People sometimes ask, “What makes Germany special?” or “What do I love so much about Germany?” The obvious answer is family. But it’s more than that. It’s those little things that people in Germany take for granted that we just don’t have here in the US. Some of what I miss is intangible and difficult to describe. Smells are important…like…
Category: Only in Germany
German House Windows – The Finest Example of German Engineering
For the finest example of German Engineering, look no further than German House Windows. Truly, what one other innovation so closely embodies German love for form, function and cultural norms than those shiny clean windows on the world? Think about it. German windows are designed to open in. This gives you with a great spot to hang your feather bedding…
What is Pfand? the Ransom Price for Real Glass
Leave it to the Germans to come up with a brilliant system to make using actual glasses at a Bier Stube possible, the Pfand. This “ransom” or “deposit” charged by vendors means that they get their cups, glasses and plates back for washing… and you get to use grown up table-settings. You see, I really don’t like drinking out…
German Bathroom Fixtures… What is the Deal with Those Toilets?
Germany and America are countries separated by both language and bathroom fixtures. The two main issues are hand-held Shower heads, and Toilets. It’s funny I traveled back and forth between the countries for years and never had serious issues with German bathroom fixtures. In fact, I LOVE the hand-held showers in Germany …. As for the toilets? Well, they are…
Memories of my Oma’s Keller – The Wonders of the German Basement
You could blindfold me, spin me in a circle three times, and drop me through time and space into Oma’s Keller, and I would still instantly know where I was, just by the smell and feel of the air; cold, with a hint of damp, the smell of earth and laundry soap, and maybe a little oil? The door…
Spaghetti Eis Recipe- How to Make This Favorite German Ice Cream Dessert at HOME!
I know it’s for kids, but whenever I’m in Germany, I have to eat Spaghetti Eis at least once a visit! Honestly, Eis in Germany is the best!! The Spaghetti Eis Recipe (Ice Cream) for those of you who have never had it, is not spaghetti… it’s delicious vanilla ice cream pushed through a press to look like pasta. Then…
Roemer Glass- Green Stemmed German Wine Glasses
What is Roemer Glass? These traditional German wine glasses with green stems are all over Germany, and they are used to serve delicious wines from the Rhine or Moselle Region. We had a set in our home while I was growing up… and my family in Germany has them. I’d bet that most German families have a set in the…