It is the question I am asked again and again? Why Germany? Every time I meet someone new, it inevitably comes up shortly after whatever cutely ignorant comment they make about Texas. I never understand why people are so shocked that I would pick up my things and move to their country. Have you no pride? Why wouldn't I want to live in this land of green and beer festivals? Theny, they ask if I like it here. I respond, "I don't have to live here." It is true, I could go home at any second. Heck, my life would be way easier at home and I could put my visa troubles to end once and for all.
My ancestry is obviously European, but despite some deep genealogy digging from an uncle, my direct line of ancestry on my father's side was already in the US in the 1790s (as far back as we've been able to track), which makes me as about American as they come (you know, besides the natives). Yet, for some reason, I have been drawn to Germany since childhood. My elementary school hosted a yearly international day, where students would parade their heritage in traditional dress through a school assembly, and I always wanted to be a part of the German group, not just an on-looker in the crowd. Growing up, my family vacationed in the German part of Texas, going to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels and floating the river in Gruene. All of this was before I learned of Germany's tumultuous history involving the world wars.
Going into my university year, I had not traveled much outside of a few ski trips to Colorado. Suddenly, I was surrounded by new people who had seen the world and desired to see even more of it. Many of them left our junior year to study abroad, while I stayed back and foolishly thought about how they could deal with leaving their friends and "throw away" a semester of their exciting college life. Seriously, I used to think like this. It was not until I started hearing the stories and adventures, which ignited a flame inside me, and I began planning my first Eurotrip.
On that Eurotrip, we stopped in Munich. I had high expectations for the only stop in a country I always fantasized about, and it exceeded them beyond belief. When people asked why, it was hard to pinpoint. It was just the vibe, the bustle, the excitement, the variety, the newness of it all. So, I became determined to return to Europe, and Germany was where I wanted to be.
But, incase the above explanation is not satisfying for you, here are more concrete reasons I chose Germany:
- Germany is very westernized, so while there are adjustments and oddities, it is nothing I could not easily overcome.
- Germany speaks another language, which offered the opportunity to learn another language, but also English is spoken widely enough that I would not feel secluded entering a nation where I knew none of the language.
- Germany is centralized and connected making travel to other parts of Europe affordably doable.
- Germany is affordable.
- German winters (HA - false).
My mom saw my post mentioning a potential trip to Morocco, where she immediately decided to phone me and say "No to Morocco". I found it hilarious and told her that it was just an idea. My mom responded, "Alex, unlike other people, your ideas actually happen." It is true. I wanted to start a company, I did. I wanted to move to Europe, particularly Germany, so I did. I want to go to Morocco, and most likely, I will.
So world, if you feel a pull somewhere, do it. Why not?
42 comments
Your mom sounds exactly like mine. Lol
ReplyDeleteAhh, justifying decisions to others is always a fun game. I love your mom's statement...mine said something similar the other day when I was talking about moving to Central America. I mean, why even have ideas if they don't have a chance at becoming reality ;-) I hope you go to Morocco so I can read all about it!
ReplyDeleteI get very much the same here in Spain. People can't imagine why I would ever have left the California dreamland from the movies.
ReplyDeleteI would totally love to live in Germany. Why not Germany? Half the pictures I see make me feel like I'm looking at scenes from a Fairytale, why wouldn't I want to live someplace like that? Germany would definitely be on my list of places to live if I ever got to live in Europe!
ReplyDeletei love love love this post. great explanation Alex!!! it's so interesting as to why and honestly I have wondered that myself. But it does make perfect sense. Now I need to come visit.
ReplyDeleteYou're like me in that respect, we have both grown up feeling a connection, me to Italy and you to Germany. Some people get it, others don't. Most of the time (I find) those that don't, haven't really experienced much so maybe it's a safety thing in their mind.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading what drew you to Germany... and did not know about your business, that is too cool! We never travelled outside the United States when I was young, but I always had this urge to get out of my bubble and see the world. From the moment I stepped foot in Japan (my first int'l experience aside from mexico and canada), I was hooked. Basically, my parents had no chance after that. ha!
