Category: Germany

Vegan in Hannover, Germany: Hiller Vegan Café

1/30/2016

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To me, Hannover is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s a place where the big city life meets small town Germany. Hannover has everything that Hamburg, Berlin and Munich has, just packed in a dense city center. It's a city packed with music, art and culture, and the vegan scene is no different.

One of my favorite personal quests in Hannover included tasting Hannover's thriving vegan scene. Hiller claims to be the oldest vegetarian café in Germany, selling hot meals and sweet treats since 1955. Today, Hiller has been vegan since 2012. I recognized the name Hiller because they serve food truck-style meals at the many vegan and city events in town.

Meandering west of the Hauptbanhof, we found Hiller tucked away in a residential side street corridor and nestled behind a tiny street-side café with bushes to privatize guests to the walker-bys.

Sitting outside on a hot summer day, the staff (and the nagging bees) welcomed us with a simple menu, or “speisekarte.” Nothing too complex or over the top, the menu looks basic and straightforward, but trust me the flavors burst with excellence.

Cute, quiet and quaint, this is a place to visit for an authentic European experience. Most Americans would call it the slow food movement; Hiller’s is not a fast-paced location. And that doesn’t mean that they are slow or unorganized, it’s just the lifestyle and I dig that. It’s what Europe is, a slow moving snail (schnecke) compared to our bullet-paced eating culture in America. Eat healthy. Eat slowly. Enjoy life. Sounds simple right?

I decided to order the CHAMPIGNONS À LA CRÈME MIT SALBEI-RISOTTO UND SEITAN-KRUSTLING. Or in English, mushrooms in a cream sauce with sage risotto and a seitan steak. To me, this was the most unique option on the menu, plus I had a hankering for seitan.

While trying to perfect my own homemade meats, I realized that restaurant seitan and gluten-based meats have something to them – flavor. As a vegan food critic, I know a lot of “stuff” has to go into vegan meats. I remember in college I used to love Morning Star’s bacon strips, until I read the ingredient label. It had MSG and all these other things in it that I could not pronounce.
Making seitan at home is sometimes not the same as compared to restaurant style.

And hot damn did I make the right choice. I forgot my DSLR so I had to use my IPhone to capture the savory and palate-popping flavor. Everything was perfect and in unity even right down to the mushroom.

Mushrooms with quark (similar to a yogurt sauce) is a popular German essen (food). They sautéed the mushrooms to perfection, soft, but left with a slight crunch. Mixed with the seitan, I felt my body powered with enough protein to last me through my upcoming Greek vacation.

And, the bees liked it too. Swarming and disturbing my meal, the bees were out for any chance at a lick of food, but I think they preferred the apple and avocado salad. But in all honesty, how could the bees not like the salad? It was a molten lava of chakra-pumping vegetables that ignited my confidence to believe that I could achieve anything. (And least thats how I connect to healthy food.)

Topped with “apfel-zwiebel” (apple onion) dressing, I ran to the train station after eating to grab ingredients to try to recreate their dressing. This salad knocked my socks off especially with the combination of the crunchy carrot and romaine with the soft avocado. The light dressing atop of the carrots were my favorite part.

For Hannover, prices are a bit on the higher end, but I promise its worth at least one dine. Hiller’s offers a Saturday buffet and mid-day 3 course meal. To sign off I’ll leave you with Hiller’s motto:

“Überraschend. Natürlich. Vegetarisch.”

Surprising. Naturally. Vegetarian – must I say more?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Vegan in Hannover, Germany: Hiller Vegan Café

Kontakt
Blumenstraße 3, 30159 Hannover
Telefon: 0511 - 32 12 88
E-Mail: [email protected]
http://www.hiller.hasede.com

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11 Cheerful Pictures of Heidelberg's Christmas Market

12/25/2015

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Heidelberg is one of Germany's most visited cities. The Christmas markets make Heidelberg's Old Town sparkle with Christmas cheer. Here are 11 photos that show how cute and quaint Heidelberg truly is.

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My Last Letter to Hannover, Germany

12/16/2015

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Dear Hannover,

Oh Hannover. Where do I begin? I feel as if this can be more of a ramble than a formulated expression of my last goodbye. When I arrived on the night October 14, 2014 I thought my life was about to change but not necessarily for the good. I left the ocean, something I loved dearly and inspired me everyday to live as the best version of myself. I felt detached and confused, but then I fell in love with you – Hannover.

The first couple months were hard as I noticed that no one smiles and no one says thank you when you hold the door open – you know typical European behavior. But, then I began to embrace to this different type of life, and I am glad that I did. Hannover you gave me a traditional and true German experience. I never heard English; life was slower and definitely not touristy like Hamburg, Berlin or Munich (what I call the Big Three).

I think on some deep level I connected and felt empathy for you. Growing up in Cleveland under a Ukrainian culture (who were immigrants to the united states in 1951) I was influenced by European culture. The Great and vibrant Cleveland became a shithole during my upbringing. Cleveland was this dying city that everyone wanted to leave, including myself. It took me three moves abroad to realize the wonderfulness of Cleveland.

