L'Italia... qui veniamo

Italy vacation countdown: T Day – vacation commences.

Well, the long awaited Italian vacation is finally here. Over the next 2 weeks, we will be seeing the fabulous cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, with a few sidetrips to Naples and Capri thrown in for good measure. Since this is the first trip to Italy for either the Budman or I, it is what we are calling “Italy 101” or “Italy’s Greatest Hits”. We feel certain that we will not get to see everything that we will want to see nor in the depth that we would like, but we can always return for a later visit…one of the joys of living in Europe.

The plan is to continue to post to the blog throughout the trip, including photos. Of course, that will be totally dependent on how accessible internet connections will be during our trip. So, if the postings are not daily, hopefully, you’ll understand why.

Ciao L'Italia – Hello Italy….

An Autumn Visual

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 1 day.

One day it’s summer...the next day, it’s autumn and there are leaves everywhere. Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Sadly, we’ve not seen the full range of autumnal color that we often see throughout the US North and Northeast. Still, it is more than we would normally see in Texas and the crisp fall weather, cool breeze, and turning of the leaves is a nice change of pace.

For your viewing pleasure…

Strolling along the Ko (the main shopping drag) in Dusseldorf.









Autumn’s display in the park across from the apartment.



Our neighborhood.



The view of our backyard from the balcony.

A Matter of Matisse

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 2 days.

A great exhibit on Matisse, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon off. I wish I could tell you all the things I learned about Matisse and his artistic style as I actually did learn a quite a bit.

Overall, thumbs up for (1) the variety of paintings, sculptures, and drawings represented in the exhibit, (2) price of admission - 10 euros, what a deal, (3) the method and ease in which the artwork was displayed, and (4) quite a bit of the exhibition's written narration was in a language other than German. Thumbs down on the audio guide being only in German…I know, but one can hope, can’t she????

Allerheiligen

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 3 days.

Normally, I am not lured to these types of evening events, such as the Altstadt Halloween Night Tour, on a “school night”, but since is Tuesday is a public holiday, I said, “Sure, what the heck!” Yes, November 1st is known as Allerheiligen (see 10/31 blog for details or the following URL: http://www.serve.com/shea/germusa/allsaint.htm for further details).

Excerpt as follows:

In Germany, Allerheiligen/All Saint's Day on November 1 is an official holiday. People visit and spruce up the graves of their loved ones, bringing a flower arrangement, a heart, wreath or cross made of evergreens and pines. German graves are planted with evergreens and flowers all year round. Family members living out of town return to the villages of the family to attend church services. In the "Allerheiligen Gottesdienst" (church service), the sermon deals with "all saints," all those, past and present, who live a godly life. At noon a family dinner ensues, followed by a procession to the cemetery. In the afternoons, another family gathering takes place at home for "Kaffee und Kuchen." The following morning, All Souls' Day, there is a church service and prayers for the dead.

On my day off, I am headed to see a dead guy of sorts....the new Matisse exhibit in Düsseldorf.

Bat bun or pumpkin muffin?

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 3 days.

Last evening, I ventured out on a spur-of-the moment Halloween happening in the Düsseldorf Altstadt area. Just as the bewitching hour of 7:30 pm drew near, several ghouls, goblins, witches, and various and sundry costumed Halloween revelers took an evening tour of old town, in English no less. Corny but cute…and no, I was not in costume, although I was a bit bummed when others turned out in the “ghastly” apparel and I was simply sporting jeans and a sweater.





Highlight of the evening was a steaming cup of witches brew (coffee) or a glass of executioner’s ale (beer) and choice of a bat bun (sugared donut in the shape of a bat) or a pumpkin muffin (in shape and color).

As for me, I am apparently a “bat bun” gal.

Halloween in Germany

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 4 days.

Experience has taught us that a lot of US holidays and traditions are not followed in other countries, so I always wonder what we will see in our current host country when these familiar holidays roll around. Our years in Asia reminded us that Christmas and Easter are simply not big deals, which is understandable given the religions practiced in that region. So, it goes without saying that the secular holidays of Valentine’s Day and Halloween probably aren’t observed either.

