Thursday, July 31, 2008
PS
I'm trying out a new photo website (I know I've tried several!). Anyway, check out the link on the right to my Bonn pictures on Picasa.
I Heart Detours
Why yes it would be opposite day! So Friday on my way home from work I had my first 
experience with the detour and finally found my way home. Saturday morning I ventured toward the subway stop only to find the detour was still in place. A detour with trainers (sneakers) on is much better! That and knowing where you are going helps too. Sunday my goal was to find a better way around the detour. I figured out a better way to get to work and a better way to get home from work. Monday morning the detour was still in place so I took my newly discovered way to work. I assumed it would be the same on my way home. No, by then the detour was down but I didn’t realize this until after I had gone around avoiding the detour.
Sunday I also visited the German museum. This was a fantastic museum and it was basically all in German. Imagine if it was in English!
Grocery bags in Germany are 10 cents each. I think it is a great way to promote recycling of bags. I haven’t been doing my part as yet because plastic bags are so useful! So I guess I have been recycling them by using them for other purposes.
I'm not a huge coffee drinker, I usually have one or two a week. But lately, I have been drinking quite a bit during the week. And that trend has continued here in Bonn. After lunch we normally have a coffee and the barista knows my drink after only a couple of times (latte with vanilla). What's great about this is, I rarely have to order and my drink is normally ready by the time I get to the counter. The downside (if there is one), is on the off chance I didn't want a vanilla latte. Today I would have had my chance as my normal barista hadn't seen me but I am still in a vanilla latte mood.
experience with the detour and finally found my way home. Saturday morning I ventured toward the subway stop only to find the detour was still in place. A detour with trainers (sneakers) on is much better! That and knowing where you are going helps too. Sunday my goal was to find a better way around the detour. I figured out a better way to get to work and a better way to get home from work. Monday morning the detour was still in place so I took my newly discovered way to work. I assumed it would be the same on my way home. No, by then the detour was down but I didn’t realize this until after I had gone around avoiding the detour.Sunday I also visited the German museum. This was a fantastic museum and it was basically all in German. Imagine if it was in English!
Grocery bags in Germany are 10 cents each. I think it is a great way to promote recycling of bags. I haven’t been doing my part as yet because plastic bags are so useful! So I guess I have been recycling them by using them for other purposes.
I'm not a huge coffee drinker, I usually have one or two a week. But lately, I have been drinking quite a bit during the week. And that trend has continued here in Bonn. After lunch we normally have a coffee and the barista knows my drink after only a couple of times (latte with vanilla). What's great about this is, I rarely have to order and my drink is normally ready by the time I get to the counter. The downside (if there is one), is on the off chance I didn't want a vanilla latte. Today I would have had my chance as my normal barista hadn't seen me but I am still in a vanilla latte mood.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The First Week
Wow! Was it really a week ago today I left Seattle? Time flies no matter what you are doing! I've had some problems with internet access but found an internet cafe in Bonn so here I am. And let me just say it is hot!!
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
Okay, this was one long travel day. I didn’t sleep too well and finally fell asleep right before my alarm went off (typical). And it turned out I overpacked as my luggage was over the weight limit. It was actually under the SAS weight limit but as my first flight was on United it was subject to their limit. Oh well. The flight to Washington DC was fairly smooth until we were in the descent when it started getting a little bumpy. And then one minute we were about to land and the next we were on our way back. The landing was going to be tight so they decided to pull up and try again. It was fine the second time. The flight to Copenhagen was fine and then came security. I am not used to carrying my laptop with me and so went through security without taking it out. They were nice about it and had me go through again. Oops! I was completely out on the flight to Frankfurt. I had been waiting for my luggage awhile when I realized there were no other bags coming out from Copenhagen. My heart started to sink. After I had been so careful in packing everything into one bag, did they lose it? I made my way over to the luggage inquiry where they assured me my suitcase was in the airport, it had just been put on the wrong cart and therefore was coming out on a different carousel. When it still hadn’t shown up after waiting awhile I went back and asked for an ETA – about 10 more minutes. Finally my bag came out on the carousel. Whew!!
