June 28th 2012

Words can’t even describe how much I enjoyed work today. Most would ask: “you came all the way from America just to walk back and forth all day?” My answer is a resounding YES! Why would I want to miss this?

Ahh, there’s so much to say– so much excitement! Never been more giddy about the opportunity to get to know people; and I’m watching as the wall slowly comes down. Language-smanguage. Pssht.

Today I worked with Mr. Sholtz. Starting out a bit timid, cause of my scheaky compliment yesterday, but I would not let that keep me scared. Which is good cause Mr. Sholtz and I were a team today.

Extent of communication: “Alles ist gut?” … “Yes” (Dang it I should’ve said “Ja”)… an hour or so later– “Alles ist gut?” … “Yes” (dang it again!)… another hour later — “Alles is gut?” “Ja, alles ist gut.”

It made my day that he kept checking to make sure everything was okay with me, particularly when it’s difficult to talk to me (but, hey, the American can understand this one phrase well enough– let’s use it!)

Oh and the other: Scheiße. When things went wrong, and this morning things went wrong, the best way to communicate to me the angst was Scheiße.

It took awhile, but things loosened up again. We had to get the tools working properly first. My job was to take the wooden “fork”, and catch the newly formed footed cup before carrying it to the Kuhlbahn, where a clay patty was waiting for me to set the glass down. After it was in the oven I had to take another long pole and shove it to the back right corner. Then place another clay patty and walk back to wait on the next one. I think I did pretty well today. Everyone that checked up on me said “gut” and/or gave me the thumbs up.

I boxed 163 glasses today. Which means I watched 163 foot-drops. Which means I know, in theory, the process pretty well. Just set me loose and let me try.

Mr. Sholtz actually does smile on occasion. The kids in the capes got a chuckle out of him. I’m glad to see him lighten up some. He always seems so sullen. I think the best was at the end of the day. We were all standing around talking. I dropped my glasses and he snickered with the “shoulda had a V8” kind of move. (in theory).

After a bit he was like “I want to go home.” (English!– he’s holding back)– big smile from all. “Me too!”– more smiles.

I love these guys! First time feeling completely at home with them. =)

Grabbed my stuff to leave; Mr. Sholtz made a point to say “Auf Wiedersehen” (you know, first time someone here has said that to me). Left– “Bis Morgen” to Tino and Ingo. They looked surprised at my use of German. I know some, I swear!

Anyway I’m looking forward to working with them more tomorrow. I love nothing more than watching my perception of people change and transform as I get to know them better. It’s even magnified by the lack of opportunity to hear who they say they are. I actually have to pay attention.

Words escape me.

I plan to buy one of Mr. Sholtz’s glass pieces. They’re so well-crafted. I am in awe.

I met my German tutor today. We had a nice chat and I will begin lessons tomorrow. I think it’ll be fun. €7 an hour doesn’t sound too bad.

Now time for Gollo with Marco and Michi, then the Germany/Italy game in Neuhaus.

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Why, yes, you can buy me dinner and a beer. I will take free food. Tonight I discovered the power of dressing up pretty. haha. I got a nice steak dinner for free. Thank you Marco.

Then we lost the game. You can’t have everything…

June 27th 2012

The headache continues its reign, but I had a good night’s sleep. Worked with Jenny today. Having someone to work alongside makes the silver room better. Our communication skills are getting better. Sometimes all we can do is make noises and play charades. Though, that’s only a last resort; she does pretty well with English, and there’s usually someone else walking by that we can ask for a word.

We silvered 192 Rosenkugeln today. Ugh! But at least better with talking.

During a “fresh air” break I was talking with Jenny and Tino. They told me to look behind me. Surprise! Ingo was peaking over my shoulder — Boo! — haha. He’s a card. Still not a conversation, but at least more interaction. We’ll see how it goes.

The most interaction I’ve had with Herr Sholtz is a head nod. A head nod still has the ability to make my morning, though. He is a tough one to crack. Very stoic 99% of the time. I will make a point to acknowledge him when and how I can. However, people of that type of personality really scare me. I’m sure its mutual (to some extent). Well, today I pulled a High School Rachel move. Totally left him a note saying how impressed I am with his color glass work. I hope my German grammar isn’t too terrible and he can understand the compliment. Maybe it’ll make him smile.

