Tapping into my German Lifestyle

The first month in Germany is now complete.  This is generally where one would say “I can’t believe it” or “the time has gone so fast” – not this guy.  I have spent my first month delving into scientific literature for future posts, ferreting out raw statistical data for future infographics, hiking through the forest every day possible, and navigating German visa processes.  It has felt like a month.

To start with the fun stuff, the hiking in this area is amazing.  And with the recent spell of warmer weather, the snow and ice have melted opening up more paths, making the creeks swell, and creating the sound of water throughout the woods.  Every day without rain I find myself exploring a new part of the forest; every turn is picturesque.  Just imagine the sound of running water, the crisp breeze, the smell of wood, and heat of the sun while walking through the woods where there is no traffic to be heard.  This is nothing like San Francisco.

I also was able to track down a tap class in the area.  And by ‘in the area’, it is about a 40 minute drive, but it is the closest one to where I am living.  The class is very much on par with the class I was taking in San Francisco, but I have noticed a theme with German instructors.  I have learned (and continue to learn) from many Germans, and they tutor through talking louder if something is found to be unclear.  At first I thought they were doing the “I’ll act like you’re deaf if you didn’t understand” trick that usually plays out when language is a barrier, but I have also seen it now between two Germans.  The tap instructor is a great dancer, but relies a little bit too much on a follow-the-leader teaching style.  Perhaps how the sound is made is not as important as the rhythm… but that’s unlikely.

The cheese and beer supplies have all arrived and have been having a great time making some cheese and sausage in the past couple weeks.  The meat has all been acquired from local butchers and larger grocery stores.  The milk supply, however, was an interesting find.  There are “milk stations” (that’s the closest way I can translate it) where one brings their own bottle, plugs the machine with money, and dispenses raw milk until your money runs out.  It’s fascinating and quite convenient.  We were unaware that bottles weren’t available at the station, so we made a quick run to IKEA… on a Saturday… in the afternoon.  So, after two hours, we were back at the milk station filling up 4 liter-bottles.  I was able to make some excellent mozzarella from it.  We just need to up the capacity for future milk runs.

Speaking of runs, I was informed that anyone working with food in Germany has to participate in a government-run course on hygiene.  As my journey to Germany is for the sole purpose of working with local tradespeople all revolving around food, I attended the hygiene course last Tuesday.  Before the class started, I was given three pages (front and back) for a pre-read; this document was completely about diarrhea.  Different consistencies, colors, and frequencies – I don’t know if the point was for future self-diagnosis, but it could have been condensed to “if you have loose stools, don’t work with food.”  The participants were then rounded up, and we watch a ten minute video about adequate hand washing and… wait for it… diarrhea.  There honestly was a point where I convinced myself that the German word, “Durchfall”, must have a second meaning. “In fact, you could break down the translation as ‘through fall’.  Feel free to take a moment to consider that.” No, it does not; it means ‘the skids’.  In fact, you could break down the translation as “through fall”.  Feel free to take a moment to consider that.  I shot my buddy this story stating that “it was like the author had taken in some information and then had a sudden output of words, with extreme clarity, all over three pieces of paper.”  As he didn’t think it was all that funny, either my poop jokes need work or he’s more mature that I am.  You’ll be happy to know the government accepted my money, and I am now legally able to work with food.

Last Thursday, I made another visit to the Foreigner’s Office; I, again, left disappointed.  My visa application could not be accepted as it does not fit into one of the pre-defined boxes.  The officials were extremely empathetic, but I could see that their hands were tied.  I had reached out to the San Francisco consulate, which had made no mention of difficulties for getting a visa; they finally responded on Friday with regulation references to try out, but explained that each office will have to make the final call on acceptability.  My trip here may be cut short, unfortunately.  I also may have to move and try out a different office.  I am still holding onto hope for now.

But to end with some good news, my first “internship” starts in the morning.  I will be working with a baker tomorrow starting at 6 AM making bread, brötchen, and a variety of sweet breads.  I am really excited to see and experience the inner workings of a traditional, local bakery.  Morgen geht’s los!