OMG!!! HOT!!!! What is up with this weather?? I guess I forgot how humid it can get here. There’s no relief. So far the baby isn’t cranky about it, but enough is enough. I’m sure he’ll start soon.
We’re busy doing nothing. It’s too hot to go out for a walk or spend much time outdoors, so we’ve been staying inside quite a bit. I’m kind of going stir crazy. We got out yesterday and visited a good friend of mine from high school in Sterling for a few hours and then went to Buttonwood’s in the evening for ice cream, but that was it. I helped my friend Trish tag stuff for a yard sale this weekend today. Very big happenings lately.
We’re adjusting quite well, I guess. A few observations come to mind, one is the amount of traffic that there is now. My friend lives in Voluntown and I just can’t get over the amount of traffic on Rt 138 and 165. It can’t all be casino traffic. I guess there’s been so much building going on while we’ve been gone. I still can’t get over all the pick up trucks on the road tooal. I might have already mentioned that, but it’s worth mentioning again. I think every other vehicle is a 4-door truck. It’s kind of funny to me because the only pickups in Germany were owned by Americans and were quite the novelty.
There’s a pool here at my in-laws, but I’ve yet to use it. I’m too vain and self-conscious. I am a few pounds heavier than I would like to be to be wearing a bathing suit in public. It took nine months to gain weight, hopefully less than that to lose. Maybe I’ll sneak out at midnight or make a mad dash with a towel wrapped around me and make everyone swear that they won’t look. Honestly, the heat is getting to me and I think I don’t care anymore.
Did I mention I was going stir crazy? (It also bears mentioning again). I have to keep thinking, this too shall pass. One more week here, then off to my mother’s house for a couple of weeks. I can’t wait to get settled somewhere. I’ll feel much better. I almost feel guilty that my baby has to go through this bouncing around, but there’s nothing we can do. It’s not like we have it so bad or don’t have a place to stay. I just like having a plan and some routine. Not strict routine as my husband would like it (18 years in the Army will do that to you). Once we get to our next duty station, Colorado, I can dedicate more time and effort to this blog and get on the band wagon and take advantage of the attention that new show "Army Wives" is getting. I haven’t seen it yet but will let you know how realistic it is :) I’m sure I’ll have better tales of my own...haha.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Back in the States!
We made it home to the good ‘ole USA without a hitch. The guy in customs in Logan Airport in Boston welcomed us back, which was nice. The baby slept most of the eight hour flight from Frankfurt to Boston and our luggage wasn’t lost. It took a van and two people to get us to the airport in Stuttgart. My poor husband had to gather six suitcases on two luggage carts by himself when we arrived in Boston. Our bags were among the first few to appear on the belt, which is amazing. That’s never happened to me.
My brother- in- law and step- daughter were waiting for us when we walked out the gate. We drove home in the brother- in- law’s quad cab/ flat bed. Of course it poured on the way home so I thought my luck ran out and the luggage was soaked. It wasn’t thank God. It was stacked behind this big toolbox which prevented the rain from falling directly on it. I wouldn’t have thought of that.
Since we’ve been back, the baby has been enjoying meeting everyone and spending plenty of time outdoors. We lived on the 3rd floor in Germany with no balcony and we were crazy-busy trying to pack out and leave Germany, so baby boy didn’t get much opportunity to be outside during his second month of life. We arrived Wednesday, July 18th. The following Saturday a "Welcome Home-Baby shower" was thrown and a good time was had by all. It was so nice to see all of our family and friends, old and new. We really appreciate all the time and effort spent putting this "shin-dig" together. We all guessed around one hundred people showed, give or take a few. Poor Baby boy was passed around like a hot potato but was so good natured about it. He slept a lot that day too. I think he likes chaos. That’s good.
My God, is it hot or what???!!! I feel bad for Baby boy who can’t jump in the pool to cool off. I do my best with fans to cool him off. He’s such a good baby and hasn’t seemed miserable yet because of the weather. I sat him in a kiddy pool in Germany. There was no reaction either way. He didn’t cry or laugh. I think he was stunned. He just sort of sat there.
I hate living out of a suitcase. Even when I go somewhere for just a few days, I unpack some stuff and put it away if that option is available. I hung up a few things, but the rest are in my suitcases; yes that’s plural . The baby has his own suitcase, which is the only suitcase located in the room that we’re staying in because there’s no room. Four of us are in one room, which is challenging to say the least. Especially considering middle of the night nursing. Fun. Well, it is better than staying in a hotel and it is nice to be staying with family and spending time together, so I shouldn’t complain. Not complaining or at least not sharing my views is not easy for me. I think I have improved a bit, I actually think sometimes before opening my mouth. I think, "What good would it do if I said this ?" and then sometimes the mouth shuts. Sometimes....
My brother- in- law and step- daughter were waiting for us when we walked out the gate. We drove home in the brother- in- law’s quad cab/ flat bed. Of course it poured on the way home so I thought my luck ran out and the luggage was soaked. It wasn’t thank God. It was stacked behind this big toolbox which prevented the rain from falling directly on it. I wouldn’t have thought of that.
Since we’ve been back, the baby has been enjoying meeting everyone and spending plenty of time outdoors. We lived on the 3rd floor in Germany with no balcony and we were crazy-busy trying to pack out and leave Germany, so baby boy didn’t get much opportunity to be outside during his second month of life. We arrived Wednesday, July 18th. The following Saturday a "Welcome Home-Baby shower" was thrown and a good time was had by all. It was so nice to see all of our family and friends, old and new. We really appreciate all the time and effort spent putting this "shin-dig" together. We all guessed around one hundred people showed, give or take a few. Poor Baby boy was passed around like a hot potato but was so good natured about it. He slept a lot that day too. I think he likes chaos. That’s good.
My God, is it hot or what???!!! I feel bad for Baby boy who can’t jump in the pool to cool off. I do my best with fans to cool him off. He’s such a good baby and hasn’t seemed miserable yet because of the weather. I sat him in a kiddy pool in Germany. There was no reaction either way. He didn’t cry or laugh. I think he was stunned. He just sort of sat there.
I hate living out of a suitcase. Even when I go somewhere for just a few days, I unpack some stuff and put it away if that option is available. I hung up a few things, but the rest are in my suitcases; yes that’s plural . The baby has his own suitcase, which is the only suitcase located in the room that we’re staying in because there’s no room. Four of us are in one room, which is challenging to say the least. Especially considering middle of the night nursing. Fun. Well, it is better than staying in a hotel and it is nice to be staying with family and spending time together, so I shouldn’t complain. Not complaining or at least not sharing my views is not easy for me. I think I have improved a bit, I actually think sometimes before opening my mouth. I think, "What good would it do if I said this ?" and then sometimes the mouth shuts. Sometimes....
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland!!
This is officially my last entry in Germany. We fly back to the States tomorrow morning. What an adventure it has been. The flight home should be an adventure of another kind, flying with a two month old. Yes, sweet baby James is two months old today. Amazing.
I’ve been kind of emotional the past couple of days, due to stress among other things, but today, in addition to that, I am sad to leave. I’m ready to go, emotionally, but it’s still painful. I have never met nor had better friends in my life. Friends that go out of their way to be there for you. If you need anything, they offer even before you ask. I will be sobbing on the plane I’m sure.
I will miss the friends that we’ve made and the country itself. The landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen such green rolling hills and mountains and probably never will. The old buildings and castles are humbling. And the beer....Ahhhh...I’ve mentioned that several times before. Enough said about that.
My last hurrah here was the annual Dorf fest here in my little town last month. They block the streets on Friday afternoon and start partying then. It lasts all weekend. I met my good friend Meggie there (it was right across the street and the stage was set up practically in front of our building). My husband was nice enough to babysit and the baby slept the whole time anyway. I forgot that I haven’t drank more than one beer at a time in about a year. Phew. Wasn’t feeling too good the next day and decided that it’s just not worth it. My priorities have changed, finally.
What craziness it is to leave here. We were waiting for the baby’s passport which did arrive last week thank God. It’s so funny because, like all others, they have to take his picture for it. He looks like any other newborn in the picture, a little old man, although the picture was taken a month ago and he looks so much different now. My husband has been going crazy getting about fifty signatures from this department and that one. The government has to make sure that you’re squared up with everyone and don’t owe any money or have any equipment, etc. We had to write a letter to the satellite TV company to get it cancelled, as well as the phone and internet. German’s like all their i’s dotted and T’s crossed or else. I was amazed. Yes, they are very efficient, but anal could also be a descriptive word in some ways, as far as I’m concerned! Sorry!
We’ve been lucky enough to be staying in our friend Martin’s house for about ten days. He’s been wonderful and let us take over his house with our suitcases and baby bottles and dirty laundry. I’m sure the chaos has been driving him crazy although I think he likes the company. He’s been practically family since we first arrived here anyway. His eighteen year old daughter lives here as well. She left for Tuscany on a class trip today. How cool is that?
Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland and all of our friends in it! We plan on coming back for vacations, but not until the baby is a bit older. We will miss Germany, but are glad to be coming home to our own country and family. It will be an adjustment I’m sure. God Bless America! Good to be coming home!
I’ve been kind of emotional the past couple of days, due to stress among other things, but today, in addition to that, I am sad to leave. I’m ready to go, emotionally, but it’s still painful. I have never met nor had better friends in my life. Friends that go out of their way to be there for you. If you need anything, they offer even before you ask. I will be sobbing on the plane I’m sure.
I will miss the friends that we’ve made and the country itself. The landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen such green rolling hills and mountains and probably never will. The old buildings and castles are humbling. And the beer....Ahhhh...I’ve mentioned that several times before. Enough said about that.
My last hurrah here was the annual Dorf fest here in my little town last month. They block the streets on Friday afternoon and start partying then. It lasts all weekend. I met my good friend Meggie there (it was right across the street and the stage was set up practically in front of our building). My husband was nice enough to babysit and the baby slept the whole time anyway. I forgot that I haven’t drank more than one beer at a time in about a year. Phew. Wasn’t feeling too good the next day and decided that it’s just not worth it. My priorities have changed, finally.
What craziness it is to leave here. We were waiting for the baby’s passport which did arrive last week thank God. It’s so funny because, like all others, they have to take his picture for it. He looks like any other newborn in the picture, a little old man, although the picture was taken a month ago and he looks so much different now. My husband has been going crazy getting about fifty signatures from this department and that one. The government has to make sure that you’re squared up with everyone and don’t owe any money or have any equipment, etc. We had to write a letter to the satellite TV company to get it cancelled, as well as the phone and internet. German’s like all their i’s dotted and T’s crossed or else. I was amazed. Yes, they are very efficient, but anal could also be a descriptive word in some ways, as far as I’m concerned! Sorry!
We’ve been lucky enough to be staying in our friend Martin’s house for about ten days. He’s been wonderful and let us take over his house with our suitcases and baby bottles and dirty laundry. I’m sure the chaos has been driving him crazy although I think he likes the company. He’s been practically family since we first arrived here anyway. His eighteen year old daughter lives here as well. She left for Tuscany on a class trip today. How cool is that?
Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland and all of our friends in it! We plan on coming back for vacations, but not until the baby is a bit older. We will miss Germany, but are glad to be coming home to our own country and family. It will be an adjustment I’m sure. God Bless America! Good to be coming home!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland! Time for a new adventure !
Yes, the ALL NEW adventures…
After a short absence, I’m getting back in the swing. I was a bit busy having a baby. He’s wonderful and I can’t believe how quickly they grow and fast time goes by. He’s six weeks old already. The other new adventure is that we’re in the process of leaving Germany. The movers came on Thursday to pack us and Friday to move everything out. We were shocked at how much stuff we actually have. You really don’t know how much you have until you have to move it.
It’s bittersweet. I am trying to not think about actually leaving because I will get upset. Reality has finally hit since we’ll be living out of suitcases for the next few weeks. Luckily, we have furniture that is loaned to use when you’re stationed overseas and you’re waiting for your household goods to arrive. We also kept aside a few dishes, pots and pans, sheets and towels and extra clothes which will be sent as another shipment, a quicker one, so we’ll have something until our big shipment arrives. Then there’s the suitcases…all six of them. Bottom line, you have to be fairly organized and think ahead prior to the mover’s arrival. If they’re not told otherwise or instructed, they will pack it. Originally, my husband wasn’t going to be here when the big “pack out” happened, but thank God that changed. It would have been very difficult to keep an eye on the movers so they didn’t pack my toothbrush and take care of a newborn at the same time.
So now we wait. We’re going to Garmisch, GE, Fourth of July weekend so my husband can climb the Zugspitze before we leave Germany. The Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany. He and a buddy will take a day (they hope) and climb it. I will hang out in town with the baby and the buddy’s wife. This is our first trip with the baby and I’m a little anxious, but it will be good practice for the trip home to CT. Luckily, we only have one connection. Our cats will not be with us. We were going to carry them on the flight too, but came to our senses and made other arrangements. We spent a small fortune to have a company pick up the cats at our house (at 3:00 am, no less) on June 20th and drive them to Frankfurt and put them on a plane to Boston. My brother drove to Boston to pick them up and they are now hanging out at my mother-in-laws house, waiting for our arrival. I do miss them and wonder what kind of memories cats have. I wonder if they’ve forgotten us already.
I will diligently try to keep up with this blog. I think it will continue to be interesting for some of you, even though I will no longer go on about schnitzel and beer. I will shed a glimpse of the craziness that we who are associated with the military, have to endure. You would not believe the paperwork and appointments involved with moving from an overseas duty station to another. We are still waiting for the baby’s passport. If it doesn’t arrive in time for our flight, we won’t be going anywhere, which, I guess, wouldn’t be so bad. We’d have more time to say goodbye to the great friends we’ve made here. I almost can’t believe that we have to do that. This will be my first time dealing with that. Living somewhere for three or four years, making good friends, maybe even friends for life, then leaving. I hate goodbyes and I hate losing touch, so I hope that efforts are made to keep in touch. We’ll see. Stay tuned….
After a short absence, I’m getting back in the swing. I was a bit busy having a baby. He’s wonderful and I can’t believe how quickly they grow and fast time goes by. He’s six weeks old already. The other new adventure is that we’re in the process of leaving Germany. The movers came on Thursday to pack us and Friday to move everything out. We were shocked at how much stuff we actually have. You really don’t know how much you have until you have to move it.
It’s bittersweet. I am trying to not think about actually leaving because I will get upset. Reality has finally hit since we’ll be living out of suitcases for the next few weeks. Luckily, we have furniture that is loaned to use when you’re stationed overseas and you’re waiting for your household goods to arrive. We also kept aside a few dishes, pots and pans, sheets and towels and extra clothes which will be sent as another shipment, a quicker one, so we’ll have something until our big shipment arrives. Then there’s the suitcases…all six of them. Bottom line, you have to be fairly organized and think ahead prior to the mover’s arrival. If they’re not told otherwise or instructed, they will pack it. Originally, my husband wasn’t going to be here when the big “pack out” happened, but thank God that changed. It would have been very difficult to keep an eye on the movers so they didn’t pack my toothbrush and take care of a newborn at the same time.
So now we wait. We’re going to Garmisch, GE, Fourth of July weekend so my husband can climb the Zugspitze before we leave Germany. The Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany. He and a buddy will take a day (they hope) and climb it. I will hang out in town with the baby and the buddy’s wife. This is our first trip with the baby and I’m a little anxious, but it will be good practice for the trip home to CT. Luckily, we only have one connection. Our cats will not be with us. We were going to carry them on the flight too, but came to our senses and made other arrangements. We spent a small fortune to have a company pick up the cats at our house (at 3:00 am, no less) on June 20th and drive them to Frankfurt and put them on a plane to Boston. My brother drove to Boston to pick them up and they are now hanging out at my mother-in-laws house, waiting for our arrival. I do miss them and wonder what kind of memories cats have. I wonder if they’ve forgotten us already.
I will diligently try to keep up with this blog. I think it will continue to be interesting for some of you, even though I will no longer go on about schnitzel and beer. I will shed a glimpse of the craziness that we who are associated with the military, have to endure. You would not believe the paperwork and appointments involved with moving from an overseas duty station to another. We are still waiting for the baby’s passport. If it doesn’t arrive in time for our flight, we won’t be going anywhere, which, I guess, wouldn’t be so bad. We’d have more time to say goodbye to the great friends we’ve made here. I almost can’t believe that we have to do that. This will be my first time dealing with that. Living somewhere for three or four years, making good friends, maybe even friends for life, then leaving. I hate goodbyes and I hate losing touch, so I hope that efforts are made to keep in touch. We’ll see. Stay tuned….
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Pedicure
Women are so funny. I can see all you guys nodding in unison to that comment. I’m in the final stretch of my pregnancy and I decided that since I can no longer reach my toes, I would treat myself to a pedicure. I might be screaming in pain in a few days, but maybe if I focus on how nice my toes look, perhaps I’ll feel better. That’s the fantasy anyway.
A new nail salon is now open in the new mall at the base, so I made an appointment yesterday. It was wonderful. I sat in this massage chair while my feet soaked in this tub with jets and nice smelling salts. Dear God, if you do anything in this life, get a pedicure just once. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it every week. Well, after my feet were massaged, sloughed, poked and painted and then were drying, a couple of ladies walked in together for their appointments. I sat across from them waiting for my newly painted red toenails to dry. Their ritual in the massage chairs was just starting.
For those of you who don’t know, a big baby belly is such a conversation magnet for complete strangers. You now have something in common with most of the female population and they hold no bones in telling you about it. The conversation that proceeded was one of great detail and advice. You see, women have no hang ups about sharing the most intimate details about the most personal and traumatizing experience of their lives with other women, whether they know them or not, when it comes to the birthing process. Details about labor and birth were shared…what happens to your body, what comes out of your body, what goes in, what’s massaged, etc., etc. As I sat there and listened and shared, I was chuckling and feeling the love inside. Here was two women I’ve never met before in my life sharing details of their lives with me, for the purpose of perhaps easing my pain and fear. Just when, again, I wasn’t feeling so loved and was feeling disappointed in mankind for forgetting about me, these women were brought into my life, even just for a little while, but for a specific reason. Thank you God!