This was my first experience with SAS and my second or third with United and I must say, I really prefer Continental or British. Not that there is anything wrong with SAS or United, I think the quality is better with Continental or BA. And lately I haven’t been super happy with BA but in general I’d rather fly with them.
And now on to my next mode of transport – the train. I bought a ticket for the next train which was leaving in 10 minutes, not realizing how far I would have to walk. It was close, but probably not as close as I thought it was. I think I ended up with a couple of minutes to spare, but it felt like less.
Matthias met me at the train station and drove me to my apartment. The apartment is small but it will do just fine.
I unpacked a bit and then I broke my own cardinal rule and slept. I woke up a little later on and after futzing around a bit more I headed back to sleep.
Tuesday
Matthias picked me up and we drove to the office. He showed me where I would catch the metro. The office is actually within walking distance, if it isn’t raining. It’s a little far if it is raining! I got set up at work and made progress on my visa (I have a meeting with at the town hall on Thursday to finalize). I decided to walk home and it isn’t a bad walk, especially when on a call (the call only lasted a few minutes due to the fire drill back home but it distracted me while I was waiting for the train to pass).
On another note, I tried to get cash out today from a Deutsche Bank ATM machine and got a message that it could not accept my card. What? I have done this how many times and now it decides it doesn’t like my card? I ended up trying another bank and guess what – the not Deutche Bank worked just fine. I would prefer the Deutsche Bank work as they won’t charge me (as they belong to the same family as Bank of America) but I am just happy my ATM card works!
I’m not much of a cook, I’m trying to cook more (hence the cooking class) but I’m not there yet. And I’m not going to start trying with a hot plate in my hotel room. So for dinner I’ll probably revert back to cereal or yogurt. At least it is simple and easy!
I’m full of random thoughts tonight – do you think watching CSI dubbed in German will help me improve my German? :)
Wednesday
Don’t worry, the daily updates will probably stop soon, but for now they’ll continue. Granted, as of today the only person who has read these updates is me as I have had no access to the internet. If nothing else, this weekend I should be able to find an internet café.
I awoke to sun! It’s amazing what sun can do for you! I decided to walk to work and enjoy the sunshine. It’s not too bad of a walk. After lunch I ventured into downtown Bonn and picked up my biometric pictures (for my visa) and stopped by Deutsche Bank where my ATM card worked! Go figure.
After work I had grand plans to venture over near the river and go for a run but when I got to my apartment I realized my iPod was just about out of juice. So no river for me as it is a bit of a jaunt to get there. Instead I explored a little bit around where my apartment is located and found a path that goes along the train tracks.
My television does not have the Disney Channel but never fear, I have figured out when The Suite Life of Zach & Cody is on (dubbed in German of course). And I finally noticed here it is called Hotel Zach & Cody. Guess The Suite Life doesn't translate so well. I’m justifying this to myself as helping me to learn German! :) And I can understand a little but I haven’t really tried speaking.
Thursday
I am now official. Matthias was nice enough to come with me and help me navigate my way through the paperwork and officials and I am now legal with a big sticker in my passport to prove it!
German word of the day: großartig which means great or really great
Friday
It was really warm today, 90+ degrees. Yeah, not really a big fan of anything over 90. I started walking home, noticing the first place where I can cross the train tracks was closed. I didn’t think too much about it and continued on. I’ve learned that whenever you have a chance to cross the train tracks – do it! You never know when you’ll get another chance! Next crossing, same thing, as well as the next crossing. And then I noticed the barrier and the fact that it was actually closed for construction. Not sure what do to I stood there for a couple of minutes. A woman on a bike came up expecting to cross and had the same dilemma I did. She asked another pedestrian if there was another way (I’m assuming, they were speaking in German) and they pointed her straight ahead. I decided to follow and finally there was a detour sign. I’m not sure when a detour is actually fun, but let me tell you it is not fun when you are on foot and in 90+ degrees and not sure where you are! Finally I came to a street I knew! I had been avoiding the ice cream shop near my apartment but being tired, hot and having cranky feet I decided ice cream was just thing. It wasn’t just ice cream, but gelato! Yum! Or I should say lecker! (see the word of the day) Meine eis ist lecker! I have a feeling that isn’t quite correct but oh well.
