Expectations. An expectation can be a good or bad thing, because it can either define someone in a good or bad way. Honestly, at this point, I forget most of my initial expectations because they have been either been true or false. However, I will do my best to compensate and describe what I thought upon first arriving.
Germans. I have heard various stories from my various German teachers throughout the years. One of these is that Germans drink only mineral water. While this is very true, they also have another unhealthy obsession - Fanta. Basically, Germans love carbonated beverages - with or without sugar. They also love beer - something I was expecting that turned out to be very true.
Another expectation is that Germans are less hygienic than Americans. This is not true. At least, I have certainly not noticed any smelly people on the street trains. I was also led to believe that Germans were very indifferent to sitting with random people at restaurants. For example, if there were to be an open chair at your table, they would sit beside you even if they didn't know you. I have found this not to be the case, but it could just be because I am so blatantly American that no German wants to associate with me.
Overall, Germans are a nice people who are usually friendly to Americans - something which I wasn't sure to expect or not. I would say that most of my expectations have been met positively, and that Germans aren't really all that different from Americans.
A beautifully wonderful picture of the sunset on the plane ride to Germany...