Tools of the Trade

Yesterday I rode home from tutoring in my big fluffy black jacket. The girl I tutor lives on top of what might be the only hill in the Ruhrgebiet, so I have a heck of a time getting up to her. And if you know me, you know that I am usually late, so I book it up that hill in order to be German (on time). Anyway on the way up, I was super hot and tired, and going so slowly that I didn't even notice the brisk air. But on the way down that hill, whew baby! The wind in my face and the gravity pulling me down would have been just about enough to turn me into a different state of matter. But I was inside of this shell of goose feathers wrapped in nylon, living life in the fast lane (well, bike lane) on a cold winter night in Germany. And it made me think: there are some very essential tools that have allowed me to survive the first 3 months or so, and I thought I might share them with you so the next time you (lose your mind, or...) decide to move abroad and immerse yourself in boredom and foreignness, you can be better prepared than I.

Good Jacket:
As I stated before, the importance of being warm in this country can not be emphasized enough. Germany is cold, Germans like being cold, and Americans are not used to this (qualifier: this thin-skinned NC girl is not used to this.) But regardless, Germans really like this thing called "frische Luft" (fresh air) and will not be convinced to close the window even when its below 40 outside. So bring a cute coat. One that can be worn in the classroom, at the breakfast table, immediately after the shower, while cooking dinner...you catch my drift. Its COLD!

Good Bakery:
Life in Germany means lots of carbs--any American's arch enemy. But here, they have all sorts of complex sugar filled goodness...cakes, breads, tortes, rolls... That being said, it is clear to understand why there is a whole culture around bakeries here. Actually, today as I took my break at my favorite corner bakery, I heard a song that pays homage to either a Christmas Bakery or a Christmas Butcher. (Please note: the two words have extremely similar endings in German and both make sense culturally for Germans to sing ballads about. I hope this helps you to understand my confusion.) So this corner bakery has become an essential part of my happiness over here. It was the first place I ate a breakfast in Dinslaken and I have been back almost once a week since. They know my name and they appreciate my business just like an old fashioned place! I grab a breakfast roll, a little pot of coffee, and dig into a book for an hour or so. I have yet to have their cakes, but, oh man, if you saw a picture of their display case, you would be on a plane ASAP to come join me.

Good Book:
This leads me to my next tool. The good book. I came over here hoping to read all of these intense books that I would never read when actually doing something with my time. These titles included "Crime and Punishment", among others. This was not the best of ideas. When I say good book, I mean a story that is all-encompassing. Something that takes you straight up through the gray clouds and on top of the world with the sunshine warming you up from outside in. Germany can be a scary place and my school can be...frustrating, to say the least. So as soon as I open up one of those great books, I feel safe and hopeful. Books also help with the feeling of isolation that can become consuming over here. Of course I have internet, I'm actually chatting with my sister right now, but reading a book that I can smell and touch makes me feel like I have a friend at my side. And I must say, that my human friends have been really helpful in the books department. Because I brought such serious books, I have been on the hunt for more uplifiting titles. We have started a sort of book exchange. How great--what a romantic idea: a book exchange with Germans and fellow Americans living abroad. Its the little things.

Good Friends:
This is obvious. And I am not sure I can describe how exactally the people here have absolutely, positively, beyond any doubt made my time here worthwhile. This is clear by the tribute they received in an earlier post, but also in the fact that I am still in Germany. Emmersing myself in German culture is important, sure. Participating, embracing, enjoying a new world...yeah of course. But there comes a time when I need to shout out loud "Their water gets so f*#@ing HOT here!!" or "Where is the CHICKEN in this country??" Those little things build up and my friends help me release the pressure. It isn't all complaining, either. It is also so much fun to discover new things with familiar people. My American and Germans friends alike hold my hand and help me to keep my center as I reach for new experiences in my life here.

Good Sense of Humor:
It is really hard to decide which of these tools is most essential. Onc could argue that two mediocre coats would keep you warm, that a bakery is excessive when they have frozen rolls in the grocery store, or that friends can be found online, too. But there can be no concessions when it comes to a good sense of humor. I can not begin to fathom the number of awkward, scary, frustrating, sad situations I've been in since my arrival. The ONLY reason I am here is because I have been able to see (or someone else has been able to show me) the humor in the situation. An example of this that I keep in mind every day is the "Stuhl der Einsamkeit", or "Chair of Loneliness". A friend from Dortmond along with some British kids in the program came up with this title to describe our experience in the schools. It may sound a little dark, but it so perfectly describes the feeling of an English teaching assistent fighting against a tsunami of sterotypes and stuborness. Just picture me, sitting in the back of the class room. My eyes widen as I hear such phrases as "Not all Americans have equal rights." Despite my desperate hand waving, the lesson moves on and I swallow the bitter truth that my voice will not be heard on that matter. That is the chair of loneliness. It becomes something to laugh about with other people. Because when we all sit together in our lonely chairs, it becomes a circle of friends venting and smiling.

I hope you feel better prepared as you being to pack your bags to come live abroad. You see, there is no need for concern. With a few tricks up your sleeves, you'll be ready to hit the road and come join me in beautiful Germany!