America VS. Berlin

I thought it might be interesting to lay out all of the differences I have found between the USA and Germany:

Air Conditioning:  The Germans prefer to use their windows and air flow for natural heating and cooling rather than over-using air-conditioners like most Americans.  While I miss being able to walk into a freezing cold home after a long day of sweltering heat,  I see that the Germans waste much less electricity by having a conservative approach to temperature control.  Also I have noticed that even where air-conditioning is used, the rooms in Berlin are only cooled to about 70 to 75 degrees rather than the 60 malls and homes in America.

Food: I never wanna eat Taco bell again since I've found food heaven in the tiny street vendors of Berlin.  The level of avaliablity for a variety of foods is astounding here, and it is likely due to all of the cultures that have taken up residence all throughout the city. From the Turkish style döner to the Deutsch currywurst, all of the food here is amazing.  I've also noticed that the Germans don't eat 3 full meals everyday like Americans do rather the Germans like to only eat 1 full meal and snacks or just eat a few small meals when they are hungry.  When I say 1 meal however, I mean one massive meat packed meal.  This has made me feel way less stuffed than I usually do after a meal, and it feels like a much healthier alternative.

Culture:  Germans are an interesting people, and they are completely different from Americans.  In America we are very sensative about our political, social, and racial issues, and it is almost impossible to discuss these problems with others without offending someone or being shunned for your personal views.  I have found here that individuals are more than willing to discuss the public issues that are prevalent in society, and it is refreshing to be able to have intelligent conversations without being told "you cannot talk about that".  Even in the schools, Germans have art that calls out the troubles they and their peers face.   For example one drawing we saw in the art class showed a refugee girl holding up a protest sign, and I was suprised that such sensitive subjects  were allowed.  In America if I mentioned the issues surrounding immigration, I would be completely grilled by students, teachers, faculty, etc for being insensitive.    I have also found that people here are very appproachable and genuinely kind. For example, people greet each other openly here, and they don't care about race or ethinic background like in America.  People here come from so many backgrounds yet they don't judge each other as harshly as in America, and I believe it is because people accept their differences and backgrounds without fear.