Mom's blog from her visit!

Long time, no blog...
Mom sent me this a few weeks ago, but between my trips to Copenhagen and Prague, as well as Jordan's visit and a particularly nasty cold I haven't gotten around to posting. Here, though, is mom's take on their trip here. We had a fantastic time! (PS: I posted pictures at the bottom... check them out too!)

Jack and I got home last week from our trip to Germany and Austria. It was a fantastic vacation and we saw so many new places. One of the highlights of our trip to Germany was visiting the Berlin Brandenburg International School! We were very excited to see the school, Ashley’s classroom, students and all the people she works with at BBIS. Ashley has been telling us about her new life in Germany. It was great to finally meet everyone we have been hearing about since July. The BBIS campus is larger than I imagined with many buildings. Jack and I followed the students as they walked to music class and then at their first fire drill! (Always an exciting event.) The grade two classes are located in another building so the children followed their teachers out of their building and around the campus to the playground area to meet all the other elementary classes. We were introduced to the principal, Mark at the fire drill but due to the situation just said hello and thanked him for his support of Ashley in her new teaching position at BBIS. During the morning meeting, Miss Reser introduced us to her students and they seemed surprised that Miss Reser HAD parents! They asked us if we spoke German and we both said, “Nein”. One little girl said, “Yes, you speak German, because ‘Nein’ means ‘no’ in German!” Another child asked where we lived and I told them ‘Ohio’ and then said, “What’s round on the ends and high in the middle?” Ashley wrote ‘OHIO’ on the board and they were very interested in that. Several boys asked if we would play football with them at recess and Jack said, “Sure!” We had such a great morning at school, but wanted the children to focus on school work, we got ready to leave. Ashley asked the kids for some suggestions of where we should go in Berlin, several kids said, “To the Berlin Zoo to see Knut, the ice bear!” Some other suggestions were to go to the Victory Column in Tiergarten and the Brandenburg Gate. Thanks to our tour guide guru, Rick Steves we had taken his ‘on your own’ tour the day before and seen most of the student recommendations. We left Germany the next morning and were sad to leave Ashley but look forward to having her at home for Christmas! By the way, we are already planning a return to Europe in the very near future. ☺

Trapped in Rothenburg!

MMMMM Marzipan! (gag)

Car trouble had us trapped when we should have been seeing the hills of Austria.

Awesome apple strudle with vanilla sauce. (Incredible!)

214 Euros

I have been waiting and waiting to blog about Mom and Dad's visit, but since they haven't sent me the blog email I'm skipping the Fall Break and you'll hear (read) about it later.


Story background- I bought a new bike this weekend to replace the one that was stolen. Berlin is very dark most of the evening and it is hard to see how to lock my bike. The rain is coming down very hard.

So, tonight I got home around 7:30 from a long, but pleasant day at school to find a large white notice on the door of the house addressed to me. In German, I recognize that it is (apparently) uncool to lock my bike to a pole outside of the house. The reasoning seems to be that if a car hit my bike, the pole would also fall, possibly causing the collapse of my entire building. Note: Wouldn't my bike actually serve as a cushioning system to the pole? Ever the tenacious landlords, I found an identical note on the door to my apartment.

"Sheesh, " I thought, as I deposited my backpack on the aztec reading chair. I'll move the bike. However, as a multi-tasker, I saw an opportunity to get a load of laundry started for my trip to Copenhagen this weekend. I gathered a load of dark clothes, detergent, fabric softener, Bounce sheets, and the keys to my bike lock and headed downstairs. When I arrived on the main floor I realized I forgot my cellar keys and trudged back up the rattan carpet where I found my apartment door had shut and automatically locked. Scheisse. There I was, laden with laundry tools, no phone, no keys, no cash, no coat. I did the only reasonable thing and knocked on my neightbor's door.

When she opened the door, I introduced myself since we had never officially met. Then I told her I locked myself out of the apartment and asked if she could call the landlord.

About ten minutes later, the landlord arrived and again berated me for the bike zoning rules of our "complex." On his third tirade of my idiocy, I asked if he could stop kicking me when I was down and kick the door open instead. (Okay, just in my head. Instead I kicked into teenager mode and rolled my eyes at him. Not my best moment, but I'm honest.)

We walked up the stairs where he worked for ten more minutes without accomplishing anything except whining about my bike. Finally, he asked my neighbor to call the locksmith. The locksmith said he would be here in 15 minutes. The landlord grumbled all of the way out the door and my neightbor invited me in for a cupof coffee. I felt I have caused enough of an interruption in her evening and borrowed her cellar key so I could do laundry.

Thirty minutes later the locksmith showed up and tinkered with the door in the same way the landlord did. Thankfully, the locksmith had skillz and effectively broke into my apartment in three minutes. Don't worry, that wasn't his only skill. He was also a master at writing up billz. A lightning fast thirty seconds later I was presented with a bill for 214 Euros.

Good-bye Copenhagen shopping and dinners out for the rest of November.

(But I am thinking about parking my bike against the pole again for sheer spite of the repeated lectures. Maybe I could lock it to his car...)

Reunification Day

I know- you don't believe your eyes- Ashley has blogged again after such a long spell of ignoring blogspot. Well, believe it folks. Right now I'm sitting in the Shönefeld Flughaven waiting for my plane to leave for Munich. Here in Germany, land of timeliness, my plane has been delayed 2 hours. I'm especially bummed because I know Mom and Dad are already in the Munich Flughaven waiting for me. At least they gave me a seven Euro voucher for essen und trinken (eating and drinking.) Now that I've established the scene- I'm chilling in the flughaven in my green coat enjoying a free latte macchiato and shocolade muffin with a downtrodden look on my face- I can tell you about a new (to me) holiday.

Reunification Day was October 3rd. I thought this would be a frou-frou holiday like Arbor Day, but I was wrong. Reunification Day celebrates the day West and East Germans were reunited after the Wall "came down." It is an especially reflective day in Berlin, where many friends and families had been separated for such a long period of time.

After several hectic and draining days at school, I planned to use this day for relaxation, a manicure, and laundry. As late morning approached, though, I realized that this day was one of the reasons I chose to live in a foreign country. What kind of lame traveler would I be to miss this cultural experience. I texted my friends Bethany and Graham, and we made plans to meet at the Brandenburg Gate. What better place to observe festivities?

