Day 10 - Differences

Grocery Store

     The day started breakfast at the Beam's, I graded a few finals and more Friends on DVD. After everyone was dressed we headed off to the grocery store. Probably not something a lot of people who visit Germany get to do. Now, Sara and Aaron have two major places they shop for grocery's, on base and this Real store located in Pfalz Center (Mall). Like Aldi's you have to place a coin to get your grocery basket. Like many stores in Missouri you can buy alcohol inside the grocery store. 

Bottle Exchange

    Before we entered the grocery store Sara and Aaron had to return their bottles. Similar to Iowa where you are charged extra 10 cents for each bottle. When you return them you get 10 cent back. Well here, they have a machine where you place your bottles and cans. There is a conveyor belt that moves the bottle/can pass a reader. If you have a case of the same bottles you can place them in a larger opening towards the bottom. When done it gives you a receipt for the amount of money that you can use like cash when you pay. 

Mini Kegs

    Aaron and I tried to find the same beer we had while in Hamburg but with no luck.  I was surprised at the cost for beer. You can buy most bottles of beer for 0,89 cent Euro. The picture to the right shows you the cost of a mini keg (6.29 to 10.00 Euros). Six pack of beer ranges from 3,35 to 4,79 Euro's. In some cases these are actual twelve packs.
     Walking the aisles we saw a lot of common products from the U.S.  even in English. Items like cereal, BBQ sauce, ketchup, etc. Then again there were a lot of different types of products. In many cases not understanding Germany you would have to guest by how it looks. Could of taken a ton of photos showing the differences but held back. I did take one photo of Mayonnaise because of the color of the bottle. If we put this on an American table one might think you were passing the mustard. I did notice that for the most part prices seemed a little cheaper. For example frozen pizza for 2,49 Euro's

Lamb Meat in background

     After purchasing grocery's we headed out to the food court. Sara and Pam went for a big sandwich but Aaron said he had a better option so I followed him. We order two Doner boxes. Each box came with pommes (means French fries), red cabbage, onions, cheese, tomato, sauce and lamb meat.  While the photos below may not look tasty, trust me it was good!!

Doner Box

Doner Box

   From the grocery store we headed back to the house for lunch. Decided to hang around the house for awhile. Aaron made reservations at a butcher shop that sells steaks for supper. It's one of his favorite places to go. After dinner we will stop off at the base (Commissary) for some additional grocery's that either weren't available at the German store or can be found on the commissary cheaper. 
     I may post later after dinner but for now I'm going to publish this for Day 10. Hope everyone back in the states are enjoying their holiday break. 

ADDITION
     Well it was a little disappointing for both Aaron and I. The steakhouse that he wanted to take us to was closed and will remain closed until Jan. 3rd. So, next on the list was a Mexican restaurant. Pretty much what you would get in the states. After our meal we stopped at the commissary so Pam could get the fix-ins for breakfast. The store is on an American military base and for the most part all the products are from the states. In some cases it's cheaper then a German store and in others far more expense. The commissary hire high school students to take out the groceries. These students do not get paid at all. They live off of tips only. So, Aaron made sure to give the young lady a tip. From there we returned home for the evening. 

Thought I would start today with some notes of differences I've seen.

• Italy - after our 71,00 Euro Gelato disaster we did a little research. Aaron and I found a free book at the Vatican on tips for visiting Italy. According to the book merchants are to post all prices and must present a receipt. Which as we recall neither occurred buying Gelato. Merchants who violate face a 3.000,00 Euro fine.
• Italy did not check our passport when we arrived. Therefore, there is no stamp in our passport that shows we visited Italy.
• In Italy very few meals had meat included. A lot of pasta but little or no meat. 
• Italy - can't remember if I posted this before but when you order pizza plan on cutting your own. They do not cut the pizza in advance. This can be an adventure when you may have to cut the pizza with a butter knife. 
• Italy and Germany - when you log into Yahoo or other major sites the language is that country's. You have to locate and switch your website to English.
• Germany - you are required by law to carry a safety box. The box must include enough safety vest for all riders, a reflector triangle, and first aid kit.
• Germany - like America when you travel on highways you can expect to see McDonalds along the road.
• Germany - has a Good Samaritan law which requires you to help one in need or face a fine or jail time. I believe there are places in the U.S.  that have the same.