Upside down

I haven't posted in a while. I'm such a slacker. But, I swear I'm not...well...not all of the time. So, I'm still applying and interviewing. I've got *fingers crossed* another interivew coming up, hopefully next week. And, I think I really want this particular job. I don't even want to speak much about it in fear of jinxing it. So, I'll lay off until they've either embraced me with both arms or have shunned me.

I am, however, more tempted to go to grad school than ever. It just feels right. Maybe it just feels safe, which seems like the same thing sometimes. I'll give it some more thought.

So, I got to talk to a German diplomat recently, which was a neat situation. I asked him about the EU Constitution (and ratification) and UN reform, and he actually seemed slightly impressed I thought to ask about UN reform. So, I was then, of course, impressed with myself for having asked. But, his answer showed me why I don't think I could ever be a diplomat. I don't have enough self-control for that kind of position. He was his title; I mean, he answered as any diplomat would- diplomatically. I remember talking to this assistant to a US diplomat a few months ago and I had an inkling of the same thing. She said it's one thing to have your opinions, but it's another to be in a position where you represent an entire nation even though you're not representing your opinions. It's not like we've all never been in that situation, though. So, I understand it. I just don't know if I could do it since politics and international affairs is such an important topic for me. I mean, if it came down to cosmetic preferences, damn...I could two-face about that forever. Not exactly a topic for me.

I've had some time, lately, to read up on Korea and Korean politics and this issue is such a red hot button topic for me. I really do not understand why Korean politics have taken such a back seat for 50 years in the US despite the clear messages, which need attention. I'm going to leave this topic as it is for now. I need to finish up quite a bit of reading to really form a conclusion about it. But, in comparison to many of the issues present (and which were on the forefront) in politics in the US, the Koreas should have made more of a blip on the radar and should have make more positive diplomatic headway by now.

"All I really need is 5 Dollars...All I really need is conversation..." -Tim Mahoney

It was a good show last night. I forgot I liked him. I saw Tim Mahoney last night because my friend had an extra ticket. You see, the ticket came from our manic U2 obsession. U2 came to Minneapolis and the two of us didn't have tickets. We did, however, (and still do...) think we deserved to win tickets considering we're awesome people. So, the two of us sat in front of our computers with telephones at our sides, listening to the radio. We were waiting for the contests on two different radio stations so we could call in and win tickets. Well, it didn't pan out. I did get through a few lines, but I wasn't the winning caller. So, the next day my friend went downtown to the U2 pre-party one of the radio stations was having and tried to win tickets. At this point, I was sick of the radio so I did something else. I can't remember what. Anyway, she didn't win the U2 tickets, but she did get two tickets for Tim Mahoney. All in all, a good deal because she ended up winning an mp3 player last night at the concert.

I watched Far and Away a few weeks ago. It's that movie with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (pre-divorce) and they're new Irish immigrants in the US around the turn of the century. I've seen the movie before. Sure. But, it was only this particular time when I noticed the accents. Before they get too far into the story, they're in Ireland and not everyone is speaking with an Irish accent. One guy has an American accent, others have fake Irish accents and others still have English accents when they're all suppose to be Irish. I couldn't even watch the movie; I was too distracted.

* I have no reason for this picture. I just like it. I took it and I might as well show it to people. It's Dubrovnik, Croatia...beautiful, eh? Well, it was.
Perhaps, my career path should be something in the area of 'wedding planner.' I'm not saying I want to do that right now, but within the next five years, I'll be ready. You see, I am learning a hell of a lot about weddings right now between all of the people I know. And, I'd say in about 5 years, I will be more or less done with my 'praxis phase' of learning and experiencing weddings, that I could be ready to plan them for others. Huh. I'll have to think about that one. My not-so-back-up-plan is to get my graduate degree while serving in the Peace Corps. It seems like a neat idea. You learn and then put it to good use. Practical. I'm going to give that a bit more thought. I had looked into it a bit already, but I'll look a bit more into it. Make sure it's the right commitment for me. I mean, I want to get a graduate degree...I've always thought about doing work through the Peace Corps...and, I'd like to actually put my knowledge to work. Again, practical.