Apparently each frau, mann, kind und hund in Berlin had the same idea. As I disembarked (Anderson, are you reading this? If not, Junction people, make her!) the S-bahn at Unter den Linden I began to panic. I was trapped by a crowd of people all heading to the same destination. (As many of you know, I do not handle being trapped vary well. In fact, I am quite particular about which seat I choose in restaurants because of this fear of being trapped. ) Let me tell you, it was bad. I'll soon post a picture of what it looked like from the bottom of the staircase.

When I reached the top of the stairway I glanced around to see about 500 people milling about and at least 50 Polizei watching them. One particularly intimidating Polizei was shouting into a loudspeaker. (Was the shouting necessary? Nein, danke.) My German is improving, but it is still quite rudimentary. I was able to understand that he was giving us directions. I grabbed my notebook and tried to write down what he said. When he finished I read my notebook. It read somthing like this.
Right. Right. Bridge. Chicken. Park. Left. Right. Gate.

Except for the "huhnchen." I thought I understood pretty well. He was giving us directions to get to the gate. I followed the masses right and then right again when I was sidetracked by a postcard shop (they are my kryptonite) and Dunkin' Donuts. Bethany then texted to say she was in the same predicament (weird directions\big crowd.) So we changed our plans to meet at the Cafe Einstein near the American Embassy.

About 30 minutes later, Graham, Bethany and I were enjoying a lovely snack at Cafe Einstein watching huge crowds come and pay tribute to the Brandenburg Gate. After our snack (PS- the best hot chocolate ever.) We went to the festival. It was so packed we could not get in the entrance. We did, however, get to see a German Britney-type sing and dance to a crowd which stood solemnly watching. Oddment. There were also, of course, many currywurst and pretzel stands. I even saw some of those gross cookies from Oktoberfest. Blech. They remind me of the Great Absinthe\Night on the Russian Train Extravaganza of 2001. Clearly, that is one cookie I will not tackle again.

G, B, and I then took a 2 hour walk to nowhere. Those might be the best walks, because one stumbles upon places from the guidebook which were never interesting enough to plan a visit to, but are nice to see anyway.

Next year on Reunification Day I plan to arrive early to really see the festivities. Any takers?

The first six (+1) weeks of school

Family and Friends, let me first apologize for allowing my blogging skills to slip. Do not fret, I'm fine, healthy, happy, etc, but I won't deny the past six weeks have been a rollercoaster. Here is my much overdue update and a goal.

Life in Germany

I have begun to love many aspects of my host country. There are great bakeries and fruit stands. The word for bell in German is "klinger." (Say it outloud, you'll get it.) Public transport is easy to navigate. There are really fun clubs and pubs for dancing and watching rugby and football. Floh markts (flea martkets) are cheap and easy places to score some good stuff. Many restaurants bring the rechnung (check) with some free alcohol. IKEA is a 30 minute ride away. People in cafes are generally pleasant about using German slowly. I work with a(nother) great staff. They are becoming wonderful friends to me.

There are also aspects which make me totally crazy. While waiting for a bus, people mill about casually. As soon as the bus appears they act like this bus is the last helicopter out of Vietnam. I have been elbowed in the face by an elderly man and have bruises from peoples purses for not moving fast enough. (I prefer to be the last person on so I don't get trapped by the window with a stinky person on the outside edge.) Public transport goes on strike regularly. Language barriers make parent communication at school very difficult. I'm afraid to turn on my tv after 10 o'clock at night. Dryers are really expensive and don't dry the clothes properly anyway.

School

Now that I've been able to navigate the school it seems simple enough. I enjoy teaching Grade 2 which is a relief! There are totally moments when I wish I have my independent 5th graders again, but watching these children grow so quickly in their skills is astounding. I believe this also has something to do with the fact that all except one are not native English speakers and probably lost some of their skills over the summer. When I looked back at my notes, it is quite impressive to see the growth of my students.

My class is full of BIG personalities who love to share each and every thought that crosses their minds. I've been working with them about prioritizing which thoughts to share and which ones to keep private. We've also been learning about the importance of keeping shoes on. Some fun tidbits about life in 2B...

Things I've had to say...

Key- MR-Miss Reser DS-Darling student

MR: Keep your pants on. (In the literal sense)

In response to learning the joke 'What kind of dog has ticks? A watchdog.'

MR: It is funny because ticks are bugs, like the bugs on a dog and ticks are also the sound that a clock makes, like tick-tock, tick-tock.

DS: Oh, I get it now. It is funny because a dog wouldn't wear a watch. Hahahahahaha.

MR: Not exactly, but if you think it is funny, that will work.

MR: Just because it is the 10th tooth you have lost, does not make your lost tooth world news.

MR: (In response to a student who had been reminded to finish his art at least three times already.) Come on, DS name, wrap it up now. (DS looks up at me quizzically. I nod with a stern look on my face. He shrugs and begins rolling his paper up like a burrito.)

A short story about public transport

Once upon a time in Berlin when the weather was still warmish, Ashley was tired after a long day of teaching fact families and their houses, how art can tell stories, and the short a sound she wearily waited for the 285 bus to bring her home. While she waited a teenage German boy came swaggering up the sidewalk. His jeans were pulled down low, his cap was on sideways, and he had a touch of bling in the shape on a dollar sign hanging around his neck. Ashley looked around to check if she had been suddenly transported into one of Vanilla Ice's videos, but quickly noted the regular 1995 German wear on the surrounding people.

The teenage boy sauntered through the crowd pausing twice to hock a loogie. (Where did all of the flem come from?) He spit one loogie near the feet of a woman with a stroller, and one near Ashley. Ashley (being the sassy teacher that she is) took one step closer to him and gave him the "who are you again?" look. Just as a brawl was about to ensue, the bus arrived. Ashley and said teenager joined the teeming mass getting on the bus. Ashley was behind the teenager and lost sight of him.

Both people got on the bus and climbed to the second level. Ashley noted that this teen was sitting behind a pair of teenage girls. She chose to sit a few rows in front of them. Teenage boy said soemthing in a sassy voice in the German language. Just as A was about to respond in English, one of the teenage girls responded back. Teenage boy chose to engage in the verbal spar in German and again, Ashley wished she knew more German, but her ears peaked when he said his last two words "deine mutter."

