Goodbye Deutschland!

Back in November I found myself at a crossroad! I realized that it was time for a change, I just wasn't sure what that change needed to be.

When I moved to Germany, I knew that it would be hard. I knew that I would probably get to know myself very well and that I would learn how to be alone. I certainly did not realize just how hard it would be for me. When I wake up in the morning, I walk into the kitchen and am met by Germans speaking German. I get on the tram or bus and I am surrounded by the buz of people speaking German. I get on the train and yet again, everyone around e is peaking German. I can only understand key words, so it is as though i walk through the day in a dreamlike world. I don't really have any influences on my thoughts beside the things I see or do myself. I rarely have the opportunity to speak with other native English speakers, so my day to day conversations lack a great deal of depth. Nobody is here to question my thoughts or keep me on my toes. I never knew what this could do to my state of mind.

Living in Germany has not only been character building, but it has also broadened my perspective on life. Although I have not necessarily changed my opinions on many issues, living here has afforded me the opportunity to see how other people live and think. One issue that comes to mind is the concept of family. In Germany, especially the former east, it is very common for woman to have children on their own, intentionally. Some think that it is easier to have kids when you are still in school and have a more flexible schedule (sometimes even still in High School). The government also provides substantial benefits for having children and the culture is far more welcoming of bringing children into house parties, and any number of other social activities. As an American, I think about responsibility and the need to be financially and emotionally secure before having children. In the US, we do not have a social system that catches you if you can't find a job. in Germany, you can go jobless for half your life and the system will still provide you with an apartment and food...and more money if you have children.

I admit that I am tired of comparing cultures and feeling constantly judged for simply being American. I never hear criticism over emigrants from other parts of the world, but when it comes to Americans, I feel like I am a dart board! We all eat nothing but fast food, we are war mongers and care about nothing but ourselves, we are competitive, we are stupid and poorly educated, We are all loud and overpowering in conversation, we are all prude, we are all fat, we pop pills for everything and so on. Although many of these stereotypes are true, most of them require further explanation due to various factors in our environment. For example, American's work far more than European cultures. We have 3 weeks of vacation per year whereas the average in Germany is 6 weeks. We often group our sick leave with our vacation time, in Germany you have unlimited sick leave so you stay home when you get sick. In the States we tend to pop some sort of pill to make ourselves feel better so that we can still go to work unless we are on our death beds! We are agressive about our jobs because we don't have a social system to catch us if we lose our jobs. We don't have the same job security that Germans do, so we tend to be somewhat competitive over keeping our jobs. the differences are all very interesting, but one gets tired of hearing constant swings at being "Ami". I am ready to be around other people who can relate on a deeper level again. I am exhausted!

I wasn't sure what should come next. One year of working holiday in Australia? Graduate School here in Germany where it's free? I was really on the fence about these two options when it dawned on me that the solution to all of my issues would be solved by going back to where it all started. HORSES!

On June 14 I will return to the United States. After the 4th of July weekend, I will return to the Central Coast of California where I will go back to working for Gina Miles. I will go back into training and start to build a riding school under Gina's business. I am not only excited to train and work with Gina again, but I love this part of the country and I love teaching children. This time I am following my heart and ignoring reason! After all I am woman, hear me roar!

Cornerstone

I don't think that I used to feel melancholy in the winter. But living in Germany has brought out a part of me that I didn't know I have. Here the rain never really leaves. In autumn, the sun starts to disappear earlier and earlier and earlier. The cold sets in around September and never really lifts again until late May or June. It isn't the type of cold that I'm used to in Colorado. Here, where I am surrounded by beautiful lakes, canals and rivers, the moisture never really leaves the air.

This has been a mild winter compared to last. The sun is coming back a little more each day. I have really learned how to appreciate the sun. I think I understand why people through history have worshiped her.

Next weekend I travel to Barcelona to meet up with Casey. She is spending another month in Paris this year. Rather than meeting there again, we decided to go someplace new for both of us. We also both want the sun!

Work is still work, but things are becoming more challenging and therefore more fulfilling. the house is still a work in progress...or did forget to write about the house?

Ah the Blumenstrasse haus! My flatmates over the past year decided to purchase their first home as a group of three people. They decided to buy a house of 6 apartments that needs renovation. The house is in a fantastic area. We are just a fife minute walk from the famous Schloss Sansucci gardens and castle! For running, I am in an ideal location for scenic trails. I jog through the castle walls and gardens, then up or down the steps of the terrace and later into the nearby forest.

