Living Abroad in Berlin: Cultural Differences and Surprises
As a programmer living in Berlin, I've discovered many cultural differences that have taken some getting used to. One surprise is the prevalence of uncooked bacon for breakfast, which takes some courage to adopt. Coffee culture is also distinct, with filter coffee being rare in restaurants but readily available at gas stations. This has led me to adapt by ordering cappuccinos.

Another cultural difference is the relaxed attitude towards alcohol, allowing for social drinking and a reduced risk of binge drinking. Public transit options are also stronger here, making it easier to get around without a car. Additionally, wine is cheaper and of higher quality in Europe compared to the US.

The article also touches on German employment policies, which provide up to 14 months of 2/3 salary for new parents or up to 28 months of 1/3 salary split between both partners. This shows that Germany prioritizes family-friendly benefits.

Source: https://wickedchicken.github.io/post/programmer-in-berlin-culture/