Traveling Abroad

[Timo]

Tomorrow I am heading off for Germany for the first time, and for a month.

This won't be my first time traveling, as I've hit up every state except Hawaii and large portions of Canada, but it will be my first time outside of the English speaking world.

Does anyone have any last minute advice or thoughts?

[JackOfHearts]

1) Take a journal and pen. As a matter of fact, take a mechanical pencil, a regular ballpoint, and an erasable pen. You'll thank me later.

2) Know your pointing and hand signals. Unless you've got an interpreter, or know the language. In which case, watch your wallet.

3) Don't drink the water. They put something in it to make you forget. I don't even remember how I got here.

4) Even if you won't be staying long term, have fun with the local girls.

5) Don't have too much fun. And if you do, take the appropriate measures.

In closing, take care, and get back home in one piece. Bon Voyage, Timo!

[Empty Wallet]

Take stuff to record your journey -- as Jack said, a journal is good. Cameras are good also -- especially if they are small.

English is widely spoken in Germany, so there should not be too much difficulty communicating. (Talking slower and louder does not help of the other person does not speak English.)

You will be in their country and it will be different. Enjoy the differences, do not complain that it is not the same as the US (a pet hate I have of travelers from where-ever, "ooh it's not the same as ...").

Try the food, drink etc.

Drink the water, you will feel better.

Have fun, enjoy and learn. If you want to know something, ask politely. Appreciate the differences and the history.

In a lot of ways, try and fit in. Try to be a part of and experience the life there, not just an observer.

If asked, say you are Canadian.

Don't mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.Fawlty Towers fans

[Greybeard]

Where in Deutschland are you traveling? I was an expat in Frankfurt and Hamburg. If you are in the area, the Black Forrest is cool. Stay out of the Red Light districts as they can be quite sizable and dangerous.

Learn a few words and phrases like "restroom" hautbanhoff (train station) I am sure I murdered the spelling. Unfortunately the only German I remember (and please forgive the spelling if it is wrong) Eine Bratwurst Bitte. (One bratwurst please) So you will never go hungry

[Zilverzmurfen]

hautbanhoff (train station)

Hauptbanhof.

But you forgot to teach him a more valuable phrase: "Ein Bier, bitte!"

[Elendae]

Let us know how you like it. I'm going to be in Dresden in the fall, staying for 10 months.

Greybeard, any suggestions for living in Germany?

[Greybeard]

Learn to order more than bratwurst and beer. All the people with whom I worked were very friendly.

Where in Northern OH are you? My family is from Cleveland

[Elendae]

Learn to order more than bratwurst and beer. All the people with whom I worked were very friendly.

Where in Northern OH are you? My family is from Cleveland

I can order bratwurst and beer already. I do have some knowledge of the language... it's unavoidable, as it is my major...

I'm in Kent now, but I'm originally from a little city called Huron.