The "Bloomies" go to Bloomsbury

Two years ago, Mr. Bloomsbury and I visited London on vacation. As we stood in line to check in for our flight home, we met a slightly older-than-us couple that was in line with us. They had their two teenage daughters with them. At the time, we optimistically reasoned that we might be able to provide the same opportunity to our small children once they reach that age. 

This is the eponym of our blog alias.

We never imagined that just two years later, we would return to London with our small children. Never dreamed it would be as easy as walking to a train station from our home, hopping on a train to the airport, catching a flight, and arriving in London in less than two hours. Yet that is exactly the opportunity we have here.

We arrived early the first day, so we had plenty of time to check in to the hotel, which was located directly next to the London Eye and Thames River, and then go exploring. Since we had recently watched the Paddington Bear movie, we took the small children to the train station where the bear was discovered: Paddington Station. I love riding London's Tube because it's easy and thrilling with all the people criss-crossing through underground tunnels like busy ants. 

The view of the eye from our hotel room.

We also went to Selfridge's, a huge department store on Oxford Street, and lingered in their food hall long enough to purchase some snacks and treats for later. After a walk through Hyde Park to see the flowers in bloom, we had dinner at a non-traditional Indian restaurant called Roti Chai. It's Indian street food in a road-side style café. 

Flowers in Hyde Park

The next morning began with breakfast at the hotel overlooking Big Ben and the Thames. It was a bit of a gray day, but the view was surreal looking out over the river. We did lots of walking and ended up stopping into Hamleys, the oldest toy shop in the world, established in 1760. Seven floors of toys to entertain the small children for hours. After we coaxed them out of the toy store, we rode a legendary double-decker bus through Picadilly Circus.

My view for breakfat

What's a trip to England with a proper afternoon tea? Based on a friend's recommendation, we chose Fortnum & Mason. The scones and clotted cream were our favorite treats.

Afternoon tea

Tasty treats

The next day was Easter Sunday, and we thought it would be a great day to go to the normally very crowded Natural History Museum. We were disappointed to discover it was just as popular on Easter Sunday as it is any other day, but at least we got there when it opened. Their dinosaur and mammal exhibits are very well done, and the small children were fascinated. Mr. Bloomsbury and I appreciate the building itself and the attention to detail in each hand-carved stone. I also admire the British spirit of exploration that is exemplified in this extensive collection.

This man is hired to fly predator birds in Trafalgar Square to keep the pigeons away. He let the small children pet a barn owl. A hawk is shown in this picture.

Natural History Museum dinosaur exhibit

A life size T-Rex

Here's where we had Easter dinner . . . fish and chips at a pub with all the local families.

Since our hotel was in such close proximity to Westminster Abbey, I could not pass up the opportunity to attend an Easter service there. While it was beautiful, it was lacking the joyful celebration I had hoped to experience. However, I'm glad I went and it will be something I always remember.

Inside Westminster Abbey

An inscription on the outside wall of Westminster Abbey

That evening we took the small children to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. It, too, was overcrowded, making it difficult to keep track of where each kid was. At this point I'm starting to think that London could benefit from another plague. So many people in London.

Monday morning we headed out for a full English breakfast (sadly, our hotel did not provide this necessity) and visited the Tower of London. This is another attraction that is good to arrive to early and see the Crown Jewels before there is a long line. This day the sun was out in full force; it was more sun than we had seen in 6 months. Glorious!

The Tower

A view of London from the Tower

A view of London from St. James Park

The remainder of our days in London we spent playing on playgrounds and wandering around. Most importantly, we walked along the South Bank to my favorite street food market: Borough Market. 

We had the pumpkin ravioli.

 Olives

 Sandwiches

The final evening, we took the small children to the theater to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was a great show and the kids loved it.

Our view from the "cheap" seats. It really wasn't too bad.

 

We concluded our trip on Wednesday with another English breakfast and a tour of playgrounds around Parliament. 

One of the places we had a proper English breakfast. A sign on the wall said that Yelp had voted it one of the top 10 places to eat in the U.K.

Overall, I'm pleased with how well the small children did with all the walking and public transportation riding. We enjoyed our trip immensely, making memories that will last a lifetime.

9 Ways I Know I've Been in Germany Too Long

We recently had the pleasure of taking a trip to London. For me, getting to hear English spoken by almost everyone was a welcome relief! I also realized that I've adapted some new habits during the past 10 months of living in Germany. A gradual, not overnight transformation. Our excursion to London revealed these subtle changes. Here is my list of 9 things that tells me I've been in Germany too long:

1. I walk right into a restaurant and seat myself at a table without waiting for a hostess.
In Germany, there are no hostesses. Diners are expected to find their own seat. I forgot about this when we first arrived in London and a flustered hostess chased me down as I was already halfway through the dining room.

