So, I'm going to Germany on Tuesday.

Solid Snake · 12-19-2009, 09:18 PM

This will be my first time in Europe. I'm traveling to Switzerland, staying in Zurich for a day, then spending some time in the Alps. Will spend a day in Salzburg, Austria, but the majority of the trip will be spent in Munich and in surrounding Bavaria.

...Has anyone been to Germany before in winter? Does anyone here live in Germany? Anyone got any tips for anything to do while I'm there? Is there are a remotely decent nightlife? How many people there actually speak English? As I know virtually no German, will I have difficulty making my way around town? Are American tourists at an advantage or a disadvantage when it comes to picking up German women? Are there hotspots I should research or is it more a matter of blind luck? Will everything really shut down on me during the Christmas festivities? Are there any sights in Zurich, Munich or Salzburg that I absolutely must see? Can I actually plug in my electrical equipment out there? (I read there was some issue with European and American electronics not quite matching up? I presume that means I couldn't purchase a videogame in Europe and expect it to work on an American DS?)

...Oh, man. So many questions. So many questions. I've been living in the land of Law over the past few weeks and I've only just now come to the realization that Germany is so close at hand. I'm excited, but really rather nervous...I don't travel outside the country much. I'm pretty sure all the research and all the advice I could possibly garner won't fully prepare me for this, but it's worth trying.

Nikose Tyris · 12-19-2009, 09:38 PM

Meister and Melfice both live in Germany.

Well, Meister does. Melfice is a filthy Dutchman. But both will probably have words for you.

Raiden · 12-19-2009, 10:04 PM

I went there once.

All I can tell you is to bring change in case you need to use a public restroom. They have a tendency to make you pay for public toilets.

Also, visit the castles. They've got some really beautiful castles which normally have a ton of great shops to get souvenirs and such in.

Wigmund · 12-19-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

How many people there actually speak English? As I know virtually no German, will I have difficulty making my way around town?

Everyone speaks English - no matter where you are. You just have to speak it loud and slow so they can understand you because they're filthy foreigners. If they still don't understand you, then they are brain-damaged and should be brought to the attention of the local authorities so they can be culled because that's what foreign countries do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

Are American tourists at an advantage or a disadvantage when it comes to picking up German women?

All foreign women love American men. that's just a law of nature. Look at Benjamin Franklin, ugly cuss but he got all those French women and would have collected one from every other country but Washington and Jefferson were jealous of Franklin's bitches so they had him return home.

Corel · 12-20-2009, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

This will be my first time in Europe. I'm traveling to Switzerland, staying in Zurich for a day, then spending some time in the Alps. Will spend a day in Salzburg, Austria, but the majority of the trip will be spent in Munich and in surrounding Bavaria.

Congratulaions! You have picked my favourite area of Europe and one of my favourite cities in Germany.

Quote:

...Has anyone been to Germany before in winter? Does anyone here live in Germany? Anyone got any tips for anything to do while I'm there? Is there are a remotely decent nightlife? How many people there actually speak English? As I know virtually no German, will I have difficulty making my way around town?

There will probably be quite a bit of snow (so expect the cold), but as they're used to that there shouldn't be too many problems transport wise. You're in Munich which is like the party capital of Southern Germany. Nightlife there is huge so you don't have to worry about that. I would say the entire population have at least basic English, with most having decent English skills so you don't have to worry about that too. If you're really worried about it take a translation book just in case, but I'm confident you don't really need one. The only people who you might struggle with are some people who are 50+ or are from smaller settlements.

Quote:

Are American tourists at an advantage or a disadvantage when it comes to picking up German women? Are there hotspots I should research or is it more a matter of blind luck? Will everything really shut down on me during the Christmas festivities?

Germans seem pretty neutral towards Americans, could vary from place to place though. Also enjoy the festivities. Be sure to check out those Christmas markets, it's all very magical. Also, I'm pretty sure everything closes on Sunday and I mean EVERYTHING. My memory could be a bit hazy on if everything shuts down over Christmas. I'm pretty sure the Eve and Xmas day yes because Eve is when families open presents I recall.

Quote:

Are there any sights in Zurich, Munich or Salzburg that I absolutely must see?

I could give you a few but I will leave that up to the natives, as they probably know and have seen much more than I have. Do you have a car? That entire area is gorgeous to drive through or make a day trip to see.

Quote:

Can I actually plug in my electrical equipment out there? (I read there was some issue with European and American electronics not quite matching up? I presume that means I couldn't purchase a videogame in Europe and expect it to work on an American DS?)

Germany use Type C plugs, so I am guessing no.

Quote:

...Oh, man. So many questions. So many questions. I've been living in the land of Law over the past few weeks and I've only just now come to the realization that Germany is so close at hand. I'm excited, but really rather nervous...I don't travel outside the country much. I'm pretty sure all the research and all the advice I could possibly garner won't fully prepare me for this, but it's worth trying.

Ah, throw caution and stress to the wind and enjoy yourself. Drink good beer, eat Doener Kebabs and dance like a loon on tables, it's the German way. Are you travelling with anyone out of interest? You will find most people quite friendly and especially in those cities getting into the Christmas spirit.

(For the record the above is advice from someone who has lived in Germany before.)

Geminex · 12-20-2009, 01:53 AM

I agree with all above points. You should get along without any german, as english is mandatory in schools, but still, carry a dictionary. And make sure to adress any person with "Fick dich und deine Mutter" to endear yourself to them.

