I am not sure how I feel about bloggers discussing the weather.  I think that is a topic which comes up when there is nothing else to say.  Yet, I have a lot to write about and it just so happens to involve the weather.

Last night we shared our vacation pictures with Anni’s parents.  We spent a long time talking about our vacation, places I have lived or visited in the United States, and where we might vacation next.  I even mixed a lot of German into the conversation and that made me happy!

Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, NC

Looking through the pictures last night really brought to mind just how cold it is here in Germany.  Todays high was about 9°C (48°F) while at Wrightsville Beach, NC (see vacation picture) it was 24°C (75°F).  Unfortunately, Wrightsville Beach is much further south than Germany which explains most of the weather differences.  Considering how chilly it has been here for many months I would love to have those warmer temperatures in Germany.  It is already approaching freezing over night.  Today was even cold enough I wanted a scarf while walking to class.  Something I would have never thought about in Missouri.  Even in the colder winter months.

Like I said earlier discussing the weather is pretty much a non-topic, but it leads me to a significant thought.  When people ask me how living in Germany compares to the United States I always say they are similar: people have cars, go to restaurants, shop, etc.  All of those things most people expect wrapped into daily life.  Yet, for me, there is an indescribable difference between a German and an American.  I always equate it to culture, but that really is a simple word for a complex description.  Of course two groups of people go about life differently.  The weather is just another one of those things that brings out the differences in my new surroundings.