We check in. A catamaran boat with which we, my wife and I, circle the Galapagos Islands for a week. In addition to the crew, there are ten other passengers on board. Ten Brits and us.
At the first dinner on the boat we get to know each other. They introduce themselves and we admit that we are German.
“Oh my God,” we hear, “have you already put your towels on the sun loungers?”
Up on deck you have the best view and eight deck chairs in the first row are available for the passengers. Especially at the very front, the view is a dream.
The statement of our fellow Brits is more of a humorous perception than a real criticism and we all laugh about it together. But we Germans have already lost our reputation in this respect.
Yes, the cliché of the “towel on the lounger” is actually an amusing and widespread idea about German holidaymakers! It comes from the observation that many Germans “reserve” deck chairs with towels early in the morning – especially on beaches or hotel pools. This image has taken hold in international holiday destinations, and it is also associated with German thoroughness and planning pleasure. Well!
British, Dutch and other nationalities sometimes jokingly make fun of it. In fact, it could also be interpreted as strategic thinking: first come, first served, securing the best seat with the most beautiful view! 😎
We both, my wife and I, see this a little more distantly and do not want to be identified with this characteristic. Even if it is “typically German”, it does not really fit the both of us.
➡️ And how do you do that with your towel on vacation?
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I am Bernd Scharbert and I support leaders with my four guiding principles for intercultural leadership. If you are interested, feel free to contact me directly.