So I think you, Hannover can empathize, as it seems that every German and asshole from the Big Three said, “Why the hell did you move to Hannover?” I seriously did not understand what people meant. Maybe this town experienced some “death” like Cleveland, and if it did Hannover is not like this anymore.

In the matter of a few kilometers I could walk in pristine royal gardens, drop my clothes onto the earth and swim nude with the locals at the FKK Maschee Park Lake, walk in a forest in Liste or pick strawberries at the Hemmingen “erdbeeren” fields. I could experience the Berlin hipster vibe near Café Glocksee, Faust and the Limmerstrasse or explore world-class history and architecture in Old Town. Hannover is the most bikeable town I’ve ever been in and that itself contributes to one’s quality of life.

Hannover, you are the City of Music and embrace everything from jazz to opera to techno. Hannover to me is a cross between Cleveland and Seattle – my two USA homes. But, it’s funny and ironic how life works out. I am realistic that my life may not have been “real” during this time abroad. I did not have to go to some job everyday but yet I created my own art through writing. We lived in the most notable building in Hannover known as the Leibnizhaus.

You see now that its my last day here, I can finally connect the dots. If things did not work out exactly the way it did, my experience would not have been what it was. If Josh never met Jurgen three agos, we never would have been here. If our landlord didn’t accept our cat, we would not have lived in Old Town let alone the Leibnizhaus. If the current tenants did not choose to stay longer we would not have had the exact apartment that overlooks the Holzmarkt square. Being in this location, I was able to create unique photographs for my vegan cookbook using various café tables and antique dishware that I bought at the Old Town’s Flohmarkt. It sounds ridiculous to the logical mind, but nothing that I created would have been possible without living in this town at the exact moment in time. If it happened two or three years ago, I don’t think my “ career maturity” was there yet.

It’s funny thinking back to when I lived in Surfer’s Paradise, Australia that I had the same experience and emotions there as I do here in Hannover. There I lived with three roommates on a beachfront apartment that overlooked the ocean. In Australia, the ocean put me to sleep, and was my alarm clock in the morning. Here in Hannover’s Old Town, the four Old Town church bells wake me up every morning. It’s beautiful. It’s magical. It’s real.

But, someone with strong intuition said that I would become more spiritual on my journey abroad. And you know what, she was right. The nature and the people who I met along the way enhanced my life and my mindset. The many cafes inspired my creativity and yes the techno clubs allowed me to embrace this part of my personality without judgment.

I’m not sure why life has put me in these places, but I do know that it is a combination of fate and my love for travel. Learning about your history Hannover has made me thankful for living here. One thing I laughed about because I have interests in witches is that I discovered Hannover was a neutral town and did not like to play into witch trials unlike other towns like Wurzburg. Twenty-seven witches were killed in Hannover of which 26 were women. Yes people died or burned at the stakes, but its amazing yet intriguing to live somewhere that has such deep rooted history and is a middle-of-the-road type of place because that is who I am and who I became more of – an in the middle person who does not identify with one extreme label. There is something special about Hannover even with its history of being ruled by France and England’s King George IV and having 90% of the city bombed during WWII, Hannover experienced it all.

But what is most charming is the beauty before World War II. I wish I could take a telepathic trip to see it in person because the entire city was decadent and rich with historic architecture.

I hope the people who live here realize how lucky they are to be in Hannover. Not only is life convenient, but also the quality of life is one of a kind. Kids still play outside. Women can walk around alone at night. It’s clean. The city is affordable. Not everything is commercialized. You don’t have to pay $3,000 to live in a nice flat without worrying about your ceiling leaking or pay $3.00 for an avocado. I feel its one of the last remaining gems on this planet, which is what I felt in Australia, especially in terms of women’s safety.

But, I don’t know I feel that there is some interconnectedness between all the cities that I’ve spent time in - Cleveland, Seattle, Surfer’s Paradise, Hannover – all of you are so different but alike in many ways.

So, if you change, change for the better.

I will always remember the fun times I’ve had in Hannover and believe its one of the best places to live in Europe. Ich liebe dich Hannover.

Your Friend,
Elizabeth

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Hannover, Germany Christmas Markets: A Magical, Modern and Medieval Experience

12/7/2015

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OH Hannover. What can I say about this place? Its been my home for the last 14 months and I just adore this city. Last year was my first German Christmas market experience and from the first time I lay my eyes on the beautiful arrangement, I knew my future Christmas experiences would be ruined. Why? Because nothing could beat the beauty and the fairy-tale atmosphere that you can experience in Germany.

To me, Hannover’s Old Town Christmas markets are very special. The Old Town, like Hannover itself, is big but small. Hannover is a place where English is never spoken, unless you meet up with a native English speaker. It’s the true authentic German experience. The Old Town architecture boasts a combination of medieval and 1700’s Bavarian-style housing. Hannover markets are special because it blends a combination of modern, historic, medieval and Finnish stalls. Most stalls are constructed by hand where hunks of wood are designed into the most magical-looking stalls. You can enjoy Gloggi in the Finnish tent that is warmed by a fire. You can enjoy a medieval concert while eating flammkuchen. Or you can eat a gurken (pickle) while walking around the 14th Century Marktkirche.

