Like some jaded expat i'd forgotten some intially startling characteristics of this culture until I found myself explaining them to friend, still new to Germany from the States. We have in the US a very protective (read: lawsuit fearing) culture. This blaming-faulting-madness has not yet reached Europe in force. Evidence our local Kindergarten, which we love without reservation.
Once a month the kids are walked about a third of a mile down the hill, along the traffic-heavy main street to the church for 'Kinder Kirche' (Kids Church). The parents are naturally notified so we can get our children to school early avoiding any delays. Permission needed? Nah.
A few weeks back Eli was selected for a special field trip to the Globus supermarket. Several 4-year-olds and a few teachers walked down the hill, boarded the public bus on the main street for the 1.5 mile trip, traversed an insanely busy parking lot, got toothbrushes engraved with their names and a hot lunch to eat at the in-store cafeteria. I was informed by note the day before to pick Eli up at the market. Signatures Required? None.
Each summer the 30-inch deep pool in the kindergarten's back yard (gated, but not guarded) is cleaned up and readied for special sessions of fun in the sun. Parents have a list: suit, arm-floaties, sunscreen, towel, sunhat. Please bring a backpack and leave it at the school as you never know when it will be your son or daughter's turn in the pool. Detailed Release Forms Declining Responsibility? Nope.
It's refreshing. A little alarming. Definitely different.
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