I’m waiting on a phone call from my potential German tutor. Frau Pfeifer cannot teach me because of too many scheduling issues, but she is giving my contact info to one of her students. I hope I can afford it, because technical lessons would help a lot. I want to talk with these people!

As it always happens, it’s the ones that I can’t speak to that I desperately want to speak to. Usually I can literally speak the same language, but feel that on some level I don’t. Funny, this time I can’t actually speak and I’d give anything to use my language, even awkwardly.

Wait– epiphany– how is using one’s own language in an awkward manner any worse than using another language in the same way? I will see what I can do to speak tomorrow, since I’m working all day with these guys.

Pizza with Michi and Hans. New toppings include: broccoli, tomatoes, tuna, arugula, and prosciutto– surprisingly tuna was good on pizza. I ate so much. Then chocolate ice cream and frozen grapes (Michi liked the suggestion).

Barfuß is a movie I want to watch all the way through.

Portugal vs. Spain tonight. Hoping Portugal wins. Germany vs. Italy tomorrow night. Obviously rooting for Germany.

Bed now, glassblowing early in the AM and I need sleep. First to look up some helpful sentences for tomorrow. Maybe a small conversation would ensue.

June 26th 2012

Today was filled with fat Annette. There’s something strange about wiping silver off of a fat glass woman with a sponge and yet that was my job all day. Silver room, still not my favorite.

Tino was glad I survived the night and I was glad to see everyone.

I enjoyed my morning with Jenny. Plus the glass workers started making pitchers today, which was awesome to watch.  But by 2pm I was dead. I wanted nothing more than to go home. I had dropped to the low end of the spectrum. Finished out my day, watched the pitcher production a little more, and went home.

At home: quick shower and clean the apt while listening to Sunday’s sermon (http://www.remnantrichmond.org/sermon/rebellious-people-relentless-god/). Talked to friends via FB before going upstairs to eat with Hans and Michi. Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. Then chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and grapes (odd).

I called the lady about German lessons and due to time restraints she’s putting me in contact with one of her students. We’ll see if this is something worth looking into further. Silver room again tomorrow with Jenny. I’m hoping it’s not the reason for my headache. I’ve been quite the hypochondriac since I’ve been here — always worried bout my health. I’m tired, so I’m going to bed soon. Hoping the headaches stop.

Thursday and Friday will be long days starting early. I will be working with the glass blowers and I think they’re making footed cups. And Sunday night I’ve been invited back to Gollo — exciting!

June 25th 2012

This morning I almost lost it. All I was told was to be at the lamp-working station at 9:30 am. Check. Jan (the one with the motor bike and the lip ring) helped me into the building. I respond to a whistle and a hand gesture. Arrived upstairs with 5min to spare. There were about 6-7 other people my age there to watch (they all work there, too). We learned how to enclose a glass figurine in a glass bottle. I really didn’t need to know what was being said to understand what he was doing. Glass works the same way in any language. Still it was nice for the one German guy to offer to answer any questions. (He totally fits the stereotype– all I could think was “the hills are alive with the sound of music…” hahaha).

And that was where my knowledge of the day ended. It wasn’t even 10am yet and I had no one to point me in a direction and no idea what I was supposed to be doing. First instinct: check with the glassblowers. Wandered in to ask Mr. Queck. He wasn’t there. None of them spoke enough English, so I tried to ask Tino– he didn’t know. I went to ask Jenny in the cold-working room. She had no job for me, either. Was ist das!?!

So after some aimless wandering I went into the office to ask Mr. Seifferth. Thank goodness he could give me a job: shredding. Better than nothing. So I spent my whole morning shredding papers, tearing papers, and removing staples.

After a bit, Mr. Seifferth came down and told me I could help Nino with inventory when he had finished his work. “Come on! Really? He hates me. Just what I need…” — Oh, sweet. I can do that, no problem Mr. Seifferth.

