I have arrived in Germany for my several month stay with my girlfriend, Ayuko, but I will write more about that process and leaving Japan later. For now I am going to rant about Germans...
GERMANS for those of you who are unaware are famous for their dourness and seeming unfriendliness at first glance. Supposedly once you get to know them, again not an easy feat as their society seems more closed off than Japan, they are incredibly friendly and just a barrel of laughs. However in my short stay here so far I have come to the conclusion that the entire country is full of unsmiling robots who couldn't care less about you or your needs. They are unceasingly unfriendly and give you the bare minimum of help or advice if you request it. Most shocking to me is that most of my interactions so far have been with Germans working in a service industry such as a store or restaurant and they have all been shockingly unfriendly and almost quasi-aggressive. At first this made me very nervous when I was in a situation in which I or Ayuko would need to speak to someone, but today something broke inside of me. Why the fuck should I be nervous to ask a staff member a question or request especially if I am attempting said action in German?! They are paid to help me and if they can't at least put on a false smile than by god I am going to act the arrogant American all the time. From this day forth no more shyness and no more being cowed by the coldness of the German. I refuse to let this country beat me just as I refused to let Japan break my spirit. I am Chris, hear me roar :P
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You go bro! I was at mass today and the priest was saying how we can't live our life in fear or let our fears control us. I thought that was really true and awesome. I'm glad you finally sent the box. I'm expecting at least 2 Christmas and 2 birthday presents...hahaha. I hope you have fun in Germany and I'll email you some of the places you should visit according to one of my teachers.
I, for one, fear the wrath of Chris when he returns to these dreaded United States.
Observant G.
Sie FAT faul arrogant Amerikaner. Sie glauben, daß nur, weil sie sprechen deutsch, dass alle anderen müssen das Gleiche tun! Warum auf dieser Erde sollte jede deutsche Versuch, lächeln Sie, wenn sie sind einfach gehen in Deutschland und Gebrüll auf Menschen, als Sie verdienen behandelt zu werden mit Kälte. Anstadt du kannst eine sheissekopf zu sein und dann wollen sie zu deinen gesicht lachen!
Well, I am glad your spirit is strong and hope that you find some of the wonderful Germans I have heard about as your stay lengthens. Remember what I have always told you kids about not letting someone else's actions determine your own-ie just because they are unfriendly... I look forward to seeing some pictures of the places you are seeing. It's snowing here today - what's the weather like over there? Hope we can skype soon. love you lots.
Perhaps, Traveler, you need to be more tolerant of others' cultures. Some people consider those in New York to be unfriendly and rude, when that is simply their nature. Patience, dear boy, with that which you don't understand.
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