Between keeping busy, traveling or taking daytrips, and general tech issues with my computer or the internet, I haven't blogged nearly as much as I'd like to. To share a lot of our experience in a few words and pictures, I decided to do so topically. If you're following along, please tell me what you think!!
Three things I haven't done since arriving.
- Had ice in my drinks.* Tis true, no one ices their drinks here. Because it's been COLD for the first two months of our stay, I haven't minded. I wonder how I'll feel come July…….
- Used hairspray. I packed my precious Vavoom, but I'll be danged if "Contents Under Pressure" means something! My entire can depressed during the flight over……and two very stiff, hairspray-smelly sweaters later, I learned to respect the warning label. (OF COURSE they have hairspray in Germany but I decided to go au natural. Speaking of which…#3…)
- Shaved my legs.** I have not gone this long without shaving since I was 11!! Oh my. And it wasn't because of "When in Rome…" either. Our shower is very small, and it was SINGLE DIGITS when we arrived! ANYTHING I could do to keep warmer was The Right Answer. Plus, a) when it gets to a certain point, leg hair is much softer than freshly shaven prickles, b) I've worn only LONG pants, and c) my husband hasn't complained (I'm sure because he hasn't SEEN it). If you enjoy the burn of scorched retinas, I might've taken (but only because my daughter asked me).
Three things I cannot find:
- Measuring spoons. German bakers and cooks must be smarter than American cooks because they KNOW how much to use, OR maybe eyeballing and "close" is good enough. Thankfully, a colleague of my husband's who arrived here a few weeks after us brought me a set (in addition to a large plastic pitcher and #2 below).
- Packed brown sugar. There's a version of brown sugar but it's granulated like refined white sugar.
- Crisco shortening. Can you tell I've been wanting to do some baking? Plus, I've wanted to try a few new German recipes but my kitchen isn't stocked with any baking supplies and I haven't yet splurged on what I need.
Three things I really like about our apartment:
- The windows.
- Handle in the "down" position, closed & locked.
- Handle turned to the side, windows open like a door into the room.
- Handle turned in the "up" position, windows crack about 3" at the top (GREAT for cross ventilation, especially important since there's NO SUCH THING AS CENTRAL AIR IN GERMANY! Residentially speaking, anyway.).
- The shades.
Maybe these exist in the US, but I've never seen 'em. Through an indoor strap/pulley system, the shades can be shimmied all the way open; lowered at any interval between top and bottom; lowered all the way but cracked to allow light; and COMPLETELY blacked out! J'adore! J'adore! You could nap anytime with these suckers! -
The light switches. It's a silly thing to like, but they're all depressed by buttons, not traditional switches. It feels fancy but doesn't look it.
Three things I don't like about our apartment:
-
The tiny refrigerator (standard in German homes; I've yet to see one in anyone's home that comes close to a small standard in the US) and shallow sink. I get a shower and the back tile is splashed every time I forget and turn on the water at full pressure. Which is every time I turn on the water.
- Lack of privacy/quiet. With tile floors everywhere and an open floor plan and smallish square footage, sound echos like canyons; there's no such thing as privacy anywhere when two or more people are here.
- The toilet. Oh, my. Germans are fantastic conservationists, which means their low flow toilets are even low-flowier than anything I've seen in the U.S. They don't have a knob for flushing, they have two buttons–the "small" one for boys only, and the "large" one for any business involving paper. And I think there's about four tablespoons of water in the bowl. In other words, there's a learning curve to using the bathroom "well," and if you can't follow what I'm sayin' come over for a visit and you'll understand in no time…..
Three surprises:
- Pets are welcome in restaurants and retail venues. It's one thing to see a puppy at an open air market, and an entirely NOTHER thing to see a dog walking up and down grocery store aisles or sitting at the feet of its owner while you eat!! They're always leashed and well behaved but I can't imagine this happening in the US (other than service animals).