* Come to MN and see our historic and famous...uh...food?

Today I had lunch with J. and two relatively new international students from Germany. The funny thing was that everything we showed them on the way to and from lunch was, well, food establishments. If it wasn't a bakery it was a cafe or a restaurant. I'm sure we've got some really great historic and famous sites that have nothing to do with food, but we didn't run into any. Oh wait...I did point out a cafe where Bob Dylan was rumored to have played at back in the day. But, then again, it was a cafe.

I contrast this with my first day in Mainz, Germany: 'Here you have the famous Carnival Fountain, the Cathedral, the Gutenburg Museum...'

* At least I haven't bought it on DVD...

Confession time:

I don't exactly know how this happened. But, I have picked up some crazy habits in the past few months. The scariest of all of my habits is my new found -dare I say- obsession with the show Gilmore Girls. I have no idea where this came from. I mean, if I'm going down, I'm bringing Nancy down with me. We both found ourselves watching it this summer. Now, I suddenly have this need to see the season premiere tonight. This only goes to show how badly I need to be employeed.

My other new habit is listening to the Pogues. I am quite proud of this new habit. I don't know if it is so much a habit as it is good taste in music. There is nothing like going for a run while hearing a jig in your ear...'lend me 10 Pounds and I'll buy you a drink...'

The third habit is more of a hobby. I am trying to work on a scrap book with some of the random photos I have laying around from last year. I've got all of the supplies sitting around and work on it sporatically at the most.

Fourthly...out of necessity...I apply for jobs like a fiend. This has almost become hobby-like. I search...I apply... So goes it.

I think I need a new hobby.

Honey, I'm home!
It was about time I admitted and declared I was home. So, here it is. I am in Minnesota.

A year ago today I was on a plane from Washington, DC to Frankfurt, Germany. Unbelievable. Time flies...whether you're having fun or not. I'll be the first to admit that I had a good time in Germany, but it wasn't all roses. And, I am yet greatful for every moment. I was able to spend a year learning, thinking and meeting some amazing friends who taught and brought me once again to think.

So, what am I going to do now? I have no idea. But, I do know I need to think big and see where that takes me.

Someone famous once took the time to say that 'Life is a journey,' so I'm up for the adventure. Why not?

Dubrovnik...
Hey I'm in Croatia. Those are not words I thought I would be saying, but I made it here and am having a good time. I can't write long, only a minute or two left on my computer here at the net cafe. But, I just wanted to give N. a shout out...Happy Birthday! Have a good one and I'll see you soon!

About Dubrovnik...everyone should try and visit if they can. It's really pretty, but unfortanently touristy... More later!

Stars and Stripes, Darling.
Hey y'all! I just wanted to wish you all a great 4th of July weekend! I am leaving for Poland tomorrow. I'm hoping to have a good time. Everything seems really bittersweet for me right now. Yesterday I had my last day at work and everyone was so nice. I made blueberry muffins, apple muffins and brownies and everyone was all about them. Brownies and muffins are kind of a rarety here...just like bagels. But, there was no way I was going to make bagels. Anyway, I was baking like a fiend on Wednesday night and that was awful because the confederations cup was on and I was trying to watch the game and bake at the same time. It was Germany vs. Mexico and I totally missed the whole game. Germany won, but the game looked really good. It went into over time with an end score of 4-3. Anyway, last day at work. The department gave me a card, a Guttenburg coffee mug, a copy of the smallest book in the world and a German book by Carl Zuckmeyer (I think that's right...) who was from Mainz. So, it was so sweet. The saddest part was saying goodbye to the guy who always calls me 'darling' and 'dear.' He looked so sad and was the only one to give me a hug yesterday. He was so sweet and said that if I am able to get a job in Germany, I should give him a call and that we should hang out. So, after I turned in my security badge and said one last goodbye to my boss, I walked out the door and seriously didn't get more than 5ft. from the building and I started crying. I cried all the way to the bus stop. But, it's fine. I'm going out tonight with the other interns, and then I'll get up early tomorrow to catch the train and meet Carlos and Elaine in Köln...and then, off to Krakow. See you all later! (Oh yeah...I still have yet to buy my ticket to Minneapolis. Sorry.)

