IP & Art

A few years ago, I was invited into a luncheon meeting by a Korean expatriate in Frankfurt. Just 30 minutes from the center of city, we arrived a good looking restaurant. 

It was quiet and appears to be nitty and we had seats. Looking at the menu, the so-called ‘lunch special’ was recommended in Korean terms, so I ordered carrot soup and fish dishes instead of salad. In Germany, water had to be ordered separately, so I ordered water without carbon dioxide and white wine. The host  ordered water with carbon dioxide.

“When I came here, I first ordered water without carbon dioxide. As I became accustomed to living in Germany, I ordered carbon dioxide water, which is helpful for digestion, rather than sensitive water. 

The Germans here also drink mostly carbon dioxide water. However, first-time tourists order water without carbon dioxide. If that is the difference between a local and a tourist, is it the difference?” I smiled because I also was curious if I would make any choice in future. 

Next came white wine, carrot soup, fish, and a dessert cake. The cake was quite large and tasted good. Even in the process of ordering coffee, we had different choices. I ordered an Americano, and he ordered an espresso. When I asked, "Isn't espresso too thick?", He replied, "I like espresso with a small amount after eating dessert." And he added. 

“I also drank an Americano after dinner in Korea, but an old woman I met at a restaurant during my trip to Italy said, ‘Why do you drink espresso mixed with water? “Drink an espresso that you can feel the aroma of coffee properly,” and that’s when I started drinking espresso.”

At the recommendation of him, I drank the espresso, and it was surprisingly good because the amount was just right and I could feel the scent. It felt like that I was becoming a local, or my lifestyle was becoming westernized. Anyway, I was getting more and more immersed in the new experience.

He also recommended that I would experience the southern part of France rather than Germany. It is said that Germans are not so familiar with outsiders. On the other hand, Spaniards treat anyone they meet for the first time like a lifelong friend. For example, in Spain, if you ask someone you talk to like a lifelong friend how many years you have known, you'll be surprised at how many people say it's the first time they've met.

According to him, the natural scenery is good in Germany, but the buildings are practical and clunky. German attire is also very ordinary. However, in France, aesthetics are also emphasized in buildings and small decorations.

Still, when the author said, “I felt what beauty was in Heidelberg”, he said, “If I go to southern France, I will taste a newer flavor.” Inwardly. His advise make me to think over possible visiting a law firm or law school in southern France next time. And when I said, "Unlike Germans, French hardly speak English," Then, he added, "you do not afraid because international law firms and university professors will speak English well." RIght! I never thought like that. Get started with travelling over the France.