It is with some surprise that I have noticed a lot of Halloween merchandise in German stores as well as publicity for Halloween activities in Düsseldorf. It's not really a traditional German celebration, but in recent years Halloween has become increasingly popular in Europe. Apparently, German kids don't usually go trick-or-treating, but Halloween has become a very “cool” party theme for young and old. Point in case: I’ll be attending an English-language Halloween night tour this evening in Düsseldorf’s Alstadt (old town area) with the American Women’s Club.

Still, there is something else going on in Germany with this time of year other than just Halloween costumes and parties. Related to the concept of Halloween, the first two days of November are Allerheiligen (Nov. 1) and Allerseelen (Nov. 2). These days are devoted to all of the saints (known and unknown) and to all of the “faithful departed,” respectively. In medieval English, All Saints Day (Allerheiligen) was known as All Hallows. All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31) came to be called “Halloween". Apparently, Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate their own version of All Saints Day on a different date, on the first Sunday after Whitsunday (Pfingsten). In Protestant areas of Germany, Totensonntag or Ewigkeitssonntag is a similar observance for the dearly departed. This Protestant version of All Soul's Day is observed in November on the Sunday prior to the first Advent Sunday.

Suffice to say, tomorrow is the German public holiday, known as Allerheiligen, in North Rhein Westphalia (the state I live in Germany). Being that this area is predominantly Catholic in its origins, it is celebrated here but not throughout all of Germany. Still, it is a public holiday in many parts of continental Europe, including France and Belgium.

As for tonight’s Halloween activity, no costumes are required (thankfully), but it should be a nice fall night to hear some German ghost stories…full report to follow.

How do you know daylight savings time is beginning when you don’t know that daylight savings time is beginning?

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 5 days.

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That’s a good question. Not every country around the world observes this time changing/daylight savings time (DST) phenomenon. For example, Korea does not. Neither does Taiwan or Hong Kong. And since we have not really lived in the US since 2001, well…we just weren’t clued in that the last Sunday of October was fast approaching AND that the clocks were changing, or as we say in the US, “falling back”.

No, our newspaper did not hint at it, but then again, our paper is a regional European paper. So nothing from that source. No one at work made mention of it towards the end of last week, but then again, why would they? If once assumes everyone in the world observes DST time changes, then one assumes everybody knows. Since we are still in the no-man’s land of no TV (we are going to try to get this issue resolved after Italy), we could not see any clocks on CNN or hear any newscasters refer to the time. Of course, phone clocks have to be re-set, so that was of no help.

Curiosity getting you? Well, the short answer is that we turned on our computers on Sunday morning, and we noticed that our PC clocks were different. Those Dell and Microsoft people are SO smart! Upon further inspection (and a reference to the Qclock software on my PC), we confirmed that the times in NY, Dallas, London, Paris, and Sydney were also different. Ah, it must be that DST thing.

I bet you’d never pondered this question before….

Come one, come all

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 6 days.

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Alright! The first travelers from the US have declared their intent to visit Hachie Gal and Budman in Germany, scheduled tentatively for March, 2006 (looking forward to it, Joe and JoBeth). Remember, Haus Young B&B is open and we are accepting reservations.

For those of you considering a trip this direction, let us know…even if your European travels take you somewhere other than Germany. We’ll come your way for a meal and a chat. Air Berlin – 89 euros roundtrip…

Bird flu

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 7 days.

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Before anyone gets too concerned, let me just say that we went through the Avian Bird Flu thing in Asia, along with SARs. It's serious and I suppose people are right to be cautious. Some folks are even known to consider cancellation of holidays to countries where “bird flu” has been identified (brings back visions of people canceling their international trips immediately after 9/11). It is certainly an economic issue for many people, but folks are also worried about health and safety.

With that said, I don’t mean to sound jaded, but after a while, the endless news reports on the rampant spread of disease across the globe does lose its sense of urgency.

