The Cultural Layer

Joe's Euro outfit

Sky Beach

This part was fun. A two week sample of different foods, clothing styles, architecture, organizations, habits, customs, attitudes, language, etc.

I liked the tea, fresh breads and various spreads for breakfast. Nutella (chocolate in peaunut butter texture) was good. Some authentic German dishes whos names I cannot remember were very good. In Austria there were Kabob stores on every corner. Corn was a common pizza topping. Water means carbonated water. You have to ask for "regular" water.

Both Stuttgart and Germany were very relaxed cities. People didn’t seem quite as much in a rush as in cities here. Subways were less intimidating. The streets were clean and had lots of trees and flowers everywhere. Especially in Stuttgart, there were some big buildings, but not downtown with giant skyscrapers. Most buildings were 5-6-7 stores and spread out. Like a big village. And the buildings were very beautiful. There were café’s everywhere that you could buy coffee and sit out at a table to enjoy the day. I enjoyed "Sky Beach" which was a beach (sand, boardwalk, beach chairs, the whole bit) on a roof with a bar. Also, "Vapiano", a super-swank Italian restaurant.

Traffic was crazy because the streets were smaller. Yet, people weren’t upset about it. Some nice cars. Joe got to ride in a Ferrari 360 Spider after training one day. We visited the Mercedes Benz Museum.

I cannot describe the Euro style. I’d heard that people dress nicer, which was true for the 30’s and older crowd. But, the 20’s and younger wore a conglomerate of style. The idea that clothes have to "match" is out. Some guys bought "Euro outfits" at a second hand store. One style I thought was interesting was the "krocha". To be a krocha you tan until you’re orange, dye your hair black, wear all black and a neon hat. Krocha’s also had their own slang and style of dance.