Rotkohl in a bowl.
So, I am going to Poland this weekend. Well, here's how it all goes down. Last Thursday night I went up to Bonn for a friend's birthday party and Errol and Maura were like 'Hey, want to go to Poland?' Basically. So, between a few emails, text messages and a phone call...we're going to Krakow. So, Maura, Errol, Carlos and I will be hanging out there...reflecting on..everything, I guess.

Come to think about it...we're a pretty rowdy bunch when you put us all together because we just play off of each other so well. The four of us are going to cause some damage, I'm afraid. I guess, that's ok. It will be a nice and crazy 5 days...and, if Maura gets a hold of the apartment she wanted to rent for the week...I'm sure it will be even crazier.

My last day of work is Thursday. Wish me luck! I can't believe I actually made it. I was so sure during those first few months that they were just going to fire me right there on the spot for...whatever...anything. But, for some reason, I guess it worked out. Well, perhaps they got enough worth out of exploiting my english skills. Who knows.

Ahhh....I don't want to leave Germany!

I did talk to Adam last night and he said I could stay with him in NYC...so, I will probably be taking him up on his offer. Well, its a tri-fold reason, really. A. Flights are cheaper to come by if I wait a few days and then fly to mpls. B. I haven't seen Adam in a while and would like to catch up. C. I've never been to NYC before and I quite frankly need a good shock to the system of American-ness before I land in mpls. Otherwise, the next time you'll see me is curled up on the floor in a ball with a bowl of Rotkohl...ha. Actually, sounds kinda good.

Ok. I'll finish up my last couple weeks worth of stories some other time. But, there was a good one of one of the Techie interns making me feel stupid. Stupid Techie intern. Not a bad story, though.

Bread, a simple thing in life.
So... Last time I left off, I was somewhere in the very west of Ireland...on the Atlantic coast. The best comment I can say to sum up my experience there was I was the closest to home I've felt since I landed in August. I was staying with Rhea who I already knew and adore and I was on the coast of the Atlantic, which means I was as close, geographically, to home as I could have been.

So, Rhea's family has this dog, which can open the front door by itself. Does anyone else think that is amazing, or what? The dog can let itself out when it has to. Simple. Well, not so simple. The dog cannot shut the door behind him, so it just stands there open until someone else closes it. Cats who act like dogs are really the best cats out there. My Michael for example, will go out walking on a leash. Therefore, he is apart of this elite group I am referring to. Well, the dog that opens his own door also has a cat companion who thinks he's a dog. The funny part is that this cat knows what's up. If the cat wants to go outside, he gets the dog to open the door for him. I watched it myself.

Now, my whole experience of visiting Rhea makes me want to know more about and love Ireland. However, the same experience made me not like Dublin. Dublin is just like any big city. I didn't feel as if I could ever have any sort of connection or affinity towards it. I did the Guinness thing and got out. That was frankly enough for me. I would rather spend time in other cities or areas there. But, that's my humble, but forward opinion.

Andrea and I decided not to spring for a hostel our last night in Dublin since our plane left at 7am. So, we stayed up and walked around Dublin until 1am. At that point I really had enough of the city. We did find this awesome cafe near Trinity (I think...I'm not sure how far we had wandered away from there) called Kafe Mokka or something like that. Andrea and I sat around there for an hour journaling and I ordered a Chai. It wasn't the best I've ever had, and not the worst... the atmosphere made up for any failures of the beverage. We go to the Airport sometime around 2am. We were in good company because everyone at the airport looked just like us...young, packs in toe, tired. At that point I organized my disheveled bag and then took a nap on it. But, every hour I woke up to the airport announcement saying I should watch out for my bag and not leave it unattended. As with any good traveler (hitchhiker), I remembered to bring a towel. Andrea basically kept watch out because she was actually able to sleep on all the various transportation we had used since arriving in the country and I packed my towel in and around my head. Oh, one quick point...Andrea and I bought a package of cheddar cheese and at the whole thing. You see, cheddar is not common in Germany. One cannot go to the grocery store and simply buy a package of cheddar. Gouda, yes...Brie, yes...Cheddar, no.

