Things are different here. I’m not the most adept at mechanical or orientational activities, and my skills have been tested during my short time in the Land of Round-Pronged Electrical Sockets. For example, today it took 3 tries for me to open the door to the patio. Rather than managing to swing the door open on its vertical hinges, I repeatedly dropped the door toward myself, the door reclining on its lower edge. I’m still trying to figure out which button on the toilet, big or small, is for #1 or #2. Water closets are just that – closets. I now understand the comments I’ve heard regarding the ludicrosity of bathroom stalls in the US that come up to your knees and afford 1⁄2 inch peepholes along the edge of the door.

In general, imagine all things American, place them in a large vise, and squeeze until everything is 30% smaller – cars, rooms, sidewalks, kitchens. I am repeatedly impressed at organization of homes to make all the things fit. I’m taking notes. 🙂

In Germany, I’m learning how to manage rubbish. Rather than trash and recycling, I struggle a couple beats too long deciding whether to place my napkin in the compost, paper, plastic, or other trash bin. At least I can mutter, “Entschuldigung” as an apology if I’ve used the wrong receptacle.

I’ve never consumed such a wide variety of meats and cheeses in such a short period in my life. This is far from a complaint. I’ve enjoyed grilled salmon, herb-marinated chicken breasts, sausages, salami(?), chicken döner , and beef kebabs in various forms at just about every meal since arriving in Germany. This is accompanied by various types of bread; there’s no way I’ll ever keep up with the many bröts Germans enjoy.