Same same, but different

Germany was a wild ride. From the shows we saw to the art we made to the relationships we formed, it was truly a wonderful experience.

There is a saying that I think really applies to our trip; it is, “Same same, but different”. Whenever one travels abroad they are shown the differences and similarities between their culture and the culture they are visiting. The American culture is similar to the German, but there are also some striking differences like how quiet people are in public and the strict observance of no J-walking laws. These differences make me examine our culture to find what I like and what I’d like to adopt from German culture.

            By traveling around Germany, we were also able to see the similarities and differences between different parts of Germany. I found there were some underlying similarities that created a common Germany feeling. I can’t quite explain it. Despite this there were differences particularly between Munich and Berlin. Munich is very influenced by their Bavarian heritage, while Berlin has been deeply influenced by the Soviets presence and the East West Divide. This divide and the later fall of the fall created a huge alternative scene in Berlin which continues today through their clothes and street art. The Bavarian influence of Munich has led them to keep the Bavarian flag flying high and have very different food. Munich is know for spätzle, schnitzel and beer, while Berlin over the years has been influenced by so many cultures that it now can be hard to find traditional German food; instead, doner and currywurst are huge in Berlin.

            There are also some similarities and huge differences between our group now and before the trip. Before the trip through the play and our class we created a community where each person pulls their own weight, but also helps each other. This same attitude existed at the end of our trip, but our individual relationships are very different. In the past 3 weeks through our constant interacts, I have gotten to know the people of our group better than I have in the 2 years of knowing them. That’s why I think travel is the best way to get to know people.

Travel shows you the similarities and differences between cultures, types of food, and people and at the end you are always the same, but a little bit different.