Die Lebensmittel= grocery stores
One of my favorite things to do in America was go grocery shopping. Every Saturday after my spinning class, I would hit the Asian grocery store (GrandMart) and Shoppers. GrandMart was fun because I never knew what kind of produce/fish I was going to find, and Shoppers was fun because I would see new products and think of what concoctions I could make that week.
One of my least favorite things to do in Deutschland is go grocery shopping. It is one of the biggest pains, but because our fridge is the equivalent of a mini-fridge, I have to do it at least 3x/week. Let me start by saying that the groceries here are amazing. The produce is wonderfully fresh and the groceries are über cheap. However, the rest of the experience is not fun. For one, I need to always remember to bring either a 50 cent piece or a euro coin for the cart pfand. Kind of like American luggage carts in airports, I have to insert money to get a cart. Yes, I get the money back, but it's surprising how many times I am without a 50 cent piece or euro coin. That means that I have to lug everything in a grocery basket, and sparkling water bottles, potatoes, and apples get very heavy!
Ok, so pretend that I actually remembered my coins for the cart pfand. I have a cart, and I'm filling it up with my sparkling water, potatoes, and apples. Now, I am dodging the massive crowds of people all hanging around the freshly baked bread counter, because let's face it, warm, freshly baked bread is awesome. The trouble with dodging people is that the carts have minds of their own. I'm not kidding. I turn right, but it turns left, and then it swings from side to side. The floors seem to have to traction, so I have no footing to get a good handle on the cart. Before I know it, I bump into someone.
After getting a good grip on the cart, I steer to the cereal/baked goods/pasta/condiments aisle to grab some oats. Wait a minute...there are none... Why is it that whenever I go to the grocery store, the items actually on my list are not stocked, but wine, candy, and cookies are abundant and on sale? I don't need 5 more bars of Ritter Sport, but somehow, they end up in my (for now) controllable cart.
Ok, now I am ready to pay. Which of the 2/8 open cash registers has the shortest line? It's hard to tell. Both lines are long and rope down the aisles, and I just realized that 2 of the eggs in the carton broke. I discretely put them on the nearest shelf because I don't feel like getting out and losing my spot in line.
I finally get to the front of the line. In Germany, cashiers do not bag anything for you. Instead, they swipe the items so quickly, that before you know it, all of your groceries are at the end of the conveyor belt and you have to work at the speed of light to put the items back in your cart. After I put the groceries in the cart, I head to the bagging table by the exit, and bag everything in my reusable bags.
My groceries are in bags, and I have evenly distributed the weight of the 5 or 6 bags over my shoulders to prevent injury. Now, I return the cart to get my pfand back, and begin the short walk home. However, having a very small bladder, I now have to go to the bathroom. I have 5 or 6 heavy grocery bags on my arms, so I try to walk as fast as possible for the 5 minute walk home, which includes just under 50 steps. I open the door, drop all of the bags in the entryway, bruising everything I bought, and go to the bathroom. After washing my hands, I put everything away, and take a look at my list. Crap...I still need the oats and eggs for tonight's dinner. Screw it. We'll go out...
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Give Me a High 5 #8: Ritter Sport Chocolate
Ritter Sport Chocolate is arguably one of the best chocolates ever. Forget Hershey's, forget Dove's Dark Chocolate squares (gasp!), even forget Godiva. Ok, don't forget Godiva. That stuff is amazing, but Ritter Sport reigns supreme when referring to chocolate bars. Ritter Sport chocolate has tons and tons, hundreds and hundreds of different flavors, both standard and seasonal ones, but the best part about them is that they use quality chocolate. Lucky for me, one of their two factories is located right here in Berlin, and is in an area that I often frequent. It's similar to the Hershey's Factory in PA, only with good chocolate. They have an amazing cafe that I enjoy taking people to for lunch, and have a station to make your own chocolate with your own flavors and add-ins. Having tried almost all of Ritter Sport's chocolates (they're so yummy!), I am going to attempt to rank my top 5. Now don't get me wrong. I love many more flavors. Marzipan, peppermint, rum, coconut, the one with the butter cookie inside...they're all delicious. Except the crispy cereal one...that one is just mediocre.
