Did you know that there are two cities named Frankfurt in Germany? I did not know either until I tried to reserve a hotel room. This is Frankfurt am Main, the larger of the two cities, named after the river that runs through it:
Germany, and especially Frankfurt, reminds me more of the United States than anywhere else in Europe. Like Portland (Oregon), Frankfurt has a distinct balance of fast-food chains and health-food stores, bars and green spaces, cars and bicycles. The style and quality of both beer and food is pretty similar between the two as well. The cuisine emphasizes meat and potatoes, and is often fried. The beer here seems to also favor quantity over quality.
My experience here has been an interesting contrast to Bruxelles as well. Whereas the Belgians try to introduce inefficiency in every step, the Germans try to banish it. I see this constant contrast not only in taking the subway system, but also in the dining experience. After my battle with the ticket dispenser for the public transit system here, I also think the Germans try to introduce complexity wherever simplicity is possible. This completely explains BMW motorcycles.
Lowlight of the day: Dropping a 50-cent piece into a pile of wet pigeon feces, and having to retrieve it to satisfy an exact change requirement.
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