- The beds/bedding. We were told not to bring bed linens because they wouldn't fit. Here's why: Below is a King-sized bed; note the Lucy/Ricky Ricardo effect–TWO SINGLE BEDS essentially pushed together! Also, there is no such thing as a King comforter–I have seen ONLY single covers for King beds in stores like below! Rarely are they an exact match but they always coordinate in color and pattern.
- Experiencing a real sense of community here. We've met people in groups–the employees who traveled over together, the women (and Gordon) who meet twice monthly for breakfast, English speakers who may/may not be German and may/may not be associated with my husband's employer; everyone without exception has welcomed us with open arms, intentional about gathering on a regular basis. Their kindness and generosity has impacted and changed me.
Three favorite things to do:
- Stammtisch. <— This deserves an entire blog post. Stay tuned.
- Ride my bike instead of taking the car. While I admit I'm fair weather about riding, there's a wonderful sense of g o o d n e s s associated with riding when I'd normally drive. It's hard to express in only a few words, so maybe I'll elaborate later. (My husband is a rock star with this one riding to work when it was single digits with 8" of snow on the ground….)
- Wander small villages and towns within driving distance and learn a little about their history and what makes them special. Oh, my. EVERY town is special; every village has a story to tell. I only wish we'd have translaters everywhere we go….
* * * *
What a FUN way to share some of my impressions of Germany! The next list is already underway and I promise I won't make you recoil in disgust next time :).
* On my birthday Friday – after I had almost finished this post – I got together with some girlieQs for Art Day. Deede surprised me with "You need ice? I GOT ice!" What a nice little surprise.
** Let's blame it on the birthday again–the day before I was scheduled for a pedicure; there's only four reasons I'm willing to shave: 1) annual doctor's appointment (ahem); 2) I'm planning on wearing a dress, capri's, shorts or bathing suit; 3) Tad hints around…; 4) I'm getting a pedicure. I didn't have it in me to go without shaving :).
Robin, This was the MOST informative blog you’ve done about Germany since you’ll have been there!!! 🙂 LOVED IT!!!! I could of kept reading this for hours! We REALLY enjoy learning about the “different” way of life there!!! I love the blinds on the door! Wonder if they’d ship those to TN? I’m NOT sure about the buttons for the toilet!!! I LOVE the windows too! We have a big screened in back porch with french doors leading to it and I LOVE to leave the doors open and let the fresh air in…..BUT..Barry isn’t real crazy about that…he thinks the bugs, pollen & boogermen can get in?!*!??? Oh well, I just go out on the porch:) Well, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this blog!!! I ALWAYS enjoy them, but I guess we have a special interest in what it’s like to live there since you all are there!!! Looking forward to seeing you’ll soon. Take care & tell Tad “howdy”. Love, Stefanie
Loved the topical style of this post, and I love being able to see Germany through your eyes as well as I’m still getting used to living here! We were able to find King size comforters at IKEA. I’m not sure if there is one close to you, but there is definitely one in Munich. They have the comforters, or rather duvets, and the covers there too. Aren’t the differences in baking funny?! I think I’ve figured out all the different ingredients to make do in my American recipes, but it’s so fun to start to attempt baking as a German. : ) I’m glad you got some measuring cups! Thanks so much for sharing here, I also love reading and sharing a bit of your life! ~Linsi Kohlhepp
When I lived in Germany (1977-1980) the toilets were not only low-flow, but also a few inches higher than standard here in the states. I felt like I was climbing up onto it and my legs dangled when I sat down. During the last few weeks of my first pregnancy, my husband used to threaten to put me on it when he left for work and leave me there until he got home because it was so cumbersome for me to haul myself and the very large baby bump up on the seat 🙂
You keep bringing back such lovely memories for me, Robin. Thanks! ~Mollianne
I’m really enjoying seeing this journey through your eyes, Robin. You have the storyteller’s gift, and I hope you never stop sharing it.
A couple of things jumped out at me as I read this delightful entry:
1 – My very European grandmother never used measuring ANYTHING when she cooked. She innately knew how much was enough. Watching her command her kitchen was like watching genetic culinary perfection in action. My wife’s like that, but she’ll kick me if I say so. I still lean, heavily, on every measuring implement I can find.
