*Ingenious German Binders*

Although I'm a big fan of having three holes for more secure paper-holding, binders in Germany are so cool/useable. Not only do they click firmly closed, they have a hole on the spine to easily take the binder off the shelf, they hold the paper firmly in place, etc., etc. See for yourself:

*Frohe Ostern*

Germans rarely go to church. When they do, it is on Christmas and Easter. I have talked to a few people who said they did not enjoy going to church for mass and that they disagree with most of what is said, which is interesting, since Christianity has so many important developments in Germany. For most people, Easter just means two extra days off. Good Friday and Easter Monday are holidays where most stores are closed. The most random thing to me was that it is traditional to have a fire on Easter to burn away winter.

*Taschentücher*

I've never seen so many people who religiously carry tissues around with them. I don't mean wads of toilet paper folded in a pocket like I have. These people must spend loads on keeping their backpacks and purses stocked, because everyone here carries the professionally-wrapped, mini packages of tissues, and a free package comes with each purchase you make at the pharmacy. Even boys who have nothing else with them will at least have a package of tissue. How funny.

*Hoch Betten*

It's not unusual, at least in student apartments, to build a so-called "high bed." It's different than a bunk bed because it only has one level and it is built right into the room. Mine was already there when I took the room, but I still had to pay the previous renter how much it cost her to make the bed. And it creaks so much I've learned to sleep without moving (so as not to wake myself up). The good thing about Hochbetten is that rooms here are also used as studies and living rooms. Thus I have more room to study and entertain people than I would if there were a bed in the room.