Hello all!

This week was much less eventful than those past, though I encourage you to read on. In my newfound independence, I’ve discovered that beauty often lies in the simplest places. Whether it’s lounging in my hammock by the river while arranging work or bolting to a meeting (which I may or may not be late for), I’m constantly reminded of the beauty of self-reliance.

While I’ve certainly experienced more independence here than at university, another new factor has been the shift in culture. This week, I’ve been tasked with recognizing my host culture—something I find difficult to pin down but will try to nonetheless. To avoid stereotyping, I aim to be progressive, cool, and liberal (as expected of my age group). The Germans are, in fact, nicht pünktlich. They are not a punctual bunch.

I often find that stereotypes come from those who embody the opposite traits. While I hail from an especially winner-take-all culture, Germans are rather normal at work. The only notable difference is their directness, which is more a benefit than a difficulty. In my opinion, that should be the standard. Many who struggle with directness seem to have more trouble marketing themselves than with the tone they’re addressed in. If work is done, it’s done.

As the lone department head and only full-time volunteer at my organization, I’m a manager in my own right. Accordingly, I lead progress on my lovely project to streamline democracy. If it wasn’t clear from my posts yet, I am a liberal. As someone on the imaginative pre-law track, I personally believe it’s a shame that Democrats haven’t taken the hint to exploit loopholes yet. There’s an understated beauty in technicalities. Perhaps this outlook stems from my general love of being right—though in my case, I’m using it for social good. For the first time in a modern NGO—and especially in my role—social good is actually determined by the people!

Let me explain…

Germans are a very literal people. While “direct” suffices as a descriptor, they’re also extremely literal and place heavy value on following rules. As my peers have noted, buses don’t check tickets—this reflects a general faith in the value of rules.

In a society that emphasizes rules so heavily, technicalities are merely an extension of thoughtfulness. Here, they take laws incredibly seriously and will fine any organization for violating zoning regulations. If anything, coming from an indirect and inefficient work culture has sharpened my ability to navigate their strict system. I can see what they cannot.

I find difficulties often turn into benefits for those willing to try—and while this sounds like the opening of a bad LinkedIn post, I truly believe it.

As for the broader culture, I’ve made so many amusing observations about daily life. People mean-mug each other on the street, which I revel in. In vehement and enthusiastic opposition, I smile like every American ought to; the urge to grin, coupled with unbridled arrogance, fuels me on my walk to the gym.

This culture is easy to assimilate into, and while it’s occasionally lonely—especially given the work aspect of this program—enough effort can make anything work.

If I had to narrow it down to one challenge, it would be resisting the urge to take directness to the level I prefer. I’d love to tell my coworkers to inform me of their availability rather than their busyness. Despite my efforts, I always get next to nothing when asking for anything else. But given my short time here, I’ve learned to bite my tongue and accept what I can get.

Now, onto the week’s activities—the part you’ve all been waiting for.

I learned how to make the perfect smash burger. I will not be sharing the recipe. (A magician never reveals his secrets.)

I also went rock climbing with my gym buddies! Of course, I don’t have videos of my heroic ascents—though I wish I did—because we locked our phones in lockers. *</3*

Beyond that, I made plans with Sherif to play Mario Party with some of his friends, and he’s slowly chipping away at my hesitation to speak English directly with people here. It still feels wrong in someone else’s country. His best quote: “Some countries are bilingual, Alistair.”

I’ve heard many U.S. insults in my time, but none have cut as deep…

Like I said—uneventful.

Then again, I don’t know how anyone could see a meal like this and feel anything but unadulterated joy.

Remember—it can always get wurst 🙂

See yall next time 😉