Before I present my list, know that I like my chocolate dark and without a lot of hooplah. I am not a huge filling person, nor do I like it when there are so many nuts in a chocolate bar that you cannot taste the chocolate. If I wanted an almond, I would eat an almond and not a chocolate bar with almonds. That being said, many who know of Ritter Sport may find my list somewhat boring. As my Nana, Mutti, and Uncle Kurt would say, "Tough!" Write your own blog and make your own list :)
1. Halbbitter 50% Kakao
Your plain, wonderfully delicious dark chocolate bar. No hooplah. Pure dark chocolate goodness. This is my standard chocolate; the one that no matter what, I have somewhere in the apartment and in my purse.
2. Cookies and Cream
A Spring-seasonal flavor. This is actually a milk chocolate, but wowwy good. Being a spring flavor, I am stocking up while I still can before it's gone!
Before I present my list, know that I like my chocolate dark and without a lot of hooplah. I am not a huge filling person, nor do I like it when there are so many nuts in a chocolate bar that you cannot taste the chocolate. If I wanted an almond, I would eat an almond and not a chocolate bar with almonds. That being said, many who know of Ritter Sport may find my list somewhat boring. As my Nana, Mutti, and Uncle Kurt would say, "Tough!" Write your own blog and make your own list :)
1. Halbbitter 50% Kakao
Your plain, wonderfully delicious dark chocolate bar. No hooplah. Pure dark chocolate goodness. This is my standard chocolate; the one that no matter what, I have somewhere in the apartment and in my purse.
A Spring-seasonal flavor. This is actually a milk chocolate, but wowwy good. Being a spring flavor, I am stocking up while I still can before it's gone!
3. Kakao Mousse
It tastes like a Chocolate Mousse cake. It melts in your mouth and is perfect with a glass of wine. The pieces are larger, too, so you are getting more in each piece.
4. Tie between Eiscafe and Espresso
I figured that a tie is allowed when the flavors are basically the same. Eiscafe is a Summer-seasonal flavor. The cafe part melts on your tongue as soon as it hits, with the chocolate part staying a little longer for the ride. Espresso has the same affect. I think the Eiscafe is a little creamier and the Espresso is a little espresso-ier, but I don't quite remember. Maybe I should eat more to figure it out...
5. Edel-Bitter 73% Kakao
This chocolate is extremely dark and bitter. They make the pieces eenie-weenie-teenie because they pack so much of a punch. I love it because it is actually possible to have one piece and be totally satisfied. If you like hard-core dark chocolate, this is the way to go.
*All pictures came from the Ritter Sport website
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Dating the Robots
It is strange thing to think that Jack and I have been together for almost 8 years. We have been a couple for almost a decade. That's a long time! Not to get all mushy or anything, but I would not have had it any other way and I can't wait to be with him for another 8, 10, 30, 100 years. That being said, I love hearing stories about single people and their dating lives. The stories about the strange dates are the best. It makes me even more thankful that I am not in the dating world.
My Venezuelan friend, Osward, is staying with us for the week while he looks for an apartment in Berlin. I met him from my German classes, and he is one of the most outgoing and happy people that I have ever met. He is also single, ready to mingle, and open to talking about it, which is great for me, because I love gossip and dating stories. While I was babysitting last night, Osward went on a date with a guy who lives right down the street from us. This morning, over a cup of coffee and breakfast on the couch, Osward talked about his date. What he shared with me was worthy of a blog post, and with his permission, I will explain to you what he told me.
According to Osward, German men are all the same...mechanical, robotical, and orderly. Last night, the man whose name Osward has since forgotten, cooked Schnitzel and Spargel for him. This man, we will call him Bob, was not Osward's type; he had old man features that were not attractive, but not being a man to pass up a cooked meal, Osward stayed and tried to see if this relationship would go anywhere. Osward is a Latino; a passionate man who lives in the moment. Bob was/is not. For the first 40 minutes of their date, Bob cooked in silence while Osward sat at the table, trying to make conversation. Bob was precise in his chopping, mixing, and food presenting skills. He set the table with silverware in their precise places. He cut and ate his food in a way that seemed like he was a gentleman from the 1700s. Osward, not knowing how to respond, tried making conversation about whatever popped into his head, but would be given a quick answer in return. It was very awkward. After dinner, it was time to clean the dishes, and then time for white wine, followed by red wine. After red wine, it was time to go out for ice cream, but Osward did not want ice cream. This took Bob by surprise, and it was as if the floor was taken out from under him. Expecting to go out for ice cream, Bob did not know how to deal with this change in plans. Osward explained that Bob seemed like a robot malfunctioning, and immediately asked Osward to go.