So after lunch I went with huffy Nino upstairs to take inventory of the white rods. You know what, I found out I was wrong about Nino. After a bit, he seemed to chill out, as did I. He’d count, tell me the figures, and I’d write. It gave him a chance to work on his English. He’s been holding back– he knows alot more than he lets on.

Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed taking inventory with him. Mr. Seifferth came down after awhile and we all talked about English and I answered their questions. I was actually able to verbally put it out there that I don’t mind if their English is wrong; that I’m willing to help. Hopefully that will break down some fears around the factory. One thing’s for sure. I’m actually glad to be wrong this time.

Anyway, after inventory I had to type everything up in Excel; it’s a bit more difficult on a German computer. I had to stay an extra hour at work. When I got home there was a note on my door inviting me up for cake, from Michi. I got things sorted and heading upstairs.

I had chocolate coconut and raspberry cake, while we watched crazy German “reality” shows. The funny one was about a guy who had manikin as a best friend. It was quite hysterical and I understood enough to get a few laughs out of it. Afterwards we went shopping for groceries.

I hat to be home and ready by 7:30 cause I got invited to go out to dinner with some of my coworkers (Yippee!) I was so thrilled that they wanted me to join them. Slowly being accepted as one of them!

I was just about ready and went to shut my windows and looked out. Tino and Ingo were with Jenny. I was so excited they were coming, too. I thought it was going to be just a girl’s dinner, instead I got to hang out with some of the Hütte guys, too. So exciting! Maybe work will be less intimidating now.

So Jenny, Tino, Ingo, and I drove up to Gollo to meet Jenny and another of their guy friends for dinner. Throughout the course of the evening two more guys joined us. It was an evening of beer, food, German, lots of laughs and the occasional “fresh air” break (aka smoking). I ate til I was about to pop. Tried to follow German until I spaced out. Most of them spoke enough English to have a nice conversation. It’s odd how well the two languages flow together. It was seamless transition, the only difference was the amount of comprehension. However, it gets to the point that you don’t have to understand much of anything to enjoy people’s company.

I’ve been initiated again. 4 shots worth. I finally had to stick with my “no” after the four. I don’t want to be useless at work this week– it’s only Monday. The one guy I sat across from (once again– names) really wants me to go to a metal festival with them this weekend. He kept bringing it up. As much as I would like to have bragging rights about going, it seems like a terrible idea. 3 day weekend with a bunch of drunk German guys I don’t know, at a Metal festival– got bad idea written all over it.

You know, I love nights like this. Real people. Where you don’t have to hold up a reputation, or pretend to be better than anyone else. I think there’s something about doing things that kind of ruffle one’s self-righteousness, that lifts the spirit. Nothing wrong with going out for drinks with friends. They don’t have to know that “Rachel doesn’t drink” like everyone in high school did. I don’t have to live up to anything here. Free to live and show these people some love, even if it’s by sharing a beer at a bar. You never know, they may be just as thrilled that I shared my time and presence with them as I am that they were with me.

I do love these people and I’ve only known them a couple of weeks. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with them.

Remember I said I wanted to have a conversation with Ingo. Well a hand-shake and a goodnight/ gute nacht– bis morgen, is a step in that direction. =)

I go to sleep looking forward to work in the morning and so thankful to be blessed with the opportunity to live amongst such amazing people.

June 24th 2012

Maybe I’m not hungover. I woke up feeling worse today and I made sure not to touch a drop of alcohol last night. I think I may just be sick. Or maybe I did something to really mess with my eyes. Whatever it is, there’s a tremendous pressure behind and between them and when they’re open in the dark all I see are lights dancing. Problem is my eyes control most of my body; they can throw my head outa-wack and make me nauseous, and I have a 2hr car ride ahead of me today. I hope I’ll make it fine.

So last night there’s not much to say. I went with a few of Michi and Han’s friends to a “beach” in Nuremberg city center. They got drinks; I just sat and listened. Mostly I was just wanting to go home cause I weas feeling really bad. Then we left and went to another bar for more drinks. Same scenario: I sat with nothing and listened. This one was at least a bit more enjoyable. The walk had helped some and it was kind of funny to watch the  two random guys next to us try to pick up the two girls we were with. Then we actually started wondering if they were  a gay couple– the world may never know.

