Germans LOVE their dogs. It's a big dog culture and pets are often welcomed into shops and sometimes restaurants. Another American I know said she pushed her adorable baby girl in a stroller for a year here and never got "cute baby" comments from Germans, but she got a new little dog and when she walks around with the dog every other German stops to admire her! The one big sticking point, though, is that Germans are horrified that Americans let their dogs do their "business" in the backyard. They think dogs should be taken on multiple walks during the day and that is when they take care of business. I know several families that have had stern reprimands over this issue.
Another interesting thing is that at any event held at school, there is beer and wine available for the parents. There was a school "welcome" picnic and a Halloween party so far this year, and both served wine & beer. I also volunteered to contribute beverages to an upcoming school charity event, and I assumed they'd want me to bring a case of water or soda, but no, I need to drop off some red & white wines. It feels a little naughty to be drinking at a school, but such is the European way.
Finally, the question I get asked most is "what do you do all day?". Both boys have full days of school now, and of course Scott's at work all day, so people wonder about me. Well, the first few months I worked to get our house together and get settled. Then I started taking German language lessons twice a week for 1-1/2 hours a day - I'm taking a little break right now, but I've come far in communicating. I go to grocery stores 2-3 times a week. I can find almost anything we need, but rarely at the same store, so I have to make my rounds to make everyone happy. Then there's the mundane chores like ironing, laundry, dishes... I'm one of the Class Moms for Griffin's class and I've put my name in to possibly take a (volunteer) position with the American Women's Club. I try to join as many organized activities as I can - I've gone on 2 guided art tours (one was a Monet exhibit); a city tour; and a tour of the local TV/radio station. I also plan most of the weekend day trips we go on and the bigger adventures - I have a bit of a travel book obsession! Finally, I take care of all the little details for the kids - dr appointments; buying presents for parties they're invited to; getting snacks ready for school pick up time; all the typical stuff. So I actually tend to be very busy and my house is never as neat as I'd like, but I'd like to think I keep things running smoothly in our house and keep finding cool things for us to do and see!
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When I come out are there any school function's we can go to and have a glass of wine?
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