My name is Alison and I am from Great Britain. My husband’s job brought us to Cologne two years ago and I like it! I was actually pleasantly surprised what a nice, clean and cozy city Cologne is! I especially enjoy the open space and the whole city atmosphere. It is also very accepting. We used to live five years in Amsterdam and I found it very chaotic, tiring to live in, here it is more relaxed, more fun and I feel at ease.
Do you feel integrated?
Obviously not, but that does not mean I am not happy. You still feel like a foreigner, like you do not fit in but only because of the language skills. I had a fair knowledge of German before we moved here, I know the basics of it, but I believe it is not enough to be fully integrated.
What German food tastes better than it looks?
Sauerkraut!
What are typical German traits for you?
Germans might be a bit uptight, not very spontaneous, more rigid and precise, but they are very efficient and whatever they do is of great quality and everything seems to work here! I also find the Germans polite and helpful.
Could you share with me something that you have recently learnt about Germany?
I have learnt that you are not supposed to hang washed clothes outside on Sundays. How strange is that?!
Inga 
English
Do you feel integrated? "Obviously not, but that does not mean I am not happy."
Do you feel integrated? "Obviously not, but that does not mean I am not happy."
[…] might be a bit uptight, not very spontaneous, more rigid and precise, but they are very efficient and whatever they do is […]