I suspect the media contributes to the alarmism around this issue, as they often publish stories that scare and worry many people. Here is a sampling of the news reports on bird flu from this week's news alone:

(1) “As bird flu is spread continent-to-continent by wild birds, the seasonal migration that is normally one of nature's wonders is becoming something scary. Could bird flu reach North America through migrating birds? Biologists in Alaska and Canada are keeping an eye out and say it's possible by next year”. Watch out US....

(2) “So far, bird flu has been detected in both wild and domestic birds as far east as the Danube Delta in Romania. The virus was reported in poultry in Turkey, Romania, Greece, and Russia.” Oh yea, also 1 bird in UK died from bird flu, but that was a parrot from Taiwan who died in quarantine.

(3) “German media reports the discovery of more than 20 dead birds at a pond in western Germany (yes, this is the section of Germany where I live) has raised fears that avian bird flu may have already found its way into the country, though officials are urging the public to remain calm.” Could we have a little forensic evidence on that statement before we incite the masses to panic? A revised update from the government experts “found the virus in geese, but said there is no indication it is the form that can kill humans.” Thank you.

(4) "Croatian officials confirmed that swans found dead last week had the lethal H5N1 bird flu virus strain". In Germany, experts found the virus in geese, but said there is no indication it is the form that can kill humans.

Practically speaking, I trust an expert’s opinion (CDC) on this: “Of course, the bigger fear is that bird flu will mutate into a flu that is both contagious and deadly to people and which would quickly spread around the globe through international travel. However, the current bird flu is not easily spread to people.” Don’t you love the big build-up of the statement “contagious and deadly” only to be reminded that the current bird flu is not easily transmitted to humans?

I’ll anticipate your next question: Heck, no! Those upcoming trips to Italy and Turkey are still in the works.

Celebrity Combo Names

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 8 days.

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While it has absoutely nothing to do with living overseas, I couldn’t resist a comment on the recent trend of combining celebrity first names into one. What is up with that? Apparently, it is a sign “you’ve made it” into the popular iconology of celebrity culture. Not exactly sure to what I am referring? Trust me... read on, and you’ll know in an instant.

Ever heard of “Beniffer”? Sure you have, as it was THE term in almost every People Magazine during the entire time Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were a thing. I guess Ben actually gets a "two-fer", since both his recent romances have the same first name.

Then, came “Brangelina”, which signaled the beginning of the Brad Pitt - Angelina Jolie romance.

Now, we have “Vinnifer”. I am not sure that Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn are even an item, but the media can’t seem to help itself regarding the creation of these cutesy names. (yes, I know, People Magazine is once again in the forefront on this important story. What would we do without them?). Does Vinnifer have the same ring to it as Brangelina? Does it even matter?

I have pondered the name-combo scenario for Buddy and I. Budly? Nah…Bully? No way! Hoddy? Hmm…not sure. Maybe I should try Robert and Holly instead? Robly? Rolly? Hobert?

With that said, I’ll pass if it is all the same.

And while we are on the subject of hair salons

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 9 days.

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I am well past the fear and trepidation of having a perfect stranger who works at a hair salon that I literally walked into off the street, who can’t speak my language, begin to color, highlight, and cut my hair. Yes, taking pictures into the salon help, but that is not a reasonable solution to the inevitable questions that are posed to me by the stylist.

I went through this in Korea, Taiwan, and now, Germany. Strangely, I have made my peace with the fear and anxiety that descends upon me each time I enter the salon. Simply making the appointment is taxing as the receptionist and I use a calendar and sign language to hone in on what I am actually requesting: a hair appointment. Telephoning the salon for an appointment is out of the question.

As I sit in the chair, inwardly scrutinizing whether this stylist “knows what he or she is doing”, I usually come full circle from anxiety to quiet resolution. I always tell myself: worst case scenario, I can cut my hair short….

So, next time you are sitting in the stylist chair, think of me.

