. Indeed, it’s not the case in most of Europe. You can expect to pay at least 50 cents every time nature calls while you’re out in public. Sometimes, even if you’re a paying customer in…Continue Reading

Teaching English in Germany: A Reality Check

Teaching English to adults in Germany is a fun, rewarding experience. I know that I’ve personally enjoyed my time here as an EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher. But is it right for everyone? A lot of expats share the positives of teaching adults English in Germany while glossing over the negatives. Perhaps, because they assume they’re already known.…Continue Reading

Dating in America: A Guide for German Expats

Dating in America. If you’re a single German moving to the USA, you might be wondering what the dating “scene” will be like. This article covers the differences (and similarities) between America and Germany when it comes to dating. I’ll also share the best places to meet your potential American boyfriend or girlfriend. Where to Meet Mr. or Ms. Right…Continue Reading

Making Friends in America: A Guide for German Expats

Making friends as an adult is hard, but it’s not impossible. Are you a German expat planning a move to America? It may not seem like it right now, but you’re actually in a very good position to make new friends. Yes, even if you’re introverted or shy. Yes, even if you’re “bad at small talk.” The trick is that…Continue Reading

Culture Shock: A Quick Guide to Germany

Culture shock. It happens to everyone. Well, everyone living in a new country, anyway. I definitely experienced my fair share during my first few months in Germany. Are you planning a move to Deutschland as well? Nothing beats experience, but with a little preparation, you can make your own move to Germany go as smoothly as possible. Here are some…Continue Reading

Hiking up the Brocken in Winter

The Brocken is the highest peak of the Harz mountain range in Germany. It’s also the highest peak in Northern Germany, at 1,141 meters. This, of course, pales in comparison to the 2,962 meters of the Zugspitze in Bavaria…but who’s comparing? You can easily climb to the Brocken in a few hours, making it perfect for a day trip; especially for us,…Continue Reading

Frankenmuth, Michigan: Little Bavaria, Big Kitsch

Frankenmuth, Michigan is a small town settled in 1845 by German immigrants from Bavaria. They had come on a mission to convert the local native population to Christianity, and had sworn to remain loyal to the Kingdom of Bavaria. To this day, Frankenmuth continues to pays homage to their roots, even though the Kingdom of Bavaria is long-gone. This tiny…Continue Reading