Enjoying stereotypes

One of the pleasures of fresh faced travel, is that there is plenty of time to appreciate the stereotypes of each country as we pass through. I was contemplating this as the silent whisper like smooth running trains of Bavaria whisked us in and out of Munich with effortless ease. There were no rattles, hums or engine whirring to distract me, not even the children, who had the calming effect of the train upon them, stirred at all. So my thoughts led me to thinking about stereotypes. In a typical view of the Germans (as I understand), the efficiency and slick running of the public transport network mirrored the preconceptions I had. A fantastically clean, free running and calm place to be, no stress, no panic, no backlog of traffic, times were metronomic and the ticketing easy. This efficient stereotype has continue in some different aspects of life we have witnessed in Munich. The slick dealings of the snow clearing teams means that life continues without any flicker of disruption regardless of the volume of snow. Not a whiff of panic in the air. Even cycle paths and dead end roads are cleared. 

In addition to travel the organisation, they drink with flair and efficiency. The sheer size of the Ocktoberfest beer tankards means less trips to the bar, therefore saving time and effort. Although trying to choose a drinking vessel of choice is not very easy given the options. 

We had then witnessed a proper community library in action here in Unterföhring. No need for petitions to save the library as in Ilminster to try and keep your library going, instead a beautifully placed and organised library to make it fun for all. No shoddy computers, a really well thought out and engaging resource. 

Also busking. Gone are the French squeeze-boxers, gone are the Italian squeeze boxers, no no. We witnessed a classical quintet in the middle of Munich. Well rehearsed, professional and producing a fantastic sound. This is busking at another level. And looking carefully you may identify a grand piano. We did wonder how this occurred in an outdoor space, and were, shortly after seeing them, saw the operation that moved the 'band' to a different space. No wheezing or grunting needed to move this stuff. Just logic and a thoughtful mindset.

And so we have found this throughout our naive travels. Different things become important in different countries as we have seen it.

Do we like the German stereotype and what we have seen so far? Yes we do. There is pride in this country. If you are going to do something, then do it well seems to be the mindset. A very positive place to be.