ReplyDeleteWeirdly enough, I've just commented on another blog about how weird it is that natives are always stunned and appalled that anyone would want to move to their country! I've experienced that in Canada, Australia, Sweden and France - the only exception I've come across is the US.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post - I have a similar relationship with Sweden, moved here a couple of years ago and haven't looked back!
I love the look of puzzlement that always accompanies the question too. And you're right, it is always followed by, "and you like it here?" Like it's so shocking that people enjoy this country. It's so funny every time.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - we Germans really aren't particular proud of our country. I think it has a lot to do with Germany's Nazi history, though and it's something we will most likely carry with us for a very, very long time. People here just don't say they love Germany, because patriotism is not something that we are brought up with or that is considered a good thing. We don't mind it, if other people (in other countries) are, but it's just not part of German life anymore. Now that I live abroad myself, I start to realize just how much I like my old home country, simply because that's what it is: Home. But I wouldn't go as far as to say I love the country - we Germans are way to big of naggers (probably our worst trait ever) for that! ;)
ReplyDeletexx
Be sure and send this to your Visa office contact. How could they not grant your visa after reading your love for Germany .
ReplyDeletelove you, Mom
I love your reasons... and many of those reasons are why I love France so much... but hard to explain to people. And YES to Morocco... it is a beautiful, vibrant and very safe country!!!
ReplyDeleteMy family used to go the to the Schlitterbahn in the summer when I was a kind. It's incredible. Best water park in the world! One of my closest friends is getting married to a German man this fall and they are currently fighting immigration to get him to America. If it makes you feel better, visas are impossible to get no matter which way you are moving! My English visa caused me stress that took years off my life xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that, “Alex, unlike other people, your ideas actually happen.” & I did not know you had a small business, I'll definitely check it out! & as far as Germany, I've only ever had the chance to take weekend trips over from France, but one of my best friends I met in Paris is actually German, so spending more time there is for sure on my itinerary this year & I already cannot wait! I have a lot of German heritage so I can understand your fascination. x
ReplyDeleteGreat post! We are on our second country, and some people wondered why Poland. Why not? It's inexpensive, full of nature & history and simple, but it is cold too! I'd rather be abroad and experience everything there is out there before we return to a "normal" life back in the US. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou sound like me - unlike most people, your ideas happen. This is creepy, but let's hang out sometime.
ReplyDeleteWe are so alike! That's why I definitely think you should go to Morocco. Love that your Mom reads your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered why Germany too :) When people ask me why, I just say, "why not"? You'd be surprised at their faces when they realized that was a perfectly valid answer!
ReplyDeleteSame deal here in Sweden. "But why would you want to live HERE?" is the first thing anyone says once we explain we're not tourists. The justifying gets a bit old, but comes with the territory I guess.
ReplyDeleteI get to use the "it's my boyfriend's fault" line. LOL. If I feel like elaborating, I say a studied German, which involved a year abroad and I loved it so much I came back, which they're briefly happy with... but then I get "but why study German in the first place?!". You can't win.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely come for either a Christmas Market, beer, or wine festival. They're always happening so it shouldn't be too tough to schedule it :)
ReplyDeleteMan I still need to make it to Poland, it's one of those so close yet so far things from me! But oh man Germany is already turning cold and I am not happy about it!
ReplyDeleteWe are probably flying in and out of Malaga for Morocco, so we might actually be able to hang out soon :)
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! I think it's awesome and if I wasn't married I'd probably be in another country. Although, there is still a possibility that we will get stationed over there at some point! I totally plan on it ;) Thank you for inspiring people through your bravery. We need more of that these days ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL I love it. I went to Greece, alone, when I was 19 and my parents about died. They got over it though (and continue to do so each travel opportunity that arises). I don't think you're weird at all. You're living it up in this one life we get. Be proud!!! <--- imagine me yelling that like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. ; )
ReplyDeleteMy answer to the why Germany question is this:
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in a house full of Portugese, I hit high school and the required two-year language class requirement and decided "Fuck the romance languages, I want something different." So I picked German, which turned out to be the best poorly-made decision of my life. Cheap higher education, a social safety net, it's damn gorgeous, so I decide to move. The economy tanks and BOOM, what's the only functioning country in Europe? Germany, so suck on dem apples.
