Kapitel 7 Kultur Blog 1

Bargain Buys:
To be honest the description of this "Supermarkt" vaguely reminds me of a Sam's Club or Costco in America. Albeit, the moldy fruit usually isn't an issue, and their tends to be a trend of marginally better customer service. Nonetheless, the whole idea of having items laid out on huge pallets, in a brightly lit, institutionalized type setting is strikingly similar. Also the idea that there are only a few registers and almost always some are closed rings true in almost every American supermarket. That whole idea of people going before you even if you have a few items also rings true in America. In general I would say that America does have its equivalent experience.

Take it from a German:
I certainly never want to drive in Deutschland now. I think it's interesting how the comment about people being impatient when driving in Deutschland. That is because I've often heard that Germans (along with many other Europeans) feel that Americans are too impatient and stressed. I think one of the biggest differences in leaving the car running, that happens all the time in America and no one thinks anything of it. I wonder if everyone shutting off their cars while waiting would have a great positive impact on our environment.

What Discipline?:
I found this article actually really humorous. I think it's the mental picture of a bunch of grown-ups fighting to get to the start of the line. It's really interesting that they are not "line supporters". In America, I can remember from a young age that lines were instilled in our daily lives. When going from class to class in Elementary school we had to form a line. If you were lucky you got to be the line leader and everyone wanted that job. Although traveling in a line was annoying no one questioned why we had to, or if there was any other possibility.

Brennpunkt Kultur:
The Schulerausweis is a very interesting concept to me. Coming from an extremely small school we did not even use student IDs. I didn't realize how prominent they are in some societies or areas of the world. I think that the Studentenausweis is a great idea for students. It encourages them to do activities beyond studying. Also it makes students become well rounded educated members of society by encouraging them to go to museums and classical concerts.

Their grocery shopping experience is quite different from America's market experience. However, since the movement of living green more and more people are bringing their own bags to store their groceries in at the supermarket. Also, there are some stores that do in fact charge for paper and plastic bags. The only thing I haven't seen in the U.S. is paying for using a cart. That is kind of a strange concept to me. However, Americans generally do not go shopping each day and purchase many more groceries at a time. I'm surprised that Wal-Mart has made its way over to Deutschland. I never thought a company like that would be successful away from the U.S.

The Stuttgart sounds like an amazing place to visit. It has a rich and interesting history. From nearly being destroyed during WWII to being to the home of some of the best car makers in history. I would especially love to see the Schlossgarten and Neues Schloss I can only imagine how beautiful it would be in person.













The Fussball article was pretty interesting. For the most part it was mainly common knowledge though.

Munchen also sounds like an amazing place to visit. It's hard to grasps that they have 26 universities! It sounds like there is a lot to do there and that it is a very lively atmosphere with a younger crowd being attracted to the area. I think it would be nice to see the Englischer Garten or participate in Oktoberfest.