Love it or hate it but you can't ignore it!

No other introduction could be so apt in defining Germany and I have no other reason not to feel so. Once you land here, you realise you have suddenly ventured into an unrealistically real adventure which gives you a glimpse of German history, culture, German passions, their achievements and most importantly, the answer to the question of 'Who Germans really are'? And the response you get is clearly admirable. Let's see, what it makes to be Germany; a number of factors which have re written its future or changed the course of history? A nation afflicted with fatal injuries inflicted by the wrong doings of one dictator followed by the exploitation of the world at large, but what remains the underlying feature of this great nation was despite being torn apart, it never succumbed to the blows it suffered from all sides. Rising up from the ashes, overcoming the great humiliation, gathering its lost and shattered pieces, coming up together to be knitted into one powerful system and the rest is what we all know, 'Determination to excel' which has made Germany what it is today; a power to be reckoned with.

The catastrophe it suffered post world wars, when the world looked mockingly at its sealed fate as though laughing at it, saying- 'All right! Listen and listen well. You are almost wiped off from the map of the world, mark these words! Your game is over, the ill wind has blown away all your pride and smiles! And here the world is watching you in all its glory, watching, watching as you come crumbling down!' Just when an ordinary country would have bowed down to the mounting pressures, Germany silently rose up from the debacle to take on the world by utter surprise, never to fall back again, never to be ignored again and here it stands Unstoppable!! and amongst the most powerful countries of the world today. This is the tale of Germany, we can't stop falling in awe with. It came back, and it came out stronger than ever...that was Germany's response to the world. Clearly, Germany got the game changed. It refused to be a silent sufferer and it refused to let be silenced by the jibes and the taunts of the enemy.

Shake me, distort me; I won't fall apart!
The more cuts I suffer, the brighter I sparkle.
I shall take the world in my stride, today, tomorrow and forever!
For I have lived through hell and fought against time,
to be what I am today, tomorrow and forever!
My game is not over, my game has just begun.

Describing the uniqueness of this exemplary land takes more than mere words, but let's channelize this fascination into 10 unique aspects about Germany which make you fall in love with it instantly. Get set and go-

1. Makers of their own destiny- An epitome of intelligence and careful planning along with hard work without which the current global stature would not have been accomplished. Germany offers a perfect example to the developing world to show how to transform the greatest weakness into the greatest asset. Germans are known to be excellent in strategy building, policy making and implementation. In fact, many travel guides about Germany, written by foreign authors openly show their appreciation of how they are enamoured of the country. Germany is praised for being a colourful, lively, spectacular country, the powerhouse of Europe, a miracle wonder of both culture and technology, inventive and with an entrepreneurial spirit, "definitely…a very 21st-century country."

2. Professionalism- Another remarkable trait about them is their thorough professionalism. They clearly balance out their work and personal lives, which is worth valuing. When they work, they work 100% without distractions and when they are home, they are fully at home, then office doesn't exist. German principle regarding professionalism is simple and straight- 'Work better to avail better perks.' I agree to this formula completely, reason being: more than hard work, quality of work matters. After all, donkeys work hard and intelligent people work smart.

3. Freedom and safety of women in particular- It's said, if something bad is meant to happen, it will. Even paradise can't assure you 100% protection. Well! We are talking of real world and not cliché’s. I find Germany a safe abode for women and we are enthralled by the sense of safety and security it provides. The whole social frame work has empowered women and not subjugated them, else Angela Merkel wouldn't have been governing the country as Kanzlerin/ Chancellor.

4. Broad mindedness of society- It forms the most integral part of German society at large. An open minded approach liberates a society from the labyrinth of rigid dogmas and hypocritical practices which decay societies and weaken women. Germany offers a role model country when it comes to emancipation of women who are not left at the mercy of patriarchal society. They enjoy freedom and are respected in all walks of life unlike countries like India where women are treated as commodities and an item of lust (in the wake of all the recent rape incidences). Hypocrisy breeds in closed and narrow societies where men are enchained by the supreme commands of their parents and they admit, they lack courage to stand against their families in support of the women they love. In brief, here in this part of the world, families are open enough to not interfere in the personal choices of their children, hence such societies are a lot more happier and prosperous. Unfortunately, in my home country women are made weak because no one has the courage to stand up for them. We are dominated by stale, outdated and corrupt mentality along with a thousand taboos, at least in Germany you can breathe free.

