When I first came across the article about JPMorgan expanding into Germany’s retail banking market, I paused for a moment. Banking is something we all deal with almost daily, often without thinking too much about it, and yet it shapes so much of how we handle our money and plan for our future. Reading about… Continue reading A New Player in German Banking: My Thoughts After Reading the News
Category: Life in Germany
Evening Walks in Our Little Town
There is something special about living in a place where forests meet farms. Our town feels like it is wrapped in fresh air, with apple trees scattered almost everywhere you turn. It is quiet, yet not completely cut off from the world since the autobahn is just five minutes away. That balance of peace and… Continue reading Evening Walks in Our Little Town
Finding Our Evenings Again on the Terrace
This summer was not at all how I pictured it when it came to spending time on our terrace. I had imagined cozy evenings after work, sitting outside with a drink in hand, talking, unwinding, and watching the sun go down. Instead, the reality was quite different. The terrace faces the sun directly, and as… Continue reading Finding Our Evenings Again on the Terrace
Our First Car in Germany: A Little Polo with Big Memories
When we first arrived in Germany in 2013, we were not expecting to have our own car so soon. Moving to a new country is already a mix of excitement and uncertainty. You do not know exactly how life will unfold, and you are busy adjusting to a new place, new language, and new ways… Continue reading Our First Car in Germany: A Little Polo with Big Memories
My Alternative to Saba Bananas
When I first moved away from the Philippines, one of the foods I missed the most was saba bananas. They were always a part of home, whether in the form of turon, bananacue, or boiled on a rainy afternoon. The unique taste and texture of saba made them more than just fruit. They were a… Continue reading My Alternative to Saba Bananas
How Inflation Impacts Everyday Life in Germany
Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about how prices have changed. It’s not just in my head — everything really is more expensive than it used to be. Inflation is a word we hear all the time, but for many people it sounds like something distant or abstract. In reality, though, it’s one of… Continue reading How Inflation Impacts Everyday Life in Germany
Brexit and What It Means for Britain, Germany, and Europe
When Brexit first became more than just a political debate and turned into reality, I remember feeling like the ground in Europe shifted. For decades the idea of Europe had been one of unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity. Then suddenly, the United Kingdom decided to walk away from the European Union, ending nearly half a… Continue reading Brexit and What It Means for Britain, Germany, and Europe
Looking at German Politics for the First Time
I have to admit, I’ve never really followed German politics closely. Most of the time, it feels complicated, filled with names and parties that don’t catch my interest. But lately, I’ve started to think more about it, especially when it comes to one topic that affects me directly: taxes. The tax rate here feels very… Continue reading Looking at German Politics for the First Time
The Search for a Perfect Hawaiian Schnitzel
There are certain foods that stay with you long after you have eaten them. They are not just meals but experiences that shape your taste, your expectations, and even the way you remember places. For me, one of those meals is the Hawaiian schnitzel. It might sound like a funny combination at first. A breaded… Continue reading The Search for a Perfect Hawaiian Schnitzel
The Unexpected Journeys of Work and Home
In life, we often make choices that seem small in the moment but later become the very reasons why we grow in ways we never imagined. Back in 2019, when we moved from living just five kilometers away from my workplace to suddenly being thirty-six kilometers away, I didn’t realize how much that shift would… Continue reading The Unexpected Journeys of Work and Home
The Joy of Croissants
There are certain foods in life that feel like small luxuries, even when they are simple. For me, that food is the croissant. Every time I see one on a plate or in a bakery window, my mood lifts. Something about its golden layers, buttery scent, and soft yet flaky bite always makes me pause… Continue reading The Joy of Croissants
From Treating Everyone to Splitting the Bill – How Two Dining Cultures Shaped Me
Back home in the Philippines, there’s a word for treating your friends, family, or colleagues when you eat out: manglibre. It’s more than just picking up the bill. It’s an act of generosity, a way of saying you care, and sometimes, it’s an unspoken expectation—especially if you’ve just returned from abroad or a big city.… Continue reading From Treating Everyone to Splitting the Bill – How Two Dining Cultures Shaped Me
The Giant Pumpkin in Our Garden
There it sits, right in the middle of our backyard, looking like it owns the place. A giant pumpkin, fresh from the vine, still with a little bit of dirt clinging to its skin. We picked it today, and I keep glancing at it like it might suddenly decide to roll away. It feels like… Continue reading The Giant Pumpkin in Our Garden
The Sweet Gift of Summer Berries
Some moments arrive so simply, you almost miss how special they are until you look back on them. One of those moments came to us recently, right in our backyard, over something as small and lovely as a handful of fresh raspberries. It started as an ordinary summer day. The three of us — my… Continue reading The Sweet Gift of Summer Berries
The Economic Power of the Mittelstand: Backbone of German Industry
If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps the German economy running—not just the flashy cars or the big-name multinationals—you have to look a bit deeper, into towns and regions far away from Berlin or Frankfurt. Tucked into smaller cities and even rural communities, you’ll find a unique group of businesses known collectively as the Mittelstand.… Continue reading The Economic Power of the Mittelstand: Backbone of German Industry
Christmas Markets and Beyond: German Traditions Explained
There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas in Germany. From the first twinkle of lights in late November to the quiet calm of early January, the season unfolds with a comforting rhythm shaped by centuries of tradition. And while the Christmas markets often steal the spotlight—with their glowing stalls, the scent of roasted almonds, and the… Continue reading Christmas Markets and Beyond: German Traditions Explained
