Select and Connect!

For those of you who think that voting is as boring as filling in a bubble, let me introduce you to the ballot used by the non-state of Washington, DC:


That's right, to vote you connect the broken arrow pointing to the candidate of your choice. To use the catchy phrase: select and connect. Now it's no butterfly ballot, but certainly more fun than a scantron.

One Word:

October 3rd was Tag der Deutschen Einheit or The Day of German Unity. Every year a different city in Germany hosts a celebration in honor of the national holiday; this year was Hamburg's turn. A huge series of events were planned for the weekend in Speicherstadt and Hafen City (the area where I work; see entry below), including the 2008 Parcour World Championships. (Don't ask me what Parcour has to do with Germany's reunification, unless you want a bad analogy about scaling walls and overcoming obstacles.) It was probably cool, but the weather sucked and I opted to stay at home. (I know, I am lame.)

But I did make it out to 20up and East on Saturday night with Bettina, who skipped over to Hamburg while here in Germany. Here the spectacular view from -- you guessed it -- 20 stories up:


As you can see from this interior shot, the windows are monstrous.

And this is an interior of the trendy East hotel. It's a little too space agey for my taste, but I still dig it.

Important Trivia

Here's a little fact for ya:

Did you know that when you buy a loaf of bread at a supermarket here in Germany, it doesn't have any heels? I.e., it doesn't have the two end slices that nobody wants. It starts and ends with a "regular" slice:



Now that is important knowledge to have.

Just Another Day at the Office

I left work at about 7:30 pm the other day and was greeted by this view:

The cranes rose stoically into the gorgeous sky and despite all that they represent -- industry, progress, work -- it was incredibly peaceful. I looked to the right and saw an old bike against the railing and the historic church spires punctuating the sky line, underscoring the juxtaposition.

And to the left -- a modern, irregular-shaped building nudging up against an old warehouse.


I must say, my way to and from work is an ever-changing treat. As Europe's largest urban development project, Speicherstadt/Hafen City has such a unique energy and everyday I discover something new. Love it.

I don't really have anything new to report on, but I wanted to say hello.





Hello.

Fahrvergnuegen

I had my first mini car "accident" last week -- if you could even call it that. As I was pulling out of a narrow parking spot (so narrow I had to climb in the car from the passenger's seat), I brushed the parked car next to me. It was a very small nick, but to be on the safe side I called the police anyway. They were there in less than 10 minutes and, after scrutinizing my international driver's license, left a note on the damaged car. I then also left a note. Thankfully the owner is gracious enough to just forget the incident, especially since she couldn't even figure out where I had nicked her car (yes, it was that minor). So all is well and -- drivers beware -- I am back on the road again.

Good Citizen

While in the States I submitted my absentee ballot request and last week I went to my first "Democrats Abroad" meeting. It was an interesting group of ex-patriots, most of whom had been in Germany for more than 10 years. While the all-American barbecue never materialized, I did get an Obama button, which serves as a nice complement to my Obama bumber sticker and t-shirt. Did I mention I'm voting for Obama?

Besides my participation in American politics (this is my first presidential election where I can vote!), I've been hanging out at places like the Pony Bar, where a friend of ours is showing off his creative talents. Here we are. Hanging out.

Artsy Fartsy

I caught a few exhibitions in DC and was reminded how top-notch the museums in the city are. At the National Gallery of Art I saw works by one of my favorite artists, Martin Puryear.

Double whammy: in the background you can see a piece by one of my other favorites, Andy Goldsworthy.

The piece below by Dan Steinhilber was at the Hirshhorn, shown as a new acquisition. Steinhilber creates sculptures out of everyday objects -- like this one out of dry cleaner hangers. He's also used paper cups, garbage bags, and packing peanuts with very cool results.


Sometimes you really don't know what you got til it's gone. So please enjoy the free DC museums for me!

Food for the Soul

I forgot Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, baked to perfection. Even though I had a major headache I was able to eat four or five.

Anyway, the trip was about more than food. It was about friendship and fellowship. I was blessed with lots of it.

At Wolftrap:





At Wonderland:


In Philadelphia:


At an all-American Labor Day Barbecue:

Food, Glorious Food

Before I flew to DC I made a list of things I wanted to do while in the States. Surprisingly, a majority of these items dealt with food. I am happy to say that I satisfied all my indulgences, and often more than once:

Julia's Empanadas: Krystal, Melissa, Ajay, Anand and Nan all helped me scarf down saltenas on two different occassions. Yum.
Endless Chips and Salsa at any Mexican Joint: Nins and her friends shared these with me. I got my fair share. :)
Margaritas: Bettina, Amy, french fries, hamburgers, waterfront views, sunshine, and an ice cold margarita. Perfect.
Oreo McFlurry: Indulged on day 2 with Melissa and Krystal. (Then made my own at home with Anand's Oreo gift.)
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Baskin & Robbins: Twice with the beanheads. Delicious. (I should note I ate ice cream or some frozen delicacy every single day of my trip except one. Now that is dedication.)
Tryst Frozen Mocha: Tryst has the best frozen coffee drinks ever. Melissa would agree.
American Pancakes: Melissa and Krystal both helped me satisfy my morning sweet tooth.