When we first moved to the house we went nearly one month without hot water. Although this would be a problem under any circumstances aside from camping or visiting a third world country, it was especially frustrating during the last month of my marathon training.

Aside from the issues of hot water, the room I was meant to take ended up having a mold problem. While the mold was drying, I was redirected into another apartment in the house that lacked heating aside from a coal burning oven. Ah yes, a valuable skill to have when living in eastern Germany: "how to start a coal burning oven"! I was in the room until November, then I was able to move down into the flat with the kitchen and bathroom and heating!

What an adventure! I am having peculiar experiences in every part of my life. Although I enjoy the learning and perspective shaping experiences, I am exhausted. Some-days my brain feels like it's going to burst. Every facet of my life is stimulating in some capacity. I need rest... I miss my friends, family and culture. But I am strong.

On the flip side!

Well, I guess it has been quite some time since I last updated this blog. I suppose it's because I started training for a marathon back in May and it sucked up all of my spare time.

Back in May, I decided that I was sick of being openly criticized by the Germans for being "overweight". You see, a certain sterotype runs with being an American. According to most Europeans that I have met, we Americans don't know what is going on around the world because we care only about ourselves. We have an obsession with materialism and consume everything we can get our grubby little hands on. We are loud, errogant, rude, prude and over religious. We Americans are ALL fat and lazy. At one point I said to a colleague that I had a headach. His response to me was that I needed more exercize. Another time I was sitting down for lunch in the breakroom at work. I had a sandwich in front of me with deli meat and veggies. A male colleague told me that I was making a poor choice in food and "needed to go on a diet". Though I admit that many of the stereotypes are true to some Americans, I always defend my country and try to explain the size of the country and the variety of people that live so many different lifestyles within.

Finally, fed up beyond belief for my constant efforts in defending myself, I decided that I would run a marathon. Not only did I want to regain descipline in my life, but I wanted to get back in shape and pull my life back together in honor of my father. With inspiriation brought on by my brother and his recent life changes, I decided that nothing was impossible. I needed to prove something to myself and hoped that I could shove the American stereotype right back in the face of the judegmental!

On October 10th I crossed the finish line of my first marathon. 26.2 miles through the streets of Munich, Germany. It was a lovely city and a lovely autumn day, though I can hardly say it was enjoyable, while I pushed my body far beyond my physical and mental pain thresholds. I admit that I actually cryed when I crossed the finish line. I had trained for 6 months and it was all over. A sense of relief and accomplishment poored over my body and soul and for the first time since the death of my father, I felt a sense of balance in my life. I am woman, hear me roar! I CAN do anything, "the only limitations in life are the ones you set for yourself".

So here I am...27 years old, college degree, house owner, working for a German satellite company, living in Europe, travelling every chance I get, marathoner and lover of life. Now i ask myself, what next?

Jetplanes and Volcanos

Volcano ash and a huge workload have left me grounded in Germany since early April. Since my last trip I have rediscovered my passion for running. I am finally back up to a solid 10 km distance for my weekend long runs, which leaves me feeling inspired to take on the world, ambitious beyond reason. I don’t know what it is about running, but it seems to bring my confidence out. It is also interesting to notice how my complacency toward mundane work tasks seems to dissipate and an aggressive side of my personality rises to the surface.

Pictured is a typical German weekend breakfast!

Next week my mother will come to visit. I am so excited for this upcoming vacation, maybe more so for her than for myself. My mom hasn’t taken a real vacation in 13 years and I am looking forward to spoiling her rotten. Assuming that her flight is not cancelled due to volcano ash or the British Airways strike, she will fly into Berlin and from here we will fly to Croatia together. I am taking two weeks off of work, and can hardly contain myself with the excitement of having so much free time. I don’t think I have had two consecutive weeks off of work since I graduated from University. I really do love the European lifestyle!

Sweden, Paris, Austria

It's been awhile! It is amazing how time slips by. I have been having so much fun working and traveling that I had hardly noticed how long it had been since I last wrote.

In February I traveled to Stockholm, Sweden. I found a travel deal called "blind booking" where you simply enter in your travel dates and it sends you someplace at random. Perhaps Stockholm was not the greatest place to go in the dead of winter, but an experience nonetheless.