2. After the meal, I ask for the check and expect to pay right then with cash.
In Germany, you could wait all night for the server to bring you your check, unless you ask for it. The server is usually quick to produce the bill upon request and most restaurants only accept cash. The servers carry change purses so they are ready to make change right there at the table.

3. I was surprised by how cheerful and friendly everyone is.
The British (and Americans) are generally friendly people. Smiling with a pleasant greeting is a nice change from a scowl or no eye contact at all. In England, I received several warm compliments and greetings from hotel staff: "Good morning!" and "How may I help you?" and "Your children are smartly dressed for a proper tea." While in Germany, I might might be greeted with a brisk "Morgen" for "Good morning" if anything at all.

4. I often forgot to not speak in German.
I found myself saying "Tschüss" instead of "Bye" or "Cheers." Or "Danke" for "Thank You" and "Bitte" for "Please." In Germany, a quick "Tag" for "Good Day" is common when greeting someone, but I couldn't for the life of me remember what I'm supposed to say in English. I know that saying "Good Day" to someone isn't common, but I don't remember what the standard greeting is English.

5. I forget to tip a server the appropriate amount.
In Germany the wait staff is salaried, so it's generally acceptable to round up your bill leaving the difference as the tip instead of 15%-20%. Tips are not left on the table, but given directly to the server while you're settling the bill. Your mental math calculations have to be fast to figure the tip. When they give you the bill, the quickest way is to round up and then tell them how much change you want back.

6. I wait at the crosswalk until the light turns.
Germans will wait for the crosswalk light to turn before they cross. Even if there's not a car in sight. A sure way to anger a German is to cross without waiting. In London (and in America) no one waits for the light...they cross when the traffic is clear. I found myself getting left waiting for the light while everyone else skittered across.

7. While in London, the small children continuously asked if other people are speaking English. In astonishment, they would exclaim, "Mommy! They speak English?!"

8. When I hear someone speaking American English, I want to talk to them even if they are strangers. I had begun to realize this even before we went to London. Walking through our downtown, if I heard someone speaking English I would immediately want to talk to them. Be their friend. Find out their life story. That's saying a lot for an introvert like myself.

9. Finally, the hotdog. About a month ago, I was served an American hotdog that was cooked on a grill. I can't tell you how amazing that tasted! Strange, I know. Normally I would prefer a good bratwurst over a what-kind-of-meat-is-that hotdog. But there was just something about the flavor of it that reminded me of home. Hotdogs off the grill, a game of corn hole with friends, 4th of July fireworks, college football, nostalgia in a bun.

So I'm not surprised to learn that living abroad has changed me in ways, and some things I know will never be the same.

10 ways I might be German

I've always thought I was the average, run-of-the-mill American mutt - a healthy mix of distant European ancestry. Some German, some Swedish, and a wee bit o' Irish thrown in for good measure. I never thought I identified with any particular heritage. Until now. I'm starting to consider that the German in my DNA has an effect on who I am. I have begun to recognize specific "Germanisms" in my personality, likes, and dislikes. It makes me wonder if being German is hereditary, not just cultural.

Here are a few examples of some Germanisms:

1. Germans wear house shoes. Perhaps being barefoot is too freeing feeling. Or perhaps it's fear of frostbite when their feet touch the cold floor. Whatever the case, house shoes are very important here.

I have cold feet. I do not like cold feet, therefore, I wear house shoes, or slippers. I've even been known to forget to put on my real shoes when leaving the house and find myself in the middle of the grocery store wearing my house shoes. I have brought my house shoes on vacation with us. I am wearing them right now!

2. Germans dress as ordinarily and anonymously as possible. Hardcore normal. Germans prefer practical clothing over frivolous fashion.

I tend to wear clothes that could be described as boring. My closet is filled with mostly neutral colors, no patterns except for some striped items, and they are more practical than stylish. I like to wear clothes I can do stuff in.

3. Germans have a plan. Germans are notorious for planning and preparing. Save being spontaneous for Fasching.

I like to plan and be prepared. I feel anxious when there's not a plan. I like to plan my day and figure out how to make everything flow efficiently. People who are more free spirited scare me.

