American’s Shocks From Visiting Germany

[@hape3862]

Americans: You still use cash in Germany?!?! Germans: You still use checks in America?!?!?!

[@madpuppet666]

Australians: Cash? Checks?

[@robertmurray8763]

In Australia, cheques are not excerpted by most businesses, and some don't accept cash. Post Script. In Australia 🇦🇺 as an English speaking country. We use English or French spelling and not American spelling. When spelling some of the words !!

[@gregorygant4242]

@@robertmurray8763 Well going totally cashless isn't avery smart way to go IMHO. By going full cashless or digital "they" , the govt. elites , can see everything you spend or consume and if they decide not to like your political, religious , enviromental views they can freeze your accounts and make you starve or dependent on them to just survive. Look what "they" did in Canada to those truckers . So still having cash is smart IMHO !

[@bennybooboo6789]

@@robertmurray8763 what? cash is absolutely accepted here in australia.

[@janerde6917]

using cash in germany ist a generation thing...i would say, that "older" people using cash, and "younger" card, or smartphone. new EU (european union) law, limited cash paying to 7,000 euro maximum.

[@LucaSitan]

Just to put it into perspective: around 26% of Germans smoke and about 11% of Americans do. So it's not exactly "everyone" and "no one" but it can seem that way, especially since smoking is so shameful in the US, people probably only do it at home

[@Anna-sn7zb]

I know a lot of Germans that only smoke sometimes for example on weekends when they are partying. I don't know if these people would count as somkers in the statistics. So maybe this could be one point that makes it seem like even more people some

[@voyance4elle]

I also don't know anyone who smokes cigarretes. That part really surprises me!

[@joachimdorr6060]

@@Anna-sn7zb A smoker, is a smoker, is a smoker.... Some of us (like me for 35 years) no longer practice, but once you become addicted to nicotine, you remain a smoker for the rest of your life!

[@Average_Bruh]

​@joachimdorr6060 you say you no long practice. Which means you once did? But then you said once you get addicted to nicotine, you remain a smoker for the rest of your life. People have been quitting smoking for so long. Any addiction can be broken.

[@maddo7192]

When we were little, my brother and I managed to hide toy caps from toy guns in one of my fathers cigaretts. He lit it while driving home from work. Gladly he survived and likes to tell this story to this day 😅 Smoking is disgusting!

[@JF-yk5mz]

Fun fact: Cigarettes were actually made popular in Germany by...well, Americans. The GIs stationed in Germany tended to give their cigarettes to the locals, even kids, along with chocolate, candy, etc. The Marlboro cowboy and 1950's Hollywood movies contributed to this popularity of smoking tobacco too.

[@DirtyHarry3]

Cigarettes were a thing in Germany way before ww2. The first cigarette factory in germany was founded in 1852 in Dresden and even the worlds first filter cigarette was invented and produced in Germany in 1934. So its not an American thing. Stop thinking you invented everything. Smoking was a thing in Germany since tabacco was brought to Europe in the 16th century. First it was smoked in pipes than in cigarres and in the 19th century cigarettes were invented and popular. And the thing with the marlboro man is a american thing but it was not the only cigarette brand in germany. The oldest cigarette brand that is still on the market in Germany today is Nil, its been selled since 1901. And until 2015 the cigarette brand called Eckstein was selled in Germany sinve 1854. So the story that american GIs made smoking popoular in Germany and brought the cigarette from America to Germany is just bullshit.

[@DatsWhatHeSaid]

"Stop thinking you invented everything." ..Dude? You don't even know what nationality they (original comment) are. Stop reading into things ​@@DirtyHarry3 .. Edit: it's *sold, and OP _did not_ at any point say "the Americans BROUGHT the cigarette to Germany, which didn't know smoking before at all" -- that's the bullshit you interpreted out of thin air. They simply stated that GI's made smoking a lot more popular in the post-war time, which definitely is true. Super weird pissed-off flex comment you wrote there.

[@DirtyHarry3]

@@DatsWhatHeSaid but it's a fact, that the first cigarette were invented and produced in Germany. And cigarettes were a huge thing way before WW2. It's just a fact. In the 1930s, Germany was the largest tobacco importer in the world, importing 100,000 tons per year (from Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria). 80% of all German men smoked (12.5 cigarettes per day) and twenty percent of all women (7.2 cigarettes per day).

[@DatsWhatHeSaid]

@@DirtyHarry3 Sure, be a little bitch and don't acknowledge any of the bullshit/false accusations towards OP you hurled out before. It's also "just a fact" that American GI's made cigarettes _even more_ popular and even just _available_ in post-war Germany, when the whole country had god knows what else much higher up on their priority list, before producing cigarettes/cigars. Who, besides the UN/allied states, would even have been able to _import_ tobacco, after Germany lost the war? How delusional are you?

[@69quato]

You had "Hamburg" right the first time - translation app actually pronounced it with an American accent 😂😂

[@pikkozoikum8523]

yes xD

[@gehtsnoch7193]

Hämburg

[@hamburgersmmmmmm]

Yeah, that kinda made me cringe a bit.

[@DramaQueenMalena]

We teach our children to look at and for people: 1. Learn from others. Watch how they behave, look at different styles, different ways of life. You need many role models so you can choose who you want to be. 2. Watch out. Intervene when someone is in trouble. Let them feel they are safe. Don't look away. If you want to feel safe, let other people feel safe. 3. Enjoy the diversity. Do not judge. Look how beautiful people are. Learn to appreciate every one, even if you do not like the style. You live in a country where everyone has the freedom to be who they want to be. Don't be afraid of people who are not like you. Be interested and don't judge. Fight against judgment - so you will not be judged. 4. You live in a society with all these people. You belong together even if you do not know each other.

[@alexis.d.santos]

That was Beautifully put

[@melanief.204]

I‘m a German and when I lived in Sweden for a year, the people there just drove me nuts for not interacting with each other the way I‘m used to from Germany. To me, looking at someone is almost always a positive thing. It‘s so important to feel connected with each other 😊 Once a Swede told me that when someone stumbles and falls on the street, the Swedes wouldn‘t help the person because they wouldn‘t want him to feel like everybody has just seen that he fell. To me that‘s totally horrible. When someone falls, you gotta help him, no matter what!! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@stef987]

@@melanief.204 I don't know, I think I can understand why they want to avoid others to feel embarassed. Actually if I see others doing something that they may feel embarassed about, I usually look another direction, too. But I agree that you should help if necessary. I personally think the "staring" thing (aka looking at others) is about not ignoring the people around you. I think of that as a cultural thing. It's not only about being a nice person that regards others, but for example also about not seeming aggressive or even potentially dangerous when you don't look others in the eyes. It seems to be kind of contrary for example to American social norms, where you apparently seem aggressive when you do look at others.