Church Tax in Germany: Faith, Money, and the Quiet Exodus
In Germany, being part of a recognized religious institution—mainly the Catholic or Protestant church—comes with a financial commitment known as the Kirchensteuer, or church tax. It’s a unique system that’s been in place for decades, and it surprises many, especially newcomers or those not deeply involved in religious life. While for some it’s just another… Continue reading Church Tax in Germany: Faith, Money, and the Quiet Exodus
Small Talk in Germany: Why It’s Rare and How to Navigate It
If you’ve ever visited Germany or spent time with Germans, you may have noticed something interesting: small talk doesn’t happen much. The friendly banter that comes easily in some cultures—chatting about the weather, asking about your weekend, or tossing in casual comments during an elevator ride—isn’t as common here. In fact, many visitors feel confused… Continue reading Small Talk in Germany: Why It’s Rare and How to Navigate It
The Love for Planning: How Spontaneity Feels Foreign in Germany
If you’ve ever tried to plan a last-minute dinner with German friends or invited someone out on the fly in Germany, you might have been met with a surprised look, a polite decline, or a reply that sounds something like, “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” For many visitors or newcomers,… Continue reading The Love for Planning: How Spontaneity Feels Foreign in Germany
Car Nation vs. Climate Goals: Germany’s Automotive Dilemma
Germany is known around the world for its impressive cars. From Audi and BMW to Mercedes and Volkswagen, many of the most famous and respected brands come from this country. These companies have built a reputation for quality, performance, and technological innovation. On German roads and highways, you see sleek sedans, sporty convertibles, powerful SUVs,… Continue reading Car Nation vs. Climate Goals: Germany’s Automotive Dilemma
Deutsche Bahn Woes: Why Trains Are Often Late in Germany
When people think of Germany, they often imagine precision, efficiency, and punctuality. After all, this is the country known for its engineering excellence, orderliness, and structure. So it’s quite a surprise—sometimes even a shock—to find out that Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway company, is notoriously unpunctual. For locals, it’s a running joke. For tourists and… Continue reading Deutsche Bahn Woes: Why Trains Are Often Late in Germany
Sunday in Germany: The Quietest Day of the Week
If you’ve ever spent a Sunday in Germany, you probably noticed something felt… different. The streets are quieter, the shops are shuttered, and the entire pace of life slows down to a near standstill. For newcomers, it can be a bit of a shock. While Sundays in many countries are full of shopping trips, errands,… Continue reading Sunday in Germany: The Quietest Day of the Week
Why Germany Is Still Struggling with Digitalization – A Real-Life Look from Finance
Working in Germany, especially in a field like Finance, often feels like stepping into a strange paradox. On one hand, you’re in one of the most advanced economies in the world—known for its precision, engineering, and efficiency. On the other hand, daily tasks can feel like they belong in the 1990s. If you’ve ever had… Continue reading Why Germany Is Still Struggling with Digitalization – A Real-Life Look from Finance
Unsettling Times: A Wave of Bankruptcies in Germany
Something feels different walking through the streets of many German towns and cities today. Familiar stores are gone. Once-busy clinics have locked their doors. Midsize companies, even some well-known names, have suddenly disappeared. In a country known for stability, it’s unsettling. More and more businesses—from fashion chains to auto suppliers, bakeries to hospitals—are declaring bankruptcy… Continue reading Unsettling Times: A Wave of Bankruptcies in Germany
How the War Between Russia and Ukraine Changed Life for All of Us
It began in early 2022, when the world watched in disbelief as Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Most of us had seen conflict in other regions before, but this felt different. This was in Europe, between countries that had been neighbors for centuries, sharing not only borders but also histories, economies, and families.… Continue reading How the War Between Russia and Ukraine Changed Life for All of Us
Discovering the Difference Between a Tagesmutter and Kita in Germany – And Which One I Prefer
Although I had been living in Germany for nearly a decade, it wasn’t until I became a parent that I truly stepped into the world of childcare here. Until then, terms like Tagesmutter and Kita were just background noise—things I’d heard other parents talk about but never had to consider myself. But after giving birth,… Continue reading Discovering the Difference Between a Tagesmutter and Kita in Germany – And Which One I Prefer
The Shocking Cost of Getting a Driver’s License in Germany Today
Getting a driver’s license in Germany used to be a rite of passage—something young people looked forward to, a step toward independence. Today, it feels more like an expensive luxury. The costs have risen so sharply that many now delay or even give up on the idea altogether. It’s no longer just about learning how… Continue reading The Shocking Cost of Getting a Driver’s License in Germany Today
Driving Through the Heart of Germany
There’s something quietly amazing about driving through the German countryside. The landscape opens up in every direction—endless fields in varying shades of green, gently sloping hills, and skies that feel like they belong to another world. It’s not dramatic or overwhelming, but it reaches you deeply. A calm kind of beauty that feels both grounding… Continue reading Driving Through the Heart of Germany
Renting vs. Buying a Home in Germany: What’s Smarter?
The decision to rent or buy a home is one of the most important financial choices a person can make. In Germany, this question is especially relevant because the housing culture is quite different from many other countries. While in places like the United States or the UK buying a home is considered a key… Continue reading Renting vs. Buying a Home in Germany: What’s Smarter?
Why I Hardly Have Filipino Friends in Germany
Living abroad as a Filipina is a unique journey. It comes with a mix of pride, struggles, new beginnings, and silent choices that are not always easy to explain. When people hear that I live in Germany, they often assume I’m surrounded by a big Filipino community, meeting up every weekend for get-togethers, cooking Filipino… Continue reading Why I Hardly Have Filipino Friends in Germany
