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?!
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 […]