I arrived in Stockholm and checked into my hostel, close to the center of town. I couldn't believe how cold it was. The weather had just started to warm up in Germany, so it was a real shock to my system. the worst thing about it is that it was windy and damp. I just couldn't get warm. I ended up spending my weekend indoors. I did a great deal of shopping and walking. I skipped the museums this trip, but rather decided to spend my money on a brunch cruise through the various islands. The ship had to break ice the whole way, but the scenery was breathtaking.

One weekend later, I returned to Paris by train with my flatmate Katharina. My dear friend Casey from high school was working there for a couple months, so I was able to meet up with her. This trip to Paris was far more enjoyable, seeing as I had such wonderful company. We enjoyed sitting in cafes, a second round at The Louvre and many other wonderful museums and walks around the city.

On Sunday, a wind storm crept into the city and nearly blew us over. I could lean into the wind and not fall to the ground. When we first left Casey's apartment, we stopped at a classic french open air market where we purchased fresh cheeses. We grabbed a couple bags of wine, then packed them for the journey home later that evening. We spent the whole day inside, then made our way to the train station to return to Berlin. We had planed to go straight to work in the morning, but we ended up getting stuck at the border of France and Germany due to the storm. After changing trains four times over the course of twenty-one hours, we finally made it back to Berlin. Though we had to call in sick to work that day, we were fortunate enough to have delicious french cheese, bread and wine to sustain us through the journey. I am not quite sure what I think of train travel at this point.

Over Easter break, my flatmates, three other individuals and I travelled to Austria to bike along the Danube valley. We had decided to bike 230 km (143 miles) from Linz to Vienna over the course of two and a half days. Having biked very little all winter and having never been much of a biker, I was pretty skeptical of my own capabilities. Fortunately, I discovered that it is a great deal like long distance running...mind over matter. When you push yourself beyond a certain threshold, it becomes easy to zone out and find a rhythm. It is somewhat meditative and gave me a chance to spend some time contemplating my life.

The worst part of the bike trip was my butt getting sore. At one point, my break started catching and I peddled about 20 km with the break on before discovering the cause of the problem. I was exhausted at the end of that day. The next day, I awoke with a cold and was terribly dehydrated. I didn't think I would be able to finish the trip, but I pushed myself beyond matter and was able to complete the next 80 km without fail. In fact, I had more energy at the end of that day than I had the night before. Now I wonder if my break hadn't been dragging for the entirety of the first day.

We woke up to pouring rain on the last morning of our trip. We had stayed in a bed and breakfast just 20 km outside of Vienna because it was cheaper than Vienna and we could be sure to find vacancies. However, we had not anticipated the rain. Nonetheless, we bundled ourselves in rain gear and completed the last short stretch into Vienna (Wien) where we returned out rented bikes. We spent the remainder of the day exploring the city, then caught a night train back to Berlin. Katharina and I went straight to work the next morning...a little sweaty and smelly I'm sure! What an experience...

Next trip is Croatia with my beautiful mother. She is coming to visit me in May. I am not only exited to see her, but I am thrilled that she will finally have a real vacation for the first time in years.

My Apologies

Sorry if I go for long stints of time without writting. Life has become so crazy that it is hard to find time to sit down and write. I just returned from Stockholm, Sweden yessterday, and I return to Paris on Thursday. What a life! I have lots of stories to tell and pictures to add. Check back soon!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ahhhhhh what a trip! I called a cab at four in the morning. When the driver arrived, he opened his trunk to load my backpack. I caught a glimpse of his bag, embroidered with a swastika. I felt very uncomfortable getting into the cab with this individual, but nonetheless needed to catch my flight. Suddenly, I looked out the window and started to panic. I realized that I did not recognize where we were going. I started flashing on all the terrible things that were about to happen to me. Then... we were at the Haupbahnhof (main station). It turns out that he took me the most direct route and charged me about five Euros less than any other taxi driver had previously charged.

Leaving Germany in the dead of winter really leaves something to be desired. I spent a little extra money on a ticket with KLM Airlines to avoid flying with RyanAire. RyanAir is a cheap airline that has a nack for having planes catch on fire and charging for such things as using the toilet on board. However, flying on the more expensive airline did not eliminate the fact that I had to walk outside to board my plane. It was cold and windy when I boarded at seven in the morning. The airport did not seem to know how to deal with the cold weather in any efficient sort of manner, so the flight was delayed while I waited for the company to de-ice the wings. Finally, I was off to Scotland for a visit with Angela.