I should also mention I tried cooking - sausages, and they turned out fine so maybe I will try to be a little more adventurous in the "kitchen".
German word of the day: lecker which means delicious (or as Beate said yummy)
Saturday
I woke up to what I thought was the sound of thunder followed closely by what sounded like rain so I turned back over and went back to sleep. I got up finally and started towards town. They were still working so I took the detour which was easier this time considering I had been on it before, but still not fun. I walked around Bonn, visited a few museums and then walked home on the path that went by the river. It was really hot by this time, but it seemed a little cooler by the river. It started raining the closer I got to my hotel. I was going to meet up with Mandi, her boyfriend and several people from her program for dinner. I was just going to leave the hotel when it started absolutely pouring. No problem I thought. Or keine problem I should say. It was similar to rain in Houston where it would be torrential for a bit and then stop. While it didn't stop, it did slow down and so I started out. Let's just say I was a bit wet by the time I got to the train. I got a little lost but finally found the restaurant. Dinner was fun!
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
Okay, this was one long travel day. I didn’t sleep too well and finally fell asleep right before my alarm went off (typical). And it turned out I overpacked as my luggage was over the weight limit. It was actually under the SAS weight limit but as my first flight was on United it was subject to their limit. Oh well. The flight to Washington DC was fairly smooth until we were in the descent when it started getting a little bumpy. And then one minute we were about to land and the next we were on our way back. The landing was going to be tight so they decided to pull up and try again. It was fine the second time. The flight to Copenhagen was fine and then came security. I am not used to carrying my laptop with me and so went through security without taking it out. They were nice about it and had me go through again. Oops! I was completely out on the flight to Frankfurt. I had been waiting for my luggage awhile when I realized there were no other bags coming out from Copenhagen. My heart started to sink. After I had been so careful in packing everything into one bag, did they lose it? I made my way over to the luggage inquiry where they assured me my suitcase was in the airport, it had just been put on the wrong cart and therefore was coming out on a different carousel. When it still hadn’t shown up after waiting awhile I went back and asked for an ETA – about 10 more minutes. Finally my bag came out on the carousel. Whew!!
This was my first experience with SAS and my second or third with United and I must say, I really prefer Continental or British. Not that there is anything wrong with SAS or United, I think the quality is better with Continental or BA. And lately I haven’t been super happy with BA but in general I’d rather fly with them.
And now on to my next mode of transport – the train. I bought a ticket for the next train which was leaving in 10 minutes, not realizing how far I would have to walk. It was close, but probably not as close as I thought it was. I think I ended up with a couple of minutes to spare, but it felt like less.
Matthias met me at the train station and drove me to my apartment. The apartment is small but it will do just fine.
I unpacked a bit and then I broke my own cardinal rule and slept. I woke up a little later on and after futzing around a bit more I headed back to sleep.
Tuesday
Matthias picked me up and we drove to the office. He showed me where I would catch the metro. The office is actually within walking distance, if it isn’t raining. It’s a little far if it is raining! I got set up at work and made progress on my visa (I have a meeting with at the town hall on Thursday to finalize). I decided to walk home and it isn’t a bad walk, especially when on a call (the call only lasted a few minutes due to the fire drill back home but it distracted me while I was waiting for the train to pass).
On another note, I tried to get cash out today from a Deutsche Bank ATM machine and got a message that it could not accept my card. What? I have done this how many times and now it decides it doesn’t like my card? I ended up trying another bank and guess what – the not Deutche Bank worked just fine. I would prefer the Deutsche Bank work as they won’t charge me (as they belong to the same family as Bank of America) but I am just happy my ATM card works!
