Today is the last full Saturday I will be in Germany. It's been a great trip so far, but phew...it has really been exhausting.
So I decided to take it down a bit. I went to the Sinsheim Technical Museum. I went with Stephen and Chad. We had a good time. When we got there, we started off with a beer, and then saw the 3D movie of "Fly Me to the Moon" it was animated, and it was in German. It was so funny, because watched this movie as if I really understood the dialog. (There were no English subtitles) I could understand about 30% of the conversation.
We then walked around the museum. All I have to say is the Air and Space museum in DC has nothing on this museum. The exhibits were fantastic. We saw the "Concord" and the "Concordski" on giant stands, and we were able to board the planes. It was pretty wild, as you got to the cockpit of the Air France Concord you could feel it swaying because of the wind blowing.
I saw so many incredible planes, trains and automobiles, but I did not expect to see hairdryers from the '50's that had existed in hair salons.
The cars were very impressive they were original cars in mint condition.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday May 9th...Dear Diary
Dear Diary,
Phew what a busy day. I decided to take advantage of some free time so I took a ride out to Rotenberg Germany. A few people highly recommended it, one went so far as to say, if he only had one day to spend in Germany, it would be there. So I decided to check it out.
As my journey started I was on the A6 (autobahn 6). The posted speed limit was 120 kpm (yes there are sections of the various autobahns that have speed limits).
Out of the corner of my I saw a polizei car. I then noticed the polizei car pulled out from its post. I thought, I wonder if they are coming after me, although I was only going 10 kpm over the posted limit. Anyway the polizei pulled in front of me, and had a flashing sign that said "Bitte Folgen", I had no idea what that meant, the next flashing sign said, "Please Follow" now I knew what that sign mean. All I could say was "Scheisse".
So I followed them to the parking area, and I immediately stated that I did not speak German. It was not the time to practice my German language skills, an umlaut in the wrong place could have gotten my car impounded or worse in jail.
So the cop asked me where I was from and for my driver's license. "Let me zeee you papiers..." hahahaha no, she didn't say it like that.
She then asked me if I do drugs, to which I clearly stated I did not. She then asked me if I had any weapons, again, an emphatic, "No" was expressed. She then said, "Ok you are fine you can leave. I asked her what I had done wrong, and she said I didn't do anything wrong. I asked if going over the speed limit by 10 kpm was a problem, and she said no, that is not a problem.
So unlike the US, I guess you are able to pull people over without a reason. When I shared this story with my German friends, they said, the police may have thought I was in the military (profiling), because the US military is known to cause a great deal of problems.
Although it turned out to be nothing, it really was quite something. I kept having images of the show from National Geographic called "Locked up Abroad" with German Shepards barking in my face.
I then continued to my destination of Rotenberg. It took me about 1 1/2 hours to get there. It was such a fantastic place. It is functioning city which is contained within fortress walls which were built around the 1300's.
It was quite a large area. There were a great deal of chachca shoppe's and bevy of restaurants, bakeries, and drinking establishments all serving the same product. Regardless, it was still a really cool place to go.
I walked around the "Kriminal Museum" It was about the methods of torture used back in the day. It was interesting because they had even realized back then, that torture produced false information. I'd recommend Dick Cheney to revisit but, oh yeah... he'd be arrested if he stepped foot on German soil, so I guess he won't be going anytime soon. Also I suspect he get more ideas of torture.
I then came home because I had birthday celebration of one of my former colleagues with whom I had developed a friendship with over the years. I had a really nice time, and met some really cool people. I was a bit apprehensive, because I didn't know if anyone would be speaking English. My German can only take so far as conversation involving food, beer, and the location of the bathroom.
As it turned out many people spoke very good English, and welcomed speaking English for their practice. It was a win win. I did find it interesting that some of us had a conversation regarding a corkscrew. This thing was serious. The handle was made from a thick tree branch, stained, and shellacked. I really looked like a turd with a metal corkscrew coming out of it. The picture is in the slide show.
Overall I had a great Saturday, and today I took it easy and did some work for my workshop.
Next weekend, destination Munchen!
Phew what a busy day. I decided to take advantage of some free time so I took a ride out to Rotenberg Germany. A few people highly recommended it, one went so far as to say, if he only had one day to spend in Germany, it would be there. So I decided to check it out.
As my journey started I was on the A6 (autobahn 6). The posted speed limit was 120 kpm (yes there are sections of the various autobahns that have speed limits).
Out of the corner of my I saw a polizei car. I then noticed the polizei car pulled out from its post. I thought, I wonder if they are coming after me, although I was only going 10 kpm over the posted limit. Anyway the polizei pulled in front of me, and had a flashing sign that said "Bitte Folgen", I had no idea what that meant, the next flashing sign said, "Please Follow" now I knew what that sign mean. All I could say was "Scheisse".
