There are two awesome words I learnt in German class today-

verlieben; which means (to) fall in love- If i say  “Ich bin verliebt in dich”, I mean “I am in love with you”

Herzscheiße; which translates into heart shit. Literally.  Apt and clear.

so it just suddenly occurred to me that i will miss Germany super duper much when I leave. I’ll miss:

1. Germans and their appreciative and grateful character- People often say that kindness goes a long way, but here, ‘long’ is an understatement. On many occasions, or actually should I say all, things that I do for (German) people are repaid with profuse, profuse, profuse thanks. And i’m not even kidding. Once, I helped an old lady with her bag down the steps of the train just so I can alight the train faster and run for the next train. And she was so, sO, SO grateful—she couldn’t stop saying thanks and have a nice day. And after that I feel so guilty. Another day, I needed the toilet on the train badly (YES i’m on the train most of the time) but unfortunately there was someone in the toilet. This old lady came after me, but still I let her go first because well, she’s so much my senior. Not only did she thank me many many times, she even said goodbye before she alighted the train. More recently, an elderly couple tried to offer me 5 euros for helping them with all their bags. I didn’t take it, and what followed was well, kinda predicted. All these people make me feel so warm inside. Sometimes, i admit doing good things just so i can see someone’s smile that will make my day 1000 times better. But here, it’s just…undescribable. (Right. there’s no such word. But the meaning’s there I suppose)

2. Some are racist, but most of them are incredibly encouraging and patient- they’ll look at your hair color, your skin tone, and STILL speak to you in german if they hear your attempt to utter a german word. And it’s not as if they cannot speak english. Many a time they know that I am hear to learn german, and they will say things like, “Oh right i must speak to you in german then!” and they will patiently hear out what you have to say in german, and they will reply the same way they do to other germans. Completely no hint of discrimination. Even though my german obviously suck so bad, germans whom i’ve talked to often say, “Oh you speak good german! Continue speaking and learning german cos you’re doing well!” Can I just say that this is a 1000000000 times better encouragement than that stinky A- for german on my CAP report card?

3. Trust level here is so high it’s again incredible- not only the fact their shops don’t have sensor doors (at least i think most of them are like that), they don’t have to tap a stupid card to get through (what’s that called) to get on the trains or the buses. Anyone can take the trains at any time of the day, and the only reminder sticker visible on the trains say “Please only enter with a train ticket” . In other words, they don’t have to dii a stupid card in and out or better still, they don’t have to risk getting rejected just because their card has insufficient value.

4. The non-discriminating ermäßigung prices for all attractions entry tickets and travel passes.

5. Dogs are allowed to be on trains. And they’re so meek and incredibly obedient! I haven’t seen one barked, even though i’ve seen them on trains and buses and the supermarkets many many many many times. Who says it is compulsory for people with animals to own a car? Not in Germany. And the owners don’t even have to pay for their dogs.

6. Germans read books (paper books) more than they fiddle with their phones. EVEN THOUGH they are so technologically advanced (for one, most german families own a dishwasher machine that helps them to clean their dishes an everything). In the mornings, many people on the trains read. and read. and read. Makes me wonder why people on the other side of the world are so hooked up with their ipads and phones and stuff.

7. My host mother- she treats me like her own kid. She’s really nice to me, cares for me and makes sure i’m doing well—all the time. During the colder weeks, she makes sure i have enough to wear, that I am warm, that I am well. She’s also incredibly strict with me, all the naggings and stuff. But i’m really really grateful to her, and I appreciate her ALOT.

8. My host mother’s house and garden and the two fat cats that live with her- Frau Mirjam plants everything imaginable in her garden—flowers, herbs, vegetables, tomatoes, apples, etc etc etc. I love her homegrown, freshly pressed apple mousse, and all the teas she brew for me using herbs she grow in her garden—from the tea for my cold to the tea to the random tea that smells (and tastes) really nice.

Of course it’s not fair for me to compare because different countries have different cultures and stuff. But i’m not comparing. I’m just saying that I will miss Germany and all its wonders.