Martin sat next to me on the bus from Bangkok. I knew he was German so when we introduced ourselves, I used his mother tongue.

It’s nice to meet you Martin. Meine name ist Sam. 

We shook hands, then made awkward conversation for 20 minutes. Two aspects of Martin’s life interested me. His 600cc dual sport motorcycle, for which he has two sets of tires, and his job at a brewery. When pressed for details about the latter, he disclosed that every year he receives 800 liters of free beer.

Aber es ist zu viel! (But this is too much!) I exclaimed.

In a healthy German accent he replied, No, it’s just right.