I have noticed that cafes are a very common thing here in Germany.
Of course, I also cannot forget about the mushrooms! During my mushroom hunting trip, we found mushrooms called Maronen, Flockenstieliger Hexenröhrling and Steinpilz. Being able to find food growing in the forest, then learning about how it can be prepared, gave me a completely different way of thinking about where food comes from. What I find most interesting is that many German foods are connected to the season, region, and traditions of the people who make them. I am looking forward to trying even more foods and seeing what else I can discover during my time in Germany.
Trying these foods has made me feel more connected to Germany and the people around me. Some of the foods were completely new to me, so I felt curious and excited to see what they would taste like. Others, like visiting a bakery got a pastry and coffee, have started to feel like a part of my everyday life here. The mushroom hunting trip made me feel especially connected to the experience of food. Instead of simply buying mushrooms at the store, I was able to walk through the forest, learn from someone who has years of knowledge, and see where the food came from. It made me appreciate how much history, knowledge, and tradition can be connected to something as simple as a meal.
I have also enjoyed experiencing how food seems to bring people together here. Sitting at a cafe, sharing a meal, or exploring the bakery gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the experience.
