Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey

Yes, we're super slow making sequels to episodes. However, we always eventually get it done! As Americans living in Germany for many years, there is of course plenty we love about our new home. Throughout the run of the podcast, we have spoken at length about what makes Germany so great. However, we’re the first to admit Germany is not perfect (who is?). This week we present to you part three in our series about what the USA gets right and indeed does better than Germany. 

The German Shuffle...again...number 10. It's like an itch that keeps coming back! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: being legally required to open your apartment windows, the consequences of pretending you're fluent in German, how children in Germany learn how to ride bicycles vs. children in the USA, and more!   This episode is brought to you by MyExpatTaxes.com! Those of you living in Germany must take advantage of their easy to use, low cost, and low stress services in order to take care of your tax obligations in the USA. 

A few weeks ago we came across an article that detailed the growing problem of "begpacking" and after reading further we became very intrigued. The term begpacking is defined as backpackers busking or begging to fund their travels. Whilst this may sound innocent enough, the past few years has seen a steep rise in privileged travellers from wealthy western countries standing on street corners in poorer countries with signs asking the locals to "help pay for their trip." During this episode we'll both have a conversation about the growing trend and the ethical gray area that surrounds it. Are there better ways to fund your around the world journey? 

This episode will be a far reaching discussion about the driving cultures of the USA and Germany. The focus won't be about large American pick up trucks vs. miniature European hatchbacks or even the quality of German cars. Instead, we will talk about the differences between the role of cars in the USA vs. Germany and how this has affected the look and layout of cities in each country. As we "drive down the road", we'll cover: how the fascination and necessity for cars in America develops at an early age, why the combination of residential and commercial spaces in Berlin limits the need to own a car, and the different roles public transportation plays in the US and German cities. Join us, won't you?

We finally reached our 100th episode and we couldn't be more excited! This is a one-off special edition episode in which we will detail the behind the scenes of making the AGDW podcast. We'll divulge secrets about the production, including funny stories about times when we made huge mistakes, explain the history of the show and also answer listener questions live! 

No country is perfect - even the largest economy in Europe. This week we are discussing what all of you would change about Germany - assuming you could do so with the snap of your fingers. To do this, we asked our listeners what was important to them and had everyone send us their answers. We'll both be reacting to what you believe would change Germany for the better and debate whether we agree and why. Come along with us and find out if you're also on the same page!

This week we'll be taking a deep dive into the Berlin nightlife seen by talking about establishments only locals tend to know about and enjoy. In the past, we've discussed the high profile bars and clubs that Berlin is famous for, but this time you could say we're going off the beaten path. However, not too far, because most of these local pubs, casinos, sports betting halls and mysteriously unlabelled "hang out" locations tend to be hiding in plain site. It's time you have some insight on the places locals enjoy most nights, but tourists and those recently arrived in Berlin, have heard little about!

We had so much fun reading the travel stories you sent in, and were unable to fit them all into a single episode! A couple months ago we let everyone know that we were in search of funny, absurd, annoying or just plain interesting travel stories. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to send something our way. This week we are reading and reacting to more of your travel stories in part two of this series. These will include: going from winter to summer and back to winter again in a single day, showing your German boyfriend how to make friends at an American restaurant, crazy coincidences while traveling that are almost too hard to believe, and much more!