Random Updates

So, I just got back from a few days south of Nürnberg in beautiful Bavaria (the eastern state of southern Germany) where I was for work. It is a beautiful area and regretably, I didn't bring my camera... so no pictures to go with this post. Actually, I thought you might like to get caught up on how things are going for us in general, so here goes:
Elena has passed the 3-month mark at her job in the pharmacy, which is the probationary period. Up until that point, they can let someone go quite easily if it's not working out, but apparently Elena's boss likes her! She still enjoys her job very much, and a week and a half ago her boss treated everyone to an elegant Christmas dinner at a very nice restaurant... unfortunately spouses were not invited.
I've now been working for a month and a half, and things are also going well for me. It's been an intense learning experience, especially having to adapt to a different language and measuring system than what I'm accustomed to working with. My supervisors are great to work with, and the work environment is pleasant. Working at a higher elevation is also interesting, as the weather is often very different from Balingen. It's funny seeing my plastic water bottle all scrunched up when I get home, and my ears stay plugged for a while afterward.
We've used a couple weekends so far to visit friends and relatives. Most we haven't had time to visit during previous trips to Germany, so it's been nice catching up with them.
I got the results of my German language test, and fortunately I did quite well. The certificate will now be tucked away for a few years until I'm eligable for German citizenship. Other than that, there's not much other use for it. But I'm glad I got it out of the way.  
I am also now in posession of a German driver's license. For some reason I had very much looked forward to this. Not that I have anything special to drive (Elena's 20-year-old Mercedes is still kicking), but for some reason a German driver's license has extra prestige, don't you think? Maybe it's because of the reputation of German cars or the fact that this is the home of the Autobahn. People know that Germans take driving seriously, and I confess I do love driving here. A very big perk is that a German driving license has no expiry date! The down side is that driver's license photos look just as lousy here as they do in North America. 

Scripture Readings on Public Radio

So here's something I found interesting: There are several public radio stations in south-western Germany which are funded by taxpayers. I often listen to SWR2 which has a lot of news and documentary programming, similar to the CBC in Canada and NPR in the U.S. They also play a fair amount of classical music in the morning. I personally think that just about any piece by J.S.Bach is the best music to start the day, but Baroque music in general makes my morning.
In the late afternoon on my drive home, the station usually has some kind of interesting documentary, investigative report, or high-brow political debate. But this week, every day at five minutes before five o'clock, a passage of the Bible is read to mark Advent. Yesterday the messianic prothetic passage in the 11th chapter of Isaiah was read, and today it was the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25.
Let's review: the German government is funding Scripture readings on public radio.
Huh? What about the secular Europe we've heard so much about?
Obviously I'm no expert on German culture, but I get the sense that much of the European populace is more comfortable with the influence of Christianity on its history than many in North America. Examples: If there is a Catholic or Lutheran church in town (the two officially, historically recognized denominations in Germany), an official sign on the main road will inform you of the service times. Every day I drive by a prominently-displayed sculpture of the crucifixion in the middle of a town, and have seen numerous plaques with Bible passages in public places. A common way to greet someone - friend or stranger - is "Gruss Gott": God's greetings.        
A popular public spot to take guests for good view of Balingen is Lochen, a high cliff featuring a large cross:

If this was in Canada or the U.S., I expect there would be some organization filing a lawsuit to take it down... and they would probably win. Why is it different here? I can't claim to know for certain, but I think it may have something to do with the fact that history is acknowledged and preserved. Be it old buildings or religious holidays, heritage is not quickly done away with in these parts. Regardless of what individual citizens believe, European history is inextricably intertwined with the history of Christianity - however unpleasant. Even the German language has been influenced more by the Bible translation of Martin Luther than anything else.
These are just my thoughts at this point, coming from a North American perspective. Maybe as time goes by, I'll have some better insights into the role of faith in public life in Germany.
Until then, I confess that I will relish hearing the Bible read on public radio...

The Best Coffee in Town

As I mentioned in a previous post, it is difficult to find bad coffee in Balingen, or anywhere in Germany for that matter. Most cafés and restaurants have an expensive pump-driven commercial coffee machine that will ensure a consistently decent cup of java. Being the obsessive type however, I have been on a hunt for the very best coffee in Balingen. The coffee fiends among you know what I'm talking about: a cafe with an unreasonably large selection of coffees from around the world which they themselves have recently roasted, and a true Italian espresso machine: the kind where you have to hand-tamp the grinds in a group head, not just press a button.
Okay, so I can't claim to have patronized all the cafés in town - that remains my lofty goal, however. But I have found a great café which is now my favourite, and from where we buy coffee to make at home: Kaffeewerk Zollernalb.