[@pupernickel]

ich geh mal davon aus das du dich meinst und nicht ganz Deutschland.

[@DramaQueenMalena]

@@pupernickel Alle, die in Deutschland einen pädagogischen Beruf ausüben, alle, die sich mit Erziehung auseinandersetzen. Das ist Standard. Das gilt als Norm, als richtig und sehr viele machen das. Natürlich gibt es andere.

[@wildtrak6735]

Our serious faces have a pretty simple reason: why smile if there is no reason to? I know it may sound weird, but i think you noticed it too: you can easily mind your own business simply because nobody is reacting to you (in the form of a smile). And this is actually relaxing. When i was in the US, i constantly felt somehow obligated to interact with people simply because of the "how are you?" -greetings. We germans do not expect a single word from others and neither do we say anything. We do smile a lot if we meet people we know, though. I hope i could explain it in a way that makes sense 🤣

[@joaoalcideolenski4340]

Boring

[@pourquoi1-d2g]

@@joaoalcideolenski4340 You are boring.

[@Ramsi-Berlin]

In Berlin a lot of guys staring you, because you're cute ❣️😂🤣 They tried to contact you... and you thought, they had a problem ❕ It's so funny to hear, for me as Berliner 😜 Love from Berlin 🇩🇪 Ramsi 😘

[@TheAxel65]

The Staring-habit: It's mostly out of curiosity, Germans are always interested in the people around them. We even have a tradition that has developed around this habit, the "Sonntagsspaziergang" (sunday walk) - many go for a walk downtown on Sundays, even though most of the stores are closed, to meet and see the other residents of the city. When I visited Paris as a kid with my parents, I remember my mother saying that the best thing about Paris was the sidewalk bistros on the Champs Elysees because she could sit there for hours and just watch the passersby - she felt like in heaven 😂

[@Pluggit1953]

“People Watching” from a street side cafe is normal in Europe.

[@irgendeinname9256]

Idk when it comes to meet and actually do small talk with random strangers that's much more of an american thing. We are actually much more reserved, we just do the staring.

[@martina6687]

All Americans complain about the staring. When I visited the US for the first time, I felt people were ignoring me because you never encountered a look that would let you know they realized you were there too. That felt kind of strange to me ... standoffish kinda, unwelcoming ... But then out of the blue they would help you without looking into your eyes which proofed - they did realize you were there and had concern for your situation also ... so that is the other side of it I guess 🙂 Love, that you liked it in Germany though I am not german but austrian.

[@ZerosWolf]

We Germans are so used to staring, we don't even realize that we stare or that others stare at us. We're just used to looking at each other.

[@stef987]

Exactly, "looking at each other". When I heard for the first time Germans would "stare", I really didn't know what that was supposed to be about. Who stares and when? Are there really people who are so rude to apparently stare at people from other countries/Americans? Then I understood that they just meant our way of looking at each other, because it might seem rude or even aggressive in our culture if we didn't.

[@mfhex1398]

Cash is nice and having the freedom to conduct transactions privately is one of the last real liberties humans can call their own. I enjoy knowing that my business and transactions are not totally subjected to governmental or any other oversight. Abandoning cash only helps centralized institutions and the banking system, and those already have more than enough control over all peoples lives as it is.

[@Born.Toulouse]

Batman leading Catwoman on a leash in public transport is _not_ a common thing to see in most of Germany. 😀 Think you can do that in Berlin but good luck in rural areas in the east ...

[@marcromain64]

You're right, but I doubt the bandwidth of possible reactions in rural areas in the west and especially the south of Germany would be very different. Except Northern Germany. People would look, shrug their shoulders and continue with whatever they're doing. 😉

[@alicemilne1444]

I think it would raise eyebrows in Düsseldorf or Köln as well. Batman and Catwoman okay. But the leash? No way. Catwoman's no man's toy.

[@marcromain64]

@@alicemilne1444 It was Catwoman leading Batman on a leash, if I remember correctly.

[@Born.Toulouse]

@@marcromain64 🤣

[@jennyh4025]

@@marcromain64that might be acceptable in Cologne.

[@deires77]

Correcting the correct German pronunciation of Hamburg to the American/English one 😂 Glad you enjoyed Germany ☺️

[@Salzbuckel]

Yes, ridiculous, wanted to say that also. Is that the way, Americans learn about foreign languages are spoken? First ignore the original, then americanize it?

[@Mr4dspecs]

Joel, you had it right the first time😆😂 !

[@TierchenF95]

1 of 4 was a quiet good guess

[@lordhuebi]

What's the big deal? Most languages have their own names and/or pronounciations for cities. For example, "Lisboa" is "Lisbon" in English and "Lissabon" in German. Nothing wrong with saying "Hamburg" the american way while he is talking american english to us.

[@alexis.d.santos]

Because he is talking in English, and when you are talking in English you pronounce things like they would be pronounced in English, even if it's a foreign city's name. When you talk to somebody in German, would you say Paris or Pari', Lisbon, Lisboa or Lisabon, München or Munic? You'd prolly choose the former, because the native pronunciation may not be understood by others since it's not pronounced that way in that language. People would think you are some extravagant stuck-up dude trying to prove that they're better than others if you would try to pronounce cities the way they are pronounced in their native country.

[@mehAudio]

Re: staring… if you replace it with ‚looking‘, it’s so much less of a problem. It doesn’t have anything to do with you or your looks. I personally couldn’t pick you out of a group of Germans your age. TBH, I get really frustrated when people only look at their phones and don’t dare looking each other in the eye anymore. No smiles for strangers, that’s the sad truth. Outside of cities, in a 2000 souls village, you say hello to every person you pass. Wether you know them or not.

[@TomRuthemann]

There is a huge difference between 'staring' and 'looking at people'. Germans look at you, that's all. For whatever reason. It's not staring, not offensive.

[@zdenek75a]

About cash - using cash is in fact VERY good for having material control over spending. Electronic payment has been developed specifically for the opposite reason.

[@BarrySuridge]

Hmmm ... The 'staring' bit; you're very tall and you're pointing a camera in every direction and seemingly talking to yourself when making these vlogs; that will get people curious. 😉 You need not fear.

[@Marcus_Oelschlegel]

Sorry, but you do NOT need cigarettes for sozializing or getting jobs here in Germany!

