Monday, June 21, 2010

Ashamed

So I broke my promise.  I said I'd get a post out over the weekend, I didn't do it... I'm very sorry.  Sorry!  Entschuldigung!

I have to say, though, that I wasn't home all weekend long.  I went out on Saturday to Sophie's birthday party, ended up sleeping at Christoph's house, headed into Hamburg on Sunday to meet Devin's parents, met up my class and watched Faust I in theatre, and then got back to Luebeck around 12:40 am.  At that point the busses weren't running anymore, so I slept at Geo's, and then went to school today.

In any case, I haven't been around too much, and certainly not around a computer.  Sorry again.

I should probably throw a note in here about last weekend.  We had our End of Stay camp in Berlin- all 50 CBYX scholars met up and stayed in a hostel from Thursday til Sunday.  We did the whole tourist thing- took the city tour, saw the big sights, and all that jazz.  On Friday we were an audience to the Bundestag, Germany's parliamentary unit, and afterwards we went to the American embassy.

The embassy was really cool.


It was funny- you went in, and everything was very serious.  Jackets were checked, bags were searched, everything was x-rayed, everybody went through a metal detector, some were patted down... and then, after we were through security, we were very solemnly led into a big courtyard.


The courtyard was basically a beach party.


There was a DJ, a little stage, drinks and refreshments, and lots and lots of kids.  The little things really made the difference- they had imported sodas from the US that you can't find in Germany, the wall outlets were American, the doorknobs were American, even the toilets were American.  It was just like being in America!

I was also very impressed with the German ambassador.  I must say, his German wasn't too good, and it was very, very accented, but he had a huge personality.  He really knew how to stir up a crowd, how to get a message across, and how to make everyone feel at home.  I liked him!

Another cool thing about Berlin was the dome on top of the Bundestag building.  Designed to symbolize the transparency of the government, the whole building is made of glass, including an enormous, spiraling dome.  There was a headphone tour, too, and you could walk up the spiral rampway and hear about the Berlin skyline as you went.  We had perfect timing, too- the sun went down just as we had gotten to the top.  I'll post some photos of that in the next post.


Berlin

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Sorry for the absence, everybody.  I've become quite aware of the little time I have left here, and somehow I can't seem to find time for anything anymore... I will write something in here by this weekend, I promise!  I would just do it, and not offer this filler post, but by setting a goal in writing I force myself to do it.

In any case, go Celtics!  Basketball has been overshadowed by the World Cup here in Germany, but it's certainly not forgotten.  Show those Lakers what we've got!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Beer

I figure now that college apps are out of the way, I can write a post about beer.  But, just for safety's sake, I'll put in a little disclaimer:

Dear employer, admissions officer, scholarship distributor, police officer, or anybody else who may be scouring the internet for information about my moral fiber-
      The beers on this list were consumed in Germany, where the drinking age is 16.  No laws were broken, no standards were defiled, and no hops were harmed in the consumption of these beers.


Hopefully that does it.

Anyway, I've had the opportunity to sample a nice collection of beers here in Germany, and these are some of my findings.  This is by all means an incomplete list and the opinions are simply my opinions, and I am definitely no expert.  It's also in no logical order and the beers weren't tested with any sort of standard- some were drunk from a bottle, some from a can, many from a glass... that being said, los geht's!


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Astra  (St. Pauli (Hamburg))- Pale Lager, slightly bitter, like most North German beers.  Actually has a quite nice taste, drinks smoothly, and is very cheap.  Mostly a party beer, drunk mostly by kids, from what I’ve seen, considering its price, association with St. Pauli, and alcohol content (motto is “Brewed with love… and more alcohol”).  Definitely a good beer, but not my first choice. 

Beck’s  (Bremen)- Another Pale Lager from North Germany.  Beck’s is a Pils.  Beck’s is a little sweet with a bitter aftertaste. While it’s very, very smooth, the taste is a little –watery- something is lacking in Beck’s.  While I’m not a big fan of Beck’s, but it’s definitely one of the most popular beers around here. 

Becks Gold (Bremen)- Often called a woman’s beer, Anke’s beer of choice.  I’m not a big fan, leave’s a funny, chemical aftertaste to me.  Anke likes it, though, so it must have some redeeming qualities.

Carlsberg  (Denmark)-  Another Lager.  While technically not a German beer, I happened to pick up a case of Carlsberg on the way back from Sweden.  The motto is “Possibly the best beer in the world”- while its not entirely true, it’s definitely not a bad beer.  Carlsberg is definitely a good beer.  Carlsberg has a strong taste and a bit of a bite, but it’s not unpleasant. It is a little more carbonated than most beers, which can be annoying when being drunk from the can, but when poured into a glass the extra carbonation settles out and it’s just right.  Carlsberg also has a nice aftertaste that leaves you not wanting to eat or drink anything else for a while.

Carlsberg Sort Guld  (Denmark)-  I’m not sure what kind of beer Sort Guld is, but it’s definitely darker, stronger, and bolder.  Carlsberg Sort Guld has a very smoky flavor- it’s too overpowering to be eaten with most foods, in my opinion, and more than one or two makes you feel sick.  That being said, I really enjoy Sort Guld.  Its extremely strong flavor is definitely enjoyable by itself.  Sort Guld is quite creamy.

