If you ever live abroad in a country where you don't really know the language, you will quickly lose any semblance of the pride or dignity you once possessed. If you don't give up your pride, you're subject to daily humiliation. When I first came here, I could barley introduce myself, let alone read German. Thus I walking into doors labeled "out," I was asked to move check-out lines because I had more than 5 items, etc. But even the past 9 months of letting go of shame did not prepare me for Sunday afternoon... when I got kicked out of a McDonald's.
How trashy do you have to be to get kicked out of a McDonald's? McDonald's, the one place in Europe where I could always count on fast service and the footwear-less presence of junkies. McDonald's is like my little American embassy: Visited rarely, in times of extreme desperation.
I was there Sunday using the t-mobile HotSpot WiFi. I had a Happy Meal, a speedy connection to cnn.com, and I was just youtubing some SNL clips when an angry manager approached me, hands waving.
"Geht Raus!"
I thought, "Hey! I understand this guy! :)" I know that means go away, or get outside, because that's what my student's say when there is a bee in the classroom. Then is hit me, he was shooing at me.. A man in Germany was shooing me, a paying AMERICAN customer out of his establishment. I felt the eyes of small children turn to me, and I was too embarrassed to respond. But if I had, I probably would have made a grammatical mistake.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Moving trials and tribulations
So we've moved into the much more centrally located, well-cafe-ed area of Sachsenhausen. I would have blogged earlier and posted pictures of our glorious oven, but of course our internet and phone have not yet been connected.
I really think that Americans win when it comes to efficiency in the service industry. If I pay (or E pays) for a service as necessary as a telephone, it should be set up without the prodding of a dozen phone calls and a two-week waiting period. E tells me I am being an impatient American, but really, ask any ex-pat and they'll tell you that without internet they'd be fashioning a noose out of that super sticky IKEA tape that has piled up in any neue Whonung corner. Also, German TV is just not covering the news stories I need. Political upheavals in Bavaria don't do much for me.
The move took place Sunday and Monday. We rented a molester van and also had some new furniture delivered by IKEA on Tuesday. We painted the new place, which is high-ceilinged and sunny, then began unpacking the boxes. Luckily we have big clothes wardrobes so our clothes hanging no longer takes place on free-standing rods. We also have a very sharp Expedit bookshelf that also serves as room divider. We're still working on putting the place together but at least E has put up the bathroom light and assembled everything.
While he works with his newly acquired power drill (is that what that's called?) I have been playing with oven. Things I have made, and subsequently eaten: Coconut and Cranberrry Oat Bars, Blondies, Yogurt Scones, Bean Boulangerie and stuffed peppers. Baking supplies are different here: Baking powder comes only in individual packets as does vanilla extract. Brown sugar is not hard-packed and they do not sell disposable pie tins. Today I attempt cookies.
I start school on Tuesday. My first class is on violence in the American novel. I think the first assigned book is Blood Meridian. Today there is no work. It's Oct. 3, German Day of Reunification, or Einheit. Everything is closed (I can use WiFi at Starbucks or McDonald's) but the day is sleepy. It's not like Bastille Day or 4th of July. Germans don't have any attachment to this specific date and both Ost and West question the Einheit, even as we're approaching the 20 year mark next year.
Here;s some links about our new neighborhood (we live on Textorstrasse) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsenhausen_(Frankfurt_am_Main
http://www.frankfurt360.de/sachsenhausen-e.htm
I really think that Americans win when it comes to efficiency in the service industry. If I pay (or E pays) for a service as necessary as a telephone, it should be set up without the prodding of a dozen phone calls and a two-week waiting period. E tells me I am being an impatient American, but really, ask any ex-pat and they'll tell you that without internet they'd be fashioning a noose out of that super sticky IKEA tape that has piled up in any neue Whonung corner. Also, German TV is just not covering the news stories I need. Political upheavals in Bavaria don't do much for me.
