If we had to return to Germany after our first year in Texas, we would miss some things that we got used to here for only a short time. Some of it would also do Germany well and improve the quality of life. Others, on the other hand, just fit in this vast country and would be completely out of place in Germany. Anyway, here are our highlights:
4 stop intersections
4 stop intersections (not comparable with German equal intersections).
Whoever has come to a stop first at such an intersection is allowed to drive first … regardless of the direction and vehicle size)
School buses
The school buses (Yellow Dogs) not only look mega, but their eye-catching appearance (and all the colorful lights) are an absolute plus in road safety for school children. In addition, there are special regulations for road traffic. Among other things, it is strictly FORBIDDEN to overtake a stationary school bus where children are just getting on or off!
Ramps and multi-lane roads
The “small” ramps and the 4 to 7-lane roads in each direction may seem intimidating initially, but they are great to drive on. But a navigation system is recommended in any case. Otherwise, most people here drive very considerately.
incredibly helpful and dedicated teachers
Most of the teachers here try to convey the essentials of their subject matter to the students with the patience of an angel. They are also available after the actual lessons via modern means of communication for questions and understanding. It is explained until the last one has understood (in case of doubt, we, parents).
individual schedules for the students
The fact that the schedules are based on the wishes and needs of the students was new to us. Every student gets their own schedule. This is roughly comparable to the Abitur course system. There is a lot of emphasis on individual support and learning by interest. You can almost get a vocational degree in high school.
daily information from the high school about the current learning status
Almost every day, parents receive up-to-date information about the current learning status of their beloved offspring. This includes the latest grade developments, any absences, and general information (which you often don’t even want to know). You can view the grade level for each subject at any time and complain about the grades if necessary. Of course, this is all done online.
Other information, e.g., reminders that school is closed for the vacations or what changes are planned regarding the Corona regulations, are always sent at least three times so that even the last one understands: by e-mail, SMS, and phone call! In addition, the students are often reminded enough by each teacher.
American and Mexican cuisine
Whataburger, Taco Bell, Rudy’s, and Co.
We would all miss them very much because the burgers, tacos, and BBQ here is incomparably good (which is not the least due to the fantastic meat base).
Weather
The weather here in Texas is very much in line with our expectations of a pleasant climate. Most of the year is warm to very warm and mostly dry. And the few cold and / or humid days can be tolerated well.
favorable gasoline prices, oil change, and air inflation
Compared to Germany, the gasoline prices are downright ridiculous. Also, the fact that diesel is more expensive than gasoline is at first irritating for the typical European, but it is very convenient for us (since we drive gasoline-powered small cars). The fuel prices here are generally very favorable, even if there are noticeable price differences. In Austin, on average, we pay (as of 11.2020) for a gallon of regular gasoline (3.85L) between 1.58$ and 1.89$. We pay for a complete tank filling (depending on the vehicle) already times smooth 20$ to 40$. You can live with this fact very well, and if you wash the car at the gas station (which we never do, of course), the price per gallon would be reduced again.
The fact that the vehicles lent oil under certain circumstances does not bother anyone here anyway, for that one also drives every three months to the oil change (or then evenly only to fill up) for after all 29$.
To pump up the air in the tires is almost impossible for the typical driver. Since all people always drive to a workshop, which takes over that. There are also air stations at the gas stations for the self-pumper, but even the employees of several gas stations, which we had asked so far, could not explain to us the function mode. We then simply bought an electric pump privately because the workshop visit for such a trifle is just too stupid for us.
reasonably motorized trucks and vans
Even in Germany, we were not necessarily underpowered. Our cars always had enough power to complete an overtaking maneuver quite quickly or climb a fully loaded mountain. But here, vehicles with less than 250 hp are more likely to be classified as small cars, and you can’t go below 3.0 liters of V6 or V8 anyway.
Stores open 7 days a week
Granted, not all stores are open 7 days a week, but the big discounters are. And there you can find almost everything anyway. But on special holidays (Thanksgiving, for example), it also happens that the stores are only open for a few hours. That’s a challenge because it’s best to do your shopping the day before.
But we would definitely not miss that:
Sometimes the countless phone calls from insurance companies are a bit annoying. Since you have to give your phone number everywhere in America, you also get a correspondingly large number of advertising calls. In Matthias’ case, it’s also a bit annoying because the apparent previous owner of his phone number was probably very active and didn’t change the number later. As a result, he constantly gets messages intended for a certain Olivia, confirming “his” hairdresser appointments or asking for urgent callbacks about job offers. Olivia’s obviously French friends also send messages from time to time, despite multiple reminders that the line no longer belongs to Olivia. It’s just stupid that we don’t speak French.