Flensburger  (Flensburg)-  Another North GermanPils.  Flensburger is also quite popular here in Luebeck, but I don’t like it.  It is heavily spiced and has a grassy taste.  Maybe it’s just too strong for me.  Does have a very nice, lacy head, though.  Has a bitter, unpleasant aftertaste.

Krombacher 
(Kreuztal)-  Pils.  Krombacher is usually my beer of choice here in Luebeck.  While not my favorite beer, it is my favorite widely available beer.  Krombacher is quite creamy, doesn’t have the grassy smell of other North German Pils, and has a solid character.  Has a good, solid taste and the right level of carbonation.  Enjoyable from bottle or glass.

Warsteiner  (Warstein)-  Pils.  At the beginning of my year here, I liked Wasteiner a lot.  I’ve grown to like it less, though- it lacks the flavor of other Pils and is simply too watery.  That was probably its appeal at the beginning of the year, though- a little weaker in intensity than other beers, it’s a good one to start out with.  Very light, pretty thin.

Wolters  (Braunschweig)- Another very good Pils.  Unfortunately I’ve only tried one, and that was from the bottle, but I’d welcome the chance to try another.  Not widely available.  Has a distinct, solid taste- a mix between herbal and sweet.  Does have a fairly strong, herbal smell.  I would not call it a light beer, but certainly drinkable.  Not very carbonated, as a result feels a little heavier than expected, but nevertheless refreshing.

5.0  (Braunschweig)-  Another party beer.  Extremely cheap, only sold in .5L cans, 5.0% alcohol.  The brand makes four types- Pils, Weizen, Lemon, and Export.  I haven’t tried the Lemon or Export.  The Weizen is pretty bad, it’s quite weak.  Weizen should definitely not be drunk from a can.  The Pils is okay for the price.  It has a solid flavor, but it’s nothing special.  Don’t seek it out unless you specifically want cheap beer.

Wikinger Bier-  A very weak beer that’s served in a very funny looking 1L can with a Viking on it.  Funny to look at, but as far as beer goes nothing special.  Okay, I’ll even go far enough to say it’s bad.

Jever  (Jever)-  North German Pils.  I hate Jever.  From the bottle it’s terrible. Just throwing it out there.  I’ve had it a few times, and it’s always tasted terribly skunked.  I’ve also had Jever from tap, that was better, but still not my favorite beer, and still had a skunky smell.  Jever has an incredibly strong, herbal taste and a bitter aftertaste.  It’s worth trying, though- I do know a few people who swear by Jever, and it is certainly unique.

Loewenbraeu Oktoberfest (Muenchen)-  This is an Oktoberfest beer and very good.  I really like the beers from the Loewenbraeu brewery.  It’s simple but solid and drinks smoothly.  Very refreshing.  Has a dry aftertaste.

Loewenbraeu Triumphator (Muenchen)-  This is a doppelbock beer with a surprising 7.6% alcohol.  I’ve only had it from tap, but from tap served cold it was hands down the best beer I’ve had here in Germany.  The beer is a red copper color and it doesn’t have much of a head.  The taste is very complex but perfectly balanced-    it has a disguised fruity taste and also hints of pepper.  Smells like malt and toffee.  Has a medium body and a rich taste.  Once again, a very good beer.

Franziskaner Weissbier (Muenchen)-  A Weizen, typical of Munich.  A very well known brand.  Not as good as Loewenbraeu, but still a solid beer.  Considerably carbonated and keeps a nice, creamy head.  Crisp and smooth.

Richmodis Koelsch (Richmodis)-  I’ve only had one Koelsch, and it was from the bottle, warm.  Nonetheless, it was pretty good.  Not my favorite beer, but definitely something worth trying.  Has a dry, sort of smoky flavor.  Not something you can drink too fast.

Koenig Pilsner  (Duisburg)-  Pilsner.  Actually the first beer I had here in Germany.  A good, solid beer, but not my favorite.  A pretty light beer- I enjoyed it at the beginning of the year for the same reason I enjoyed Warsteiner, I think.  Very smooth, but not much flavor, slightly bitter, medium carbonation.  Slightly smoky aftertaste.  Good, but nothing special.

Bitburger  (Bitburg)-  North German Pilsner. I’ve only had one of these, too, and I’m pretty sure it was skunked.  It was bad, and had almost a chemical taste.  It was pretty heavy. That being said, Bitburger is a very popular beer here in Luebeck.  Sorry I can’t give a better review.

Paulaner Premium Pils (Muenchen)-  A good beer, but weak compared to North German Pils.  Light, dry, crisp.  Well balanced.  Actually a very good beer, just… not my favorite.  Worth trying, though. 

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel (Muenchen)-  I’d seek this one out.  Is a very nice looking beer.  Nice and creamy.  Smells good, has a nice head, drinks smoothly.  Tastes of hefe and berley with a hint of something sweet. Leaves a pleasant wheaty aftertaste in mouth.  Definitely worth trying. 