The move took place Sunday and Monday. We rented a molester van and also had some new furniture delivered by IKEA on Tuesday. We painted the new place, which is high-ceilinged and sunny, then began unpacking the boxes. Luckily we have big clothes wardrobes so our clothes hanging no longer takes place on free-standing rods. We also have a very sharp Expedit bookshelf that also serves as room divider. We're still working on putting the place together but at least E has put up the bathroom light and assembled everything.
While he works with his newly acquired power drill (is that what that's called?) I have been playing with oven. Things I have made, and subsequently eaten: Coconut and Cranberrry Oat Bars, Blondies, Yogurt Scones, Bean Boulangerie and stuffed peppers. Baking supplies are different here: Baking powder comes only in individual packets as does vanilla extract. Brown sugar is not hard-packed and they do not sell disposable pie tins. Today I attempt cookies.
I start school on Tuesday. My first class is on violence in the American novel. I think the first assigned book is Blood Meridian. Today there is no work. It's Oct. 3, German Day of Reunification, or Einheit. Everything is closed (I can use WiFi at Starbucks or McDonald's) but the day is sleepy. It's not like Bastille Day or 4th of July. Germans don't have any attachment to this specific date and both Ost and West question the Einheit, even as we're approaching the 20 year mark next year.
Here;s some links about our new neighborhood (we live on Textorstrasse) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsenhausen_(Frankfurt_am_Main
http://www.frankfurt360.de/sachsenhausen-e.htm
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Apologies!
I am so sorry to be a lazy blogger this last week. Between work, gearing up for an apartment move and getting all my ducks in a row at the University, I've been busy.
The weather here in the 'Furt is absolutely dreadful. It's cold (40 degrees), gray and wet. This is typical Hessen weather; since we're surrounded by mountains it never gets super cold and doesn't really snow, just a miserable sort of dampness that crawls under your jacket for 6 months.
Despite the cold weather my friend Courtney and I had a great time when she visited this weekend. She's in Berlin, soon to be back in the states and she wanted one last visit to Mainhattan. We walked and walked, and ate and ate. Cafe Crumble has to be the best new place I've tried this week: They serve a hausgemacht (home made) streussel crumble with warm raspberries and rhubarb and vanilla sauce. Truly German pastries at their finest.
In order to celebrate E's last day at his not-so-fun job yesterday, we went to see "Tropic Thunder" at the American movie theater. Choices are limited at the Turm Palast, and we did not want to see "Mummy 4." In most areas of life Germans will avoid being close to you, but not at the movie theater. On a train, on the sidewalk, in an elevator, Germans place themselves as far away from you as physically possible. But at the movies they nuzzle right up... I don't know if it's because the aisle seats are not considered as premium as they are at home, but I can't stand how Germans sit next to you in an otherwise empty theater. Maybe they're looking to other patrons for cues to laugh.
The weather here in the 'Furt is absolutely dreadful. It's cold (40 degrees), gray and wet. This is typical Hessen weather; since we're surrounded by mountains it never gets super cold and doesn't really snow, just a miserable sort of dampness that crawls under your jacket for 6 months.
Despite the cold weather my friend Courtney and I had a great time when she visited this weekend. She's in Berlin, soon to be back in the states and she wanted one last visit to Mainhattan. We walked and walked, and ate and ate. Cafe Crumble has to be the best new place I've tried this week: They serve a hausgemacht (home made) streussel crumble with warm raspberries and rhubarb and vanilla sauce. Truly German pastries at their finest.
In order to celebrate E's last day at his not-so-fun job yesterday, we went to see "Tropic Thunder" at the American movie theater. Choices are limited at the Turm Palast, and we did not want to see "Mummy 4." In most areas of life Germans will avoid being close to you, but not at the movie theater. On a train, on the sidewalk, in an elevator, Germans place themselves as far away from you as physically possible. But at the movies they nuzzle right up... I don't know if it's because the aisle seats are not considered as premium as they are at home, but I can't stand how Germans sit next to you in an otherwise empty theater. Maybe they're looking to other patrons for cues to laugh.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Typisch Deutsch
This weekend was Typisch Deutsch, or typically German around these parts.
