Fun Outside of the Office

So how have I kept myself entertained outside of the office? Well I’ve had to be somewhat proactive and force myself to call people to make plans. It’s not the sort of town or group of people that is good about remembering to do things. I mean, people like to go home and stay home (which I can understand and see happening in winter time when I was told people just hang out through skype). Granted I’ve had a few nights like that—and it’s been especially nice once the TV arrived in the apartment. I haven’t had a TV for 2 years so this is a true treat. But I’ve gone through almost all of the movies I brought with me, so I’m going to need to download some new ones or buy some with German subtitles soon. German TV leaves a lot to be desired—and understood. There are many knock-offs of American shows so even though I can’t understand what they are saying, I get a good laugh at the content. For example, there was an episode of this home makeover show where the designers were tasked with redoing the house of this man who was a cross over between Don Johnson and Hugh Hefner.

Honestly, the German TV is just the tip of the iceberg for me. English is not as widespread I had originally hoped. Now I understand that I am in a country where English is not the first language and therefore I can’t expect people to speak it, but I was told a number of times not to worry because English was well known here—people start to learn it young. OK, great… not my experience so far. I don’t recall having such a difficult time in Spain, but then I remember that I had Luciana and Desi to help out with setting up the phone, gas, Internet, etc. Now I’m doing it all myself and it is frustrating. Google Translate has been a savior, and when that wasn’t enough, I brought my documents into the office and asked for some help from one of my native coworkers. But these things can’t help me out when I’m speaking to people—so I’ve gotten very good at looking confused/lost, waving my hands and saying “Ich spreche kein Deutsch” and “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” In Spain I felt like I could get along better because I had some training in Romance Languages, but German… is a whole other beast entirely. Younger people have been kinder and have tried to be translators for me (like in the post office when I was trying to send my passport to the US Consulate by Registered Mail) but older generations are firm in their insistence for only speaking German. Even younger people who were in Town Hall refused to speak English to me, but I think she just hated her job/life there and was trying to exert what little power/control she had over whomever she could. But even with the lack of a common language, people (except for this girl) have been extremely friendly and helpful. All the same, I am looking into German classes, but it is hard with work being so far away from Nuremberg and classes starting so early. Oh well.. Hopefully I will find one soon. I hate not being able to communicate. But I am getting used to not understanding what is being said around me….it was strange being home in July and August and understanding what people said at the table next to me in a restaurant.

Outside of watching movies, I could use Internet, if I had it in my apartment, but it appears that I live in a lead box. I purchased “stick” internet hoping that it would do the trick, but for it to work, my computer needs to be on the windowsill or outside the window for me to get more that 1 bar of connection. Even then, it isn’t that strong. I’ve had to sign up for DSL in the apt and that was a feat in and of itself. I’ve found that the best way to get things accomplished is to take all letters communicated to me and ask the store people to translate or call the hotlines for me because no one on the hotlines speaks English. I’ve visited the O2 store more times than I care to count… but at least I’ll finally/hopefully have strong internet by the middle of next week. Then I can stream my TV shows again! And talk on skype! From other places in my apartment than right by the window. Whoop whoop!

The bar/club scene here in Nuremberg is adequate, but the sound of house music makes me homesick for Barcelona. I have yet to find a good place to go dancing, though I have found some bars (California, Die Rote Bar) with the other interns that have OK drinks. Still looking for the best place to go salsa dancing but luckily it seems that there are a few interested dancers to join me, so I won’t forget the moves I learned from Alvaro and Marta during the 2 years in BCN.

All in all Nuremberg is a very quaint city and I think a place I will really enjoy living in—whether it is for 6 months or longer. Yes, my frustrations with daily life, communication and weather will be significant (and most likely very influential in my decision for how long I stay here), but there are many benefits to this city—like the fantastic Christmas Market during the month of December (Mom and Dad are visiting for it!) or it’s location in Bavaria, or the charming historical aspect of my neighborhood. I found out that the city was completely destroyed during WWII but was rebuilt very quickly that you can’t tell that it was affected by the war at all or that it was the birthplace of the Nazi party (there are far more reminders in Berlin). There is quite a lot to learn in the area—I just have to take the time and find a car or train to get me there ;) I’m looking forward to the next 6 months to see what they hold for me but so far so good…. Let’s just hope that the sun keeps shining and the temperature stays above 10C for as long as possible.