May, 2012 // Posts published in May, 2012
The North Sea and Lugworm Poo
I was so excited to take my first trip to the North Sea… and then the subject of Lugworms came up. I was informed that Lugworms eat sand removing the nutrients and then poop it right back out again. (Yes, the Science Dummy is here again so please be sure to read the truth about ...
Motorway Emoticons
Kay always spots the cool signs while driving… like the temporary sign we saw last month just before entering the Netherlands stating that the-drug-I’m-not-allowed-to-mention-on-this-blog was prohibited to be brought into Germany. And that this substance is only allowed to be sold to Dutch residents. The sign came and went so fast, I wasn’t able to ...
Would my son get kicked off the flight for wearing this? – Just wondering if it is offensive in Germany
This past week, a woman missed her connecting flight on American Airlines because she was asked to change out of her shirt that said, “If I wanted the government in my womb, I’d F*ck a Senator.” The airline deemed the shirt too offensive. I’m not saying whether I agree or not, but it just reminded ...
Guess who has an American Flag Obsession?
Like any relationship, being in a cross-cultural one (or at least the fact that Kay is German and I am American) has its ups and downs; its positives and negatives. Communication seems to be the number one ingredient for a successful relationship, and while I am happy that my husband is quite the talker and ...
Germans and Nudity – Is it so blasé?
They say that Europeans in general are more open with nudity than their prudish American counterparts. In fact, the first time I walked past the computer while Kay was reading an article and saw an advertisement in the corner with a naked lady, I briefly paused and asked, “What are you reading?” Kay: Huh? Me: ...
Presumptions – Are there ever any appropriate times to make presumptions?
Often times I have heard that the younger people in Germany should have no problem speaking or understanding English, but no such luck with the older crowd. I don’t find this statement to be true in every situation. For the number of times I have gone into our local Subway which is staffed with students, ...
11 Days – But I know the grass really isn’t greener on the other side
11 is the number of days until I fly back to US soil. No offense Germany, but let’s just say that elated is an understatement. I haven’t been back to the US since July of last year and it seems like the closer the time comes, the more difficult the waiting is to the point ...
My Husband and I have a Secret Language
When Kay and I first starting dating, he had read an article online giving a piece of advice to native English speakers and also Germans. For the native English speakers: Speak slower. You don’t have to speak louder, but at least slow the tempo and annunciate better. This goes also for Americans who may run ...
Friendships that Transcend Language Barriers – Oh, and movies help too
The night before “Father’s Day” in Germany and as I was sitting in front of the computer diligently typing away on the newest blog post (Not really. I’ve kind of had writer’s block because either I am becoming too accustom to Germany and not noticing so many astounding differences, or I just need to get ...
Post Mother’s Day Review – Tradition vs. Culture
Yesterday, at the tail end of Mother’s Day, I overheard Kay discussing with a neighbor that celebrating Mother’s Day in the US is a bigger deal than how it is acknowledged in Germany. Neighbor: Really? Kay: Yeah, this morning my Facebook blew up with messages from people in the US wishing other Mothers a Happy ...
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