What you pay is what you know!

When living abroad there are some things you just don't understand. No matter how you try.

Take the train.

As an example, I mean.

While the rest of Europe is trying to push down prices for public transport, a German train ticket is extremely expensive. And you don't even get a cup of coffee for it...

Why?

It's not because Germans drive faster on the highway, that you pay more for even faster trains. No... the train to Paris is just as fast. And cheaper.

It's not because you have nicer seats. Or not because you get something to drink. Or to eat. No. I must say the French do better again... A free meal in first class when travelling to Paris.

So, why do you pay - much, much - more for a German train?
It's probably because they claim they are never too late.
Germans are always in time.

And when they are not - like yesterday - you get every itty bitty nitty detail about why you will arrive 1 minute and 40 seconds late.

And because no other Europe culture know why they're late, you pay more in Germany for a ticket. What you pay is what you know!

That's it. I suppose.