We arrived in Berlin on Tuesday morning...a warm (finally, thank goodness!) morning and took the Bahn to our hotel. We dropped off our stuff, ran into someone we knew and went to KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westes). It is the 2nd largest department store in Europe behind Harrods. What a privilege it is to say I have now been to both. Wow. How pathetic. But, we went up to the food halls on the top floor and sampled everything we could sample. (We're still in starving student mode!) The day went along and we started our seminar that afternoon.

I'll get more into what I did in Berlin later...as well as my quick road trip with friends to Dresden. As for my evening tonight, I am going to Bonn to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Hopefully, it will be a good time. I’ve heard the pub we’re going to makes Irish Brown Bread, my new favorite bread!

Just wait 'til I talk about Erdnuß flips!
Ok…so, to elaborate a bit more on my previous week…

I flew from Germany to Ireland with a plane full of rowdy people who thought it was a BYOB flight. Well, they made it a BYOB flight. We got to the hostel in Dublin and ended up meeting a girl who was also from MN (graduated from CDH). We walked around the Temple Bar area a bit and then crashed for the night. The next morning we got up and went to the Kilmainham Gaol. (sp!) Our tour guide was easy on the eyes, difficult on the ears. I felt like I had to pay more attention to him speak than I do when I’m having a conversation in German, and English is my native tongue. After our little jail tour Andrea and I hit up the IMMA which was…interesting…and rather empty. Not too much going on at that museum so we cut out and headed to Guinness. That is where the fun was, folks. We walked around and learned about Guinness and finished off our first pint before 1pm. Not too shabby. Actually, I have to admit I had a rather difficult time getting the whole pint down. The first half went down like butter but the second half I had to work at. You see, the breakfast offered at the hostel consisted of foods that I have not eaten since I left the US. That meant white sliced bread, rice crispies and so on…As you can imagine, it looked rather unappetizing and thus…didn’t eat a ton of it. I am used to eating yogurt and grainy breads from the bakery. So, I was naturally unprepared by the time it hit noon and all we had was this strange breakfast behind us. Well, lucky us… Andrea had some German bread in her bag so we split that and got through the second half of the pint.

After all of that I had the best bowl of soup in the world at this place called Soup Dragon somewhere in Dublin on our way back to the O’Connell St. Monument. It was a green curry thai chicken soup. Lecker…OMG. Then, we got on the bus and arrived (45 minutes late…) in Galway.

Since the bus was late, we missed our next bus out to Clifden. Well, we actually missed the last bus to Clifden which was the last possible way to get out west where Rhea lives. Ha. Almost. Andrea and I hitched a ride from Galway to Clifden (don’t tell my mom!) with an accountant who was returning home from a funeral. I think that was the most challenging conversation to have. I was digging for conversation, to put it lightly. For most of the trip, I just let it go and didn’t say anything but, I was so excited to be in a country where they spoke English. Ha, again. (They only kinda speak English in Ireland.) Once we got to Clifden we caught another ride with two guys who were just driving around for amusement. They were pretty funny and were able to joke at the lack of…well, everything out there.

So, we arrived in Letterfrack and got a ride from Johnnie (Rhea’s husband) out to their house. We sat around that evening just talking and went to bed rather late...mostly because it only gets really dark there for about 4 hours at night. So, it looked like 5pm in the afternoon at 10pm at night!

More to come later...

