*German Mormons*

So this one only applies to Mormons. I've noticed that the countries Mormons are called to on missions are limited. (I guess having heard a huge variety in Utah may also have to do with the fact that there was a huge number of missionaries.) The guys get called to England, Greece, Germany/Switzerland/Austria, or Russia, and the girls get called to Germany/Switzerland/Austria or Temple Square. Of course there are exceptions, but I'd say this claim could be made about the majority.

*Taller Girls Than Guys*

It's not that rare for me to see German couples where the girl is taller than the guy, and I can't help taking a second look. I'm pretty sure it's more rare in the U.S. Does that mean Americans are more shallow? I'll let you judge.





And there's a second item I have to say about this picture, but I'll get to that later.

*Monoculture*

On the way to the U.S., I talked to a German guy who said the biggest thing he noticed that differed between America and Germany is what he called "monoculture." He said that you can find the same stores everywhere and that houses all look the same.

While in some ways something is lost with every place being fairly similar, my sister and I discussed how it can also be comforting. No matter where you are in the U.S., you know that you can pick up a cheap but cute shirt at Old Navy, almost any kind of candy or marker at Target, and household stuff at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

In Germany, there are many things I would have no idea where to find. Like a white-erase marker. And while those things are available somewhere, the main stores don't carry a wide variety of things nor brands of those things they do have. But you do get more of the more unique, personality-filled, smaller stores.