Bitte schön has many meanings in German, one being, "Can I help you?" I have missed hearing this phrase since leaving Dresden last month, especially in the last few days here. Let me try to explain...
One of the challenges about moving from a more laid back North American culture to a stricter German one is getting used to all the formalities and order that exists. Now who would have thought that moving back to the more laid back culture would cause me to miss those patterns and "rules"?!
More specifically, in the past couple days there have been a few instances when I have been waiting at a counter to either order food, ask a question, or pay for an item and I have felt totally lost in the non-order of the situation. At an outdoor supply store the other day I stood up at the customer service counter for literally five minutes while the staff buzzed around me, seemingly too lost in their busy-ness to notice me, the CUSTOMER who I thought would receive SERVICE, especially from this section of the store. Needless to say I was frustrated by the time someone finally acknowledged me and had the audacity to ask, "Uhh, do you need something?" (no, I just hang out here for kicks.) Maybe I should ask for help next time? I have no idea what is normal around here!
And then yesterday after waiting in a long line to order from a favorite Japanese-style stirfry place during the midday rush it was finally my turn and I found myself watching for some cue from the guy behind the counter to know when I could say what I wanted and be heard. A "
bitte schön" would have been nice, but instead, nothing. NOTHING! He kept his head down, punching the buttons of his cash register and after a few silent moments I just started talking, uncomfortable but not sure what else to do. I had barely finished talking when the guy behind me in line started in with his order. Yee-ikes, I'm not ready for this *snap*snap*snap* let's get things going* why are you not with it* culture!
Who would have known I'd be so touchy about this-! Hel-LO reverse culture shock!
This is the most decent face she could seem to muster while laying in a snow bank in our front yard. She was sure giving us a determined stare to make sure we would pick her up and bring her back inside with us! She's not quite sure what to make of all this white stuff!
The above picture doesn't do the blowing snow justice--I'm glad we have a warm house to stay inside of today!
It's super fun being the mom of a nine-month-old! Thank you God for blessing us with her!
This past weekend we had the opportunity to partake in a traditional winter activity common to only the more northern regions of the continent. Four hours due west and we were surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains which were to be the backdrop for our S-turns, pole plants, snowplows and lift dismounts...
It was a great two days of skiing and taking in the amazing views. I can't remember the last time I had so much fresh air! The weather was perfect, just below freezing with clear skies and warm sun. My only regret is how hard it became to go up or down stairs, get out of bed, or just walk at a normal pace after that much exercize. (note to self: strengthen legs before next ski trip to minimize stiffness, soreness and general discomfort resulting from movement of any kind(including even just thoughts of said movement).)
A highlight was the skis the rental shop assigned to me; they had "fine thang" printed on them and with that much attitude how can one NOT have all the confidence they need to descend even the mogel-iest of runs (even if they arrived there by mistake) or the steepest of paths through the trees (which may be accompanied by the occasional vocal outburst). If you've never tried skiing I'd recommend it, if not but just for the pure sense of accomplishment that comes over one after a day of facing nature's most deadly foes (ie. gravity, trees, rocks, quadrecep muscles, snowboarders). It's about overcoming the impossible!