I’m not much of a cook, I’m trying to cook more (hence the cooking class) but I’m not there yet. And I’m not going to start trying with a hot plate in my hotel room. So for dinner I’ll probably revert back to cereal or yogurt. At least it is simple and easy!
I’m full of random thoughts tonight – do you think watching CSI dubbed in German will help me improve my German? :)
Wednesday
Don’t worry, the daily updates will probably stop soon, but for now they’ll continue. Granted, as of today the only person who has read these updates is me as I have had no access to the internet. If nothing else, this weekend I should be able to find an internet café.
I awoke to sun! It’s amazing what sun can do for you! I decided to walk to work and enjoy the sunshine. It’s not too bad of a walk. After lunch I ventured into downtown Bonn and picked up my biometric pictures (for my visa) and stopped by Deutsche Bank where my ATM card worked! Go figure.
After work I had grand plans to venture over near the river and go for a run but when I got to my apartment I realized my iPod was just about out of juice. So no river for me as it is a bit of a jaunt to get there. Instead I explored a little bit around where my apartment is located and found a path that goes along the train tracks.
My television does not have the Disney Channel but never fear, I have figured out when The Suite Life of Zach & Cody is on (dubbed in German of course). And I finally noticed here it is called Hotel Zach & Cody. Guess The Suite Life doesn't translate so well. I’m justifying this to myself as helping me to learn German! :) And I can understand a little but I haven’t really tried speaking.
Thursday
I am now official. Matthias was nice enough to come with me and help me navigate my way through the paperwork and officials and I am now legal with a big sticker in my passport to prove it!
German word of the day: großartig which means great or really great
Friday
It was really warm today, 90+ degrees. Yeah, not really a big fan of anything over 90. I started walking home, noticing the first place where I can cross the train tracks was closed. I didn’t think too much about it and continued on. I’ve learned that whenever you have a chance to cross the train tracks – do it! You never know when you’ll get another chance! Next crossing, same thing, as well as the next crossing. And then I noticed the barrier and the fact that it was actually closed for construction. Not sure what do to I stood there for a couple of minutes. A woman on a bike came up expecting to cross and had the same dilemma I did. She asked another pedestrian if there was another way (I’m assuming, they were speaking in German) and they pointed her straight ahead. I decided to follow and finally there was a detour sign. I’m not sure when a detour is actually fun, but let me tell you it is not fun when you are on foot and in 90+ degrees and not sure where you are! Finally I came to a street I knew! I had been avoiding the ice cream shop near my apartment but being tired, hot and having cranky feet I decided ice cream was just thing. It wasn’t just ice cream, but gelato! Yum! Or I should say lecker! (see the word of the day) Meine eis ist lecker! I have a feeling that isn’t quite correct but oh well.
I should also mention I tried cooking - sausages, and they turned out fine so maybe I will try to be a little more adventurous in the "kitchen".
German word of the day: lecker which means delicious (or as Beate said yummy)
Saturday
I woke up to what I thought was the sound of thunder followed closely by what sounded like rain so I turned back over and went back to sleep. I got up finally and started towards town. They were still working so I took the detour which was easier this time considering I had been on it before, but still not fun. I walked around Bonn, visited a few museums and then walked home on the path that went by the river. It was really hot by this time, but it seemed a little cooler by the river. It started raining the closer I got to my hotel. I was going to meet up with Mandi, her boyfriend and several people from her program for dinner. I was just going to leave the hotel when it started absolutely pouring. No problem I thought. Or keine problem I should say. It was similar to rain in Houston where it would be torrential for a bit and then stop. While it didn't stop, it did slow down and so I started out. Let's just say I was a bit wet by the time I got to the train. I got a little lost but finally found the restaurant. Dinner was fun!
