Let the Corruption Begin

Last Thursday I dragged a group of my co-workers to "I Love You Man" at the English Cinema.  It was hilarious!  Luckily everyone who came enjoyed the movie and wasn't too offended.  We ate at this wonderful Indian restaurant before hand and then had a drink after.  These Germans know how to make a night of everything.  My favorite part was the 2 or 3 times where I was the only one in the theater laughing as I am guessing I was the only native English speaker there.

Apparently I didn't alienate anyone too much because a couple of my coworkers want to see the new Wolverine movie and they nominated me to organize it.  I guess I am officially the "movie organizer" of the actuarial department now.  (I suppose there are worse things to be know as.)

I HAVE A CELL PHONE!!!

I finally got a cell phone!  It was quite refreshing to be without a phone for 5 weeks, but now I must rejoin society.  My number (when calling from the US) would be 0049 017 67859 7648.   Call or text me!!

A New Home

It's been a couple weeks since I've written but that's because I finally moved into my apartment!   I got the keys and my shipment two Fridays ago and it felt like Christmas.  I was unwrapping my clothes and boxes and rediscovering both my good taste and my bad taste.  Anyway it was a great day.  I am mostly organized and loving having a place of my own.  The only downside is that the bathroom was supposed to be redone before I moved in but that didn't happen. Instead they are now going to do it while I'm in the US this summer for a week or two.  The only other downside is that I haven't had internet for the last week and a half and won't have it until Wednesday at the latest, so right now I'm at Starbucks (I know, but they are the only place still open with internet access).  Let's just say that they are not so service oriented here in Germany.  Yes that's right, the US has service that cannot be beat.  I'm surprised too!  

Also this last  week I attended 3 classes at the gym a block from my apartment and more or less followed along with the German speaking instructor.  It was a bit tough, but not too bad.  The most German thing about the gym is that there is a water station with flavors to put in your water and the option to have flat or sparkling water.  It is classic.  

Oh and my address here is now:

Wilhelmstrasse 15

D-80801 Munich, Germany

Vienna (a.k.a. The Park and Coffee House Walking Tour)

At the airport in Vienna I was asked for help at the ticket machine and I was able to help.  Score 1!

The after finishing my ice cream cone on my first go around the city another lady approached me to ask if I spoke English and after I said yes she asked if I was from Vienna.  After saying no, I was still able to give her directions to the Farmers Market she was looking for.  So while I look like I can speak English, I also look like I could live in Vienna.  Score 2!

Then 2 days later when I was eating my dinner and deciding where to go on my last day, 2 guys approached me asking if I was from Austria.  (Of course he asked in German, but I actually knew what he was saying and could answer!!)  He asked where the Kunsthaus was and while I had to tell him I wasn't from here I could tell him how to get there.  I should be getting paid for this.  Score 3!

So I was supposed to meet a friend in Vienna for the 4 day weekend, but at the last minute she wasn't able to come, so I decided since the ticket was purchased that I would just go anyway.  It was still a pretty good time.  I did a ton of walking during my trip which wasn't a problem because the weather was absolutely PERFECT all 4 days!  During my walking the first day I was able to accomplish my 1 goal of the trip: to get a hobo bag so I can stop dragging my TImbuktu bag everywhere I go like a San Franciscan.  My new bag is gorgeous!  It will be the best souvenir of any trip ever (unless I find some heavenly shoes in Italy!)  

Oh and my hotel (how could I forget to mention the spectacle which was this hotel?!) well, I don't quite know what to say, so I'll post some pictures.  Although they will have to be the g-rated version. 

My second day was a lot like the first, lots of walking and perfect weather.  The first thing I stopped at was a Holocaust memorial, which was impressive.  Then I headed for an early lunch to Cafe Sacher for the classic (and so very touristy) Sacher Torte and cappuccino.  While the service lack, well everything, the cake was honestly pretty good.  Then I headed to the Hofburg for the museum trifecta.  The Kaiserappartments, Sisi Museum, and the Silberkammer.  This took up most of my day and was pretty interesting.  For example did you know that you could spend an entire hour looking at dishes, silverware, and table settings?  Well, you can.

Then to a Mozart and Strauss concert.  I am always amazed that 3 violins,  one cello, and one piano can fill an entire room with such beautiful sounds.  