Ashley exhaled a low whistle. He had just called out the girls mama. Luckily, teenage girl was no shrinking violet and responded with a sarcastic attitude and used the words "meine mutter." This went on for some time with both parties referring to the girl's mom repeatedly. Although language can be a struggle, tone is universal and it was clear that the girl won this "mama" match. Steglitz-1 Compton-0

Munich/Oktoberfest

As a good American girl living in Germany I made the trek to Oktoberfest with two friends. We actually were there for the opening weekend and it was SO MUCH FUN! I'm exhausted from reliving the last six weeks, so let's pretend that a picture really is worth 1000 words. Here is 5000 words about Oktoberfest...

Props to Katie for remembering her camera and allowing me to share her photos!


LOVE YOU ALL! Please email me if you see me slacking in the blogging department again. I have a strong desire to keep it up, but need you to keep me honest.

Note: Next week I will be traveling with MOM and DAD(!!!) We'll be back late on Saturday. I will try to update on Sunday about our travels.

Meine haus part 2 (Part one is below.)

After leaving the kitchen, one enters the lebensraum again. I think the lighting in the photo truly shows the elegance of my sofa/chair set. (Take that Bravo's Design Star!)
The picture in the frame is a little freaky. I've covered it with a variety of pictures and am thinking about using a picture from the Glamour "Man Issue" next. In the background you might note my flowered bedspread.






Now you can see my sweet bedroom. This is def. my favorite room. It feels like a cozy nook for reading, sleeping, and relaxing. The open door leads to the bathroom. I love the technicolor bathrobe from IKEA. It is a burst of happy in my morning!

The bathroom is classicly teensy, but adequate for one person. In my next flat I won't settle for anything without a bathtub, though.

Mein haus

I moved into my flat more than one month ago, and still have yet to show you my "keebler" house despite many a lengthy email request. I kept waiting for a day when I didn't have laundry drying all over the house, or thinking first I would get a new couch to replace the current Adobe sofa and chair set. However, after all is said and done, I ALWAYS have some laundry drying, and I've decided that I won't live in Steglitz after my 6 month lease is finished, so why bother getting a sofa I'll eventually have to move. (Sorry to my visitors who are coming before February, you'll get an air mattress. Although you should know that Graham and Hillary, on separate occasions, assured me that the floor is quite comfortable.)

I wish I could charge you 8 Euros to slip on some earphones and listen to my commentary about my place, but you'll have to simply read.

The first picture shows that you see when entering my apartment. I'm sure you, as I do, would feel instant calm when you notice the infamous couch and chair. (Go on, click on the image for a real close up!) Actually, I love the big windows and glass china cupboard.

If you would turn to your left and enter the kitchen you coul see the second picture. You may notice the curtain detail. It reminds me a tad of Dolores Umbridge. HP fans wil know why. Everyone else won't care. the next image shows my kitchen. I wish I could be standing at the sink for a reference pint, but let me tell you that I can stand directly in front of the sink and my head barely grazes the ceiling. (If you're reading this from KY, that was the "silling.") My stove and oven are gas and after a few incidents of difficulty and nearly pulling a Sylvia Plath, I've decided I like cooking with gas. My tea is ready in about 30 seconds!

The other side of the kitchen holds the refrigerator, cupboards and makeshift ironing station. This way I can iron my clothes each morning while waiting for my Vitamin C tablet to fizzle. This is also the trash sorting center. I spend much more time each day sorting my trash than my laundry. V. Green, no?

I felt that the food station deserved a large picture so you could notice the details of my life- like my new penchant for drinking milk out of a box. This picture was taken immediately after a major grocery store excursion, and it is clear that I'm gearing up for a week without being home when stores are open.

NOTE: If your only mode of transportation is an Oma bike, DO NOT get a grocery cart at your local ReWe. You WILL fill the cart like you had your old Eclipse sitting in the Wal-Mart parking lot and only at checkout glance casually into your cart and wonder how one might get home with 65 Euro of groceries on a bike (including, but not limited to cleaning supplies, liters of Pfirsch Tea, and 2.5 kilos of potatoes.) It was amazing, but I made it the 6 blocks with only one minor spill- and I didn't want that jar of jam anyway.

Found them!

The missing blog entries following the pitiful epitaph have been found. (I heart my computer!)
Enjoy. (PS I'm picking up my apartment and doing laundry today in hopes of finally taking pictures of meine haus for you. Expect them soon.)

Saturday afternoon
Life is much easier when one decides to get a grip and get to work. Taking a deep breath and relaxing just allowed me to wallow, and although wallowing might taste good as you down a third glass of Nestle Quik, it doesn’t solve the problem at hand. Instead, I got off of my bum, dug in my heels, and got to work by shopping. Retail therapy really works for me and since Germany (as far as I can tell) only takes cash I didn’t do any permanent damage.
In fact, the only real impulse buys were a bathrobe (one worthy of Joseph… you know, technicolor) and a new lip balm. That is mighty impressive and, as everyone knows, one can never have too many lip balms. I think Germany is going to be a new testing ground for lip balm research and I am certainly the person for it.
All of the shopping here is individualized so I went to IKEA (hamper, bathrobe, bathmat, scrub brush, three trashcans-so I can sort my rubbish as the Deutsch do), 2000 Blume (flower pots so I can grow the seeds from Amanda and Adam’s wedding), Shlecker (laundry detergent, nail polish remover, cotton balls, conditioner, lip balm), Media Markt (blow dryer and straightening iron), and a bookstore whose name I can’t remember for some postcards, a map of Berlin, and a German/English dictionary. I’m enjoying choosing new things and putting together a flat. In fact, I like to set up reward systems for myself (I’m such a teacher!), and I’ve decided when I get my first paycheck I’m going to IKEA and splurging on a new comforter. The Germans use comforters which are not big enough to cover the whole bed, but I want a luxurious, fluffy, extra warm, bed covering- it is a good reward.
Now I’m off to meet some of the other new teachers for dinner. I’ll be careful with the menu tonight. I certainly don’t want to relive the Great Leber Catastrophe of 2007.
(Note:C ongratulations to Julia and Josh! I wish I could be there celebrating with you- wait, I’m am-ish.. Pictures will be posted at a later date.)

