Beware! There are many differences with transportation between North America and Germany. The moment you think you have it all down is when you’ll get in the most trouble!
38. First off, German drivers DO NOT drive on the left side of the road. Visit Great Britain for a taste of having to “look right” every time you step off the curb as a pedestrian.
39. Almost all cars here have a manual transmission so you might want to work on your stick-shifting abilities before casually renting a car on that trip you’re planning.
40. Probably because of the extra half-second it takes to start moving in any clutch-controlled vehicle, the traffic lights here turn yellow for a quick moment before turning green. So for those of you trying to visualize the pattern goes green-yellow-red-yellow-green, etc. I like it that way.
41. The traffic lights themselves rarely hang above the intersection--usually they are planted on either side of the street. And that’s another thing, the stop-line is always right up where the light stands, so it’s extra fun if you’re the first in line and get to really lean forward while cranking your neck sideways and peering through the top of the windshield to see when the light will turn yellow then green. Good luck with that.
42. I promise you have never seen so many Audis, BMWs, VWs and Porsches on the road as there are here. You should come visit just for the coolness of that experience!
43. As the flowers are blooming so is the number of bikers hitting the streets. You must use extra care around these travelers because they almost always have the right of way. Most roads have a special bike lane along the right curb, so right turns become a little more complicated as you make a quick shoulder check to confirm if a bicycler is about to cross the intersection or not. Guaranteed you will win if you hit one (unless you’re driving a Trabbi) which ends up involving a lot of legal hassle, so it’s best to use extra caution and just avoid the situation altogether.
44. Each night after about 10 or 11 pm the traffic lights turn off. There are secondary signs at each main intersection that apply during the night...don’t just assume that because there’s no light you can blast through!
45. Did you know: it costs German teens up to 2000 euros to get their drivers licence. Everyone who wants a German licence must train in intensive schools for numerous hours after which a very strict written and practical test must be passed. The costs really add up--no wonder everyone who can finally drive is such a good driver.
46. Trams are a wonderful way to get around Dresden, but if you find yourself driving next to one (on bike or by car) remember to stop behind the tram at the tram stops. The tram riders getting on and off have the right of way.
47. As you approach an uncontrolled intersection if you see a yellow diamond with the thick white border that means your direction has the right of way! Woohoo!
48. Of course all of the aforementioned are really only good to know if you’re willing to shell out the 1,15 Euros per liter it currently costs for gas. Makes you think twice about hopping in your car to grab some milk at the store, that’s for sure. Walking is so much cheaper! (or riding your bike, but beware of all American drivers who haven’t read this post.)
49. If you find yourself on a bike, don’t be timid! You have just as much pull on the road as anyone. Be sure to make clear signals indicating when you intend to turn though--extend the arm fully in the direction you are turning. Cars will wait for you and honk if you hesitate for too long. After dark be sure to have a front and back light too, it’s a big fine if you get caught without. Otherwise, ride at your own risk and watch out for cobblestone!
50. One last note of caution for bike riders: if you ride parallel to the tram tracks and then want to cross over them, be sure to swerve very sharply to be successful. Just ask Amy what happens when you try to casually glide over them (that’s right, you come to a squeaky stop because your tire will slide into the track quite snugly, after which you have to climb off your bike and pull it out with quite some effort to the embarrassment of you and the amusement of those around).
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
The Single Most Important Thing
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." -Matthew 6:33 (MSG)
silly singles
Rain, rain , rain was all that was forecasted in Gemunden, Germany this past weekend. It poured for about 30 minutes late Friday night like the Weatherman predicted, but then the sky cleared and the sun shone through for the rest of the weekend! (many thanks to those of you who were praying!) It was a very successful time as 30 singles from Belgium, Poland, Holland and Germany gathered to encourage one another and learn from God's word. In between Clint Everhart's lessons we enjoyed playing many games like fooseball, volleyball, table tennis, and frisbee. We also made good use of the fun zip line and sang praise to God around the bonfire with glistening stars overhead. Oh, and I learned how to whistle by using my fingers--the loud way! We Dresdners will be organizing the next retreat in October as well, and I'm looking forward to being reunited with my brothers and sisters again. There's no better way to spend a weekend!