[@hartpuckern]

It is not a german stare but a european. I saw at least one video making fun about the so called "german stare" and many from all over europe answered saying that is a american problem only since it is in their country the same as it is in Germany. Looking at people. Maybe someone you know. Greeting them.If you visit smaller towns you must endure greetings all the time. When I go on a walk. Each one will say hello, good morning, moin (depends) who passes by. If not you have the thought you describe about the stare. "Is something wrong?". So kindness and open to others shouldn't count as negative. You will see it in many european countries. Maybe switching the word from "stare" to "look" will help a lot. For the cash. I am not into nightlife anymore but maybe it is still like it was in the past. Paying the drink instantly cash. But well I live at the countryside and even at the farmer market I can pay with my card. Yes with phone is slowly. That has much to do with our history. Think about it. Didn't you "stare" as well. Or how did you notice the smoking (btw in my bubble/workplace no one smokes as well) or how serious faces are even in parks? You describe yourself observing and staring to figure that out. This staring often happens unknowing. And well how violent is a society who thinks looking at someone is bad enough to go into a fight? Instead of just saying hello or ignoring it.

[@Groffili]

The thing that always gets me with the "smoking" observation is the lack of historical awareness. Yes, it's true that in todays Germany a larger percentage of the populations smokes than in the USA. But that is a rather recent development. Not recent enough for the younglings not old enough to legally buy alcohol in the USA to notice, but very noticable for us older folks. When I was a child, and long into my teenage years, smoking was still "normal". It was culturally accepted and promoted. A lot of entertainment in Germany came from the USA - shows, movies, music - and you couldn't watch for five minutes without seeing someone light a cigarette. And that was already at a time when smoking was on a downward trend. Go back further a few decades, and smoking was the epitome of being hip, cool and mature... and a lot of that image came from the USA. Anyone still remember James Dean? Anyone thinks of him without a cigarette hanging nonchalantly between his lips? No, it is that the U.S. governement put a lot of effort into reducing smoking... much more so than Germany or other countries, which took a more liberal approach to that topic. And by now, the public perception of people has changed, to the point where the people of "Marlborough Country" find it weird to see people smoking. I ran across an example in the opposite direction of that shifting perception just recently in another "German culture shocks" video, regarding car washing. In that vid, it was noted with surprise that washing your car privately at home was forbidden in Germany. Again, an older person like me remembers the time when that was perfectly normal, even considered a national pasttime. But at some point, ecological concerns were raised, about the impact on the ground water and water treatment facilities. So strict restrictions were put in place, and over time, it just became "normal". So normal that (young) Germans today wonder why other countries find it peculiar. Culture changes. Culture gets changed. Never assume that your current views are "the norm"... for all countries, or for all times.

[@fionagray9319]

I think the worrying thing nowadays (& I can only talk about life in Berlin here) is the number of young people (teens) vaping. It's prolific at my kids school, and I think in a few years there will be an understanding that the chemicals in vapes are just as bad for your health. But for the moment nobody blinks an eye about this

[@robertroberto7659]

Yeah going back some centuries to see how things developed can be interesting pretty often. Go back a century and you learn that back in those times smoking was something men did. It was considered to be a real man to smoke. Then tobacco industry thought about how to double their customers and launched big campaigns about smoking women. Telling them that it was emancipation to start smoking. They even called cigarettes "Torches of Freedom". It's a great example how society is heavily influenced by government and companies but people quickly forget about that and just think it's the norm or how society "naturally" developed.

[@MrTuxracer]

More liberal, you should better say more influenced by tobacco companies.

[@Groffili]

@@MrTuxracer More indirect than direct. "Big Tobacco" doesn't have the influence in Germany as, say, the car industry has... but still, there are a few billion Euros gained from taxes each year... that certainly has some impact.

[@MrTuxracer]

@@Groffili There was a big influence.

[@cadeeja.]

I would looking at someone for 2 to 3 seconds hardly call "staring".

[@paulybarr]

Joel's point is that in America it is regarded as staring, which can be provocative to say the least, and that is the culture he lives in.

[@garryellis3085]

Your very mature for your age Bro. So refreshing to hear a sensible US citizen.Well done.

[@tanithrosenbaum]

Okay I have a question back to you as a German: You said someone dressed up as Batman or Catwoman would have gotten physically assaulted on the subway back home in the US. My question is: Why? What in American culture makes people assault (or think it's okay to assault) other people for dressing up as something or someone?

[@tanithrosenbaum]

@username._.MRmorejps I admit I need a translation of that emoji string. I have no idea what you're saying. 😅

[@zeikerd]

because they're insane over there

[@MissRed92837]

I’m a Swiss, currently living in the US. Americans have the mentality to be open for violence. That’s why they all have guns, some waiting for a situation they can shoot someone legally. Look what they did on January 6th. Also many Americans discipline their kids with spanking and even beating up their children. This is legal in the US and many Americans even say, only if you discipline your children with spanking them or beating them up, they will become successful and good people.

[@elzbieta_k]

In Germany, you pay €49 (about $55) a month for public transport and can go ANYwhere you want.

[@Rob-yj9ew]

what you call "staring" is what we call having interest in people. here it is polite to seek eyecontact and people that to not meet your eyecontact have something to hide or are very insecure.

[@panther7748]

Regarding the "two german characters": I think that's the difference between our "private mode" and "public mode". I never really thought about it this way, but it seems to be true. In general, we open up to people we are familiar with (basically the ones we call "du"), but in public, we raise this sort of professional/serious barrier around us. Sort of "don't interfere with my day and I will do the same". Most Americans seem to be friendly all the time, so our "public mode" might seem rude or cold to them, but this friendlyness too is more or less a barrier, just a different one. That's probably why Germans often say that Americans are superficial or their friendlyness is fake/dishonest.

[@ThomasKnip]

You did watch several videos stating "cash is king" in Germany. So you have been warned. ^^ But just yesterday I wanted to pay by card at an Indian fast food in Berlin. Their machine didn't work, I had no cash, meal already was in the making.I looked for a solution. The cashier then said "Relax, sit down, enjoy your meal. And come back with the cash later". Blew my mind after living 15 years in Berlin. 😄

[@simonekliemann5165]

Zu den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln: das mag in Städten so sein. Wenn man wie ich auf dem Land lebt, ist es schwer in einen nur 6 Kilometer entfernt Ort zu kommen. In den Ferien werden ganze Buslinien stillgelegt, weil sie überwiegend für Schüler eingesetzt werden.

