I spent three years living in Germany in my early 20s many years ago. My father was a diplomat in Bonn when it was the capital. I went to college in Munich and was very good a blending in with the local Germans to the point that they automatically start talking to me in German first. As soon as I opened my mouth the gig was up. But it was nice to at least pretend not to be an ugly American for a while.

It was so easy to spot tourists from the States and I hated being around them. When I had to move back people would say aren’t you glad to be back? I would be like No. Most Europeans live a less complicated more comfortable life than Americans.

I dreamed of living in Europe again but it was not to be. I can only visit but at least I don’t stand out like a sore thumb.