Tuesday
Things are going well. My German is slightly improving. In fact, yesterday I was walking down the sidewalk and heard a bike behind me (BTW. v. dangerous to walk down sidewalks in Berlin) I moved to the left to let it pass me by, and the rider must have had the same idea. We were caught in the move from one side to the other side dance and I laughed and said, “I’m sorry.” He said, “No problem.” As he passed by I felt like victory because I had a whole conversation in German… well, two sentences at least.

Wednesday
I think I’m regressing to my college self. When I first went to Centre I was so homesick, but felt better as I gained friends and had activities to keep me occupied. The same is true now I feel pretty bummed when alone, but as I go explore the town with my new teacherfriends, I feel happy. I know I should have more internal self-esteem, but too often I feel best when others want to spend time with me or praise my efforts. It is childlike, but I think this change has brought several insecurities to light.
Hillary, another new teacher, is saying with me right now until her apartment is vacated. It is nice to have the company for basic chat. Somehow life is just better with companionship. This is remarkably philosophical coming from someone who needs her alone time (like a baby needs her blanket. Fergie is SO inspiring, right?) And I really need my alone time.

Friday
The challenges of living in a foreign country persist. Today I thought about doing some baking, but since I’m still not sure about the gas oven or my measurement conversions, I though it would be best to buy a brownie mix. How badly could I mess it up? Apparently, pretty badly. I learned, however, that translating brownie mix directions (even with a great Deutsch/Englisch dictionary) can cause a person to create billows of smoke and a pan of something resembling burnt chocolate kisses. They tasted quite awful too…

Since...

Since that last quite pitiful blog entry, things have been looking up. I've met s many more people, been more places, and somewhat settled into my apartment. I still don't love it- it is "Keebler Elf" sized, and in a semi-suburb, but it will do for a bit of time.

Since I last blogged I've hung out on a beach (okay, the banks of the Spree), been to the Altes Nationalgallerie, watched people tango on a boat, seen a conspiracy theory movie about 9/11, organized the furniture in my classroom, purchased a bike, been to San Souci, shopped at KaDeWe and IKEA, made two batches of snickerdoodles (without cream of tarter,) and attended a birthday party picnic. It has all been wonderful. I feel like I'm finally settling into my new home.

Since school inservices start on Monday and grocery stores aren't open on Sunday, I better go get some food for next week.

Pictures of recent fun

At KaDeWe, scaring the Polar Bear

A display in Woolworths. What an eclectic mix of items?

At Dunkin' Donuts, my home away from Internet home.

Graham and Bethany at the San Souci Palace.

T-Punkt

So, the postman didn't deliver my code to set up the Internet at my apartment, but I found some free WiFi near my home. Below is the blog I've been keeping on Word, but I haven't kept upvery well. I'll write a really good update for tomorrow, but my power is about to die, so tschuss!

What Would Fergie Do
Yesterday was really rough. I felt absolutely isolated, overwhelmed, lonely, and frankly, miserable. I suppose I didn’t realize how much I relied on being at the hotel with the other new teachers. There, I could sit in the lobby and wait for people to sit and visit, or go to school and meet other people who will work with me, or call home on the telephone in my room. Right now, I’m in a different neighborhood with no phone or Internet access wondering what kind of a mistake I made. This is, perhaps, the most ridiculous decision I have ever made. Who am I to think that I can thrive in a totally new environment with new people, and a new culture? When I first told people that I was moving to Berlin, they usually responded with, “Wow. That’s amazing! You are so brave,” and in my head I laughed it off. Brave? I thought. Anyone would jump at this opportunity. I’m just lucky.

They, however, were right. It does take courage to leave everything that is familiar, but it also takes luck to get there.

Now, writing this on Microsoft Word because my Internet is not hooked up, I glance around my apartment so see a place that could soon be familiar. Piles of my purses (the three which Katie allowed me to bring) lay pell-mell in the doorway. My two personalized coffee cups the kids in previous classes know so well, sit by the sink. Pictures of friends and family are scattered across bureaus, table tops, and bookshelves. A small stuffed lion rests on my bed in a nest of oddly shaped pillows. They are my talisman. These objects show that I am not alone- that I have a history and a future- and that growth comes from change and change is usually painful. So, as Fergie so philosophically stated, “It’s time to be a big girl now, and big girls don’t cry.” (I find it amazing that she also came up with the phrase, “I’m gon’ gon’ gon’ get you drunk. Get you love drunk on my hump.”)

(45 minutes later)
Big girls don’t cry is much easier said than done because here I am again sitting on the hideous furniture (which IKEA will move when they bring my new things) wishing for someone familiar to sit down and give me a hug. Simply having my cat, Fiona, would be fantastic. I would even take Kerstin, the relocation agent. Or Rick Astley. But really, I want someone to share these times with me. The other new teachers all seem to have someone with them- sons, a spouse or partner, a mother in a neighboring country or sharing the hotel room. I need to plan a trip to see Diane. I need a taste of home. (But really, I need to get up, get a grip, take a shower, and go to the grocery store.)

So that’s what I’ll do. Even in Germany I need bread and toilet paper. And Nutella.


NOTE: DANG IT! I wrote three other entries, but can't seem to find them. Sorry. I'll try to catch you up later, but things are going well now. Very well, in fact.

Strike

T-Home (My Internet/Phone provider) was on strike about two weeks ago. This apparently means I will have to wait another week to get Internet service at home. I promise I'm blogging on my own laptop and will post it as soon as the T-Home people get off of their bums and hook me up. I can't find a place in Germany with Free Wifi... I'll keep working at it by carrying my computer everywhere in the hope that free Wifi will jump out at me. Hey, the local coffee shop sells underwear and clock radios. Who knows who might have Wifi? A bike shop, perhaps...

First Impressions

Well, I made an impression today, no doubt. Tonight the new staff members of the school met to have dinner with the school director and the high school principal at the Greek place Bethany and I muddled through. Well, I knew that the souflaki wasn’t exactly for me based on the time I ate it last time so I decided to try something new. When I examined the menu (with the school director across from me), I noticed a meal with only a few words and I knew most of them. Victory, I thought. Mushrooms, rice, salad, french fries and then a few other smaller words less important words. I figured I could eat this without any major issues. I was SO wrong. About 25 minutes later the waiter appeared and began calling out food words and people chose plates. My mushroom dish had yet to arrive when he asked who ordered the liver.

