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: