“My travels to Germany, specifically Bad Hazburg, has allowed me to understand a whole new definition of the word “family”. I stayed with a family whom lived in the small town of Bad Hazburg and operated a family taxi business which has been passed down from generation to generation. The house we stayed in consisted of two houses interconnected, this allowed for the family to live together, yet independently, and continue to remain supportive of one another as well as the family structure. It is not uncommon for children to remain living at home, support the family and eventually take ownership of the family residence.
Coffee was ready early in the morning but breakfast was at 0800 hours, father would return home from work with fresh bread from the bakery, cell phones would not enter the dining room and the family would sit at the dining room table. The table was set with assorted meats, cheeses, spreads such as jams, butter, nutella, etc. We would all choose a favorite roll or bread from the freshly baked assortment, enjoy coffee, orange juice or choice of milk. As we ate we would talk about the day’s events or just small talk to get to know one another better, it was very personable and meant to be that way and electronics were not to be present at the table during this time. Father would set a time for us to go to the local gym in the afternoon, mother would hand me euros and insist we buy ourselves plenty of “milka”; as she learned how much I loved the chocolate made in Germany. We would venture out during the day and visit the town, explore the shops as well as the nearby mountains while taking short drives to neighboring towns to really experience the culture first hand.
The German culture is all about acceptance and family. There is always plenty of time in the day to sit down as a family and spend time together whether it just be conversation, a long dinner, or a celebration such as a birthday. During the course of my visit I was accepted by the entire family and felt as if I had known them all my life by the time I left, I continue to return to Germany to visit my family and remain in contact with them.”