Erdinger Dunkel (Erding)-  A very dark beer, and very good.  Another one I’d seek out.  Very dark and cloudy, has a caramel smell.  Has a crisp bite and a yeasty finish.  Tastes good right from the bottle.  Has a very beer-like taste, with few additives.  Another one of my favorites.

Tucher Pilsener (Nuernberg)-  Weak for a Pilsner.  While not bad, there are so many other good Pils that this one isn’t worth seeking out.  The bite is just a little too strong, the flavor is just a little too bitter, the aftertaste is just a little too lasting.  Skip this one.

Tucher Weizen (Nuernberg)-  Much better than the Pils, but doesn’t really taste like a Weizen.  Has a very distinct character, malty and citrusy at the same time.  Again, don’t drink this beer looking for a Weizen.  Enjoyable nonetheless, feels good in the mouth, has a nice carbonation.  A good beer for grilling.

Mixed beers:


Beck’s Ice / Lime / Whatever else Beck’s has for mixes
-  Way, way, way to sweet for me.  I get a headache and a bellyache from just one of these things.  Basically just sugarwater.

Radler- Not actually a beer brand, Radler just means beer and lemonade.  Good for grill parties, drinking after working, etc.  Enjoyable, refreshing, and best when cold.  It’s beer an lemonade, for God’s sake… it’s got to be good!  Krombacher has a nice variety.

Cab-  An acronym for Cola and Beer.  Also too sweet for my taste.  Nothing special.

Schoefferhofer Grapefruit- I’ve heard it described as a “breakfast beer”.  Schoefferhof Grapefruit is a mix of beer and grapefruit juice and is by far my favorite of mixed beers.  Fruity, sweet, and very good.  One is just enough, more is too much sugar, but one is perfect and refreshing.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Graduation

Congrats on graduating, Lynnfield '10!  You're the finest class Lynnfield has ever had.  I'm looking forward to catching up when I'm back in the states!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Mr. Mike

I was in Braunschweig last weekend with Todd and Mike.  Here's a link to Mike's blog, in case you're interested... you can see German's Eurovision winner there!  Eurovision is a similar concept to American Idol- okay, it's not really, but I don't want to get into specifics here.

In any case, Braunschweig is great.  It may be my favorite German city.  What's more is that I got to play Ultimate with some of Mike's friends.  We played Americans vs. Germans, and even gave the Jerrys an extra player... we still crushed them 9-2.  I guess they just couldn't keep up with our chicanery.

That being said, German's aren't very good frisbee players.  It's not exactly a mainstream sport here- this weekend was the first time I've touched a frisbee in ten months.

A few fun facts:
Braunschweig is in Niedersachsen and has about 250k inhabitants.  The city itself is much bigger than Luebeck, though.  Luebeck has about 240k inhabitants.

My host-grandmother hails from Braunschweig.

Braunschweig has three breweries- 5.0, Wolters, and a third which probably isn't worth mentioning.

Braunschweig is a the biggest rival of Hanover, but Todd, Mike, and Isurmise that a secret rivalry between Braunschweig and Berlin exists for various reasons.

Braunschweig is "the Lion city"!  There's only one lion, though.

Mon Accent

The American accent is a pretty controversial topic among anyone who cares about it.  I've heard so much about it- that it's a great accent to have, that Germans would kill for an Ami accent, and that it sounds cool, but also that it's terrible, an assault on the language, and is the worst kind of accent.

About two months ago my German was good enough that I could start to think about my accent.  I've made little corrections here and there, but by and large it's still pretty strong.  Many, many people have told me that it's not as strong as many other Americans they've met, but what does that mean? 

Sunday was a first, though- I was riding the train home, looking for anybody who had a group ticket that wanted to share (it's much cheaper to ride in a group).  I ended up joining up with a thirty-five-ish year old pair of sisters and their mother.  We established pretty quickly that I was an American:

Mother:  I take it from you're accent that you're foreign.  English?
Me:   Nope, American.  Out of Boston.
Sister #1:  For an American, your accent is hardly noticeable.
Mother:  Well, it's definitely there, there's no mistaking that.  But it's nice.
Sister #2:  Nice?  His accent is downright erotic!

That was a first.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Quickie Update

So I don't really have too much to say, just wanted to check in-

The last two weeks I've been working at Gabler.  Last week I spent time in Marketing, PR, and sales.  I did a lot of translations and some work with databases- I'm pretty sure I talked about that in the last post.

This week I've been in Quality Control.  It's pretty interesting- I've learned the fundamentals of reading schematic diagrams, how to use a dozen different measuring devices, and gotten a good look at the inside of a submarine company.  It's quite impressive- just about every piece is custom built, including screws, nuts, washers, and all the little pieces you'd normally expect to come from stock.

Today I'm going to play volleyball with some friends.

Tomorrow I'll be going to a university in Sachsen-Anhalt to learn about the future of solar energy- there's an overnight conference there, I'll be chilling with Todd.

Saturday I'll be going to Braunschweig!

Okay.  The short post is finished!