tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post4565103392686288297..comments2023-06-04T14:33:54.463+02:00Comments on EXPATS AGAIN: KNOWLEDGE IS POWERExpats Againhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179740220723589771noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post-34622574857330875712009-08-15T01:13:35.125+02:002009-08-15T01:13:35.125+02:00Thank you so much, all, for your replies. I am in...Thank you so much, all, for your replies. I am in the states and FRAU, I sure know what you mean about buying the products you use in the states. I'm filling my suitcase with Tony Packo's hot dog sauce and pickles (made locally), knitting and crochet manuals (in English), Pam (spritzer), and allergy tablets. Isn't shopping t Costco wonderful for the psyche?<br /><br />CLIFF, I wondered if there was a merchant/consumer retail relationship as you explained. Now, thanks to your experiences, I know! This is heartening to know rather than my assumption. I LOVE the game you and your wife play, "Spot the tourist." How fun! You'll have to share the recognizable features with me. If you know a way to identify an Aussie, let me know. My husband is Australian and it would be a hoot!<br /><br />PASTOR ST. JOHN: Thank you for your kind comments. I'm glad you're stopping by. Please visit often :-)<br /><br />HEZMARIE: I do get those, but I haven't looked at them because I thought I wouldn't comprehend them. I've generally tossed them into the bin. You make a good point about leaning from them. I will give it a go. It should be fun.Expats Againhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179740220723589771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post-19518007120091263872009-08-13T23:42:46.938+02:002009-08-13T23:42:46.938+02:00Check out your local neighborhood newspaper (it...Check out your local neighborhood newspaper (it's usually chucked on the house stoop every Wednesday). It usually has adverts from all the local chains in your area. I found these to be helpful in learning German too.hezamariehttp://www.lucidindeutschland.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post-12268215195622978422009-08-13T17:11:57.779+02:002009-08-13T17:11:57.779+02:00I'm enjoying your blog!I'm enjoying your blog!Pastor St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11538333352371845838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post-88239121479576456422009-08-13T07:13:31.633+02:002009-08-13T07:13:31.633+02:00The good news is that being uninformed as a result...<i>The good news is that being uninformed as a result of a language barrier is easily remedied. Just one more reason to learn German!</i><br /><br />I hope it's easy for you — it's definitely not easy for everyone.<br /><br /><i>I have heard them say to me,"Thank you, and I hope you enjoy your visit to Munich," after ringing up my purchase. This assumption might also prevent them from presenting me with information about specials, sales, or future bargains.</i><br /><br />I am doubtful about that. Retail salesmanship does not seem to be as prevalent in the merchant-consumer relationship here, at least as compared to my experiences as a consumer and mall-job-dude and pizza bistro waiter in the U.S. I don't think they're not informing you of specials, sales, or future bargains because they assume you're a tourist, but rather because they just don't do that. But you can combat the tourist impression you're making with improved language skills, as you mentioned, and also adopting a more local dress code. When we're out and around in town in Regensburg, Sarah and I enjoy playing "spot the tourist" and "spot the German home visitng Mama und Papa." Of course, in cosmopolitan Munich, I assume this is both easier (easier to eavesdrop) and harder (greater diversity of cultural exposure). <br /><br />Viel Spaß!cliff1976https://www.blogger.com/profile/12826968508225851483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4246321663580599313.post-5306610450844070152009-08-13T06:58:33.468+02:002009-08-13T06:58:33.468+02:00OMG you are speaking my language...every thing you...OMG you are speaking my language...every thing you are saying as happen to me. I have no clue what's on sale of specials. I rarely buy anything but food. It's too expensive and the quality is not the same.I'm in Utah now visiting and am bring back two suitcases full of goods. School clothes for my daughter..mostly jeans and sneakers. Plus a ton of stuff from Costco, like vitamins and cold meds etc.. My parents look at me like I'm crazy but I really buy nothing but food all year long.<br />Even when I speak the little German I know they always know and answer in English.Formerly known as Frauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12798890008067408048noreply@blogger.com