http://www.frommers.com/blog/2008/04/what-ive-learned-about-germany-and.htmlApr 8, 2008
What I've learned about Germany and Switzerland in my river boating (and quick trip to Lucerne) over the past 10 days
I haven't been to either Germany or Switzerland for the last five-or-so years. And it was instructive to see the obvious changes that such a lengthy absence would make apparent.
First and foremost, both nations have become multi-ethnic in composition to an extent that would not have been imaginable years ago. Nearly a full 10% of the German population is now foreign-born; and this becomes obvious as you stroll the streets of German cities. Yet, although certain nativist political parties have sprung up in both Germany and Switzerland, I saw no clear evidence of any major anti-immigrant feelings of the Lou Dobbs/Michael Savage/Rush Limbaugh variety.
Instead, I saw clear evidence of a major move towards highly-sophisticated new political advocacy. The Green parties of both Germany and Switzerland are rather powerful, and their posters and appeals for votes are everywhere. Even more surprising is evidence of an emerging Women's Party in Switzerland -- a feminist movement that has taken political form and whose vote-for-us posters were everywhere on the streets of Lucerne. Will wonders never cease!
It is clear, as well, that after considerable worry in Germany about the state of their economy -- concerns that caused the recent defeat of the Socialists and the election of Angela Merkel -- that the economy of Germany is once again booming. And although Merkel has made small (and almost insignificant) cuts in the welfare payments and guarantees, no one is speaking any longer of any major shift away from the strong safety net enjoyed by every German (free medical care, extraordinary retirement and unemployment benefits). The same, apparently, in Switzerland, whose currency is now so strong that it sells at par to the U.S. dollar. Although the people with whom I've spoken may not be representative of the German and Swiss society (these were mainly English speakers), they all seemed somewhat smug about how well their country is doing. Germany, in particular, is now the largest country in Europe (with over 80 million people) and certainly the most influential, ousting Britain from that position.
When a speaker at a lecture I attended sought to talk about a "typical" German family (husband, wife, and two children), he cited as their average earnings: € 40,000 a year. That, dear friends, is the equivalent of $63,000 (at $1.57 to the Euro), which compares with the median family income in the United States of $43,000. We are no longer the richest nation in the world.
As for the quality of life here, it is impressive. In Lucerne, where I now am, electric signs at the bus stops tell you exactly when your bus will arrive. And when you board the bus, an electric sign tells you when you will arrive at your stop. Public facilities, including the trains, are modern, comfortable and well-maintained. Sensitive attention is paid to the environment. In hotel corridors, hotel rooms, and even public bathrooms, the lights are out when no one is there, and the lights go on only when a person enters.
more at:
http://www.frommers.com/blog/2008/04/what-ive-learned-about-germany-and.html