When I set foot on German soil, I couldn't help but feel a lot of expectations and imagination in my heart. In my heart, this land bears the splendor of European civilization and is a place where technology, culture and history meet. However, when I experienced the country firsthand, I realized that there is a huge gap between reality and imagination.
Perhaps it was because of the reverence in my heart for Germany and the high expectations of it, that I was quickly struck by some realities.
The story begins in Berlin. The city of Berlin, once a symbol of the Cold War between East and West, is now a temple of culture and art. As I walked around the ruins of the Berlin Wall, I felt a sense of reverence for history. However, standing under the towering Berlin TV Tower, overlooking the whole city, I saw the hustle and bustle of modern life. This is not the Berlin I imagined, the Berlin with its history.
Next, I came to Munich. The city is world-famous for its Oktoberfest, which attracts countless tourists. I was immersed in the festive atmosphere and felt the warmth and boldness of the Germans. However, by chance, I met a local resident. He told me that Germany's economy is not as prosperous as it seems. High taxes and the cost of living are making life difficult for many people, especially the younger generation, who are facing the pressure of difficulty finding jobs and soaring housing prices. This made me start to reflect on whether there are some invisible problems hidden behind the economic boom.
Then, I came to Cologne. The city is famous for the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. I looked up at this ancient building and felt the weight of history. However, what amazed me more than the cathedral was the city's multiculturalism. People from all over the world live and work here, making for a colorful picture. I followed the advice of the locals, tasted the various delicacies in the food street, and felt the love and pleasure of life in Germany. It made me understand that no matter what you've been through, people strive to find joy and meaning in life.
Finally, I ended up in Frankfurt. The city is the financial center of Germany and has a strong commercial atmosphere. I walked into the bustling commercial street and saw the high-rise buildings and the crowd of people in the mall. However, I have also heard rumors of financial bubbles and economic instability. A bank clerk told me that despite its glamorous appearance, the risks and pressures in the financial industry are unimaginable. This gave me a deeper understanding of what I mean by "prosperity".
During my travels, I saw different sides of different cities in Germany and experienced the life of the locals. Germany is not what I imagined it to be, it has both prosperity and problems. However, it is these contradictions and diversity that make up the true face of this country. Perhaps, Germany is no longer the glorious German Reich of the past, but it is still a vibrant and charming country that is worth exploring and understanding.