As it turned out, I didn’t wear sandals, so I had to wear the shoes I wore there. I had a bit more shopping to do, but checked the polish before I left, and although it seemed dry enough, my big toes were smudged. I bought a cheap pair of flip flops and went back to the shop and had them touched up. I feel much better now.
My husband comes home tomorrow, Saturday. Due date is Monday. Hang in there baby, literally!
A new nail salon is now open in the new mall at the base, so I made an appointment yesterday. It was wonderful. I sat in this massage chair while my feet soaked in this tub with jets and nice smelling salts. Dear God, if you do anything in this life, get a pedicure just once. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it every week. Well, after my feet were massaged, sloughed, poked and painted and then were drying, a couple of ladies walked in together for their appointments. I sat across from them waiting for my newly painted red toenails to dry. Their ritual in the massage chairs was just starting.
For those of you who don’t know, a big baby belly is such a conversation magnet for complete strangers. You now have something in common with most of the female population and they hold no bones in telling you about it. The conversation that proceeded was one of great detail and advice. You see, women have no hang ups about sharing the most intimate details about the most personal and traumatizing experience of their lives with other women, whether they know them or not, when it comes to the birthing process. Details about labor and birth were shared…what happens to your body, what comes out of your body, what goes in, what’s massaged, etc., etc. As I sat there and listened and shared, I was chuckling and feeling the love inside. Here was two women I’ve never met before in my life sharing details of their lives with me, for the purpose of perhaps easing my pain and fear. Just when, again, I wasn’t feeling so loved and was feeling disappointed in mankind for forgetting about me, these women were brought into my life, even just for a little while, but for a specific reason. Thank you God!
As it turned out, I didn’t wear sandals, so I had to wear the shoes I wore there. I had a bit more shopping to do, but checked the polish before I left, and although it seemed dry enough, my big toes were smudged. I bought a cheap pair of flip flops and went back to the shop and had them touched up. I feel much better now.
My husband comes home tomorrow, Saturday. Due date is Monday. Hang in there baby, literally!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
May Day
There was yet another national holiday here in Germany, I’m not sure of the actual name, but May 1st is a big deal. I kind of forgot about it until a friend of mine told me about a big party/fest in the next town over complete with tents, music, food, drink, the normal makings of a great German party. Most of the towns have something going on. Again, our German friends were aghast to find out I had to work on May 1st, and I once again explained it’s not a big American holiday. Here they party all night the night before, then each town or village has a large gathering and ceremony to put up the May pole. It’s several stories tall and has a fir tree just at the top. It’s decorated with flags and ribbons. I don’t know the real significance and why it’s a big deal, but I believe it has something to do with the start of spring, although it’s been like summer over the past two months here. There’s been a drought actually; it hasn’t rained for two months either, except for a sprinkle today. I was actually looking forward to the rain, but cursed it over the past two years because it was always raining and dreary. Today was dark and grey it and seemed like a storm was coming, but nothing. I layed around anyway. :)
Time is drawing near for the baby’s grand appearance. My last day at work was on Friday. It was kind of surreal. I guess reality hasn’t hit me yet. It will on Monday when I can sleep in. I will miss everyone so much. It’s more like family, a real community when you live overseas. You have so much more in common and people really band together. I will miss that. I will also miss the feeling of making a contribution to my country. In my way, I felt I did my part and it felt good. I felt like I was helping my husband in some way. I guess I will continue to do my part as a supportive military wife and soon to be mother.
Our time in Germany will be ending soon as well. This is my life pattern; everything usually changes and happens at once. The changes seemed so far off, the baby and leaving, and now it’s suddenly here, in force. I have such mixed feelings about leaving. Perhaps if I wasn’t pregnant, I might be more inclined to stay here longer. Maybe not. After being away for so long, I just feel like it’s time to be back home amongst family and friends. Not that we will be living back in CT, but at least we’ll be in the same country! We are planning to visit CT for a month to introduce the new addition and to just relax and adjust before we head out to our next duty station. Moving back to the States will be a huge adjustment. Just the pace of living is different, the culture, everything. As I sit here typing, my window is open and I can hear music, it sounds like an accordion.. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, but I can hear applause too. I think there’s some sort of concert going on at the town hall. You don’t hear that everyday in Norwich, that’s for sure. They’re playing the “Lone Ranger” song. Too funny.
I am looking forward to coming home. First, I need to have this baby! I am nervous, I guess it’s the anticipation, not knowing what to expect. I’m not afraid of the pain, I just want to know what will happen; how much pain there will be! I know it’s different for everyone. I am more nervous about things happening before my husband is due to come home. I really don’t want to experience any of this without him. And ladies, I have a new, profound respect for anyone who has gone through being pregnant. Gentlemen, if you only knew.
Time is drawing near for the baby’s grand appearance. My last day at work was on Friday. It was kind of surreal. I guess reality hasn’t hit me yet. It will on Monday when I can sleep in. I will miss everyone so much. It’s more like family, a real community when you live overseas. You have so much more in common and people really band together. I will miss that. I will also miss the feeling of making a contribution to my country. In my way, I felt I did my part and it felt good. I felt like I was helping my husband in some way. I guess I will continue to do my part as a supportive military wife and soon to be mother.
Our time in Germany will be ending soon as well. This is my life pattern; everything usually changes and happens at once. The changes seemed so far off, the baby and leaving, and now it’s suddenly here, in force. I have such mixed feelings about leaving. Perhaps if I wasn’t pregnant, I might be more inclined to stay here longer. Maybe not. After being away for so long, I just feel like it’s time to be back home amongst family and friends. Not that we will be living back in CT, but at least we’ll be in the same country! We are planning to visit CT for a month to introduce the new addition and to just relax and adjust before we head out to our next duty station. Moving back to the States will be a huge adjustment. Just the pace of living is different, the culture, everything. As I sit here typing, my window is open and I can hear music, it sounds like an accordion.. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, but I can hear applause too. I think there’s some sort of concert going on at the town hall. You don’t hear that everyday in Norwich, that’s for sure. They’re playing the “Lone Ranger” song. Too funny.
I am looking forward to coming home. First, I need to have this baby! I am nervous, I guess it’s the anticipation, not knowing what to expect. I’m not afraid of the pain, I just want to know what will happen; how much pain there will be! I know it’s different for everyone. I am more nervous about things happening before my husband is due to come home. I really don’t want to experience any of this without him. And ladies, I have a new, profound respect for anyone who has gone through being pregnant. Gentlemen, if you only knew.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Das Krankenhaus - The hospital
As promised, although a few days later than I wanted, I wanted to share our experiences with the German hospital tours. These days, we have two hospitals to choose from, one is 10 minutes away, the other is about a half hour. Unfortunately, the better of the two is the farthest away. I’m pretty sure we’ll be safe and not have to deliver the baby en route.
First, we made an appointment with the military insurance liaison. She’s German and calls the hospital the day of the appointment to make sure they’re not full and so we can at least look at a couple of rooms in the birthing centers. There were about 7 of us on the first tour. She met us in the lobby and then takes on the route we would go if we were having the baby, from check in to check out; where to go, who to contact, etc. We have to call the MP’s en route to the hospital so they can contact the liaison on call so they are aware we are there in case there are any problems. Things can come up because of the language barrier, although there are plenty of people who speak English.
Upon entry of the hospital is a lobby as well as a restaurant. She showed us the birthing ward, which has 2 labor rooms, 2 private rooms and 4 other wards. I didn’t feel real comfortable there, I felt like there wasn’t enough privacy. The halls are narrow and if the hospital was busy, there was a good chance I could share a room with 3 other people. Not for m, considering there are no curtains in between the beds. I’m not exceptionally modest, but I really don’t want Uncle Dieter watching me breastfeed or have to deal with 3 other people’s visitors. It’s scary and traumatic enough without feeling even more uncomfortable. Plus, we’d all share the bathroom in the room. For privacy, there is a shower room, a feeding room and a room for meals, buffet style. I’m sorry, but I will be going through the most dramatic thing I will ever experience in my life and I’ll be damned if I’m going to get up between the hours of 7:30 and 9:00 and get my own breakfast! Call me pampered, but that’s just crazy. So, that right there turned me off.
Another issue is that there is a time delay with this particular hospital with getting the baby’s German birth certificate. Something about a new computer system or database causing a delay and it would take a few weeks. Needless to say, I left with a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve heard good things from people who’ve had babies there, but I just didn’t feel comfortable. The one good thing about that hospital is that it’s the neonatal hospital in the area. If a problem is discovered with a baby delivered at another hospital, it’s sent there. I’m being optimistic and hope that doesn’t happen. I just don’t want to take the risk of not being able to have my own private room, so we chose another hospital. Maybe I wouldn’t be so picky if I was younger, but I’m not. I figure being pregnant at my age, I’m entitled to be a bit choosier. I don’t think I’m really being unreasonable.
The second hospital tour was much more reassuring. Of course there was a restaurant (which my husband commented that he would be hanging around in- Sure, OK, ha-ha). The hospital is much newer, more modern and bigger. The birthing ward was like a wellness spa. Thank God my husband was able to go on these tours so he can remember where we have to go because I have mentioned before that I have no sense of direction and will be busy dealing with contractions and therefore would definitely get lost.
Anyway, the actual labor rooms were huge and both had hot tubs in them as well as a patio that I could escape to during the early stages of labor. There were more private rooms in this hospital and the worst case scenario would be sharing a room with one other person. I guess I could live with that in this place. They provide towels and a robe and each room had a shower, not a locker room type shower room like the other hospital. There’s a nice lounge with leather couches and a large screen TV for the families to hang out in. I could even reserve a suite if I wanted to, but I decided not to because then I’d be expected to cook (Just kidding). There was a beautiful feeding room if a person wants to get out their room, complete with soothing twinkling lights in the ceiling, soothing wood tones and warm colors, as well as soft music. I was really impressed and felt much better about the whole thing. The only bummer is that I guess I can’t get away from having to get my own food. I guess they want you up and moving around ASAP. I guess we Americans are spoiled in that way, more pampered.
If you have a natural childbirth in Germany, you normally stay in the hospital for 3 days, 5 days for a C section. I think they kick you out sooner than that in the States. Our insurance will pay for a semi-private room. If I want a private room, we have to kick in more out of our pocket. Not that much more. It’s totally worth it to me.
The liaison makes an appointment for you with the hospital that you choose so you can discuss any concerns or questions prior to the birth, which is a good thing, so there aren’t any misunderstandings when the time comes. My Dr. will also call the hospital on my last visit with him in two weeks and let them know when I plan on coming (given that I don’t go into labor before then). They will induce me because I am a bit higher risk given my age and potentially having gestational diabetes. Don’t want the baby too big!
First, we made an appointment with the military insurance liaison. She’s German and calls the hospital the day of the appointment to make sure they’re not full and so we can at least look at a couple of rooms in the birthing centers. There were about 7 of us on the first tour. She met us in the lobby and then takes on the route we would go if we were having the baby, from check in to check out; where to go, who to contact, etc. We have to call the MP’s en route to the hospital so they can contact the liaison on call so they are aware we are there in case there are any problems. Things can come up because of the language barrier, although there are plenty of people who speak English.
Upon entry of the hospital is a lobby as well as a restaurant. She showed us the birthing ward, which has 2 labor rooms, 2 private rooms and 4 other wards. I didn’t feel real comfortable there, I felt like there wasn’t enough privacy. The halls are narrow and if the hospital was busy, there was a good chance I could share a room with 3 other people. Not for m, considering there are no curtains in between the beds. I’m not exceptionally modest, but I really don’t want Uncle Dieter watching me breastfeed or have to deal with 3 other people’s visitors. It’s scary and traumatic enough without feeling even more uncomfortable. Plus, we’d all share the bathroom in the room. For privacy, there is a shower room, a feeding room and a room for meals, buffet style. I’m sorry, but I will be going through the most dramatic thing I will ever experience in my life and I’ll be damned if I’m going to get up between the hours of 7:30 and 9:00 and get my own breakfast! Call me pampered, but that’s just crazy. So, that right there turned me off.
Another issue is that there is a time delay with this particular hospital with getting the baby’s German birth certificate. Something about a new computer system or database causing a delay and it would take a few weeks. Needless to say, I left with a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve heard good things from people who’ve had babies there, but I just didn’t feel comfortable. The one good thing about that hospital is that it’s the neonatal hospital in the area. If a problem is discovered with a baby delivered at another hospital, it’s sent there. I’m being optimistic and hope that doesn’t happen. I just don’t want to take the risk of not being able to have my own private room, so we chose another hospital. Maybe I wouldn’t be so picky if I was younger, but I’m not. I figure being pregnant at my age, I’m entitled to be a bit choosier. I don’t think I’m really being unreasonable.
The second hospital tour was much more reassuring. Of course there was a restaurant (which my husband commented that he would be hanging around in- Sure, OK, ha-ha). The hospital is much newer, more modern and bigger. The birthing ward was like a wellness spa. Thank God my husband was able to go on these tours so he can remember where we have to go because I have mentioned before that I have no sense of direction and will be busy dealing with contractions and therefore would definitely get lost.
Anyway, the actual labor rooms were huge and both had hot tubs in them as well as a patio that I could escape to during the early stages of labor. There were more private rooms in this hospital and the worst case scenario would be sharing a room with one other person. I guess I could live with that in this place. They provide towels and a robe and each room had a shower, not a locker room type shower room like the other hospital. There’s a nice lounge with leather couches and a large screen TV for the families to hang out in. I could even reserve a suite if I wanted to, but I decided not to because then I’d be expected to cook (Just kidding). There was a beautiful feeding room if a person wants to get out their room, complete with soothing twinkling lights in the ceiling, soothing wood tones and warm colors, as well as soft music. I was really impressed and felt much better about the whole thing. The only bummer is that I guess I can’t get away from having to get my own food. I guess they want you up and moving around ASAP. I guess we Americans are spoiled in that way, more pampered.
If you have a natural childbirth in Germany, you normally stay in the hospital for 3 days, 5 days for a C section. I think they kick you out sooner than that in the States. Our insurance will pay for a semi-private room. If I want a private room, we have to kick in more out of our pocket. Not that much more. It’s totally worth it to me.
The liaison makes an appointment for you with the hospital that you choose so you can discuss any concerns or questions prior to the birth, which is a good thing, so there aren’t any misunderstandings when the time comes. My Dr. will also call the hospital on my last visit with him in two weeks and let them know when I plan on coming (given that I don’t go into labor before then). They will induce me because I am a bit higher risk given my age and potentially having gestational diabetes. Don’t want the baby too big!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Oh Baby!
Yes, that’s right…a new baby! I’ve been completely slacking in updating my blog lately because frankly, I’m pretty darn tired at the end of the day. I’m due in two and a half weeks and still working full time. I didn’t mention being pregnant at all for a few reasons. I didn’t want the blog to be about that because honestly, it’s not something new and interesting to many people and I’m sure there are many people out there looking to hear about something different. However, after much consideration and new experiences, this is something new. Having a baby overseas in Europe is DEFINITELY different.
First of all, you have to be your own advocate even more so here. You’re dealing with two different healthcare systems here, the military’s and the German’s, and the two don’t always mix or see eye to eye. Germany is much more holistic. Unless it’s genuinely medically necessary, they don’t really encourage it. You also have the language barrier.
When I first thought I was pregnant, I made an appointment and confirmed it with a blood test at the health clinic on base. There are no gynecologists at the base in this area. Unless you want to drive to Landstuhl, GE, where the large medical facility is and is about an hour and a half away, you are referred to a German doctor. Just like preferred providers are in the States, there is a list of preferred gynecologists that take American patients and their insurance. It would be in their best interest to do so, this is socialized medicine here. They know they will get paid because the American Military insurance is paying, and that’s a good thing. As a result, do we Americans get better treatment? Definitely, if you’re inpatient at a hospital. We have private insurance, so we can afford better treatment. Are we getting better treatment in the examining room? I couldn’t tell you. I don’t know what the norm is for a German woman.
What I do know is that they are incredibly efficient, as always, and much more personable than I expected. My doctor speaks very good English and lived in the States for several years, which is a plus. His practice is very busy, just like in the US. I bet my total time with him per visit is 10 minutes, tops. The medical assistants (I think they’re the equivalent of LPN’s, several of them are quite young) take care of everything else, quite effectively. They are courteous and friendly and speak decent enough English. Again, you have to be your own advocate. Germans get down to business. If you have questions, ask them. When my name is called, I enter the doctor’s office. He looks at my “Mutter Pass”, says what he needs to say and then tells me to enter another room attached to his office to undress. I then enter the examining room. Incidentally, the “Mutter Pass” is a wonderful thing; it’s like a little passport with my complete pregnancy medical history. This is carried with you wherever you go, so if I need medical attention, everyone knows what my status is.
I won’t go into the gory details of the examination, but I will say that you can forget about any modesty that you might have. No nice little hospital gowns here. Hello…this is Europe. I will also say that unlike back home, they give you an ultrasound and printed photo at every visit. This is normal in Germany; I thought it might me a little favoritism or extra billing opportunity, but it’s not. This is pretty cool. I have a photo of my little bundle of joy starting from about 4 months, taken monthly, to about a month ago, which was taken every two weeks.
