The rest is the best

I am getting in under the clock! Here is the rest of what I like about Germany... I would have written sooner but I haven't had much downtime on my vacation home:

Number 4: Lack of sarcasm.

Sure, Germans are not very funny, in fact, they are unfunny. They do not like puns, double entendres or sarcastic asides. Sometimes they tolerate physical comedy or racist jokes about Italians, but usually they keep it straight-laced. And although this is one of my least favorite things about Germans, it's also an admirable trait. Unlike so many sound byte-y Americans, Germans are comfortable with silence and reflection and an altogether absence of cheer. They also don't quip mean or sarcastic or speak like a MySpace away message. Finally, I think this lack of sarcasm also eliminates the cultural-verbal hiccup of "like." Like, cool.

Number 3: Easily identifiable prostitutes.

Are they going to the State Fair, or going to turn a trick? German hookers always inspire this question in my mind because they are outfitted with a jaunty white fanny pack. Brilliant! It holds money, prophylactics and lipstick, what else does a lady of the Nacht need?! Not to make light of a serious topic in Germany (hookers are taxpayers, it's legal) but I like that they sort of have a uniform. From to Berlin to Hamburg you see the fanny pack, a white puffy jacket and white pleather go-go boots. This fits Germans general love of order and stereotypes, and if you can't stereotype a hooker, who can you stereotype?

Number 2: Regionalism.

I love this one. In the past year I have been to Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremburg, Munich, Hannover, Bamberg, etc... and every city is different, reflecting the vast regionalism in germany. Geography helps: The Alps, the river region and the North sea all provide ready-made identities, but even in states like Hessen, the people are proud to have their own slang, booze and universities.