[@moboe7719]

Das stimmt. Als Erwachsener auf dem Land hat man 1-3 Autos und allerhand andere Fahrzeuge, als Jugendlicher aber ein gewaltiges Problem. Mit 15 gibt's den Mofa-Führerschein...

[@knitsforthesoulpodcast4186]

I just spent a couple of days in Berlin and never needed cash. I payed everything with my card. Cafes/reatsirants, shops, museums, public transport.... I rarely have cash with me at home either and i live in a small german town. It was probably a conincidence where you went to...

[@pippinmanc]

I was over in Hamburg visiting from the UK earlier this year. And for the first time in many years I didn't take a single Euro with me, I paid for everything electronically; Food, cafes, restaurants, public transport and general shopping, nobody ever asked for cash. Maybe in your case Joel, the fact that you gave them the opportunity of payment in cash encouraged them to say 'yes please' , because it would save them card charges. 🙂

[@DialecticDave]

Same experience here, used my card for pretty much everything, seems very odd...

[@stef987]

Well, if you ask them if you can pay in cash, they will probably say yes. If you ask them if you SHOULD pay in cash, they will probably say that you CAN. The same probably goes for card payment. I can't imagine most restaurant staff or vendors would encourage anyone to use a certain payment method instead of another one, especially the one that person would actually prefer. Card payment has been a very common thing in my area for years now. I am not sure if you can pay by card everywhere here, but I wouldn't be surprised if some people don't have any cash on them anymore, or just some coins just in case.

[@somersault4762]

At most places you can pay either way. Besides family managed restaurants in rural areas or bakeries. But even for bakeries it has changed since the Corona pandamic.

[@blaumupi]

Hello! I find your observations on smoking in Germany very interesting! I have noticed in my environment that smoking has decreased significantly (!). In the office, for example, we are about 80 people and only about 10 of them smoke. If you had visited Germany 10- 15 years earlier, you would probably have left right away! 😜

[@itiswhatitis141]

There was a time where people smoked in the office and a non smoker had to tolerate it

[@Herzschreiber]

@@itiswhatitis141 yes, and smoking was allowed in mostly all public places, restaurants, pubs, bars etc.! There were even some rare movie theatres where it was allowed.

[@stef987]

When I was a child the adults smoked around us. My grandparent's living room was always "foggy" back then.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

It has decreased a lot, but is still higher than other countries. Brits and Americans especially almost always comment on it. Wait until you go to France!!

[@MattyEngland]

It was the same here in England.

[@jans9439]

Nice first impressions. And I'm happy, that you enjoyed your time over here. Looking forward to see more of you! :)

[@Struwwi]

Watching you react to all those videos about Germany and slowly falling in love with that little country in the middle of Europe just warms my heart so much. More people like you are needed in the world, because you are open to experience and engage in different cultures and are willing to share yours with us as we are willing to share ours with yours. Sure we have some things, that americans see as weird or bafflingly inefficient (like that cash stuff), but those are just some fun little quirks of our country that are slowly (german bureaucracy level slow) being replaced by more modern paying methods. But we use cash to easily teach children how to handle money. It's just easier to keep an eye on your finances and learn how to spend your money as a kid if you have it in cash, but I agree with you. Ideally as an Adult you should already be able to manage your money and be able to pay with a card everywhere. But we Germans think in a kind of "never change a running system" way about a lot of things here. We in Germany are sometimes very desperate to show how awesome this country is, but because of the history we can't really show how proud we are. So whenever someone like you comes along we bombard you with information, because we've been waiting to infodump our Lore onto someone who shows even the slightest bit of interest in our country :DD I bet you would like Austria as well.

[@siriussolaris1499]

about being serious.... why the hell should i walk around all day smiling and grinning like a psychopath?

[@MrSeedi76]

True. How I hated the comment, "why are you looking so serious" when I was younger. "I'm not looking serious, that's just my face."

[@stormdivision617]

@@MrSeedi76 So relatable. My reseting face is just naturally like a frown. Back in school I actually got into trouble with the janitor there cause he thought I was really pissed at him, when that was just my normal face lol.

[@ScissorsAndSmiles]

German expat here. Re. what you called the German "seriousness". I think it's less seriousness and more "lack of lightness". Germans are definitely not good at small talk. We are direct in our conversations, we go straight to the point, we don't mess around with polite little anecdotes. I think that often makes us look serious (and possibly forceful or domineering - which is not really intended). This lack of lightness also manifests itself in a certain "purposefulness" - as in: a conversation is for bringing a point across, not for display of rhetorical brilliance. (I am overstating things a bit ;-)) Or we are purposeful in our actions, as in: when we walk somewhere, the goal is the destination - and not the journey (hence the grim faces of people walking?). Anyway, this is a sweeping statement, which of course is never quite accurate. But it may explain some of your impressions. BTW - totally with you on the whole "cash only is crazy" conundrum. Germany is quite hung up on data privacy, hence the resistance to cashless payment. And don't get me started on the lack of public wi-fi in Germany. I call it "wi-fi desert Germany". But very glad you seem to have had such a good time in my "fazerland". Also commending you on exploring not only big city Berlin and tourist-favourite Bavaria, but also Northern Germany (Hamburg).

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

I think the Germans are very serious about being nice and friendly! I appreciate that! 🥰 My translation of a Danish poet: He who takes seriousness only seriously, and humour only humoristic, he has understood both things equally badly.

[@enrico8692]

Paying in cash does allow restaurants to not record all and so prevent to pay taxes over all income. If you do by card payments can be verified…

[@karinland8533]

No one „has to smoke to net work“

[@jupiter2668]

I hear Americans say the thing about only being able to pay in cash over and over again but I'm left scratching my head... I don't know of any place or restaurant that wouldn't accept cards... And I'm from a small town, not Hamburg or Berlin.... I went to Hamburg just last year and paid with card everywhere 🤔...

[@j.p.1859]

But illegal drug use is way higher in the U.S. and so is unhealthy eating, I’m a German living in the U.S. and I’ve never seen so many morbidly obese people like in Northern America.

[@toniderdon]

As a German, I am pretty annoyed by all the people smoking cigarettes

[@Cyril_Sneer]

You can mostly pay with cards in Germany, and nearly in every Restaurant. The misconception is, for Americans "the card" is mostly a credit card! And besides the fact that less people in Germany/Europe spent money they don't have, like many Americans. It cost the receiver a fee. To prevent the behavior to spent money you don't have. To protect you from more and more dept your unable to pay... In the US this is deliberate. Everyone should be able to pay in the first place. Even he don't have the money for your dept afterwards. But so no Salesman have to deal with your poverty! Its between you, and your Bank then. That is the american way! Just don't care of People's healthiness. Main thing is that I get my money! As you can see. That kind of behaviour is not good for a society...

