Hi all!
Not much to post about this week. We have been keeping busy. Kristin hosted a girls' night last Monday night, while Matt joined some of his guy friends for a few drinks at a cafe. Later in the week, we watched a re-playing of the Presidential debate on YouTube. Thanks to modern technology, we can connect our laptop to the TV and watch the debate on the TV screen. We had a few of our German friends over to watch with us. Many of the Germans that we are friends with know more about American politics than many Americans! (Note: This is a bit of a skewed population sample though, as all of our friends are highly educated and very interested in world news in general) Anyway, it is always interesting to hear what the Germans think about American politics. In summary, I think they get a kick out of how theatrical and dramatic everything is. For example, you would never see campaign ads like what is shown in the States. Additionally, their campaigning process is not as long and drawn out. What's even more interesting is that most Germans (as well as most Europeans) find it difficult to believe that half of America is actually considering Mitt Romney for President. They just don't see why we wouldn't want any social programs to help those who need it. It's really interesting to hear some different perspectives. However, I'm not going to get into politics. We're well aware that Germany and America are two very different "animals." I just thought it would be interesting to share a bit of the discussions that we've had with some of our friends over here. After living here for a few months, we definitely get frustrated when we see uninformed American friends and acquaintances on Facebook post about how the “socialist” programs in Europe don't work. Every country is different and while Greece, Spain, and Italy are struggling (again, a different story), countries like Germany and Switzerland are doing quite well. We've already personally experienced a bit of Germany's healthcare, and along with discussions with friends, it really isn't what Americans imagine it to be. I wish I could tell all of my friends to refrain from opining on a topic unless they are truly informed or have actually experienced it firsthand.
Alas, I digress. The purpose of this post was not to discuss politics, but simply to update you all on our past week. Our respective German classes have been going well. Kristin is in her third week of classes. She goes to class every day, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM until 12:30 PM. She is really enjoying it and feels like she is learning a lot. Matt still meets with his private tutor a few times a week, and he is making great progress. It’s still quite difficult to interact with native German speakers, but we are becoming more familiar with the basics and can usually pick up some of the key words. So, we’re getting there but it will still take some time. The grammar rules are very different from English, and much more complex. We’ll get the hang of it though.
Matt’s job is going well. He is staying busy at work and learning a lot. While Kristin has not been actively looking for jobs (she wants to improve her German language skills first), she did find a German family who would like her to watch their nine-year-old daughter for a few hours a week. They basically just want a native English speaker to play with the little girl in English so that her language skills improve. Kristin met the family and they are very nice. They also live quite close to us, so it will be an easy commute. Her first day is this Wednesday. The family also mentioned that they have friends nearby who are also looking for an English speaker to watch their children. So maybe it will lead to a few more hours a week.
Last week, we also went to dinner with an American couple that Kristin met through her German course. It was nice to have dinner with some Americans and compare moving stories. They were very nice, but they are moving on to Nuremburg in about a month as the American guy has been put on an assignment there for Siemens. Maybe we will get to hang out with them one more time before they go.
Yesterday was our anniversary. We enjoyed celebrating it. It’s hard to believe one year has gone by already! Since we couldn’t have our wedding cake, Kristin made cupcakes. From scratch. (And not because she loves Matt that much, but because cake mix is no less than 6 Euro a box.) It was all worth it though to hear Matt’s, “These are bomb.” We also had champagne, of course. ;) Tonight we will watch the re-playing of the final Presidential debate. On Wednesday, we are planning to get dinner and drinks with one of our couple friends. The guy is from America and moved here a few years ago to be with his German girlfriend (now fiancée, they recently got engaged). So he speaks English (obviously) and she speaks nearly perfect English, as she spent several years in the States for school. We enjoy spending time with them because they have a lot in common with us and, it’s always great to spend time with native English speakers (nothing gets lost in translation, they always get your humor, etc.). On Thursday night, we’re going out to eat with a few other friends, including another married couple that we really enjoy hanging out with. He is German, she is American. They are both hilarious and again, speak great English. We’re going to a burger place in Munich, so we’re also excited to have some American food.
So, as you can see, we’re staying very busy. But we miss you all very much! Until next time…
Cheers,
Kristin and Matt
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