Experiencing the Hannover markets is a walk through history. During certain times of the day, medieval-dressed men battle swords or play bagpipes and beat drums like they did back in 1592. What I find most amazing is that it embraces its history and culture. You can find soup boiling in a cauldron or gluwein served in a small ceramic cup. Nothing is forgotten.

Hannover Christmas stalls also offer Bio (organic) products, wine, punch and food. One of my favorite stalls offers organic holunder mulled wine and apfel-ingwer punch that kicks my taste buds to heaven. Although meat-heavy, Hannover offers a weekend long vegan Christmas market in Steintor that invites local and regional vendors to sell vegan products and food including goulash, doner kebabs, curry wurst, Christmas cakes and more.

When in Hannover, get lost and awaken your senses with Christmas cheer. There are other Christmas markets to visit next to the Hauptbanhof and in the Liste neighborhood. But nothing compares to the Old Town markets that will always a remain a special place in my Jolly Ol’ St. Nick heart.

It will seem weird trying to enjoy the same Christmas spirit in America. No markets, no public drinking, no Christmas cookie and cake shops – that feels surreal. Especially, when we can’t even get a snowman on a Starbuck’s cup to remind us of our country’s history, roots and culture.

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Vegan in Hannover, Germany: Vegan Weinnachts (Christmas) Market

12/3/2015

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I woke up tired and sleepy on a traditionally cloudy German morning. Cold and wearing my sweats, I showed up to Steintor platz where I volunteered to help build the weekend long vegan Hannover Christmas markets. One gal I spoke with said, “Only one-percent of Germans are vegan, but it’s a growing trend.”

One percent seemed tiny, but living in a meat and dairy society, I was pleasantly surprised at how open-minded Germans are about veganism. I spoke with and watched many meat-eaters support the local market not only because they know eating more vegetable-based foods are healthy for them and the planet.

This blew my socks off because in the States I feel many people live at one end of the spectrum. You are either a peace-loving vegan hippie or a manly man who has the right to bear-arms, hunts and grills deer-steaks in the back yard. There’s barely a fusion between the two and for many Americans eating 16-ounce steaks is what a man does. But this was opposite in Germany, where many meat eaters are open and supportive to eating alternative food.

Anyways, the Vegan Christmas markets are every non-meat eaters dream. From homemade meals to desserts, everything I tasted was heaven on earth. Goulash, doner kebabs, seitan chicken in peanut sauce, marzipan cupcakes and raw goji berry and coconut squares were the best things my tastebuds have ever tried.

Each stall was cutely decorated and it was a collection of like-minded people. From books to food products to condoms, there was something for everybody. I spoke with the director of a vegan river cruise that runs twice per year. Wow, how open-minded are these people?

When I first moved to Germany I had concerns about the availability of vegan products. After a bit of time and research, Germany was chocked full of the same stuff that we have in the states. In fact, due to EU food policies, the vegan options are healthier because of the lack of salt, sugar and preservatives in the food.

I loved the community and the atmosphere. The few people who I had conversations with in English were not like traditional Germans. They were relaxed and not as uptight about certain things. They were overall very friendly and hospitable people who invited me to other events in the area.

I could only wish the vegan markets were year round. But the Vegane Hannover group also offers a springtime market. For a mid-sized city, Hannover has a thriving Vegan scene and is one of the best in Germany. So when in Hannover at Christmas, experience these markets that run the first weekend in December.

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German Christmas Markets: What It Feels like to Watch the Locals Build the Weinnachts Market

12/1/2015

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It’s the opening week of the German Christmas markets and the atmosphere is filled with cheer. Week’s prior to opening, the locals intensely cut, build and decorate their stalls. Luckily, we live in Hannover’s Old Town and reside in the city’s most prominent building, The Leibnizhaus. Our cute German apartment overlooks the Christmas forest that they have built the last three market seasons.

The most interesting part of living here is watching the “TLC” (tender, love and care) that is put forth to celebrating a culture’s tradition. In early November, I woke up with life being normal, but by mid-November, I woke up to the sounds of chainsaws and some twenty massive coniferous trees in my front yard. For those who love Christmas, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that takes us back to the “old-school” methods of doing things.

I watched men chop, saw and stack planks of wood on top of each other to build a gluweing stand. Impressed, I knew this would never fly in the states. I felt any business guru would do a cost-benefit analysis and find that it saves much time to throw up a prefabricated booth. It can be hard to express, but there is a different feeling to Christmas when watching this amount of effort to go into celebrating this holiday.

I felt like a kid again. Growing up in America, Christmas gifts and the usual “blah blahs” can lose its touch especially when chronically busy at work. I know many people who don’t put up trees anymore because it takes too much time out of their busy schedule. How sad, eh?

Hannover’s markets are special to me because they offer a medieval market that takes place next to the small river, the place where Hannover all began. Men and women dress like its 1492 and are ready to slay dragons. Beverages are served in cute brown ceramic cups that look like the local pottery artist made them.

In the traditional stalls, men and women decorate their stalls with slices of woods, chunks of trees, pine tree branches and plenty of ribbons. The best thing about these markets is that it brings back the Christmas cheer for everyone. No longer is Christmas the time to spoil kids with the latest gadgets, but the moment to spend time with friends and family and eat traditional food (vegan and vegetarian food is available).

