GERMANY - MUNICH

As I settled into my student exchange experience in Munich, something that stood out was how people here enjoy spending time together in public spaces like ‘Biergarten’, Cafés, Bars, or Parks. This is quite different from my experiences in Liechtenstein, where social interactions seem more private and common. Obviously, that has to do with size of the population. For a city that big I wasn’t expecting such a social live.

This interesting contrast not only gave me a new way to see Munich but also made me think differently about my own values. Café or Biergarten culture in Munich is about more than just having a quick coffee or lunch. It's about being social, creative, and taking things slowly. These are places in Munich where people meet, chat, and enjoy being around others. The busy atmosphere, comfy interiors, and the smell of fresh food make it a place to relax and enjoy the moment.

In Liechtenstein, being social is also important, but it's done in a more structured and private way. We do have a similar cozy feeling, but we tend to spend time with close family and friends. You see the people more frequently and therefore have another relationship to them. Another way to spent time together, is being physically active. Often people in Liechtenstein are members of different sport clubs like squash, tennis, or football.

When I first saw people talking openly in cafés or bars in Munich, it was interesting and a bit strange for me. Another place where many people gather, are parks next to the university (Alte Pinakothek) or the famous Englisher garden. It was such a great feeling spending time there the first time and exploring this way of living. People play games like volleyball spikeball or just sit together, chat and having a good time. During hot summer days you could refresh yourself in the eisbach and float in the water (definitely my favorite part of the city). I was used to more private conversations. But over time, I began to like the lively and changing atmosphere. I saw the value in talking to new people and learning from their different viewpoints.

Comparing Munich's social culture with how things are in Liechtenstein made me see how social interactions can be different in various places. In Liechtenstein, we focus on deepening relationships and keeping things familiar. In Munich, people are more open to making connections with different and new people. Smalltalk therefore is important and practiced nearly daily. This comparison also made me think about my own values and where I grew up. I realized that where I come from has shaped the way I see things.

Studying in Liechtenstein, I didn't realize how much I valued privacy in social settings. Experiencing Munich's social culture made me see the benefits of connecting with new people and trying new things. As I learn about these differences, I'm trying to find a balance between the two approaches. I appreciate the friendly atmosphere of Munich's cafés, but I also value the close relationships in Liechtenstein. Learning about both has helped me get better at talking to people from different places and understanding them.

In conclusion, thinking about Munich's café culture and how it's different from Liechtenstein has been really interesting. It made me question my own ideas, step out of my comfort zone, and connect with people in new ways. I learned that understanding unfamiliar cultural practices can help me grow and see the world in a new light. As my student exchange goes on, I'm excited to see how all of this will shape how I see things even after I go back home.