Another interesting difference is that this doctor will not deliver my baby. He is not an OBGYN. This is also normal in Germany and kind of a bummer. I build this rapport and trust with this doctor over the last six to seven months, but a stranger will be delivering the baby. It’s scary enough not having my family and friends from home around during this time. Actually, midwives will deliver the baby, I will be lucky to see a doctor for a few minutes, unless there’s a problem. This is pretty much the same in the States too, I think. This is my first baby, so I’m new at this.
Again, my sincerest apologies for not staying with the program and blogging on a regular basis, but will do so as much as my energy allows. Next week is my last week at work, so I will be a bit rested before the grand appearance.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow’s blog will be about the hospitals. We can choose what hospital we want to deliver in and once again, we discovered two different cultures.
First of all, you have to be your own advocate even more so here. You’re dealing with two different healthcare systems here, the military’s and the German’s, and the two don’t always mix or see eye to eye. Germany is much more holistic. Unless it’s genuinely medically necessary, they don’t really encourage it. You also have the language barrier.
When I first thought I was pregnant, I made an appointment and confirmed it with a blood test at the health clinic on base. There are no gynecologists at the base in this area. Unless you want to drive to Landstuhl, GE, where the large medical facility is and is about an hour and a half away, you are referred to a German doctor. Just like preferred providers are in the States, there is a list of preferred gynecologists that take American patients and their insurance. It would be in their best interest to do so, this is socialized medicine here. They know they will get paid because the American Military insurance is paying, and that’s a good thing. As a result, do we Americans get better treatment? Definitely, if you’re inpatient at a hospital. We have private insurance, so we can afford better treatment. Are we getting better treatment in the examining room? I couldn’t tell you. I don’t know what the norm is for a German woman.
What I do know is that they are incredibly efficient, as always, and much more personable than I expected. My doctor speaks very good English and lived in the States for several years, which is a plus. His practice is very busy, just like in the US. I bet my total time with him per visit is 10 minutes, tops. The medical assistants (I think they’re the equivalent of LPN’s, several of them are quite young) take care of everything else, quite effectively. They are courteous and friendly and speak decent enough English. Again, you have to be your own advocate. Germans get down to business. If you have questions, ask them. When my name is called, I enter the doctor’s office. He looks at my “Mutter Pass”, says what he needs to say and then tells me to enter another room attached to his office to undress. I then enter the examining room. Incidentally, the “Mutter Pass” is a wonderful thing; it’s like a little passport with my complete pregnancy medical history. This is carried with you wherever you go, so if I need medical attention, everyone knows what my status is.
I won’t go into the gory details of the examination, but I will say that you can forget about any modesty that you might have. No nice little hospital gowns here. Hello…this is Europe. I will also say that unlike back home, they give you an ultrasound and printed photo at every visit. This is normal in Germany; I thought it might me a little favoritism or extra billing opportunity, but it’s not. This is pretty cool. I have a photo of my little bundle of joy starting from about 4 months, taken monthly, to about a month ago, which was taken every two weeks.
Another interesting difference is that this doctor will not deliver my baby. He is not an OBGYN. This is also normal in Germany and kind of a bummer. I build this rapport and trust with this doctor over the last six to seven months, but a stranger will be delivering the baby. It’s scary enough not having my family and friends from home around during this time. Actually, midwives will deliver the baby, I will be lucky to see a doctor for a few minutes, unless there’s a problem. This is pretty much the same in the States too, I think. This is my first baby, so I’m new at this.
Again, my sincerest apologies for not staying with the program and blogging on a regular basis, but will do so as much as my energy allows. Next week is my last week at work, so I will be a bit rested before the grand appearance.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow’s blog will be about the hospitals. We can choose what hospital we want to deliver in and once again, we discovered two different cultures.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Frohe Ostern- Happy Easter!
We just returned from a non-typical Easter dinner, American, German or otherwise. We went to my friend Meggie’s house and grilled T-bone steaks, burgers and pork cutlets. Meggie is from Kenya and her daughter in law and granddaughter are visiting Germany from England this week. Meggie lives with her boyfriend Charly who is Czech. They’ve lived together for about 8 years now. We totally have international exposure, I tell you. It was a nice, low key, relaxing time. The weather was absolutely beautiful; I would guess 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not a cloud in the sky.
They live in a large apartment complex in our little town and have a decent size balcony, big enough to sit several people comfortably and grill. No big Weber gas grill though, we used a small electric grill. It did the trick. My husband, the grill meister, had the honors. We cooked the meat and the rest was provided. I’m ready for my own grill. We don’t have a balcony with this apartment and it makes me crazy. I’ve complained about this before, sorry.
Both Friday and Monday are holidays here. I’m not sure if they’re state holidays or national, but everyone here has Friday and Monday off. It was wonderful driving to work on Friday with no traffic. When I worked for the public school system and the City way back when, I’m pretty sure we didn’t work on Good Friday, but as a government employee here, its business as usual. Most of the military are free, but not all. It varies. I was able to leave work early on Friday, thanks to the generosity of my boss, which was nice enough. Mondays just come too quick these days.
I still haven’t found out what a traditional Easter dinner is here in Germany. I confirmed with my mother that we used to have ham, cabbage and carrots. I thought so, but wasn’t sure. I think traditional Easter dinner here varies from family to family, as well as the enthusiasm. If there aren’t small kids around to enjoy the visit from the Oster hase (Easter bunny), then it’s lower key, as it is back home. The Easter bunny did visit my house, if he knew what was good for him. Although he thought it was silly, he humored me. I can’t help it; I’ve always liked Easter and Easter bunnies and Easter decorations. I helped by pointing out something small that I liked and he went from there. Good bunny.
They live in a large apartment complex in our little town and have a decent size balcony, big enough to sit several people comfortably and grill. No big Weber gas grill though, we used a small electric grill. It did the trick. My husband, the grill meister, had the honors. We cooked the meat and the rest was provided. I’m ready for my own grill. We don’t have a balcony with this apartment and it makes me crazy. I’ve complained about this before, sorry.
Both Friday and Monday are holidays here. I’m not sure if they’re state holidays or national, but everyone here has Friday and Monday off. It was wonderful driving to work on Friday with no traffic. When I worked for the public school system and the City way back when, I’m pretty sure we didn’t work on Good Friday, but as a government employee here, its business as usual. Most of the military are free, but not all. It varies. I was able to leave work early on Friday, thanks to the generosity of my boss, which was nice enough. Mondays just come too quick these days.
I still haven’t found out what a traditional Easter dinner is here in Germany. I confirmed with my mother that we used to have ham, cabbage and carrots. I thought so, but wasn’t sure. I think traditional Easter dinner here varies from family to family, as well as the enthusiasm. If there aren’t small kids around to enjoy the visit from the Oster hase (Easter bunny), then it’s lower key, as it is back home. The Easter bunny did visit my house, if he knew what was good for him. Although he thought it was silly, he humored me. I can’t help it; I’ve always liked Easter and Easter bunnies and Easter decorations. I helped by pointing out something small that I liked and he went from there. Good bunny.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
The Rot Kreutz
Our friend Martin was going to keep us busy again this weekend. He’s the friend that I have mentioned that owns a light and production company who refers us to various cool happenings that we would otherwise miss. This particular “gig” was of a different sorts. There was some kind of reunion type gathering going on at the sportsplatz in town, of which, his band (this guy is busy) was providing entertainment for. He told us about it last week so we thought we’d check it out.
The reunion was for the “Rot Kreutz” (Red Cross) and I think it was for the region, not the Red Cross in town. There was probably two or three hundred people there. The Red Cross is pretty big here. There are chapters in most of the towns, however small, and they usually put on a great party. This party seemed to be more private or not necessarily something everyone would be interested in. My husband and I ate dinner at the Kroatian restaurant next door and could see the hall from the restaurant. It looked to be more of a meeting with presentations and speeches. We walked over after eating and took a look and decided it wasn’t for us. The band was just setting up and we didn’t want to wait around.
The Red Cross chapter in town is located across the street from us, in the same building that houses the Feuer Wehr (fire house) and the town hall. The last Red Cross gathering that we went to was huge and it seemed the entire town was there. They met their goal of raising several hundred thousand euros, so they threw this huge party to celebrate. They set up a disco in the firehouse. There’s never a dull moment here. We walked home when the birds were singing.
Spring has sprung and the birds are singing and things are blossoming everywhere. I have noticed that there doesn’t seem to be as many birds here as back home in CT. I do live “in town”, but I first noticed this when driving home from work the other day. I have no idea why this came to mind, but it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve rarely seen any bird droppings on my car or around my house. I thought that was kind of strange. Even when walking through the woods, I hear birds but don’t really see an abundance of them. I’m not sure why.
Anyway, this was a fairly low key weekend in Germany. Rented a few movies, went out to eat, went for a walk, cleaned and went to the “kino” (movies) today to see the new Hugh Grant movie, “Music and Lyrics”. There’s a theater in the town where I work that shows mostly English version movies, which is nice. There is a theater on the base, but for some reason, I’ve never seen a movie there. If I lived on base, I’m sure it would be different, but I like to avoid going to the base on the weekends. I guess since I work there five days a week, I feel like that’s enough time to be there. This theater off base is pretty small, only two screens, but it’s kind of neat. There are wooden “shelves”, if you will, attached to the seats in front of you for you to put your popcorn or beer on. Yes, beer. You can purchase various bottles of alcoholic beverages at the theaters in Germany, which isn’t surprising. They sell popcorn and candy as well, although the popcorn isn’t so good, it’s not buttered. I can’t say whether this is the norm or not. I haven’t purchased popcorn in any other theaters. I know we can get our popcorn in the USA, buttered or not, but even the non-buttered tastes better than this stuff. Maybe they just haven’t caught on to this American staple yet. Sooner or later someone will set them straight.
The reunion was for the “Rot Kreutz” (Red Cross) and I think it was for the region, not the Red Cross in town. There was probably two or three hundred people there. The Red Cross is pretty big here. There are chapters in most of the towns, however small, and they usually put on a great party. This party seemed to be more private or not necessarily something everyone would be interested in. My husband and I ate dinner at the Kroatian restaurant next door and could see the hall from the restaurant. It looked to be more of a meeting with presentations and speeches. We walked over after eating and took a look and decided it wasn’t for us. The band was just setting up and we didn’t want to wait around.
The Red Cross chapter in town is located across the street from us, in the same building that houses the Feuer Wehr (fire house) and the town hall. The last Red Cross gathering that we went to was huge and it seemed the entire town was there. They met their goal of raising several hundred thousand euros, so they threw this huge party to celebrate. They set up a disco in the firehouse. There’s never a dull moment here. We walked home when the birds were singing.
Spring has sprung and the birds are singing and things are blossoming everywhere. I have noticed that there doesn’t seem to be as many birds here as back home in CT. I do live “in town”, but I first noticed this when driving home from work the other day. I have no idea why this came to mind, but it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve rarely seen any bird droppings on my car or around my house. I thought that was kind of strange. Even when walking through the woods, I hear birds but don’t really see an abundance of them. I’m not sure why.
Anyway, this was a fairly low key weekend in Germany. Rented a few movies, went out to eat, went for a walk, cleaned and went to the “kino” (movies) today to see the new Hugh Grant movie, “Music and Lyrics”. There’s a theater in the town where I work that shows mostly English version movies, which is nice. There is a theater on the base, but for some reason, I’ve never seen a movie there. If I lived on base, I’m sure it would be different, but I like to avoid going to the base on the weekends. I guess since I work there five days a week, I feel like that’s enough time to be there. This theater off base is pretty small, only two screens, but it’s kind of neat. There are wooden “shelves”, if you will, attached to the seats in front of you for you to put your popcorn or beer on. Yes, beer. You can purchase various bottles of alcoholic beverages at the theaters in Germany, which isn’t surprising. They sell popcorn and candy as well, although the popcorn isn’t so good, it’s not buttered. I can’t say whether this is the norm or not. I haven’t purchased popcorn in any other theaters. I know we can get our popcorn in the USA, buttered or not, but even the non-buttered tastes better than this stuff. Maybe they just haven’t caught on to this American staple yet. Sooner or later someone will set them straight.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Random thoughts...
I’ve been totally slacking lately with keeping up with my blog, sorry. You know how it goes; you tend to get caught up in other things. Normally, I like to have a specific topic that I want to write about, but today I’ll just ramble.
First of all, I’ve thought about updating a few things in my user profile. Silly things like favorite movies or the type of music that I like. I seem to have a hard time identifying these things when I have to actually sit down and write them down. I thought of a few favorite movies that I forgot and a type of music that I didn’t add. My bad.
It snowed for three days last week and then the snow promptly disappeared and it’s now sixty degrees out. Crazy. It kind of cracks me up to see people driving around in their convertibles with the tops down during weather that isn’t exactly “top-down” weather. I think Germans will take what they can get. I would freeze, although I did try it one time here. You just roll up the windows to prevent the wind blowing as much and crank the heat. It was Ok, but not ideal. Not for me anyway.
Warm weather also brings out the scooters, although they’re ridden in all sorts of weather too. It’s an annoying occurrence here because there are zillions of them and they hold up traffic because they don’t go as fast as cars so you have to constantly pass them. The traffic is insane here as it is.
Everyone looks forward to springtime grilling as well. Germans love to grill whenever possible, but we Americans will always be king of that pastime. We grill all winter and have bigger and better grills and accessories. Good friends of ours live in a large apartment building and have a decent size balcony. They have a small electric grill that they use, like the size of a propane grill you’d bring camping. Hey, whatever works. We brought some big ‘ol t-bones over and blew their minds. My husband, like most, is a grill master. They like the spices we use. You’re hard pressed to find a good steak here in a restaurant.
We live on the third floor in an apartment building and do not have a balcony. This makes me crazy. I like nothing better than eating, drinking, reading, and just relaxing outside and I can’t stand the fact that I have to leave my home to do it. Another thing taken for granted.
Easter is coming up soon and I think Easter in Germany is as big as Christmas. There’s quite the assortment of decorations and candy available and they even have Easter markets, like the Christmas markets. I’m not sure what the traditions are, I don’t remember from last year, like if they have a special meal or not. I think we always had ham and the Easter bunny. The “Osternhase” comes here in Germany, but I don’t know if it’s the same deal as in the USA with Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. I have seen a few filled baskets in the stores, but not like ours. I particularly enjoy getting the Easter basket every year and a stuffed bunny or two, still do. Hint, hint. I left the majority of my bunny collection at my mother’s house for her to watch over. I hope they’re safe Mom. I wasn’t sure if I’d have the room here or if my husband would enjoy having stuffed rabbits all over the house, although he does tolerate the several stuffed animals that have replaced them. I just can’t help it. Hey, he even bought a few of them.
Quick story: I was moving into a new house with a former significant other and he had the garbage bag of bunnies and other miscellaneous stuffed critters in the back of his truck. The bag flew out all over the Gold Star bridge in Groton, unbeknownst to me. It occurred to me about six or so months later, just before Easter, that I hadn’t seen them anywhere. When I asked him if he had seen them, he confessed and apologized profusely. I cried. Is that pathetic or what?
First of all, I’ve thought about updating a few things in my user profile. Silly things like favorite movies or the type of music that I like. I seem to have a hard time identifying these things when I have to actually sit down and write them down. I thought of a few favorite movies that I forgot and a type of music that I didn’t add. My bad.
It snowed for three days last week and then the snow promptly disappeared and it’s now sixty degrees out. Crazy. It kind of cracks me up to see people driving around in their convertibles with the tops down during weather that isn’t exactly “top-down” weather. I think Germans will take what they can get. I would freeze, although I did try it one time here. You just roll up the windows to prevent the wind blowing as much and crank the heat. It was Ok, but not ideal. Not for me anyway.
Warm weather also brings out the scooters, although they’re ridden in all sorts of weather too. It’s an annoying occurrence here because there are zillions of them and they hold up traffic because they don’t go as fast as cars so you have to constantly pass them. The traffic is insane here as it is.
Everyone looks forward to springtime grilling as well. Germans love to grill whenever possible, but we Americans will always be king of that pastime. We grill all winter and have bigger and better grills and accessories. Good friends of ours live in a large apartment building and have a decent size balcony. They have a small electric grill that they use, like the size of a propane grill you’d bring camping. Hey, whatever works. We brought some big ‘ol t-bones over and blew their minds. My husband, like most, is a grill master. They like the spices we use. You’re hard pressed to find a good steak here in a restaurant.
We live on the third floor in an apartment building and do not have a balcony. This makes me crazy. I like nothing better than eating, drinking, reading, and just relaxing outside and I can’t stand the fact that I have to leave my home to do it. Another thing taken for granted.
Easter is coming up soon and I think Easter in Germany is as big as Christmas. There’s quite the assortment of decorations and candy available and they even have Easter markets, like the Christmas markets. I’m not sure what the traditions are, I don’t remember from last year, like if they have a special meal or not. I think we always had ham and the Easter bunny. The “Osternhase” comes here in Germany, but I don’t know if it’s the same deal as in the USA with Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. I have seen a few filled baskets in the stores, but not like ours. I particularly enjoy getting the Easter basket every year and a stuffed bunny or two, still do. Hint, hint. I left the majority of my bunny collection at my mother’s house for her to watch over. I hope they’re safe Mom. I wasn’t sure if I’d have the room here or if my husband would enjoy having stuffed rabbits all over the house, although he does tolerate the several stuffed animals that have replaced them. I just can’t help it. Hey, he even bought a few of them.
Quick story: I was moving into a new house with a former significant other and he had the garbage bag of bunnies and other miscellaneous stuffed critters in the back of his truck. The bag flew out all over the Gold Star bridge in Groton, unbeknownst to me. It occurred to me about six or so months later, just before Easter, that I hadn’t seen them anywhere. When I asked him if he had seen them, he confessed and apologized profusely. I cried. Is that pathetic or what?
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Weather (yawn!)
