Shrugging off the old hangups

From finding new uses for the national flag to taking shots at the national mascot, I'm getting a real kick (to use a Euro 2008 pun) out of some of the differences between here and the US. Right now, the flags are out in force in Germany, not for any political reasons, but because the German national team has made it to the semi finals of the Euro 2008 Football (Soccer) championship. For those of you not following (anyone reading this, I suppose) Germany will face Turkey this Wednesday, 25 June - quite a big deal here as Germany has the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey - and the winner will play in the final match next Sunday. It's fun to see the flags, team apparel and paraphernalia all around. And I like how they can get away with doing things with the flag that might get us in trouble back in the States - like wearing it in a way that resembles a diaper, or using it to keep the rain off.

And speaking of national symbols, the Germans also have the Eagle, but I would say it's a funny looking eagle (Matthias once told me it was a chicken...he actually thought it was!) But again, no hangups about "honoring" it - as part of the local festivals they shoot at it and try to knock an apple out of it's claws (click on the photo to see the bullet holes.) Not sure what the winner gets - probably lots of beer. The local festivals are fun, adding some excitement to our rural life.

I've noticed a few differences during physician visits, as well. Not to get too much into my visit to the gynecologist, but in keeping with the theme of hang-ups (or lack thereof) there seems to be less of a need to "cover up" here. At the GYN office, they didn't give me a robe, or even a paper blanket, to cover myself after I took off my clothes (from the waist down.) I'll remember to wear a longer shirt next time.. The experience reminded me of the time Matthias had to convince his father that he couldn't change from his shorts to his bathing suit on the beach in Florida - they don't think twice about it here.

And on a less provocative subject, I was shocked when I was asked to come back to my primary care doctor just two days after my initial visit to discuss blood test results - should I wonder if he even bothered to send the blood out to be tested?

Also in the health care arena, perhaps the biggest difference is in the paperwork. Once again, I didn't believe Matthias when he said you don't fill out forms at the Doctor's office, especially given Germany's reputation for bureaucracy. But it's true: I didn't fill out a single form! And, in retrospect, the Doctor didn't take much of a history on me either. While he did ask about current ailments and family history, he didn't even ask me if I smoke (and I could have said NO!!)

So, that's it for the German medical review, except that it's good to be insured. I wanted to wrap things up with a hearty "Go Deutschland" in German to show some support for the national team, but there doesn't seem to be a German equivalent for that. I even checked an online German Language forum (after not believing Matthias when he told me as much), where I was informed that the closest thing is "Deutschland" (clap, clap, clap), or perhaps a song quote. Maybe I'll have to change allegiance -at least I can say "Viva España!"