[@scokeatia]

Joel, absolutely loved this video, I think you gave a very honest and informative account about what you experienced while you were there. I have always wanted to visit Germany and now you have made it seem even more appealing. Although at the beginning, I could tell by the way you were excusing yourself, that you have definitely been affected by certain things that you have experienced over the last few days. As I said then, you have no need to explain or apologise. Keep doing what you're doing Joel. Lyd xx

[@heikoindenbirken819]

You don't smoke because it is not healthy. But alcohol is not healthy too.

[@anita_R]

Bars and small places have to pay for using the banks card machines. And if it's cash the staff get the tips the same night

[@michaelk.9408]

Very differentiated and interesting views of our country! Hope to welcome you back soon! 😊

[@plsdi111]

I answer you the cash question: tax 😀 when you pay with cash, it does not go through the card terminal. If they see that you’re a tourist, there’s no chance that you’re an inspector, they don’t give you a formal bill, so they don’t have to pay taxes from the price you payed. In Hungary where I live, the government made a law, that you need to be able to pay with card in every restaurant, but sometimes the termilas is just “not working” 😅

[@emiliajojo5703]

Yup.we stare.sue us!😂

[@schiffelers3944]

There are a couple of reasons that could be why there is this cash only aspect in Germany, especially in a restaurant or bar. 2. Privacy and anonymity 3. It's a luxury 1. It is easier to not report all the money made

[@BananenbaumEY]

Your idea of corruption is very wrong. Personal Information/Data is very big in germany (for historical reasons) - so cash will always be part of our society, no matter how far every other aspect trends towards the modern technology. Plus is just safer compared to electronic money in regards to debit fraud and stuff.

[@schiffelers3944]

@@BananenbaumEY One can not pay me without leaving a direct digital trace in the digital medium. In cash I can get paid, and not put it in the booking. Fraude. That is also the whole angle for the digital payments only angle mostly - maga francize stores. I personally don't agree with no cash push, but cash is getting used less and less, at least in other countries like mine. There are multiple down sides to not paying cash, or even worse contact free. But the push for this becoming the way, the only way, is very big. Most people now days pay with their phone or smart-watch.

[@siriuspyramid7441]

I glad you enjoyed your European trip in Germany 🇩🇪 and UK 🇬🇧 . I’m french and you are welcome (but don’t go to Paris it’s sucks exept for some museums).I can’t explain you France 🇫🇷 is so different in different was you can see beaches and be in the snow in a mountain 😊 in our country 😄

[@ErikDeKoster-f2w]

Paris museums are exceptional. Besides of course the Louvre which is awesome, there is the Musée d’Orsay where I love the secxtion of the impressionists. And one must see the basement in the musée marmotan: Monet’s giant paintings of his garden and the lilies in his garden are exceptional.

[@vast634]

Smaller city shops and restaurants often only accept cash. Thats related to taxes, or a convenient way to cook the books to pay less of them by underreporting. Supermarkets and larger chains always accept cards however. Also, its the fault of banks by having a certain per-transaction fee, that makes small payments via card unattractive to the traders.

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

It’s people watching,,,,without the guilt,,,,, it’s usually because they like something about you .

[@MrSinclairn]

Great summary vid,Joel,and great to see you back,refreshed and revitalised ! 👌👍

[@danielkarlsson258]

This was a great video of your reactions to Germany! I also think you're highlighting some really accurate thing we do in Europe that you don't. Loved to see your trip in Germany! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@robertmurray8763]

Ive been to Germany and liked what I saw. I didn't over analyse people to much ,but I felt really safe. Living in Australia Maximum price for public price is about US$7 all day travel anywhere in our state(size 88,000 square miles 227,500 square Kilometres) of train, light rail, or bus. I live in a small town population, 9,000 we travel to Melbourne 240km regularly because it's cheap. Australia cards (credit or debit) are king. Some banks have stopped cash, and it's rare for a business not to have a terminal. You can go to a restaurant, or supermarkets, and have no or little human contact, and I'm old, but this is how it's all changed .

[@memento81]

Very interesting to hear your insights and perspective. And while listening I think I made a connection for the first time about the staring. I think Americans might react to it so strongly because of the tighter norm control among each others that you spoke about with the Batman couple. In the US when someone stares at you it might really mean that they are finding something wrong and objectionable about you, because the default mindset is to avoid sticking out and presenting vulnerable points for mockery or attacks. So longer looks will be perceived as being called out. In Germany it is more of a "you do you" attitude that allows observation a lot more, because we know it will only very rarely go beyond that and because the observation is less loaded with judgement. Attracting some looks might actually signal that people find you interesting, so we perceive this attention in a more positive light.

[@TheBigMe0w]

Really been enjoying your content and journey. Particularly your perspective and how it may have changed. Experiencing differences, may it be good or bad or just different, is how you grow. Thank you for taking the time to share those with us! Hate all the overly critical, rude comments you get that don't allow for much discourse.

[@MechmanGetrieb]

If you have a EC card you can pay by card in most places. Credit card´s are not so much a thing in Germany.

[@Iamjames1985]

Looking forward to the UK Brum video it is going to be interesting, you made our UK news.

[@maluell738]

Hi and glad your back to Vlogging. That was a nice summary of your stay in Germany. ❤ Though short,you were a keen observer of how we live in this part of the globe. May it be the first of your many trips to Germany and Europe.😊😊 🎉 Perhaps you would want to pursue your studies later here in Europe to know more of the Europeans. You are welcome!

[@moma515]

It was the other way around when I visited the US : people avoided eye contact. I wondered if something is wrong with me and felt very uncomfortable.

[@T0MT0Mmmmy]

I, as a German, do not accept any critics on German cash usage from people who still use checks!

[@MissRed92837]

Or people who still cook on gas stoves! I moved to the US a few years ago from Switzerland. Approx 2 years ago the Democrats shared the idea to get rid of gas stoves here in the USA. The Americans almost lost it! They are so dam proud they have gas stoves in the US and will never want to give up their gas stoves. I’m moving back to Europe soon and can’t wait to finally have an induction stove again (and low crime, no shootings, educated people, affordable healthcare, ect, ect.) 😉

[@joaoalcideolenski4340]

​@@MissRed92837 bye bye!

