In the world of gift-giving, tales of the unexpected abound. From mysterious boxes that promise the world but deliver only disappointment to DIY disasters crafted with love (and lots of...

Claudia Koestler humorously explores cultural quirks Europeans find peculiar about Americans, from overt patriotism and effusive customer service to long commutes and ice-filled drinks. She discusses litigious tendencies, public bathroom...

Farmers strikes are prevalent throughout the EU, some of which can have a distinct impact on a country’s economy and across society. In Germany, recent farmer protests have caused chaos,...

Having something for long a time one could start thinking, rightly or wrongly, that it is yours. The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are Greek sculptures that...

The rise of extremist movements throughout the world is nothing new. However, their power and influence in Western democracies is particularly startling, especially in the bastion of such a stable...

Tune in to hear how different Monday mornings are from your town or city as Claudia makes her way to work in her Alpine splendor in Bavaria. Some things may...

‘Life is too short to learn German’, said Oscar Wilde. And even for a native German speaker, it does have its challenges. Over Here, Over There podcast co-host Claudia Koestler...

‘There’s no place like home’, said Dorothy in one of the most famous final lines in cinematic history in The Wizard of Oz. The concept of home has intrigued writers,...

In this episode, Claudia Koestler considers the ‘Over Here, Over There’ aspects of politeness and kindness in Germany relative to her experiences abroad. She provides three anecdotes that highlight the...

Bavaria’s Sundays are slower than the rest of Germany and many other countries. Most public and private organizations are closed, which has its plusses and minuses. It’s a matter of...