Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey

We’re often focusing on helping people who wish to move to Germany or Europe in general, but it’s time to give more attention to our listeners that want to just be a tourist in Deutschland. This week we have a special guest on our show that'll help us give advice to those of you wanting to visit Germany - whether it's for the first, second or third time! Or perhaps, some of you expats already here simply want to explore your new home. Who is the guest, you ask? It's Mark Wolters, the host of the YouTube Channel "Wolters World", of course! You can enjoy all of his content at www.woltersworld.com.

While living thousands of miles away from home many of us while find ways to maintain our old traditions in our new land. This week we'll focus on the people and organisations that work to keep German culture, traditions, and language alive in the USA. Joining us is Günther Jänhl, the host of the "Hier & There" podcast produced by the Germanic-American Institute of St. Paul, Minnesota. We'll talk with him about his move to the USA and what it's like to experience American culture from an Austrian perspective. 

Germanic-American Institute Website: www.gaimn.org

It's time for the both of us to once again face each other in the ring. Of course, by ring, we mean our podcasting table. This week, we again ask each other questions! Alex and I will be asking one another about topics related to our living in Germany and our lives in general. In order to give real off the cuff answers, neither of us will know what the other person will ask beforehand. What's Geoff's favourite place in Berlin? What does Alex think was the most positive aspects of growing up in the USA? Does Geoff have fun stories from his time working in the film industry? How well can Alex handle German trivia? Join us for these questions and more!

When moving abroad, you're going to encounter experiences and new cultural norms that you're not used to - there's no way to avoid it. Over time, you accept most of them and they slowly become just part of your daily routine. However, there are some things about Germany that we will both NEVER get used to! This week we discuss being away from family, the endless red tape of German bureaucracy, the lack of storage space, the feeling of never fully fitting in, and much more. 

Here's a classic that's back by popular demand! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: bicycles riding on the sidewalk, getting married in Denmark being easier than getting married in Germany, foreigners getting a driver's license, and so many more! 

Germany, along with its European neighbours, is known world wide for having a great public transportation system. It enables us all to quickly go to work, visit friends, and generally live our lives without the hassle of owning a car. Berlin has one of the best examples of public transit in Germany with hundreds of subway stations and a maze of tram and bus routes that connect almost every "A" with every "B." This week we're discussing the public transportation in Berlin. We'll focus on how to use it, interesting facts and what makes it great! 

Hey, it's our own version of the classic Beatles song. After a long hiatus we're back making new episodes of the podcast! Alex was off on his long overdue trip to visit his family in the USA (aint Covd a bitch?). While he was there, his long absence made him see certain ordinary American things in a whole new light. This week we'll be discussing "reverse culture shock" and how living in abroad for many years can change your perspective of your own home country. 

Grab some ice and a cocktail shaker, it's time to talk about drinking culture! During this week's episode we have an experienced bartender who has worked at high profile bars in the USA and Europe. She'll be joining the discussion and use her wisdom to help us tackle topics such as: the main differences in the drinking cultures of the USA and "across the pond", how bartending differs between the two continents, the art of tipping at a Berlin bar, and more! Also, to make things even more special, our guest has made us three different whiskey cocktails to enjoy while we record. 

80th Episode Special Edition: In the past we've had Q & A episodes in which we answered questions from all of you about being an expat in Germany. This week, we try something completely new and ask each other questions! For the first time, Alex and I will be asking one another about topics related to our living in Germany and our lives in general. In order to give real off the cuff answers, neither of us will know what the other person will ask beforehand. What about living in Germany gives Alex the most anxiety? Why did Geoff become a filmmaker? How much does Alex really know about his home state of Rhode Island? Join us for these questions and more!

We're going back to school! During this week's episode we speak with our guest Bobbie about the differences between the education system in the USA and Germany. Bobbie, Alex's girlfriend, has herself experienced being educated in both countries. We discuss what her expectations of an American high school were and if her one year abroad in California lined up with those expectations or turned out to be different entirely. She also outlines for us the odd structure of the German school system, which includes students having to choose their career at the age of 10!