So I followed them to the parking area, and I immediately stated that I did not speak German. It was not the time to practice my German language skills, an umlaut in the wrong place could have gotten my car impounded or worse in jail.
So the cop asked me where I was from and for my driver's license. "Let me zeee you papiers..." hahahaha no, she didn't say it like that.
She then asked me if I do drugs, to which I clearly stated I did not. She then asked me if I had any weapons, again, an emphatic, "No" was expressed. She then said, "Ok you are fine you can leave. I asked her what I had done wrong, and she said I didn't do anything wrong. I asked if going over the speed limit by 10 kpm was a problem, and she said no, that is not a problem.
So unlike the US, I guess you are able to pull people over without a reason. When I shared this story with my German friends, they said, the police may have thought I was in the military (profiling), because the US military is known to cause a great deal of problems.
Although it turned out to be nothing, it really was quite something. I kept having images of the show from National Geographic called "Locked up Abroad" with German Shepards barking in my face.
I then continued to my destination of Rotenberg. It took me about 1 1/2 hours to get there. It was such a fantastic place. It is functioning city which is contained within fortress walls which were built around the 1300's.
It was quite a large area. There were a great deal of chachca shoppe's and bevy of restaurants, bakeries, and drinking establishments all serving the same product. Regardless, it was still a really cool place to go.
I walked around the "Kriminal Museum" It was about the methods of torture used back in the day. It was interesting because they had even realized back then, that torture produced false information. I'd recommend Dick Cheney to revisit but, oh yeah... he'd be arrested if he stepped foot on German soil, so I guess he won't be going anytime soon. Also I suspect he get more ideas of torture.
I then came home because I had birthday celebration of one of my former colleagues with whom I had developed a friendship with over the years. I had a really nice time, and met some really cool people. I was a bit apprehensive, because I didn't know if anyone would be speaking English. My German can only take so far as conversation involving food, beer, and the location of the bathroom.
As it turned out many people spoke very good English, and welcomed speaking English for their practice. It was a win win. I did find it interesting that some of us had a conversation regarding a corkscrew. This thing was serious. The handle was made from a thick tree branch, stained, and shellacked. I really looked like a turd with a metal corkscrew coming out of it. The picture is in the slide show.
Overall I had a great Saturday, and today I took it easy and did some work for my workshop.
Next weekend, destination Munchen!
Wo ist das Wasser Heisse?
The question on everyone's mind, where is the hot water?
It is absolutely amazing with all the German engineering in place and how every detail on buildings is attended too with regard upon entering a building or room all the doors use the push method, and therefore upon exiting all require a pull method. This is true throughout Germany, that they cannot plan to accommodate enough hot water to support 25 showers if all taken within a relatively short time. I do not have this problem when staying at other hotels which are much bigger in scale.
Monday morning, I experienced a tepid to cool shower and I guess looking back that was the better day.
Tuesday morning the water was so cold I could only bear to stand sticking my head under the shower head. I had to resort taking a shower before going to bed, which I hate, because I sweat.
Wednesday morning again the hot water was elusive. I have resigned to the fact that I will need to take evening showers and suffer through the cold water in the morning when I need to wash my hair.
Thursday morning - Same status
Friday morning - I had to wake up early (6:00am) and there was hot water...best shower of the week aside from off-peak hours showers
Weekends don't count because of variety of schedules...
Well week two is about to begin so we shall see...so I guess I should get into the shower now.
It is absolutely amazing with all the German engineering in place and how every detail on buildings is attended too with regard upon entering a building or room all the doors use the push method, and therefore upon exiting all require a pull method. This is true throughout Germany, that they cannot plan to accommodate enough hot water to support 25 showers if all taken within a relatively short time. I do not have this problem when staying at other hotels which are much bigger in scale.
Monday morning, I experienced a tepid to cool shower and I guess looking back that was the better day.
Tuesday morning the water was so cold I could only bear to stand sticking my head under the shower head. I had to resort taking a shower before going to bed, which I hate, because I sweat.
Wednesday morning again the hot water was elusive. I have resigned to the fact that I will need to take evening showers and suffer through the cold water in the morning when I need to wash my hair.
Thursday morning - Same status
Friday morning - I had to wake up early (6:00am) and there was hot water...best shower of the week aside from off-peak hours showers
Weekends don't count because of variety of schedules...
Well week two is about to begin so we shall see...so I guess I should get into the shower now.
Monday, May 4, 2009
"Survivor" - Walldorf Germany
It does not take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that, two cars being shared by at least three people, two of which are fiercely independent "only child" type personalities, would result in some sort of alpha dog positioning.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I am one of the drivers named as the primary driver on one of the cars, and another of my colleagues is named as the primary driver on the other car. However the third American who has thirst for sports cars and fast driving is not listed as one of the primary drivers. So you can see where this is going. The other PD (primary driver) takes off like a ghost which leaves me to be the one to be the "chauffeur".