I’m going to write about something mundane and common today, the weather. Why? Because today the weather has been “normal” by German standards.
Normally, winters here in Germany are cold, not as cold as CT, but cold enough and dark and miserable. Not this year. This year has been strangely mild and seemed to just easily transition to spring. It’s been in the 50’s and 60’s for the most part for months. It snowed only a few times with notable accumulation only once. The ski resorts here in Europe were seriously hurting. There wasn’t even snow in parts of the Alps.
This is the first time that my husband has spent an entire winter here in Germany. He has been deployed for the past couple of winters and probably now thinks that all the complaining that I did about how awful the winter weather is here was exaggerated because this winter was so mild. I will admit, I cursed him on more than one occasion last year and the year before while cleaning off several inches of snow off my car, or his truck because the car wouldn’t start. I had to stand on the tires to clean the foot or so of snow off the truck. His truck had so much snow on it because he wasn’t here to use it or clean it off and I drove the car that we had for the most part, with the exception of that one horrible occasion. His ears must have been ringing. It was awful weather then, I swear. The locals said that they couldn’t remember when we’ve had that much snow.
This week, however, the cold and dreariness has returned and today was more like a typical winter day. I woke up to find ice on the roofs of houses and cars. Not a coating of ice, but more like a layer of hail. At lunchtime, the dark clouds rolled in and all of a sudden it started hailing. It looked like snow, but was pea-sized and hard like ice. This happened yesterday too although yesterday they temperature wasn’t cold enough for the snow to stick to anything, it sort of bounced off of everything. Today it stuck to your hair, your coat, car, the streets; everything. It lasted about twenty minutes and then stopped as abruptly as it started. About a half hour later, it started snowing; heavy snow, like a snow squall. You could barely see through it. It lasted for much of the late afternoon, but didn’t stick to the roads thank God, but did collect on the land. Crazy.
This weather prompted weather advisories because it has been predicted that we’re supposed to get at least nine inches. My employer and others on the base decided to let people leave early, just in case. When I left the building, the sun was shining. This is what normal weather is like here, fickle. It hasn’t started snowing again yet. According to a few weather websites, there’s a chance of snow tonight and tomorrow. I guess I’ll see what tomorrow brings.
As a native New Englander, you would think I wouldn’t have a problem with this, but I do. I hate driving in the snow. Yes, I am used to it, but it doesn’t mean I like it. I drive like an old person and I can just hear the expletives of the people stuck driving behind me, but I just can’t help it. I’ve never been in an accident while driving in the snow so that is not a factor of my fear. I’m not sure what it is. The last vehicle that I drove in the snow and ice in CT was a Ford Mustang, which is probably the worst car to drive in the snow. That could be a factor. It was awful. Complete strangers would walk up to me at the gas station and ask me why I was driving this car in the snow. It was the only car I had, what choice did I have? It was terrifying though.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get away from this type of weather. We’d love to end up where we came from, South Eastern Connecticut, but land and real estate is so darn expensive there. He wants to purchase a fair amount of land, so we’ll have to go north and we’re looking at upstate New York. I am not thrilled about it, but will have to adjust as I always do, and just be happy that we’ll be on the same coast as our families.
Normally, winters here in Germany are cold, not as cold as CT, but cold enough and dark and miserable. Not this year. This year has been strangely mild and seemed to just easily transition to spring. It’s been in the 50’s and 60’s for the most part for months. It snowed only a few times with notable accumulation only once. The ski resorts here in Europe were seriously hurting. There wasn’t even snow in parts of the Alps.
This is the first time that my husband has spent an entire winter here in Germany. He has been deployed for the past couple of winters and probably now thinks that all the complaining that I did about how awful the winter weather is here was exaggerated because this winter was so mild. I will admit, I cursed him on more than one occasion last year and the year before while cleaning off several inches of snow off my car, or his truck because the car wouldn’t start. I had to stand on the tires to clean the foot or so of snow off the truck. His truck had so much snow on it because he wasn’t here to use it or clean it off and I drove the car that we had for the most part, with the exception of that one horrible occasion. His ears must have been ringing. It was awful weather then, I swear. The locals said that they couldn’t remember when we’ve had that much snow.
This week, however, the cold and dreariness has returned and today was more like a typical winter day. I woke up to find ice on the roofs of houses and cars. Not a coating of ice, but more like a layer of hail. At lunchtime, the dark clouds rolled in and all of a sudden it started hailing. It looked like snow, but was pea-sized and hard like ice. This happened yesterday too although yesterday they temperature wasn’t cold enough for the snow to stick to anything, it sort of bounced off of everything. Today it stuck to your hair, your coat, car, the streets; everything. It lasted about twenty minutes and then stopped as abruptly as it started. About a half hour later, it started snowing; heavy snow, like a snow squall. You could barely see through it. It lasted for much of the late afternoon, but didn’t stick to the roads thank God, but did collect on the land. Crazy.
This weather prompted weather advisories because it has been predicted that we’re supposed to get at least nine inches. My employer and others on the base decided to let people leave early, just in case. When I left the building, the sun was shining. This is what normal weather is like here, fickle. It hasn’t started snowing again yet. According to a few weather websites, there’s a chance of snow tonight and tomorrow. I guess I’ll see what tomorrow brings.
As a native New Englander, you would think I wouldn’t have a problem with this, but I do. I hate driving in the snow. Yes, I am used to it, but it doesn’t mean I like it. I drive like an old person and I can just hear the expletives of the people stuck driving behind me, but I just can’t help it. I’ve never been in an accident while driving in the snow so that is not a factor of my fear. I’m not sure what it is. The last vehicle that I drove in the snow and ice in CT was a Ford Mustang, which is probably the worst car to drive in the snow. That could be a factor. It was awful. Complete strangers would walk up to me at the gas station and ask me why I was driving this car in the snow. It was the only car I had, what choice did I have? It was terrifying though.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get away from this type of weather. We’d love to end up where we came from, South Eastern Connecticut, but land and real estate is so darn expensive there. He wants to purchase a fair amount of land, so we’ll have to go north and we’re looking at upstate New York. I am not thrilled about it, but will have to adjust as I always do, and just be happy that we’ll be on the same coast as our families.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
The Spring Bazaar-Part 2
I’m still frugal. I went to the Spring Bazaar twice so far and still haven’t bought anything. What the heck, tomorrow is the last day, I might as well go then too. It was huge and was had everything that I expected, but nothing that I was willing to part my hard earned money for. Well, that’s not exactly the truth, there were many things I could have bought, but nothing that jumped out and said “Buy me!” and nothing that I saw that I absolutely had to have. Usually those things are way out of my price range.
There was some beautiful antique furniture from the UK if I wanted to spend a few thousand and if I had 15 foot ceilings. This stuff was huge; armoires, china cabinets, hall closets…nice, but again, I wasn’t willing to spend that much. I think a lot of it is really over priced. If you have the money to spend and didn’t plan on going to the UK to buy it, then I suppose it was worth it. There were lower priced end tables and other smaller antiques, but I just didn’t think they were worth the money and I just didn’t need them. I believe I mentioned that a good friend of mine has spent thousands at this bazaar over the years and I ran into her there on Friday. She bought a dining room table. I think she’s famous for this spending at the bazaar because as I was chatting with her, a colleague of hers walked by and asked where the table was that she bought. Word travels fast.
There was a woman in a booth selling Irish stuff that was probably making a killing since today is St. Patrick’s Day. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, by the way. I kind of miss that here too. They don’t really celebrate it here in Germany except in the Irish pubs where we Americans frequent. I remember my first St. Patrick’s Day here in Germany and was feeling out of sorts and depressed because I’ve always celebrated it back home. I was getting my hair done and my hair dresser happened to mention that there was a new Irish Pub that opened in Leinfelden, a town about 10 minutes from where I live. I was very happy to hear about that and drove straight to it after my appointment and had a Kilkenny beer and felt much better. It just so happens that I had a hair appointment this year too. No beer this year though. Tonight in downtown Stuttgart is the “Long night of the museums” and our friend Martin is doing the lights and sound at one of the museums so we decided to go downtown. We had a wonderful dinner at this restaurant called Zepplino's which is located by the main train station and then walked to the museum, which is in one of the palaces downtown. There had to have been at least 200 people in line, which is crazy since there’s about a dozen museums open all night tonight. Martin was busy running some sort of media show, but was going to meet us at the side entrance afterwards. We decided not to wait. Neither of us were in the mood for a mob scene. It would have been cool though. They had set up a disco in the museum. Cool but too crowded. We drove back to town and had yummy ice cream sundaes in the Italian restaurant down the street from our apartment. Just as good.
This is what I’m talking about, there’s always something going on here and we’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of it. We’ve been part of it because friends that we’ve made here, like Martin, have exposed us to things that we might not have known about and because we like to keep somewhat busy and like to experience as much as we can, so we seek these things out.
Tomorrow maybe I will try one more time to seek out something to spend my money on.
There was some beautiful antique furniture from the UK if I wanted to spend a few thousand and if I had 15 foot ceilings. This stuff was huge; armoires, china cabinets, hall closets…nice, but again, I wasn’t willing to spend that much. I think a lot of it is really over priced. If you have the money to spend and didn’t plan on going to the UK to buy it, then I suppose it was worth it. There were lower priced end tables and other smaller antiques, but I just didn’t think they were worth the money and I just didn’t need them. I believe I mentioned that a good friend of mine has spent thousands at this bazaar over the years and I ran into her there on Friday. She bought a dining room table. I think she’s famous for this spending at the bazaar because as I was chatting with her, a colleague of hers walked by and asked where the table was that she bought. Word travels fast.
There was a woman in a booth selling Irish stuff that was probably making a killing since today is St. Patrick’s Day. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, by the way. I kind of miss that here too. They don’t really celebrate it here in Germany except in the Irish pubs where we Americans frequent. I remember my first St. Patrick’s Day here in Germany and was feeling out of sorts and depressed because I’ve always celebrated it back home. I was getting my hair done and my hair dresser happened to mention that there was a new Irish Pub that opened in Leinfelden, a town about 10 minutes from where I live. I was very happy to hear about that and drove straight to it after my appointment and had a Kilkenny beer and felt much better. It just so happens that I had a hair appointment this year too. No beer this year though. Tonight in downtown Stuttgart is the “Long night of the museums” and our friend Martin is doing the lights and sound at one of the museums so we decided to go downtown. We had a wonderful dinner at this restaurant called Zepplino's which is located by the main train station and then walked to the museum, which is in one of the palaces downtown. There had to have been at least 200 people in line, which is crazy since there’s about a dozen museums open all night tonight. Martin was busy running some sort of media show, but was going to meet us at the side entrance afterwards. We decided not to wait. Neither of us were in the mood for a mob scene. It would have been cool though. They had set up a disco in the museum. Cool but too crowded. We drove back to town and had yummy ice cream sundaes in the Italian restaurant down the street from our apartment. Just as good.
This is what I’m talking about, there’s always something going on here and we’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of it. We’ve been part of it because friends that we’ve made here, like Martin, have exposed us to things that we might not have known about and because we like to keep somewhat busy and like to experience as much as we can, so we seek these things out.
Tomorrow maybe I will try one more time to seek out something to spend my money on.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Spring Bazaar
There's big happenings this weekend on the base that I work on. It’s the annual Spring Bazaar. We look forward to this every year. It’s not your ordinary bazaar. They started setting up tents last week and blocking parking lots. That’s the bad part. Parking is horrendous on base, so any loss of space makes it worse, although the situation has improved since they moved most of the stores to the new mall on the base my husband works on, so a few more parking lots are available.
This bazaar features vendors from all over Europe. It’s our opportunity to buy great stuff without having to actually travel to these countries. Pottery from Poland, Christmas ornaments, decorations and knick knacks from Russia, scarves, wraps, purses and rugs from Turkey, pottery, porcelain and glass bead jewelry from Italy, jewelry from various countries, leather from Italy, steins, linens, pewter (steins, Schnapps shot glasses, wine decanters, figurines, etc.) and various other stuff from Germany, sweaters and clogs from Norway, crystal from the Czech Republic, chocolate and beer from Belgium, Celtic stuff from Ireland and Scotland, all kinds of jewelry from everywhere….I could go on and on. Local handmade things are sold as well and food will be sold to raise money for the local community groups.
And then there’s the antiques and antique furniture... There’s a vendor from the UK that comes every year and sells benches, tables, armoires, bars, you name it. A good friend of mine has spent THOUSANDS with these people over the past two years. Not me. I’m pretty frugal, although I informed my husband that I will be dropping money this year. It’s one of those situations where if you see it and like it, you’d better buy it or it’ll be gone and you’ll regret it. Again, I’m frugal so I’ve had a lot of regret during this thing. Not this year. :)
Last year, I did buy an antique miniature cast iron stove, complete with little pots and pans. Not miniature like doll-house miniature, but about a foot long. It’s pretty neat. It caught my eye and I did go back to it a few times and then just bought it. I am not impulsive and I usually agonize over purchases (except when it comes to clothing and inexpensive shoes). Another good friend of mine bought a beautiful, huge dining room table, chairs and coffee table from Belgium. The vendor promised delivery in two weeks, however, a few months later after many phone calls, he finally showed up with a truck and no helper. You have to understand, moving is nightmarish here because halls, stairways and doorways are narrow. Plus this thing was huge and heavy and after spending all that money, I don’t think my friend expected to have to carry the thing too. They ended up having to take in it through the back entrance of his house, which was no small feat considering the back yard is fenced in. I’m sure there was a flurry of unmentionable words expressed.
The bazaar starts Friday and ends on Sunday. The friend that bought furniture from the UK over the past two years told me she took Friday off work to attend this. It sounds like she plans on continuing her prior spending habits. I’d better not go with her.
This bazaar features vendors from all over Europe. It’s our opportunity to buy great stuff without having to actually travel to these countries. Pottery from Poland, Christmas ornaments, decorations and knick knacks from Russia, scarves, wraps, purses and rugs from Turkey, pottery, porcelain and glass bead jewelry from Italy, jewelry from various countries, leather from Italy, steins, linens, pewter (steins, Schnapps shot glasses, wine decanters, figurines, etc.) and various other stuff from Germany, sweaters and clogs from Norway, crystal from the Czech Republic, chocolate and beer from Belgium, Celtic stuff from Ireland and Scotland, all kinds of jewelry from everywhere….I could go on and on. Local handmade things are sold as well and food will be sold to raise money for the local community groups.
And then there’s the antiques and antique furniture... There’s a vendor from the UK that comes every year and sells benches, tables, armoires, bars, you name it. A good friend of mine has spent THOUSANDS with these people over the past two years. Not me. I’m pretty frugal, although I informed my husband that I will be dropping money this year. It’s one of those situations where if you see it and like it, you’d better buy it or it’ll be gone and you’ll regret it. Again, I’m frugal so I’ve had a lot of regret during this thing. Not this year. :)
Last year, I did buy an antique miniature cast iron stove, complete with little pots and pans. Not miniature like doll-house miniature, but about a foot long. It’s pretty neat. It caught my eye and I did go back to it a few times and then just bought it. I am not impulsive and I usually agonize over purchases (except when it comes to clothing and inexpensive shoes). Another good friend of mine bought a beautiful, huge dining room table, chairs and coffee table from Belgium. The vendor promised delivery in two weeks, however, a few months later after many phone calls, he finally showed up with a truck and no helper. You have to understand, moving is nightmarish here because halls, stairways and doorways are narrow. Plus this thing was huge and heavy and after spending all that money, I don’t think my friend expected to have to carry the thing too. They ended up having to take in it through the back entrance of his house, which was no small feat considering the back yard is fenced in. I’m sure there was a flurry of unmentionable words expressed.
The bazaar starts Friday and ends on Sunday. The friend that bought furniture from the UK over the past two years told me she took Friday off work to attend this. It sounds like she plans on continuing her prior spending habits. I’d better not go with her.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Classic Car show
I went to a classic car show yesterday. Well, it was more than that I guess. It was a show, but also like a swap meet. You could also sell your classic car there, buy parts, artwork, books, clothing, etc. and in typical German fashion, you could buy food like crepes, wurst, schnitzel, pretzels and any kind of beverage you can think of like beer, wine, coffee, etc. It was pretty cool. Many car clubs were represented there and each had their own “bier garten” set up in their designated areas. Some were pretty impressive with slip covered chairs and centerpieces. Gotta love this country. They do things right sometimes.
It was a pretty nostalgic day, considering the number of classic American vehicles that I saw. I saw some beautiful Mustangs (my favorite car), Caprice’s, Ford pick ups, and be still my heart, a 1977 Lincoln Continental. It was huge. It’s so cool to see old American cars over here. Many countries were represented though. There were old French cars, Italian, English and of course German. Old Mercedes are beautiful and expensive. I saw makes and models of cars that I have never heard of or seen before.
The show was held in this huge conference center on the outskirts of downtown Stuttgart. This place had at least 15 big halls each featuring something different. One hall was for vendors selling new stuff like accessories and gadgets; another was for vendors selling parts, books, clothes, posters, whatever. Another hall featured old buses and campers, fire trucks, work vehicles, anything you could think of. Other halls featured specific makes of vehicles, another was for motorcycles; you get the idea. You could easily spend all day there if you’re into that sort of thing. I didn’t linger in any certain area; I breezed from room to room, just soaking it in as I passed by. I stopped at a few areas to get a better look, but not too often. I went kind of late in the day, so it wasn’t too crowded which was nice. I believe I’ve mentioned how crowds in Germany are not the greatest thing to experience.
