I have been wanting to write about Iran for days! This stuff is mesmerizing, horrifying, but also in a way, uplifting. Just a short time ago, the front page news was President Obama's speech in Cairo. Then we had a pro-western government win in Lebanon. Every story written about that now seemingly forgotten election said loud and clear: Keep an eye on the Iranian election!
Then it happened and chaos broke loose. I don't pretend to be able to add anything new to what's on the ground, but I can shed some light on the sentiment here in Europe. I do know some Iranians here, and they are more than upset about what's going on at home. They go back and forth from concern for friends and family to anger at the whole situation.Most europeans in general are pretty outtraged. Despite the issue of a German hostage situation in Yemen, the story dominated the news. Only today did a final resolution of the hostage situation vault the story onto the front page.
Even the major news networks seem to be just bundling what happens on Twitter and Facebook, and reporting the trends there, so I finally did it. I joined twitter. It's the only way to be updated on this issue in real time.
Among the European leaders, I have to give props to Angela Merkel who not only demanded a recount of the vote but also the immediate release of a few opposition leaders who've been arrested. Sarcozy has also issued strong support for the opposition but no one has caught as much flak from Tehran's government as Britain who also issued strong statements in support of the protesters.
The news analysis believes the Iranian government doesn't want to scare off overtures from President Obama and thus have chosen to scold Britain at least at first. I don't believe the US has been critical enough of the situation. We meddle in people's affairs a lot, I just wished we'd do it at the right times. This is a time to play a smart hand, and not provide a scapegoat for the government but also to take a firm stance in support of free and open elections a.k.a. some measure of the principles of democracy we hold so dear.
Shorts on election views from around the world:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Elections Across Europe
The European Parliament elections this week were marked by gains for conservatives and a low voter turnout, as well as being largely ignored in Eastern Europe.
The vote this week was a big win for center-right parties across the continent. Sarcozzi and Merkel saw their parties hold on to their number one spot, where as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saw his Labor Party only net 16% of the vote- the lowest ever.
In Germany, the conservative CDU of Chancellor Merkel and sister party CSU together took 37% of the vote. While this is down about 6%, it was not expected that the party could hold on to unprecedented gains realized in the last election when the political climate was abnormally favorable. The SPD was the big loser, while the FTP showed surprising gains
The lackluster voter turnout of 43.39% is the second consecutive record low. This makes me wonder how Europeans feel about the EU. Outside observers are fed a picture of a strong and united Europe that wants to play a big role on the international scene and be an economic powerhouse. Yet wouldn't people turn out to vote if this was a commonly shared goal?
The truth is as always not so simple. There are a lot of drawbacks for countries that are "net givers" and which haven't coped well with inflation, unrestricted movement of labor and other changes in circumstances associated with European integration. Some people just aren't that happy.
I think it has a lot to do with how decisions are made in the EU. In addition to a complex EU structure, Europe's heads of state still seem to pretty much set policy. Countries like Germany and France have an additionally large say. It may just not be clear to voters how their vote is being transferred into policy, and they are therefore unmotivated to vote.
That's what's going on here, more on the vote in Lebanon, Iran and of course, President Obama's speech in Cairo, which was well received here in Germany.
The vote this week was a big win for center-right parties across the continent. Sarcozzi and Merkel saw their parties hold on to their number one spot, where as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saw his Labor Party only net 16% of the vote- the lowest ever.
In Germany, the conservative CDU of Chancellor Merkel and sister party CSU together took 37% of the vote. While this is down about 6%, it was not expected that the party could hold on to unprecedented gains realized in the last election when the political climate was abnormally favorable. The SPD was the big loser, while the FTP showed surprising gains
The lackluster voter turnout of 43.39% is the second consecutive record low. This makes me wonder how Europeans feel about the EU. Outside observers are fed a picture of a strong and united Europe that wants to play a big role on the international scene and be an economic powerhouse. Yet wouldn't people turn out to vote if this was a commonly shared goal?
