My homage to German traditions

Farewell Deutschland

As I prepare to bid Auf Wiedersehen to Germany and say Coucou to France, I find myself reflecting on the little things that have woven themselves into the fabric of my everyday life here. From culinary delights to cultural nuances, each holds a special place in my heart—a sentiment that grows stronger as my departure draws near.

First and foremost, the culinary scene in Germany has spoilt me in ways I never imagined. Oh, Maggi—your versatile liquid seasoning that effortlessly transforms soups, stews, and even tops my hard-boiled eggs with a touch of German flair. How will I recreate that distinct flavor without you? And speaking of flavors, let’s talk about Döner—a real Döner that doesn’t come with an astronomical calorie count. The finding a succulent, well-balanced Döner in France seems like a distant dream. A Kebap is just not the same.

Then there’s the chocolate—Ritter Sport and Kinder Schokolade, oh how I’ll miss your goodness without robbing the bank. In Germany, these delights are a sweet escape at a reasonable price, but in France, they seem to come with a hefty price tag that tugs at my heartstrings and my wallet. My inner German is very strong on this one, telling me to just buy it in Deutschland. I count on my brother to provide me with that through the mail.

Memories in Transit

And let’s not forget the practicalities of everyday life. Hair dye that doesn’t cost a small fortune, drugstores like DM that offer a one-stop-shop for all my needs—these conveniences will be sorely missed. And those subway rides without the suspicious ticket controls that always leave me feeling like a criminal, I’ll yearn for the ease and efficiency of my German commutes.

But perhaps what I’ll miss most are the simple pleasures—the comforting familiarity of a Brötchen instead of a baguette, a non-sugary breakfast to start my day on the right note, and the reassurance of finding milk readily available for my coffee. And speaking of coffee, I’ll miss the generous portions served in Germany, where a cup isn’t just a sip seeming like the portion is made for a toddler but a satisfying indulgence served in an actual adults sized mug.

As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I know there will be moments when I’ll long for the autobahn stretches, cruising in my Volkswagen with NDR playing in the background—a reminder of my roots in northern Germany that I’ll carry with me, even in France.

So, as I say Tschüss to Deutschland, I hold onto these memories and treasures, knowing that they’ve shaped me in ways I can’t yet fully comprehend. Germany, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart, and though I may be leaving, a part of you will forever remain within me, even if its just through that horrible accent of mine.