Do you wish a sojourn in Germany?

Keerthi Bandara reporting from Germany

Germany is considered the economic heart of the European continent. A visitor who is new to Germany, when he or she comes out from the airport will immediately notice the orderly manner. "ordnug muss sein" (There must be order) is a German proverb and they believe in that order.

You will find typical examples at the Airport itself. Tidiness, pindrop silence, state of the art technology along the streets with active people all around. When you pass through the immigration counter and if you do wish them a happy day they in return wish you' sie l in German.

Both the German language and the Germans draw a clear line between 'freunde' (friend-du/ihr) and 'Bekannte' (all others except relatives or friends) are called 'sie', between private (home) and public (work) you are a bekannte ' acquaintance and on sie term until your German counterpart say otherwise. A respectable person is addressed as Sir or Madam. Germans have been known for their smile but unwarranted smile are received will frowns.

Germans need a good reason to smile.In fact excessive smiling for most Europeans is a mark of weakness. I have noticed this from a section but when taken as whole. At the same time this has been changed this gradually.

Though the income is high their expenses are also comparatively high. They live together as a family but opt to maintain their privacy. In decision-making they prioritize intelligence rather than heart. Although they are not much with the sunlight the Germans have prominence to it in their life.

They never forget to relax, enjoy the sunlight away from home if they receive it at any time of the day after a tire some period of winter. I personally believe that their smile sans life styles might be lost due to less sun light they receive and similar way of life.

Due to these very reasons most of the tourists of the world today are Germans. They choose to spend their vacation in other countries. At the end of my tour they insisted on my coming back with the same smile when again in Germany.

A best selling German television programme guide is named TV today. Although the English invasion of Germany has been going on for a long time. Some Germans are becoming concerned about the recent barrage of Gernglish

Languages are always borrowing words from one another. English has adopted and adapted many words from French, German and others. German immigrants and other sources have enriched English with many German words.

Heritage/young children attended a kindergarten (Children's garden). At Christmas they eagerly await "kriss kingle" a corruption of chriskind, the German giver of Christmas gifts. Likewise you will be able to notice a mix of German and English languages.

It is very important the punctuality of Germans for all of us. (punktlichkeit or punctuality) is very important to them. If you request some one to be there in time. He or she will be there at least 5 minutes before the time given. Trains and buses are precisely at their terminals or stations in time. Everyone's face says that time is important to them.

In case any body fails to return in time he will inform of same accordingly. I took this as a good habit of Germans in that country.

German homes display amazing tidiness with everything in its place and ready for a white glove inspection at any minute. Few countries in the world are as choosy about their waster as Germany is. In Germany you don't just toss anything at random into the garbage pail or wastebasket.

Almost every community has strict rules about 'Mullrennung or waste separation. While garbage collectors are strict about those rules. If you have mixed your glass waste with the "Bioabfalle" biodegradable waste neither will get picked up. Certain waste, categories are collected less or more frequently.

There are separate containers for each one. Designated by labels and differing colours. Though we take this habit of tidiness easy, they were extremely cautious about this.

Remember, that Germans really hate law beakers. This is a country with laws that prohibit mowing your lawn. On Sunday or playing your piano after 8 p.m. all in the cause of noise prevention, the reason is simple, excessive, noise violates the sacred German right to privacy.

Everybody can witness a silent surrounding in most occasions except the sound of plying vehicles or horn/siren sounds of police or ambulance. You cannot increase the volume of your radio as you wish. A time has been allocated even for that.

German doors and locks are an indication of the German obsession with privacy. Doors, exterior or interior are sturdy well-crated barriers to intrusion. In homes and offices, doors are numerous and more likely to be closed than opened. An open door policy is a rarity in Germany. The reason is climate.

At the same time the Germans today are more friendly and open and they appreciate their nationality than before. Likewise they attracted their identities. A time, when you can seen their national pride was during foot ball world cup season.

It will never fade away from Germans in any day. There are adequate topics to discuss and develop friendship if you met a German. Foot ball, wines and beers, motor cars, world renowned German sportsmen and women, will lead to a well and fruitful discussion. But remember, a Sri Lankan with their friendliness, honest smile, and hospitality, good customs we taught during our childhood, compassion, are analities that are endearing.