Pay Your Parking Ticket!

My family came to visit and got to see this wonderful thing! Ha they don't mess around with unpaid parking!  Happy Saturday! 

Learning German II

So I finally finished my intensive course a few weeks ago (I forgot about this draft so now it is more like a month ha).  It was hard, I was exhausted, and I was afraid I would not pass but I did it!  I finished the class with a 2,3 it is not a 1,0 but I was extremely happy! During this class I had to give a 10 minute speech (okay so I only made about 5-7 minutes of that), we talked in only German, and  I got to meet more students that were at my same "German level".  I found this class more challenging and more enjoyable than the first class.  Although, when it came to an end and it was time to sign up for the next semester of classes I decided to not continue to the next level class. Instead I chose to take a speaking class to help with my communication in the community and to help at work.

This course is only 2 hours a week one day a week.  I have been attending this class for about three or four weeks now.  I am enjoying it and it is relaxing.  I am glad that I chose this course because of my added work load these past few months.  I have found some downsides though.  I haven't needed my German as much lately (funny right... I am living in Germany) I haven't been using it as much and I have been loosing some of it.  I have started trying to add more and more in my daily life.. this should be easy right.  BUT!!! Living in a university town I have to opportunity to speak English which was nice at first but now I am seeing it as a downfall.

I have also had some help from my colleges at work.  It is helpful to me but I think they also get enjoyment out of it.  They have started speaking only in German (Some speak English when it is important).

I am starting to enjoy learning a new language but it doesn't change the fact that it is difficult.

Please! If anyone has language tips let me know! I know it takes time but I want to start hitting it harder in learning and using this new language.  what are your experiences in learning a new language?

My Favorite German Food

Since I have come to Germany and even before (seeing as we have our own Hofbäuhaus remake in Pittsburgh) I have also found some new favorite food.  Here are some German and some, that even though they are not German, other food that is rarely or not available in the U.S.  Those of you who don't  know me, food is a big part of my life...seeing as I absolutely love it.

Schweinhaxe with Kartoffelknödlel (potato dumpling) and Hofbräu Bier on the left and on the right is Haxe with Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes) and Sauerkraut 

Früstück- German breakfast.  This usually consists of bread and buns, cold meat and cheeses, soft boiled eggs, some fruit, jelly, honey, and Nutella.  Oh and don't forget the coffee!  This is of course my favorite meal! 

On the left is a mug of chocolate drink (yes it is call a drink and not hot chocolate... these two things are different I have not figured out how yet but they are) and a cake this one happens to by plum. I have come to notice this is usually eaten in the afternoon between lunch and dinner.   

On the right is one of my favorites. It is Wurstgulasch also very good.  A lot of German food includes wurst and sausages kind of like what, in America, we would consider hot dogs (only better).

And of course Weißwurst and Brezel and of course a beer!  With this meal you eat it with Senf or mustard. 

Only in Germany a Schnitzel Pizza :p

Currywurst and Pommfritz a must have in Berlin

Hmm more sausages but this was an interesting street "stand" 

Döner so delicious! This is a Turkish German fast food that you usually find on the street! I absolutly love it which may be dangerous but worth it! Here is a just opened store in the United States that now has three stores. If you are close to here or in Germany try it out! 

These two are not German but I absolutly love pasta and I had to show some of the pasta I have had in Germany including some authentic Italian!



Tell me what your favorite German food is have you had it in Germany or in a different country?

German class update!

Big news! I went to my new German Class A1.2 and the first day I was required to take a placement test to make sure everyone was in the correct class.  The next day when I went to class they shared the results.  I had scored well on the placement test and was moved up to A2.2.  At first I was very nervous about the big jump.   I am still hesitant because it is a harder class, but I feel it is a better fit for me and I think I am doing much better in this class.  The one major difference of this class that I am having trouble with is the speaking.  I can understand just about everything the teacher and students are talking about but I am having trouble keeping up the communicating and talking myself.  I hope to be able to speak more and to break out of this shell.  I am half way through this A2.2 class (two weeks left).   I will keep you updated on things to come!

What to do on Sunday?

