My favourite country is Germany. With one of the leading tourism sub-structures in the world, Germany is a very tourist and traveller friendly country. Run with extreme efficiency, it is easy to travel in a safe and comfortable environment. Contrary to common perceptions, I find German people to be sincere, polite, courteous and helpful. You can rely on the people and the system. German women have a certain appeal in a very simple, natural and uncomplicated manner. One thing is for certain. Germany is value for money, particularly if compared with its neighbours - for example France, Italy or Switzerland. This is applicable to almost everything; from accommodation to food or from car parking charges to shopping, the Euro in your pocket will stretch considerably further in Berlin than in Paris or Rome. As the country is large, there is plenty of variation in terms of natural beauty. The majestic mountains of the Alpine region, the vine laden sloping hills on the banks of the river Rhine and Mosel, the enchanting Black Forest with fir trees as far the eye can see, with beautiful historic medieval towns and castles interspersed throughout the country. There is no question that German town planners have taken care to integrate the old and new architectural forms to create pleasant living and working environments. Cities such as Berlin and Dresden are good examples of this harmony. The large parks in the cities are inviting and relaxing. Although often underrated, German cuisine is to my taste. The bread is flavoursome and there is a wide variety of cheese and meat products. Coffee always seems to taste better in Germany than anywhere else in the World and it is a very enjoyable experience to sit down in a cafe and be served a slice of cake by an elegantly dressed efficient waiter. My favourite desert is apple strudel with cream, although Black Forest Gateau is not far behind. In restaurants, their portions are generous and I just love their creamy sauce-based dishes, such as pasta. Although I am a non-drinker, through my observations of others, I can confidently say that people enjoy sipping their beers. However, I think the underlying key factor that drove me to put Germany at the top of my list is that German mentality resonates with my own mentality and life philosophy; that is, giving attention to detail and not excepting below certain standards. I can say that this is an attitude endemic to Germans. I admire the quality of their engineering, cars, roads, utilities; their industrial heritage, particularly in the last century, is the second to none in the World. The superiority of their appliances is immediately evident; only in Germany can you be assured of the quality and power of a shower whatever the price of the accommodation you choose. Driving my German made car on a toll and speed free German motorway while listening to Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony can only be one of life’s great experiences. The genuine fairy tale atmosphere in Festival venues and Christmas markets is unique and so special that every traveller should experience it at least once in their lifetime. Wandering slowly through the market, searching out suitable gifts to give your loved ones, whilst sampling the delicious potato fritters, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread, ensures that your evening will be enchanting and memorable. Although far more could be written about Germany, I feel I should end simply with a plea to anyone that has dismissed Germany as a dull and humourless nation to visit the country to make up their own mind. Not many people choose Germany as a top holiday destination, but amongst those who do, it is recognised as a well-kept secret and many would prefer to keep it that way! Note: This article is published in the TBT Newsletter on 21/09/2013. The photos were taken during my various trips to Germany.