For Easter morning I went to a service at my new favorite church which had a big choir and orchestra for the service.  Even though I had no idea what they were saying I am pretty sure this was my favorite Easter service ever.  The music was spectacular.  Oh and I sat next to poodle.  Afterward I did more walking though several beautiful parks including the Stadtpark which must be where they film all the park scenes in movies.  Every time I headed to a new destination I seemed to end up in another park.  It was always quite a nice surprise. 

Oh and since Vienna had one, I had to go to the Butterfly House.  

I've also decided that being one of about 10 other people in the Haus der Musik is definitely the only way to go to the museum.  Since no one else was around I could do all the interactive exhibits and read all about the composers.  Apparently you have to be born or live in Vienna to be any good at composing (ok, one exception, Bach).  

Finally to the flight.  I flew this airline (Air Berlin) and they have an interesting methodology for boarding where you basically board twice.  First you wait in line to board a bus that takes you to the plane where you board again.  Actually this is quite genius on their part.  When you're crowded onto a small bus pressed up against everyone else, the plane then seems almost roomy.

All in all it was a great trip, although answering "Ja" to "Nur eins?"  (just one?)  got old really fast.  Now that I've spent 4 days exploring a foreign city alone while living in a different foreign city alone I can say I've done it and never have to do it again.  Traveling isn't nearly as fun when there is no one to hear your sarcastic comments.  I couldn't wait to get back to Munich.  Interesting how quickly you will equate the term "home" with a place which offers the slightest amount of familiarity.  

Unexpected Entertainment

This is too much.  So for the past 3 days at work they have been doing construction on the roof of the building next door.  No big deal, right?  Except for the fact that the roof of the building next door is level with our floor and is about 15 feet from our office window. Therefore we have the perfect view of the process, the noise, and also (unfortunately) the workers.  As a result, for the past 3 days my office mates and I have been able to enjoy the show that is this group of construction workers.  

The funniest part is the guy, who I can only describe as a triangle (steroids and a tanning booth anyone?), who was shoveling dirt 20 feet from us this morning.  Oh did I mention that it was 10 am and he already had his shirt off.  Needless to say as the only girl in the room I get to bear the brunt of the jokes.  All in all, I have to admit that it is quite entertaining and next week when they're gone things will be a little less funny.  Oh construction workers, thank you for showing me that there are universal truths out there.

Oh Those Monks and Their Beer

Today I went with a group of friends out to a monastery/brewery called Andechs.  It is located about an hour outside of Munich.  We arrived at the beer garden after an hour hike and then sat and ate a traditional Bavarian lunch (huge pieces of meat, potatoes, cheese (made by the monks there), and of course a massive pretzel).  We also got the beer that is brewed on site by the monks.  It was beautiful, on the top of a big hill with a view of the green fields and small town below.  We just hung out for about 5 hours and then walked around the church and such before heading back on our hour hike.  

The best part is that I meet a friend of a friend who lived in Barcelona for almost two years and who has been wanting to go back to visit.  Soooooo . . . .  we are going to go to Barcelona in May for 4 days!!!  I'm so excited!   It will be such fun plus I will be there with someone who can speak the language so I hopefully won't get lost or spit on or anything.  

Another Perfect Day

Today was, if possible, even more beautiful than the last two days.  The best part is that I even had time to go for a run through the English Garden.  It was amazing!  Everyone was outside and the crazy thing is that an entrance to the garden is literally across a single lane street from my office's front door.  Couldn't have been better.  

My other news is that I received the lease for my apartment today so as long as everything goes as planned I should have a non-hotel home as of April 17th!  The location is amazing, about 4 blocks from the office and on the best street! (Every other shop is a shoe store!!)  I can't wait! Schwabing here I come.

Perfection

Yesterday and today were absolutely perfect days outside!  These are the kind of days they should make movies about.  All the restaurants have their tables set up outside now and all of the gelato places were open and busy.  In fact in honor of the beautiful day, I got my first gelato since I arrived.  It was amazing and worth the wait.  The best part is that the place where I got it is just around the corner from where I will be living in 2 weeks.  YEAH!  Well, that's about all I have for now.  Plus now I need to go figure out where to do my laundry.  This should be fun . . .