2 – As a Canadian bike commuter, it’s always a thrill to see others get in on the two-wheeled fun. Prepping for the weather is a huge impediment to some, but I’ve always seen it as an additional layer of fun. It’s character-building to ride in weather that would stop most others in their tracks. Speaking of which, I need to charge my GPS thingie for tomorrow’s ride.
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.
OK, I am laugh, laugh, laughing so hard at the toilet comment! You are just hysterical.
Can I just say that if you don’t like the *ahem* bathroom situation in Germany, you’d be in for a REAL shock in Brazil (and many other South American countries, I am told) where they don’t flush their t.p. AT ALL. It just goes in the trash can. Disgusting. Let’s just say that my normally-rule-following husband did NOT comply with that one!
It’s so funny to read your impressions of Germany. I’m a German new to living in the US and my thoughts (with a smirk) are:
The US windows are weird; they are hard to open (I mean push up – I sometimes have to stand on the sill to be able to pull/push it open – what a workout and oh my wrists…) and how do you clean them from the outside?
The US toilets don’t flush very well. A little bit of toilet paper makes things get stuck. And yes, some toilets are very…low. I feel like a child and often kind of fall onto the toilet. 🙂
The bed size is also a debate in our household…I think a continuous mattress is for teen years only, where you don’t mind to roll together to the middle. When you’re older, you need a good mattress because you’re rarely the same weight as your partner, you probably don’t enjoy the same softness/firmness and you don’t want to feel every turn of one another, so you need your own (half-)mattress to sleep well. If you don’t like the small gap in the middle, put a mattress topper over it. (I don’t know anyone in D who did though)
I should start writing about it in my blog…it’s kind of funny to see how we’re brought up in different ways and how we’re adjusting (or not, haha).
This surprised me: pets are usually not allowed in stores and in restaurants. I have never seen it in any city I’ve been to. There are usually hooks at the outside of stores for the dog lines to clip into while you’re shopping. Must have been a rare case where you’ve seen it…or Germany has changed this “rule” since I’ve left a few years ago.
I couldn’t find out what brought you to Germany? Just traveling or did you move there permanently?
Looking forward to reading more here. 🙂
Hey Robin! I loved reading about your life in Germany! It was so fun to see your pics and hear your real-life stories! Thanks sooo much for giving us this glimpse. And LOVED your post on friendship at Incourage, too! 🙂 Happy Easter!
I could comment on all of this….
But I’ll make this short and sweet…
The WINDOWS!
My favorite thing ever.
I adore the windows! 🙂
I don’t mind the no ice thing- even in July. Drinks are usually chilled before served. Refills are NOT free… So the no ice thing is great to not water down your drink. 🙂
The pictures of your leg killed me! I honestly thought it was a picture of a beige throw rug. Ha.
Dear Robin. Long time no visit! You are in Germany! Wow how exciting! THOSE WINDOWS ARE THE ONES I HAD IN UKRAINE! THEY ARE AWESOME! I love them 🙂 I don’t know about measuring SPOONS, but measuring cups (e.g cup, half cup, quarter cup etc) aren’t used outside of US, NZ and Australia. In the UK etc they use grams to measure such things as flour. I know. So weird. I had to buy scales. Still doesn’t make sense to me. So an Aussie recipe will have ‘2 cups of flour’ but a UK one might have 225g of flour. Grrr.
Also, crisco is a wonderfully unique American thing. My US friends in Kiev used to tease me with it (some worked for the embassy and got it from the commissary). Sounds like God’s Own Gift to cooking, and so far Americans are keeping it close!
Well after such a long hiatus I won’t leave it so long between visits again. I miss our old group that seemed to centre around Fun Monday 🙂 Take care xx
Ah Germany is such a beautiful country! About the measuring cup conundrum- in Europe we don’t use cups, we use scales and measure in grams. It’s confused a lot of my American friends who have lived in Europe!