The new PE teacher next to me nudged me and said, “Here. She ordered it.” Crapcrapcrapcrap. Apparently I didn’t hide my facial expression because ( I thought I would die) the school director offered to trade meals repeatedly. I’m a big girl, however, and decided to try it. I couldn’t bring myself to place a single bite in my mouth. Each time I got that piece of meat near my mouth I had to put it down as I thought of how disgusting and rubbery it felt and smelled. After several attempts, I was trying to hide the fact that I wasn’t eating it by cutting it and stuffing pieces underneath other pieces and hiding it under the extra dish. I also attempted to routinely change dinner conversation partners so no one got a complete picture of my abhorrence of the meal. Eventually, I ate enough rice and French fries so that the waiter took my plate along with the majority of the tables dishes. At last. I was free from the shackles of liver consumption and managed fairly gracefully, I thought. Then, the waiter returned to the table and interrupted a conversation I was having with several people to ask why I didn’t eat my meal. Stupid. I forgot that the German waiters have a different set of manners. Didn’t he know that this was a hush-hush, just between the two of us exchange? I said liver simply wasn’t to my taste. I felt like an imbecile. It would have been different, funny even, with a group of friends or family. You know, one of those classic tales you tell everyone about when you return home to discuss your travels. Now, however, I’m simply the girl who wasn’t thorough enough to choose a meal.
On the bright side, at least I learned a new German word. Leber=liver.

(Afterword: Bethany told me at breakfast this morning that Joost, the PE teacher, now believes I'm a vegetarian. I tried to explain my Lenten decision while eating last night. Come on now, I was born in the Bratwurst capital of the US.)

I saw this darling t-shirt in a children's store. It says, "Berlin is big, and I am small." I totally want one in my size!

Bethany regularly compares my German abilities to that of Duston Hoffman's character in Rainman. Randomly, the Deutsch burbles out of me in somewhat coherent sentences and I often read signs aloud. This ability, naturally, failed me while reading the Greek/German menu. Stupid leber.

Vo ist das Regenmantel?

I have been faked out. My first three days in Berlin were beautiful. The sun shone, the weather was perfect for short sleeves and jeans, no jacket was required, and birds sang merrily as people sat on their balconies and drank lattes. As of yesterday, though, the weather fairies decided that I was adjusting too well and that I needed some stark Berlin reality. And the rains came down.

Yesterday, Bethany and I decided to go into Berlin and be touristy. We saw the Brandenburg gate, the Potsdamer Platz, the Sony Center, the American Embassy (in case I might have a criminal moment), Checkpoint Charlie, the Wall, Hotel Adlon, and the Jewish Historical Museum. It sounds like a lot, but we decided that since we were now residents of the city we would visit these places a lot with visitors and needed to know only the basics so we could explore them with friends and family when they arrive. We met for fruhstuk (breakfast) and started out the door when we realized it was raining lightly and decided to run back into our rooms for rain gear. Thanks to Katie Booth, I only brought one cheap travel umbrella which was damaged in travel. (Amazingly the few picture frames were intact…) I grabbed the umbrella and met B in the elevator where she was ready with a nice umbrella and a rain coat. We decided that an additional mission for the day would be to shop for a raincoat so I could survive as a Berliner. We set off for what would be a fun day of navigating public transportation and sightseeing.

(In this picture I'm at the Hotel Adlon actin' like a Michael Jackson fool

using my umbrella-ella-ella as the "baby prop.")

After visiting the formerly mentioned sites and a few clothing stores we decided that we would not be joining Charlotta and Graham for an outdoor concert and that we needed to get a hold of C before she drove into Kleinmachnow to pick us up at the hotel, unfortunately B couldn’t remember her cell phone password (because you have to have a password for everything and generally are not allowed to pick it in Germany) so she needed to book it back to the hotel. I, however, due to wonderful CNN, knew that the forecast predicted rain through Tuesday and had yet to even see a raincoat. So, we parted ways and I decided to head to Schlossestrasse in Steglitz, the main shopping drag near my future apartment. Kerstin, my relocation agent, told me that I could find everything I would ever need here. I decided to test her theory. I went into more that 12 stores and found nothing. Sheesh. Finally, I saw a store which seemed more for middle-aged women, but decided to give it a try. I explored the top floor and found nada. Right as I was heading for the exit, I saw an escalator. Down the escalator I went and found—a whole section of men’s raincoats. Luckily, tucked away behind the menswear was a rack of women’s jackets. I found three which were presentable and took them along with me to the dressing room. The first was to big, the second was too small, but, just like The Three Bears, the third was just right. I took it to the counter and smiled as I purchased my first official item in Berlin (food and transportation do not count!) I was victorious. Now, if I can only find a hair straightener; this weather is doing a number on my smooth brunette locks.

This morning I received a call from Erica at 10:15 asking if I wanted to join her family at church. I was thrilled because I have been trying to find a good church to attend (and by good, I mean with a service in English.) I told her I would be there and asked what time we would leave. She said, “The bus comes in 20 minutes, so we need to leave in 15.” Holy. Moly. I have never been able to get out the door in 15 minutes- even for the gym. I told her I would try to make it, but if I wasn’t in the lobby, to leave me behind. Miraculously, I made it to the lobby speedily, but since I didn’t look at my watch when she called, I had no idea of how long it had been. I decided to wait in the lobby in the rare case that I beat her 15 minute time limit. I realized that I must have been late when 15 minutes later she had not arrived. So, I went back to my room, changed clothes for a day in the rain and decided to head into the city again. Public transportation was managed without a misstep from Kleinmachnow all the way to the Kaiser Wilhelm Church (about 35 minutes.) I think I even managed to appear to be a bit German with my iPod in my ears and my nonchalant attitude, but maybe the New Balances gave me away. There must be some European gene which allows people to walk all day in uncomfy-looking shoes and not get blisters. Oh well, I am American, and if I appear that way, oh well. There are many people who address me in German, though. Yesterday while being tourists Bethany was always approached with German or Spanish (she is from Texas and her father is Hispanic) and I was addressed in English or German. I’ll have to spend some serious time with Rosetta Stone in the near future in order to really get around and stop feeling like a fool. My current favorite phrase is “Meine Deutsch ist nicht so gut.” It probably is grammatically wrong, but seems to get the point across. Maybe the incorrect grammar makes my point all by itself.
Chillin' at the Kaiser Wilhelm church in my awesome new raincoat. It's Clima tex...