It’s the time to be merry, forget about financial worries and celebrate the good times in life. Watching the locals’ build the markets are similar to watching a cake bake. You can see it and smell it. Your mouth salivates for it and stomach grumbles with desire. You become impatient and can’t wait for everything to be complete so you can get your hands on it.

This 2015 the markets are extra special because there is no shame in saying the word “Christmas.” Getting to the point where everything today is becoming politically correct, the one thing I respect is this celebration for a holiday that originated in the 1600’s. So it’s not a holiday or a seasonal market, but it’s a Christmas market and the Germans are rich in sticking with their culture.

With whatever happens in this crazy and insane world, the one thing I hope is that the German Christmas markets never change. So in an easy nutshell, this is what it felt like to watch two seasons of the Germans building a Christmas market.

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Cafe Katzentemplen in Munich, Germany: A Place for Kats, Kaffee & Kuchen

11/25/2015

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What is round, fluffy and tastes delightful? German kuchen (cake) of course! Although your furry fellow may claim a furball, I get really excited over trying vegan restaurants while traveling. I get UBER excited when a cat is involved. When searching for vegan cafes in Munich, I ran across the Katzen café and instinctively knew I needed to go here.

I walked into the café and surprised that every table was occupied except for one small table for two. I sat at the table located next to the cat tree and watched this gingerly fellow snore and sleep his day away. Damn, what a life, hey? That tiny little red headed cat inspired a dreamy cup of snoozle-berries to encourage me to curl up on the nearby couch with a blanket. I seriously needed a cat nap right about now.

In the mood for something warm, I ordered a vegan chai latte and watched the various cats’ run, rub and zip themselves throughout the store. The one cat loved the cash register and found her secret hideout on top of the kuchen (cake) case.

I think the funniest part about watching any animal is the toys. I find it cute yet hilarious when watching a kitty gnaw on a catnip fish or Santa lobster. Damn, this made me miss my little sweet kitten named Snickers.

Luckily, I visited the shop at snack time. The waitress rustled a small cat treat bag as the little boy threw the treats in the open area. As fast as lightening, the cats skipped the tender love from the humans in hopes of catching a tenderloin kibble. Begging, pleading and meowing, the cats “nom nom-ed” on their treats and with a full belly went to find the closest comfort zone for another midafternoon catnap.

Although sunny outside, the cats and the chai warmed my soul to know that everything in life will be all right. Isn’t the power of pets amazing? Nothing is more healing than the vibrations of a cat’s purr roaming throughout the body.

The Katzen Café is one hundred percent vegan and sells various logoed products such as shopping bags and t-shirts. So just like the cat’s meow, make sure you visit the Katzen Café on your next trip into Munich. Even if you're having a bad day, its the place to go to when you need a quick "TLC" pick me up.
Turkenstr. 29 | 80799 München, 80799, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

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25 Images that Shows the Beauty of Parisian Culture & History

11/15/2015

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I post images to inspire people to travel to the places that I have visited throughout my travels. In the special time to remember the beauty of France, here are 25 images that show the best of Paris and its culture. Images are non-edited and are taken right from the camera. This shows what our real eyes can see...

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Berchtesgaden, Germany: A Historic Walk Down Memory Lane

11/13/2015

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How could such a small town have such big history? It’s not just big historical in textbooks, but this tiny Bavarian town has a large part of my heart’s history.

Both sides of my family come from the Ukraine, which also includes some Polish blood in our genes. Growing up I watched my Great Grandmother, who we called Baba, cook pierogies, kielbasa and sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage and borscht. Visiting her throughout my childhood, I always remembered her grandiose rose garden and her antique cabinet that contained painted Easter eggs, decorative plates and hand-stitched table clothes.

Although my Great Ukrainian Grandmother lived in Cleveland, she lived close to her Eastern European roots. Why does this matter? Because my family, including my grandmother, lived in Berchtesgaden, Germany for seven years before immigrating to the United States in 1951. During the War, my family was taken from their farm in the Ukraine and sent to Budapest, Vienna and later Berchtesgaden to live in displacement work camps.

I learned a lot from my Baba who lived an abundant life filled with family and grand children. Complete opposite of me, a driven for success type of person, I valued her simplicity to find happiness while being surrounding by her loved ones.

I felt those same feelings while walking through the time Berchtesgaden streets. Besides its charm and beauty, the locals lived a simple life filled with strudel, kürbis soup and market vegetables. Everything around had that German-Austrian flare that included class and delicate details. Houses on the hill were decorated with lavish flowerpots and ivy that trickled down the wooden walls.

Even the cemetery was beautiful, but also saddening. Young men who fought for the “Vaterland” during the World Wars lived short lives, some died as young as 20 years of age. But, I guess its no different than today with young men serving overseas. Isn't the world ready for a change? What would happen if we took all the brain power and put it towards collaboration and not war?

This city is also known for Hitler’s retreat, Obersalzburg where his bunker and Eagle’s Nest home lies. Walking through the bunkers was an interesting experience. We walked in the same rooms and hallways of such a dark historical figure. So much history occurred in the same hallways where Hitler and his one thousand SS troops once lived and stood. It was surreal to think that my family once lived, or maybe crossed paths, with the War’s most treacherous beings. But, somehow they survived everything. It's interesting to see such a beautiful place integrate the light and dark aspects of life - nature and war.

