West Meets East (sort of)

I've never had the chance to travel much, and the only time I've ever stepped outside of the boarders of this country was to Tijuana for a couple hours (and I don't really think that counts). Ryan has been to several countries including Brazil, Spain, Germany and England, all for business purposes. I thought that maybe I'd be able to go with him this past spring when he would typically go overseas for a research trip. I even got my passport just in case! But his company has cut backs on traveling. So no overseas trip for me. Bummer.

Since I've not traveled outside the US I have never experienced a culture other than my own. In fact, I'm so immersed in my own little world that it doesn't feel like I even have a culture. Until this past weekend.

When Ryan was in high school he made friends with a German exchange student, Gunner (pronounced Goon-nar). They ran track and spent much time together after school. After his friend returned to Germany, they lost contact. But a few months ago Gunner found him again and re-established their friendship. Turns out Gunner and his wife were going to take a vacation and would be in our area, would Ryan like to get together? Yes!

So this past weekend we welcomed Gunner and his wife, Anita for a night. And I am surprised at how much I enjoied it! I'm not much of an outgoing person and to be with people I don't know never gives me much excitment. But they were quite nice and easy to talk with. I think the most interesting part was seeing how similar we are and talking about how our lives are different.

They didn't want to do much during their visit with us. Rather, they were more interested in having an American experience. They had dinner with us and asked us what was being served (ie, what kind of cheese was in the salad - feta!, and what exactly a berry cobbler was). I found it humorous that they had wanted to buy some of the creamy ceasar dressing that was served with the salad. Also, if was funny that on Sunday when we took them to a tourist spot in town, they were tired of McDonalds and Burger King and wanted to eat 'someplace special, like Jack In the Box'!

It was interesting to hear their perspective on American life and also how America has been influential in their country. They told us that coffee shops are becoming popular as well as fast food. The interest that Germans have in fast food is not for convenience or lack of time to cook a real meal (like it is here in the US) but rather just because it is an American thing to do.

So after this weekend I have a little different perspective on my American way of life. I also desire to travel abroad more than I did before. Who knows....maybe Ryan will have to do more research in Germany? If so, then we would have to reciprocate a visit to some new friends! Wouldn't that be exciting?!