Pete's Log: more observations on life abroad
Entry #1404, (Life in General)(posted when I was 28 years old.)
So the European lifestyle seems to be treating me well. I haven't actually weighed myself since getting here, but my pants are all much looser these days. What surprises me is that most Americans I've met are claiming to have gained weight since getting here.
Now, I will admit that I've been drinking more beer than is probably reasonable. But that seems to be outweighed by the fact that I'm drinking very little soda and walking a lot more places. I walk to the store, I walk to the bus stop, and I just wander aimlessly around Munich when I'm bored. Add to that the ultimate frisbee and the fact that I've been running several mornings a week, and it all adds up to me really needing to wear a belt.
I was thinking about this earlier today while having to pull my jeans up again, and was thinking I must've been losing weight at a rapid pace, since it wasn't so long ago those jeans were feeling kinda tight. Then I realized that I have been here two months already. Incredible.
My German is an interesting story. Day to day conversations are not a problem for me, unless somebody starts using Bavarian slang. I have also been reading German fiction with little trouble. But trying to read or write technical stuff in German frustrates the hell out of me. Partly it's an issue of vocabulary, but it's also just an issue of speed of thought. I want to be able to convey my thoughts on a technical subject at the speed that I am thinking them. With English, this is possible. With German, I've still got a ways to go.
It probably would help, too, if I got to know more German people. Toytown was a great way to find people in a new town, but now I'm stuck where I don't have to go out and meet people. Especially since Sara has no will of her own and is up for anything I suggest. (just kidding (sorta))
In other news, Iron Chef Pete has finally returned. Last night I finally christened my kitchen with a real meal. It was nearly disastrous, but turned out well in the end. I made coq au vin for Sara and myself. I no longer have the recipe I used in the past, I have a poorly stocked kitchen, and I got to store less than 20 minutes before it closed. I managed to buy most of the ingredients I wanted, though forgot such things as salad dressing and bread. But those were really only appetizers anyway.
Since I didn't find any recipes online that really spoke to me, I sort of went from memory. I didn't measure a single ingredient (and didn't have to worry about Meg voicing her displeasure with such behavior). I just let providence guide me. Then I cut my thumb. Sara was kind enough to take over veggie chopping duties, and the meal turned out delicious. Huzzah. I like cooking best when I have a good audience, and in that regard, Sara may be the new Anne. But to truly achieve that, I'd need to invest in a deep fat fryer.
Word.