I thought about going to this all week, but didn’t really commit to going until late in the day on Saturday. I ended up going alone because I didn’t make plans to go with someone. I figured I’d decide first if I was definitely going, then find someone to go with. It didn’t work out that way. My husband was at soccer game that day so he couldn’t go, so I called a couple of friends last minute but couldn’t get a hold of them. It serves me right because it sometimes irks me when people call last minute to do things. I am pretty flexible and spontaneous and don’t usually mind, however, certain friends just don’t believe in making plans ahead of time. Again, this is usually fine with me except when it happens all the time with the same people. I guess I’m getting impatient in my old age.
I really didn’t mind going alone because I knew I wouldn’t want to stay that long and I might have stayed longer if I was with other people; you know, lingering where they linger. That makes me sound like a pain, doesn’t it? Hey, the older you get, the pickier you’re allowed to be. That’s my thinking anyway. I’ll be 40 in August (gasp!) so I’m trying to talk myself into a positive outlook on aging!
Anyway, I’m glad I went. I didn’t want to regret not going and it was neat to see something new. There’s always something going on here, that’s one of the benefits of living in this area. Speaking of that, it’s getting to be that time of the year again, time for the Fruelingsfest, the Spring Stuttgart Beer Fest held April 21- May 13. It’s the second largest beer fest in Germany behind the Oktoberfest in Munich. Prosit! Cheers!
It was a pretty nostalgic day, considering the number of classic American vehicles that I saw. I saw some beautiful Mustangs (my favorite car), Caprice’s, Ford pick ups, and be still my heart, a 1977 Lincoln Continental. It was huge. It’s so cool to see old American cars over here. Many countries were represented though. There were old French cars, Italian, English and of course German. Old Mercedes are beautiful and expensive. I saw makes and models of cars that I have never heard of or seen before.
The show was held in this huge conference center on the outskirts of downtown Stuttgart. This place had at least 15 big halls each featuring something different. One hall was for vendors selling new stuff like accessories and gadgets; another was for vendors selling parts, books, clothes, posters, whatever. Another hall featured old buses and campers, fire trucks, work vehicles, anything you could think of. Other halls featured specific makes of vehicles, another was for motorcycles; you get the idea. You could easily spend all day there if you’re into that sort of thing. I didn’t linger in any certain area; I breezed from room to room, just soaking it in as I passed by. I stopped at a few areas to get a better look, but not too often. I went kind of late in the day, so it wasn’t too crowded which was nice. I believe I’ve mentioned how crowds in Germany are not the greatest thing to experience.
I thought about going to this all week, but didn’t really commit to going until late in the day on Saturday. I ended up going alone because I didn’t make plans to go with someone. I figured I’d decide first if I was definitely going, then find someone to go with. It didn’t work out that way. My husband was at soccer game that day so he couldn’t go, so I called a couple of friends last minute but couldn’t get a hold of them. It serves me right because it sometimes irks me when people call last minute to do things. I am pretty flexible and spontaneous and don’t usually mind, however, certain friends just don’t believe in making plans ahead of time. Again, this is usually fine with me except when it happens all the time with the same people. I guess I’m getting impatient in my old age.
I really didn’t mind going alone because I knew I wouldn’t want to stay that long and I might have stayed longer if I was with other people; you know, lingering where they linger. That makes me sound like a pain, doesn’t it? Hey, the older you get, the pickier you’re allowed to be. That’s my thinking anyway. I’ll be 40 in August (gasp!) so I’m trying to talk myself into a positive outlook on aging!
Anyway, I’m glad I went. I didn’t want to regret not going and it was neat to see something new. There’s always something going on here, that’s one of the benefits of living in this area. Speaking of that, it’s getting to be that time of the year again, time for the Fruelingsfest, the Spring Stuttgart Beer Fest held April 21- May 13. It’s the second largest beer fest in Germany behind the Oktoberfest in Munich. Prosit! Cheers!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Let there be light
I stand corrected. A blog entry or two ago I was talking about how much gas was on the Germany economy. I said that it was $2.33 a gallon on base and about 2.30 Euros per liter. That’s pretty high, however, reality isn’t much better. It’s really 1.27 Euro per liter for the “Super Blei Frei” (pronounced Super Bly fry-I love saying that. Doesn’t it sound funny? It means Super unleaded). This would be about 4.81 Euros a gallon, which is around $6.60 a gallon with the exchange rate. We think our taxes are bad. My wonder everyone drives Smart Cars and Minis.
I also made a big deal about this automatic DVD dispensing/rental system that I recently discovered here. My mother just informed me that you can rent DVD’s at Stop and Shop using a machine and it’s pretty cheap there too. Just goes to show that I’m out of the loop. I’ve been living in Germany for three years and I guess I’ve missed a lot. My bad.
Anywho, I wanted to write about why I didn’t have an entry for yesterday. I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, so I figured I’d be up in the middle of the night at some point, so I’d save it until then. Well, around 11:00 pm last night I got up at sat down to write. Since my PC is excruciatingly slow these days, it took several minutes to start up and log on. Suddenly everything shut off and the lights went out. Super. Thank God I hadn’t spent an hour writing, I would have been quite upset. I thought maybe I flipped a breaker or something, which happens often in this old house. Then again, it seemed really dark. I looked outside and saw lights on at the town hall, but all the street lights were out as well as the lights at the hotel across the street. I started fumbling around in the dark to find a candle so I could investigate further without killing myself. Didn’t flip a breaker, so I figured it was something else.
Then I started thinking about hot water and getting ready for work the next day. I could shower at the gym on the base, but I hate doing that. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I didn’t shower, but still….I purposely left the light switch in the on position in the kitchen so I would know when the power came back on. Luckily it came on about an hour later.
This experience brought to light (no pun intended) a few thoughts. I didn’t know what to do. Back home in CT I would be immediately on the phone to CL & P or NDPU (whoever we pay for our power these days) to report the power loss, but here? I didn’t know what the norm is. I suppose if it was 10 degrees out, I would have either called the landlord or dug through my files to find a number of the power company, but it’s spring-like weather out now, so there wasn’t a great sense of urgency. I also figured that surely a hotel would call someone about it, however, I realized that I wasn’t prepared. If I managed to find a number, would it be the right one (my bills are in German) and when I got someone on the phone, would I be able to convey my plight and would they understand me? It made me realize that however settled and comfortable we finally are here in Germany, we still face challenges. Another example of the many things we for granted.
I also made a big deal about this automatic DVD dispensing/rental system that I recently discovered here. My mother just informed me that you can rent DVD’s at Stop and Shop using a machine and it’s pretty cheap there too. Just goes to show that I’m out of the loop. I’ve been living in Germany for three years and I guess I’ve missed a lot. My bad.
Anywho, I wanted to write about why I didn’t have an entry for yesterday. I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, so I figured I’d be up in the middle of the night at some point, so I’d save it until then. Well, around 11:00 pm last night I got up at sat down to write. Since my PC is excruciatingly slow these days, it took several minutes to start up and log on. Suddenly everything shut off and the lights went out. Super. Thank God I hadn’t spent an hour writing, I would have been quite upset. I thought maybe I flipped a breaker or something, which happens often in this old house. Then again, it seemed really dark. I looked outside and saw lights on at the town hall, but all the street lights were out as well as the lights at the hotel across the street. I started fumbling around in the dark to find a candle so I could investigate further without killing myself. Didn’t flip a breaker, so I figured it was something else.
Then I started thinking about hot water and getting ready for work the next day. I could shower at the gym on the base, but I hate doing that. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I didn’t shower, but still….I purposely left the light switch in the on position in the kitchen so I would know when the power came back on. Luckily it came on about an hour later.
This experience brought to light (no pun intended) a few thoughts. I didn’t know what to do. Back home in CT I would be immediately on the phone to CL & P or NDPU (whoever we pay for our power these days) to report the power loss, but here? I didn’t know what the norm is. I suppose if it was 10 degrees out, I would have either called the landlord or dug through my files to find a number of the power company, but it’s spring-like weather out now, so there wasn’t a great sense of urgency. I also figured that surely a hotel would call someone about it, however, I realized that I wasn’t prepared. If I managed to find a number, would it be the right one (my bills are in German) and when I got someone on the phone, would I be able to convey my plight and would they understand me? It made me realize that however settled and comfortable we finally are here in Germany, we still face challenges. Another example of the many things we for granted.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Katzen
I have two Katzen (cats) that I received for my birthday here last year. Several friends here in town chipped in for the adoption and two cat carriers. They were about two months old when we brought them home from the Tierheim (animal home) or animal shelter. Animal shelters are different here, they don’t just take in and sell strays; you can buy expensive animals there too. You have to pay for what they’re worth. The cats are sisters and my German friends think their names are hilarious because I wanted to name them typical German names. One is called Ute (oo-tay) and the other, Natasha. Natasha is a somewhat typical name, maybe more European than German, but I like the name. German’s normally name their animals like we do, Blackie, Fluffy, Buster, etc., so these names are particularly funny to them.
I don’t know how much it costs in the States these days to adopt an animal, but here it was fairly expensive, about 100 Euros. Germany has very strict laws when it comes to animals and animal rights. They frown on leaving animals at home alone and told my husband they might stop by to check on them. Is that unreal or what? I wonder if they do that much for kids. They never did check on them.
The cats look like tiger cats, but with darker colors, black and brown. Natasha, the smaller one, is darker than her bigger sister and is more dominant. She’s a downright bully, but she’s the cuddler, so we cut her some slack. Ute doesn’t like to cuddle or be pet normally unless it’s bed time. Then she runs to the bed and allows you to pet her and rub her belly. They’re pretty amusing. Those of you who have pets know how it is; they’re like your kids.
They hid for about 2 weeks when we first brought them home. I was panicking. What if they never come out? Are we doing something wrong? They were just afraid; I think they were raised in the animal shelter. They’re still pretty skittish around people other than us. Normally, if we have anyone over, they hide and don’t come out until the guests ar gone, except for our friend Bernard. He has a cat himself, so maybe they think he smells safe or something.
We had to make an appointment with a vet right away to have the cats fixed. There is a vet center on one of the bases, but no vet at the time, none that did surgery anyway, so we had to bring them to a German vet. They spoke very good English and were wonderful with them. The cats were given their own little “passports” that contain their ID number and their medical records. Now there is a vet on base who is able to implant ID chips, but last year, this option wasn’t available, so while they were “under” getting fixed, the Dr. tattooed their ID #’s on their ears. I thought it was cool, just like their Mommy and Daddy (Daddy has 11 tattoos-hello, almost 20 years in the military; this is pretty common; Mommy has 2). Anyway, it’s painless and it works, so no harm done.
Other than their names, they’re just regular cats. They like to scratch on the carpet and steal my jewelry and they sound squeaky more then anything else when they “talk”. I wish we spoke German to them, that would have been interesting, but we don’t really speak German around the house, other than a few words here and there if the mood strikes or if our German friends are around. I forget about that when I visit German friends that have pets. I speak to them in English and then realize what I’m doing and change to German. They do understand what I’m saying in German; sit, come here, good dog, etc. so I guess my German isn’t all that bad!
I don’t know how much it costs in the States these days to adopt an animal, but here it was fairly expensive, about 100 Euros. Germany has very strict laws when it comes to animals and animal rights. They frown on leaving animals at home alone and told my husband they might stop by to check on them. Is that unreal or what? I wonder if they do that much for kids. They never did check on them.
The cats look like tiger cats, but with darker colors, black and brown. Natasha, the smaller one, is darker than her bigger sister and is more dominant. She’s a downright bully, but she’s the cuddler, so we cut her some slack. Ute doesn’t like to cuddle or be pet normally unless it’s bed time. Then she runs to the bed and allows you to pet her and rub her belly. They’re pretty amusing. Those of you who have pets know how it is; they’re like your kids.
They hid for about 2 weeks when we first brought them home. I was panicking. What if they never come out? Are we doing something wrong? They were just afraid; I think they were raised in the animal shelter. They’re still pretty skittish around people other than us. Normally, if we have anyone over, they hide and don’t come out until the guests ar gone, except for our friend Bernard. He has a cat himself, so maybe they think he smells safe or something.
We had to make an appointment with a vet right away to have the cats fixed. There is a vet center on one of the bases, but no vet at the time, none that did surgery anyway, so we had to bring them to a German vet. They spoke very good English and were wonderful with them. The cats were given their own little “passports” that contain their ID number and their medical records. Now there is a vet on base who is able to implant ID chips, but last year, this option wasn’t available, so while they were “under” getting fixed, the Dr. tattooed their ID #’s on their ears. I thought it was cool, just like their Mommy and Daddy (Daddy has 11 tattoos-hello, almost 20 years in the military; this is pretty common; Mommy has 2). Anyway, it’s painless and it works, so no harm done.
Other than their names, they’re just regular cats. They like to scratch on the carpet and steal my jewelry and they sound squeaky more then anything else when they “talk”. I wish we spoke German to them, that would have been interesting, but we don’t really speak German around the house, other than a few words here and there if the mood strikes or if our German friends are around. I forget about that when I visit German friends that have pets. I speak to them in English and then realize what I’m doing and change to German. They do understand what I’m saying in German; sit, come here, good dog, etc. so I guess my German isn’t all that bad!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Cuckoo Clock
We finally bought ourselves a cuckoo clock yesterday. We drove about an hour and a half to the town of Triberg which is world renown for its Cuckoo clocks. It’s in the area of Schwartzwald, aka the Black Forest.
The Black Forest is rolling hills and mountains of the Swabisch Alb, not to be confused with, or as big as the Alps. It’s absolutely beautiful. Picture a “Heidi” or “Sound of Music” type area with villages scattered in valleys in between mountains and hills and lots of farmland in between. Most of the farmhouses are half barn, half house. Really cool looking and huge. They’re made of timber beams and stucco.
The ride itself wasn’t too bad. Normally I can’t handle the winding mountain roads, but we went slow enough and made a few pit stops so I was able to keep it together. I normally get serious motion sickness. We were amazed to see that there wasn’t much snow at all up there in the mountains. Normally there would be at least a few feet. The town work crews had set up poles all along the roads in anticipation of having to plow heavy snow all winter. No problem gauging the edge of the roads this year. There were random mountain streams all over the place; areas in the ground with water streaming out and down the mountains. It had been raining all week. The regular streams were raging.
From there we took a ride west to Freiberg, another beautiful area. My husband had ordered some plaques for work from a woodcarver there and we had to pick them up. Wow. Most of the woodwork in and outside of this house was carved; the beams outside, the window frames, even the parking sign. He has an amazing talent, which was learned and inherited from his father, who did much of the carving of the house before him. After we were finished with our purchases, he showed us the hand-carved kitchen. The doors, cabinets, beams, just about everything was carved. Examples of nature, leaves, trees, animals, were everywhere. An entire staircase was carved with designs. Really cool. The entire property was something to see. This place was located in the mountains, in a pretty isolated area. When we arrived, the woodcarver was busy tending to his park-like yard. There was a stream running alongside the house, with a cute little waterwheel. He had cages with birds in and outside and a very rambunctious black lab who was more than excited to see some company.
My husband found this place online and I’m amazed he found when going there for the first time to check it out and order the plaques, however, he has a good sense of direction, unlike myself. I would have ended up in France and in real trouble; I don’t speak French. We were about 15 minutes from the French border. Ich spreche ein bissen Deutsch (I speak a little German), but that’s it. Maybe I’ll tackle French someday.
We took a more direct route home on the autobahn. I couldn’t handle anymore winding roads and after driving all day, we were tired and were no longer up to the challenge. We grabbed a couple of sandwiches at a rest stop and headed home. It’s nice to get away once in awhile.
The Black Forest is rolling hills and mountains of the Swabisch Alb, not to be confused with, or as big as the Alps. It’s absolutely beautiful. Picture a “Heidi” or “Sound of Music” type area with villages scattered in valleys in between mountains and hills and lots of farmland in between. Most of the farmhouses are half barn, half house. Really cool looking and huge. They’re made of timber beams and stucco.
The ride itself wasn’t too bad. Normally I can’t handle the winding mountain roads, but we went slow enough and made a few pit stops so I was able to keep it together. I normally get serious motion sickness. We were amazed to see that there wasn’t much snow at all up there in the mountains. Normally there would be at least a few feet. The town work crews had set up poles all along the roads in anticipation of having to plow heavy snow all winter. No problem gauging the edge of the roads this year. There were random mountain streams all over the place; areas in the ground with water streaming out and down the mountains. It had been raining all week. The regular streams were raging.
From there we took a ride west to Freiberg, another beautiful area. My husband had ordered some plaques for work from a woodcarver there and we had to pick them up. Wow. Most of the woodwork in and outside of this house was carved; the beams outside, the window frames, even the parking sign. He has an amazing talent, which was learned and inherited from his father, who did much of the carving of the house before him. After we were finished with our purchases, he showed us the hand-carved kitchen. The doors, cabinets, beams, just about everything was carved. Examples of nature, leaves, trees, animals, were everywhere. An entire staircase was carved with designs. Really cool. The entire property was something to see. This place was located in the mountains, in a pretty isolated area. When we arrived, the woodcarver was busy tending to his park-like yard. There was a stream running alongside the house, with a cute little waterwheel. He had cages with birds in and outside and a very rambunctious black lab who was more than excited to see some company.
My husband found this place online and I’m amazed he found when going there for the first time to check it out and order the plaques, however, he has a good sense of direction, unlike myself. I would have ended up in France and in real trouble; I don’t speak French. We were about 15 minutes from the French border. Ich spreche ein bissen Deutsch (I speak a little German), but that’s it. Maybe I’ll tackle French someday.