A European Vice

Italy vacation countdown: T minus 10 days.

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I know that the Europeans (and Asians) have a totally different view of cigarettes, smoking in public places, and the concept of second-hand smoke. And for 5 long years, I have reluctantly made my peace with the fact that I should not only prepare for, but expect, cigarette smoke to be a common occurrence in restaurants, airports, offices (or at least many of them), and in most public places…in fact, to be blown into my face, my lungs, and my general direction. I get it.

For those of us familiar with non-smoking areas, the US has far stricter views of second-hand smoke and the protection for non-smokers’ rights in public places. Trust me, view this as a blessing!

Not so in most other parts of the world. Usually, I can physically and literally move past this issue, accepting what I cannot change and seeking out ways to adjust to the problem. This includes changing tables, or moving “upstream or downstream” (as the need be) past the smoker that is discourteously blowing ash and smoke in my face. Rarely, do I result to the “scowl” technique which is intended to shame smokers, since I know this is never really effective. Still, I find it hard to refrain from doing just this at times.

Point in case: A recent trip to the hair salon for much needed hair color, highlights, and a cut, required my presence in the salon chair for about 2.5 to 3 hours. During that time, the woman next to me (who was getting a permanent, as if the fumes from that were not enough to knock me unconscious) proceeded to light up not one, not two, but three cigarettes in that same period. Being a prisoner to my chair, I was at a total loss as to how to shield myself from the incoming carcinogens being sent my way. At one point, the burning stick was literally less than an arm’s length from my nostrils. I began to feel trapped in a sickening haze of smoke that was infiltrating my lungs, my hair, and my clothing.

I tried everything. I tried the “polite cough” routine (customer next door – get the hint?). Nothing. I turned and twisted my body in an attempt to provide a “star wars” shield from the incoming smoke. This resulted in doing nothing but irritating the stylist who seemed totally clueless as to what the issue was. I tried covering my nose and mouth, but I had to breathe at some point. I suppose I could have been straightforward and asked (or since I can’t speak German, signaled) for the other customer to move her cigarette. That seemed a little too confrontational. Finally, I resorted to fanning myself with my Entertainment Weekly magazine (another reason never to show up without reading material at the hair salon) in the hopes of fanning the smoke back towards her. Not sure it worked, but I felt better.

BTW, does it strike anyone as odd to see a person running, walking, biking, or exercising in any general manner with a “cancer stick” protruding from their mouth? (Sorry, did not mean to go caustic there). Doesn’t this seem to be a contradiction of some sort?

Does the world really need this?

Italy Vacation countdown: T minus 11 days.

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I did not post a comment when I read about it the first time. Or the second time. Yet, when I read about it for the third time, I had to respond. Does the world really need another Barbie doll? Apparently yes, only this time, it is called the “Angie doll”.

It almost didn't happen, as there was some doubt as to whether Merkel would actually enter the history books as the first woman to make it to the very top of German politics as Chancellor. Shortly before the Sept. 18 elections, a licensing agreement was signed with a toy company to produce a Merkel doll. And voila!



A doll designed to resemble conservative leader Angela Merkel went on sale this week in a limited edition its designer hopes will appeal to collectors and supporters of the incoming chancellor. The baby-faced doll features eyes that open and shut and real human hair styled like Merkel's trademark cut. A dark blue pants suit worn with pearls and a pink T-shirt — is inspired by the outfit Merkel wore on election night last month.

And the draw is? At 189 EUR each ($225), the 18-inch doll doesn't come cheap. Not sure I’d be buying at 10 EUR.

A wealth of useful information

Italy Vacation countdown: T minus 12 days.

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I have once again been reminded never to underestimate the knowledge, resourcefulness, teamwork, and collaboration of a determined group of women. This was never more apparent to me than this past weekend as Buddy and I attended our first social functions of The American Women’s Club of Düsseldorf. I had been previously aware of the American Women’s Club as an international organization as there are thriving chapters in Seoul and Taipei; however, for many reasons I was either unable to engage in the group’s activities or for whatever reason did not feel the need when living in these cities.

