Bun,

Having lived in Germany (Berlin & Augsburg) off and on growing up (Air Force Brat). The best advice I can offer is to pick up a little of language. I have found that if you make the attempt to speak the local language, the locals (for the most part) will let you muddle through for a while and then help you out.
I had several friends who "hated" being overseas because the "People are rude to Americans". Most of this was self inflicted by assuming that everyone should speak English.

Fun stuff: the museum at Check Point Charlie was a favorite of mine while living there (early 80s).

Beer - German beer is WAY better IMO than your typical American style beer. Sample, Sample, Sample.

Electricity: There is a picture of the plug adapter towards the bottom of this page: http://goeurope.about.com/cs/electri...lectricity.htm

I also found it to be interesting being in a city that has been there hundreds of years longer than The USA has been in existence...

Hope this helps! Have a safe trip!

Sno