A full 24 hours since the last post

I feel so much better after having a bit of sleep. My body clock is off, but I'm no longer on Ohio time. Now, I'm just on funky, unusual, unhelpful body time. It doesn't help that the geese outside of my window began quacking at 5:15 am. Some might consider it charming... but at the time- I DID NOT!

I chose an apartment today. It is cute and small, but it has character and is furnished (even if the furnishings are fairly ugly in the living room. (wohnzimmer) I should sign a contract this weekend at some point for a 6 month lease. This means that friends and family are welcome to come and crash (on what will hopefully be my own IKEA couch if I can convince the owner to remove the offensive furnishings.) Of all of the apartments, it was the best price and I had to choose creature comforts or traveling, but the apartment will be suitable. Oh, the neighborhood is darling. I will be 150 meters from the bus stop, and a 10 minute walk to two different subway lines. There is a church across the street from me and a park on the other side of it... The park is complete with tennis courts, Hill!) I'll post pictures when I move in and get my things arranged.

Today, I also made eine freunden (a friend). She is also a BBIS teacher, but she is from Texas via Luxembourg. We have discovered common affinities for stories, enjoying complications, teaching, net sports and football. She has Embassy contacts (yay!), so we're hoping to make friends with some of the local Marines so we can watch football on their tv. Mmm. I can now relax at the possibility of continuing to cheer for the Buckeyes and the Browns! Also, we ate at a Greek place nearish (10 minute walk) the hotel. The menu was entirely in Greek and translated into German. Not helpful. I ate something that has fleisch, kase, and pomme frites. It seemed like a good idea at the time because I knew the words for meat, cheese, and french fries. Now I wonder what type of meat was used. I must have a beer and bratwurst tomorrow... It is crazy that I haven't yet enjoyed a proper German meal. I'll also find some tort. After dinner, I met two men from New Zealand in the elevator who are here for a conference. It was wonderful to speak in English.

Tomorrow is pretty much a free day for me since Kerstin will be busy picking up and showing around another new teacher. I'm thinking about taking a walking tour and seeing Berlin. Perhaps I'll even make it to The Wall. Mainly, I'm excited that I dont have to listen to Rick Astley any longer. I swear Kerstin and I have been in her car long enough to hear that cd six times on repeat. Honestly, how many times can one hear, "I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna eel the heat with somebody. Yeah..." I used to like the song, but now I think I'll vomit if I hear it again. Ever.

Thank all of you whom have emailed me. I'm trying to respond as quickly as possible while still delivering quality emails.

Hmm, since I'm currently sitting in the hotel lobby ignoring the leers from a group of German teenagers I might need to head up to my room. Body language has become so necessary for communication since I don't know a word of what they just said to me, and I didn't appreciate their.... well, attitude.

I think I'll head up to my room and catch some more Zs. Schuss!

Arrived in one piece...

NOTE: I wrote this on Microsoft Word last night. I haven't read over it because I'm still pooped. Read with discretion.

As I sit in my hotel room at the lovely and fabulous NH Hoteles in Kleinmachnow enjoying my first meal in Germany (a Subway 6 inch Club sub) I can tell you that this adventure was clearly not for the faint of heart or body! It has currently been 30 hours since I left my house in Ohio and 35 hours since I was last asleep, and I’m pooped! Let me give you the quick run down so I don’t collapse.

Brunch- Had a farewell brunch at First Watch with my family. Amanda showed up to see me off. I was totally shocked that Amanda and my parents managed to pull it off with very minor suspicion.

Airport- Managed to get all four of my bags on the plane for a mere $100. That was the bonus of the century! Hung out and visited with Dad, Mom, Jordan, and Amanda until Dad got worried that I might get delayed by security and miss my flight. I then said a quick good-bye to hold back tears. (It’s like ripping off a Band-aid. In my case a quick sting is better than the slow torture .)

Columbus to Chicago- Uneventful. Crying baby on the plane, but we were not even in the air for one hour.

Chicago to Dublin- At first I sat next to a chatty high school graduate who was meeting his girlfriend in Dublin. Then, we realized that both of the seats in front of us were empty and I bade him farewell to sit in front of me so I could catch some Z’s. I followed my normal plane sleep protocol, but couldn’t sleep. Crazy! I did, however, get to enjoy some Irish Alternative music via the plane radio station.

Dublin airport- Squeaked onto the plane right as they were closing the door due to super slow security and people who kept cutting in line.

Dublin-Berlin- Slept. Slept like a dead log on the ground until it was time to put the tray table up and prepare for landing. Then, I saw my first glance of my new city. It looked green and full of lakes. Poor picture to follow…

Berlin airport- I arrived in the airport expecting to be reunited with my luggage, but unfortunately all of the luggage came and went except for mine and a pair of Americans who were also moving to the city. We decided to simply sit there and wait for more baggage to arrive since there was no one at the missing luggage counter. I knew that with my three huge and one medium-sized pieces of luggage I would definitely need a cart. Unfortunately, I gave all of my American change (except for a lucky 2007 penny) to the Aer Lingus Unicef envelope. (That’s right, philanthropy even in the skies.) I also only had Euro bills and no coins to release a cart. Sheesh! That’s when I decided that I would move my stuff the old fashioned way- by hauling two suitcases ten feet and returning to the other two and hauling them twenty feet. It felt like a totally messed up game of leap frog. Two German security agents watched and chuckled openly at me, but finally the man came over and helped. I walked through the gate to see a whole bunch of signs, but none for me. I pulled my bags to a post and started to sit and wait when I woman holding a sign that said, “Welcome Ashley to BBIS.” I smiled and she kissed my cheeks. (Which I'm not a huge fan of...) Then, I passed on the two heaviest suitcases to her and we packed them in her car and got coffee to talk about the schedule.

Kerstin (pronounced Cay-ah-steen?) and I went on a ton of errands. We saw four apartments, went to the Rathaus, got passport photos taken, toured the school (where a jackhammer was being used in my sealed off future classroom) and went three times to another BBIS teacher’s apartment to met her. The apartments were a whole range of goodies from, “Absolutely no way,” to “Ooh, I think I could live here.” More on them later after I see three more tomorrow morning.