As for electronics, adapters are quite cheap so you can plug whatever electronics you want it... I'm not sure about the games, but German DS games work in Australian Gameboys and vice versa, so I think you should be safe.

Also German, so I know what I'm talking about. Trust me. Especially on how to adress peopel.

Eltargrim · 12-20-2009, 02:18 AM

a) You'll need some sort of voltage converter so your shit doesn't blow up.
b) The DS (specficially) is region free, so you'd be good for that one. The rest, who knows?

Meister · 12-20-2009, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

Can I actually plug in my electrical equipment out there? (I read there was some issue with European and American electronics not quite matching up? I presume that means I couldn't purchase a videogame in Europe and expect it to work on an American DS?)

Like has been said, get a voltage converter/plug adapter and you'll be good to go. DS is fine but other console games (for non-portables) could cause problems because the US and Europe use different TV standards. There's also a chance these games are region-locked, similar to DVDs.[/QUOTE]

... I guess Corel covered this one otherwise. One thing:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corel

eat Doener Kebabs

absolutely do this. Preferrably have a good one for lunch so your first impression isn't the one you pick up when you're smashed at 2 a.m.

Mirai Gen · 12-20-2009, 03:18 AM

I saw this from the main forum page with "So I'm going to Germany on Tuesday" and I saw Meister had posted last.

For a second I was very very confused as I thought he opened the thread.

Corel · 12-20-2009, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geminex

I agree with all above points. You should get along without any german, as english is mandatory in schools, but still, carry a dictionary. And make sure to adress any person with "Fick dich und deine Mutter" to endear yourself to them.

Also German, so I know what I'm talking about. Trust me. Especially on how to adress peopel.

Story: First couple of weeks working in Germany (And knowing jack shit about the language) if I recognised a caller ID of one of my colleagues I would answer the phone with "Moshi Moshi!".

It wasn't until later on until someone informed me what it meant (Or sounded like) in German. Decided that maybe it wasn't the best idea in the world to answer the phone like that.

12-19-2009, 09:18 PM	#1
Solid Snake Erotic Esquire Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 5,563	So, I'm going to Germany on Tuesday. This will be my first time in Europe. I'm traveling to Switzerland, staying in Zurich for a day, then spending some time in the Alps. Will spend a day in Salzburg, Austria, but the majority of the trip will be spent in Munich and in surrounding Bavaria. ...Has anyone been to Germany before in winter? Does anyone here live in Germany? Anyone got any tips for anything to do while I'm there? Is there are a remotely decent nightlife? How many people there actually speak English? As I know virtually no German, will I have difficulty making my way around town? Are American tourists at an advantage or a disadvantage when it comes to picking up German women? Are there hotspots I should research or is it more a matter of blind luck? Will everything really shut down on me during the Christmas festivities? Are there any sights in Zurich, Munich or Salzburg that I absolutely must see? Can I actually plug in my electrical equipment out there? (I read there was some issue with European and American electronics not quite matching up? I presume that means I couldn't purchase a videogame in Europe and expect it to work on an American DS?) ...Oh, man. So many questions. So many questions. I've been living in the land of Law over the past few weeks and I've only just now come to the realization that Germany is so close at hand. I'm excited, but really rather nervous...I don't travel outside the country much. I'm pretty sure all the research and all the advice I could possibly garner won't fully prepare me for this, but it's worth trying. __________________ *WARNING:* Snek's all up in this thread. Be prepared to read massive walls of text.

12-19-2009, 10:04 PM	#3
Raiden Just a passing through veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: On your couch. Yes? Posts: 5,327	I went there once. All I can tell you is to bring change in case you need to use a public restroom. They have a tendency to make you pay for public toilets. Also, visit the castles. They've got some really beautiful castles which normally have a ton of great shops to get souvenirs and such in. __________________ I have a signature. It's a really cool one, too. It's so awesome, you'd pull your eyes out and punch your mother. Sadly, these rules state that my signature is just too darned big. Too much awesome for such a small space. Oh well. You can still punch your mother...if you want... Fifth and Krylo made me do it. http://www.animecubed.com/billy/user...sigs/60266.jpg Be the Ultimate Ninja! Play Billy Vs. SNAKEMAN today!

12-20-2009, 02:18 AM	#7
Eltargrim Fifty-Talents Haversham Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: FABULOUS Posts: 1,904	a) You'll need some sort of voltage converter so your shit doesn't blow up. b) The DS (specficially) is region free, so you'd be good for that one. The rest, who knows? __________________ <Insert witticism here; get credit; ???; profit!>

12-20-2009, 03:18 AM	#9
Mirai Gen We are Geth. Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 14,032	I saw this from the main forum page with "So I'm going to Germany on Tuesday" and I saw Meister had posted last. For a second I was very very confused as I thought he opened the thread. __________________

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12-20-2009, 01:53 AM	#6
Geminex SOM3WH3R3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4,606	I agree with all above points. You should get along without any german, as english is mandatory in schools, but still, carry a dictionary. And make sure to adress any person with "Fick dich und deine Mutter" to endear yourself to them. As for electronics, adapters are quite cheap so you can plug whatever electronics you want it... I'm not sure about the games, but German DS games work in Australian Gameboys and vice versa, so I think you should be safe. Also German, so I know what I'm talking about. Trust me. Especially on how to adress peopel.