(check out pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/singlesretreat)
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And here's a shout out to my favorite Germany roommate and HIM partner, Amy: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
silly singles
Rain, rain , rain was all that was forecasted in Gemunden, Germany this past weekend. It poured for about 30 minutes late Friday night like the Weatherman predicted, but then the sky cleared and the sun shone through for the rest of the weekend! (many thanks to those of you who were praying!) It was a very successful time as 30 singles from Belgium, Poland, Holland and Germany gathered to encourage one another and learn from God's word. In between Clint Everhart's lessons we enjoyed playing many games like fooseball, volleyball, table tennis, and frisbee. We also made good use of the fun zip line and sang praise to God around the bonfire with glistening stars overhead. Oh, and I learned how to whistle by using my fingers--the loud way! We Dresdners will be organizing the next retreat in October as well, and I'm looking forward to being reunited with my brothers and sisters again. There's no better way to spend a weekend!
(check out pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/singlesretreat)
**********************************************************
And here's a shout out to my favorite Germany roommate and HIM partner, Amy: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
You Should Notice That...
"Bathrooms" (remember they're actually called "WC"s here)
Germany’s plumbing is very similar to that of North America on this point, but a few critical details still loom about potentially posing a threat to you as you become comfortable with the familiarity.
31. Not on the front, side, other side, or wall can a handle for flushing be found. On every toilet here you must simply push a button, even in homes. Finding that button is sometimes tricky, but it is usually on the wall above the toilet, where the upright water tank is on its North American-style counterpart. Be careful though, this button is a two way switch, push one half and the toilet flushes, the other half and the process stops suddenly (to prevent overflowing due to plugging if it occurs). You can use a little trial-and-error if you panic.
32. German toilets have very little water actually in the bowl. Just know.
33. In someone's home the door to the toilet/bath is always closed. Who wants to see the toilet whenever they walk by? It is confusing to know if it's being used though, which brings me to my next point...
34. Always lock the door when you are using the WC in someone's house. You never know who might barge in if you don't. (Thankfully I don't know this from personal experience.)
35. The first thing to know when you're headed for a WC in a public place is that "D" is for women (Damen) and "H" is for men (Herren). After you're safely in the correct one it is very easy to notice if a stall is currently occupied or not--the doors have white/red indicators on them to show if they are locked (and therefore occupied). No more peering under the door to check for feet! (and I must also comment that I can only speak for the women's WC, sorry guys)
36. I guess a prerequisite to actually discerning the "D" or "H" is knowing that in gas stations, train stations, some stores, and a few restaurants you'll have to leave some change for the nice lady (or man) who cleans the place. She sits at the entrance, usually at a small table with a plate or bowl containing the previous users' donations. Twenty cents is usually a good amount, and I've found that once I pay I really do enjoy the rest of my WC experience much more (I mean I paid for it, so why not really appreciate the cleanliness!).
37. I forgot to put on my list of funny German words the word for bathroom: "Bad." Nice hey.
Ever wonder what's so different about driving in Germany? I'll tell you in my next post!
Germany’s plumbing is very similar to that of North America on this point, but a few critical details still loom about potentially posing a threat to you as you become comfortable with the familiarity.
31. Not on the front, side, other side, or wall can a handle for flushing be found. On every toilet here you must simply push a button, even in homes. Finding that button is sometimes tricky, but it is usually on the wall above the toilet, where the upright water tank is on its North American-style counterpart. Be careful though, this button is a two way switch, push one half and the toilet flushes, the other half and the process stops suddenly (to prevent overflowing due to plugging if it occurs). You can use a little trial-and-error if you panic.
