At first I didn't like having to carry my heavy bags full of groceries back to my apartment from the supermarket, but I quickly learned a better way to pack my bags so that they are easier to carry - heavy items in my backpack and lighter things in my canvas bag that I carry over my shoulder!
I also really enjoy having so many opportunities for long distance travel, especially by taking the trains. In the United States, I don't like to drive long distances. It makes the time go so much faster, being able to travel far away and be able to read a book or watch a movie while traveling. It's also nice to have so many other people traveling with me at the same time. Again, its so much better for the environment! (Did I say that before?!)
Germans are very aware of the impact they have on the environment, so I do think a lot of their ways of getting around are because of this. The reason buses became so popular was because more people could travel the same distance together. The train company is also very aware of the impact their large railcars have on the environment, and they are always looking for a less impacting way to travel--specifically, one which has less negative effects on the environment.
And because Germans love nature so much, they have no problem walking or biking in any weather. Many Germans will take walks or bike rides even if they don't have anywhere to go: they are just happy to be out in the fresh air! I also enjoy the fresh air, and I will be looking for a way to start walking more when I return to the United States.
