Monday, February 16, 2009

16 February 2009 - Neighbors!

One of the things that was mentioned in the cultural sensitivity training is that Germans generally keep to themselves. They value their privacy and value your privacy as well, so they are not likely to go out of their way to be friendly the way we might in the U.S. There was also some discussion of Americans being peaches (fuzzy and friendly and juicy on the outside, but a bit on the shallow side once you hit the pit) and Germans being more like coconuts (hard exterior and difficult to penetrate, but once you're in, they've got your back forever). So, suffice it to say, I haven't been surprised that I haven't made friends with everyone in the neighborhood yet. (I did, however, stop by to see Barney on Valentine's Day -- truly -- not to declare my undying love but to thank him again for his assistance and to tell him I'll be back for more purchases as a result.)

So with that as background, imagine my surprise and confusion when my doorbell rang last night. Yes, on a Sunday. Now, Sunday, if I haven't explained it before, is a day for family and friends. The stores are closed and there's not a whole bunch to do. The general quiet time of 1-3 PM is particularly adhered to on Sundays and it would be bad form to interrupt anyone then. So a doorbell ringing on a Sunday was particularly unusual (other than the fact that no one has ever rung the interior bell before). I opened the door and was greeted by my neighbors, who were bearing a little potted plant with a bow and their calling cards attached to it. I was just blown away. They are women about my age, speak English fluently, and volunteered their assistance in helping me get settled, etc. And, of course, apologized for coming on a Sunday. Soooo nice. I may make friends here yet!

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