Today, Berchtesgaden is a perfect Southern Germany getaway to escape the city life and stress. Surrounded by pristine nature, visitors can explore Königssee and the nearby national park for hiking and walking. It’s the perfect place to reflect about life, spend time in nature and discover the secrets of human history.

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13 Photos that Inspires Hannover's Beauty in the Fall

11/2/2015

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Do you love fall as much as I do? Hannover's impressive fall left me breathless on my many hikes and bike rides throughout the city. The best part of Hannover is that you can step foot into pristine nature all while being several minutes away from city center.

Hannover is not only a beautiful city, but an accessible one. Many bike-friendly trails lead throughout the neighborhoods, which makes exploring fall foliage fun and accessible. These images were taken throughout the fall season and show the authentic beauty of Hannover. Images are straight from the camera and are not cropped or enhanced. Unfortunately, I accidentally messed up a couple of the images due to pushing the + - button on the focus. Oh well, that still doesn't take away from Hannover's true beauty.

Old Town Leaves

Rathaus

Loretta's near Rathaus

Trail Connecting to Rathaus

Linden Neighborhood

Rathaus

Tree at Loretta's

Rathaus/Maschee

Rathaus

Maschee

Old Town

Flohmarkt in Old Town

Georgengarten

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Vegan in Hannover, Germany: The Loving Hut

10/29/2015

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Orange "Chicken"

When I first moved to Hannover, my husband said, “Let’s welcome you to some vegan food.” Not knowing my soon-to-be favorite vegan restaurant was located a block behind Old Town and our apartment. I became excited as I assumed I would be lost without my Seattle vegan food.

The Loving Hut offers primarily Asian-inspired dishes while offering a few local favorites such as a vegan kebab, hamburger and bratwurst. Upon my first experience at Loving Hut, I ordered the orange “chicken.” The sweet and tangy flavors hit my lips with unexpected surprises. The flavor, texture and combination was unlike anything I’ve tasted. The Loving Hut really nailed the taste of the sauce. Mixed with brown rice and served with a small salad, the European portion-sized meal offers healthy portions that does not leave you hungry. You may get hungry an hour later, but the meals are worth it. (Some meals are larger than others).

Since my first visit I have become a loyal customer of The Loving Hut. They also offer vegan food truck offerings at festivals in Hannover. Their meals always surprise me with their concoction of sauces and one-of-a-kind flavors. My favorite is their donor kebab and doner tasche. The vegan tzakiki and tomato-like sauce is as wonderful as sipping a sangria on a Spanish island. Whoever made it seriously knows how to cook, concoct and create complimentary flavors.

The atmosphere is as cute as their staff. Cute, quaint and quiet, the staff are warm and welcoming which is not standard for German service. The Loving Hut offers other restaurants through out major cities in Europe and the world. The main vibe is to offer a combination of local flavor along with Asian food.

I love Loving Hut so much that I make it a point to visit different LH branches in the EU to try their local vegan flavor. I have to move home in the new year and now thinking, "What the hell am I going to do without Loving Hut in my back yard?" It's funny how sometimes leaping out of the comfort zone is the best thing we can do to discover some things better.

So, when in Hannover find some TLC at the Loving Hut – you will not be disappointed.

Chop Suey

Seitan curry noodles from Maschee Festival made by LH :)

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10 Things Americans Can Learn From Germans (and Vice Versa)

10/20/2015

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German's know how to live a balanced life with equal parts of work and play.

Life is a box of lessons. You never know what you’re gonna get until you travel, live, eat and immerse yourself into another culture. With this being my fourth move abroad, there is something to learn from every culture, but funny enough I find living in Germany between the ages of 29-30 to be appropriate. Once you are this age, life organically changes and something’s like predictability and stability become important.

And well, there have been plenty of things I have learned from Germans and Germany. I love Germans and the Deutschland so I am forever thankful for the lessons that entered my life. But – we can all learn from each other. With further ado here are the many lessons Germans and Americans can learn from each other.

Not Being So Wasteful – It’s no secret Germans are the kings of energy efficiency. I am one of those people who naturally turn off the water while I am brushing my teeth and unplug every electronic device from the wall when its not being used. Germans understand the importance of this and are the world leaders saving energy (in my opinion). Certain pockets of America can improve on their energy saving techniques especially when it comes to leaving lights on all day and night in skyrise buildings.

Take LONG Vacations – This is a big problem in the US. Germans gladly take their vacation – and long ones too. Most Germans I know fly to exotic places every corridor. I admire their sense of adventure and global views to want to see the world. Most Americans start with 10 days of vacation per year or have to work one year with NO time off in order to earn 10 days of vacation. When you live in a different state than your parents, you’re basically screwed in having to choose a trip home for Christmas or that vacation abroad. Most Americans are stuck either financially or trying to rise up the chain in their job and taking a vacation looks “bad.” Germans believe that when you travel you not only see the world, but you are more productive at work.

