Category Archives: Germany

Germany, Uncategorized

10

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10

10 years ago today, I moved to Germany.

I’m staring at that number and I’m having a hard time believing it’s been that long. On one hand, it seems like a long time. On the other hand, it seems like the years just flew right by. A lot of things have changed. A lot of things remain the same. And some things need to change.

Lately, I’ve been feeling more like an immigrant than an expat if that makes any sense. I’ve made my home here and have assimilated into the culture. In my own way, at least. Sometimes while walking down the street, I see, hear or think about something that reminds me, that I’m not from around here. Still, but not as often, I stop and look around and ask myself, usually out loud, “Dude, I live in Germany. What the fuck am I doing here?” And then, if I was within earshot of any Germans, I might get some weird looks.

I’ve met a lot of interesting people over here and I have some very good friends. I am very thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have had and for most of whatever has come my way. For most immigrants trying to get a steady foot on the ground here, it is not so easy.

Luckily, I have this blog to remind me of some of my experiences. I don’t write as often as I should, but I don’t have much to say lately. Maybe I’ll try to just post pictures or whatever.

Mal sehen.

Germany, Job

Brain Full

1 Comment

I started a new job in Hamburg this week. I was at my last job for 9 years and 2 months. Holy shit. I didn’t realize how long it really was until I looked at the words I just wrote.

Anyway, I commute every morning with the train. It reminds me a lot of my former life in Chicago when I used work at Streeterville Studios or at some crappy temp job and I would have to take the blue line down to the loop. It’s funny how half a world away, the sullen and sleepy faces of work bound commuters are the same.

At my new job I am the only native English speaker. I have no problem reading or writing German, but when I am sitting at a table with 5 other Germans during a brain storming session, I have a real hard time keeping up with what is being said.

Maybe I’ll hear an interesting compound word and I’ll try to parse it in my head. By the time I figure out what was meant, the conversation has moved on to some other point and I’m kind of lost.

It’s only the first week though. I’ve been packing a lot of information into my brain and it probably just needs a weekend to relax a bit.