I hope this will be coherent when I read it tomorrow morning.

Up Up and Away!

Today is the day- I'm moving to not only a new city, a new country and a new continent. I've been waiting for a long time for this move, and feel sufficiently prepared. Why not feel prepared? I'm leaving regardless of preparation, so I might as well feel good about it. I'll be sure to updat more once I arrive. Airports are always full of drama, and drama makes for an entertaining blog...
Schuss!

Hooah! (I think that's what Adam told me to say...)

Yay! There is another happily-ever-after couple in the world. The Browne's wedding was lovely. Amanda was glowing (but not in the yucky horses sweat, men perspire kind of way.) Mom said she has never seen a bride as happy to simply be at her wedding. Adam was also lovely... ahem, I mean handsome. His uniform made him look brave and dashing. In fact, I had themes of "Will You Marry Me, Bill?" running through my head. Perhaps that is due to the inordinate amount of episodes of Designing Women I have enjoyed. Being a bridesmaid was a ton of fun. Jenny, Jamie, Em, and I had a blast wearing our sunglasses, watching YouTube, and playing with the Playskool kitchen set. Oh yes, and we got to witness one of the most important days in Adam and Amanda's lives. The only minor meltdown occurred when Amanda couldn't find her special-for-the-wedding-dress bra, and sent her mother home to get it. I was left to the task of dressing her once the aforementioned bra was located in the bottom of her garment bag. I still haven't seen the pictures, but I imagine that at that moment I was glowing, and not in that attractive-angel-halo kind of way.

Since then I my life has revolved around cleaning, packing and saying good-bye to friends and family. In fact, yesterday I got to hang out with Chris, Sara, Ellie, Ryan, and Katie. They are so cute and sweet. I really regret not being closer to them physically so that I could witness more of them growing up. Ellie is going to be in kindergarten--crazy! I also got to have lunch with Kristin and Margaret. They're both such good friends. Thankfully, MySpace will connect us just as much as we have been due to our diverse lives. Today was also pretty sad because I had to say good-bye to Jenny W. It was also sad because while we were enjoying our coffee and gossip my car (aka Mom's car) was towed. I suppose I should have read the itsy-bitsy red sticker on the meter, but instead I naively ignored it and happily inserted 20 dimes and trotted off to visit. On my hunt to find the car I met an extremely friendly valet, a taxi driver named Mohammad Muhammad, a customer with a mullet, a cashier with a fem-mullet (I think they're getting married next Valentine's Day) and a voice from above (parking lot loudspeaker) who refused to give back the $2 in change that I gave the meter. Come on now folks, I paid the $150 fine.towing.storage fee; couldn't you give me back my dimes?

A Darker Shade of Ivory

That's right. For the first time ever I am actually neither white as a ghost, red as a tomato, nor peeling like a snake. Last Tuesday, I encountered the wonders of the solar shower. No, not a meteor showerlike event where people sit out on blankets and watch the stars streak through the sky; a shower where I got in a shower stall inside of a closet inside of my video store and allowed myself to be covered in an aerosole-type beige dye. My stomach is somewhat leopard spotted. I suppose I should have rubbed it in. Also, when I look in a mirror my face looks dirty. I suppose I was just never meant to be a tan person. Expect zero pictures.

Hot Times in the City

So, I feel like I can't keep up with my own blog. Perhaps once I arrive in Berlin and get settled there I will have time to update more regularly. (Yes, mom, I know that I promised I would keep it up-to-date. And I will. Try.)

Whirlwind Update

Lakeside- Divine, haven, family time. I think some high points include swimming in Lake Erie (brrr!), watching Aunt Joy sing "Pharoah, Pharoah," playing cards with my cousins and Amanda, and the chameleon(sp) circus. You had to be there.
Bridal Showers- Cooked, ate, and told stories in a vain attempt to gain the acceptance of Adam's family. Also watched Amanda open presents and held on to the bows so she can have a fake bouquet to throw at the wedding. I think her mom was trying to sabotage me by decorating gifts with bows big enough to engulf Maggie. Fun was had by all.

Wicked- Wonderful. I call it "Wonderful." Saw the musical in Columbus with Mom, Dad, Jordan, Aunt Joni, Uncle Jon, Julia, Nattie Boo, Katy, and Amanda. Bought my new favorite sweatshirt and cried at least three times during the show. Sigh.

Amanda's bachelorette party- Began the evening by primping in her apartment. One aspect of college I really miss is primping with my friends before the parties, so I was glad we were able to reinact those moments. You don't really know your friends until you are all brushing your teeth and trying to spit in the sink in the same 30 second span. We then went to Paparazzi. I wasn't totally in favor of hitting Paparazzi b/c I had been there the previous night with Ben, Seth, and Brooke and we deemed it below our low low standards. (We like Cadillac Ranch, after all.) Basically, I was creeped out by the videocameras and flashing lights... BUT- for the bachelorette party it was fun. Yay Amanda and Adam!

Lee's Shoes- Dad is begin so nice to me about working this summer except for this week. Sheryl is on vacation, so he needs me to work all week. Helping people try on shoes just reminds me of how lucky I am to have a profession I adore. I hope everyone is as lucky as I am about finding a job they love.

Amanda's wedding is the 14th and I move the 24th. This is creating a long list of chores for me to accomplish, so I suppose I better go get busy. Out.

Bogged Down

I had no idea when I signed that little piece of paper stating that I would move to Berlin that I would be SO busy preparing for the move. All I feel like I do is pack, unpack, call, clarify, answer dad's questions, and run around trying to see people. And, of course, attempt to create witty blogs for you, readers (grandma:))

I shouldn't complain too much, though because the last week and a half were so lovely and relaxing. I went to a comedy club and then to karaoke with school friends (teachers...) While there were sang two of the greatest hits ever to be performed by the people who educate the youth of America, "Waterfalls" by TLC, and "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas. I almost sang "Don't Stop Believin'" with a man I met while waiting for the bathroom, but we had communication problems. I suppose he didn't speak Pig Latin as well as he claimed. He told me he was fluent, while I announced that I was getting my Ph. D. in Pig Latin. I-hay uppose-say e-hay as-way ying-lay. Anyway, Larry let me down in the song category of the night, but loved to dance so we had a blast. I think Amanda had a good time too, watching Dimitri and Wingman strike out with Ami. What can we say...