Take Off Sundays and Holidays – In America, everything is open all day, everyday and even on some holidays. Germany may have the one Lidl in town that is open 364 days per year, but most every business shuts down. When I first moved to Germany I was bored out of my mind on Sunday. But now I love sleepy Sundays as it allows you to relax, detox from consumerism and spend time outside or doing things the old-fashioned way. In America, Black Friday is now trickling into opening on Thanksgiving night. When do people rest? I read an article in 2014 where a manager of Pizza Hut was fired because he argued with the owner about closing on Thanksgiving. He eventually got his job back from corporate, but said, “If we can't rest on a holiday, when can we rest?”

Work Efficiency – Both Americans and Germans work hard. We share that same drive to succeed and find some of our identity through work. But, Germans are more efficient and work their 37-40 hours per week and go home. Some businesses work longer, but on the whole Germans are more efficient. I love the story of a couple German people I know who work in the states who do not understand people who work 10-12 hours per day but for three hours are spending time shopping online, texting and chatting on Facebook.

Celebration Christmas Longer – If there’s one thing that Germans love its Christmas. As an American, I love Christmas and find German Christmas markets the most magical thing ever. Christmas cookies and home items are out in the stores in mid-October and you see Germans filling up their baskets with the yummiest cinnamon and ginger cookies. I think Christmas should be a three-month celebration, but you know what the hell do I know?

Better Public Transportation – Poor planning of the fifties has screwed urban planning of the states. Suburban sprawl makes America car dependent and with a lack of public transit (or negative perception) a car is a necessity unless you live in a dense city such as NYC or SFO. Life is so much more enjoyable when you can hop on a bus or a train. The German methods of transit are efficient and dependable (except for the occasional late DB train).

Use Zoning Laws – Germans were so smart when they created their cities. Their zoning laws have created dense urban cities, towns and villages. Even small towns such as Magdeburg or dying Eastern German cities are vibrant in city center. Zoning laws have prohibited major retailors from doing their business outside of city center. Thus, all major shopping is downtown, and when there’s more people there are more cafes and restaurants too.

Healthy Eating – Many people believe German food is heavy. And yes, wurst and potatoes are dense, but Germans eat and embrace healthy eating. It’s funny traveling with Germans around the EU they find the “English breakfast” offered at some hotels to be “gross” as there is no variety and it’s too heavy. Fruits and vegetables are a part of the German diet and most who’ve visited America found it difficult to eat healthy. Many Germans do not understand why fruit and vegetables are so much more expensive in the states or why sugary drinks are a part of the American diet. I feel like our diet is half plastic and half pesticides. It’s exhausting the amount of energy we have to spend to figure out what the hell is in our food. Doner kebabs are Germany's number one preferred fast food, but half the meal consists of lettuce, tomato, onions, purple and green cabbage and cucumber.

Affordability - In most German cities, life is affordable from apartment rents, services to grocery prices. Germans earn average wages. An engineer in Germany will make less even in Euros compared to an American engineer. Part of this is due to cost of living, but another is from a sense of reasonable wages. I looked at several marketing consultants in the states to help me with my book, Finding Om. Some charged up to $600 per hour. How can a middle class author who spent 2.5 years writing a book for free afford that? In the energy healing world, I know many talented healers who charge $300-400 per session. This blisters my mind for two reasons. One - When comparing life to other cultures, American wages are relatively good, but most struggle because of high cost of living (and consumerism). Second, is that my heart and soul is pretty much a non-profit-mentality existing in a human body. People who charge those ungodly wages just contribute to the problematic cycle in America. The "regular" people who truly need an energy healer or consultant's help cannot afford those prices. I can't say for sure, but if a German charged this to average people, I am not sure if their business would survive in Germany? Germans are practical and could only see B2B charging these rates.

Quality of Life – As an American, I know that a person can become homeless or get into medical debt overnight. That is very unnerving and there is no sense of security especially if a person is lower middle class. After the crash, America has become very unpredictable and I believe part of this contributes to American mental health. In Germany, it is near impossible to be homeless unless you choose to be destructive and/or become a drug addict. Germany is gun free and Germans are diplomatic. Yes, there is still crime in Germany, but there is a sense of safety especially as a woman who sometimes travels alone. All, but especially the young, Germans love to enjoy the pleasures of life. Whether it’s at a techno, work or art party, Germans of all ages flock the dance floor and dance the night away. They don’t need to be wasted to dance and enjoy life.

I watch children play outside and sometimes cried watching them because American children do not have the same life I had when I grew up in the eighties and early nineties. Here, kids and teenagers take public transit because it is okay and safe. These are the same feelings I felt when I lived in Australia. At times I’ve gotten so mad because it is now unnerving to go to a movie in America, which is probably one of the safest places for our teenagers to visit.

Germans can adopt American friendliness and those who do not travel to the US can overcome stereotypes.

What Germans Can Learn from Americans

Smile More – Northern Germany has a colder personality than the smiling Bavarian culture. I have many “non traditional” German friends who are the happiest creatures but sometimes the older crowd can add a bit more friendliness to their culture. And just to mention, even if an American says to you, we are not superficial – we are friendly. I believe there is a distinct difference between being honest, superficial and rude.

