Frische Luft

"Frische Luft" is German for, get this, Fresh Air. But it has so much more meaning here in Germany. That's because most Germans have a die-hard belief that opening a window to let in the air is essential to good health. In summer, this is fine. But somehow, no one ever told the Germans that opening a window in December in the middle of an ice storm is not quite as healthy...In my own home, this is understood. Anyone who even thinks about cracking a window when it's cold out gets a frying pan over the head. Very effective. But in my office, I have no such freedom to punish. I share an office with 3 other people (lovely people, for the most part), but occasionally, the urge for Frische Luft overtakes them, and they fling the window wide open. Ignoring my pleas, protests, and the hint of my putting my coat, scarf and hat on, they blissfully say "oh, just for a few minutes". Sigh.

On the political front, I'm very please with Kanzlerin Angie. She seems to have single-handedly whipped the EU leaders into shape, and convinced them to get the budget thingy done. And she's become the most popular politician in Germany, astounding those who thought that the botched election totally ruined her chances for success. Take that!

I'll be spending a quiet Christmas here in Germany. I need to make sure all the shopping is done, because everything will be shut from Friday night till Tuesday morning. I keep forgetting that they have this 2nd Christmas Day (the 26th), because we don't have that in the states. Anyway, I'm also getting ready for my next trip to Scotland - for New Years, or "hogmanay", as they call it. I have no idea what this entails, and I'm a bit nervous to find out...but hey.

And last, but not least, I have to have a politcal rant against Bill OReilly (or whatever his name is), and the whole "war on Christmas" thing. Sorry, he's just an embarassment to anyone who calls themselves a Christian. I don't know how God feels about "Happy Holidays", but I can imagine that there are a few other things in the world right now that concern him more. Look, if you prefer "Merry Christmas", fine. But back it up by actually acting like a Christian. Donate time and or money to charity. Help your neighbor. Pray for your enemy (there's a new concept - oh, wait, it's in the Bible...). Don't lie, cheat or steal (that's in the Bible too, folks). Mr. OReilly, I get the distinct feeling that, in spite or your religious polemics, you are not really living the life of a disciple of Jesus. When you start, then maybe I'll listen. Ok, rant over. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Fröhliches Fest!

There and Back Again

I just got back from my conference in San Francisco. On the way over, I did get to fly business class, but didn't have enough miles for the return trip, so ended up in economy "plus" (that's where you get 5 more inches of leg room). Anyway, business class on a 12 hour flight was lovely. Great service, but more than anything, the roominess!! I could stand up right in front of my seat and stretch, without disturbing anyone. Fantastic! The only down-side: the woman next to me was a total racist. I was shocked, because she was from SF, and I've never met anyone from there who wasn't totally tolerant of other cultures. SF is a huge melting pot, after all, which is why I love it! But this woman kept talking about horrible "foreigners" in the US, and how she like to go to Scandinavia because they were "uncontaminated". I was so disgusted. I managed to shut her up by mentioning my various non-caucasian former boyfriends, and the fact that I was half Jewish, etc...

Now I'm finally back in Germany, and am not going anywhere (thank goodness!) until New Years, when I shall go to Scotland again and brave driving on the left-hand side of the road. No real German news to speak of - Merkel seems to be handling life as chancellor well. It's cold, but then it's December, so one would expect that, wouldn't one? Ah, I have an issue...Heating!! See, I have these grate-type heaters in my apartment, which means that it takes forever to heat up the whole room. I seem to spend my life at home curled up around hot water bottles. Where is central heating in this country???

Well, central heating or no, Christmas time in Deutschland is very cool. You know, Christmas markets and all that. But I'll save that for the next blog, because I'm still massively jet lagged, and I'm going to sleep :-)