We hung out with the Johnston boys and then went to Joanna and T.J.'s wedding. I LOVE going to the weddings of people I think should get married! You know, sometimes, you think about what to get the couple and think... how returnable is this item... or... who would get this in the settlement? With TJ and Jo, it never crossed my mind. Those are two people who are meant to be together. God, good job on bringing them together! While at their wedding I righted a wrong I had done to a friend. It went something like this...

Tap, tap, tap. (I patted the back of his suitcoat.)
Me: Hey.
Him: Hey.
Me: Look, I'm really sorry for the way I treated you. I was wrong. And a (insert inappropriate for a blog, but appropriate for the moment name.)
Him: It's no big deal. You don't need to apologize.
Me: Yes, I do. I was totally wrong, and I'm sorry. Seriously.
Him: Well, don't worry about it anymore.
Me: Okay, but really, I'm sorry.
(His date comes over and suction cups herself onto him. I wander off to lead "Devil Went Down to Georgia" and tell my friends that I apologized and feel better.)

Additional joys of the wedding- Seeing Ballzy and my precious diamond. Dancing with my Pi gals. Hanging at the Cincinnati Hofbrauhaus and watching my KY friends during "Hang On Sloopy."

I'll update about Lakeside lata.

Good-bye Bruno

Well, the garage sale was a success. I got rid of the stuff I no longer want and people gave me money to haul it away. Who knew? Of course, it was a ton of work to put the whole thing together and I have made the decision to only hold a garage sale each decade. That sounds reasonable, right? In the end, I wasn't able to part with my wax hand creation. I suppose it holds too many memories for me. (Mom will probably pitch it while I'm in Berlin. And when I get back I will thank her for it.)

Speaking of Berlin... I can now afford to rent an apartment without the fear of subsisting on the German equivalent of Ramen Noodles for several months because (imaginary drum roll) I sold my car. That's right, Bruno, my favorite companion and confidant for six years has been sold into the hands of people who used to go to my church. When I was seven. (They thought I should have multiple memories of them...) They came to the garage sale and asked about the sign on my car (which conveniently went on my car immediately before the garage sale.) I let them take it for a test drive. They said they would be back. I went to the YMCA. They showed up at the Y and asked to take it for another spin. (At this point I was a little wary that I would be trapped on the EFX machine if they didn't bring back my key.) They came back to the Y during my stretch and made an offer which I accepted. Today, they gave me a check and I gave them the title and car. Bruno is gone. I am forlorn.

I first got this car as a graduation present from my parents right before I graduated from high school. It has seen me through a lot of moves, tears, and exciting times. When I first got it I remember trying to name the little red Mitsubishi Eclipse, but no name really seemed to encompass the aura of my car. I remember Jason tryng to convince me that it was a girl and now, I think that was the whole problem of the name dilemma. Surely, my car was a boy, a Bruno. You know, Bruno like Logan's last name. (The Baby-Sitter's Club series by Ann M. Martin.) Logan was the cutest thing alive. Remember girls, he was from Luh-a-vul and had dark brown eyes. My first real crush must have been on Logan and now it seems apt that my favorite car be his namesake. Sigh.

In other news, I have now completed 2,400 postcard stamps for a shoe store mailing and I ask you, dear readers (grandma), when you get this card, do not dismiss it was junk mail, read the back and come on in to the store and use that postcard/coupon. And visit with me so I don't have to keep licking stamps.

Stage 9 of the hierarchy

Denial- I don't actually have to go unpack/sort/repack all of my school supplies. Naturally, my fairy godmother will decide what I need/want and magically ship it to BBIS where I will arrive to see it unpacked and organized for the beginning of the next school year.

Why do I own so much stuff?

How, I ask you, can I have accumulated so many items in my six short years after high school? There is nothing like moving to another state and then to another country which makes you want to give every item you own, including the hand wax creation you made at SAC's Spring Fling, to the Salvation Army simply so you don't have to move it.

In six years, I have accumulated enough junque to fill an Honda Element, a Mitsubishi Eclipse, and a 17ft. U-Haul. And that is after I got rid of the washer, dryer, huge chair, ottoman, and couch. (Thanks Amanda, may you and Adam enjoy them in your future marital bliss.) I knew I really had too many items when I began thinking of the ways I could slow down my drive from Kentucky to Ohio. 'I wonder if that really is the largest Salvation Army in Ohio. Perhaps I should check it out. Hmm, I've driven past that gigantic Jesus torso at regular intervals for 6 years. I should get a picture with it today. Awww. This could be the last time I drive past Trader's World to see the mullet-people barter to get a hai-cut and som unnawear. Maybe I need a hair cut too?' Just about the time I would maneuver my car from the speedy lane to the slow one, I would get an image of my parents lugging my stuff from the U-haul into the garage/basement/shoestore, and then pity would wash over me and I would head north again.

Now, I'm in stage eight of the moving hierarchy. (PS- Hierarchies start from the bottom up, so read it that way.)

Stage 8: Unpack- Where can I fit these items in my parents house without cluttering up my room any more than the two chairs, bed, armoir, two bedside tables, linen chest, and book shelf already are?

Stage 7: Unload- Harumph, 1-2-3 lift, thud, thud, thud, thud. Drop. Crash. Oh, I guess that was the box with vases and picture frames.

Stage 6: Questioning the universe- Am I behind the second funeral procession in ten miles for a reason? Are you sending me signals, God?

Stage 5: Belligerance- What do you mean, Time Warner Cable door sign, that you are closed from 12-1 for lunch? I need to move.

Stage 4: Make it end- I don't care where anything is, just get it in a box and let's get out of here.

Stage 3: This Little Piggy- This box will go home. This one will go to storage. This one will be garage sale items. This one will go to Berlin.

Stage 2: Uber-organization- This box will hold mementos from Fall 2005-Fall 2006. This one will be all useful, opened office supplies.

Stage 1: Preparation-I'll be moving soon, so I better get some boxes, Sharpies, and mailing tape.

So, this is my blogging intro to the life of a school-teachin' 24-year-old Ohio native, Kentucky transplant who will leave in July to move to Berlin, Germany. I own too much stuff. Luckily, my garage sale is on Friday. See you there if you want your very own wax-hand replica.