Sat, 20 March 2010
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Jamaican expat Tricia Achenbach enjoys Germany’s high standard of living and international outlook but is frustrated with certain class divisions.Name: Tricia Achenbach
Nationality: Jamaican
City of residence: Hersbruck
Date of birth: 21 April 1970
Civil status: Divorced
Occupation: Project Manager Engineering
Reason for moving to Germany: Company move
What was your first impression of Germany?
Germans have an interesting way of thinking. They are more globally oriented.
What do you think of the food?
Delicious dark seedy breads, not so many vegetables.
What do you think of the shopping in Germany?
I live in a small town so there are not many options here.
What do you appreciate about living in Germany?
It is safer for my two kids to walk to school and to play outside.
What do you find most frustrating about living in Germany?
Class division between the people. The level of education is decided/divided in the fourth grade.
What puzzles you about German culture and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
I’m not sure why there is so much distrust of the unknown or the foreign here. I am sure there is some historical rational but I’m not sure what it is. I miss the more open and easygoing approach to life.
How does the quality of life in Germany compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
I really enjoy a better standard of living in terms of having more time for my family and cleaner air to breathe. I swapped a big city, fast-moving life for a small town farm life. Sometimes I know I am crazy but I’m still happier.
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