Day 20--Germany

 We used today to orient ourselves to Germany. We figured out the transit system, shopped and had lunch in the ritzy district, went to a mall without AC, had an amazing German meal, and walked to a grocery store at 9pm to find food for our week. We officially made 3 German friends all on the same day, which feels incredible, and has solidified Germany as the friendliest country so far.

We met a very sweet young man named Gino walking his dog in our neighborhood two times. The first time, he gave us an incredible meal recommendation. The second time, he gave us his Facebook profile name and told us to contact him any time we have questions. He was born in Texas but moved to Germany as a child. He has a Boston terrier puppy named Quinn.

The next friend was a woman who started talking to Donnie about laundry detergent in the grocery store at 9:45 at night. She called over to her husband, “Come here! I’m talking to the American!” Her husband is very jokey and friendly; he is the German version of Donnie’s dad. She is younger and a general practice physician. She told me I could easily get a job in Düsseldorf as a social worker…ha ha too bad I know zero German! We talked so long we closed down the grocery store, and she gave us all kinds of tips about Düsseldorf and Amsterdam. They were both such a delight. 

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This is the ritzy part of Düsseldorf. I bought a super cute Swatch watch! 




I am in awe over the super cheap COVID tests.


The prettiest mall we have ever been in. It was sweltering.


Public transit for the win!


Very pretty building in our neighborhood.


Truly delectable dinner at a place recommended by our new neighbor. We intended to split these meals, but he brought us 4 instead. Oh well! We had meat leftovers for days.


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