Viele Grüßen aus Hannover!

I am finally in Germany - at my friend Fabi's house - and getting acquainted with the culture here. My friend's family has already been so helpful, and that is a good thing since Germany is SO different from what I expected (not a bad thing)! Before I get to that though, I would like to share some of my pre-arrival traveling experiences.

Lessons Learned:

1. Never, and I repeat NEVER choose the window seat on the mere chance that your window is offset and you are pinned between a person who has serious personal space issues and a hard, sloped plastic wall. Take it from me, not-so-pleasant. Additionally, whenever you have to make "pipi" or "ahah" (as the Germans say), it makes it very awkward to get to the facilities. Initially you are sitting there, holding it, telling yourself that according to the nifty, electronic map in front of you, you only have to hold it for 1.5 more hours. This deadline starts to seem immensely unrealistic once your mind starts to dwell on the thought of your need to  use the bathroom. Further, you worry that at your next airport (a massive one where you have a fast and critical connection), you won't have time to use the toilet, which just makes the matter worse as your nerves add to your immense need to go.

2. Charles de Gaulle is a HORRIBLE airport, and you should be ready to be harassed and/or mistreated at any moment. With a name that is remarkably close to the German phrase "Scheiß egal" - a shortened version of the German for "I don't give a shit"- one might wonder if the likeness was intentional. No one really wants to help, no matter how many times you offer a polite, "Bonjour! Comment ça va? Parlez-vous anglais?" When at the gate, and the woman says to you, "You 'ave dime for your connecsion," tell her you don't, and get the hell in the other line. I was frisked, wanded, pretty much groped, and told to unpack my bag, etc. Worst part... all these commands were in French, as the attendant refused to speak English. I said, "Je ne parle pas française," which didn't really help at all, leaving this man to scream until some other attendant felt bad enough to translate the latest barked order for me. Many other bizarre things happened in this ridiculous mess of an airport, leaving it to be just under Philadelphia International. as my second-least favorite airport.

3. Germans are some of the nicest people to sit next to on airplanes. The flights I took from Pittsburgh to Paris and Paris to Hannover provided me with my fourth and fifth opportunities (respectively) to sit on flights next to German citizens. Though most of the people on the street are not very sociable (we'll get there later), on a plane, they're some of the warmest people you could ever meet. 

This is a photo I took today in one of Hannover's more historical districts. It was amazing to get out and see this remarkable city. There's a lot more to explore, but if today was any sign of what is in store, I am in for an awesome week!

Germany is much different than I thought it would be! It doesn't help that the windy streets, copious amounts of modern art and similar-looking buildings are a bit disorienting. It is wonderful though. The air always has the smell of something delicious, public spaces are incredibly clean, and it is incredibly pedestrian friendly. Though the Euro is more expensive, certain items - like the Kirschtorte that I bought for dessert tonight - are incredibly inexpensive!

Things I saw today:

1. Hauptbanhof Hannover (the Hannover Train Station)

2. Aegidien Kirche (a churched, bombed in WWII that stands as an empty shell in downtown Hannover)

3. The Oldest Fackwerkhaus (Half-timbered/Tudor-style) house in Hannover

4. Die Nanas (controversial modern art sculptures positioned by the Leine River)

5. Das Operhaus der Staatsoper Hannover (The Hannover Opera House)

6. Das Alte Rathaus (The Old Town Hall)

7. My First German Supermarket

8. My First German Drugstore

and MUCH more that I just can't remember right now!!!

Things I have learned about Germans as a culture thus far (not applicable to everyone):

1. Many of them don't smile at strangers or even acknowledge their presence on the street ever. When I did this, many people acted as if I were crazy, giving me weird glances and odd faces in response.

2. Generally-speaking, they eat a lot of "mystery meat"- by American standards - that actually tastes DELICIOUS. (Frühstücksfleisch, Fleischsalat, usw. - Breakfast Meat, Meat Salad, etc.)

3. Bread in Germany is far superior to bread in America, and I think it's because they use such great ingredients, and insist on buying it fresh.

I had such a wonderful time with Fabi and her family today. We had a great lunch of Brötchen mit Garnierungen (Bagel-esque Little Breads with Toppings), and a wonderful dinner of Eingebrannter Gouda Käse mit Toast und Wacholderbeeremarmelade (Baked Gouda Cheese with Toast and Juniper Berry Jam). After dinner, Fabi, Martina (Fabi's Mom) and I went out for drinks. I had a Caipirinha (a drink made out of Pitú - a type of Brazilian sugar cane liquer or Cachaça - sugar and limes), which was absolutely delicious. 

Upon our return, we had a delicious Kirschtorte (Cherry Torte) waiting for us (one which had custard and fresh cherries baked on top - lecker)! It was an awesome first day in Germany! Sorry if this post is a bit disjointed. It is after 2am here, and I'm exhausted and in desperate need of sleep!

Bis Bald!

"Til Soon!"