Germany Part 29 - Interesting Observations

Munich Hbf at 6:10am- Notice the tactile?

1. Germany has built cycling track next to walking footpath. This is to segregate cycling with the rest of the human traffic and cars. I had seen one cyclist on the road and was horned by driver of cars. But the cyclist didn't seem bother and continued to cycle on the road.

2. Senior citizens working as farmer in fields. I suppose as a form of semi-retirement.

3. Senior Europeans travelling with crutches or trekking sticks. This was not the first time I had seen senior citizens touring Europe. Back in 1994, I had seen an old man lining up for train tickets. Their perseverance is admirable. Nonetheless, Germany had many convenience designs in public infrastructure that encourage seniors to travel.

4. Blind man using tactile at Munich Hbf alone.

5. Munich city trains were not as crowded on a working day peak hour as compared to Singapore and Tokyo. The population of Munich is only about 1.4 Million. Compared to 5 Million in Singapore and more than 13 Million in Tokyo. It was much pleasant to live in with not so dense population.

6. Commuter can eat and drink on city trains, yet the trains are still clean. There is a rubbish bin at the side of the seat for throwing rubbish.

7. Acceptance of graffiti. Plenty of them in the city and train stations.

8. City and suburbs were rather clean.

9. Germany inter-city train could travel up to 250km/h. But it would slow down when it reached residential estate.

10. Gays.

Germany is a country blessed with natural beauty; mountains, lakes, rivers and wealth created f rom its economic and technological power house. One can work on weekdays and over the weekends take a train to various natural attractions throughout the country. Its main problem lies with its current association with European Union which is currently facing the Greece debt crisis. Prior to my visit, each Euro dropped to less than SGD$1.50.