Drafts mean death, at least according to Germans. This concept really surprised me when I initially read it, then I began seeing some of their logic, but have now denounced it all. The belief that drafts bring causes of the cold, flu, and other illnesses just doesn't make sense. These everyday threats are caused not by moving air, but surfaces contaminated with germs and viruses. If anything, having a draft would prevent stagnant air that could contain this little devils. The concept of sweating is our natural way of cooling by allowing heat to evaporate off. This process can be sped up by having more air moving around us. Our natural instinct is to surround ourselves with moving air to cool us down. I wholeheartedly look forward to testing these beliefs, and finding a more insightful reasoning behind them, this summer.
Medicines probably equate to death. I do completely agree with Germans' lacking desire to take medicines and pills, however. I too do not like how dependent we as Americans have become on them. Methods of sick Germans just make sense. Time, enough tea and honey, and other natural remedies take less of chance of wrecking your liver than that of Aspirin and other drugs. Rarely do I take any medicines, at max cough syrup during peak times with a cold. Statistics in the article even point to the effectiveness of such methods.
Saunas in America are usually male or female only. This stems from our rather conservative views on the body. Such trends are also visible in cities where most sculptures and other art pieces are fully clothed. However, in Germany, and most of Europe for that matter, has no fear of bearing all. While here a unisex sauna would be awkward, uncomfortable, and the complete opposite of relaxing in my opinion, it is completely acceptable there. Most of these unisex saunas are also completely nude beyond a small towel. Germans became interested in them after Berlin hosted the Olympics in 1936. They were requested to help relax muscles after performing in competition.
The German university system has similar aspects to that of here. For example, there are big lectures accompanied by smaller break out session along with specialized classes in each discipline. To get into each university and discipline, an entry exam must be taken and a certain time at the university are taken into consideration. There a maximum numbers set for each discipline. Paying for school is similar as well, although most schools are tuition free. People studying still have to pay for their living expenses and supplies. But those expenses can also be paid for by the German government in the form of half loan and half grant. This, in my opinion, is a good method of increasing the number of families in the middle class while reducing those close or below the poverty line.
Before even making it to the university level, German students complete a similar grade school, middle school, and high school to those here. The main variation is high school where students take three main paths. While here in America everyone is given the same basic education when in public schools giving everyone an equal opportunity to attend higher education at a college or university. Only those above average Germans who attend Gymnasium can level up to the university. Germans who are average attend Hauptschüler and usually end up as tradesmen. Those that attend Realschüler learn skills for practical uses in the work environment. The timing for starting and ending school is about the same as it is here in America as well.
The German university system has similar aspects to that of here. For example, there are big lectures accompanied by smaller break out session along with specialized classes in each discipline. To get into each university and discipline, an entry exam must be taken and a certain time at the university are taken into consideration. There a maximum numbers set for each discipline. Paying for school is similar as well, although most schools are tuition free. People studying still have to pay for their living expenses and supplies. But those expenses can also be paid for by the German government in the form of half loan and half grant. This, in my opinion, is a good method of increasing the number of families in the middle class while reducing those close or below the poverty line.
Before even making it to the university level, German students complete a similar grade school, middle school, and high school to those here. The main variation is high school where students take three main paths. While here in America everyone is given the same basic education when in public schools giving everyone an equal opportunity to attend higher education at a college or university. Only those above average Germans who attend Gymnasium can level up to the university. Germans who are average attend Hauptschüler and usually end up as tradesmen. Those that attend Realschüler learn skills for practical uses in the work environment. The timing for starting and ending school is about the same as it is here in America as well.
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