[@daphnelovesL]

@@MissRed92837 Nein Nein Nein

[@adamsklencik5900]

That's just his opinion bro

[@sadtattz]

a lot of businesses don’t accept (credit)cards, because they get charged „a lot“ by the service behind it, especially if the amount you need to pay is small, like 10€ or less, the business owner need to give away like 1-2% for the service

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

...and all credit card companies that charge fees are from the US

[@MYoung-mq2by]

Hi Joel, thanks for your reflections on your time in Germany. To give some perspective, I’m Dutch living in neighbouring Netherlands. I’ve been following you for a while, curious about your perspectives as a young guy looking outside the States borders. I have listed a few of my observations further on in this message. I have experience with both our neighbours, Germany and the UK. The Dutch aren’t dissimilar but there are definitely differences. What I’m saying is that all countries in Europe are in some ways similar but also very different. A visit to the Netherlands would give you a totally different experience from the one in Germany, which in turn will be totally different to the UK. An added bonus in NL is that the Dutch are known to speak English very well. The country is also known to be very liberal and laid-back, in a good way. It’s a tiny country with a LOT going on. A shame, in my opinion, that you were unable to squeeze in a day or two during your trip. It’s practically “in the middle”. Maybe next time. In NL most payment transactions are made electronically. I have some cash which I keep for “in case” but haven’t needed to use in months. Even the farmers’ markets use electronic payment. As far as the smoking goes, I have the impression that the Brits are also extremely fond of their cigs. The Dutch a lot less so. Many people only smoke in a social setting and it’s generally a lot less prevalent than it seems to be in Germany or the UK. Maybe the cycling/active lifestyle contributes to that. Being able to drink at an earlier age…. oof, Joel. It honestly pained me to see you walking the streets with a beer in hand. People drink a lot of beer, sure, but sitting down or within a social environment. Not walking the street. Please, please, don’t do that again. It’s very common and telling of either being foreign, of age, or of a super conservative background (and finally being allowed to go out and do things you would otherwise not be allowed to do)! The Germans being so serious-looking. Well, it would be strange to walk around with a smile almost constantly for no reason. Whether to be serious or easy-going depends on the situation and topic. The most important thing here, I think, is that the people are real. That applies to almost all Europeans 😉. Say what you mean and mean what you say. No one will judge you for that. Being honest will generally not get you into trouble because speaking your truth is exactly that. It’s your truth. Very few Europeans will take personal offense and are usually open for a discussion if needed. The weird and wonderful things you saw during your commutes are all able to exist because people respect the privacy and individuality of others. Whatever makes you happy, as long as you don’t harm others. I really hope you would consider visiting the Netherlands one day. It may be tiny but there's so much going on. Keep in mind to not restrict yourself to (the backstreets of) Amsterdam ;-). There is soooo much more to experience.

[@MrsLynB]

Hi just a quick one. Only 13% of people smoke in the UK. I’m an ex smoker. I’m 54. Back in the day we didn’t know how harmful it was. Today I’d say most of that 13% are younger people which astounds me! We all know the health implications so I don’t understand young people taking smoking up 🤦‍♀️ also baffles me how they afford to smoke as here now in the UK cigarettes are expensive! £12 to£17 per pack !!! I mean who can afford a 20 a day habit.

[@stefansmith]

This may be a cultural difference between NL and DE... it's absolutely socially acceptable and no big deal at all to drink a beer in Germany walking down the street. We even have a specific word for it "Wegbier", literally the beer you drink whenon your way to somewhere. No one will assume you're a tourist, from a conservativd background, or anything. First off, no one will notice, and secondly if they did, they'd just think you're on your way home after work, or on your way to the park to meet friends, or just want to enjoy a beverage outside. Tbh, the vast majority of people will consider it no different to drinking a bottle of soda or whatever - we really don't have a strong social sense of "alcoholic" vs "non-alcoholic" drinks in DE, especially with regards to beer. Would people look at you strangely if you wandered about drinking wine or a Trappistenbier from the bottle? Sure, they'd probably be shocked that you're not enjoying your beverage sitting down at a table in a proper glass. But a bottle of simple Pils, Lager, or Helles? No problem.

[@MYoung-mq2by]

@@MrsLynB Absolutely! I must admit that my observations are based mainly on seeing the younger people outside on the street. The booze culture is another thing I really don't get.

[@MYoung-mq2by]

@@stefansmith That would then be a cultural difference. I can't really remember when last I saw that in NL. Drinking on the streets? No. Unless it's late at night outside some social or party venue. A lot of the Germany videos featured a bottle of beer. Definitely something I couldn't help noticing. Water doesn't count of course.

[@mjwilliamsb2676]

​@@MYoung-mq2byGreat response above, I'm (shamefully) a Brit and I found it interesting, thanks. You're right. the drinking as you walk along is probably a cultural difference - when in Rome, do as the Romans do, as they say... Here, when I was young, it was not acceptable to smoke or eat walking along the street or even lean on a wall to eat your sandwich, or on a train or tube or bus - this has completely changed now of course in respect of food, but smoking in public seems now to be largely confined to vaping instead.

[@AchilleanTCP]

it's so cool to seeing this evolution of you starting to dip your toes in learning about germany to getting invested in it to actually travelling there and now making one of those types of videos you had been watching about your experience there. keep it up

[@rqn1998]

Im half german on dads side and although they are so expensive here in oz i dont want to throw them in. Been smoking for 27+ years now and i see it as have fun live life no guarantees in life no matter how you live!

[@Darrkuable]

On the Cash Issue: We germans like hard money over bits and bytes on a card. Guess you could say, that we are old-fashioned (which isn't untrue, considering our desperate need for more digitalization). But in generell nearly everyone has a debit card. If we use cards it'll almost always be a debit card and not a credit card (those have a bad image around here, rightfully so!) EDIT: Oh, and we also have the phone stuff for paying, although not many people are using it.

[@mancuniangamecat8288]

I always carry somw cash when I am out, you don't want to be stranded and unable to use a card or electronic payments.

[@Darrkuable]

@@mancuniangamecat8288 Yeah, thats true. better safe than sorry

[@kbittorf335]

It’s generational here in the US I believe. I am of the generation to pay up front and always keep a little cash on hand. When the web crashed in Canada last year plastic cards did not work for 24 hours. Something to think about about, especially while traveling.

[@jennyh4025]

And some prefer cash for data protection. 😉

[@Showboat69]

Every time you use card or epay the bank takes a cut, you pay cash it goes all to the retailer

[@cdhagen]

Handling cash also costs the retailer money. Do you think the safeguarded cash truck (Geldtransporter) comes for free?