The truth is as always not so simple. There are a lot of drawbacks for countries that are "net givers" and which haven't coped well with inflation, unrestricted movement of labor and other changes in circumstances associated with European integration. Some people just aren't that happy.
I think it has a lot to do with how decisions are made in the EU. In addition to a complex EU structure, Europe's heads of state still seem to pretty much set policy. Countries like Germany and France have an additionally large say. It may just not be clear to voters how their vote is being transferred into policy, and they are therefore unmotivated to vote.
That's what's going on here, more on the vote in Lebanon, Iran and of course, President Obama's speech in Cairo, which was well received here in Germany.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fitting in with the Smart Kids
Picture the lunch room in a highschool movie, let's say 10 Things I Hate About You or Clueless. Off in one corner sat some kids playing guitar talking about Zep and Hendrix. Not too far off one might find the cheerleeders and jocks, the pre-maturely careerist preppy kids, or even a cameo of greasers for old times sake. Eventually you get to the geeks, and their sister group the type A, excellent student, competative, involved, student counsel types. This isn't real life, and I never thought of myself as one or the other, but I have had the similar sense that with only a bachelor behind me I've been missorted into a group of people with publications and advanced degrees- more like a nerd into the jock group than anything else.
Since January I've been a guest at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). It's among the biggest and best economic research organizations in Germany and in Europe. They do both academic work, consulting and policy advice. The President, Dr. Klaus Zimmerman, was actually at the University of Pennsylvania for a stay quite some time ago. So there's your Philly connection. Check out the link because they publish interesting weekly commentary and discussion papers.
Last week was the yearly party. I have to admit that my imagination was of a bunch of economists sitting around and not really doing much more than a glass of wine with dinner, and some long speeches.
I was dead wrong. There are some econ folks who can get down, and that there are tons of young doctoral students, and interns packed into the place, made for a pretty entertaining evening.
In the prior two days, we had been visited by the institute's Academic Advisory Board. This is a body that prepares the institute for evaluation, and are professors with relevant expertise from outside the institute. There were some meetings, the German "coffee & cake" and presentations of recent projects.
Combined with the annual party, this experience solidified a growing sense of belonging and attachment to my coworkers. After half a year as a guest, I have had the opportunity to get involved in their work, exchange ideas, go out with them and form friendships. That I was so happily accepted is amazing to me, and I am very thankful for that.
I remember a moment from last week's party: I had just met a member of another department for the first time and was asking her about her research. She also asked me sincere and interested questions about my own work. "A community of scholars" -A phrase that had been pounded into me during four years at Fairfield University popped into my head. Everybody treates each other here as pretty equal, the amazing realization was that they treat me that way too. It was a cool feeling to be included in that kind of community. The room was filled with people who despite having every right to be haughty, weren't at all. There is of course politics, and careerism in academics in Germany, but for the folks I know here, it's mainly about the ideas, and a pure curiosity.
Since January I've been a guest at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). It's among the biggest and best economic research organizations in Germany and in Europe. They do both academic work, consulting and policy advice. The President, Dr. Klaus Zimmerman, was actually at the University of Pennsylvania for a stay quite some time ago. So there's your Philly connection. Check out the link because they publish interesting weekly commentary and discussion papers.
Last week was the yearly party. I have to admit that my imagination was of a bunch of economists sitting around and not really doing much more than a glass of wine with dinner, and some long speeches.
I was dead wrong. There are some econ folks who can get down, and that there are tons of young doctoral students, and interns packed into the place, made for a pretty entertaining evening.
In the prior two days, we had been visited by the institute's Academic Advisory Board. This is a body that prepares the institute for evaluation, and are professors with relevant expertise from outside the institute. There were some meetings, the German "coffee & cake" and presentations of recent projects.
Combined with the annual party, this experience solidified a growing sense of belonging and attachment to my coworkers. After half a year as a guest, I have had the opportunity to get involved in their work, exchange ideas, go out with them and form friendships. That I was so happily accepted is amazing to me, and I am very thankful for that.