There is a natural alliance with the American tribe regarding the car situation. We are trying to keep the car situation quiet. Although, in the American tribe, there are a couple of contentious situations brewing. This needs to get resolved hopefully quickly, because it is only a matter of time before the rest of the international colleagues realize who holds the keys.
However, in the true spirit of the "Survivor" show, at the end of the day there is one person left standing, and that person also has to play their cards right to ensure their "master plan" works to their advantage. That is all I will say.
I'm trying to figure out how to win "immunity" from having to be the chauffer.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I am one of the drivers named as the primary driver on one of the cars, and another of my colleagues is named as the primary driver on the other car. However the third American who has thirst for sports cars and fast driving is not listed as one of the primary drivers. So you can see where this is going. The other PD (primary driver) takes off like a ghost which leaves me to be the one to be the "chauffeur".
There is a natural alliance with the American tribe regarding the car situation. We are trying to keep the car situation quiet. Although, in the American tribe, there are a couple of contentious situations brewing. This needs to get resolved hopefully quickly, because it is only a matter of time before the rest of the international colleagues realize who holds the keys.
However, in the true spirit of the "Survivor" show, at the end of the day there is one person left standing, and that person also has to play their cards right to ensure their "master plan" works to their advantage. That is all I will say.
I'm trying to figure out how to win "immunity" from having to be the chauffer.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Spoiled American?
I am happy the flight is over! Fortunatly there were no panic outbreaks when someone sneezed or coughed, but when did it become socially acceptable to belch loudly? My Bose noise cancelling headphones, couldn't even block out the sound. I was also a bit miffed that 3/4 's though my movie, my video system stopped working, so I had no access to the on-demand programs from the airline.
It goes without saying it has been a very long day. There always seems to be an extra sense of exhaustion when you arrive in a country, where your native tongue is not the primary language. Everything takes a bit more extra effort. Many people in Germany do speak English, but there are a fair amount of people that do not speak English. Between my broken German and their broken English I am still able to accomplish what I need.
My room is well very interesting. Perhaps this is the part of spoiled American which shines. The host so far has been very accommodating. However it should be understood there are different levels of "customer service" Americans are accustomed too. I forgot I needed to adjust my "expectations" when it comes to service. Things here are more laidback, and urgency is not typical unless you are in an ambulance. UPDATE: I just spoke with my colleague who also shares my same view regarding the room.
It's hard to explain, but here's an example. I had arranged a driver to pick me up from the airport to take me to the hotel.
The instructions read pick up in Terminal 1. I was in Terminal 1 and found out the driver was in Terminal 1 B door 3. I was in Terminal 1 C.
Instead of the driver coming to my terminal I had to lug all my luggage to Terminal 1B. It was a fair distance. For the shuttle service, it was not even a thought for them to tell me to meet the driver instead of suggesting the driver will to come to me. It was expected I would find the driver. It wasn't a big deal, but this is a very low level typical attitude.
Communication is never forth coming, nor is preplanning a part of the German culture. This is an adjustment I need to keep in mind in order to set realistic expectations...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Five Days Prior To Departure Date
Over the weekend there was an outbreak of a virus called the Swine Influenza.
According to the WHO the US has 20 reported laboratory cases of confirmed humam cases of swine influenza. Of these 20 reported cases only one requried brief hospitalization. There have been no associated deaths reported in the US.
In Mexico the issue is more serious. A report from CNN, stated from the Ministry of Health the official death toll was at 86 and 5 more deaths in Mexico City had been reported.
Canada has confirmed 6 reports of infection, but do not have associated fatalities.
Other countries which are investigating suspect claims include; New Zealand, Spain, and Israel.
Some countries have sent advisories to limit travel to the US and Mexico. The Frankfurt airport has been screening and interviewing people coming off the plane who appear to be showing signs of illness.
At this point, my trip is still on. I will have to look into packing some masks with my neck pillow. I may also look into getting those masks worn by haz mat crew. If that fails I guess I can bring a roll of duct tape the little blower vent above my seat on the plane.
According to the WHO the US has 20 reported laboratory cases of confirmed humam cases of swine influenza. Of these 20 reported cases only one requried brief hospitalization. There have been no associated deaths reported in the US.
In Mexico the issue is more serious. A report from CNN, stated from the Ministry of Health the official death toll was at 86 and 5 more deaths in Mexico City had been reported.
Canada has confirmed 6 reports of infection, but do not have associated fatalities.
Other countries which are investigating suspect claims include; New Zealand, Spain, and Israel.
Some countries have sent advisories to limit travel to the US and Mexico. The Frankfurt airport has been screening and interviewing people coming off the plane who appear to be showing signs of illness.
At this point, my trip is still on. I will have to look into packing some masks with my neck pillow. I may also look into getting those masks worn by haz mat crew. If that fails I guess I can bring a roll of duct tape the little blower vent above my seat on the plane.
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