Home, Sweet Home!

I have to admit that I have a fairy-tale-like obsession with Germany. Due to active duty with the US Army, I've spent almost five years in Germany—and I've loved nearly every minute of it. I am currently serving a short, three-week tour, which will be my last as a member of the Army. I enjoy the beer, the wine, the numerous fests, Italian gelato, driving the Autobahn, taking the streetcar, bike riding, and simply enjoying this beautiful country.

There is a lifestyle here that cannot be properly put into words. The way I see it, the Europeans (and particularly the Germans) have learned when to work hard and when to take it easy. It is this quality, not the ever-growing welfare state, that we should endeavor to emulate.

My family and friends cannot quite understand my fascination with Germany.  Many have taken the opportunity to join me here. I try to show them what I love so much, but they still don't get it. Among other things, I get complaints about how the coffee is too strong, about the "public" bathrooms that you have to pay for, the Germans who can't understand plain English (!), naked people in the saunas, and driving laws and signs that are just too darn confusing. And don't forget the walking. We walk everywhere here, including this past weekend, a two-hour hike up the mountain.

Given that I am living a dream, I thought I'd sit back and reflect about what I miss in Odenton. Yes, there are some things that I definitely miss about the US in general and Odenton in particular. First, I miss family, friends, and dogs—not necessarily in that order! Most Odenton residents will question this one, but I miss the relatively cheap cost of living in Odenton. Gas is nearly $7.00 per gallon here!  While beer and wine are cheap (and good!), food is more expensive. Unless I opt for fast food, I can rarely find a meal for less than $20. Most stores close fairly early. Except for some of the larger stores, I really can't get any shopping done after work. Stores are closed on Sunday (and recently were closed from Good Friday through Easter Monday!). So, if you work, you need to get all your shopping done on Saturday morning.

I miss a quick trip to the city—Baltimore or DC—or a jaunt to Annapolis. I miss being able to make a quick trip to the mall to pick up whatever I need, almost whenever I need it. I miss fast and cheap Internet and ability to pick up the phone and call someone without worrying about the cost. Even though I love the Italian gelato, I really miss Dairy Queen. I miss breakfast with my Rotary friends at Perry's Restaurant every Friday morning. I miss seeing progress each day at the various new construction sites around town. I miss hearing "Retreat" at Fort Meade each afternoon. I miss my co-workers at First Army Division East. I miss the warm (and sometimes sticky-hot) weather of Maryland. I miss the birds at my feeder and the squirrels that drive my dogs crazy.

So, even though there is so much to enjoy abroad, there is nothing like the good old USA.  Enjoy Odenton!