Deutsch... Deutsch...

Before the Boy and I left KY, I purchased a "learn to speak German" CD from our local Barnes & Noble. The first time we listened to the set was on our way to St. Louis to drop off our vehicle for shipment. At any rate, the first time we heard the "native speaker" say the word "Deutsch," we almost lost it. Imagine, if you would, James Earl Jones speaking in perfect German - and that would be close to what we heard. They just kept repeating that word over and over again, and we thought it was absolutely hilarious. At times, my husband will just look at me and say "Deutsch" for our own amusement. Yes, we're dorks, what can I say?

I made it further through those cd's than he did, and I'm even in the middle of a German class offered through the University here on post - but every single time I hear my husband say "Ich spreche kein Deutsch" I imagine that he's trying to sound like our cd, and I get the biggest kick out of it.

Really, it's amazing to me how differently the German store workers will treat you if you can at least say something to the effect of "I'm sorry, but I only speak a little German" - but you still attempt to greet them, thank them, and say goodbye all in their native tongues. We truly are making an effort to be good to the people of our host country.

This past weekend, we took a day trip to Berlin, and had a fantastic time. Our tour guide was amazing, and we even had typical German weather - it was a little cool, and we had 2 or 3 minute rain showers followed by cloudy skies and occassional sunshine. During the morning, we had a tour guide on our bus, and the afternoon consisted of several hours of "free" time. We saw part of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and other famous landmarks. It was very surreal to me to be standing in the spots of such historical significance.

I have to admit, also, that I enjoyed the "Americanized" version of Berlin. We ate McDonald's for lunch. The Boy got Dunkin' Donuts to take home with us. And, I even managed to get some Starbucks coffee.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip. And, I was even able to ask our souvenir shop guy whether he said "thirteen" or "thirty" - in German. I was so proud :)