We took a more direct route home on the autobahn. I couldn’t handle anymore winding roads and after driving all day, we were tired and were no longer up to the challenge. We grabbed a couple of sandwiches at a rest stop and headed home. It’s nice to get away once in awhile.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Little America
A US military base located someplace other than the US is its own little nation. This is my first military experience so I really don’t have another experience to compare it to, but I can see how it would be very different. We’re all in the same boat, we’re all visitors, foreigners, and therefore, we all have that in common, giving us something to draw us together as a community. This togetherness probably isn’t so prevalent on a base in the USA. We’re much more isolated. It’s like “Little America”. We’re more apt to take care of each other, I think. Word of mouth is at work at its best here. If you need information about anything, chances are someone else has the answer or the info and is more than happy to share it. It’s nice in that sense. Not so nice in that everyone knows everyone’s business. The world is just that much smaller there. I don’t live on base, thank God, but I know it’s much worse when you live there and work there. No thanks.
The base I work on is much smaller than some in Germany, but it had all the “conveniences”. A gas station called a “shoppette” which was also like a mini grocery store, except you could purchase alcohol at this grocery store. Liquor as well as wine and beer (imported). Not a huge selection of domestic beer, but enough to quench your American beer thirst. German beer is sold here as well. A friend and her husband are going to be moving back to the states in June and have decided they’d better return to drinking American beer now so they’re accustomed to it by the time they move. That’s how good German beer is, and it’s more expensive in the US.
I purchase gas on base, it’s much cheaper. It’s around $2.33 a gallon versus 2.33 Euro (approx.) per liter on the economy. Gas is rationed. I’m not sure what the limits are, I never really paid much attention to it, but any time you purchase gas it’s recorded on your registration. We can also purchase gas coupons which can only be used at a certain gas station chain, which is all over Europe. It’s just cheaper to go this route.
Prior to the grand opening of a shopping mall on another base close by, other shopping conveniences were available on my base. A “PXtra” was where you could purchase a very limited assortment of household goods, kitchen stuff, towels, storage containers, small appliances, beauty items, hardware, books, office supplies, greeting cards, magazines, some gifts like candles, and local German gift items; souvenir type stuff as well as pottery from Poland and German Bier steins. You get the idea.
There was also a “PX” (Post Exchange) which was where you could buy jewelry, make-up, clothing and shoes. A separate sports store sold sporting equipment, bikes and sports clothes. The “Power Zone” was where electronics were sold, music and DVD’s. But alas, all of this is gone since the “mall” was opened. All this stuff is under one roof now along with “European vendors”; Additional stores and carts selling European stuff. It’s kind of a nice convenience being able to purchase certain things like that.
The advantage to purchasing anything on base is not that it’s that much cheaper than you would pay in the states, but everything is TAX free. Plus, the Euro to dollar exchange rate really limits you. It’s very expensive. You’re automatically paying an extra 25% approximately, plus 19% sales tax. It just increased in January. Yikes. We can avoid the German sales tax because of a US-German agreement, but normally most people don’t take advantage of this unless they’re spending a bit more. I know we usually don’t bother unless we spend at least 50 Euro or more. We have to purchase the form that is used, so unless you’re spending a bit more, it’s not really worth it.
I wanted to talk more about the “little nation” aspect of a US military base located abroad, but will have to elaborate more on that tomorrow. I ended up talking more about shopping on base, sorry. Gee, imagine that.
The base I work on is much smaller than some in Germany, but it had all the “conveniences”. A gas station called a “shoppette” which was also like a mini grocery store, except you could purchase alcohol at this grocery store. Liquor as well as wine and beer (imported). Not a huge selection of domestic beer, but enough to quench your American beer thirst. German beer is sold here as well. A friend and her husband are going to be moving back to the states in June and have decided they’d better return to drinking American beer now so they’re accustomed to it by the time they move. That’s how good German beer is, and it’s more expensive in the US.
I purchase gas on base, it’s much cheaper. It’s around $2.33 a gallon versus 2.33 Euro (approx.) per liter on the economy. Gas is rationed. I’m not sure what the limits are, I never really paid much attention to it, but any time you purchase gas it’s recorded on your registration. We can also purchase gas coupons which can only be used at a certain gas station chain, which is all over Europe. It’s just cheaper to go this route.
Prior to the grand opening of a shopping mall on another base close by, other shopping conveniences were available on my base. A “PXtra” was where you could purchase a very limited assortment of household goods, kitchen stuff, towels, storage containers, small appliances, beauty items, hardware, books, office supplies, greeting cards, magazines, some gifts like candles, and local German gift items; souvenir type stuff as well as pottery from Poland and German Bier steins. You get the idea.
There was also a “PX” (Post Exchange) which was where you could buy jewelry, make-up, clothing and shoes. A separate sports store sold sporting equipment, bikes and sports clothes. The “Power Zone” was where electronics were sold, music and DVD’s. But alas, all of this is gone since the “mall” was opened. All this stuff is under one roof now along with “European vendors”; Additional stores and carts selling European stuff. It’s kind of a nice convenience being able to purchase certain things like that.
The advantage to purchasing anything on base is not that it’s that much cheaper than you would pay in the states, but everything is TAX free. Plus, the Euro to dollar exchange rate really limits you. It’s very expensive. You’re automatically paying an extra 25% approximately, plus 19% sales tax. It just increased in January. Yikes. We can avoid the German sales tax because of a US-German agreement, but normally most people don’t take advantage of this unless they’re spending a bit more. I know we usually don’t bother unless we spend at least 50 Euro or more. We have to purchase the form that is used, so unless you’re spending a bit more, it’s not really worth it.
I wanted to talk more about the “little nation” aspect of a US military base located abroad, but will have to elaborate more on that tomorrow. I ended up talking more about shopping on base, sorry. Gee, imagine that.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I think I'll go to France for lunch
Probably the best thing about living here in Germany is the fact that a person can drive a minimum of two hours and end up in another country. It’s like a dream come true. Strasbourg, France is a couple hours away, so is Austria and Switzerland. Poland and Czech Republic are not too far to drive to either.
I did the bulk of my traveling within the first year of my arrival here since I wasn’t working yet. I went to Rome with a couple of girlfriends who were my age and married with deployed husbands as well. We flew instead of driving on this trip because it was so cheap and worth not driving the 7 hours or so it would take. I think at the time the flight was 35 Euro round trip. You’d pay more for gas. There are several European airlines that offer some really awesome deals. They’re no frills and some have baggage restrictions, like lower weights allowances or you pay extra. We drove about an hour and a half to this little airport in Baden Baden (a town in Germany well known for its spas and casinos) and only spent 10 Euro to park for 4 days which is very cheap. This airline no longer flies out of this airport unfortunately.
We drove to Basel, Switzerland to take part in the Fasching festivities there. What a memorable experience. One friend drove, the other navigated. I was along for the ride. The friend that navigated got directions from the internet. She didn’t realize that the route she chose was straight through the mountains. It was snowing at the time. I was terrified. Even though I was born and bred in Connecticut, I hate driving in the snow. So, here we are, three girls driving along narrow, snowy mountain roads in the middle of the night. In Basel, the Fasching kick-off parade starts at 4:00 am. I don’t know why.
At one point, we had to pull over to try and put chains on the tires. We were not prepared and didn’t practice this seemingly impossible feat before this trip. It was freezing and snowing and my two friends were outside, sometimes lying on the road trying to figure out how to put these things on. I stood outside watching for awhile and then figured since I wasn’t actually doing anything but watch, I sat back in the car. A few cars passed us that didn’t have chains on and my friends didn’t have any luck getting them on our car, so we just gave up and continue on our way, driving very slowly. It was a long, stressful trip. Worth it, I guess, but I wouldn’t want to do it again.
My mother, stepfather and stepdaughter came to visit last summer. We reserved a mini van for our travels but for some reason my husband came home with a huge Mercedes. I was skeptical, but this thing was plenty big, comfortable and quite fancy. We were on the road for practically two weeks. We drove to several places in Germany, and to Salzburg, Austria, and the mountains of Italy. We all saw places we’ve never seen, but all that driving takes its toll. It was exhausting and GPS’s don’t always work the way you want them too. We were happy to get back to our apartment and just relax and see a few local sights. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience another culture and I’m so happy they were able to live in our world for a little while. They were here during the World Cup, so they were caught up in the spirit of that too.
I highly recommend getting away and checking out something new, even if it’s not that far for you. Broaden your horizens. Traveling here in Europe has made me realize how little traveling I’ve done in the USA. I don’t know why that is. Maybe it just takes a little taste of travel to make you realize how big the world really is and how much of it you haven’t seen.
I did the bulk of my traveling within the first year of my arrival here since I wasn’t working yet. I went to Rome with a couple of girlfriends who were my age and married with deployed husbands as well. We flew instead of driving on this trip because it was so cheap and worth not driving the 7 hours or so it would take. I think at the time the flight was 35 Euro round trip. You’d pay more for gas. There are several European airlines that offer some really awesome deals. They’re no frills and some have baggage restrictions, like lower weights allowances or you pay extra. We drove about an hour and a half to this little airport in Baden Baden (a town in Germany well known for its spas and casinos) and only spent 10 Euro to park for 4 days which is very cheap. This airline no longer flies out of this airport unfortunately.
We drove to Basel, Switzerland to take part in the Fasching festivities there. What a memorable experience. One friend drove, the other navigated. I was along for the ride. The friend that navigated got directions from the internet. She didn’t realize that the route she chose was straight through the mountains. It was snowing at the time. I was terrified. Even though I was born and bred in Connecticut, I hate driving in the snow. So, here we are, three girls driving along narrow, snowy mountain roads in the middle of the night. In Basel, the Fasching kick-off parade starts at 4:00 am. I don’t know why.
At one point, we had to pull over to try and put chains on the tires. We were not prepared and didn’t practice this seemingly impossible feat before this trip. It was freezing and snowing and my two friends were outside, sometimes lying on the road trying to figure out how to put these things on. I stood outside watching for awhile and then figured since I wasn’t actually doing anything but watch, I sat back in the car. A few cars passed us that didn’t have chains on and my friends didn’t have any luck getting them on our car, so we just gave up and continue on our way, driving very slowly. It was a long, stressful trip. Worth it, I guess, but I wouldn’t want to do it again.
My mother, stepfather and stepdaughter came to visit last summer. We reserved a mini van for our travels but for some reason my husband came home with a huge Mercedes. I was skeptical, but this thing was plenty big, comfortable and quite fancy. We were on the road for practically two weeks. We drove to several places in Germany, and to Salzburg, Austria, and the mountains of Italy. We all saw places we’ve never seen, but all that driving takes its toll. It was exhausting and GPS’s don’t always work the way you want them too. We were happy to get back to our apartment and just relax and see a few local sights. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience another culture and I’m so happy they were able to live in our world for a little while. They were here during the World Cup, so they were caught up in the spirit of that too.
I highly recommend getting away and checking out something new, even if it’s not that far for you. Broaden your horizens. Traveling here in Europe has made me realize how little traveling I’ve done in the USA. I don’t know why that is. Maybe it just takes a little taste of travel to make you realize how big the world really is and how much of it you haven’t seen.
Monday, February 26, 2007
"Konigstrasse"
Sorry for the brief absence, but my husband recently returned from deployment, so we were busy catching up. The weather has finally acted a bit more normal this past weekend, rainy, so what better thing to do than to go shopping. It was actually my husband Jim’s idea to go to downtown. This is surprising. Usually it takes a bit of prodding on my part, then nagging, and finally whining. None of this happened this weekend, however. He must have been REALLY bored and thought it might be a good opportunity to earn a few brownie points.
Normally we would take public transportation because it’s a royal pain to drive there. Traffic is horrendous, but not so bad on Saturdays. Plus, after two years, I can proudly say that I can finally drive there, park in a parking garage and drive home without getting lost. A friend showed me this particular route and parking garage. I am prone to getting lost.
Downtown Stuttgart is shopper heaven, especially on “Konigstrasse” which is this several mile long pedestrian zone of shops, department stores, café’s and restaurants. I did mention a few blog entries ago that most stores are closed on Sundays. These establishments close around 7:00 pm on Saturdays, except for the restaurants and on certain occasions like the Holiday season and during the World Cup, when it would behoove these places to stay open longer because there are thousands of people visiting Germany at this time.
Not much shopping was done actually. We basically window shopped and looked for a place to eat lunch. It was still pretty crowded even though the weather was pretty cruddy. Weather is not a factor when going places in Germany. They have a saying here, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. In other words, be prepared and dress accordingly.
We ran into a former colleague of my husband’s who happens to live a block or two from where we were shopping. I always think it’s so cool to run into people you know in a when you’re in foreign country. I saw someone I work with too. “Konigstrasse” (King’s street) is such a big place and the city is so international; it just never ceases to amaze me to run into someone like that. This former co-worker and his wife live in a beautiful penthouse right in the heart of the shopping district. Yes, a penthouse, huge.
Jim and I both said we would be broke, lushes, and overweight if we lived in that area. There are so many awesome clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping in that location. Luckily, it’s a bit inconvenient for us to go there frequently. If we are going there to meet friends and we know drinking will be involved, we always take the public transportation, which means taking a bus to the train station to the next town over, then hopping the train. It’s very easy and fairly cheap unless you miss the last train back, which is around midnight. It costs us about 40 Euro for a taxi home, which is about $50.00. Well worth the piece of mind. Drinking and driving is not tolerated here at all, and it's worse if you’re in the military because it affects your career as well if you're arrested on a DUI.
All in all, it was a pretty decent day. Funny thing is we ended up eating lunch at McDonald’s (FYI- I think that McDonald’s food in Europe is much less greasy) and then we stopped at Starbuck’s for a mocha cappuccino for the ride home.
Normally we would take public transportation because it’s a royal pain to drive there. Traffic is horrendous, but not so bad on Saturdays. Plus, after two years, I can proudly say that I can finally drive there, park in a parking garage and drive home without getting lost. A friend showed me this particular route and parking garage. I am prone to getting lost.
Downtown Stuttgart is shopper heaven, especially on “Konigstrasse” which is this several mile long pedestrian zone of shops, department stores, café’s and restaurants. I did mention a few blog entries ago that most stores are closed on Sundays. These establishments close around 7:00 pm on Saturdays, except for the restaurants and on certain occasions like the Holiday season and during the World Cup, when it would behoove these places to stay open longer because there are thousands of people visiting Germany at this time.
Not much shopping was done actually. We basically window shopped and looked for a place to eat lunch. It was still pretty crowded even though the weather was pretty cruddy. Weather is not a factor when going places in Germany. They have a saying here, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. In other words, be prepared and dress accordingly.
We ran into a former colleague of my husband’s who happens to live a block or two from where we were shopping. I always think it’s so cool to run into people you know in a when you’re in foreign country. I saw someone I work with too. “Konigstrasse” (King’s street) is such a big place and the city is so international; it just never ceases to amaze me to run into someone like that. This former co-worker and his wife live in a beautiful penthouse right in the heart of the shopping district. Yes, a penthouse, huge.
Jim and I both said we would be broke, lushes, and overweight if we lived in that area. There are so many awesome clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping in that location. Luckily, it’s a bit inconvenient for us to go there frequently. If we are going there to meet friends and we know drinking will be involved, we always take the public transportation, which means taking a bus to the train station to the next town over, then hopping the train. It’s very easy and fairly cheap unless you miss the last train back, which is around midnight. It costs us about 40 Euro for a taxi home, which is about $50.00. Well worth the piece of mind. Drinking and driving is not tolerated here at all, and it's worse if you’re in the military because it affects your career as well if you're arrested on a DUI.
All in all, it was a pretty decent day. Funny thing is we ended up eating lunch at McDonald’s (FYI- I think that McDonald’s food in Europe is much less greasy) and then we stopped at Starbuck’s for a mocha cappuccino for the ride home.
A friend of mine sent me a quick pic and email from Kuwait today. Guess where he was? Starbuck's. So much for international living.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Transportation
I thought I already wrote about this topic, but I guess not. I must have THOUGHT about writing about it. This is what happens when you get old.
The transportation here in Germany is something you notice immediately; namely the different modes of transportation.
First and foremost, you notice the size of the cars. Since space is such a factor here, there is not a centimeter to spare. Parking spots are just big enough for your car to squeeze into and no more, especially if you’re driving a bigger American car. My husband drives a Dodge Ram which barely fits down the street, never mind in your average European parking spot. It was quite the novelty in our little town when we first arrived here, especially when I drove it on occasion. I had to drive it when a friend and I were going to see the musical “Mama Mia” and had to park with the buses! It wasn’t going to fit in the parking garage. God forbid if you’re claustrophobic and you park in a “parkhaus”. I’m not claustrophobic, but often feel that way driving in one of those to park. You can barely squeeze in and out.
Most cars here are small; often tiny and I think, quite humorous. I’ve seen transportation here that I have never seen before in my life. East German cars, the Trabant or “Trabi’s are hysterical. Their frames are actually wood and they’re tiny. They remind me of ducks. Smart cars are everywhere. You can fit two of them, one behind the other, in one parking spot. Hopefully if you opt to do this, you know the person you’re sharing your spot with. I know they were all the rage in the States last year and people were paying crazy prices for them. They’re not cheap here either, about 30,000 Euro. I don’t get it. Mini Coopers are plentiful here too; another tiny car, not much bigger than a “pregnant roller-skate”, as my father would say. Certain cars that are unable to at least drive the minimum autobahn speed limit are forbidden on the autobahn. If you can’t get out of the way, you’d better stay off the road.
You will see stuff on the road that amazes you. I laughed hysterically when I saw a four wheeler ATV on the highway. It wasn’t the autobahn, but similar, something like Route 32. It just surprised me that this was perfectly legal. Motorcycles are very popular here as well as scooters. The scooters are often outfitted with what looks like to me, armor. Picture a shield with a roof attached; very funny. And the sound they make; reminds me of a time in Martha’s Vineyard….I’ve seen 3 wheeled trucks, itty-bitty ones, more like a scooter with a truck bed. These vehicles don’t go very fast but they are legal. They drive to the side of the road so you just have to pass them. Large and small tractors are always driving down the road often pulling a trailer of some sort and horse and carriages are common as well. That really blew my mind the first time I saw it. I still run to the window to look if I hear them. It’s just so neat. They don’t usually drive on main roads, but it’s normal to see them driving through town.