5. The plethora of social benefits- The German social security system is designed to cover areas like- Unemployment, health, pension, sickness, carer's insurance along with maternity benefits and child allowance which is funded by contributions from the employed, employers and self employed as well as the State in a total of four insurance schemes-
   a) Health insurance ( Krankenversicherung)
   b) Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)
   c) Nursing care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) and
   d) Pension insurance ( Renten versicherung)
   
   Those covered by the schemes are:
   a) Employed persons (including apprentices).
   b) Most of the self employed persons.
   c) Carers for children below the age of three.
   d) Recipients of social benefits e.g unemployment benefits.
   e) Conscripted soldiers or the ones in community service instead of military service.
   
   The social benefits aim to combat disparity among citizens and residents, thereby, improving the standard of living of its people in totality.

6. An Engineer's paradise- Germany has always been synonymous with engineering. It sustains and thrives on engineering like an obsessed lover...I am so envious, no other profession is held in so much esteem as engineers. Known for its top notch technical universities and internships that are practical and immersive in nature and most importantly, a culture and an economy that rewards engineering skills with both prestige and career growth. German engineering seems to remain in the champion division of the entire industry. As a result Germany maintains its great reputation as the topmost exporter of machinery and industrial equipment. I won't be doing justice, if I don't speak about their excellent automobile engineering. Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche are the undisputed kings of the road. Nothing beats German cars in style, luxury, comfort, elegance and sex appeal....oops!! I find them really sexy. And off course, Germans take pride in flaunting their cars and consider them as a matter of prestige.

7. Trademark of quality- Made in Germany brand is taken for granted to be nothing but superb in quality, their skill is great and along with their prodigious craftsmanship they deliver widely acclaimed and high performance products. Reliability and durability are the characteristic features of German quality and better still is their quality control.

8. Time Management- One thing you surely learn during your stay in Germany is Time Management. Right from catching trains, to grabbing your coffee, to meeting dead lines, you realise you are operated by time and not the other way round. Punctuality is the key to success in Germany and a must have trait, if you don't have it, cultivate it now!

9. A gateway to your heart- I used to believe Switzerland was the ultimate tourist destination till I visited Germany's Schwarzwald. All I would say is, Black Forest is Germay's reply to Switzerland. After being here, I feel Switzerland is an over hyped tourist destination. You get a glimpse of heaven in Black Forest, serene, pure, peaceful and extremely clean. It is a colourful and vibrant piece of Germany that you can't afford to miss out. It won't be wrong to call it the valley of flowers, I have never seen so many flowers blossoming in a region like Black Forest. The main treat to the taste buds is the famous Black forest gateau/cake, its taste lingers in your mouth for a long, long time!!( I don't drink alcohol so couldn't relish it and kept gazing at it in all the cafés like a greedy child). Schwarzwald is an absolutely delightful region with yummy treats and all at such moderate prices. And one really surprising fact is, no matter how small the village or town in Schwarzwald is people speak English. No doubt it's such a popular tourist destination. The vineyards, the river valleys, sunny peaks, wide panoramic view, calm forests, revitalising spas and the most elaborate cuisine, it is dream holiday package. So what are you waiting for, plan your trip now. Freunde, gibt es einen Ort in Deutschland, wo ich den Schwarzwald Kuchen ohne Alkohol( Kirschwasser) bekommen kann?

10. Eco drive- It is the initiative of the German govt. for energy transformation from nuclear to renewable energy. This energy transformation or Energiewende refers to the gradual shift towards the use of renewables and energy efficiency. Following the disastrous tragedy at Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan, the German govt. re evaluated the risk of nuclear power and has decided to chalk out the use of nuclear power as soon as possible. The whole transformation of energy is more than just a challenge. The decision was taken unanimously to show to the world how sustainable development in a leading industrial nation can be achieved through a firm and aggressive eco drive to save the environment.

Where the thinking of the rest of the world stops, begins the thinking of Germans. Call them straightforward, arrogant, reserved or narcissists, Germans are a bundle of surprise and surely have a bright future ahead of them. Now tell me aren't you enchanted by Germany? Writing for Trust7 has really enlightened me so much about Germany, I think I better open a 24 hour help line to provide guidance tips to the new arrivals or better still be an ambassador to promote Germany globally. Jokes apart, captivating or riveting, life in Germany is utterly sublime.