The supermarket article made the German people sound fairly simplistic in terms of the way they shop. I was surprised at the stark differences between american and german stores. Many US supermarkets are lined with aisles, air condition their products, and customer service is a top priority. This is not the case in Germany. Items that we take for granted in America like shopping carts and bags are perks in Germany. It's was a foreign concept to think about a store employee who doesn't feel the need to help a customer. At work, I basically have to place nice with any customer I encounter, or I could get fired. Overall, the German shopping experience to be quite hectic and frustrating. Personally, I'd rather stick to American supermarkets.
The article about the German roads was also rather interesting. I've been to Germany, and I can attest to how seriously the Germans take their driving. The roads are no joke over there even for pedestrians. They expect that you know what you are doing, and aren't going to cross the street when you aren't supposed to. However, I didn't know that their traffic laws were so strict. The fact the traffic laws and road rage sound 100 times worse is concerning. Driving doesn't really sound like an enjoyable experience there, so I think I'd stick to the bus or U-Bahn.
In two of the articles, the writers described how the Germans don't have a concept of how lines work. Im Supermarkt, many people will cut in front of you in the register line, and then will try and force you out of line as soon as possible. The idea that someone would cut in front of you in line without asking is a strange thought as well. Finally, the third article described how most lines in Germany just end up becoming "jostling mobs" that wind up with one person at the front somehow. This made the Germans seem rather impatient, and, in a way, inconsiderate of others. But, I've seen similar scenarios waiting in lines on campus to get free stuff. I'm just glad I don't have to put up with it on a regular basis.
