Spoiled

Today, after glancing through my friend's photos on Facebook of his adventures in South America and ANTARCTICA (!!), I thought to myself "Man, I wish I was venturing around the world." Then, I felt stupid.

When I first moved to Munich, it seemed totally foreign. I learned about so many cultural differences between Germany and America. For example:

a) Breakfast is an event. Germans even have a verb solely for the act of eating it: frühstücken.
b) Dogs roam the street ohne leashes. They are well trained, never bark, and obiediently follow their owners everywhere.
c) In the rare case that a dog might be the cause of an accident (i.e. run in front of a car to cause a crash, etc.), dog owners are required to buy dog insurance.
d) Speaking of insurance, Germans have insurance for their insurance. Believe me! It's true.
d) Nudity is everywhere. In ads. On TV. You just become accustomed to it. NBD (no big deal).
e) In previous posts, I have already discussed some of the many differences between German and American cuisine, but I guess you can also consider both countries "mean and potatoes".
f) Everything is closed on Sunday (at least in Bavaria). EVERYTHING.
g) In regards to Sundays, Germany is a pretty religious country. Most of the public holidays are also religious holidays.
h) And, speaking of religion, Fußball is the only religion...oops, I mean sport in Germany.

Etc. etc.

However, now I feel pretty comfortable in Germany. I know my way around Munich. I don't get sweaty anymore (from nerves) when I try to order food from the baker. My German is somewhat understandable. I call our apartment "home".

And, maybe that's why the travel bug is biting again?

As a remedy, Steve and I are traveling to Vienna today. (Or maybe, it's just because his undergraduate adviser asked us to visit.) Either way, it's too bad Wien is still in the middle of German speaking Central Europe. Oh well! At least we can get a feel for the high opera/classical music, coffee, wine, schnitzel, and Sacher torte culture that Germany lacks.

In all reality, I am very excited to travel to Wien!

AND,
I know, and recognize, that I'm spoiled.

My only advice?
Come visit...
Then, you can be spoiled, too!