4. Germans love rules, organization, and structure. The German's ability to organize and create structure has earned them the reputation of being efficient. Additionally, Germans find it their duty to inform you when you're not following the rules. They obey crosswalk lights. Empty road? The Germans wait anyway for the crossing light to turn from red to green. Overall, Germans are practical (despite taking their kitchens with them when they move).

I like the predictability of rules, organization, and structure. They are our guide for right and wrong. Generally, I am a rule follower. I'm a cook-by-the-recipe kind of girl. I've been made fun of for reading instruction manuals. I don't live by lists and flow charts, but I do appreciate their sensibility.

5. Germans respect nature. They wander in nature, buy anything organic, conserve, and recycle!

I love to be outdoors enjoying nature. I try to buy organic when I can. I've always enjoyed recycling and turning off the lights.

6. Germans love potatoes. It's the side dish for nearly any meal you order in a restaurant.

I have always had an inexplicable love for anything potato. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week.

7. Germans don't small talk. Germans say what they mean without flair or fluff. They tend to be goal-oriented in their interaction.

I rather like their directness. You always know where you stand with a German because they'll tell you. I hate small talk. I appreciate conversations that get right to the point.

8. Germans wear scarves. It is their fear that the temperature of their neck directly affects their health. If your neck is exposed to cold air, then you will get sick.

I like to wear scarves. Even in the summer.

9 .Germans like quiet. They have laws for being quiet during certain times of the day and all day on Sundays. You will never overhear a German conversation because they speak so quietly. I once scared a woman on the street by laughing too loudly.

I like quiet. Peace and quiet. I don't like loud noises such as engines or music or people. 

10. Germans like to bundle up. We've seen them wear earmuffs in 60-degree weather. I get glares from Germans because often my children are wearing much less clothing than acceptable for the temperature.

I like to feel warm and I hate feeling cold. Typically, I feel cold if it's less than 70 degrees out, so it's perfectly acceptable to be wearing a sweater or a jacket.

 

Aside from being able to speak the language, I think I really fit in here. Scary.

Ostermarkt

Finally a weekend out of the house! All four of us have been battling various illnesses these past few weeks. We've seen the stomach bug, pink eye, a sinus infection, and a respiratory infection pass through. It's been a rough couple of weeks, but we've waved good-bye to the germs and were able to celebrate the first weekend of spring by visiting the Ostermarkt or "Easter Market."

 

Much like the Christmas markets, many towns and cities have their own Easter market. I hate to say that I was somewhat disappointed by our city's Easter Market, most likely due to my grand expectations set by the festive Christmas Market. The Easter Market was small in comparison and the selection of handcrafts and culinary treats was limited.

However, the items displayed were creative and colorful. Here are a few pictures of the Easter ornaments and other handicrafts:

Pretty bowls

 

Wreaths

Hand-painted eggs

The insides of the eggs are blown out and the outsides are delicately carved and colored.
It's a German tradition to decorate the branches of trees or bushes with eggs for Easter.

 

Woolen felt eggs

 

Strawberries and Unsolicited Advice

I have found that most Germans have no problem telling you how they feel about something, even if you're a complete stranger and a foreigner. The positive side of this is that you always know where you stand with a German. If you're doing it wrong, they'll tell you. Or at least scowl at you to make you think twice about what you're doing and then you stop doing it altogether so you don't offend anyone. I don't think they get offended, though. It's more a matter-of-fact confidence that they are right no matter what. Right and practical.

My friend recently told a German, "Oh, the sun is trying to come out! I can't wait for Spring!" The guy turned around and said, "You should know this is Germany. Do not expect the sun, that is just wasted thought." Silly American.

This brings me to the strawberries. Yesterday I was in the produce department of a local grocery store. They had strawberries for sale at a decent price, so I picked up a container and placed it into my basket. Another customer looks directly at me and starts jabbering away. I'm standing there, not understanding a word, watching him speak and thinking, "Uh oh, perhaps he's angry because one of my small children did something to upset him." (Because they almost always sound angry when they speak and it almost always has something to do with something one of my children is doing or not doing.)

When he finally stops to take a breath I kindly say, "Ich verstehe zie nicht." (I don't understand you.) He then, also kindly, attempts to explain in broken English that the strawberries have come from Spain where they grow them in greenhouses. The greenhouses use water that goes into the ground (it seems this is what he was concerned about. They are also very "green" people.) He finishes by telling me that the German strawberries will be available in June and I should wait. Meanwhile, my small children are listening and have quickly returned the carton of strawberries to the shelf!

I thank him sincerely, for he has just rescued another unsuspecting customer from harming the earth, and continue shopping for fruit and wondering if maybe it would be alright to buy these pears . . .

