I recently visited Paris, France, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany & Berlin  - and here are my musings from the trip.

Lessons Learned, Observations Made & Other Musings from time in Europe (in no particular order):

- Smoking does not have the same stigma as it does in the states - and cigarettes are easily accessible.
- The French live up to their ‘rude’ stereotypes, at least in the Service Industry.
- The best French food was in Berlin.
- Skinny jeans/pants are everywhere in Europe. And still never a good idea.
- Americans are constantly distracted by their phones - Europeans keep them stored away, even when riding public transportation.
- In most places, soda is the same cost as a glass of wine or a pint of beer.
- Europeans don’t care about ice and it’s rarely given. And they look at you funny when you request it.
- European coffee & cappuccinos > American.
- If you don’t ask for water at a restaurant, you won’t get any.
- If you don’t ask for the check at a restaurant, they won’t bring it to you.
- Berlin seems to be home to men & women who believe in Bed Head Hair, white washed & torn jeans, odd facial hair - all considered to be ‘high fashion.’
- Europeans walk slow - talk fast.
- It’s true what they say about Germans & music - love the 80s and P!nk.
- Americans drink alcohol too quickly and often just to get hammered. Europeans sip & enjoy for hours.
- Breakfast often consists of croissants, jams, cheeses and cold cuts. Definitely more exciting than my typical yogurt & granola.
- Despite the weather, Europeans will eat outside… and smoke.
- The laws regarding smoking indoors (even at companies) is just now changing in Germany, effective April 30th.
- Germans are more hospitable than the French.
- Europeans do not use sweeteners, preservatives or non-fat/1% milk in their coffees.
- The French cook a lot of beef-based dishes.
- I have never craved poultry more than during my time in Europe. It doesn’t seem to be commonly offered for entrees.
- I prefer Strasbourg over Paris and Berlin over New York.
- It’s quite accepted to have a beer, glass of wine or champagne before 11AM.
- No matter how popular, I refuse(d) to try Currywurst in Berlin.
- I prefer paying for use of a Public Bathroom, in order to ensure total cleanliness.
- The Germans like to use cream on just about everything.
- Europeans do not seem to care about eating healthy or exercising.
- It was refreshing not to see chain restaurants, big department stores & Starbucks on every corner in major cities.
- Bad Oeynhausen is a small town in Germany where the elderly get rehabilitation… and then die.
- WiFi in Europe is archaic and almost the equivalent of dial-up in the States.
- I prefer Italy to France.
- I prefer California Wines to French Wines.
- German Rieslings > Californian.
- Berlin’s Underground is > New York City’s.