On Friday, we tried a new restaurant called Weisse Lilie (White Lilly) a Spanish Tapas restaurant in Bornheim. If you ever get to the 'Furt, this is a must. candle-lit-dark-wooded-hand-written-menu-dwarf-appropriate-table-sizes were really enjoyable, and the saffron rice and seafood (not to mention the cured olives) was also excellent. And then we went home, and I fitness walked while listening to a "Fresh Air" podcast. That last sentence makes me seem too teachery...
On Saturday we slept and eventually made our way to Bokenheim for a birthday party. The crowd was international but leaning heavily towards the Natives. I had to actually speak German and mime (One man told me he was a "Tischler" (carpenter) and I started making a hammer motion. Unfortunate.) What was interesting to observe were the German's drinking habits. They drink Coke Light mixed with any sort of Pils! Everyone told me this was the typical German post-college drink. It tasted nasty, but sort of chemically enticing. Maybe a little cough syrupy?
Sunday was BORING because Sunday's are ALWAYS boring in Germany because nothing is open and everyone wears quilted barn jackets and orthopedic shoes as they take their Sunday strolls. We live by old people.
On Friday, we tried a new restaurant called Weisse Lilie (White Lilly) a Spanish Tapas restaurant in Bornheim. If you ever get to the 'Furt, this is a must. candle-lit-dark-wooded-hand-written-menu-dwarf-appropriate-table-sizes were really enjoyable, and the saffron rice and seafood (not to mention the cured olives) was also excellent. And then we went home, and I fitness walked while listening to a "Fresh Air" podcast. That last sentence makes me seem too teachery...
On Saturday we slept and eventually made our way to Bokenheim for a birthday party. The crowd was international but leaning heavily towards the Natives. I had to actually speak German and mime (One man told me he was a "Tischler" (carpenter) and I started making a hammer motion. Unfortunate.) What was interesting to observe were the German's drinking habits. They drink Coke Light mixed with any sort of Pils! Everyone told me this was the typical German post-college drink. It tasted nasty, but sort of chemically enticing. Maybe a little cough syrupy?
Sunday was BORING because Sunday's are ALWAYS boring in Germany because nothing is open and everyone wears quilted barn jackets and orthopedic shoes as they take their Sunday strolls. We live by old people.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Get into the groove
Madonna was here two nights ago. Tickets cost 300 E a pop, which is like $500 and the Germans paid out for Madge. I hope she didn't flash a picture of A.H. when she does her montage of starving children/George Bush stage show.
I've been back to Germany for one week and even though I am currently entrenched in a battle with fruit flies in our tiny apartment, I feel jet-lag free. Today a student asked me if I liked die Barrakuda. She meant Sarah Palin, and then she told me that the Wilson sisters of Heart were upset by Palin's use of "Barracuda" at the RNC. Really? I just googled, and sadly my student knew more about this topic than me. Anyway, I don't think the Wilson sisters should be taking their politics too seriously, they are, after all, members of the band Heart. And Heart is exactly the type of music I think Palin would like. I don't mean that in any other way than as a fact. I dig her Tina Fey of the Tundra vibe.
I sent my request for my absentee ballot in this week. Minnesota is super high-tech and apparently I can get an email ballot and then mail it in. I'll bring it in to show my students, they are more jazzed about this election than me.
Besides fruit flies and watching cnn.com news videos every night (they're like our version of a Fireside Chat) I have been obsessed with reading food blogs. My renewed culinary enthusiasm is due to the fact that in 19 days I get an oven!
These are the most interesting:
For dinner ideas-
http://pinchmysalt.com/
http://expatriateskitchen.blogspot.com/
http://www.cookingforengineers.com/
http://www.lastnightsdinner.net/
http://smittenkitchen.com/
When I can bake!
http://momsbest.blogspot.com/
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/
I've been back to Germany for one week and even though I am currently entrenched in a battle with fruit flies in our tiny apartment, I feel jet-lag free. Today a student asked me if I liked die Barrakuda. She meant Sarah Palin, and then she told me that the Wilson sisters of Heart were upset by Palin's use of "Barracuda" at the RNC. Really? I just googled, and sadly my student knew more about this topic than me. Anyway, I don't think the Wilson sisters should be taking their politics too seriously, they are, after all, members of the band Heart. And Heart is exactly the type of music I think Palin would like. I don't mean that in any other way than as a fact. I dig her Tina Fey of the Tundra vibe.
