I did not expect the full extent of how Europe emphasizes public transportation, or for our sake in Germany. I admit to bias since I’ve never had to commute with public transportation on a regular basis.
Despite the fact that trips to class can take 45+ minutes regularly, I got used to it by the second day. There are also the trains that our group would take going to farther locations; while I am not as passionate as my peer(s?) for them, I can appreciate the way they connect the city together.
One thing that I still need to get used to that I miss from home would be the accessibility to water fountains and free bathrooms. I’m certain that had I grown up anywhere besides the U.S., I would not think anything of it. As it stands though, I’ve been spoiled with these free commodities. So far on this trip, I’ve yet to pay for using a bathroom and buying bottled water, getting by places like the hotel and university we are staying at.
On the other hand, there are also conveniences present in Europe that I wish carried into the U.S. (besides better public transit). Just one of these things would be the way that tax is already included in things bought at stores and restaurants. This leads to more convenience when paying with cash, as well as consistent change that does not feel loose (at least compared to pennies in the states). It helps that 1 and 2 euro coins are common, which is another change that I can appreciate.