We finish our shopping at the German store and needed to visit the American store where my children run off and return proudly bearing a container of strawberries. Yes, these are from Spain as well, but we buy them. We've had nothing but oranges and apples for months and I'm ready to eat a different kind of fruit. I get no lectures and we leave happy and unconcerned about the greenhouse waters in Spain. Silly Americans.

 

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Here are some actual words on a form I had to fill out this week:

Beitrittserklärung

Datenschutzgesetzes

Erziehungsberechtigten

This is to illustrate the absurd length of some German words.

"Big" words tend to overwhelm my brain, causing it to automatically shut down. Even long hashtags annoy me . . . having to figure out words smashed together in English isn't easy. But in Germany, it's perfectly acceptable to smash together two, three, and even more words together to form one long word. I'm convinced it's the German way of being efficient . . . saving that extra step of pushing the spacebar.

One annoying problem with this system is that often times these super-compound words don't work in my translator app. Nor are they found in the German-to-English dictionary. So when you see a word like this, you have to pick it apart to decipher what the individual words are and look each one up separately.

These are no help. The translator apps and dictionaries do not recognize many of the long compound words. The various words used in building them are found, but as a beginner at the language even recognizing the individual words to look up is nearly impossible.

Here's an example of a word I see frequently: landeshauptstadt. My translator app decodes it as "country haupstadt." That's not exactly helpful. So, break it down more to "landes haupt stadt"" and you get "country head city." What exactly does that mean?
 

I am at least becoming more familiar with German words (though not actually speaking the language) so that I am able to identify some of the individual words and decipher parts of long words when I see them. But some words are just completely ridiculous. I have taken to collecting some of the baffling ones I've come across these past few months. Here's my collection:

Vollkornhäkchen

Einbauschränke 

Sanierungstechnik

Privatparkplätz

Wohnungsvermittlung

Kurzzeitkennzeichen

Hauptuntersuchung

Verbandskasten

Rundfunkbeitrag

Wertstofftonner

Kinderbetreuung

Nationalsozialististischen

Does this make your head spin? 

This word has three Rs together. Rrridiculous.

The number 7,254 is siebentausendzweihundertvierundfünfzig. To me, that just looks like a toddler attacked a keyboard.

Can you imagine being in a spelling bee as a German school kid?

Fasching Up Close

Fasching is a season during which the normally conservative and stoic German people dress up in silly costumes and act wild and crazy as they shout and dance in the streets. In our city, we experienced two parades. On Saturday, there was a children's parade, and on Sunday an adult's parade. The two main groups of people at each parade were 1. The drunk people dressed up in crazy costumes who were in the parade, and 2. The drunk people that were dressed up in crazy costumes there to watch the parade.

Here's how it works: People who are in the parade throw things to the bystanders. The bystanders who are wearing the most extreme costumes get the most thrown at them. In the children's parade, the best dressed kids got candy and little bags of popcorn. In the adult's parade, in addition to more candy and popcorn, they were throwing out a range of items from confetti, alcoholic beverages, and fake flowers to little bottles of shampoo and cleaning supplies (they are a practical people!).

During the entire procession, everyone is shouting a word: "Helau!" while waving their arms in a salute. I'm not sure what the word means, but it's some sort of Fasching greeting and really gets the crowd excited.

Here are a few notable costumes we saw:

THE MARCHING BANDS

 

 

 

 This guy was shouting "Helau!" to which the crowd responds with a hearty "Helau!" in return.

THE FUNNY HAT GUYS (and sometimes Gals)

 "Helau!"

 

 Throwing the candy.

More Helau-ing

Throwing stuff to the spectators

THE HIPPIES

 

 

EVEN MY CHILD'S PRINCIPAL (in the children's parade)

 

MICKEY & MINNIE

 

A FOOTBALL TEAM

 

SOME FLOATS

 

 

 

ON THE SIDELINES: SOME OF MY FAVORITE COSTUMES

Check out the old guy on the left with the hat and the painted face. I also like the Viking guy on the right. Everyone looks so happy waiting for the parade to begin.

Soldiers

101 Dalmations

 

This group knows how to people watch.

The pink bunny

 

A cow and another pink bunny. This one with a beer tucked into his purple fanny pack.

Frog?

 

Tigers

 

The Wizard of Oz and the Cowardly Lion?

Immediately following the last float were the street cleaners. By 5:00 that evening, most of the people had dispersed and there was a mass effort by the city to clean up the refuse. Party's over, people. Time to get back to being serious and reserved for another year.