When I arrived in Edinburgh, I was met by strong winds and later snow. The temperature was about zero degrees C for my entire stay. However, it felt much colder with the damp climate and wind. the streets were all incredibly icy and it appears that there are no rules requiring anybody to shovel or de-ice sidewalks. It was like walking across a city made of ice. It was hard to look up and see the city when you're focusing on the ice beneath your shoes. I will certainly return for another visit in a slightly warmer season.

On my first day, Angela and I grabbed lunch at a pie shop. It was a real treat since pie doesn't really exist in Germany. I was sick with a terrible cough (which I ended up giving to poor Angela) and so we rested for a great deal more of the day, then met up with her friend Nick for the start of Hogmanay. We walked to the center of town and met a large parade of thousands of people carrying torches. We followed the torches up the hill where a giant X was burned in tradition, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes and men in Kilts. After the bonfire, a fireworks show was displayed over the city. It was something far more impressive than any fourth of July fireworks display I had ever seen. After that, each night seemed to focus around some sort of fire burning ritual. I suppose that this was a display of old Pagan traditions carried on.

Over the next few days, Angela and I visited Roslyn Chapel, took a ghost tour, walked around much of the city center, had a nice Scottish breakfast and hiked to the castle. We also ate a great deal. It was such a treat after having been living in Germany where the Menus are in German and almost every meal consists f potatoes and pork. Roslyn Chapel was truly a work of art. I was mesmerised by the detailed stone carvings throughout the entire structure. The ghost tour was freezing, though an interesting opportunity to go to the famous haunted Grey Friars Graveyard.

For New Years, I joined Angela and her friends at a traditional Scottish Ceilidh. For those of you who don't know, this is like a Celtic "square dance". A huge group of strangers and friends joined each other to dance traditional group dances with live Scottish music. The music was great and the whole experience was a real hoot. I really hate any sort of dancing that requires choreography because I am far to discombobulated to remember left from right while putting my feet down in certain directions. Watching everyone was slightly more entertaining for me, but I managed to get lost from the group by doing this. I stood in the same place the majority of the night, knowing right where everyone was. However, they moved while looking for me and I couldn't find them anymore. I knew that one of them had seen me standing (at the highest point in area), so I assumed they all knew where I was. Apparently they had walked right by me and we had not seen each other. Anyway, after frightening Angela to death, we watched the fireworks at midnight, danced a bit more and walked back home.

Overall, the trip was fantastic. I wish it had been warmer, but Angela was a great tour guide and her friend Nick was a great pub guide. Nick took us to all sorts of interesting pubs across Edinburgh. One place called Jackyl and Hide was even equipped with a secret bookshelf passage into the bathrooms. He also took us to two fantastic live Celtic music pubs. The first one we entered was tiny inside. The music was varied and the people were jolly. We moved on to a place with more space called the Black Oak. They had a group of ten or more fiddlers and other accompaniments playing Scottish reels and jigs. Being a fiddler myself, I nearly melted in enjoyment. Here I tasted a bit of Scotch and some great hard apple cider.

It was three thirty in the morning when I left for the airport to return home. Angela and Nick stayed up with me since it seemed pointless to try sleeping for such a short time. The taxi driver thanked me for not being another drunk customer and ended up giving me a discount on my cab fare, then I checked in for my flight and had some breakfast. I boarded my flight, then fell asleep instantly. I woke up to hear the announcement for takeoff, and realized that the flight had been delayed and I had slept through the hour wait on the plane. I arrived in Berlin nearly two hours late and made it home to crash into my lovely, warm bed.

Rocking the Boat

Papa always told me that "the only limitations in life are the ones you set for yourself". Although I have always taken this heart, I think that I have just now realized what he meant. After having been stuck in a rut for the last four years of my life, I feel as though I have wiggled myself loose from a net cowardice.

Some have called these last few years of my life the "quarter life crisis". You know, the time in your life that nobody warns you about. The time when you graduate college, feeling as though you are at the top of your game. Feeling invincible and ready to take on the world. You start to apply for your dream jobs, only to find that nobody will hire you because you don't have real work experience. You find yourself lost and frustrated, just waiting for somebody to recognize your potential. Slowly you let go of your expectations and accept the fact that you have to work someplace that you never wanted to work...you have to pay your dues!

