Pedestrian-only streets flood this city, making it easy to fit in if one was to use a bike as his/her sole means of transportation. It seems at times that there are more bikes crowding the nearest bike rack than the number of BMWs put together. The sidewalks are split in half, 1 half for walkers and the other for bikers. If you cross the line, beware of dinging bells--you are about to get pummeled by a German biker and have just veered into their 50% of the walkway! Yikes!
Energy conservation is prevalent everywhere. To a DC commuter a motionless escaltor is just another needed repair in the Metro. In Germany once you arrive at the bottom of the escaltor and stomp on the metal plate, the escaltor turns on and promptly begins to move. When walking into bathrooms or hotel hallways, motion sensors will turn the lights on and off for you.
Dryers...let's just say I wouldn't want to make a living selling this machine in Germany. As you walk around the city you will see laundry flying high, drying out even your smallest articles in natures wind. Or just come over to our apartment for a look at our clothes-pinned myriad of dripping laundry.
The Grocery Store: As I arrive at the head of the line I never have empty bottles like the rest of the Germans. Recycling is huge, and they pay you for your duties. Now, I know that in the US we have states that honor this, but do they make it an easy process? I have never seen 100% of the line at Giant bringing in bag fulls of plastic bottles, announcing to the cashier the # that each customer has proudly arrived with and then getting a refund on their grocery bill. One more thing... make sure to bring your own bags to the store so that you have a way to carry your groceries home.
We could learn something here!
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