I sent my request for my absentee ballot in this week. Minnesota is super high-tech and apparently I can get an email ballot and then mail it in. I'll bring it in to show my students, they are more jazzed about this election than me.
Besides fruit flies and watching cnn.com news videos every night (they're like our version of a Fireside Chat) I have been obsessed with reading food blogs. My renewed culinary enthusiasm is due to the fact that in 19 days I get an oven!
These are the most interesting:
For dinner ideas-
http://pinchmysalt.com/
http://expatriateskitchen.blogspot.com/
http://www.cookingforengineers.com/
http://www.lastnightsdinner.net/
http://smittenkitchen.com/
When I can bake!
http://momsbest.blogspot.com/
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Back to Business
Hello blog readers, I'm back from my two-week hiatus in the States. I didn't blog there because I was too busy driving cars and putting purchases on credit cards. Viva la Minnesota!
I'm still shaking off the dregs of jet-lag, but mostly I'm just grateful for how easy our trip was. Staying at the spacious American homes of your parents', with ovens and multiple toilets was surreal.
We went to the Fair and ate Mini Donuts, Cheese Curds, Sweet Martha's, et. al. We saw friends, saw lakes, saw mountains, and saw Nirvana in the form of the Highland Park Barnes & Nobel.
Erik got attacked by tear gas while looking for protesters at the RNC. I got attacked by heavy feelings after watching Beau Biden talk about his dead mom at the DNC. We met T-Paw at the Fair before we were sideswept by the Tina Fey mit Kinder candidate... it was nothing if not a political trip. If I heard my mother shout "Mama for Obama" one more time into the TV screen, I may have been back to Germany a week earlier.
And of course, we attended the other Grell brother's wedding to the lovely and well-read Amanda. It was so funky up there in the mountains, there were even white buffalo, which are supposed to be sacred according to "Dances With Wolves." And, there was square dancing: perfect wedding activity, anyone could follow the instructions and if you didn't want to dance it was entertaining just to watch.
So now we're back home, which is surprisingly okay. I got on the U-Bahn after the airport and smelled that nasty/awesome subway smell, I noted which movies were playing here now on the yellow posters, I even missed my German 1.8 % fat milk.
I do however miss my family, and their newfound love of Blokus, the best board game ever.
I'm still shaking off the dregs of jet-lag, but mostly I'm just grateful for how easy our trip was. Staying at the spacious American homes of your parents', with ovens and multiple toilets was surreal.
We went to the Fair and ate Mini Donuts, Cheese Curds, Sweet Martha's, et. al. We saw friends, saw lakes, saw mountains, and saw Nirvana in the form of the Highland Park Barnes & Nobel.
Erik got attacked by tear gas while looking for protesters at the RNC. I got attacked by heavy feelings after watching Beau Biden talk about his dead mom at the DNC. We met T-Paw at the Fair before we were sideswept by the Tina Fey mit Kinder candidate... it was nothing if not a political trip. If I heard my mother shout "Mama for Obama" one more time into the TV screen, I may have been back to Germany a week earlier.
And of course, we attended the other Grell brother's wedding to the lovely and well-read Amanda. It was so funky up there in the mountains, there were even white buffalo, which are supposed to be sacred according to "Dances With Wolves." And, there was square dancing: perfect wedding activity, anyone could follow the instructions and if you didn't want to dance it was entertaining just to watch.
So now we're back home, which is surprisingly okay. I got on the U-Bahn after the airport and smelled that nasty/awesome subway smell, I noted which movies were playing here now on the yellow posters, I even missed my German 1.8 % fat milk.
I do however miss my family, and their newfound love of Blokus, the best board game ever.
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