@elektraX
American expat in Germany
Forum
18 posts
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Osnabrueck
Speaks English, German, Spanish
Registration: 04 July 2014
Activity
How to save money in Germany by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you plan your budget before your move to Germany? If so, how did you go about it? How do you save money in your day to day life? Do you find there are any areas where you can't cut costs? Do you have any tips about ...
Personally, I bike and walk almost everywhere, which saves me around 100 euros per month. I tend not to shop at discounters, but instead look at the weekly deals of my local supermarket/butcher and plan my meals accordingly. There are certain ... Read More
Resources for celiacs and people with food allergies in Germany by elektraX
I can't help but notice that there aren't any forum threads with resources for those with celiac disease or people with any special food needs, so I've decided to start one. For those of you rolling your eyes, I know it's ...
Regardless of statistics, I believe that if I can help even just one person with this post, then it is worth it. And, as I said originally, the purpose of this thread is to help people, not to judge them or their reasons for adhering to the diet of ... Read More
Resources for celiacs and people with food allergies in Germany
I can't help but notice that there aren't any forum threads with resources for those with celiac disease or people with any special food needs, so I've decided to start one. For those of you rolling your eyes, I know it's ... Read More
Cost of living in Germany 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in Germany in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of Germany you are living in. How much does it cost to live in Germany? > accommodation ...
I'm a little late to hop on this post, but what the hay, I'll put in my two cents anyway. My husband and I are in a smaller city in Lower Saxony. Our expenses are between 1000-1100 a month, including rent, cellphones, landline/internet, ... Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners) by elektraX
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ...
Cynic, if you go to a nice dinner party or wedding, people tend to put an effort using their fork and knife properly, but informally, yes, we fork-stab our food (as if we were enacting vengeance!) with the fork in our right hand, and primarily use ... Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners) by elektraX
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ...
Hi Cynic, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I've never visited Kentucky, nor do I know anyone from there, so I can't comment on the cultural differences that make it unique. I have noticed that speech, courtesy, mannerisms, attitude, ... Read More
What do you like the most in Germany? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Germany? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Germany and the reason why you enjoy ...
Can you let me know where you live. I have never heard of a town where everything seems to be right. I have lived here for 30 years in different places and never found that.catdog24, I have PM'ed you with an answer :-) Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners) by elektraX
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ...
I wonder if the U.S. custom of blowing your nose in private may go hand in hand with our general shame of bodily functions. I've noticed that here in Germany, people openly discuss their bowel issues and other bodily functions, so maybe the ... Read More
What do you like the most in Germany? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Germany? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Germany and the reason why you enjoy ...
I know each country can vary depending on the town/state they live in (especially regarding the people), but the town I live in truly has the nicest people. Strangers will greet you, people invite you into their homes, many will offer help or ... Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners) by elektraX
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ...
Beppi, I loved your story/anecdote, it made me chuckle. I have to agree, there is nothing worse than a judgmental foreigner! We have to accept that each culture has its own set of social rules regarding manners, none is wrong, they are just ... Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners)
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ... Read More
Costa Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Costa Rica? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Costa Rica and why not your best ...
When I first came here I found most Costarican foods to be pretty bland and boring, but realized this is due to two reasons: 1) our American palate is bombarded with salt and artificial flavors so anything naturally flavored may seem boring. and 2) ... Read More
Music in Costa Rica by Kenjee
Hi, Music is said to be a universal language. Indeed it helps to discover and better understand the culture of a country. What are the most popular music genres in Costa Rica? How about traditional music and instruments? Who are the local ...
This is a perspective of a younger generation, so it may differ from #2 because of my contact with different social groups. I hear a lot of cumbia being played on the bus radios, and taxi drivers that I've ridden with will play classic rock or ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Costa ...
I've been here for 4 years and still have not been able to get used to the cheek kiss. I know it's cliche of me as a U.S. American, but I'm a firm believer in handshaking for introductions, and hugs for relatives. I get weird looks ... Read More
How a car accident changed my view on living abroad by justachicaincostarica
Last May I decided to pack up my things and get out of the cold (May isn't really cold, but it isn't always warm either) and head to Costa Rica! I love the beach. I love wildlife. I love nature. So the move wasn't such a hard decision to make. I ...
Wow, thank you for sharing this story. I have to agree wholeheartedly, living in a country and not speaking the language does make a person appear ignorant and disrespectful, but your story shows that it is about much more than just respect. ... Read More