Authentic German Experience

The other night I was at a bar (Schlappen for those who know) and I had an authentic German experience. One of the traveling apprentice carpenters - dressed in authentic apprentice carpenter clothing was going from table to table. Once he got to us, he recited a rhyme (apparently something about coming to Freiburg and driving the devil away with his carpentry tools) and asked for a donation. When I said I didn´t understand a word he said, he asked if he at least had a nice voice. (he did) Then he reminded us not to drink too much and was on his way.

Side note: These traveling apprentices live on the generosity of people they come across and payment for completing odd jobs. They´re not allowed to go within a certain distance of their hometowns. It is a funny sight to see men in what looks like 18th century clothes wandering around.

Here is a picture:

Let the Grilling Begin

So excited!

Jan and I bought a beautiful copper colored brazier/grill (that´s what the Germans call it) and I am currently listening to the sizzling of embers.

Jan went off to get bread to accompany our favorite feta, veggie, sauce wrapped in foil and cooked in the coal combo. Today we were blessed with an unseasonable warm and sunny day. Such a relief after months and months of rain and gray skies. Unfortunately for us, snow is in the forecast for next week - but today we are seizing the day and initiating our brazier-grill.

In other news it is the beginning of easter vacation -that means no Basel for two weeks. But I have picked up quite a few private lessons through the language school I just started working at in Freiburg. This job is so easy and wonderful compared to the hardships of teaching adolescents. I like doing both though - it keeps everything in perspective.

After my vacation I have a 13 week vacationless stretch of teaching to do, which will be a challenge. So I am committed to relaxing and working up those energy reserves.

In Jan news, he finished the written test section of his big exams and is studying for the deadly oral. I will try and be helpful. Although linguistics is booooooring.

It´s Snowing

Tonight we are having our first real snow storm of the season! In March none the less. This is following a storm that the Germans called Uricano Emma - but the English speakers refer to it as, a big storm. Because of course you can´t have a hurricane so far from the ocean, or can you?


Yesterday I had the wonderful task of taking 120 euros out of the bank to pay for my German course. 100 euros - 1 for each hour of class +20 for a new book. We are starting Berliner Platz 3 tomorrow! This is a big deal.

So I went to the bank (luckily my neighbor was about to go shopping so he gave me a ride - it was raining). By the way I happened to be wearing jeans, a Camp Nawaka sweatshirt, and a red vest. Not typical German wear. and my hair was a bit, shall we say 'wild' (this clothing description is to set the scene.) First I try the ATM outside of the bank. No Go. I assume something is wrong with the ATM, so I go inside. Mind you, this bank for inexplicable reasons has tv screens showing fashion shows built into the floor. Very random. So in the bank I go, still no money. I try again, this time clicking on something different. Finally, I go to the service desk and say that I can´t get my money out. The friendly bank women checked the account. There was money in it, check. Then she came over to show me how to use the ATM. The big problem was that I had been clicking Geld Karte, instead of the German word for withdrawal. Oops. So embarrassing. My incompetence was made all the more mortifying by my somewhat slovenly appearance. The shame.

Some people have to face situations like that everyday: not understanding what in the world is going on, and needing to ask for help. Usually I avoid these situations, thanks to my very sweet husband who does all the dirty work (setting up bank accounts, ordering pizza - the things that actually require much use of German). Of course, I must start doing more of it, but I hate it when I am in situations where I am not in control of what is going on.

It is also somewhat ironic that I needed the money for my integration course. Clearly I am well integrated when I can´t even figure out an ATM!! Arg.

Anyway, that was my humbling immigrant experience for the day. I usually feel like such a non - immigrant. I blend in very well with the Germans. The old women in the trains chat with me, people are fairly friendly (as far as friendly Germans go), I look fairly German. No problem! That is, until I open my mouth or have to use an ATM machine.