Ah, MAN!

Last week was my week for trash and since we couldn't cram anymore into the trash cans I figured it was about time for me to take it out. After some struggling I managed to free the bags from the trash cans themselves and slipped on some clogs to carry them outside. I also grabbed the compost (food waste) bag to dump it too. When I exited the apartment building I didn't for one second even attempt to think that in the short time that it would take for me to dump out the compost my Hausmeister (landlord) would also leave to pick up his daughter from Kindergarten and unknowingly close the door that I had left cracked open behind him. It didn't hit me as I looked up from my trash-emptying (we have to empty the bag of compost into the compost bin...no plastic allowed) to watch him walk out to his car and drive away that I would actually be stranded without anyone to rescue me. Much to my disbelief I then realized he had in fact closed the front door behind him, and even the back door which is sometimes open showed no signs of hope. I rang both our neighbors in hopes that someone would be at home, to no avail. I had no key, no phone, no coat, not to mention wet hair...I was actually already getting strange looks from passersby, and I wasn't even out of my yard yet. One can really never wear too many layers here in Germany, but if you don't....uh oh, you're asking for trouble-! I eventually just gave into the fact that I would probably die from my overexposure to the cold or at very best suffer terminally with some deep chested cough and wheeze, accompanied by the occasional sneeze. All there was left to do was get on my bike and ride the ten minutes to the church building, where Amy was working. I knew she at least had a key. Needless to say, by the time I rode there and back (with Amy's coat for warmth on the return journey, thankfully) I noticed my Hausmeister's car parked out front. So maybe I should have just waited? Well, at any rate I made it back inside where my CD was still playing and I (luckily) hadn't been cooking anything on the stove. Mental note: bring key when taking out trash next time!

And for the record I am suffering a sore throat, but it seems to be going away instead of holding on like a serious terminal thing--don't ask me how though, using all logical reasoning I should be deathly ill! Don't try this at home, kids.

Magnificent Autumn

Fall is a catalyst, exposing what the epitome of German culture is to me. As the leaves turn shades of golden yellows, deep oranges, and bright reds, certain aspects of the German people become apparent unlike any other time of year. The wind picks up and dozens of families can be seen kite-flying along the Elbe river. A chill returns to the air causing tall boots and cashmere scarves to burst onto the scene. All styles of jackets that were so unnecessary in the warm summer appear, all uniquely European. The fallen leaves send the clean up crews into a frenzy, raking and leaf blowing everything back into cleanly order. Gutters get swept, sidewalks kept tidy, and leaf-covered paths re-emerge not long after becoming hidden. The heat in apartment buildings is reluctantly switched on by their landlords, but even still, layers and sweaters and thick socks and slippers remain necessities to coziness. It is a time to truly enjoy a warm cup of tea together with friends, whether in a home or café. The sunsets blanket the multicolored hillsides and causing them to glow with brilliance. Perhaps it is more the familiarity that so endears this season to me, but now that the trees are bare and forests a dull grey I excitedly anticipate the next time the green leaves will again break through to autumn.

11

Today marks the beginning of Carnival season in Germany. It is the 11th day of the 11th month, and at precisely 11:11am it is tradition to be eating a Pfannkuchen (aka a Berliner), which is basically a jelly filled donut. Quite tasty, I might add. Carnival season lasts until the end of February and is a time full of parades, costumes and other special events. Happy Fasching!