Here’s the saddest reason I am looking forward to returning to the U.S.A. in three weeks: I am tired of feeling inadequate in comparison to those around me.
Most Germans I have become friends with speak — in addition to German — fluent French, great English, and between one and three other languages. They have traveled extensively, and often have lived abroad. They bike all over the city like pros without a helmet and have been skiing since they were toddlers. They are well-versed in the arts, literature and history. They know a lot about politics and discuss it fervently over and, especially, after dinner. They have opinions and are not shy about expressing them.
It will be shock, but a relief, to go back home and hang out with people who maybe remember a little Spanish from high school, but basically just speak English. Who may know how to bike and ski but basically just ride the subway or take cabs everywhere. Who may know a thing or two about art, or music, or history, but don’t display their knowledge unless they really have to. Who would rather talk about their jobs, or their dating lives, or Britney Spears, than about the prospects for peace in the Middle East or U.S. policy in Afghanistan.
I exaggerate, but just a little. I think I am a fairly serious person, but I often feel I can’t (or just don’t care to) keep up with the earnest, accomplished Germans. I am ready to go home to silly, superficial, lazy, likeable Americans!
