I’ve been having some “German” moments this week.

I wanted to run in and pick up some tuna and sponges (the essentials!)at the grocery store–one I don’t normally go to.

I got so frustrated because I couldn’t find either easily (and this is a small store); I walked up and down the aisles with thoughts like “why isn’t tuna by canned ham” and “why aren’t sponges by soap”.

This morning, I got on the elevator (note: I never take the elevator, but I had my suitcase with me).

My colleague asked which floor and I had to stop and think. In Germany, E is the ground floor and 1 is the “second” floor.

I told him, laughing, “Sorry, in America 1 is the ground floor, so I always have to stop and think! haha!”

He replied, cold stone serious, “In Germany, 1 is 1.”

Ok! Have a great day!

Finally, I went to look at my time card, which, of course, is in German. I had another “why is everything so difficult” moment. My coworkers are surprised that corporate things like paychecks and time cards aren’t in English.

My coworker told me, “In Germany, we say ‘Fighting against the Windmühlen!'”

Exactly.