When I least expected it, someone entered my life and finally recognized my potential. A door opened that has allowed me to travel the world and see life for what it really has to offer. The boat has been rocked so-to-speak! I feel as though my view of the world has shifted and the possibilities in life are endless. Now I know, "the only limitations in life are the ones you set for yourself".

Happy New Year to all! I am in Edinburgh, Scotland, visiting my dear friend Angela. Good friends are hard to come by and I feel very privileged to have Angela as a part of my life.

I will post pictures and write again about my trip to Scotland upon my return to Germany.

Christmas in Germany

Wow! Christmas in Germany makes me feel like I'm living in an enchanted fairy tale. It is fridgedly cold, the ground is covered in white powder, and every main street is filled with holiday markets full of Gluewein (hot wine), brautwurst and sweets. Most every house is decorated in delicate, beautiful lights and stars. Many of the decorations remind me of my childhood at teh Waldorf Schule...school.

Picture is from the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

event at the Brandendburger Tuer. We are standing in front of the fallen "Dominoes". I am standing with two coworkers...Lilit from Armania and Maria from Italy.

I went for a jog yesterday through the snow. I live near the Neue Garten park and the famous Holy Lake. As I jogged along, I looked to the right and passed the last castle that was built in Germany. To the left, I saw the bridge that seperated the GDR (east) from Western Germany. At the halfway mark, Soviet and American troops would pass back and forth between the east and west. The Berlin Wall once stood along the trail that I ran. My roomate who grew up in the house I am living in, and told me that he used to pass through the guards and walk along tanks and barbed wire to enter the city center for groceries.

I will be here alone for Christmas, but on the 29th will fly to Edinburgh, Scotland to visit my dear friend Angela. After I return I will work four days and then fly to Paris for a weekend. Life is rough!

GREECE

Well...I have wanted to visit Greece for most of my life. With a week and a half of vacation time, I decided to take my first trip to Greece. Receiving a paycheck in Euros is certainly helpful when it comes to traveling. Greece was VERY expensive, but amazing nonetheless. I spent around 40 Euros per day on food alone!

I arrived in Athens on a Sunday evening. The taxi ride to my hotel was terrifying. The Greeks drive like crazy people and consider the speed limit to be a suggestion rather than a law. Somehow, I made it to my hotel alive, dropped off my bags, then headed into the Plaka to find some dinner. The food was amazing, but expensive nonetheless.

Later I ventured into the Peloponnese mountains and on to Olympia, cradle of the Olympic Games. I travelled to Delphi where I hiked to the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi. I ventured through the site where Leonidas and the Spartans were defeated and killed by the Persians, then on to the Monasteries of Meteora. Meteora was certainly one of the highlights of my adventure. The geography seemed somewhat surreal, but then again, so does my life right now.

After my adventures through the Peloponnese, I went back into Athens. I returned to the same hotel where I had spent my first night. This time however, I found myself getting eaten by bedbugs! Athens is a very dirty city filled with dirty old men, hagglers and bed bugs! I could have skipped Athens all together, but then again, I was at least able to experience it. I hiked up to the Parthenon and found myself sorely disappointed. The temple was hidden by scaffolding and many parts had been refurbished in recent times. However, the view of Athens from the top of this hill was outstanding.

For my last three days in Greece, I decided that I needed to experience the Greek Islands. I took a ferry to Santorini, where I rented an apartment on the water with a westward view. Although I would have liked to explore the island, I was so exhausted that I decided to spend my time sitting on the patio/porch/veranda…whatever you call it…and read my book. I cannot remember the last time I sat and watched the sun set. It was amazing and rejuvenating and made my vacation everything that a vacation should be. I sat outside each day with a glass of wine, the new Dan Brown book and some Greek h’ordeurves and soaked in all the sun I could take.

I could write for days about the ancient ruins and geography that I encountered on my journey, but I will spare you all the details and let the pictures speak for themselves!

Now I am back in Deutschland where it gets dark at 4 PM and stays dark until 8 in the morning. It doesn’t seem to bother me yet, but it was nice to soak in a bit of sunlight over my holiday.

Last night I moved into my new home. I am now living in a Vegan commune in a city called Potsdam. My rent is very cheap here and the company is great. Hopefully I will learn German faster while living here.

Short one!