It was late, we started the long drive home. I could not will us there any faster, nor could I keep my eyes open. I felt so ill. My head and stomach about to explode and all I wanted was to sleep. Needless to say I asked Michi if we could skip out on church in the morning cause I really needed rest. The idea of starting a work week in ill-exhaustion did not sound pleasant.

Finally I got home and in bed. I was just hoping I would not lose control of my stomach. Not here, please. I fell asleep with little problem. I came to, wondering what time it was– figuring it had to be 5-6 am. Nope. Finally got my hands on my watch and it was 11am. So, I’d slept straight through for 9-10hrs. Thank Goodness! Still feel bad though, but it’s almost time for lunch. This sucks.

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First thing when I wake up– huge Sunday lunch– stuffed myself full of pork, dumplings, and salad. I tried very hard to eat everything. Some of it I had to force down. Over-thinking made my stomach turn a few times. I ate as much as I could, but could not finish everything. I feel bad leaving food when this family is so gracious to share with me what they have.

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So yeah, today. We went on the barefoot path, which is, exactly as it sounds, a hike you take barefoot. There’s all sorts of things you walk over: mulch, stones, logs, sticks, cherry pits, sawdust, glass, etc. etc. It was very enjoyable. I haven’t had the opportunity to run around barefoot in awhile.

After that we drove around the lake and stopped to put our feet in. Then we went for cake and coffee at Michi’s aunt’s place. I had mandarine cake with a Cappuccino. I did better understanding German. Me and Michi talked a lot today and I read some of the German newspaper.

Soon we packed up, said goodbye and went home. The drive ended up making me feel worse. Otherwise, it was quite enjoyable. Mich and I talked and talked and taught each other more about our languages. We’ve gotten to be really good friends. Just outside of Lauscha we stopped for a particular sandwich Michi wanted me to try. It was raining and I was feeling particularly ill at that point.

Finally we got home, ate (it was quite tasty) and watched some of the England-Italy soccer game. Now I’m going to go to sleep cause I feel really bad. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, cause I want to actually function at work and I need to get groceries. One thing’s for sure it sucks being sick here– “Das ist die Hammer.”

June 23rd 2012

Not a good feeling to wake up needing to really use the bathroom and to be too afraid to leave the bedroom. I hadn’t met everyone who lives here and I didn’t want to have to deal with the barriers. All I wanted was to pee. Way too much beer the night before. The rooster had waken me up, and with the discomfort growing, I could not ignore it and go back to sleep.

I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. Nothing could be worse than now, so I cracked the door and was about blinded by the morning light. It was like leaving a cave. Unfortunately the light really bothered my eyes. I felt as if I was in the aftermath of a Migraine. Oh, guess what, my first hangover… haha.

I crawled back into bed and died for another hour. However, I’ve felt off all day. My eyes feel like someone is pressing on them. But I’m in Germany and there are places to go and things to see.

We had a typical German Frühstück: lots of breads topped with sliced meat, butter, or jams. It was good. I’m quite intimidated staying here. I don’t understand much, if any of what is being said. For one who prides herself on language abilities and command of words, it’s very difficult to be seen as a dunce. At best I know German on the level of a 4 yr old, and I hate knowing that people see me as such. As usual I want to understand. I want to remain in control of the situation, not be at someone else’s whim. I practically follow Michi everywhere, otherwise I have no direction. This is strange to me, being someone who likes to do her own thing.

Michi’s sister is nice. Quite intimidating at first though, especially because she didn’t know I only spoke English when we met. She seemed to lighten up a bit later and even showed me her rabbits. The German rabbits are huge! She knows enough English to convey what she wants. The rest of the family either doesn’t know any or is holding back. It’s terrifying not to know, and none of us want to face that.

Michi and her sister took me up to their other grandma’s house after breakfast. That grandma was very abrasive– I took it personally– “I promise I’m not one of those Americans” (though I’m not even sure what I mean by those). I’m still trying very hard to fit whatever particular mold someone may hold for me.

