Upcoming Fun at Schnitzelbahn

So, the David Hasselhoff concert Monday was shockingly fun, surpassing all expectations. And I think we've solved the mystery of his popularity in the German-speaking world!  Alas, it will take days to go through all the video we took...so look forward to a post next week on this:

I've been spending my days navigating the German job market and bureaucracy, trying to get registered for German classes, and all of the usual challenges of living somewhere you don't fully understand the system (or the language). Plus trying to learn Photoshop and more about websites.  Looks like I may have a job in May or June (keep your fingers crossed or your thumbs pressed* that this works out), so it's time to really get started on my unemployment to-do list!

It has been a challenge, but I've been watching German TV and movies.

We're also in the final round of the German Beer Tournament, just in time for March Madness to begin in the US. And look forward to a special Starkbier tasting, as well as some other taste-offs (chocolate, schnapps, etc) and adventures in cooking. I've been doing a lot of Thai cooking lately, including my two favorite dishes - Yam Som-O (Pomelo Salad) and Yam Tua Plu (Wing Bean Salad).

Getting Ready for Starkbierzeit!!

And most notably, Herr J finally made a decision and has a new camera system! I'm still learning to use it, but it was great for taking video at the concert and has these cool art effects on them. Mildly frustrating that his camera automatically does several of the effects I've been trying to learn in Photoshop, but it's worth still learning!

With Lent coming up, Krapfenzeit will end soon - which means Fasching celebrations, followed by Starkbierzeit and then Frühlingsfest. Lots of great things coming soon in Bavaria!

We're headed down to Vienna for the weekend, with plans to see a very special German musical and visit a bar that is a year-round après ski bar. And sample Viennese tortes...yum!

* While an American would "cross my fingers for you," a German will "press the thumb for you." ("Ich drücke dir die Daumen", with the thumb held inside your closed hand).