Sunday, September 9, 2007

Settling In

So I've been in Germany for a little over a week now. I'm not sure if I really like it yet-- I wish I had gone to Berlin, as Heidelberg is charming but after 2 days you've seen everything-- but hopefully things will improve when my classes start. That's not until the middle of October though. I'm taking a language course right now.

Anyway, unfortunately I can't upload any pictures (I don't have internet at home yet, and I can't upload from the library computer), but hopefully I'll have some soon.

I've done some important things like trying to decorate my room (which is in the very charming old town and quite large-- too bad that now that I have all this space, most of my things are in the US) and finding a cheap asian market. 500g of tofu for €0.75! I'm still looking for a Turkish grocery store. When I was in Berlin I lived off of cheap turkish olives and flat bread, mmmm....

Another interesting thing about Germany is that people here don't drink tap water at all, even though it's perfectly safe, just bottled sparking water. It's really cheap, 19 cents, but you also have to pay a deposit of 25 cents for every bottle, which you get back when you take the plastic bottle back to the store. This is clever because it forces people to recycle, but it's still a plastic bottle.

And it's definately autumn here. It's cold and grey and rains every day-- which definately isn't my favourite kind of weather. Now that I have to cook autumn foods, I only want summer ones!

7 comments:

High Power Rocketry said...

: )

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

While Berlin is indeed a lovely city, I'm sure that you'll adjust to Heidelberg in no time - wow, I can't believe how inexpensive the bottled water and everything is!! I look forward to seeing pictures when you get the chance to upload :0)

sulu-design said...

Glad that you're back in action, even if photoless. Best to immerse yourself in the language courses now, which will help in meeting new people and in getting to know little spots in your new neighborhood that might not be so well-known. Enjoy the tap water (no one says you can't drink it, right?) and the food deals!

Connie said...

its tough finding all those little places when you first settle in... but its a fun adventure
good luck

Monika K said...

So cool that you're in Heidelberg! I know it's small, but have you explored the other small towns around it? If you have a bike (you can buy them for approx 70-100 Euros and re-sell them when you leave) you can travel to Schriessheim, Kirchheim, Schwetzingen and other places nearby. There is a terrific restaurant on the side of a hill that overlooks a vineyard in Schriessheim and it makes for a great candle-lit dinner after you've climbed the hill (I'll try to find a link). How is the language course going? Did you find the "Arabische Spezialitaeten" cafe with falafel? I've been so busy and neglected my e-mail, but I'd love to hear how you're doing:
monikafrances@hotmail.com

Viel Spass!

bazu said...

I hope you adjust soon and find everything you're looking for! When I was in Germany, I lived off of stuff from Turkish groceries and bakeries too. You know what I found most frustrating? Typing on different keyboards! A simple email took me ages to write.
I appreciate the water bottle recycling- if only the U.S. would do things that way...
And I share your frustration with the weather- we will get through the gray and rainy season together, I promise!
xo

Jenni Shortt said...

Come to Italy for a vegan dinner party with us!