Perhaps the most noticeable thing about the transportation here is the beautiful cars and the absence of junkers. OMG! Beautiful, new Mercedes Benz’s, BMW’s, VW’s, Alfa Romeo’s, Porsche’s, and Audi’s are everywhere. Keep in mind that driving these higher end vehicles here are like driving a Ford or Chevy in the states.
I saw a Porsche minivan for the very first time here. They’re actually fairly common. Very rarely do you see a clunker or even older car, unless it’s a classic. Why? The German motor vehicle requirements are much stricter. No rust or rot here, no sir! Another reason may be that older cars are quickly purchased by Eastern European countries; Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, etc. and sold there. It’s what they can generally afford, I guess. We’re actually driving our second BMW. I’m sure by German standards it’s considered a “clunker”. It’s a 1994, but in very good condition. It passed inspection and the body looks newer than it is. Hey, why not? I’ll never own one back home.
The transportation here in Germany is something you notice immediately; namely the different modes of transportation.
First and foremost, you notice the size of the cars. Since space is such a factor here, there is not a centimeter to spare. Parking spots are just big enough for your car to squeeze into and no more, especially if you’re driving a bigger American car. My husband drives a Dodge Ram which barely fits down the street, never mind in your average European parking spot. It was quite the novelty in our little town when we first arrived here, especially when I drove it on occasion. I had to drive it when a friend and I were going to see the musical “Mama Mia” and had to park with the buses! It wasn’t going to fit in the parking garage. God forbid if you’re claustrophobic and you park in a “parkhaus”. I’m not claustrophobic, but often feel that way driving in one of those to park. You can barely squeeze in and out.
Most cars here are small; often tiny and I think, quite humorous. I’ve seen transportation here that I have never seen before in my life. East German cars, the Trabant or “Trabi’s are hysterical. Their frames are actually wood and they’re tiny. They remind me of ducks. Smart cars are everywhere. You can fit two of them, one behind the other, in one parking spot. Hopefully if you opt to do this, you know the person you’re sharing your spot with. I know they were all the rage in the States last year and people were paying crazy prices for them. They’re not cheap here either, about 30,000 Euro. I don’t get it. Mini Coopers are plentiful here too; another tiny car, not much bigger than a “pregnant roller-skate”, as my father would say. Certain cars that are unable to at least drive the minimum autobahn speed limit are forbidden on the autobahn. If you can’t get out of the way, you’d better stay off the road.
You will see stuff on the road that amazes you. I laughed hysterically when I saw a four wheeler ATV on the highway. It wasn’t the autobahn, but similar, something like Route 32. It just surprised me that this was perfectly legal. Motorcycles are very popular here as well as scooters. The scooters are often outfitted with what looks like to me, armor. Picture a shield with a roof attached; very funny. And the sound they make; reminds me of a time in Martha’s Vineyard….I’ve seen 3 wheeled trucks, itty-bitty ones, more like a scooter with a truck bed. These vehicles don’t go very fast but they are legal. They drive to the side of the road so you just have to pass them. Large and small tractors are always driving down the road often pulling a trailer of some sort and horse and carriages are common as well. That really blew my mind the first time I saw it. I still run to the window to look if I hear them. It’s just so neat. They don’t usually drive on main roads, but it’s normal to see them driving through town.
Perhaps the most noticeable thing about the transportation here is the beautiful cars and the absence of junkers. OMG! Beautiful, new Mercedes Benz’s, BMW’s, VW’s, Alfa Romeo’s, Porsche’s, and Audi’s are everywhere. Keep in mind that driving these higher end vehicles here are like driving a Ford or Chevy in the states.
I saw a Porsche minivan for the very first time here. They’re actually fairly common. Very rarely do you see a clunker or even older car, unless it’s a classic. Why? The German motor vehicle requirements are much stricter. No rust or rot here, no sir! Another reason may be that older cars are quickly purchased by Eastern European countries; Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, etc. and sold there. It’s what they can generally afford, I guess. We’re actually driving our second BMW. I’m sure by German standards it’s considered a “clunker”. It’s a 1994, but in very good condition. It passed inspection and the body looks newer than it is. Hey, why not? I’ll never own one back home.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Automation
I saw the coolest thing the other day. I believe I’ve mentioned that the German lifestyle is very efficient. They have to make the most of the little space that they have, therefore they’re forced to be organized. Everything seems to be automated.
There are companies online that you order DVD’s from and they’re mailed to you. I use this service; however, I saw a variation of this here in Germany that amazed me. You go to this particular website, reserve your movie at least an hour before you want it, then go pick it up. No big deal you say, but it is. In the next town over from mine, there’s a shop that is fully automated. You scan your membership card and the door opens. You then swipe your card and make your choices: are you selecting a movie or picking it up? You select pick up and your DVD is ejected like from an ATM machine. Way cool.
You add whatever dollar amount you want to your membership account and it’s deducted as you rent your movies. And it’s cheap. If you bring back the movie within two hours, it will only cost you one Euro. Three or more hours are two Euros ($2.63). I was quite impressed. I’ve never seen anything like this in the states, but maybe I’m just out of the loop.
Another thing that is automated and I think is pretty darn nifty is a day at the spa. At one of the spas I went to, you get this watch band type thing when you enter. You use this to lock and unlock your locker (the face scans somehow) and you charge “the extras” like tanning, massages or lunch on this thing. When you leave, everything that was scanned on it is calculated and added to your hourly rate. It also tracks your time. Pretty wild. (Spas here are a whole other wild experience another story for some other time.)
Most of the bigger nightclubs are the same deal; automated. When you enter, you are given a card which you use when purchasing drinks. Buy a drink, it’s added to your card and you pay when you leave. You swipe your card when you’re leaving and pay using the machine. I would think this practice might be kind of risky, what if a person doesn’t have the money or a credit card? You don’t leave. There’s a turnstile that will let you out when you’ve paid your debt. Not sure what happens to those who can’t pay; probably a visit from the polizei (police). Guess you’d better make sure you know how much those drinks are. There’s also the hole punch system for drinks too; anything to make things easier.
While we’re on the subject of drinking and bars, I wanted to mention one more thing. I am used to “pay as you order” when it comes to drinking in most bars that I’ve been to in the States, however, that is often not the case here in Germany or maybe it’s a European thing. I’ve experienced that you pay when you leave, not for each drink as you order it. It took me awhile to get used to that. I’m not talking about in a busy nightclub, but in a not so busy smaller pub. Maybe they’re more trustworthy. Or they figure you’ll be back.
There are companies online that you order DVD’s from and they’re mailed to you. I use this service; however, I saw a variation of this here in Germany that amazed me. You go to this particular website, reserve your movie at least an hour before you want it, then go pick it up. No big deal you say, but it is. In the next town over from mine, there’s a shop that is fully automated. You scan your membership card and the door opens. You then swipe your card and make your choices: are you selecting a movie or picking it up? You select pick up and your DVD is ejected like from an ATM machine. Way cool.
You add whatever dollar amount you want to your membership account and it’s deducted as you rent your movies. And it’s cheap. If you bring back the movie within two hours, it will only cost you one Euro. Three or more hours are two Euros ($2.63). I was quite impressed. I’ve never seen anything like this in the states, but maybe I’m just out of the loop.
Another thing that is automated and I think is pretty darn nifty is a day at the spa. At one of the spas I went to, you get this watch band type thing when you enter. You use this to lock and unlock your locker (the face scans somehow) and you charge “the extras” like tanning, massages or lunch on this thing. When you leave, everything that was scanned on it is calculated and added to your hourly rate. It also tracks your time. Pretty wild. (Spas here are a whole other wild experience another story for some other time.)
Most of the bigger nightclubs are the same deal; automated. When you enter, you are given a card which you use when purchasing drinks. Buy a drink, it’s added to your card and you pay when you leave. You swipe your card when you’re leaving and pay using the machine. I would think this practice might be kind of risky, what if a person doesn’t have the money or a credit card? You don’t leave. There’s a turnstile that will let you out when you’ve paid your debt. Not sure what happens to those who can’t pay; probably a visit from the polizei (police). Guess you’d better make sure you know how much those drinks are. There’s also the hole punch system for drinks too; anything to make things easier.
While we’re on the subject of drinking and bars, I wanted to mention one more thing. I am used to “pay as you order” when it comes to drinking in most bars that I’ve been to in the States, however, that is often not the case here in Germany or maybe it’s a European thing. I’ve experienced that you pay when you leave, not for each drink as you order it. It took me awhile to get used to that. I’m not talking about in a busy nightclub, but in a not so busy smaller pub. Maybe they’re more trustworthy. Or they figure you’ll be back.
Monday, February 19, 2007
"Rose Monday"
Rose Monday is another Fasching holiday. If I wasn’t so lazy, I’d research it and find out the history, but all I know is that it’s part of the whole Fasching celebration. I wrote in a previous blog entry that Fasching is like Mardi Gras on steroids, in which there are parades and parties from late January to March. I chose not to indulge in the Fasching activities this year, my liver couldn’t take it. Did it all two years in a row; that was enough, although I love a good parade. I ran smack dab into one today. Actually, it had just ended in a town that I was driving through. I didn’t know it was happening today then I hit the traffic. It wasn’t too bad though. It so happened that today is an American holiday as well.
I should have known better since I heard drumming sounds this morning from the streets outside my apartment. I looked out my third floor window to see about 15 4 to5 year- old cowboys, ballerinas and a Hawaiian girl parading down the street banging on drums and shaking bells and other noise makers. Their teachers were dressed up too. It was quite cute. It was another one of those “you don’t see that everyday” moments. I’ve had quite a few of those here.
Further down the street I saw a couple of teenagers dressed up in their “Hexen” costumes. Again, “Hexe” is witch and there’s ton’s of these Hexen clubs all over Germany. Basically, they participate in parades by generally harassing the crowd by being noisy, throwing confetti, trying to scare people, marking them with ink, etc. It’s all great fun. Nothing satanic about it. Each group has their own distinct costume and wooden mask. Some to the masks are scary looking and some are comical. Some are downright creepy. Guggamusik groups participate in the parades too. That’s my favorite. They’re like party-marching bands. They too have their own unique costumes and masks. My favorite group, Bruggaklopfer-Neuhausen, changed their costumes last year. Originally they were cave-man looking furry costumes, now they’re dressed like matadors and the women wear Spanish type dresses. Really cool and very expensive, especially the masks. Everything is hand made. Their website is www.bruggklopfer.de. Check it out. If you click on “Bruggisound” you can hear a few of their songs. There’s one that you’ll recognize. It seems like so much fun to be involved in something like that. A lot of travel and partying involved. I’m sure they practice quite a bit too. They’re really good. I am an admitted groupie :) and have seen them perform on several occasions. I even hired them to entertain at my employee Holiday party for two years. It’s a big one; several hundred people attend and most of them have never heard nor seen this “Guggamusik”. The cameras were flashing. There was other entertainment as well.
We have been fortunate to have integrated quite well with the locals and so have been exposed to many cultural scenes and events that we probably wouldn’t have if we avoided meeting people and getting involved. It has a much more fun and enlightening experience because of this. It amazes me that there are some people who either live on the base and don’t venture off that often or live off the base, like we do, but stay in or only socialize with other Americans. I just don’t get it. Make the most of your situation for God’s sake! And, as the immortal words in a song by the band “Incubus” say, “Never let life pass you by”. Amen to that.
I should have known better since I heard drumming sounds this morning from the streets outside my apartment. I looked out my third floor window to see about 15 4 to5 year- old cowboys, ballerinas and a Hawaiian girl parading down the street banging on drums and shaking bells and other noise makers. Their teachers were dressed up too. It was quite cute. It was another one of those “you don’t see that everyday” moments. I’ve had quite a few of those here.
Further down the street I saw a couple of teenagers dressed up in their “Hexen” costumes. Again, “Hexe” is witch and there’s ton’s of these Hexen clubs all over Germany. Basically, they participate in parades by generally harassing the crowd by being noisy, throwing confetti, trying to scare people, marking them with ink, etc. It’s all great fun. Nothing satanic about it. Each group has their own distinct costume and wooden mask. Some to the masks are scary looking and some are comical. Some are downright creepy. Guggamusik groups participate in the parades too. That’s my favorite. They’re like party-marching bands. They too have their own unique costumes and masks. My favorite group, Bruggaklopfer-Neuhausen, changed their costumes last year. Originally they were cave-man looking furry costumes, now they’re dressed like matadors and the women wear Spanish type dresses. Really cool and very expensive, especially the masks. Everything is hand made. Their website is www.bruggklopfer.de. Check it out. If you click on “Bruggisound” you can hear a few of their songs. There’s one that you’ll recognize. It seems like so much fun to be involved in something like that. A lot of travel and partying involved. I’m sure they practice quite a bit too. They’re really good. I am an admitted groupie :) and have seen them perform on several occasions. I even hired them to entertain at my employee Holiday party for two years. It’s a big one; several hundred people attend and most of them have never heard nor seen this “Guggamusik”. The cameras were flashing. There was other entertainment as well.
We have been fortunate to have integrated quite well with the locals and so have been exposed to many cultural scenes and events that we probably wouldn’t have if we avoided meeting people and getting involved. It has a much more fun and enlightening experience because of this. It amazes me that there are some people who either live on the base and don’t venture off that often or live off the base, like we do, but stay in or only socialize with other Americans. I just don’t get it. Make the most of your situation for God’s sake! And, as the immortal words in a song by the band “Incubus” say, “Never let life pass you by”. Amen to that.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Samstag (Saturday)
I’m a great procrastinator; however, I’m quite proud of myself today for getting out of the house before noon. Getting out, meaning throwing some clothes on, brushing my hair and walking two buildings down to the bakery and back. It may not sound like much, but this is big happenings for someone who several years ago would never be seen in public having just crawled out of bed. Times have changed. Necessity and cravings for baked goods prevailed. I’m still procrastinating, hence my writing and online surfing during the day. I usually do this at night. I promised myself I would get something done in the house today, but what usually happens is that I look around me, get overwhelmed, and then do nothing. I do something other than what I need to do. I’m a list maker, which is my little “trick” to feel like I accomplished something by crossing it off the list. But I know it’s a “trick” so it doesn’t usually work.
I hate cleaning or organizing when my husband is around. I don’t know why, but I don’t think I’m alone in this. It’s probably because he’s a take charge kind of guy and I’ll have to do what I say I’m going to do. Darn him! On the list is defrosting the refrigerator. I have mentioned before that I hate the refrigerators here. They’re too small. My freezer drawers are covered in ice and you can barely open them, never mind put anything in them. It’s an undesirable, daunting task, but this has been going on for far too long….but the sun is shining.
Even if it’s raining people are still walking about, which is why you don’t see many overweight German’s, they’re much more active as a whole. It still amazes me to sporadically run into 10 or 15 people while walking in the woods, even if they’re just walking to a Hutte, a restaurant or bier garten in the middle of the woods. You can order something to eat and have a beer and be on your way. I love it. My husband loves it too, the getting active part. He hates to sit around on the weekends and will chomp at the bit to get out walking or biking and it’s something that we can do together. I’m less apt to go walking by myself, but I will now thanks to my trip to the bakery.
I hate cleaning or organizing when my husband is around. I don’t know why, but I don’t think I’m alone in this. It’s probably because he’s a take charge kind of guy and I’ll have to do what I say I’m going to do. Darn him! On the list is defrosting the refrigerator. I have mentioned before that I hate the refrigerators here. They’re too small. My freezer drawers are covered in ice and you can barely open them, never mind put anything in them. It’s an undesirable, daunting task, but this has been going on for far too long….but the sun is shining.
Even if it’s raining people are still walking about, which is why you don’t see many overweight German’s, they’re much more active as a whole. It still amazes me to sporadically run into 10 or 15 people while walking in the woods, even if they’re just walking to a Hutte, a restaurant or bier garten in the middle of the woods. You can order something to eat and have a beer and be on your way. I love it. My husband loves it too, the getting active part. He hates to sit around on the weekends and will chomp at the bit to get out walking or biking and it’s something that we can do together. I’m less apt to go walking by myself, but I will now thanks to my trip to the bakery.
By the way, this was published at 1:20 in the afternoon, which would be 5:20 am your time. I'm not sure what time you see on the blog site.
Have a wunderbar (wonderful) Saturday! Must defrost now…
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The phone call
I'm still feeling under the weather, but the blog must go on! Feeling uninspired, usually the words just flow out of me, so today’s blog may end up fairly short. We’ll see.
Ah, inspiration! I was going to talk about transportation, but my husband just called, which brought another idea to mind; one of the many challenges of being a military spouse: the phone call when you’re husband is deployed.
I try to keep a list of things I want to ask him or bring up when he calls during the long deployments so I wouldn’t forget. I never know when he’ll call and I can’t call him. Things come up over the course of time, and I would think of things that I want to discuss, but have a memory like a sieve, so it’s better I write things down. He hasn’t been gone that long this trip, but it doesn’t matter; immediately after hanging up the phone I’m wondering if I forgot to tell him something. I hate that.
It’s worse when he’s been deployed for longer periods of time to horrible places. The fears and questions are even more prevalent. Think marriage is struggle? Try this on for size. I have to determine what to bring up and what not to when he calls when I haven’t seen my husband in 6 months. Do I make a decision about something and hope that it’s the right one or do I ask him now while I have him on the phone? When is a good time to discuss something that’s been weighing on my heart and mind? While he’s busy watching his back? Do I let something eat at me for another three months or do I burden him with it on the phone when he has to deal with God knows what the next day? And…if I do decide that I want to discuss/share/vent during a particular phone call, will that be the last time I talk to him, ever? Talk about having to make a heavy decision sometimes…
I will say it’s taken me awhile to figure that out. Not discussing usually outweighs discussing given the circumstances, which means discussing when he is home; when he’s glad to be finally home and comfortable and adjusting to the routine of everyday life. Is it a good time to vent then? It’s not so easy.
