After being annoyed by my failed attempts at getting books online, I paid a visit to the Stadtbucherei, or the library. I am embarrassed to say I’ve passed it many times, but never knew what it was. It’s right across the street from the Kleinmarkthalle, one of my favorite places to go grocery shopping and drink wine. Wine and books?! YES.

As I approached the information counter, I started to feel like I did when I first moved here. Especially because, like the entire country of Germany, libraries are notorious for rules. I thought, here we go…what are the rules, what rules am I breaking, how long will it take to get a book, how long will it take to get a library card…

Although they didn’t have the books I was looking for, they did have an OK selection of books in English (ironically, they had Oryx and Crake, and a few others by Atwood). I think I will pay the 16€ for the year and get a library card (yep, that’s right, it costs that much). I tried to ask about ordering books and was told I can request via the website. Another “I’ll do that tomorrow” since the site is in German, but apparently “it’s so easy”.

Afterward, I headed across the street to pick up some chicken. And, big win of the day: I found hirschlende rückensteak! The little picture of Rudolph next to it let me know it was deer meat! In a desperate attempt, I also asked if they had bison, and just got a sympathy head shake no. But, this recent discovery of deer makes me happy. I’m getting bored with chicken and turkey, and really want to add some game into my diet. And I’d just like to have game in my life in general.

I’ve also been looking everywhere for fish. But that has been just as big of a challenge as bison. I grilled all the fish vendors: where does your salmon come from (Scotland)? Is it from the ocean (no)? Where do your scallops come from (Canada)? Do you have any fish from around here (no)? I settled on kabeljou, which I was told came from Scottland. I’m not exactly sure what kind of fish it is, but I figured I’d try it.

Now, asking all these questions at US markets, and trying to get the truth of where your food comes from, is hard enough in the US. Imagine doing it where you only understand some of the language.

Mom, when I come back, I want a big plate of seafood, bison and a book!!