Strange as this story may seem, Osward says that this is typical of German men. They have a time or a plan for everything. There a time to cook, a time to eat, a time to drink white wine, a time to drink red wine, a time for conversation, a time for ice cream, a time for romance, etc... These times are not to be mixed with others, and when they are, German men shut down, like a robot, and do not turn back on. Osward has met many great German men, but at some point in the relationship, their robot button always turns off because something does not go according to their plan. Why then, does Osward keep dating German men when they are so robotic? "They're hot!" was his answer. Hopefully, he will find a man with real features instead of mechanical ones.
My Venezuelan friend, Osward, is staying with us for the week while he looks for an apartment in Berlin. I met him from my German classes, and he is one of the most outgoing and happy people that I have ever met. He is also single, ready to mingle, and open to talking about it, which is great for me, because I love gossip and dating stories. While I was babysitting last night, Osward went on a date with a guy who lives right down the street from us. This morning, over a cup of coffee and breakfast on the couch, Osward talked about his date. What he shared with me was worthy of a blog post, and with his permission, I will explain to you what he told me.
According to Osward, German men are all the same...mechanical, robotical, and orderly. Last night, the man whose name Osward has since forgotten, cooked Schnitzel and Spargel for him. This man, we will call him Bob, was not Osward's type; he had old man features that were not attractive, but not being a man to pass up a cooked meal, Osward stayed and tried to see if this relationship would go anywhere. Osward is a Latino; a passionate man who lives in the moment. Bob was/is not. For the first 40 minutes of their date, Bob cooked in silence while Osward sat at the table, trying to make conversation. Bob was precise in his chopping, mixing, and food presenting skills. He set the table with silverware in their precise places. He cut and ate his food in a way that seemed like he was a gentleman from the 1700s. Osward, not knowing how to respond, tried making conversation about whatever popped into his head, but would be given a quick answer in return. It was very awkward. After dinner, it was time to clean the dishes, and then time for white wine, followed by red wine. After red wine, it was time to go out for ice cream, but Osward did not want ice cream. This took Bob by surprise, and it was as if the floor was taken out from under him. Expecting to go out for ice cream, Bob did not know how to deal with this change in plans. Osward explained that Bob seemed like a robot malfunctioning, and immediately asked Osward to go.
Strange as this story may seem, Osward says that this is typical of German men. They have a time or a plan for everything. There a time to cook, a time to eat, a time to drink white wine, a time to drink red wine, a time for conversation, a time for ice cream, a time for romance, etc... These times are not to be mixed with others, and when they are, German men shut down, like a robot, and do not turn back on. Osward has met many great German men, but at some point in the relationship, their robot button always turns off because something does not go according to their plan. Why then, does Osward keep dating German men when they are so robotic? "They're hot!" was his answer. Hopefully, he will find a man with real features instead of mechanical ones.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Live and Learn #6: You're So Vain
I was born without a bladder. Okay, that is not true, but it seems as though I was born without one. I constantly have to go to the bathroom. Now, as a woman, when I go to the bathroom, I wash my hands and look at myself in the mirror. Does my hair look good? Do I need to reapply makeup or lipstick? Is there anything in my teeth? If I answer "yes" to any of these questions, like most women, my response is to either fix myself right there, or if there is are other women trying to wash their hands, turn to the other side of the bathroom where there is another mirror. Most American Women's bathrooms have a second set of mirrors for this reason. We are constantly making sure that we look alright before leaving the bathroom to continue with our day.