[@Niaulc-sx1nl]

18 mins of Joel passes in a flash. It just occurred...if you were to do a one-man stage show, just talked, you'd get full houses. What a phenomenon you are!

[@john_smith1471]

He does the KZbin version of a one man show and makes an extremely good income from this, which enables him to travel but never wants to meet with any of the subs or patreon people.

[@kellybittner1561]

😂😂😂😂I pay everywhere with a card I have no idea in which shed you were eating

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

I agree. Since retirement, I spend two months each year in Bayern. I think I've only used cash two or three times since the beginning of the year. The speed and reliability of the Internet is much poorer than in many countries, however.

[@beek7292]

I guess it's harder for foreigners to pay with a Creditcard (Visa/Mastercard). But as a local it's easy to pay with your EC-Card.

[@kellybittner1561]

@@beek7292 I always pay with Mastercard

[@jnvoigt]

On the Topic of cash, I would rather live in a World where I have to ask if paying by card works compared to I have to ask if cash works, especially as IT-Guy myself I am not really a fan of the card-only-culture, it's a nice convenience to be able to pay electronicly, but should really not be mandatory

[@JJ_6575]

There is another reason why a lot of germans (I'm also german) like to pay in cash. The physical use of money helps them keep track of their spendings so they don't overspend. However I rarely had problems paying by card, even before the pandemic. Nowadays I almost always pay by card. What I noticed though is that some places don't accept credit cards due to the nature of the system these cards work with. However an Electronic Cash Card (also known as EC or Girocard) are widely accepted since these draw the money directly from the card owners bank account.

[@robertgieseler1220]

Josh, your reflecions have been as good as always. Great you've been over here on "the old continent" -- and it will be great to have you come back one day.

[@1983simi]

About the cigarettes, it's really a bit a matter of chance which circle of people you end up in. I never started smoking and all of my closer friend group of people I grew up with are non-smokers. Over the years I gained just two friends who are smokers - and I'll stand outside with them in solidarity while they are having their smoke. I'm not a militant non-smoker by any means. I just never started and thus naturally ended up hanging around more people who do not regularly have to get up to go outside and smoke. Just like many smokers by the very fact that they regularly are standing outside some establishment together smoking end up having more friends who are also smokers. What you're friend said about it being necessary for networking is also just his skewed perception. He networks with fellow-smokers, but he doesn't get to network with the majority of Germans who happen to be non-smokers via smoking. So if you run into one smoker and hang out with them, chances are within a short time you'll be hanging out with a whole bunch of smokers and it might appear to you that EVERYONE is smoking. If you were hanging around most people of my friend group you'd just as well get the opposite impression. I think factually just about a quarter of Germans smoke, but it's not as socially frowned upon as in the US, so you just see more smokers out and about. It's also not even been 20 years I think that smoking has at least been banned from clubs and restaurants. All my childhood it was normal for every single restaurant to have an ash tray on the table, and every evening at the club you'd come home reeking of smoke even as a non-smoker.

[@Silberling86]

Loved your whole series how you learned about Germany and then went to Germany. Loved to see the culture clash and you dealing with it. I would hope to see you in Germany next time you’re here and show you the more quiet regions, not only big cities so you get a different idea of German life. Love to see more of your videos, you’re always welcome in Europe :-)

[@PhilipTait-oi2hm]

Articulate and balanced, as always; informed as well as informative views of your Germany experienced. It’s clear this was a really educational - as well as enjoyable - visit for you. Well done; I’ve enjoyed all your reflections.

[@MoreJps]

thank you!

[@TheEmperorBear]

The Thing about Cash is 1.the Cost of the Electric Paying System, the Margin that the Company's take is too high for some owners, It doesn't pay off The advantage 2.the Tax office, some People do not won't Digital Footprint in their accounting, Sometimes good reasons and sometimes shady reasons

[@ralfjansen9118]

Booze and smoke is considered as an aspect of freedom. Like guns in the US.

[@patrickw123]

or marijuana. Few people smoke nicotine in the US anymore buy it seems everyone lights a doobie

[@Christina-Maria_von_Gusinski]

I try to explain: If we are on our ways (on the way to the supermarket, in the supermarket, on the way to work, in the bus or train, on the way to visit a friend etc.) we just want to do this way as quick as possible and without any disturbances and interactions with other people. BUT: If we decide to get in contact with other people there are places and times for that and we will let the other people know. The 'starring' is a cultural thing. Sometimes we want to classify people to be sure that they are not dangerous. We always have our eyes open if there are strangers around us. It also could be some kind of interest how people look, how they are dressed, how they wear their hair, but not in a sexual or judging way. We just look because other people are interesting and sometimes inspiring. And sometimes we love to listen secretly when strangers are talking and to hear all their private stuff. We are very curious. 🙃 We use cash because it means freedom. If you use cash you can be anonymous. Otherwise the state could find out where you have been at what time, what you bought, what you did and so on. We love our freedom and we want to keep it. And if you pay somewhere with a card or your smartphone the shop owner or restaurant owner has to pay some money to the bank. That's the reason why they prefer cash. It's cheaper for them.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

"cash means freedom", I like it!

[@zaldarion]

about the smoking, I think the discussion about it is as double standards as mj. is smoking bad? sure, does everyone gets cancer? no. is second hand smoking bad? absolutly. alcohol is dangerous too, I worked at club decades ago and I saw every night the "second hand drinking" when a bunch of ... got so drunk starting fights and teeth flying around, broken bones or someone thought in drunken state it was a good idea to grab a knife (octoberfest and places similar to that). I would rather sit in a group of smokers than in tent full of drunken indiviuals where you never know what they are going to do next. and no, I do not smoke.

[@wendyvanderfange3869]

Its a kind of way of being friendly to each other but also a safety thing.

[@Zomerset]

I had never heard of the staring thing, until the vlog. Glad to know it is normal, because when I do go to Germany for the first time, I won’t be as paranoid.

[@tjb62]

Official statistik for tabacco use in Germany is 23.8% for persons over 18 years. Also, although there are some exceptions, smoking is prohibited in bars & restaurants

[@dan438]

It is good that you describe the punctuality of the public transport. It is a big topic in Germany and many people view it as not punctual, when that is rarely the case.

[@JEYTODEE]

Your perspective ist so interesting 😅 cheap public transport… for us Germans the Public transport ist most of the time not cheap and we complain about it. Almost all people I know complain about to expensive public transport 😅

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

Personally,,,I loved every minute,,,,, 👍👍👍👍👍❤🇬🇧🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@paulbooth6350]

Well said. Great video.