The Craic
So, I was in Ireland last weekend...and I didn't like Dublin. I'm sorry Nancy. I don't mean it personally, but I just don't understand the luster of Dublin. I went to Eagle's Nest, Renvyle...it's on the end of the world. And, in order to get to the end of the world one must hitchhike. Yes, hitchhike. It was a good time, and we got there just fine. And, I got to see Rhea and hang out with her, Johnnie, Annie and Sasha. I'm now in Berlin and I'm heading off to Dresden this afternoon. I'll fill you in on my week later. Gotta go. But, I'm still alive. So, all is good!

I’ll stop the world and dance with you. Naja… 43 days until I touch US soil again. The countdown is on. So, this weekend I am going to Erfurt and Weimar, which are cities in the former east part of Germany. (Weimar Republic ring a bell for anyone who was in AP European History?) My program is giving me a train ticket and a hotel room, so I can’t complain! I’ll be going there with a friend of mine who is from the east coast, but just got a job in Wisconsin an hour away from Chicago. Can we say ‘Road Trip!?!’ So, there is still a peacock on the loose in my neighborhood and I saw it a night ago as I was coming home. It was standing next to a car, smelling it. Ok, perhaps it didn’t smell it. But, it could have smelled it. I guess, peacocks don’t have hands so, it would have to use it’s beak to try and get in the car. But, all in all it looked kind of stupid. But, I wasn’t about to get close to it. Last weekend I went to Strasbourg for one day. And, I took pictures of all of the ‘Oui’ and ‘Non’ signs that I could find. I was there one day before the big vote on the EU Constitution, which the French voted against on Sunday. It was interesting because there were people on the streets handing out flyers about the vote from both the Oui and Non sides. It was also an awesome weekend. It was about 90 degrees and sunny. But, because of the heat, I ended up drinking 4 liters of water that day. It was crazy. I just couldn’t drink enough. It makes sense because I was walking around all day in the heat. I totally recommend Strasbourg because it’s a cute little French town with a slight German touch. However, no one really spoke German…or English for that matter. I did find some older people who were able to speak German, but for the most part I was perfecting my pointing and acting skills. My job search is not going as smoothly as I would have liked. But, I guess I’ll just keep at it. I figure I’m going to end up working at Caribou for a while when I get back anyway. Ah, it’s a job. I’ll take what I can get. If I lived in Minneapolis I could always try and get a job at the German bar…that would be funny. I could work along side of accordion playing Barefoot Becky…Wie schön!

It's almost June.
Since my last entry, I have lighten up a bit. I am still looking for jobs, and still procrastinating on buying a plane ticket home, but I am living day by day- week by week. I don't want to have to admit to myself that I will have to return to the US. Not yet. I don't think I will handle it well when I have to level with myself and say, 'Yes Amy, you have to go home now.' It just seems so final.

Last weekend I was in Cologne, like usual and I went running with Elaine. Well, my foot found a nice rock or tree root in the path and I fell on my hands and knees. My left hand and both of my knees are all cut up, but for the most part I am fine. It's a good conversation topic, if anything.

I am listening to Cities 97 online and I am kinda bummed to be missing the Basicilla Block Party. I didn't go last year because I was trying to not spend money because I was coming here. And, I won't arrive back in time for it and I am dying to see a concert. I haven't been to a concert since...I don't even know. It was definately sometime last year, though.

Oh, I am definately going to Croatia. Tickets are booked and hostel is reserved. Some of us were going to go and rent a house, but a bunch of people decided not to go- wimps!- so, it's just cheaper to stay in a hostel.

Well, other than that...not much new here. The weather is awesome- sunny and 80 degrees.