Today, like any other typical day, I used the bathroom, washed my hands, and looked at myself in the mirror. I clearly needed to reapply some lipstick. So, I started to reapply, but saw that another woman was coming to wash her hands. Moving out of the way, I turned around to look in the second set of mirrors. Oh wait, there wasn't a second set of mirrors. How on earth am I supposed to put on my lipstick? It was a bright shade of red that I wanted to put on. You can't just willy-nilly put on this color and expect it to turn out okay. One false stroke of the lipstick, and I would look like The Joker. No, this was a must-need-mirror situation, and I didn't have a mirror. This situation happens often in Germany (and Europe). I/other women in my party are stuck without a second set of mirrors, leaving us blind when putting on makeup, fixing our hair, or checking our teeth. Heaven forbid us walk out of the bathroom with broccoli bits stuck in our teeth!
Today, like any other typical day, I used the bathroom, washed my hands, and looked at myself in the mirror. I clearly needed to reapply some lipstick. So, I started to reapply, but saw that another woman was coming to wash her hands. Moving out of the way, I turned around to look in the second set of mirrors. Oh wait, there wasn't a second set of mirrors. How on earth am I supposed to put on my lipstick? It was a bright shade of red that I wanted to put on. You can't just willy-nilly put on this color and expect it to turn out okay. One false stroke of the lipstick, and I would look like The Joker. No, this was a must-need-mirror situation, and I didn't have a mirror. This situation happens often in Germany (and Europe). I/other women in my party are stuck without a second set of mirrors, leaving us blind when putting on makeup, fixing our hair, or checking our teeth. Heaven forbid us walk out of the bathroom with broccoli bits stuck in our teeth!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Mir ist Kalt!
Mir ist Kalt! = I am cold!
Die Decke= blanket
It's been a long day; you're ready for bed. You can't wait to get into your king/queen extra firm plush mattress with 7-million-threaded Egyptian silk cotton sheets, 6 goose feathered pillows, and Eddie Bauer 100% pure down duvet comforter. If you share your bed with someone, it's all good. There is plenty of bed and cover to go around. You both can cocoon yourselves into the covers comfortably, with only a little stealing of them.
That is what Jack and I were used to. In the US, we had a queen bed, 6 pillows, sheets, and a large duvet. Call us spoiled, but I could steal the covers with minimal complaints from my significant other. However, in Germany, things are different. You see, Germans don't really use sheets. Sure, there is a fitted sheet, but no top sheet. Ok, we can deal with that, since we have a down comforter. However, German duvet/blankets/Decke are only as wide/long as the bed. That's right...they fit perfectly to the dimensions of the bed...no extra give. That means, that if either of us turns/sits up/moves in any way, shape, or form, the covers move with them, leaving the other very cold.
We have recently turned off the heat, as the weather is 70s during the day, 50s at night. With enough Decke, this is not a problem. Normally, Jack and I are hot at night (maybe it's body heat?), so it's not an issue. However, I woke up this morning, freezing, with my butt bare save my sleeping shorts, as Jack was cocooned into the covers. Granted, he didn't cocoon to the point of wrapping the Decke around his body several times, but because he turned to the other side, all of the Decke went with him, leaving littl' ol' me without any warmth. Survival of the fittest taught me to steal the covers back, which I did, leaving Jack without covers. After both waking up grumpy from the other stealing the covers, we decided to scooch together in the middle, leading elbow-to-the-nose bonking, kicking, and discomfort. A few of you have asked why I gave the USA a point for larger bed covers. Now you know.
Die Decke= blanket
It's been a long day; you're ready for bed. You can't wait to get into your king/queen extra firm plush mattress with 7-million-threaded Egyptian silk cotton sheets, 6 goose feathered pillows, and Eddie Bauer 100% pure down duvet comforter. If you share your bed with someone, it's all good. There is plenty of bed and cover to go around. You both can cocoon yourselves into the covers comfortably, with only a little stealing of them.
That is what Jack and I were used to. In the US, we had a queen bed, 6 pillows, sheets, and a large duvet. Call us spoiled, but I could steal the covers with minimal complaints from my significant other. However, in Germany, things are different. You see, Germans don't really use sheets. Sure, there is a fitted sheet, but no top sheet. Ok, we can deal with that, since we have a down comforter. However, German duvet/blankets/Decke are only as wide/long as the bed. That's right...they fit perfectly to the dimensions of the bed...no extra give. That means, that if either of us turns/sits up/moves in any way, shape, or form, the covers move with them, leaving the other very cold.
