question for those in germany and nearby

[banondraig]

so as i write, i am within two months of my (scheduled) return to germany. having heard horror storiesfrom people, what is the reaction i should expect as a us soldier returning from iraq? should i be prepared to dodge rocks, not be able to get taxis, not worry about it? ever since my friend who left later than i did got called a "babykiller", i've been kind of worried about it.

[strider]

You know what? I think you shouldn't worry . I lived in Germany for over 10 yrs and most of the time I was a troop.You always have some troops who will tell you wild BULL and they are usually full of it too. I havn't seen anything like that yet. Just stay cool and don't get all worked up when someone tells you what they think. I was in the same boat in 90/91 and learned if you keep your mouth closed you will be ok. Most problems come when Joe has to much beer and gos off at the mouth. Just stay cool and remember not everyone is American and the Americans are not Supermen/women.

[Xentor]

I agree. I'm not in Germany but certainly close enough (just a loud shout left of Aachen). Although the war effort isn't massively supported, you're not likely to get bullied for being in it.

Now, if you were Bush or Powell, I'd think twice before walking around unguarded. But the common soldier (not differentiating between ranks ;) ) can usually expect public curiosity.

[mothwench]

well... no rocks, banondraig! don't worry.
but there has been a change in sentiment, no doubt about it. i must admit, sometimes i hear comments from even my best friends, ppl i had always deemed reasonable. i'm always the one saying hey, the u.s. is not just bush and powell.
but then again germans do know that governments don't always act in the people's interest. also, i hate to sound prejudiced myself, but it also depends on where you're moving to. the regional differences in mentalities and open-mindedness are profound here. if you're moving back to the darmstadt area, i wouldn't worry. :)

edited to add: my friends are all left-wing remnants from the stone age. don't mind those sort of ppl anyway. :lol: