Everyday

Old Darkness That Germany Revisited | Hamburg

November 24, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignGermany

November 15, 2015 1:45am Altona, Hamburg I remember the darkness setting in in Seattle and I am being reminded of that time now. It becomes haunting, chilling, when the sun appears for only willful spurts[…]

Striking a Balance | Travel Buddies in Copenhagen

November 8, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignCompany

Nicole, a friend of a friend from home, was visiting Germany at the end of a three month European tour. I was so happy to see her because she reminded me of my friend Emily[…]

Ordering with Hand Gestures and Basic English | Hamburg, Germany

October 27, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignCultural Difference

On The Way to Coffee. This is How Transactions Go: Server: Bitte Schön! Me: Hi, Cappucino Please? Server: Cappucino. klein oder groß? Me: (gesturing) Big Server: (Gesturing back) Groß. (I nod). Mit Kakao? Me: Yes please.[…]

Why Do You Think I’m So Lucky? | Hamburg

October 17, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignExploration

I was shopping with a friend in Trader Joe’s. I hate running into acquaintances in public because the conversation is usually forced, engineered or clammy. When do you leave a short chat with someone you[…]

Anchors Over Acreage | Friendship

October 17, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignBeauty

How Friendship Tethers How is it that I am in a country, by myself, where I don’t speak the language, don’t know basics like “Excuse me,” “Where is the bathroom?” and “Credit card,” and[…]