What do you normally do on a Sunday? 

*shopping?

*house work?

*romp around the house?

Well I have come to learn that here none of those happen very often.  All store are closed on Sunday.  Even grocery stores!  (I have become a victim of that and not having anything in the house to eat!). I have come to find it really nice though.   Instead of complaining I now try to go for a walk, grab a coffe and maybe a snack, or maybe I relax at home.  

I have come to really enjoy this "tradition" of a rest day.  What do you think?

Learning German

*forewarning!  I tryped this entry on a German computer so hopefully I didn't make too many mistakes that I didn't catch.

So before coming to Germany I thought that I would learn some German.  I tried to learn simple frases to help with the move and to help adjusting to life in a new country.  I failed misserably trying to teach myself, bu t then again I have never been one to be able to learn on my own (being a teacher I would have thought otherwise).  So after I finally made the move I gave in quicky and signed up for a German course through the local university.

Possibly what I looked like before moving to Germany.

 Luckily in Germany to take classses at a university is not as expensive as in the United States.   I was nervous that not only would this be so tough but also break the bank.  Coming out of a four year university myself I am well aware of the costs of one class especially being a guest to the University.  I sucked it up and paid the fee that came out to around 140€ (while it is still not cheap it is doable) for the semester.   This was the best descion I could have made.  I was able to meet some new people who are also new to the culture.  And I was able to start from square one and learn all of the basics and rules of German that are not easily self tought.

In Europe there is a system called The Common European Framwork of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  This system classifies a persons knowledge of a language from A1(little to no prior knowledge), A2, B1, B2, C1,all the way to C2(Master and profeciency of the language).  After completing a test you are recognized with a certificate stating your profcency.

Needless to say I started at the very beginning.  I started with class A1.1.  I was able to learn the basics and being able to practice my german daily I have really been able to see an improvement in my skills.  I still cannot speak well but I am understanding more and more each day.  I recently finished my first semester with a final grade of 1.0 (which for Americans probably sounds bad).   In Germany 1.0 is the best and 6.0 is the worst. A well deserved pat on the back if I do say myself.

We are always told that it helps to learn a language being emersed in the country itself... I must say its true. In the past I have tried other languages especially three years of Spanish in high school.... I probably couldn't even introduce myself properly. I was happy to see that this time around I am doing much better.  I do truly think that it is a gift to be able to speak more than one langauge.  I feel that, often, native English speakers find no point in learning another language unless they plan on visiting or they have family that speaks another  language. But the truth is once you learn one new language it then becomes a little easier to pick up on other languages as well.  I think it is important to try a new language and then mab take a trip where you actually need to use the language.

I must say I practice German everyday with my boyfriend and that helps but the best practice I get is when I try to talk with the students at the school I work at.  they are brutally honest and they also get very excited if I speak correctly.  It feels quite rewarding.

As of now I am signed up for an intensive course through the same univversity.  This class is four weeks long but it is Monday through Thursday 4 hours a night.  This starts next week!  Hopefully I can complete this course without becoming to stressed.  This class is the A1.2!

Tschüss!

Public Transportation

Inside a train

The one thing that I absolutely love about living in Germany is the public transportation. Now, since I previously lived in Pittsburgh, PA,I have had my share of using the public transportation.  I knew that Germany had a better system (just by what I have heard) but I had no idea how easy and tourist friendly it is (at least in Jena, I cannot speak for all towns).  In Jena, the city where I am living, there are at least 2 train stations (bahnhof) (this is unusual because German cities usually have one train station that is a hub for all connecting trains but because  the two main lines were built by two different private companies there are two stations), 5 different tram routes during the day and three later at night, and many bus routes that connect the places further from the city. 

Tram Ride 

The train station: There are trains that connect you across the whole country of Germany.  I have taken these trains a few times and plan on taking them a lot more.  Not only do the trains take you across Germany but they also take you to other countries and other big cities in Europe.  One thing to know with trains especially is that if you buy your ticket ahead of time and not on the train you must validate it at the train station or on the train when you get there to take the train.  The easiest way is to find a validation station at the train station.  Some of the older trains do not have these stations on the train so I make sure to be safe and do it ahead of time.  If you do not have a ticket or the ticket is not validated you will then be fined and if you get a fine on a train that will then become a criminal record in Germany. 