32. German toilets have very little water actually in the bowl. Just know.
33. In someone's home the door to the toilet/bath is always closed. Who wants to see the toilet whenever they walk by? It is confusing to know if it's being used though, which brings me to my next point...
34. Always lock the door when you are using the WC in someone's house. You never know who might barge in if you don't. (Thankfully I don't know this from personal experience.)
35. The first thing to know when you're headed for a WC in a public place is that "D" is for women (Damen) and "H" is for men (Herren). After you're safely in the correct one it is very easy to notice if a stall is currently occupied or not--the doors have white/red indicators on them to show if they are locked (and therefore occupied). No more peering under the door to check for feet! (and I must also comment that I can only speak for the women's WC, sorry guys)
36. I guess a prerequisite to actually discerning the "D" or "H" is knowing that in gas stations, train stations, some stores, and a few restaurants you'll have to leave some change for the nice lady (or man) who cleans the place. She sits at the entrance, usually at a small table with a plate or bowl containing the previous users' donations. Twenty cents is usually a good amount, and I've found that once I pay I really do enjoy the rest of my WC experience much more (I mean I paid for it, so why not really appreciate the cleanliness!).
37. I forgot to put on my list of funny German words the word for bathroom: "Bad." Nice hey.
Ever wonder what's so different about driving in Germany? I'll tell you in my next post!
Sunday, April 3, 2005
The Best Day EVER!
"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." -Acts 22:16
Kai and Grady...I think he got water up his nose!
The verse above was what Grady said gave him the final push to decide to put on Jesus as his Lord through baptism this afternoon. I ran into him on the street before it happened and he just said, "What have I been waiting for!" After a few phone calls were made, everyone met and walked down to the Elbe river where we witnessed both a birth and a death. Grady has been coming to Bible studies and Sunday worship for many months, and we are all overjoyed that he has now made commited his life to living for Christ! It's times like these that make life absolutely wonderful!
Kai and Grady...I think he got water up his nose!
The verse above was what Grady said gave him the final push to decide to put on Jesus as his Lord through baptism this afternoon. I ran into him on the street before it happened and he just said, "What have I been waiting for!" After a few phone calls were made, everyone met and walked down to the Elbe river where we witnessed both a birth and a death. Grady has been coming to Bible studies and Sunday worship for many months, and we are all overjoyed that he has now made commited his life to living for Christ! It's times like these that make life absolutely wonderful!
Saturday, April 2, 2005
Piece of Cake
on the farm with Sarah
Sunday afternoon I left to go with Sarah and Marion to Marion's parents house in the small town of Grosskrausnik, 100km north of Dresden. I stayed there with Sarah for four days and we did tons of fun stuff like biking through the woods on really old bikes, raking a field to get it ready for planting, baking cakes, and driving a tractor. Sarah was really nervous about driving the tractor at first, and after a 10 minute "how-to" talk from Opa she hesitantly agreed. I sat beside her in the "passenger" seat and after we had made it about halfway down the field I said, "See, it's a piece of cake!" Without hesistation she asked, "Where?!"
Man! I keep forgetting that cliches are cliches, and don't make sense to non-native English speakers. But it really did make for a good laugh-! ("Where?!")
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(April 5, 05) "Disclaimer"
After talking more with Sarah, it turns out this incident wasn't purely a linguistic misunderstanding. She asked that I clarify for all you readers out there, so here goes.
The day before we drove/rode the tractor we enjoyed a nice bike ride on which we rode over many different types of terrain. Dirt roads, sandy paths, fields, etc. On one of these country trails Sarah was riding a bit ahead of me and warned me not to ride into the the cow dung that she had just passed. I explained that in English we call them "cow pies" and we exchanged a few sentences about how weird that actually was. So, Sarah defends that on the next day when she was driving the tractor and I casually mentioned a "piece of cake" she thought I was referring to a pile of manure on the field or something. I can see how she'd get confused, I mean, both are pastries not usually associated in any way with a tractor, cow, dung, or a field. So there you go Sarah, you have been "disclaimed." :)
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