Last week I crashed hard off my bike and am now black and blue. The next day I met Rubia, our new distributor from Taiwan. I hosted her for three days and am completely exhausted.

Next Thursday I head into Berlin for a U2 concert at the Brandenburger Tor...free! What a life live :-)

Proposal

Ha! I finished my very first proposal for data sales to a company in France. It was one of the most stressful job experiences I have ever had, yet I somehow enjoyed it. I love my job. I feel important and appreciated. I feel like an equal to all those around me and people actually take the time to listen to my thoughts and ideas. I am satisfied in my career for the very first time in my life. I am working to build a company from the ground up and am involved with so may different aspects of the business. In addition, I am making connections with people from companies all over the world and I get to live in Europe. My body still tingles from excitement when I walk down the streets of Brandenburg. Life is good!

Tables are Turning

Last weekend I took a train ride over to the boarder of Germany and Poland with two of my soon to be roommates. We took a day hike (on flat ground) and then worked our way back toward the train station. While walking through the town, we stumbled upon a very unique cafe. The place was full of Bohemian furniture and tiling. The food was organic and they offered things like oat milk and soy milk. The walls in the bathroom were painted in a manner that reminded me of Waldorf School. This is very rare in eastern German towns, especially ones this far east. People tend to dislike change here, and often let buildings sit and crumble for 100 years rather than tearing it down. This little city was filled with industry at one point in history and was dotted with smokestacks and grey soviet apartment complexes that house thousands of people.

Last Tuesday I had a woman surf my couch while she was in town for an audition. Osnat is a very talented Opera singer from Israel and is one of the most interesting woman I have ever met. She left Israel and moved to Germany because she felt that people in Germany are the most open minded, non-judging people she has ever met. She feels that her country is filled with hypocrisy and she could not tolerate it any longer. I thought this to be very interesting since she lost a great deal of family in the Holocaust.

A couple weeks ago I met a new employee named Katerina. She is working part time in my department while finishing up a research job at the University of Potsdam. Once she completes her research, she will join RapidEye full time. While chatting with Kat, I mentioned my desire to find a new living situation in Berlin. She told me that she had a room for rent in her house in Potsdam. I had never considered Potsdam before because it is very expensive. It is halfway between Brandenburg and Berlin (maybe a little closer to Berlin) and one might consider Potsdam's relationship to Berlin as the Montecito of Santa Barbara or the Cherry Hills of Denver. Anyhow, I went to look at the place and met the 4 people I would be living with and agreed to take over the room. I will be living with an orange cat, three Germans and one Kiwi in a very unique old house (a triplex mansion) in a very classy neighborhood, close to a famous park and popular nude swimming beach. One of the girls is a Vegan and they all eat strictly organic. they make of point of eating dinner together every night. I think that means I may be turning into a Vegan for a while...

Miss you all,

Abiah

Life Without Internet!

I am now settled into my new apartment, but still no Internet or phone. Tuesday the 22nd is the day I meet the technician to set up my connection. I have gone three weeks without Internet, TV, movies, radio or telephone and it has been interesting. I ended up getting sick and staying home from work one day. I managed to finish my last book in English print and then nearly lost my mind from boredom. My fingers can only play fiddle for so long. Life ha sslowed down and I am starting to enjoy the peace of no-technology life. I friend has loaned me more reading material and I am back to reading.

Today I sit at the Wasch Cafe where I am doing my laundry, sipping a cappuccino and surfing the wireless Internet. This place might be the most brilliant place ever! Not only can I sit here and relax while doing my laundry but they also put my wash into the dryer for me and fold it for free.

Work is still fantastic. Little funny misunderstandings come up from time to time that can be frustrating for all. On the other hand, I sometimes get a good laugh. Last week my boss asked me what the word for pencil sharpener was. Everyone thought that there must be a shorter word for it, but no. Then the intern, Bjorn, picked up his eraser and stated that it was "a rubber"! I explained that you would not refer to an eraser as "a rubber". Then another coworker, Georg told me about his experience in Canada. He had purchased a map at a bookstore and decided that he needed a rubber band for the rolled map. However, he only knew to ask for "a rubber". The guy behind the counter nearly died laughing and explained that he wanted a rubber band for his map and not "a rubber".

