Kultur 8 - Anna Kemeny

It's always interesting to read about the different traditions and quirks in Germany. During my time in Germany I have never noticed this so called "Draftophobia." As someone who hates the feeling of still air, it's difficult to imagine a culture in which a breeze is considered unhealthy. I wonder what could have caused such a supposition. It seems especially odd that a draft should be considered so dangerous when a circulatory collapse is considered to be worth only a day home from work.
The sauna and the student article further demonstrate just how different the German culture is. While saunas are not uncommon in the states, the idea of exposing oneself with complete strangers is certainly a foreign concept. As is the idea that "sweating out" should be an enjoyable group activity. the description of German student life is perhaps even more representative of just how different German norms are from American norms. It was astounding for me to read that 23 is the average age of a first semester student in Germany. Here at Michigan, the marching band has a tradition of announcing people's birthdays, and the response to anything above 21 is "old!!" "get a real job!" etc. It is also interesting because when i think about my life goals, I want to be out of college and school long before I turn 30. Then again, if college years could be as relaxed as they are in Germany, perhaps I would be more willing to stay a few extra years.