[@Arch_Angelus]

Hi from Germany The staring Thing: I was taught in school to always be attentive and to observe and analyze. That's why I stare at people who catch my eye from time to time. But only briefly. I look at their face, skin color, eye color, nose shape, hairstyle, height and stature, and the clothes they wear. Then I try to imagine to which social class they belong - be clear - not in a bad way. It's just my habit. Also to analyze whether danger threatens (comes just also from nature), what does the counterpart, is there danger or is he/she perhaps looking for help in an emergency situation (perhaps he/she is forced) etc. There are many reasons that can be cited, each has different reasons. This is my opinion while staring What's the argument against abolishing cash? The fact that electronic payment methods are becoming increasingly popular is not a problem at all. The problem begins, when states want to restrict the possibilities for cash payments or even ban cash altogether. Then we get into a really problematic area. The option to pay in cash urgently needs to be preserved. Cash works without electricity and without smartphones or other terminals. For me, this is a crucial advantage. Those who have cash in their pockets can pay with it, even during power outages and regardless of whether servers or other technical devices are working. Cash is anonymous Around 500,000 people in Germany do not even have a checking account. These are people who are technically overwhelmed, but also people who are in financial need or have unclear legal relationships. Cash can be used by everyone in every situation. The sufferers of an increasingly cashless Germany would also include the homeless, street musicians and church congregations. All those who derive their income, or at least parts of it, from small coin donations. Cash is anonymous. I can buy stuff without anyone else being able to track what I did with it. That's not important in everyday life for many people in Germany. But in China, for example, you can see how countries keep a close eye on their citizens by controlling payment transactions. And of course, it's not just countries that are interested in the data. If you make a lot of cashless payments, you create a data profile that is more or less a logbook of your life. Companies exchange such data with each other, and consumers can no longer trace who has it. Cash limits the possibilities of negative interest rates. When banks charged their customers to accept their money, citizens always had an alternative: get their money from the bank and store it as cash. This function of cash is already very much undermined by a cash cap And that is my opinion - How do you pay for something if SHTF (which Americans, for example, always cite when disasters occur) and nothing electrical works anymore ? How to pay with a credit card when there is no more electricity ? These are only my thoughts Best Regards

[@marenhuwald1445]

If somebody stares at you, just ask: ' Ist was??' That settles it.

[@stefankaiser3354]

"Was guckst du?!" 🤨

[@AAPires]

In Italy, to avoid to pay commission to AX which is very high Americans are asked to pay cash.

[@hah-vj7hc]

Ok, about the staring. And this is coming from a village person. Here in the country-side, we greet each other even if we have never seen one another. We say moin, and we move on. (Moin is northern thing, you have surely heard it in Hamburg). But I also was living in hamburg for two years and once I decided to just greet people randomly for a day and they would look at me as if I was about to mooch or to try and sell them them something. So yeah, I have a very different perspective. And when I was in the US, I felt like people were much more open to randomly having small talks with a stranger. So in a way, it's just different. Idk, I guess it's just important to respect whatever culture you have entered. That's all.

[@kaylaread8048]

Maybe „Staring“ is a good example how safe you are in Germany. Americans should ask themselves why they react so aggressively when someone stares at them for even 3 seconds. Imo…

[@pooky3672]

People will tell you that setting up and using electronic payment systems involves extra costs and that Germany is a very privacy-aware country. But the real reason why most restaurants are still cash-only is tax avoidance.

[@marlenewaidele7481]

We are serious at work, but in privta we have a lot of fun

[@dave2052]

I‘m glad you enjoyed your trip and I‘m happy for your resume! To be very honest, some comments in your last videos weren‘t super appropriate, but I‘m happy the quality of your videos is still there, which can be seen in this video again. I agree that this smoking thing is bad, but so is beer! 😱 It‘s just more accepted for weird reasons. Interesting what you said about staring, but I can imagine that it might be a psychological phenomenon (self-fulfilling prophecy). I never experienced a difference between both countries in this regard. Thanks for your experiences and I hope you will continue travelling to Europe to share more of your experiences!

[@papje]

We're just more relaxed in Europe and don't se smoking and drinking as a big thing

[@schiffelers3944]

So the problem with staring is that it makes "Americans" feel insecure. Sad. We have eyes to look, see and perceive our fellow human beings.

[@Xalinai]

In some cases, some transactions in cash are not registered in the cash register (pun intended). That way the owner of the restaurant has "black" money to pay unregistered employees.

[@ginajk8857]

Using Cash means freedom !!! Cash is King . Germany is one of the best countries in that

[@ramona146]

A lot of Germans don't like to pay with a credit card because of privacy concerns. They don't want the people at the bank or the supermarket/restaurant administration/bill department to know what they were spending their money for. A lot of the people I know think that way. so for most restaurants and small shops, a credit card reader is not profitable. I'm the exception, I always pay with plastic 😊.

[@Herzschreiber]

- I am glad to hear you liked our public transportation system so much. In the bigger cities it is way better than in rural areas - though these are the areas which would need it most. - smoking cigarettes: Well Joel, I agree with you. But believe me, it was worse in the nearer past! If you had visited Germany ... let's say..... 20 years ago you'd have noticed much more smoking people than today. What I want to say is: Yes it is still an issue but it is becoming better and better. Slowly. Me personally (as you know I am the 'Grumpy Granny') .. well I am always happy to realize that "only a few young people do smoke cigarettes" compared to my own youth! So it is always a matter of the own experiences with a certain topic. And I can well understand that it shocked you because your experiences from the US are that less people are smoking. - I love your thoughts about your trip to Germany and how you reflect your time here. And it shows that "having read a lot about a country" is still different from "experiencing the issues one read about before". Like the directness, "staring" or the cash is king thingy. You did read about it but when you experienced it, it felt much more intense and different than you expected it, right? Last not least: I am glad to hear that your overall experiences were good ones. And I hope that - some day in future - we can welcome you on your next trip to our "much too serious - but then again not so serious" country again! (and I loved to see your UK videos too! I guess, even if you were able to perfectly speak German, there wouldn't be any radio station invite in our much too serious Germany, and that is indeed a pity! 😉)

[@Mr4dspecs]

I was in Germany 30 years ago, and I had the best time of my life. Everyone was friendly, helpful, generous, and had a great sense of humour! I was made to feel very welcome. Wunderschön! Ausgezeichnet!

[@keithheathcote8284]

Cash payment can be a way of avoid tax. Lower turn over means lower VAT/GST payments