They'll be time enough for counting when the dealings done.
So I am having a difficult day. I am sitting at the computer trying to find and apply for jobs...checking email and looking at flights to come back to Minnesota. Frankly, its all too much for me. I was riding the train home last weekend and I was listening to my mp3 player and this song came on with the lyrics: Yeah, I'm alright...never been better in my life...' And, I just started crying. Right there. And, if you folks know me at all, I'm not the kind of person to breakdown on a train after hearing some lyrics to a song. But, it's all coming to a close for me here and I don't know what to do anymore. I guess I am just forseeing the rediculous amounts of problems re-adjusting I am going to have when I get home. I sit here and I am an international student...an intern...a native english speaker...but once I go home it's all gone. Nothing will be that clear anymore and that makes me a little nervous. So, this is my quarterlife crisis for you all- and that's your only warning you'll get from me, so be prepared when I get home!

Spam, better in a can than in your email.
Well, I am attempting to update this at least once a week. We'll see how long this lasts. It will probably be like my commitment to running...I'm dedicated for a few weeks and then it dwindles down to something like water dripping from a faucet. Get it while you can I suppose.

So, this past weekend a few friends (other Americans) from Cologne came down and visited me here in Mainz. It was a halarious-fun time. We went to a friends party on Saturday night, which was rather boring because the apartment was really full of people who all already knew each other and didn't really seem to want to talk to us, plus it was really hot. So, all in all...it was a bust. But, on the way to the party we ran into some Rastas who just got back from the big soccer game and they bummed a beer from us. On Sunday we woke up at 11am and ate breakfast until 1pm. Then, we watched Friends and got ready, which lasted until 3pm. Then, we went out into the city and they got to see all of the sites in Mainz.

The good thing we accomplished is that we decided (plus one or two other people, pending) to go to Croatia before we have to head back to the US. So, we are searching for info this week so we can book everything from flights to an apartment or house by the end of this week. I'm pretty excited for that. I've never been to Croatia before, and honestly don't know much about it either.

But, Maura told me this weekend that we only have 11 weeks left...give or take a few days. That's insane. It feels as if I haven't been here that long. I mean, I've been here for a little while, but not that long. So, that means I have 11 weeks to find a job...and my search so far has produced nothing fruitful. I have applied for at least 12 so far...and I'll try and apply for another two more today. How are you all doing? (You know...it sucks to only have spam in one's email box...)

Wenn fängt das Leben endlich an?
Since I last wrote, quite a few things have happened in the world... The Catholic church got a new (german) pope, Brittney Spears got pregnant and Desperate Housewives just started playing here and it is my new favorite show. (Remember, I don't have many friends here so I have lots of time to spend at home on Tuesday nights (ok...every night...) to watch two episodes of Sex and the City followed by Desperate Housewives.)

First, on the topic of the pope...I happened to be watching tv right when they announced the pope. So, I was switching back and forth between CNN and the different german news broadcasts. And, the funny thing was this one german news channel, the reporter on the scene said that the cardinals had chosen Ratzinger, and this was minutes before anyone even came out of St. Peter's to announce anything. Well, they switched back to the older reporter at the station who said that the reporter on the scene was young and sensitive and that they will wait for the official report. There has also been a difference in the stories I see on CNN and all of the german news reports. On CNN, they seem to bring up WW2 and Hitler and Ratzinger's participation in the HJ every day while it hasn't even been mentioned on the german reports. The main reason is because he was automatically enrolled, without a choice and abandonded the group later. At the same time, in true german style, as soon as this german cardinal was chosen, everyone everywhere was trying to interview germans to get a reaction. On CNN, I saw the typical german reaction. It was a combination of congratulations as well as critizism. I guess you kinda have to be here to fully understand it. But, in the city where Ratzinger is from (Marktl am Inn) they had a town party with free pope beer for everyone.

Brittney...pregnant...I'll be happy to see her fat. I hope she's having twins.

Desperate Housewives...man. I can't believe this has been going on since Sept. in the US without me. I love this show. Someone has got to tell me what's going on with it. Is the season already over in the US?

What else...? I had a bad meeting. It wasn't even a date. It was like the thing one has before one wins a date with the other person...and I obviously lost the date. Oh well, things happen. But, when I get back, who wants to go shopping with me at the Lunds in Uptown. I hear that's where all the singles go to pick each other up! Since everyone at home seems to be getting engaged, I have to start finding dates to bring to all of these upcoming weddings.

