Notations: Part I

To state the obvious, Germany is not the United States. Don't get me wrong, they most definitely both have their quirks. And there are a lot of things going on here that the US can really learn from, big things like acknowledging and processing collective trauma, running a comprehensive and legitimate recycling program, and respecting personal space and women on public transportation. But, as someone who grew up in the States, there are several smaller things that seem a little bit... unusual. Some, you have probably heard already.

Crossing the street, for instance, or lack thereof. How many times have I been halfway across an intersection, not a car in sight, before realizing I'm alone? Look behind and see a crowd of people standing and staring at me, look ahead and see a crowd of people standing and staring at me? How does anyone get anywhere here, TBH. Luckily, there are plenty of statues to admire while we are standing still as, well.

For example, there's the naked boy on the snail (my first Cottbus find in fine stone-crafting):

The climbing demon, no context:

And my personal favorite, this guy:

"nm, jc"

Additionally, while most bathroom signage is pretty internationally accepted, my university, BTU, has employed, in some cases, their own ~brand~.

This toilet is for cubist push pops with boobs ONLY

And speaking of my university- school, like Fall (which here is really like "Vaguely Autumnal Pre-Winter"), is in the air! I spent my whole first week taking block classes to introduce me to my program in the library.

Oh, the libraries of Europe.

So majestic.

So stately.

So... different from the library I lived in last week.

Maybe it is because it is technically a Information, Communication, and Media Center, but there is something distinctly un-libraryish about it, though Cottbus is v. proud of it and maybe it was designed by someone famous or something. Anyway, I'll let you form your own opinion. (I think it looks like a Jello mold.) (Whoops.)

The BibliotekGUMMI itself

It's extremely studious innards

(and sorry about that glare, the editing abilities on Wix are sehr minimal)

Anyway, I am still trying on classes to see if they fit well and look good. You know, slimming, black, European. While this happens, there is a short break from our (mutual) beloved "Learning German" A1 level, so to tide you over, here is a long, practical, German word:

Backpfeifengesicht (n.)

Meaning: a face that's begging to be slapped.

Germans may be quirky, but at least they say what they mean and mean what they say, AM I RIGHT.