I spent another weekend in Berlin. I met up with a coworker and we decided to have a ladies night on the town. On the way back to her apartment we walked by a karaoke bar and couldn't resist checking the place out. It was two stories high and had a front room with tables set up like a cafe. They also had roughly 20 private rooms. The whole place was filled with Japanese Germans with the exception of the two of us. On the screen was Japanese pop music blasting. Funny thing is, the Japanese music videos were much better than anything Americans make these days. I had a good laugh, needless to say and we ended up staying until 4 AM!

Berlin!

Oh how I love Berlin. It is by far the most beautiful city I have ever seen. I am not much for big city life, but this is a city I can see myself living in. The streets are clean and the air is clean. Most people ride a bicycle, walk or take public transport. The excitement is always lingering in the air and I feel so alive. The culture is rich and the history is deep. I find reminders of war and suffering all over the city, yet somehow everyone is happy and I find nothing but positive energy everywhere I go.

I have spent many days in Berlin. One day was spent in museums looking at artwork from the Baroque and renaissance periods, ancient Egyptian artifacts and even The Temple of Athena that is housed at the Pergamon Museum. Another day was spent at the Salvador Dali exhibit. Of course, his best works are in Spain, but it was inspiring and interesting to stand not a foot from his original pieces that did not even hang behind glass. I thought a great deal about my brother on these days in the museums. He loves both history and art and I hope that someday he too can enjoy these splendors.

Last Sunday I made my way around Berlin on foot as usual. There were many people visiting for a huge track and field event. There were concerts and live TV shows being held under the Brandenburg Tur. Beer gardens and food venders lined the "Unter den Linden" street and people buzzed around everywhere. I made my way toward Humboldt University and found another free concert in a park. I was tired and hungry and decided to grab myself a pretzel, take off my shoes and lay in the grass. It was such a delight to lie there amongst a couple hundred people doing the same thing. Children ran around dancing and jumping in the fountain, buck naked in the middle of a public park. You would never see something like that in the states.

I love my life!

I made it through the first week of my new job. I love it! Rapid Eye essentially created a job tailored to my resume and interests. They wanted to hire me and they want me to stay. The company is young and thus far nonprofitable. They hire young, ambitious individuals that will work for low pay. This is a great business plan if you are trying to save money, but can also lead to much inefficiency.

Today was an amazing day. I woke up and went for a run along the river. The weather was cool and breezy and I soaked up every minute of it. After the run I had a nice cup of coffee and decided to go get my hair cut. It was a little scary to attempt...not knowing if anyone would understand that I didn't want a mohawk. Fortunately, all went well and I had a very good trim (that took nearly two hours!). I went back to the house, had a sandwich for lunch and then borrowed a bicycle to explore the outskirts of town. I rode for over an hour and found myself in a little village in the forest. I hopped off the bike and went into a cafe that served ice cream and beer. It was a weird combination, but I decided a couple beers sounded pretty good on such a lovely Saturday afternoon. I had two Pilsners and hopped back on the bike to ride home. I now realize that German beer is much stronger than American beer. I almost toppled over when I tried to stand and I was a bit wobbly on the bike.

After returning to the house (where I am a house guest until September 1), the neighbors told me of a festival in town. I have no idea of the significance...maybe just a reason to party and drink beer. I ventured out and was stopped by a guy in the street that was trying to talk to me. I explained that I didn't speak German, but he claimed he spoke English. While he was trying to converse, he decided to pee against the building, right in front of me! As I walked off, he tried to talk to me in German. I have no idea what he was trying to say and his English was certainly lacking. Strangely enough, the same thing had happened on my walk to the hair cut, only then it was a 7 or 8 year old boy. I guess that people just pee anywhere at any time here.

After walking away from the peeing man, I returned to my search for the festival. Many of the apartment complexes around town as well as business parking lots had turned themselves into beer gardens with live music, DJs and dancing. I walked into the courtyard of an old apartment complex that had the best sounding music. They had a great DJ and a great setting filled with couches, tiki torches and ivy under the stars. Beer is cheaper than water here so imagine going into a place like this and spending a dollar a beer for good beer (or spirits). I had one beer and decided to leave as I was feeling a little awkward being alone. As I was about to leave, a guy came up and tried to talk to me in German. "ich sprechen nicht deutsch" I said and he asked if I spoke English. We managed to have a very simple conversation in English, and I established that he works in Potsdam and drives a caterpillar! After that I left for a goodnights sleep. Guten Nacht, I will fill you in on my Berlin adventures and add pictures later.