Better Customer Service – Americans work – a lot. The one thing that no one can beat Americans at is customer service. Sometimes I think the CS in the states is a bit overboard to where a person can bitch and complain until they get what they want, but German businesses can improve upon their customer service. When a waiter arrives at the table with no smile and says, “Was fur trinken?” (What do you want to drink?) it comes across as rude. Or when a business takes 4-8 weeks to reply to your email (or never replies) it’s mind-blowing as promptness is a part of customer service. I do not understand that logic of someone wanting to give you money but taking a month to respond.

Following Rules is Not a Law but Merely a Suggestion – For every article about Germany that expresses the whole standing-at-a-red-light-thing is true. It blisters my American rebel mind that following the rules while standing at a red light at 3:00 am while no traffic is around is still followed. It makes you feel so uncomfortable if you cross that light while others stare at you with Darth Vadar eyes. It’s okay to live outside of the box. I had a person once say that America is a country filled with rule-breakers. And well, I agree to that.

Breaking the Rules Can Lead to Innovation – To go with the above, breaking the rules can lead to world-changing ideas and innovation. When constantly in the box, its difficult to grow, expand and be creative.

Stop Assuming - To further go along with the above, many non-traveled Germans have a stereotype that Americans are fat, stupid and lazy. And in Germany’s defense, many European believe this. It’s not just Germany. People tend to assume these things, but yet consume our products and love our ideas. Yes, obesity is a problem, but Americans are hardworking, innovative and creative. Yes, we have our arrogant jet setters, but other cultures have them too. I remember being a kid and being so proud to be American as our athletes whooped the shit out of other countries in the Olympics.

Relax and Laugh - It's no secret that American humor pushes the buttons. In fact, I am ashamed that American humor has transformed into vulgar expressions that no longer shares good and clean jokes. I do think Germany is expanding their humor department, but some can let go and not take things so seriously. Uptight Germans can learn how to loosen their top button, smile and laugh a little bit more.

Being Too Private - I love how German's are private people. In fact, Americans can learn to be more private especially on social media. I can't blame Germans because of their history, but many locals find it "weird and creepy" about the US government spying on people's account. I agree, but I am also a realist that understands we live in a different world. And yes, what Obama did to Merkel is just down-right wrong. Many years ago when there was actually something worthwhile to watch on television, I saw a National Geographic show on terrorism. The program showed how the US government caught terrorists who communicated through world-wide online video games. So people from around the world plugged into this one game and communicated to each other through moves and weapons. So, for example if someone pointed their gun upwards twice it communicated a "yes" answer. Interesting, huh?

Most everything is rooted back to numbers, data and statistics. I really don't believe the US government gives two-shits about people posting about their vacation in Zanzibar or what they ate for dinner last night. They are searching for meta-data, keywords and continuous hits on a certain subject. It's a sensitive topic, but understanding the positive side to this is ideal. Because if the US wasn't doing it, the next money-making country, Germany would have to step in. And we all know Germany does not want to get involved with another war.

In the end, cultures are cultures and we all learn from each other. There are plenty of qualities that the two countries share, but those that are different, we can learn from one another and create a better world to live in.

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A Glimpse into One Day at Oktoberfest

10/12/2015

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Dirndl? Check.
Lederhosen? Check.
Party Shoes? Check.
Drinking Tolerance? Uncheck.

Oktoberfest is a worldwide spectacle that attracts beer and party lovers to unite under one tent. The clock struck 5:30 a.m. with ear-piercing sounds to remind us of our 6:26 a.m. train. After a long five-hour train ride from Hanover, we meandered through the Bavarian streets in search of our Airbnb apartment. Dirndl and lederhosen stands sparkled the streets with color and excitement.

At the apartment, we changed into our Bavarian gear and headed to the festival. Upon entering the gates, we belted, “Willkommen” as we sniffed the fresh aroma of sugared almonds and fried schnitzel. The grandiose display welcomed families to eat, drink, play games and be merry. What seemed like an innocent, family-friendly atmosphere in the streets was just a façade.

Upon entering the Paulaner beer tent, we snapped some pictures and walked past hundreds of rows of tables containing full-plate chicken dinners, liter beers and cheerful Bavarian smiles. Amused at the size of the “brezels” that were as large as my head, we thought, “Why not check out other tents?”

Adjacent to Paulaner, we walked into the famous Hofbräu (HB) tent. With just under 7,000 seats, our excitement jolted as we watched young, strapping men with beer guts stand on top of tables to chug a one-liter beer. At 3:00 p.m., we said, “Well this place looks fun. Why not drink a beer here?”

We joined into the merry cheers that initiated a “prost” with thy fellow tablemates. Australians, Irish, English, German, Korean, Swiss and other people from around the world clanged our beer glasses with smiles and half-closed eyelids. Two hours passed, and we thought, “What a fine time for pommes.” German fries are as popular as their bier steins. You can eat your fries with either ketchup or mayo and German pommes are eaten with a tiny two-pronged fork. Unfortunately, you cannot stay in the tents or tables without eating or drinking, which resulted in us ordering more beers.

