Not Feeling So Hot

Literally. It gets cold in the flat during the day. During the night, though, it's comfortable.

But, I also mean the title figuratively, in the fact that I'm feeling the standard change-of-weather illness coming on and the fact that I'm kind of gloomy. I do, however, think it's just a general "blegh" feeling that will last for perhaps a couple of days and then carry on. Also, generally miserable weather tends to get me down. Coffee and tea, those staples of my diet, will save the day.

Nothing too terribly interesting to report. I'm slowly learning how to ride a bicycle. My attempts at maintaining balance goes a little something like this:

(straddle, straddle, kickoff, womp)

Try again.

(straddle, straddle, straddle, kickoff...womp)

Again...

(straddle.straddle.straddle, kicko--ALMOST...womp)

But, I'm very slowly improving. As my great and patient teacher, Maryle, says: baby steps. After I conquer the (kid's) bike, I will name it. I'm currently musing over potential names as I type, but the right one will come when (yes, when) the time is right.

* * *

I now have European clothing. This merits honorable mention because I know exactly how to wash said clothing. German washing machines are a little different than their American counterparts in the fact that certain pieces of clothing require a certain temperature. This isn't so different, but the directions of the clothing tags are, since it tells you the temperature, rather than saying "machine wash cold." Random fact.

Another random fact: Germans have no concept of personal space. This means that, while in line at the grocery store, they will get up right next to you and start piling their groceries even when you yourself are not finished. This means that, while waiting in line anywhere, they will cut in front of you. This also means that, when walking, a motorist will inch and almost hit you when you are crossing the street. And, at the risk of sounding too redundant while making my point, it also means that your coworkers will talk to you a mere five inches from your face.

I do love cultural differences. (I actually do.)

* * *

Upon boarding the bus from the Altstadt yesterday, it was drizzling outside. A man with a rainbow umbrella, just a regularly-dressed man with a rainbow umbrella, approached a group of older men dressed in dark, drab business suits and sporting dark, drab umbrellas. It made me smile.

Also, today I went on my usual walk in order to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I went a little earlier than usual, sensing that the rain would return (which it did, much to my chagrin). On my walk, I saw a middle-aged woman walking a rather elderly dog, its slow gait becoming a little quicker every now and then when a new, interesting scent was discovered. The dog started pulling at the leash when it saw me, and, as is the norm with me, I smiled. For the first time in my stay in Celle, a pedestrian smiled back and started talking to me, allowing me to pet the dog and expressing surprise that the dog warmed up to me immediately. After a few exchanges of pleasantries, I learned that the woman (Ilse? Inge?) lived on Witzlebenstrasse, the dog's name is Bella, and the latter is thirteen years old. Then, we parted ways, she back to her apartment with Bella, and I with an extra spring in my step...despite the oncoming drizzle.

Yes, this is trivial information and probably does not appear to be fascinating blog fodder. But, the point here is that I had a very pleasant conversation with a complete stranger in German, which comes as a big surprise for someone who had to this point encountered mistrustful glances from others while walking. It gives one hope, I guess.

That's pretty much all I've got, today. Oh, and did I tell you that my parents are visiting me in November? They totally are. It will be so interesting to see if I've changed and to see what they think of Celle.

"What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?"
(Much Ado About Nothing, I.i.118)