The rumors of German efficiency are greatly exaggerated... I just have to take a look in the basement and watch the handymen's daily hijinks. The incompetence displayed is really something.

re: snow: We don't get a lot of it so when we do get it, the traffic authorities are totally out of their depth. Say, one centimeter of fallen snow translates to one hour of slippery roads and busses not running. On the first day anyway, after that, they normally have it under control. As long as it's just a few centimeters. Otherwise, all bets are off.

'Well, it would never happen in Europe'

'Europe' cracks me up.