A woman I once met told me this “To judge a place, look at the stray cats. If they are friendly, bold and relaxed, you know it is a good village with good people.”
@CatParadisePk
Japan was quite the culture shock. Not going there, but returning to Germany. Granted, it was only 2 1/2 weeks, but that was enough to see just how bad things in Germany have become.
Sure, Japan has security warnings and «if you notice anything suspicious, then say something» signs. But overall, Tokyo, Fuji-Yoshida, and Kyoto felt extremely safe. They were also clean. People were disciplined — you could hear a pin drop in the subway, people waiting in line or standing to the side on the elevator. Hey, even boarding and exiting trains is done in a disciplined manner and the trains are frequent and exactly on time.
There was also pride in work, even if it’s only directing traffic or serving meals. And overall, standards. There is a clear right and wrong that gets communicated:
I doubt this would fly in Germany. And in contrast, Germany feels dirty, unsafe, and in a downward spiral. And yeah, the overall impression is that Germany has lost its standards. Its striving, its aspiration, which means that some people succeed by merit and others fail — and there is a qualitative difference between both groups. One is better than the other.
I mean, you have to look to old buildings to see something akin to striving for something better, to having standards.
So, yeah, traveling is enlightening to see just how bad things have become.