Life in Germany

It was September 2012 when I left the beautiful country of South Africa in search of expanding my academic knowledge and wisdom. Life as I have known it has finally changed drastically, I mean starting from foods,clothes, environment, transport and also the people around me. Before I forget, I am in a city called Leipzig,Germany.


For those who follow the history of the world, Leipzig played a significant role in instigating the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, through events which took place in and around St. Nicholas Church. Since the reunification of Germany, Leipzig has undergone significant change with the restoration of some historical buildings, the demolition of others, and the development of a modern transport infrastructure.Leipzig today is an economic centre in Germany and has a prominent opera house and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Leipzig is nicknamed as the "Boomtown of eastern Germany" or "Hypezig.


I enrol with Leipzig University, founded 1409, is one of Europe's oldest universities. I must admit, the standard of education here is totally different from what I have grown up exposed to. I do not remember having read so many articles in my university days in South Africa's university of Limpopo, turfloop campus. Here, I read a minimum of 3 to 4 articles per a class daily.


Food, the Germans do not eat lot of meat. As an African born and bred man, I found it difficult at first to adjust. But as time went by, I had blended very well. The most favourite food that I had fell in love with is called 'Kebab'. I am not sure whether it is German pro or not but I learnt of it from here. They use a burger bun,one has to choose between chicken or beef sliced portions of meat. Then, they put plenty of green salads:lettuce,cucumber,onion,tomato etc. with a source either hot source or ketch up or mayonnaise. Kebab is mainly found in shops run by Arabic people, whether they own or work is not clear to me.


Transport system is the best. It was for the first time that I used a train or tram as the Germans call it. This system of transport is very reliable and does not consume one's time. At first it was difficult for me to know which tram to take because one station has plenty of trains going different parts of the city. Map reading skills become handy.

Language is a barrier. At least, not in the academic way because my master programme is taught in English. But, people around here prefer using Deutsch(German language). There are very few of them who actually speak English, majority of them prefer Russian as an alternative. I took a Deutsch class upon my arrival but still I haven't grasped it all as yet, but I do speak and understand few basics.


People are not friendly as South Africans are. I am not sure whether to say this is how Europeans are or is just this part. Unlike in South Africa where one can make a conversation with anyone without knowing them, here it is difficult. or should I say, everyone seems to mind his or her own business. The streets get empty often, especially during weekends and public holidays. I do miss home with all my heart. I miss the joy of taking a bath and just go out for a walk during 16:00 and find so many people roaming around the streets with no intended destination.


It was my first Christmas being away from home. The mood around here, in Leipzig, was so great. They bring plenty of stalls to the different parts of the city. Things are very affordable. However, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December, one source told me that the reason for this early celebration was caused by the fact that kids could not wait to open their presents.


Weather! I came here during September and it was the beginning of winter. It gets very cold. For the first time I experienced snow it was lovely and priceless moment. I remember standing on my window and adoring the snowfall so softly and quietly. I heard Summers are awesome and one can get a chance to go to the sea and lakes for swim. I cannot wait!

Sport, people in this city love sport:soccer, tennis, cricket, gymnasium, jogging etc. I am fortunate enough to stay near a sports field and a swimming academy. I see plenty of older people jogging every now and then. Ladies as well are very determined about their bodies and how they look.