We have recently turned off the heat, as the weather is 70s during the day, 50s at night. With enough Decke, this is not a problem. Normally, Jack and I are hot at night (maybe it's body heat?), so it's not an issue. However, I woke up this morning, freezing, with my butt bare save my sleeping shorts, as Jack was cocooned into the covers. Granted, he didn't cocoon to the point of wrapping the Decke around his body several times, but because he turned to the other side, all of the Decke went with him, leaving littl' ol' me without any warmth. Survival of the fittest taught me to steal the covers back, which I did, leaving Jack without covers. After both waking up grumpy from the other stealing the covers, we decided to scooch together in the middle, leading elbow-to-the-nose bonking, kicking, and discomfort. A few of you have asked why I gave the USA a point for larger bed covers. Now you know.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Climbing to New Heights
For some strange reason, I had it in my head that my parents like to climb to the top of tall things to see a view. No idea why I had this notion, but I did. Before they arrived, I brainstormed some ideas for our travels in both Berlin and Copenhagen, trying to incorporate as many climbing to the tops of buildings that I could.
One fantastic offering that Berlin provides is a chance to climb to the top of the Reichstag (government building) for free. The catch? You have to make a reservation first. The problem with the parentals arriving the week before Easter? There are 2 million more people here this weekend. I am not exaggerating. There was even a headline about it in the papers. Why does everyone travel to Berlin for Easter? No idea...it's practically an atheistic country, but nonetheless, 2 million more people are here than normal, and it is quite noticeable. Therefore, getting reservations to climb to the top of the Reichstag was a no go.
I was denied at every turn for a chance to the top of buildings, which is a problem when, like DC, Berlin does not have many tall buildings to choose from. However, I finally found something...die Siegessäule, or the Victory Column. The Siegessäule is a statue/memorial that commemorates Prussian/German victories over Denmark in the 1870s. It is in the Tiergarten, and gives an unobstructed view of the city. While one must climb some extremely narrow stairs, battling people going both up and down with camera bags, backpacks, and children, the view is pretty amazing. You also get a workout in, as these stairs really make your booty work :) Another plus? Prices are cheap to go up and the lines are not as long as other places.
Our next climbing thing was in Copenhagen at the Round Tower. The Round Tower used to be an observatory for astronomers. It is connected to a church and also has a tiny little museum. What we enjoyed about this climbing adventure was that there really was no climbing involved. The tower has no steps and is instead a circular ramp. Climbing to the top of this building seemed so much easier than in Berlin! The view was once again, amazing, as Copenhagen has a beautiful skyline with red roofs and canals. If I had a camera with more zoom, you'd be able to see the canals better, but the rest of the skyline is picturesque.
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| Crazy narrow stairs |
I was denied at every turn for a chance to the top of buildings, which is a problem when, like DC, Berlin does not have many tall buildings to choose from. However, I finally found something...die Siegessäule, or the Victory Column. The Siegessäule is a statue/memorial that commemorates Prussian/German victories over Denmark in the 1870s. It is in the Tiergarten, and gives an unobstructed view of the city. While one must climb some extremely narrow stairs, battling people going both up and down with camera bags, backpacks, and children, the view is pretty amazing. You also get a workout in, as these stairs really make your booty work :) Another plus? Prices are cheap to go up and the lines are not as long as other places. |
| Cool sky! |
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| Twas windy...couldn't really look at the camera without my hair blowing in my face |
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| Source |
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| I was only up there for about 10 minutes, but look at the change in sky! |
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Mission Complete!
I apologize for the delay in posts. After Laura's visit, a trip to Bremen, lots of tutoring/babysitting, and my parents coming to visit, there has been no time to post!
Mutti and Dad came to visit last week and we toured Berlin and Copenhagen (look for a future post on that soon!). While they were here, we were on a mission, which I am happy to say we completed. What mission were we on? Why, the Roman Family Berlin Bear, of course! Dad had to get a picture with the bear! Without further ado...
Yay!
Mutti and Dad came to visit last week and we toured Berlin and Copenhagen (look for a future post on that soon!). While they were here, we were on a mission, which I am happy to say we completed. What mission were we on? Why, the Roman Family Berlin Bear, of course! Dad had to get a picture with the bear! Without further ado...
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