Expat Perspective - Chris in Freiburg - Mom's Visit
Welcome to the latest instalment of Expat Perspective, a series of posts by guest writers who come from X but are living long term in Y. Here's the latest post from Chris Mavergames, an American librarian who's recently settled into family life in Southern Germany.
Recently, my mother, who is 67, came for a visit. She's been to Freiburg, a city nestled in the heart of the Südschwarzwald (southern Black Forest) region of Germany - last year right after our son Arvo was born. But, I'm always interested in what she finds interesting about where we live. For example, nearly all German dwellings have rolladen on the windows, a type of rolling shutter that lowers to completely cover the window rendering the room pitch black if you like. I've become used to them and forgot that we don't have those in America and they are quite helpful for mid-day naps, especially for an 18-month old!
My mother also enjoyed the "Radler" drink very much as she's not a big drinker. A Radler, also know as Shandy (UK) or panaché (France) is a mixture of pils beer and zitronenlimonade or German style, sparkling lemonade - like Sprite but more natural. And what goes well with a cool
beverage? Football, or soccer if you prefer, of course! I was surprised by my mother's enthusiasm for the Euro 2008 championships currently underway in the host countries of Switzlerland and Austria.
Overall, I think my mother quite enjoyed her visit here. Sadly, she had to return to America before the Euro 2008 final coming up next weekend. Perhaps she can catch it on ESPN in America, though she'll have to mix her own Radler!
Recently, my mother, who is 67, came for a visit. She's been to Freiburg, a city nestled in the heart of the Südschwarzwald (southern Black Forest) region of Germany - last year right after our son Arvo was born. But, I'm always interested in what she finds interesting about where we live. For example, nearly all German dwellings have rolladen on the windows, a type of rolling shutter that lowers to completely cover the window rendering the room pitch black if you like. I've become used to them and forgot that we don't have those in America and they are quite helpful for mid-day naps, especially for an 18-month old!My mother also enjoyed the "Radler" drink very much as she's not a big drinker. A Radler, also know as Shandy (UK) or panaché (France) is a mixture of pils beer and zitronenlimonade or German style, sparkling lemonade - like Sprite but more natural. And what goes well with a cool
beverage? Football, or soccer if you prefer, of course! I was surprised by my mother's enthusiasm for the Euro 2008 championships currently underway in the host countries of Switzlerland and Austria.
Overall, I think my mother quite enjoyed her visit here. Sadly, she had to return to America before the Euro 2008 final coming up next weekend. Perhaps she can catch it on ESPN in America, though she'll have to mix her own Radler!
