Another Day, Another Fortune Flushed Down the Toilet
One of the unpleasant things about expatriating is that, in spite of how well the company takes care of you, getting settled feels like you are spending money like there's no tomorrow. Which, in fact, is almost true. Two years is not permanent.
Today was the first really full day at work. I firmly believe that Germans work harder on average than Americans...provided you can catch them there between vacations. I can already see I will be busy. I did manage to speak a little German this afternoon during a meeting and I must say it went not too bad. It takes about two sentences to get in over my head but it's a start. Lunch was...unique. We went to another plant for an afternoon meeting and ate at the big Bosch cafeteria in Feuerbach. I am not a picky eater so no problems finding food. What I got today was the equivalent of two (admittedly high quality) hot dogs in a bowl of split pea soup with bread on the side. It tasted ok but there was a lot of fiber in that meal. Some of you probably know what I mean.
I also joined a gym without the aid of my relocation person today. Not too bad and I got a Bosch discount.
Lastly, I bought a car. I was going to wait for an appointment with Susanne to get some help but as I was leaving there seemed to be a veritable line of people going through my car. I though (to myself) "I'll be damned if I lose another one." So I went back in and told the dealer I'd take it and we'll see how the paper work goes. Overall, I feel like I got my money's worth but I way overspent from the original "plan." Still, how many opportunities will a person ever have to drive a German car on German highways? We'll see if the ultimate driving machine lives up to its name.
"How was the first drive?” you ask. I don't know. In Germany, you don't get the car right away. It takes a week.
Comments
Thank god, it seems like things are coming together for you !
Posted by: Jodie | 11.01.07 10:46
when do we get to hear about the "hot" german guys?
Posted by: dave | 11.01.07 12:46
Could it be that with the speeds you can drive on the Autobahn, buying a car in Germany is like buying a gun in the U.S., so there's a waiting period?
Posted by: Teri Centner | 08.05.07 07:17