The tent became tighter and the people became drunker. Each group of friends wore something different to make them “recognizable” in the tent. With a bit of creativity, some men strapped a child’s pink unicorn balloon on their belt lederhosen, so their friends could find them easier. Other’s strapped stuffed animals on their shoulder resulting in, “If you see any of my mates with a stuffed animal on their shoulder, tell them to come here.” Upon the early evening an eclectic array of homo-erotic culture infused the tent to show the best of English-speaking behaviors while abroad. A group of Australian men formed a line and started a choo-choo train of humping eachother. Turning right, a group of British and American men sang songs to eachother while caressing each others face to Dirty Dancing music.

Next came the live music. The band belted out traditional tunes such as “Sweet Caroline” and the crowd went wild. By 8:00 p.m. we realized that the only time we left the tent was to get our friends who also visited from America.

We stood next to a bunch of Irish guys, they shared their beer and chicken dinners as if we were family. Their friendliness and drunken thoughts turned into a philosophical lecture about how happiness is more important than money. By 10:00 p.m., broken beer steins piled on the ground, including people who drank past their limit. By 11:00 p.m. it was time to figure out the best method to get home and what late-night snack to eat. Men who could not pass a sobriety test stumbled through the grounds while pondering whether to eat a wurst or a schnitzel. By midnight, it was lights out while nursing a pre-hangover headache.

Oktoberfest was an outrageous international party that united regular people with the occasional Canadian HGTV reality TV celebrity. The memory will forever be in my heart and I encourage everyone to check out Oktoberfest at least once in their life, especially the Hofbräu tent.

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How German’s Celebrate Father’s Day

9/14/2015

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Himmelfahrt @ Maschee Lake Trail - Hannover, Germany

Father’s Day, or Vater’s Tag, in Northern Germany is an outrageous spectacle consisting of “bier,” brats, and manhood. The origins of this day are based on the public holiday Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension Day), which marks Jesus’s ascension to the heavens. It is the 39th day after Easter Sunday and falls on a Thursday. In some areas of Germany, it is also called, “Men’s Day,” where men flock together to eat, drink and celebrate manhood.

On Thursday, May 14, 2015 I sat in my apartment on the quiet morning to edit my book manuscript. Around noontime, I heard loud bouts of techno music playing outside my window.

Confused, I opened the window and gazed at two separate groups of men dressed in sombreros and balloons; one was dragging a wagon stashed full of booze while the other dragged a speaker on two wheels. Surprised, I screamed, “It’s Himmelfahrt! I completely forget.” Locals told me tales of this epic German party where men drank from morning to night lugging wagons cocked with booze around Hannover’s Maschee Lake.

Excited, I closed my laptop and grabbed my “fahrrad” or bike. Like a hungry mouse following a trail of crumbs, my ears perked while following the sounds of techno music blasted from the distance. Before I could leave Old Town, I noticed several young Germans struggling to push their medieval-style wagon while trying not to spill a line of vodka shots as the wagon shook atop the cobblestone street.

Approaching the lake, I knew I found my pot of cheese as flocks of men, young and old, led wagons blaring techno and EDM. Distraught, I thought, “What the hell is this?” I saw a group of football-enthusiasts dressed in kilts carrying a speaker belting out Limp Bizkit. It dampened my techno buzz.

For a moment, I stood is disbelief questioning, "Where are the dads?" Not a dad? Not a problem! It pretty much is an excuse for a long holiday weekend to drink until your sea-legs can no longer support you.

Every wagon was handcrafted by German intelligence creating the most bizarre concoctions. Some contained R2D2 pushing the wagon with life size Darth Vadar posters where others were decked out in bicycle wheels. Men dressed as lobsters pinching their way through the crowds while cracking open a bottle of Beck’s with their manmade claws. There was no limit to what the logical, but creative German mind can create. At the lake, I biked through a crowd of men, already drunk, singing, playing games, blaring music, and cooking bratwurst on portable grills.

By mid-afternoon, every man was in his prime state of drunkenness. This is when the idiocy, “good ideas” and games began. People drove tricycles and dragged their buddy sitting on a sled enjoying an ice cream cone. Men sat on bridges overlooking the lake while releasing multi-colored smoke bombs. Others cooked German tube steaks with their left hand while downing a beer with their right hand. Some downright taunted the Polizei with monkey-like movements that glided across the sandy street.

Drinking is in the German blood and they know how to drink and handle their alcohol. They have amazing constitutions that can eat, drink and be merry for hours without gaining one pound. I sat at the “bier garten” next to civilized Germans as we watched men (and women) fester around the Maschee lake with their beer goggles.

The puking and passing out began around 4:00 p.m. for those who drank at frühstück (breakfast). Young men looked like wounded soldiers as their friends carried them to a park bench with their feet dragging the entire walk. Around the same time, the wagons congregated to the “Rathaus,” or city hall, where the barbeques and beer tents reached maximum capacity. At this point, girlfriends and and other ladies joined the groups to encourage reckless behavior such as rolling down hills while holding a beer. Old 80-year old German women walked with their canes and grim faces in disgust at the boisterous youth.

German holidays are prime days for open-air and electronic parties. If they even finally have enough, the German partiers will go to bed during the late evening hours. But those with enough energy find their way to the nearest techno club to party until 10 a.m. the next morning. If your holidays are a little dull, head to Germany. Because nothing praises the good Lord better than an epic 24-hour beer fest and a 12-hour German techno party.