Six Obserations and Oddities

With almost a week under my belt, I submit the following observations and oddities:
• I can’t find a place to purchase a trash can, but I know of two stores where I can get a hajib
• Instead of drinking bottles of water after the Köln marathon finishes consume a pint of beer – this includes people from 14 to 80
• You have to bring your own bags (or baskets) to the market or grocery store
• The entire country is very environmentally conscious (which is why you have to bring your own bags)
• No one smiles on the street and no one says “excuse me” but everyone seems to be content
• The trains really do go everywhere – even in the suburb of Bad Godesburg