• the_infernal_optimist said on Oct 11, 2008....

  I knew you'd like it there! Yay! :) I'm glad things are basically going okay.
  
  It would definitely be easier if everyone knew English, but at least some of the customer service-type people speak enough of it to help a little, right? ;-) It is hard sometimes to keep in mind that it's their country and their language when you hit communication snags, but it's such a beautiful place...
  
  I hope you continue to enjoy your time there! It's good to see you around again.
  
  ~Infernal
  

• gingersoul said on Oct 11, 2008....

  Oli.......well......its not only a matter of being humble....its also a matter of respecting other countries identities..
  
  But learning a new language does open up minds and stimulate curiosity..
  
  It can be hard sometimes...specially with German that has a wide range of characteristic pronunciation and sentences forming. I started to learn it in high school...i quit pretty soon....lol..
  
  I am Italian and i live in the States now so English is the only language i use.  Sometimes i wish to have a magic wand and switch them all in Italian speakers......lol..
  
  But Germany is a beautiful country..
  
  Good luck!
  
  And remember, Paperbackwriter lives in Germany...she could give you a lot of tips...:-)
   
  

• PAPERBACKWRITER said on Oct 11, 2008....

  
  Welcome back to SoulCast Chris!
  
  I am looking forward to your daily jokes again.
  
  Thanks for leaving a comment in my blog, I would have otherwise missed your coming back :)
  
  As, ginger said, if you ever have any questions regarding Germany, which you cannot find in travel books i.e. insider tips, I am willing to help.
  
  I travel a lot now from Hamburg (north part of Germany) to Holland, and yes through these visits, it became obvious to me again, how people in Germany are not so spontaneous in changing to English, the way Dutch people do when conversing with foreigners. 
  
  I have observed at the beginning of living here, how people enquire something in English, and the Germans understand it of course but still respond in German (with lots of sign language and body movements) , lol.
  
  Through the years, I noticed though that the younger generation is changing this trend - the media playing a key role to this influence.
  
  In general, Germans start learning English from the 3rd grade of elementary school.  Unlike in the Philippines, where I grew up, television is synchronised in German.  I think, this plays a big factor, how come some Germans are not that comfortable using English, even though some of them are more than proficient - they are just not comfortable with it, not having much exposure to it or opportunity to use it (or the motivation to).
  
  I often hear the sentiment, "I am apprehensive to speak English because it is only school English, that I learned..." , whenever I thank them humbly for complimenting my German.
  
  I think it would be a rewarding experience to live in Germany if you would take German lessons.  And being there is the best way to learn it :)
  
  Viel Spaß in Deutschland!
  
  paper ~
  
  
  
  
  

• secretlife said on Oct 11, 2008....

  welcome back!

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