Yes, we military wives know to a point what we are in for, but you’re never quite prepared for all of it. So many things come up that you never thought would and you never really know how strong you are until you suddenly realize that you’re coping. You don’t know how, but you are. It get’s tiring though. I’m tired of having to be strong all the time, but you just have to. No one else will do it for you.
He’ll be home next week. This was a short trip this time. Short is better of course, but all deployments are the same. A military spouse never really get’s used to it. We become more experienced with it, figure out what we need to do to cope, but never really get used to it.
Furthermore, one more super thing about deployments…we’ve been married for 3 years and this is the 3rd Valentine’s Day that we’ve been apart! Bottom line, deployments will happen, it's their job, deal with it. There's always next year!
Ah, inspiration! I was going to talk about transportation, but my husband just called, which brought another idea to mind; one of the many challenges of being a military spouse: the phone call when you’re husband is deployed.
I try to keep a list of things I want to ask him or bring up when he calls during the long deployments so I wouldn’t forget. I never know when he’ll call and I can’t call him. Things come up over the course of time, and I would think of things that I want to discuss, but have a memory like a sieve, so it’s better I write things down. He hasn’t been gone that long this trip, but it doesn’t matter; immediately after hanging up the phone I’m wondering if I forgot to tell him something. I hate that.
It’s worse when he’s been deployed for longer periods of time to horrible places. The fears and questions are even more prevalent. Think marriage is struggle? Try this on for size. I have to determine what to bring up and what not to when he calls when I haven’t seen my husband in 6 months. Do I make a decision about something and hope that it’s the right one or do I ask him now while I have him on the phone? When is a good time to discuss something that’s been weighing on my heart and mind? While he’s busy watching his back? Do I let something eat at me for another three months or do I burden him with it on the phone when he has to deal with God knows what the next day? And…if I do decide that I want to discuss/share/vent during a particular phone call, will that be the last time I talk to him, ever? Talk about having to make a heavy decision sometimes…
I will say it’s taken me awhile to figure that out. Not discussing usually outweighs discussing given the circumstances, which means discussing when he is home; when he’s glad to be finally home and comfortable and adjusting to the routine of everyday life. Is it a good time to vent then? It’s not so easy.
Yes, we military wives know to a point what we are in for, but you’re never quite prepared for all of it. So many things come up that you never thought would and you never really know how strong you are until you suddenly realize that you’re coping. You don’t know how, but you are. It get’s tiring though. I’m tired of having to be strong all the time, but you just have to. No one else will do it for you.
He’ll be home next week. This was a short trip this time. Short is better of course, but all deployments are the same. A military spouse never really get’s used to it. We become more experienced with it, figure out what we need to do to cope, but never really get used to it.
Furthermore, one more super thing about deployments…we’ve been married for 3 years and this is the 3rd Valentine’s Day that we’ve been apart! Bottom line, deployments will happen, it's their job, deal with it. There's always next year!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The World Cup
I just received a video tape of the Super Bowl in the mail. Of course, I know who won, but that’s not the point. It’s the whole Super Bowl experience. It’s an American pastime and unfortunately one that we pretty much miss out on here. Besides an excuse to party, part of the fun is the entertaining commercials. I haven’t watched it yet, so I don’t know if they were any good this year.
Here in Europe this summer, I had the opportunity to experience a WORLDWIDE sports event, the World Cup (Soccer aka football in the UK and “Fussball” in Germany). I feel very fortunate that we happened to be living here during this time, when Germany was hosting the games. I think it only happens every 4 years. Correct me if I’m wrong.
I am not a huge sports fan, but you could not help but caught up in the events. Everyday life revolved around these games. It was amazing. Every town, from the smallest to the largest, rallied together to experience this. Tents and large screens were set up in city centers, market squares, firehouses, wherever large crowds could meet (of course food and beverages were available as well :) and hundreds to thousands of people gathered to watch. Downtown Stuttgart was a madhouse (Stuttgart is the largest urban city closest to me; it houses an airport and a main train station). A few hours before each game was aired, it would start to get crowded with fans, especially if Germany was playing. People wore their countries’ colors and some wore crazy costumes and everyone was waving a flag. There was hardly any traffic because everyone was somewhere watching the games. All was quiet except for the roar of the crowds or TV’s blaring in everyone’s house.
People planned their lives around these games. Huge corporations shut down when Germany was playing for 3rd place (Daimler Chrysler). We’re talking about letting 30,000 people stay home for the day. It was insane. Since the games were being played in Germany, I think it brought the country some much needed pride. It was nice to see just about everyone displaying a German flag on their car or out of their house or apartment window. I felt pride for them and it gave us an opportunity to feel like we were part of the community. Of course we routed for Germany (after USA was out of the running) and it gave us a little something more in common; something we could relate to with our host country.
I was sad when it was over. It was a very exciting time. I’ve never experienced something so large scale like that; something so passionate. Yes, the Super Bowl can be just as exciting on a national level, but it is not something the whole world cares about. I do get homesick during the Super Bowl though. I miss the commradery and the parties and having nachos and beer!
Here in Europe this summer, I had the opportunity to experience a WORLDWIDE sports event, the World Cup (Soccer aka football in the UK and “Fussball” in Germany). I feel very fortunate that we happened to be living here during this time, when Germany was hosting the games. I think it only happens every 4 years. Correct me if I’m wrong.
I am not a huge sports fan, but you could not help but caught up in the events. Everyday life revolved around these games. It was amazing. Every town, from the smallest to the largest, rallied together to experience this. Tents and large screens were set up in city centers, market squares, firehouses, wherever large crowds could meet (of course food and beverages were available as well :) and hundreds to thousands of people gathered to watch. Downtown Stuttgart was a madhouse (Stuttgart is the largest urban city closest to me; it houses an airport and a main train station). A few hours before each game was aired, it would start to get crowded with fans, especially if Germany was playing. People wore their countries’ colors and some wore crazy costumes and everyone was waving a flag. There was hardly any traffic because everyone was somewhere watching the games. All was quiet except for the roar of the crowds or TV’s blaring in everyone’s house.
People planned their lives around these games. Huge corporations shut down when Germany was playing for 3rd place (Daimler Chrysler). We’re talking about letting 30,000 people stay home for the day. It was insane. Since the games were being played in Germany, I think it brought the country some much needed pride. It was nice to see just about everyone displaying a German flag on their car or out of their house or apartment window. I felt pride for them and it gave us an opportunity to feel like we were part of the community. Of course we routed for Germany (after USA was out of the running) and it gave us a little something more in common; something we could relate to with our host country.
I was sad when it was over. It was a very exciting time. I’ve never experienced something so large scale like that; something so passionate. Yes, the Super Bowl can be just as exciting on a national level, but it is not something the whole world cares about. I do get homesick during the Super Bowl though. I miss the commradery and the parties and having nachos and beer!
Monday, February 12, 2007
A shell on the sidewalk
I’ve been sick with a cold since Saturday but I dragged myself out of the house for about 20 minutes just to get some air. I walked down the street and on my way back I found a shell on the edge of the sidewalk. It was one of those snail shells. I found myself wondering how the hell it got there. Shells are usually associated with water. There is a pond several miles away, but still, how did it get there? Did some snail decide to do some wandering or maybe someone picked it up while they were out walking and it fell out of their pocket. I just found it really strange and it got me thinking about where I normally find shells, in or by the ocean. This brought me to start compiling a list in my head of things I miss from home in Connecticut. These are in no particular order, just the order they come to mind.
1) First and foremost, the ocean. God, I miss salt water and everything associated with it, the smells, the sound, the treasures you find, and…
2) Seafood. They serve seafood here in Southern Germany, but nothing like good old New England seafood. I have yet to eat lobster here; it’s not normally on the menu. If it is, it’s pretty expensive and nothing like we’re used to. The salmon is wonderful here as well as the steamed mussels. Where they get them and how fresh they are, I don’t know. Everything tastes fresh. Great fish markets here too, but there isn’t an ocean anywhere near here. It’s a mystery. I just really miss lobster and steamers dripping with butter.
3) Dunkin’ Donuts, Bess Eaton or Krispie Kreme bakeries. The bakeries rock here. This is the best bread I have ever had and there are bakeries everywhere, but every once in awhile I just miss donuts. The only donuts I’ve seen here are called “Berliners” (there’s some historical story to the name, but I can’t remember it right now and my husband, Mr. History himself, is deployed for a few weeks). Basically, they’re granulated sugar coated jelly donuts, typically strawberry or raspberry. That’s it, no crème filled, assorted jelly filled, chocolate filled donuts at all. I guess that’s for the best.
4) Music selection on the radio. Yes, you can hear top 40, hip hop, classic rock, classical and traditional German music on the radio, all of which I like, but no Motown, blues, funk or much alternative. I did find a college station which plays more alternative, but it’s often too alternative if you know what I mean. I usually listen to this great classic rock station which plays an awesome assortment of classic rock, anything from Frank Zappa to an obscure Janis Joplin tune to Nirvana, so I kind of get my fill there. Not enough though and I was never one to down load music, I guess I’m just lazy. I did finally buy an MP3 player, but never opened the package! I guess I’m archaic.
5) Available parking. Parking is a challenge here. As I’ve previously mentioned, Germans are planners and let me tell you, there are barely inches to spare. You will feel quite claustrophobic in the parking garages here especially if you own a big, American car. Most European cars are much smaller, thus parking spots are small too. Even for the small cars. There is no extra space here in Germany. Every square inch of it is accounted for and has its purpose and the same goes for parking spots on the street. I have not and will never be able to master parallel parking; it’s just not in my genes, so I will often search for an alternative space. We live in a third floor apt and have to park on the street which drives me crazy. I can’t wait to have a driveway again someday!
6) No language barrier. After living here 2+ years, I’ve kind of learned to tune things out. It’s exhausting and frustrating trying to learn and understand all the time. I understand enough of the language to carry on a conversation, ask what I want, answer questions, and get around, but it’s frustrating not understanding everything. It’s a bummer turning on the radio to the news and maybe getting a slight gist of what they’re talking about. I often feel very out of touch with the world. Plus there’s dialect here too, which I don’t understand at all.
7) Obviously, my family and friends. Yes, they’re only a phone call away, but with a 6 hour time difference, which is a bummer if you really want to talk to someone but its 3:00 am on the East Coast. I have refrained from waking people up.
8) Concerts! I was a concert queen back home. Love concerts and music and would go to at least a half dozen a year, especially with the conveniently located Arena at the Mohegan Sun. The concert scene here in Germany is much less convenient and plentiful. There are a few arenas close to me, but I’ve found I’ve gone to more shows in the smaller venues, which are actually better. Again, the problem is the variety isn’t here or the frequency. This is Europe and more European stars will naturally tour here and the big, mainstream pop stars—Madonna, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Pink (she tours here in Germany all the time), Bon Jovi, etc. NIN will be here next month and you have your hair bands (80’s music is huge here), but like I said above, not enough alternative or blues around. You will find obscure concerts here like DIO, Ted Nugent (both of which I’ve seen in a small setting which was great) Ah-Ha, Simply Red, Genesis (huge here), Dire Straits, Bryan Adams (also huge here), etc. It’s just different. I guess I was just spoiled with the convenience and variety back home.
9) American TV! AFN (Armed Forces Network) is available to us, but you have to buy the decoder and a satellite and we just never did it. We have “Premiere”, which is German which has about 6 movie channels that we watch and CNN. Everything else is in German. You can change the language on some of the movies, some of the time. There is a Series channel which has aired “Lost”, “Desperate Housewives”, “Sopranos” and “Medium”. Other series air on other channels which unfortunately are only in German. These series are aired sporadically and I honestly can’t say if they’re up to date or they’re showing last season because I’m so out of the loop! I have no idea what season of “Lost” we’re on now and “Desperate Housewives” is now MIA. We do on occasion rent series, however, it turns into a two-day, all night marathon which is not good during the week, but we’re so deprived! I recently rented the first season of “Grey’s Anatomy” just to see what the fuss is about and I’m now hooked. What season is being aired now? And the Superbowl….my Dad taped it for me. It is aired on AFN, sans commercials (something to do with AFN being owned by the government). Since there’s a time difference, it didn’t start here until midnight!
That’s it for now. I can easily add to the list, but this is getting long enough. I did want to mention that although I miss many things from back home, I have now discovered many wonderful things here that I will miss when we return to the states. That will be another list for another time.
1) First and foremost, the ocean. God, I miss salt water and everything associated with it, the smells, the sound, the treasures you find, and…
2) Seafood. They serve seafood here in Southern Germany, but nothing like good old New England seafood. I have yet to eat lobster here; it’s not normally on the menu. If it is, it’s pretty expensive and nothing like we’re used to. The salmon is wonderful here as well as the steamed mussels. Where they get them and how fresh they are, I don’t know. Everything tastes fresh. Great fish markets here too, but there isn’t an ocean anywhere near here. It’s a mystery. I just really miss lobster and steamers dripping with butter.
3) Dunkin’ Donuts, Bess Eaton or Krispie Kreme bakeries. The bakeries rock here. This is the best bread I have ever had and there are bakeries everywhere, but every once in awhile I just miss donuts. The only donuts I’ve seen here are called “Berliners” (there’s some historical story to the name, but I can’t remember it right now and my husband, Mr. History himself, is deployed for a few weeks). Basically, they’re granulated sugar coated jelly donuts, typically strawberry or raspberry. That’s it, no crème filled, assorted jelly filled, chocolate filled donuts at all. I guess that’s for the best.
4) Music selection on the radio. Yes, you can hear top 40, hip hop, classic rock, classical and traditional German music on the radio, all of which I like, but no Motown, blues, funk or much alternative. I did find a college station which plays more alternative, but it’s often too alternative if you know what I mean. I usually listen to this great classic rock station which plays an awesome assortment of classic rock, anything from Frank Zappa to an obscure Janis Joplin tune to Nirvana, so I kind of get my fill there. Not enough though and I was never one to down load music, I guess I’m just lazy. I did finally buy an MP3 player, but never opened the package! I guess I’m archaic.
5) Available parking. Parking is a challenge here. As I’ve previously mentioned, Germans are planners and let me tell you, there are barely inches to spare. You will feel quite claustrophobic in the parking garages here especially if you own a big, American car. Most European cars are much smaller, thus parking spots are small too. Even for the small cars. There is no extra space here in Germany. Every square inch of it is accounted for and has its purpose and the same goes for parking spots on the street. I have not and will never be able to master parallel parking; it’s just not in my genes, so I will often search for an alternative space. We live in a third floor apt and have to park on the street which drives me crazy. I can’t wait to have a driveway again someday!
6) No language barrier. After living here 2+ years, I’ve kind of learned to tune things out. It’s exhausting and frustrating trying to learn and understand all the time. I understand enough of the language to carry on a conversation, ask what I want, answer questions, and get around, but it’s frustrating not understanding everything. It’s a bummer turning on the radio to the news and maybe getting a slight gist of what they’re talking about. I often feel very out of touch with the world. Plus there’s dialect here too, which I don’t understand at all.
7) Obviously, my family and friends. Yes, they’re only a phone call away, but with a 6 hour time difference, which is a bummer if you really want to talk to someone but its 3:00 am on the East Coast. I have refrained from waking people up.
8) Concerts! I was a concert queen back home. Love concerts and music and would go to at least a half dozen a year, especially with the conveniently located Arena at the Mohegan Sun. The concert scene here in Germany is much less convenient and plentiful. There are a few arenas close to me, but I’ve found I’ve gone to more shows in the smaller venues, which are actually better. Again, the problem is the variety isn’t here or the frequency. This is Europe and more European stars will naturally tour here and the big, mainstream pop stars—Madonna, Snoop Dog, Justin Timberlake, Pink (she tours here in Germany all the time), Bon Jovi, etc. NIN will be here next month and you have your hair bands (80’s music is huge here), but like I said above, not enough alternative or blues around. You will find obscure concerts here like DIO, Ted Nugent (both of which I’ve seen in a small setting which was great) Ah-Ha, Simply Red, Genesis (huge here), Dire Straits, Bryan Adams (also huge here), etc. It’s just different. I guess I was just spoiled with the convenience and variety back home.
9) American TV! AFN (Armed Forces Network) is available to us, but you have to buy the decoder and a satellite and we just never did it. We have “Premiere”, which is German which has about 6 movie channels that we watch and CNN. Everything else is in German. You can change the language on some of the movies, some of the time. There is a Series channel which has aired “Lost”, “Desperate Housewives”, “Sopranos” and “Medium”. Other series air on other channels which unfortunately are only in German. These series are aired sporadically and I honestly can’t say if they’re up to date or they’re showing last season because I’m so out of the loop! I have no idea what season of “Lost” we’re on now and “Desperate Housewives” is now MIA. We do on occasion rent series, however, it turns into a two-day, all night marathon which is not good during the week, but we’re so deprived! I recently rented the first season of “Grey’s Anatomy” just to see what the fuss is about and I’m now hooked. What season is being aired now? And the Superbowl….my Dad taped it for me. It is aired on AFN, sans commercials (something to do with AFN being owned by the government). Since there’s a time difference, it didn’t start here until midnight!
That’s it for now. I can easily add to the list, but this is getting long enough. I did want to mention that although I miss many things from back home, I have now discovered many wonderful things here that I will miss when we return to the states. That will be another list for another time.
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