     
You know they take coffee seriously because patrons actually sit beside their roasting equipment and sacks of green (meaning not yet roasted) coffee beans. Among the coffees which I've tried so far, there is a clear favourite: Carmo Estate from Brazil. I don't know why, but I always end up prefering Brazilian coffees. Brazil's coffees are like its people: relaxed and easily approachable, but with flair and a certain something that is hard to put your finger on...  sorry, I drifted off for a second there with the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim in my head... anyway, back to Germany.
Something else that sets this café apart from the others is that it is an undertaking of a local organization which provides employment opportunities for the cognitively handicapped. It comes as a bit of a surprise on the first visit, but the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. It's nice to be able to support a meaningful organization while getting an exeptional cup of coffee at the same time, don't you think? If you visit us, I'll take you to it!
Actually, I think I'm going to go tomorrow; we're almost out of Carmo Estate...

Long-lost Relatives

Having a rare last name makes it exciting when you come across someone else with the same name. Although our family name is more common in some parts of Germany, it only has two entries in the Balingen phone book. One is for a woman named Marianne; Elena was asked by someone at work if she is related to her. This is a change of pace for Elena, who is used to having a Romanian last name which was consistently mutilated by people trying to pronounce it as they squinted at her name tag (usually only last names are printed). No one struggles with her last name now that she has a thoroughly German one -- given to her by her Canadian husband, ironically.

The other entry is for a butcher shop ("Metzgerei" in German) which I decided I needed to find immediately. After all, anyone who shares my last name and makes their living with meat must be a close relative. And after a short search, there it was, complete with a logo of a boy gleefully pulling on a link of sausages. Apparantly, they had found a photo from my childhood:

 

Of course, there was nothing else to do but go in and buy something delicious. I did purchase a few items, but due to the small line of people behind me, I regretfully chickened out when it came time to tell the lady behind the counter that I was related to the owner and should be entitled to a family discount. I think at the moment I was just so overwhelmed by the dreamy scent of smoked pork.   

"We Can do Everything. Except Speak Proper German."

So, I apologize for taking a week to post. My excuse is that last week was pretty taxing: My first week of work (9 1/2 hrs each day); a German test on Friday which took several hours; following which I was under the weather all weekend.
My first week of work was very interesting, not simply because of the work itself, but also adjusting to the way things are done in Germany. Language (as I mentioned in the previous post) is obviously a big part of the adjustment, and it seemed fitting that I got to cap off the week with a German test. There are several officially recognized levels of German language ability: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. A1 is quite basic, but is required for non-Germans to get a residence and work permit; B1 is required of people applying for citizenship, and C2 is basically perfect German in all scenarios. A few weeks ago before getting my permit, I needed to take a quick grading test to judge my German ability and whether or not I would be forced to take a A1 test. Fortunately, I did well and did not have to write the (expensive and time-consuming) A1 test. Being a glutton for punishment, I immediately booked a B1 test which is required of immigrants who have lived in Germany for several years and wish to obtain citizenship. Although I'm not eligible to be a citizen for another 3 years, I booked the test thinking that I'd like to get it out of the way in case I ever need it. Besides, some employers like to see evidence of language abilities before they hire.  
So there I was, with 12 other immigrants (mostly Turkish and Russian if you're curious) who have lived in Germany for years and taken a several-month long night course to prepare for this 3-hour test which includes listening, reading, writing and speaking. I, of course, have only been here for 3 months and did not take the course. Remember I said I'm a glutton for punishment? It was a good experience and I'm quite sure I passed... by how much, I'm not sure. I'll let you know when I get the results mailed to me.
In fairness, I did have quite a head start in the German department, what with hearing it among family sometimes and then often speaking it at home with Elena during the last 3 years. Which is actually one of the minor reasons for moving here: to improve my German. There is, however, a glitch: when I say "German", I mean what's literally called 'high German' which is to say: proper, official modern German. The problem is that the place I have moved to is the south of Baden-Württemberg province. Let me share with you the new slogan of Baden-Württemberg:

