I have lived in a number of European countries over the past ten years - Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium. I moved to Germany about twoand- a-half-years ago for a couple of reasons. One, of course, was my career. But I also wanted to study part-time for an MBA, and Germany offered tax benefi ts for those pursuing higher education.

I had previously had an offer to move to Germany, but declined it because I had read that foreigners fi nd it diffi cult to integrate there. Later, when I had gotten a better feel for Europe and another opportunity to move was offered, I decided to give it a spin.

After living in Germany for over two years, I now fi nd that the younger generation is more accomodating than older people. They help you integrate. They do so probably because they are anxious to sanitise the lingering perception of Germany, a Germany of the past, whose marred history was none of their doing.