The garden was nice and they had many, many chickens.We also picked red currant and I ate some fruit I’d never seen before: it looked like a tiny watermelon/grape and exploded with seeds in your mouth. It ended with a sour-pucker face. There were also baby birds in their mailbox that I got to see.

When we were done there we wandered up to her aunt’s guest house (where we watched the game) to find her sister. It has a great view of the lake and the guest flats are very nice. It seems like her whole family helps out around there.

Afterwards we stopped for some nice photo ops on the drive home. It’s so beautiful. I keep comparing it to Ireland, but I can also see some similarities to home. It’s odd how everything needs an archetype to compare to. I keep finding this with speaking and languages. English is my archetype; everything else naturally builds off of that. I keep trying to get myself to switch places and think what it would be like to have German as my archetypal language. Very strange indeed. Paradigm shifts can be rocky business.

We had German pancakes for lunch. They were very much like what we call crepes. We topped them with jam or syrup. The were good, but odd for lunch.

Schtoopsy is their cat and they call him fat. Black and white, but not as fat as Tiger. He sleeps alot, and the family loves to pick at him. They always talk about him and to him and they love him.

We went to a castle today and walked around. They were doing a lot of renovations, but it was still beautiful. There were a couple places that overlooked the countryside and city. So amazing. Someone was getting married there and were causing such a ruckus– honking the car horns and shooting- off guns. Wouldn’t it be fun to get married in German. haha.

After that, Michi drove me through some small towns and we got icecream. I was speaking to her in English while in line and when we got to the front the cashier was like “oh, you speak English?” — naw, what was your first clue… It wasn’t til a bit later that I realized he had spoken in English, too. That explains why I understood. We wandered the small town with our icecream. I love the architecture. As I keep saying it’s very quaint. Makes you go “aww, it’s so cute!”

We went grocery shopping to pick up a few things for dinner. The store had 3 floors and had everything– kind of like Wal-mart. The coolest thing was the escalators. Instead of steps they were steep ramps that moved. I assumed so carts could go up. I found out that that was true, and the carts’ wheels were specially designed to lock onto the moving ramp so they didn’t roll away. I’m so glad where I go shopping is small. That was sensory overload. I’d’ve been lost and confused, not to mention terrified of the language.

We saw a couple of small chapels today. They dot the landscape. Bavaria is very Catholic. I’m not sure how I feel bout that. Tomorrow I’m to go to Mass with Michi, I’m a little afraid cause I don’t know what to expect. I’ve never been Catholic, but I’m not sure I believe all the rituals are necessary. I guess it’ll be one of those “new experiences” I’ve talked about. I mean, I had a hangover for goodness sake, why not go to Mass for once in my life?

Well for now it’s cake and tea time in the garden. The family is wondering how much I could possibly write about half a day. A lot. There’s so much I could say and want to say, but things have to be omitted, just like some photos remain untaken. Otherwise, writing would consume my life and what I do write would never be good enough. So there must be a limit. I’ll finish out the day later tonight. I’m hoping for a nap, though.

Michi left and I’m alone here. Yep. Nap time.

Oh yeah, the lawnmower has to be plugged in. It’s very strange to see an orange extension cord running through the yard behind it.

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June 22nd 2012

Once again I could not stay asleep this morning. Every 15 min I’d wake up, afraid I’d overslept. I finally rolled out of the bed at 6:45 and decided to get ready for work. Same morning ritual. Got to work with no idea what I was supposed to do for the day. I found Mr. Queck and was going to ask, but he disappeared again. Sigfried, with our broken communication managed to ask what I was doing for the day and I communicated I didn’t know and I was going to ask.

Finally heard from Mr. Queck that I was to be loading  the kiln conveyor belt with the tongs again. It was nice, I was comfortable in that job for the most part, and became more acclimated as the day went on. It was Mr. Queck, Ingo, and Martin working with me today. Ingo is a character. He only knows a few words in English but he kept joking with me, making me laugh. He also commented on the music a couple times– Bruce Springstein and Survivor. Him and Mr. Queck talked and joked a bit today. I enjoyed listening.

The only downside to my job today was having to constantly stick my arm in a 425 C (797 F) oven. I singed quite a bit of the hair off my right arm. I did get my exercise today, though. Walking back and forth from bent to oven is quite a workout over the course of 6hrs. Maybe I won’t come back fat.

