I am (again) seeing Germany thru new eyes. Our neighbor from Alabama, Katie, arrived today to spend the next five weeks with us here in Germany. I didn’t realize how “normal” the sights here have become for me…until I saw them thru Katie’s eyes today as we shopped at the fresh market, rode the train, walked around the castles, and ate in a Biergarten downtown. I had also forgotten how much all the Germans here in Sillenbuch (my little village) seem to love Americans.
As we shopped our way thru the ‘Friday Fresh Market’, I watched the various vendors at the fresh market proudly hand Katie a taste of their olives, cheese, stuffed peppers and even a soap bar of olive oil as they asked her numerous question about her visiting from America. ( Not to mention more than once I was asked if she was my daughter-really-have I aged that much since I moved here?!?) As I listened to these conversations, I remembered my first two months living here; all the questions I was asked about America and the numerous times “Sweet Home Alabama” was sung to me. I wondered when it had stopped and become normal daily living for me without my realizing it had become this. It seems as my German improves and as I become a “regular”, the questions and songs have diminished. I think I miss those out of tune renditions of ‘Sweet Home.’ But as some things diminish, new things immerge-like I am truly LIVING in a foreign country, not just living like a tourist, I am developing friendships with the locals, I am eating like a local, I am acting like a local, I am speaking like a local…well, I doubt that one is accurate because I haven’t heard any of the locals say “Y’all”.
As we rode our bikes home from the market, I thought to myself, it will be a wonderful five weeks to see Germany thru her eyes. I will watch in envy as Germany introduces itself and wraps its arms around her while whispering its charm in her ears. For me, discovering a new country for the first time is one of life’s greatest pleasures- I hope it will be for Katie! Here are some pictures of today's "firsts" for Katie.
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| she loves the olives |
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| walking to the train |
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| Here comes the train |
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| First train (subway) ride.. |
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| checking out the castle gardens |
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| checking out the naked statue.. |
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| medieval castle |
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| Playground in the city? |
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| First "legal" drink (she's 20) |
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| trying Schnitzel |
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