I had this conversation with my boyfriend once in the mensa at uni, and a professor sitting at the next table overheard me, came over and shook my hand, saying "I wish more people thought like that." Germany makes me nuts sometimes, but in the grand of scheme of things, it's a kickass place to be!
Kudos to us for picking an awesome country :)
Haha, I too have always been drawn to Germany for some inexplicable reason and I'm finally going there in October... looking forward to the visa troubles myself :) And why wouldn't you go to Morocco? It's definitely on my list too!
ReplyDeleteI didn't get this question much from Spaniards (guess they're used to all the expats), but while I was traveling around Eastern Europe this summer, SO many people asked me why on earth I was visiting their (beautiful, amazing) country.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my first visit to Spain immediately left me with the same impression you got from Munich. Ah, love at first sight. And now your post is making me really want to go back to Germany and see more than just Berlin!
I loved to read why you chose to live in Germany, my home no less. I have experienced the same here in Australia - being asked by Australians why I chose to move here! :) I guess it is sometimes hard to see the beauty of a place if you have been living there for a long time and actually dream about living in another more exotic location yourself! And home is never exciting nor exotic! Anyway, I havent been to Germany since two years now (but flying back next week for a short visit) and I very much looking forward to be back in the land of good bread! Oh gosh, do I miss the bread!! :) Happy to hear that you enjoy your time! x
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I chose The Netherlands for many of the same reasons. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a make it happen kind of gal and that's why we all like you so much :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Where will you be living?
ReplyDeleteHahaha I love this -- now if only I can get a better grasp on this nutty language.
ReplyDeleteI'm heading to Frankfurt first (more specifically, Mainz) but I am going on a Schengen tourist visa so I need to work out how I am going to stay... I think I am going to look for an English-teaching job. If you have any tips let me know!
ReplyDeleteWill do! Very exciting!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. If we have an idea we should make it happen.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I chose Germany, too - well, as much as the Air Force would let me choose. I love it here and asked to extend after only being in country for about two weeks. Hopping over from the Friends Around the World blog hop. I'll definitely be following you now!
ReplyDeleteAlex, this post is just -WOW- ! You are a very talented writer, really.
ReplyDeleteAnd next to that, glad, that you like it here ;-) I sometimes feel that our past is too hideous to say that I am German so I mostly stick with other people's suggestions, and be mistaken for Swedish or Dutch or something. But this post makes me a bit (tiny bit) proud of our country. Thank you!
xx
High five for making Germany a bit more popular in the world! Well, yeah, I guess Germans always feel a bit strange when people actually like Germany. We're used to having a bad reputation for movie (and real life) villains, impoliteness, and having no humour at all. Most people are only excited about our cars and beer ;-)
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I missed commenting on this before now?
ReplyDeleteFirst, nice post. Second, on the ancestry thing, your ancestry on your Father's side in the U.S. dates back to a time prior to the U.S. Revolution. In fact, on your paternal Grandmother's side of the family you have an ancestor that fought in the Revolutionary War
His surname was Sample, he was an Officer and GrannyB is in possession of a boot-clip which was fashioned out of silverware.
Third, I might have posted something similar previously, but your ancestry is definitely Northern European and definitely includes German, either directly via Houenstein, Fixx, Butz, Buocklaw & Varner, or indirectly via the Saxons and Vikings that 'migrated' to the British Isles.
So, in further explanation of why you chose Germany, you were likely, in part, just running home to momma.
Glad you are loving being with your peeps.
Love & miss, proud of, and for, you.
Always,
Daddio
Nice post! I hate when people get so hung up over ancestry. Just because you feel an affinity for a place doesn't mean you have some ancestral tie. I'm an American who's ethnically Korean, and I worked in China - the first question Chinese and other Americans working in the country asked was if I had family in China. And then when I said no, they couldn't understand why I was there. Facepalm.
ReplyDeletehahaha it's like, can't I just have interest in a place for Pete's sake?!
ReplyDelete