Crossing Cultures
Wow I sooooo get this! For me it wasn’t in writing, but in speaking….when I first started speaking German I felt like my personality had been completely removed and replaced by a tattered grammar book. Slowly I’ve managed to rebuild it again, but I have to say, it’s still not the same complete “me” that I am in English.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/born-again-in-a-second-language/
I recently participated in a wonderful craft night where we stitched educational bean bag toys for orphans in Liberia, as part of project Craft Hope. This was coordinated by Jessica Allen, a lovely Australian expat living in Hamburg, and the creative force of Gus and Ollie over on Etsy. Not only does she make the cutest plush toys you ever did see, but she’s just started a blog as well. Give her a visit!
All over the world, Ash Wednesday is a day of Christian self-reflection and repentance. Except in Germany, where it doubles as a political festival. With beer, of course. Read more “Political Ash Wednesday”
When I first moved to Germany I expected to encounter prejudices. The Germans would certainly have pre-formed opinions of me as an American, as I myself would have towards my new country of residence. I was prepared to challenge and be challenged over the validity of these preconceptions. But to my surprise I had also to contend with prejudice from an unexpected source: my fellow Americans.