The hotel
My room
The "kitchen"
Enjoying my gelato after navigating the detour!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Auf Wiedersehen
I am now all packed (I hope!). Really though, as long as I have my passport, credit cards, cell phone and camera I should be fine. Oh and my iPod! And as a treat to myself I have spent the last hour or so buying all sorts of things from iTunes. I managed to fit everything into 3 bags, including lots of books. It is only 6 weeks after all and most likely I have way over packed. Being done with my packing means I have several hours tonight to brood over all the what ifs. If I haven't mentioned it before, I don't do well with change. But fortunately Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are on TV and distracting me. And soon I'll be off to bed as wake up tomorrow is quite early to catch a 7 a.m. flight. Next time you hear from me I'll be in Bonn!
Friday, July 18, 2008
31 Things Update
Really, not much progress has been made on my list but I thought I would update one last time before I fly off to Germany.
7. Back up my pictures on CDs. If I'm really ambitious catalogue and organize! I started and backed up my pictures on my laptop. What I really need to do is backup my pictures on my old desktop.
24. Take a cooking class. DONE! I attended "Perfect Poultry & Meat" where we made Orange-Peppercorn Chicken Satay skewers (I cut up chicken and put it on the skewers), Moroccan Pomegranate-braised Lamb, and Thai Basil Beef. The instructor talked to us about the dishes and cooking meat in general before sending us off to our stations to start preparing the dishes and then we brought back the beginnings to her and she finished the preparation. The Moroccan dish smelled the best with all sorts of spices. My favorite of the evening was probably the Thai Basil Beef. I'm excited to try it myself sometime.
26. Finish up my 2005 photobook. Started on this one and have all my 2005 pictures uploaded to the website where I will make my book.
7. Back up my pictures on CDs. If I'm really ambitious catalogue and organize! I started and backed up my pictures on my laptop. What I really need to do is backup my pictures on my old desktop.
24. Take a cooking class. DONE! I attended "Perfect Poultry & Meat" where we made Orange-Peppercorn Chicken Satay skewers (I cut up chicken and put it on the skewers), Moroccan Pomegranate-braised Lamb, and Thai Basil Beef. The instructor talked to us about the dishes and cooking meat in general before sending us off to our stations to start preparing the dishes and then we brought back the beginnings to her and she finished the preparation. The Moroccan dish smelled the best with all sorts of spices. My favorite of the evening was probably the Thai Basil Beef. I'm excited to try it myself sometime.
26. Finish up my 2005 photobook. Started on this one and have all my 2005 pictures uploaded to the website where I will make my book.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sprechen Sie English?
A week from today I will be on a plane to Germany for 6 weeks. And it is just now starting to sink in I'm going to be in Germany for 6 weeks!!! Yikes!! I've been working a lot lately so I haven't really thought about the fact I'm going to be in Germany for 6 weeks! 6 whole weeks - yes, I'm panicking just a bit. I don't really know the language, and really don't know exactly what I'll be doing either, I don't even know where I'm going to be living (I do have a place to live though), a lot of unknowns... And for someone like me who likes everything planned out, it is hard not to know the details.
And randomly, Mandi is also going to be in Bonn at the same time I am! Mandi and I have a history (well it only happened one other time so not really a history) of meeting in random places. She was coming back from Uganda through London while I was working in London so we met up at the airport.
Funny story - I was "running" at the park (which in my case means very slowly, and intermittently with walking) when a guy on a bike passed me and told me "you go girl! you can do it, you're almost done!" Now, don't get me wrong, I really appreciated the cheer and the encouragement, but I thought to myself, how pathetic must I look for some random guy to cheer me on at the park?
And randomly, Mandi is also going to be in Bonn at the same time I am! Mandi and I have a history (well it only happened one other time so not really a history) of meeting in random places. She was coming back from Uganda through London while I was working in London so we met up at the airport.
Funny story - I was "running" at the park (which in my case means very slowly, and intermittently with walking) when a guy on a bike passed me and told me "you go girl! you can do it, you're almost done!" Now, don't get me wrong, I really appreciated the cheer and the encouragement, but I thought to myself, how pathetic must I look for some random guy to cheer me on at the park?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)