hard times

The last couple days have been pretty rough. After a wonderful visit to Berlin on Thursday, I decided that I would much rather live in Berlin and commute to Brandenburg. Unfortunately, I had made an oral agreement with a woman in Brandenburg regarding an apartment. She had already put money into installing a kitchen with the understanding that I was moving in. I had thought that she would wait until I signed a lease. Now I am stuck in this moral predicament and feel that I need to take the apartment for the 6 months of the lease. Furthermore, I made this woman very angry because she had bent over backward to help me with the apartment among other things. I feel terrible, but life changes and I need to be true to my own thoughts and feelings. Now I am still stuck with living in Brandenburg and these people are angry with me!

I am still ironing out the kinks in my contract and I meet with the president of the marketing department at 1 pm today. He is a very intimidating guy to speak with and I am a little nervous about negotiating a contract with this man. All part of growing up I suppose!

To top off my last couple of days, I had to do a wire transfer of funds from the US into my new German bank account. The dollar is very weak right now and it costs about $1.49 for 1 Euro, not including the $35 wire transfer fee. I picked a hard time to transfer money, but didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Uhg

...3 hours later...

This situation is looking up. the landlord has agreed to have me stay for only 3 months rather than 6months. 3 months seems much less overwhelming. The downside is that there is no use purchasing things to make myself comfortable. I may be living like a nun until I move into Berlin.

Week 2

I don't have much to tell this week. I went out and about on the town with a girl named Antje who I met on couchsurfing.com. She took me around town and showed me where to shop and get good coffee etc. It was nice to chat with someone my own age.

I found an apartment, but it is not available until September 1st. I am couchsurfing until then. The apartment is on the top level (no elevator) of an old but recently remodeled building near the Fochochschule (Vocational College). There are lots of young people that live in the area and it's only a 30 minute walk to work. It is going to be rough in winter, but I might be able to figure out the tram system by then. The apartment has an entry room, bedroom, kitchen, bath and living room. This is considered a 2 room apartment! I am renting this for 375 Euros per month plus the cost of Electricity (30 Euros per month) and phone/internet (35 Euros per month). This is not too bad all things considered. I even have a neighbor that wants to learn better English and will trade me language lessons in German.

I went around with my future landlord and found some furniture and lighting for my new apartment. Most everything here is particle board that comes in a box for post purchase assembly. Most people rent small apartments in old buildings where it is difficult to get furniture in and out of. IKEA is big here since it is designed to maximize space. Everything is uber small here. Apartments come with mini fridges and washing machines are smaller than a dishwasher.

I also met a very nice woman who moved from Hawaii to Germany in 1993. She is married to a German Attorney and is very wealthy for the area. She has offered me all sorts of furnishings and linens for my apartment. The few Americans I have met here are very helpful and supportive. I have met 6 to be exact!

About 95% of the cars I have seen here have been hatchbacks. I assume that this is because they are useful for transportation of goods.

I start work on Monday and I am actually looking forward to it. I have had more time on my hands than I know what to do with. I still need to settle some issues with my contract and then I am set. I will probably try to take a trip to Berlin for the weekend.

Tsuss!

Week One

I made it to Germany!

After a somewhat painful flight to Frankfort, I ventured on to Berlin where I caught a train to Brandenburg an der Havel. I checked into my suite at the Girono Pension after some confusion with the receptionist, then slept for about 13 hours. The continental breakfast consists of pork liver patte, bread, soft boiled eggs and extremely salty meats and cheeses. They have cereal as well, but it is the super sweat stuff that one can only stomach as a child. I have resorted to eating rolls with butter and jam. I am afraid to eat any other meal and seem to be starving myself. I finally made it to the store yesterday where I bought some wasser (water) and green beans. I had nearly fainted the day before due to low blood sugar.

The coffee is amazing here, likely due to the whole milk!

I am rather amused by the older men that seem to feel perfectly respectable running there motor boats through the town center in Speedos. I have seen a few of them now. There are also several Russian woman in town that dress up in globs of makeup and teenyweeny clothing.

The hair here is hilarious. I see 60 year old woman with bright purple hair and big sunglasses. I have seen woman my age walking around with Cruela Duvil style hair with poofiness and skunk stripes and all. I just can´t get enough. I wish it was appropriate to take pictures to share.