Thank you very much.

I really have no idea at all about soldiers and their training. As for the differences, it's very difficult to say, because here in the north we had little to do with the Americans, but rather with the British. All in all, I would say that Germans have the image of being eternally complaining. In general, I would think that the peoples of Europe, especially the more northerly they are, have a certain seriousness in common and some have to go down to the cellar to laugh. My country, historically speaking, has a string of never-ending conflicts.
Fraternising with the soldiers was therefore certainly so appealing to both sides because of the differences. I was a little enamoured of a Tommie myself, and the way these young men moved around the dance floors was also interesting. Our German boys never danced in that way.

I got to know the Americans later, having been to the USA myself many times, for longer periods of time. I was fascinated by being approached by complete strangers just like that in the queue at the supermarket checkout, their spontaneous cordiality, their interest in light conversation, their fast pace. But then there were also the stark contrasts I experienced there. From easy cheerfulness the quick change to obedient citizens. As young people, we were never so afraid of the police and there were no security guards anywhere for a very, very long time.

I am attached to this international friendship, just as I am attached to the Russian one, a completely different but equally valuable relationship. It couldn't be any other way, given my family history.

I look at the current events with concern. Until a while ago, my son proudly claimed to be half Russian (which is not true, lol), I think he would refrain from such jokes now. It's a shame when you start denying your origins, experiences and friendships all too quickly as soon as the wind blows from a certain direction.

Is there a particular country for you that you have personal ties to outside of Canada?