Being a Non-Foreigner in a foreign land

Hey I had to share these little stepping stones with you about my stint in Germany so far. I'm through my initial inhibition about this perfect environment that I live in today. As I spoke the first few sentences in Germany the past week or two, I realized, I am in no position to call myself a foreigner anymore.

Being the explorers that me and my hubby are, we have managed to travel extensively through out Stuttgart and a little bit of Germany. What is great about the transportation system here is that you can set your time by the buses, trains and trams. This is such a delight for someone like me who has spent the past 27 years travelling in personal transport and yet never being on time. Some how time has a different value in this country. People start their day 15 minutes earlier but leave their offices on time. They value "personal time" and do not entertain any work beyond working hours. Also, luckily for me, I've gained existence in to their "work" environment. I am no longer a house wife. And I take immense pride in the fact that I've been able to pave my way in to their economy.

Another small insight is that the Germans teach you "self-sustainment". Since service is more expensive than in our country, they encourage you to thrive on your simple skills and intelligence. Funny example, but my land lady just taught me how to hang linens in such a way so that ironing will never be an issue. Similarly, cleaning and cooking are not service driven. In fact I sometimes fear that I'm so used to this arrangement that I may never want to turn back on it.

And like I've said silence is something that you get used to. I think one has so much to see around including the beauty of Europe that you are anyway left speechless and spell bound.

I wish that someday in our country as well, no land is left barren or no transport system delayed. Till that time, I continue to look for answers in this picture perfect country. ( I know they have their own struggles but to me they are much smaller than the bigger issues we face back home.)