My favorite article of the many was the beer diary, "An Obsession Explained". It brought back fond memories of my travels to Munich two years ago and how I grew enamored by the natives appreciation for their beer. Coming from california, I know what the wine country does to its residents and I've learned to adore the extremely DRY white wine. Similarly, I saw an art in Germany, not only in the meticulous creation of every type of beer, but the process of serving it. It is a major part of their culture, and they are proud of it. Throughout Europe I have found the cheersing process is one of great importance, and eye contact is essential. Leave it to germany to knock it up a notch with a punishment if not correctly carried out.

I was also very fond of the Organic Food article. Personally I have become very fond of the organic fresh food, although Whole Foods takes about half my income. I was unaware of the whopping 70 percent of people who won't touch mutated food. It seems in a America, the packaged twinky and strawberries with red #40 is a way of life. More and more I am feeling that Germany is my long lost home!

Finally, the humor of Germany is not at all surprising. I appreciate a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor. Germans have a quick, laconic wit about them which is just subtle enough to amuse themselves, even if going over the heads of those not paying attention. The difference in comedy throughout different regions spurred my ideas of the different styles in America. The east a little more dry, the south a little more slapstick, the west.. hmm well a little more out there (boundary issues). I didn't realize the changing spread of humor throughout a single nations.

So basically, healthy food, a ton of beer, and a dash of sarcasm? See you there.