We’re back in Richmond, VA!! It feels like it’s been forever, yet at the same time our trip went by WAY too fast! I miss my family already, but I’m so thankful for all the memories that we made together over the past few weeks…

I thought it would be fun to kick off my return with some interesting random facts about life in Germany that you might not know! It’s so different visiting a foreign country when you have relatives there who are integrated in the lifestyle and culture..you get to learn more about the little things that make life different for them! So here’s some interesting facts, and just a few pictures from our trip! (I have LOTS more editing in my future!)

**these “facts” are actually just my observations and things my family members told me! Feel free to let me know if any of them are a little off!

1. I mentioned this one on Facebook because I was so shocked…while we were there, gas cost around 1.80 (EUROS) per LITER!…that’s over EIGHT dollars a GALLON!!! WHAT?!? so crazy. I will never complain about high gas prices again.

2. Most Germans eat dinner at lunch time, and a smaller lunch type of meal at dinner time.

3. On the Autobahn, it is STRICTLY forbidden to pass on the right side…The left lane is for passing only, and the right lane is for cruising…at first I was TERRIFIED when we were driving super fast on the Autobahn…but their rules make so much more sense than ours, and they actually have less accidents even though people drive so fast!

4. Big semi trucks are limited to going only 50 miles per hour on the Autobahn, and must stay in the right lane unless there are three lanes…Most bigger trucks are designed so that their engines actually CUT OFF if they exceed 55!

5. All stores (even big international chains like H&M!) close at 8 PM..and NOTHING is open on Sundays, except for bakeries from 9-11 AM.

6. It costs over 1500 euros for people to get their drivers license in Germany..if you get stopped for ANYTHING in your first two years as a licensed driver, you lose it and have to take the test and pay again. And only about 13% of people drive automatic cars..your license indicates if you can drive a manual.

7. People have different accents in different regions of Germany like in the U.S.! My dad’s side of the family live in the Southeast and sound so different from the relatives on my moms side who live in the far western part of the country!

8. Beer, water, juice, and soda all cost about the same at a restaurant! My drink of choice in Germany is Apfelschorle (basically apple juice and soda water…SO good!)

9. They have these awesome fields outside of most towns called “Blumenfeld” where you can put money in a little box and cut as many fresh flowers as you want! (we need these here!!!)

10. Schools don’t have sports teams..instead each village has teams for all different ages, which is awesome because then you never have to stop playing!

(I’m OBSESSED with that door and peach wall on the right…I’m definitely framing that and putting it in my future office!)

11. Most homes, restaurants, and businesses don’t have air conditioning in Germany, because it really only gets too hot a few days a year…it was in the 50’s our first few days there! I was FREEZING.

12. There are over 25 THOUSAND castles and palaces in Germany!!! Obviously, photographers there have some epic engagement shoot backdrops. SO jealous.

I’ll leave you with a peek at a mini shoot we did for fun on our day off from site seeing! Isn’t she beautiful?

 

**CONGRATS to Allison Henderson! You’re the random winner of the giveaway!! An apron and some chocolate are coming your way!