Now I'm back on my "German" diet (though I am happy to report it still includes ice cream...just not every day). :)

German Julia is Back

I just got back from a 3+-week vacation in the States. It was a fabulous time, thanks to all the great friends and family there. I was really able to refuel. Some of my favorite experiences: early morning pancakes, kayaking on the potomac, picnicking at wolftrap, boogying at wonderland, watching movies with the beanheads, driving around pennsylvania, hanging at the pool, latin lovers at cafe citron, real lovers tying the knot, checking out lima and oya, morning and afternoon walks, helix reunion, and so many more moments shared with long-time friends. Thanks to everyone for making it so special. I'll post my pictures soon. In the meantime, here's one of the bridesmaids for Johanna and Keith's wedding:

I was filling out my Facebook profile today and under interests included some of my favorite artists. It reminded me how much I love and am inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy. He composes amazing stuff using natural materials:



All you guys in DC can see a sculpture of his is in the National Gallery of Art's East Wing. It doesn't resonate with me as much as his other work (maybe because it's in a gallery and not outdoors), but it's interesting nonetheless. There's also a great film documenting his work called "Rivers and Tides." A bunch of excerpts are on You Tube. Let me know what you think.

Game, Set, ...

Sticking with the sports theme, I am proud to say that I finally won a singles match. And it was about time -- this was my tennis team's last match of the season. I have been majorly sucking the entire year, actually, so thank God that I got to have at least one victory. I might have to quit while I'm ahead.

Twas Not Meant to Be

Spain outplayed, outwitted, and outlasted Germany to win the European title 1-0. This seriously dampened our festivities, but we took it all in stride.

This is where we watched the game. Yes, the TV is rather small. We apparently didn't arrive early enough to score a better spot at one of the many outdoor viewing areas in Sternschanze.



And the gang. Like I said, taking it in stride.

'schland!

Phew, that was a close one. In the 90th minute, Germany pulled it out for a 3-2 win. Final on Sunday against Spain.

Tomorrow sees Germany up against Turkey in the UEFA EURO 2008 semi-finals. Since I've embarrassingly missed all the games thus far due to sickness, injury, or lack of interest, I must make it to a screening tomorrow.

We already had our apartment building's glass door shattered after the last game, so I'm hoping the post-game activities this time around will be more peaceful. However, with the high tensions between Germans and Turks here in Hamburg (and throughout most of Germany, actually), it may be naive thinking.

In any case, go Germany. Toooooooooooooooooor!

Let's add a bit of new color to this old thing.

First, the view from our new place. I love the cupola perched at our eye level whilst we sit in our 3rd floor living room. Now quick note about floors: Germans count the ground floor as just that -- the ground floor (and not as the first floor). Above the ground floor is the first floor, then the second, and so on. So while in German terms our new Wohnung is on the 3rd floor, in American terms its on the fourth. Aren't you learning so much about German life?


Now in case you are wondering who is "we" and what is meant by "our" apartment:

What's this? A desire to blog again? What is happening?! If all my readers haven't gone astray, there still might be hope. Otherwise, I'm posting an online "diary" for none other than moi. But I'll keep all the juicy details for myself. We are, afterall, on the world wide web.
So since January, a few things have happened, two of which I'd like to share. First, I got a new job. No more baking cakes and serving lattes; I've been working at a design agency since March. But then I got an even better job; it doesn't start until September, but if all goes as planned it will be my first with the official title of designer. Keep your fingers crossed or, as they say in Germany, your thumbs pressed. Second, I moved. Not too far away, don't worry. It's perfectly located for all things in my life -- family, school, work, gym, tennis, and Aldi. Aldi, by the way, is the discount supermarket with a candy aisle that will make any Giant or Harris Teeter hang its head in shame.
These developments are the silver lining of a particularly cloudy season. I think the sun is peaking its head around the corner. I wait with hope...or something like that.
I'm heading stateside in August and look forward to seeing many of you then. Please let me know if you will be in the DC area. Is Hotel Helix waiting for another part-ay or what?

All Good Things Must Come to an End

I think this blog will be slowly coming to an end. It's just over a year old now (a ripe, old age, no?) and I have lost a bit of interest in writing. I know, I know, I had other hopes for this thing -- a redesign, more design stuff/work, as examples -- but I'm just not up to the task at the moment. Besides, let's be honest, it's not like you don't have better things to do than check this blog, or?

Maybe I'll pull a Cher and reappear in a few weeks/months/years. I'll send you all an email if that happens. In the meantime, pray for spring and all it brings. Because this winter is seriously getting old.

Oh yeah, and I turned 31. Shit happens.

Surf

While you're bored on my increasingly-outdated blog, why not check out some other cool sites.

Here are some of my favorites:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

http://www.designobserver.com/

http://www.etsy.com/

http://www.slate.com/

Thanks for the Call

My readership called today and demanded a new post. I am most happy to oblige with Nina's, uh, I mean, my fan-base's request. :)

My last post was about three weeks ago, before Christmas. Several geese, plates of red cabbage, o Tannenbaums, and marzipanbrote later, I safely arrived in 2008 and now I'm in the middle of finals. I know I mentioned I'd post some of my design projects on this blog and I will keep my promise -- as soon as I finish up this semester and can reformat files into postable images.

In addition to school, I'm still working on a web project for my previous employer and at a little cafe down the street. The web project should be done end of January, after which I'll be looking for more work here in Hamburg.

February is my semester break and I'm thinking about going on a solo vacation. I think I'd like to train it somewhere rather than fly (an environmental thing). Any suggestions on where to go? Let me know.

Be well.