At 10am we stopped for breakfast #2. After running down to grab my water, I went into the break room and they had save me a Bratwurst and a roll. That was so sweet of them. I felt like part of the team at that point. It was a very tasty snack. For the rest of the break I sat and listened to the conversation.

Back to work. Back to walking back and forth. Mr. Queck kept dropping the glass today; made me and Ingo laugh. It was quite amusing. We also had a few tour groups go through. The first was huge. One of the older gentlemen was set on getting a photo of me carrying the glass and I gave in and posed for him. The next two were small and in the last one someone had to ask me a question. I had to proceed to tell them that I spoke English. One of them kind of knew it and tried to ask the question. No idea what she was trying to say. Oh well.

Eventually we stopped for lunch. I had a whole hour. It takes me like 10min to eat, and I really didn’t feel like sitting around, so I went home for a bit to start packing for the weekend (was a smart move). Went back and waited around a bit. Mrs. Zetsmen came with another guy who was the head of the lamp-workers. On Monday I’m to watch the demo and I suppose, work with them. That should be interesting; would be the first taste of lamp-working I’ve had. Oh, and all of them only speak German– oh buddy.

When we got back from lunch, Ingo gathered some glass and bloop-bloop, dropped two bits in the water. Sneaky, I knew what he was going to show me. He beckoned me over, told me to put a Handschuh on and gave me one of the, now solid droplets. I was to close my hand and break the tip. I knew what was coming, but played along anyway. Snap and it exploded in my hand. What was once a solid piece was now powder in my hand. Must be a glass thing– Wow! the new kid with a Rupert’s Drop. I’ve been initiated!

I greatly enjoyed working today. I’m starting to feel as if I’m falling into place. The people I work with are so nice, though a few still intimidate me. I would like to work with Ingo more. He’s not afraid of the broken communication.

Well, for now I’m going to put writing away. We’re on the Autobahn on the way to Nürnberg to shop, then to Michi’s house. You know how I get when writing in a car. Nicht so gut. I’m digging this German acapella  group we’re listening to!

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I’ll make the recap of the rest of the day short and sweet, cause I’m tired and I had quite a bit more beer than I wanted.

So we went shopping in Nürnberg and I got another notebook (too bad they all had lines). We also went sight-seeing. The best part was the view over the city from the top of the castle. I love the architecture, but I had to limit my photos.

After such a nice wand’ring we hopped back in the lil smart car and headed to Michi’s home. We were trying to make it back in time for the Fußball game. We got to her house after driving the scenic way through her little town. All of these places are so quaint. I love it! As expected, they only speak German. Her grandma seemed thoroughly amused by me, as did her mom to some extent.

We dropped off our stuff and headed to her aunt’s “hotel” (for lack of a better word) to eat and watch the game, we had really yummy spaghetti and a nice salad– I love corn on salad– (I’ve been eating tomatoes, btw). I was decked out in German colors for the game and the other spectators greatly approved. So much beer. It started with a few swigs from the community 2L boot glass that gets passed around. What could I do?– “When in Rome…”–

They also made me and Michi wear German crowns from Burger King. It was fun. I then enjoyed a Radler for the rest of the game– Sprite + Beer. At the very end, Michi’s uncle dropped another Liter of beer on the table in front of me. Needless to say, I did not finish that one. I really didn’t want to be useless in the morning.

The game was great. We Won! Beating Greece 4:2. So much fun to party with Germans, especially when their country is winning. I find that there’s more integrity to a sporting event when the fanatics are fueled by national pride and camaraderie, than by crazy obsession based on arbitrary colors and mascots.

Anyway, there was a good vibe from the celebrating Champions. Germany is now in the semi-finals. Here’s hoping they make it all the way. What a party that would be!

I really love the people I keep having the opportunity to meet. You don’t always have to be able to speak to get to know someone on some level. This is great!

Time for bed. Long day. I also discovered beer mostly makes me tired– maybe a bit giddy.

I will report with news of tomorrow.

(Quick recap means look at the photos for a better story, after all, they’re worth lots of words!)