This post contains affiliate links. It means that if you click on the links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This allows our blog to continue providing you with free information. We only include links and products that we truly believe in. You can read the full disclosure here.
Last week, we had something really special: one of our German friends visited us here in California!
Moving to Germany or new in Germany? Check out our Resources Page for all the help you need!
He was actually on a business trip to Texas, but he made an extra effort just to visit us for one night. That really touched us.
He’s my husband’s close friend – they’ve known each other for over 16 years – and we all used to work in the same company. I haven’t seen him since we moved, so it felt like meeting a piece of our old life again.
He arrived in the evening, and we had dinner at home with the kids. And wow… my kids were on their best behavior ever! 😂
Maybe because we hardly ever have overnight guests (only my parents came before), so they were super excited.
Especially my 8-year-old daughter – she cleaned the house, prepared everything, and kept asking when our guest would arrive.
And you know what? Our friend even told us how sweet and well-behaved our kids are. Of course, he doesn’t know what they’re normally like when we don’t have visitors! 😅
But it was such a lovely night – we played games with the kids, chatted, laughed, and stayed up talking until midnight. I had to work the next day, but my husband took the day off to show his friend around.
Since it was his first time in California, they visited some typical tourist spots. But guess what my husband also showed him?
Costco.
Yes, the U.S. supermarket. 😄
And our German friend LOVED it. He was amazed by the giant portions, the super high shelves, and just how huge everything is. He even took pictures – like a tourist in a supermarket!
And it made me laugh, because I totally understand. Every time I go back to Germany now, I feel like everything looks so tiny – the shopping carts, the supermarkets… it’s like toy-size compared to here.
Honestly, if you want to understand a culture, visit their supermarkets. That’s where real daily life happens.
One more thing I want to share – a little funny moment. I asked our friend about his girlfriend (they’ve been together for 5 years), and jokingly asked when he’s going to propose.
He said, “I don’t know.” I asked why. And then he gave me the most epic German answer ever:
“We checked online if getting married would help with taxes. But it didn’t. So… there’s no reason to get married.”
I couldn’t stop laughing. It was just so German. Practical, logical… and very unromantic. 😂
Read also: Marriage in Germany – German Wedding Traditions
Anyway, that’s my little story for this week. It was such a sweet reminder of old friendships, new lives, and the funny little things that make different cultures so unique.
And if you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe so you won’t miss the next one? I write like I talk – real, personal, and honest. Just me, sharing life across cultures. 💌
Until next time,
Sindy
Moving to Germany or new in Germany? Check out our Resources Page for all the help you need!
If you found this article helpful, consider supporting this website by buying me a coffee. Every small donation helps to keep this blog alive. You can also ask me any questions here. Buy me a coffee
