When I saw Pfingstrose for sale at the market, I was so excited! Something to make my new place feel like home. It was followed by today’s victory–successfully asking for, and receiving, eggs. I love it when such seemingly small things can bring so much joy to a day that is otherwise full of rules and staying inside the lines.

I visited the Immigration office today to get photographed and fingerprinted for my residency card. When I got there, I found out the picture would cost 6 Euro and the machine only accepts coins (I am quickly learning to carry Euro coins at all times). So I sat in the little booth and was told not to smile, to make sure my head fit in the box and my eyes lined up with the ruler. I was reminded that the reason why we have to take the pictures anyway is because of the Americans…

Then, “Sign on the line, but don’t touch the line.”

The only thing I had in my apartment that could be used as a vase for the Pfingstrose was a coffee pot. I think it works well.