Dinner in Germany

Adam here and I've got another difference between this culture and our home culture: eating out is a polite, but not always so private, experience.

There are two specific things that take place when we go to eat out. First of all (and this isn't one of the differences I am focusing on, though it deserves mentioning) the restaurants here are usually quite small, especially the ones in Kandern. They usually have room enough for just a few tables and maybe 20 people if you pack it in tightly. As a result, when someone walks in they greet the entire place with a hello or a good-evening. No one responds but it is just the polite, social rule. You walk in and say hello. On your way out you wish all a gutten abend and a tschus, a see ya'll later.

The second observation is so completely contrary to the American customs I am used to that it always surprises me. Because of the limited seating diners often sit at a table with complete strangers. This has happend to us a few times. A couple, like Laura and I, can't take up a four person table if it is busy. Another couple will sit down. If there is a longer, rectangular table for 6-8 people and there are four at the end, it is totally acceptable to take the seats at the other end of the table.

There are usually general pleasentries exchanged but no need for the awkward "get-to-know-you, stranger" dialogue. You can still keep to yourself for the most part but sitting at a table with strangers is a very common experience.

Last night, Laura and I took a break from the BFA basketball games and went to Asia Wok, the best (only) chinese food place in town. No one joined our table last night, though for a while the only 2 free seats were at our table. It was during dinner that we thought about these differences and wanted to share them with you.

[P.S. Asia Wok is actually really, really good. Next time you're in Kandern be sure to get
funf und vierzig! breaded chicken with sweet and sour sauce and a side of rice, soo gut!]