"We can do Everything. Except Speak Proper German"
No kidding.
That's because the Schwabs -- as the residents of south-western Germany are traditionally called -- are known for two things: being hard-working innovators, and having a very distinctive dialect. "Dialect" is putting it nicely. It's butchered German... but it's fun. Let me give you a comparison you can appreciate: moving to B.W. to learn High German is like trying to perfect your grasp of the Queen's English by moving to Alabama. I wish I could post a recording, it's that funny.
My work supervisor last Monday was very accomodating, and tried his best to speak High German. No such luck with the supervisor I've had since then. He's a full-blown Schwab from up in the hills (literally), who makes no attempt to mitigate his dialect. Thankfully, the dialect my family speaks is related to 'Schwäbisch' as it's called, so I can usually understand it... but I still have to stop myself from laughing. At home, Elena and my mother-in-law speak the old Schwäbisch dialect my family speaks.
So basically, the next time you see me, I will have learned a lot of German... just not proper German.
In case you wonder why I've developed a strange accent.

Jeremy's First Day of Work in Germany

Well, first of all, thanks to those of you who have been praying for me (Jeremy) to find work. I had a second interview with a company late last week, and they wanted me to start as soon as possible! So, with my last remaining ounce of strength I will attempt to tell you a bit about my first day of work in Germany.

It's at a precision manufacturing company in Gosheim, about a half hour's drive south and up. I say "up", because it's at a noticably higher altitude than Balingen. While Balingen is at the base of the 'Schwäbische Alb' as it's called (a raised geographical formation in south-western Germany extending to Switzerland), Gosheim is well up into it. Today the clouds were below in the valley and it was sunny all day. It makes for a scenic commute, but one which I'm told can take a lot longer in winter.

The company where I am now working seems like a pleasant place to work, and they're expanding at a ridiculous pace. In the last year and a half they have grown by more than 50% to over 300 employees, and I was one of six new ones starting today. It's very clean and organized, and thankfully everyone (including the boss) is friendly and has a good attitude.

In a nutshell, my job is to program, maintain and trouble-shoot automated part-checking machines. Considering it was my first day, I had the opportunity to see and do a lot, and was relieved to overhear my immediate supervisor giving a positive report about me on the phone at the end of the day.

Although there's a lot to learn in any new job, I find having to re-learn all the technical terms in German is adding another level of challenge. My brain is stuffed and weary from trying to retain everything... basically, I was learning the terms as my supervisor was speaking them. I could usually discern what he was talking about from the context of the conversation or because he was pointing at something, and would think "So that's what you call that in German!"

All part of the fun though; I did sign up for all this after all by moving here!

Welcome to Balingen

It occured to me that many of you reading this have never been to Balingen, so I thought I'd tell you a bit about our new hometown. Balingen has a long history, going back at least to the year 863. It was slowly built up during the following centuries, and by the time Matthäus Merian made the engraving above in 1643, it had several landmark buildings still standing today -- despite a few devastating fires which destroyed much of the city. The Protestant Church is in the middle, while the Zollern Castle is visible as the three large buildings huddled together on the far right. Even a few sections of the outside wall still remain, but the city has expanded far beyond it to house the current population of 34 000.
                                                                                                                                                       
The Zollern Castle or 'Zollernschloss' stands beside the Eyach River which flows through the city. It is undoubtedly the most famous building in Balingen, and for obvious reasons is a favourite subject for photos and postcards. I may eventually dedicate an entire post to the Zollernschloss, but until then, enjoy this photo taken on our wedding day (we have many others featuring us and family members in front of the castle -- could you ask for a better backdrop?) by a certain Mr. P. Denzinger.

The Protestant Church stands in the middle of the city center, and its imposing bell tower marks the time every hour; a sound which can be heard even outside the city. At the moment I took this photo, it was tolling 11 o'clock, and if you look closely or expand the image, you'll see that the ancient sundial clock is actually reasonably accurate.




















The Stadtmitte, or city center: a tree-lined pedestrian haven dotted by cafes and sculptures, where children play while adults enjoy a cappucino or espresso. It's not hard to get used to. You're pretty much guaranteed a decent cup of coffee or scoop of gelato -- many of the cafes are owned and operated by Italians. This picture was taken on one of the last warm days of the season.

Here is a view of the city center in late afternoon as seen from a footbridge over the railroad tracks. 

 
I hope you've enjoyed this little introduction to the city and want to see more... in person, of course.