Tourist No More!

I have returned victoriously from the Ausländerbehörder!  I didn't doubt for a second that it would all work out (cough) and I've learned that the fifth time, not the third as was previously believed, is the charm.  I am now legal to work in Germany until October 25 and I can stay in Germany until December 14.  If I don't have more work at that point then I will have to return to my previous position of trophy husband.

Our apartment is becoming more comfortable all the time.  We have food in the fridge, we bought some forks, we even have a coffee grinder.  There is just one little thing missing, internet.  For a couple of weeks now I've been buying cords, splitters, screwdrivers, duct tape, bubble gum, etc.  Basically anything I could think of to get online.  Yesterday I was 100% sure that I had all the devices I needed and they were hooked up the right way.  I worked up the courage to call the cable company.  

Moments like those feel like defining moments in my life.  Do I have the courage to call a native German speaker on the phone and attempt to communicate to them my problem with language skills that are limited to ordering beer and asking where the bathroom is?  

I made the call.  The first guy I talked to spoke a little English.  Then he transfered me to a technician.  That guy didn't speak any English.  Let me tell you, that was an awkward conversation.  There was one point when neither of us said anything for a solid minute.  He finally said something about Monday and 13 o'clock and I said "Ja".  So I am at least 60% sure that something is going to happen on Monday at 1:00 pm.  I'm even kinda sure that its happening this Monday.  I guess we'll find out.

It has become increasingly obvious that we wont necessarily learn German by just living here.  So many people here speak English, including everyone in our fledgling social circle, that we don't have many chances to work on our German.  I think I see language courses in our future.

Brenda and I are enjoying a nice long weekend.  We've gone for a few walks around the neighborhood in spite of how cold it has been (it was in the 40s the other night).  They have frequent farmer's markets at various locations throughout Frankfurt on most days of the week.  We went to one yesterday which was really great and then we ended up buying a few plants on the way home.  They are our first plants together.  I'm guessing they're doomed but for the time being they are a lovely addition to our living room.

Until next time, have a wonderful weekend!