half past nine in the morning (total) of Germany.
It's amazing how many walls 20 years after the fall of the wall are still standing. The physical division is of course History. But the divisions in many minds, mouths and wallets last a reality.
German or still Westerner?
Since this morning I am officially reported in Trier. With principal place of residence. And so - at least in theory - Rhineland-Palatinate, and - you hardly dare to write the word, let alone talk to - "Westerner". The fact that today the same 20 Anniversary of the fall is, I was not aware until the transition to citizen's Office. It dawns on me only from the remark of the officer that I would have chosen for "this step" a "historic day". Then at the university, the welcome a Saarland Kommilitionen (the West German membership in fact is quite cool as well!): "Happy Memorial Day!" , "Um ... today?" I thought it was day the Berlin Wall! " , "Yes, I say that.".
I'll take a pound unit. - Must be what's else?
After this enlightening conversation back to me a little more clearly how it is with our unity. Only one walk through the campus offers a fascinating opportunity to hear a variety of more or less German dialects: Rheinisch in all variants, Luxembourg et la table Français and occasionally a little Schwäbisch (like Baden forgive me my untrained discernment!). But all the accents above the Palatinate and Saarland. So far, so good. The ubiquity of Brandenburg and Saxon I would not ask in this corner of the republic. (Not even the desire you ask me!) The main difference I see in the other hand, the content of what is said. Because when I followed the "baker's corner", entered the hitherto almost overtook me everyday culture shock again. "I get two grains bread!" requires a customer to me. Naturally asks when I'm at the range, the shop as well: "And what do they get?" .
I know what the people say so - and that they mean no harm. But it gives information about the mentality behind it, the certainty that everyone is entitled allegedly appears in the old federal states much more pronounced. "I'd like a liquor bread." I answer it - coupled with a smile. From the seller apparently interpreted as a declaration of war, it fills my buns in the bag, looks at me grumpy: "Then I get 45 cents."
differences. And similarities?
Many more experience of the differences in expression Places I would call possible here. But I'll just leave it at that. Differences between East and West are well known. However, awareness is still lacking for many common features. However, I am well aware that common ground and apparently everywhere equally little attention. Perhaps, even the not so bad. Finally, awareness of one's own home, not least, also provide security and belonging. Be sure to always have a place of retreat. In addition, the prejudices of my new environment compared to my home have caused me no major damage. On the contrary: There is conversation and the occasion for humor. And finally culture and mentality will also align themselves over time and generations of its own. Hopefully with a tiny trend towards the east.
A common autumnal Monday morning at the University of Trier.
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