So Why Germany?
Before I kick this post off, I just want to say DANKE for a great launch of this blog! We had well over a 100 page views in the first day! Your support is so appreciated!
Alright, let's get on with a few of my why's (Stephen will be doing his own post on this so stay tuned next week)! There is a great, big list of reasons why we are making this drastic move and here are the main ones.
I love it there. That is essentially the the number one why. Have you ever been somewhere and your heart just feels like it's home? That's what I experience every time I go there. I am not phased by the language barrier (though I know enough to get by) and the mountains and country side give me so much life that I can't see myself anywhere else. I just feel that I have a place there. Once you experience that and you may have already done that, you'll know the feeling and completely understand why I am so drawn to Germany. It is literally magical to me.
Germany and I agree on a lot of issues. We share the same values (as of last week) on many topics that concern me. They take environmental issues and climate change seriously. According to SGI, Germany is a driving force in International climate policy. They are also a leader in the renewable energy sector. When you take a train or drive through Germany, you will see fields and roofs full of solar panels as well as wind turbines. They are also committed to eliminating energy from nuclear power sources.
Germany also has universal health care. Stephen and I cannot participate in this for five years until we come citizens. Becoming citizens is indeed our goal. Five years doesn't seem to long in the grand scheme of life so we can
happily wait.
I am also happy to say that Gay marriage is now legal. While this doesn't personally affect either one of us, we are just happy that our friends will have rights. We believe in love.
Angela Merkel is a total boss. For the past fourteen years (!!!), Merkel has been the chancellor of Germany (equivalent to our position of President). She is competent, fiercely smart (she has her doctorate in Physical Chemistry), and was Time's Person of the year in 2015 for the way she has handled a number of things including Greece's financial collapse and the refugee crisis. In short, she is the most important leader and woman in the world. While her and I don't agree on literally every thing (she opposed gay marriage and is religious) she is full of grace and class when it comes to showing the world that you can be civil in disagreements. I admire her deeply.
I won't have to drive anymore. While I like driving, it's not my absolute favorite thing to do. The public transportation system is fantastic. Even the trains put Amtrack to shame. RARELY are trains late and they ALWAYS leave on time. That is the German efficiency that I adore. The Ubahn (or subway) is also clean and methodical. Trams and taxis are also both affordable but I can't wait to walk, walk wherever I want within our community because I won't have to drive 30 minutes just to go grocery shopping or anything else that I may want to do.
The Culture. Wine and Classical music festivals in castles or in
front of cathedrals?! Yes. Please! We can essentially do these things in the US but it's just different when you drink Riesling in the country it originated from and the same goes for the music. It's just...special that way. The Berlin Symphony is world class and the museums are just incredible. First thing I do when we get to Berlin
is go to the Alte Galerie (Old Gallery) and see some of my favorite paintings!
Fußball!! My favorite summer viewing activity! Germany is serious about Soccer and it shows. The National team is reigning World Cup Champions. I am so excited to be able to see my favorite soccer players and other world class players while we live there! I never enjoyed soccer until I became interested in Germany and the national team gave me a reason to pay attention. They are just an extraordinary team and it's just not one person to carry the team (I'm looking at you, Messi and Ronaldo). Watching a Bayern München game is definitely at the top of our to do list!
Alright, let's get on with a few of my why's (Stephen will be doing his own post on this so stay tuned next week)! There is a great, big list of reasons why we are making this drastic move and here are the main ones.
I love it there. That is essentially the the number one why. Have you ever been somewhere and your heart just feels like it's home? That's what I experience every time I go there. I am not phased by the language barrier (though I know enough to get by) and the mountains and country side give me so much life that I can't see myself anywhere else. I just feel that I have a place there. Once you experience that and you may have already done that, you'll know the feeling and completely understand why I am so drawn to Germany. It is literally magical to me.
Germany and I agree on a lot of issues. We share the same values (as of last week) on many topics that concern me. They take environmental issues and climate change seriously. According to SGI, Germany is a driving force in International climate policy. They are also a leader in the renewable energy sector. When you take a train or drive through Germany, you will see fields and roofs full of solar panels as well as wind turbines. They are also committed to eliminating energy from nuclear power sources.
Germany also has universal health care. Stephen and I cannot participate in this for five years until we come citizens. Becoming citizens is indeed our goal. Five years doesn't seem to long in the grand scheme of life so we can
happily wait.
I am also happy to say that Gay marriage is now legal. While this doesn't personally affect either one of us, we are just happy that our friends will have rights. We believe in love.
Angela Merkel is a total boss. For the past fourteen years (!!!), Merkel has been the chancellor of Germany (equivalent to our position of President). She is competent, fiercely smart (she has her doctorate in Physical Chemistry), and was Time's Person of the year in 2015 for the way she has handled a number of things including Greece's financial collapse and the refugee crisis. In short, she is the most important leader and woman in the world. While her and I don't agree on literally every thing (she opposed gay marriage and is religious) she is full of grace and class when it comes to showing the world that you can be civil in disagreements. I admire her deeply.
I won't have to drive anymore. While I like driving, it's not my absolute favorite thing to do. The public transportation system is fantastic. Even the trains put Amtrack to shame. RARELY are trains late and they ALWAYS leave on time. That is the German efficiency that I adore. The Ubahn (or subway) is also clean and methodical. Trams and taxis are also both affordable but I can't wait to walk, walk wherever I want within our community because I won't have to drive 30 minutes just to go grocery shopping or anything else that I may want to do.
The Culture. Wine and Classical music festivals in castles or in
front of cathedrals?! Yes. Please! We can essentially do these things in the US but it's just different when you drink Riesling in the country it originated from and the same goes for the music. It's just...special that way. The Berlin Symphony is world class and the museums are just incredible. First thing I do when we get to Berlin
is go to the Alte Galerie (Old Gallery) and see some of my favorite paintings!
Fußball!! My favorite summer viewing activity! Germany is serious about Soccer and it shows. The National team is reigning World Cup Champions. I am so excited to be able to see my favorite soccer players and other world class players while we live there! I never enjoyed soccer until I became interested in Germany and the national team gave me a reason to pay attention. They are just an extraordinary team and it's just not one person to carry the team (I'm looking at you, Messi and Ronaldo). Watching a Bayern München game is definitely at the top of our to do list!
I could go on and on but we like to keep these posts short. Thanks again for reading and be sure to stay tuned next week for Stephen's why. Since his profession is writing, it should be a good one!
Just need to comment in agreement that Angela Merkel is a total boss. As a scientist in renewable energy, I have the utmost respect for her and what she has done regarding Germany's energy policies and the future they have set up for themselves. Another fact to add to your list: Germany GREATLY supports their academic labs and research. The government funds so much for new researchers in that country (I think the number is ~1/2 price of all new equipment etc.), as they have identified the importance of science and technology research to the future of a country.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love and plan to settle back in Canada (biased obv.), Germany would absolutely be my runner-up for places to live in this world. They just have their shit together more than any other country.
Also, Riesling is excellent :)