With 7 months of living in Germany now completed, there are still little things we are trying to figure out. I would group many of these questions/issues as items that would simply make life a little easier or more enjoyable, but are certainly not life threatening. A few items are things that have simply been thorns in our side since day one. Either way, with summer concluded, and the new year of the AWC/Düsseldorf in full swing, I decided it was time to connect with this organization, if for no other reason than for a little female camaraderie. I was not disappointed.

Friday night, I attended a wine tasting event at a local “winehaus”, hosted by AWC. Besides having a lovely buffet meal and learning a little bit about wine, I met some great couples, some who had been here for a number of years, others who were still relatively new. On Saturday night, Buddy and I attended an AWC dinner for “our zone’ (essentially our district in Düsseldorf), again meeting another set of couples and having a FAB meal at a local restaurant.

Suffice to say, we walked away with scads of useful pieces of information about where to buy what, travel anecdotes, local sporting and entertainment options, as well as making some new girl friends which for me has been sorely lacking. Here’s a sampling of things we learned this weekend:

* In Germany, ATM machines don’t print receipts. (For months I have been trying to figure out the German words on the ATM screen that would allow me to actually receipt a receipt for my transaction. I have now learned this is simply not an option, and I can now cross this one off my list).

* Buddy will need a golf license (essentially a golf permit) to play golf on any German public or private course. Without such a license, he will be turned away. Not only were we totally clueless about the need for such a license, we now have the name of a local golf pro who can help Buddy with obtaining said license. Ah, the Germans have a form for everything.

* Most people drive to Eindhoven, NL, Brussels, Belgium, of Luxembourg to buy US food items, household items, clothing, etc. that are unable in Germany. Things like: Gap jeans, Gold Medal flour, and PAM spray….Many of these drives are less than 1.5 - 2 hours away.

* Many people drive to the same cities to see English language films in the original version (that have not been dubbed into German). In Germany, we have few movie options that are in the original version.

* By law, we cannot be denied the right to put up a satellite dish for our apartment, although we now must mount it on a tripod. Apparently, other expats have had this issue when they requested to mount a dish on their apartment building and were turned down (like us). Bonus feature: there is a man who does installation for all the expats on these dishes, who speaks English, and can come out to the apartment, consult on the issues, and get us set up. I may actually have TV viewing options before the year end! AMEN!

* A beaucoup of recommendations for names for dentists, doctors, and relocation experts experienced in expat relocations (I am no longer beholden to “WRG” – Worthless Relocation Guy”, the name by which I lovingly refer to our relo expert).

I could go on, but I think you get the gist. If I sound a bit chirpier, you’re right. I found myself re-energized and ready to face the challenges of international living because of a merry band of women who have gone through this before me and are happily willing to share their learnings and experiences. As I was told, “if you’ve got a question, just pick up the phone and call”. Consider it done.

Nußknacker

Italy Vacation countdown: T minus 14 days.

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Although it is still only technically fall, I have officially kicked off the Christmas season by doing my first round of Christmas shopping last weekend. I could tell you more but that might spoil the surprise for some of you. Suffice to say, I am almost completely finished. Seems I do subscribe to the theory that the early bird catches the worm.



Either way, in addition to the acquisition of many Christmas gifts during last weekend’s trip, I also learned my first German word relating to Christmas. Nußknacker translates to nutcracker, and there is an abundance of these little guys in every German shop. (Please don’t be too impressed as I still don’t speak much German; it is those translation URLs that are a lifesaver to be sure.)



The good news is that many more shopping opportunities await as the German Christmas Markets will be in full swing beginning the last weekend in November, running up to a few days before Christmas. More to come on these markets as we are slated to hit several of them including the ones in Trier, Nuremburg, Alsace (France), Cologne, and Dusseldorf….just to name a few.



There is time enough to talk all things Christmas though in the weeks to come. Still, to quote the words of Auntie Mame, “We needed a little Christmas now”.