Germany to me...
...is rolling hills, clumps of pine forest along the highway, towns nestled in small valleys and castles high above.
Germany to me is grey skies and rain, walks along winding rivers and the smell of fresh bread.
Germany is Christmas markets on cobblestone streets, mulled wine held in chilled hands, and solid dark chocolate.
It's the sound of a church choir, grandmothers baking, grammar lessons and philosophical discussions, the feel of fresh air and fog and sunshine, the feeling of warmth and age and lost pride. It's seven grocery store chains in one city, sausages and sauerkraut and beer gardens, Barfußgärten and "Bio" food; it's buses across the country and trains to France, and a conversation about an elderly couple's diving trip to Dubai.
It's opera and aggressive rap, maypoles and old wood houses; it's Stammtische and Universities and parks where students hang out in the summer, stick shifts and bicycles and gummy bears, but above all... it's my heritage.
