Germans Optimistic About the Economy

OK, so this wouldn't seem like such big news if you didn't live here ... after all, many people in first and second world nations are upbeat about their economies from time to time. But when you are on the ground, it just seems so ... un-german. Here's the blurb from the Dow Jones Newswire:

"The euro gained ground on Tuesday after German business sentiment unexpectedly climbed to a 15-year high ... The Ifo business climate poll in Germany rose to 105.4 in March from 103.4 in February, against expectations of a decline. Though German manufacturers has long seen the impact of an improving global economy, the Ifo noted that retailers also were reporting an improved current situation, leading to hopes that the German economy could also be bolstered by internal demand."

The upbeat German economic outlook is being fueled by consumers like Mausi, doing her part by buying a new fridge. You go girl!

We bought our Ami Fridge last summer, but seemed to have no effect on the economy. Probably because we didn't spring for the automatic ice maker/dispenser. Also bought a Mixmaster, since I decided to start baking a lot of bread. Still nary a blip on the economic radar. Oh well ....

But the big bonus of having such a large fridge that can't or shouldn't be hidden behind Schränke, as is the custom with most micro-fridges in German kitchens, is that those lovely fridge magnets that you picked up from around the world can finally be proudly brought out to hold love-notes, shopping lists, calendars, and kids pictures ....

OK, I've digressed a bit here. Suffice it to say, do your part for the economy and buy a new Fridge.

So, business sentiment has rarely been higher since the fall of the Wall. Good to hear. Notice, however, that this development was "unexpected."

Reminds me of a saying I learned while having coffee with a German friend, when I asked if he wanted cream and sugar: "No, we Germans like our coffee like we like our lives ... dark and bitter." And one would ostensibly believe "without ice," although one look at the Frappucino's going out the door at Starbucks last summer would have one wondering when Germans would catch on that these things are made with ice.