With a face like that and 20 Dollars, you can buy yourself lunch in Switzerland
Sorry I haven’t updated this in a while. But, you should automatically expect an apology like this about once every two or three weeks. Last week(end) I was in Berlin, and it is quite a schick city. But, the city itself is nothing like other international big cities (i.e. London, Paris…). The city is pretty spread out and the buildings are rather short. I was talking to my manager’s manager’s manager (it’s sooo Office Space sometimes…) and he was telling me about how it was expensive for buildings to be built tall and how the composition of Berlin is about 4/5ths former East Berlin. West Berlin only comprises of about 1/5 of the area, and even within that 1/5, most of the tourist attractions (museums, shops, etc…) lie in the former Eastern areas. So, that surprised me a bit. It was a good four days in Berlin and I’ll be going back for another five in June. So, this last trip was a good introduction and overview. Next time, I’ll have more time to find the kitchy stuff…!

So, my trip to Berlin was an all expenses paid excursion brought to me by my German ‘Congress’woman. So, it was me…Elaine…our hosts and 54 other old people. The entire trip was planned with a schedule we had to follow, which included visiting government buildings (various ‘Ministries of____’). But, the schedule basically ran like this: Visit to Ministry of___, Huge meal, Visit to Ministry of___, Huge meal. After the four days, eating really became something we had to do between visits to buildings, monuments and ministries. And, we didn’t do a lot of moving either. Old people don’t walk much, so even if we had to go only a little way to the next scheduled visit, we would all have to get on the bus and drive there. I felt like I gained 50 Kilos last week. But, not to worry, I didn’t. I was there during St. Patrick’s Day so I met up with some friends at an Irish Pub and we celebrated right along with all sorts of other study abroad students. (Americans always flock to Irish Pubs. I don’t know what it is about Irish Pubs…) Later on in the night, this old man who was a part of the folk band (he was at least 70 years old) got up on the bar and did a little jig while playing the spoons. Yes folks, he played the spoons like a bad-ass.

Two weekends ago I took a little trip to Basel, which is on the border of Switzerland and Germany. The interesting points there would be: A. It’s expensive…I paid something like 20 USD for lunch one day. B. Its clean; they must be using the money I paid for lunch to clean the city. C. Basel is not far from nature. We hopped on a Tram and were out of the city in a short time span and were able to climb up a (short) mountain.

All that and a PhD
I figure since I have a bit of time, I should update this since I let it go for so long a few weeks ago. Well, President Bush in in Mainz today as part of his European Tour and he is frankly disrupting my life. Aside from the comments at work such as...'So, your president is coming to visit you...' everything important is closed because of the visit. The center of town is shut down or blocked off. There is a blocked off and shut down part for the protestors and another for Bush. When I mean shut down and blocked off, here is what I mean: The city had to weld all of the sewer drains and manhole covers so they could not be opened or tampered with, all of the shops in the center of the town are closed today, and some were also closed yesterday, the streets in the center of town are blocked off, public transportation that goes anywhere near the center of the town is not running, all trains in and out of Mainz are not running and the Autobahn...highway around Mainz is also rerouted and closed in parts. So, almost no one in my department is going in to the office today, because it is too much of a hassle...and I can't get to work either because the bus and trams I would take to get there run through the center of the city. (I actually just sent my boss an email telling him I wouldn't be coming in...and it's past noon...and I am suppose to start at 9am...I hope he understands!)

So, if I'm not fired from my internship tomorrow, I would like to boast about my vacation days. I get a week and a half of paid vacation...and I'm only an intern...and I'm only working there for 6 months. That's pretty cool in my book. I was really suprised yesterday when I talked to my boss and he's like 'Just let me know the days you want off and we'll take care of it. And, if you don't use the days, you'll get reimbursed for them.' So, cool.

By the way...one more fun fact about work... There are far more people in my department who have earned their PhD's than there are women...