One of the many trains in Germany

The trams: A little information from Wikipedia about Jena's Tramway. The Jena tramway network (German: Straßenbahnnetz Jena) forms part of the public transport system in Jena, in the federal state of Thuringia,Germany. Opened in 1901, the network is currently operated by Jenaer Nahverkehrsgesellschaft; it has five lines in operation during the day, and three lines operating in the evening and/or overnight. 
The trams are local and connect you around the city or town that you are living or visiting. I take the tram everyday to work so I buy a monthly pass each month that is good for the busses and the trams.  If you are new to a city and do not know how the tickets or trams work I suggest buying a ticket in advance at the tram stop( if the have one ) because it will be in English (that is if you are a Native English Speaker or if your English is better than your German) and you can better see what you are choosing. You can buy booklets for trips as well as weekly, monthly or single tickets.  If you buy the ticket at the tram station again make sure that you validate it on the tram when you get on.  If you do not validate the ticket or if you do not have a ticket you will then be fined.  (My fine was 40 Euros but I did not get a criminal record because I had ID (my passport) and I was able to pay right then and there. I am not sure what would have happened if I was not able to pay then.)  

The buses: The buses are very similar to the tram.  I have not taken the buses too many times but the times that I have, I have noticed many similarities to the tram.  The bus lines just go a little further from the city and in the less popular areas of the city.

A bad picture but it is one of my monthly tram passes

How I have seen Jena's public transportation as being tourist/ foreigner(not sure if this is the correct word) friendly:

• The major stations in the city are announced in German as well as English.  Whether is is the major train station or the major tram and bus hubs they are announced in both languages. I have also seen that the last station is also announced in English as well as Germany so that all passengers know and understand. 
• The ticket stations have an English option.  Now, for the trams and buses, I have only seen this option at the ticket stations that are not on the trams or buses.  The trains, however, I have seen an English option for all of the ticket machines on and off the trains (but not all trains have ticket machines on them). 
• I hate to say this but, yes I got my first ticket for riding the tram without a ticket (long story but it was not a purposeful action).  Okay so I got a ticket and I was nervous because I don't speak German.  I wasn't sure what was going to happen.  Luckily one  of the people checking tickets was able to speak English very well and it made the process a lot easier and not as stressful. 

Differences between Pittsburgh and Jena:

• The major tram and bus stops in Jena have an electronic schedule that tells you if the tram or bus is on time and how far away it is.  In Pittsburgh the busses were always late or early and there was no way of knowing. 
• In Pittsburgh you pay or show your bus pass when you get on the bus (or sometimes when you get off) to the driver (this way you never forget to pay).  In Jena/Germany you only have to show your ticket, whether is it bought then or a weekly/monthly pass, when/if the authority gets on the bus/tram to see it.  You are not always checked for a ticket on the busses and trams.  On the trains, however, you are always checked. 
• The trams in Jena stop at every stop where the busses in Jena as well as the busses in Pittsburgh only stop if there is someone waiting or if someone has pushed the stop button. 
• In Pittsburgh you will only get kicked off the bus or not allowed on the bus if you do not have a ticket in Jena/Germany you WILL get a fine and possibly a criminal record.  

The things that I love most about German public transportation:

Example of a German tram schedule

• The public transportation in Jena/Germany seems perfected and is almost always on time! If it is not on time it usually tells you with the electronic schedule. 
• All of the tram schedule and I think bus schedules will tell you how long it takes to get the a particular stop.  You can see it on the left side of the schedule. 
• The trams, busses, and trains seem to always be clean. 
• I do not have to worry about needing to travel somewhere for work.  There is always a tram, bus, or train that will get me to where I need to be.  
• I do not need any form of transportation other than public (and walking of course) and I do not have to worry about the things that come with buying a vehicle. 

There is so much more but I know this isn't a very interesting topic just something that is nice to know and you may need to know.