I honestly knew nothing about Bamberg before moving here. Even though I've been to Germany numerous times, Bamberg was never on the itinerary for my family's travel plans when traveling around this area. However, Bamberg has definitely not been a disappointment. The city was left untouched by the turmoil of World War 2 and is therefore an old, medieval city that is inhabited by a friendly, Frankonian culture.
Since I was raised in the culture (my mother comes from Germany), I can't say that any of the cultural differences between Americans and Germans are shocking to me. However, I have experienced them in new ways since being in Bamberg:
1) Beaurocracy
Germans tend to be thoughtful, careful and thorough in their studies, careers, and daily tasks in life. I experienced this when attempting to enroll in the university. It took me three different tries of standing in a long line of future Bamberg attendees, being told I didn't have a document (or having the wrong document) before making it to "level 2" of the process which involved waiting to be given the giant stack of paperwork to go over and sign in order to be a student. *sigh* Not done yet. Afterwards, I had to go to the courthouse and sign even more papers so that Germany knows that I am here, where I am staying, how long I will be here, etc. All this was required before I was given access to wifi at the university and dorms - probably so that we wouldn't slack off in getting all of this done. They know our generation too well. Even though we all found this to be quite annoying, I respect Germany's well-thought-out and error-proof (maybe not dummy proof) systems.
2) Punctuality
Germans are know for allowing their lives to revolve around the clock. While this may cause a bus driver to be grumpy because passengers are taking their time and causing his route to be delayed, or students be left behind because the bus WILL arrive and leave at 6:13, I can appreciate this value as well. Germans value their time and use it very wisely. Being late is not just an inconvenience but is perceived as stealing someone's time. When everyone is on time, no one is inconvenienced and no one's individual schedules are affected.
So far, I am absolutely loving my time here. Bamberg has so much to discover and surprises me daily with new information and people to meet. I am excited for the next 10 months and look forward to sharing what I experience during my time here.
2) Punctuality
Germans are know for allowing their lives to revolve around the clock. While this may cause a bus driver to be grumpy because passengers are taking their time and causing his route to be delayed, or students be left behind because the bus WILL arrive and leave at 6:13, I can appreciate this value as well. Germans value their time and use it very wisely. Being late is not just an inconvenience but is perceived as stealing someone's time. When everyone is on time, no one is inconvenienced and no one's individual schedules are affected.
So far, I am absolutely loving my time here. Bamberg has so much to discover and surprises me daily with new information and people to meet. I am excited for the next 10 months and look forward to sharing what I experience during my time here.
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