I remember a moment from last week's party: I had just met a member of another department for the first time and was asking her about her research. She also asked me sincere and interested questions about my own work. "A community of scholars" -A phrase that had been pounded into me during four years at Fairfield University popped into my head. Everybody treates each other here as pretty equal, the amazing realization was that they treat me that way too. It was a cool feeling to be included in that kind of community. The room was filled with people who despite having every right to be haughty, weren't at all. There is of course politics, and careerism in academics in Germany, but for the folks I know here, it's mainly about the ideas, and a pure curiosity.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Croatia: Last Video
This last video in the series I've made about my visit in Croatia tells the story of a day long cruise through the outer islands of Croatia's coast. Dan and I met some nice folks from the UK, and ended up enjoying our last bit of time in the area with them.
Click Here!
Click Here!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Free Beer for Soccer Fans
I just wanted to share a last story with you today about Hertha BSC, the Berlin Soccer team.
Last Saturday was the last day of the Bundesliga (German Soccer League). It had not been so tight in the standings in a long time, if ever. The top four teams in the standings- VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, and Wolfsburg- are seperated by one game or less, and it all hung on just one day of play that determined the Deutsche Meister.
Entering the weekend, Wolfsburg was on top. FC- Bayern is often compared to Baseball's "evil empire" for their buy-sell and win now attitude, and sat at #2 followed by Hertha and VfB Stuttgart.
I was pulling either for VfB Stuttgart, my original German city and team, or my current team Hertha. Alas, Wolfsburg pulled it out for the win, and FC Bayern took second completing an amazing comeback after having an awful season start. VfB jumped up to 3rd leaving Hertha a dissapointing 4th. Our Berliner kickers are however normally not even in contention, and it was a season of excitement and success.
To celebrate this unprecedented drama and the enthusiasm for Hertha's breakout season, Hungarian Midfielder Pal Dardai promised to buy fans a beer if attendance broke 55,000 at each of the last 5 games. True to form the Berliners responded and beer coupons for were handed out at last Saturday's game to 74,000 fans!
While I seriously doubt that one player paid for each of them, and that the organization footed the bill, it was still a very cool gesture of thanks for a lot of support from our local Füßballfreunde who passionately support their team.
Imagine if they did that at an Eagles game? People would go wild! It wouldn't cost the team much and is probably cost effective marketing.
That's what was talked about at the cafes, and bus stops last week, hope you enjoy!
Last Saturday was the last day of the Bundesliga (German Soccer League). It had not been so tight in the standings in a long time, if ever. The top four teams in the standings- VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, and Wolfsburg- are seperated by one game or less, and it all hung on just one day of play that determined the Deutsche Meister.
Entering the weekend, Wolfsburg was on top. FC- Bayern is often compared to Baseball's "evil empire" for their buy-sell and win now attitude, and sat at #2 followed by Hertha and VfB Stuttgart.
I was pulling either for VfB Stuttgart, my original German city and team, or my current team Hertha. Alas, Wolfsburg pulled it out for the win, and FC Bayern took second completing an amazing comeback after having an awful season start. VfB jumped up to 3rd leaving Hertha a dissapointing 4th. Our Berliner kickers are however normally not even in contention, and it was a season of excitement and success.
To celebrate this unprecedented drama and the enthusiasm for Hertha's breakout season, Hungarian Midfielder Pal Dardai promised to buy fans a beer if attendance broke 55,000 at each of the last 5 games. True to form the Berliners responded and beer coupons for were handed out at last Saturday's game to 74,000 fans!
While I seriously doubt that one player paid for each of them, and that the organization footed the bill, it was still a very cool gesture of thanks for a lot of support from our local Füßballfreunde who passionately support their team.
Imagine if they did that at an Eagles game? People would go wild! It wouldn't cost the team much and is probably cost effective marketing.
That's what was talked about at the cafes, and bus stops last week, hope you enjoy!
New Release: Video on Plitvice Lakes Naitonal Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park leis in the middle of Croatia, halfway between Zadar and Zagreb. A series of dramatic waterfalls connects lakes cut out by glaciers. The lakes are inhabited by special algae giving them spectacular color. The park has footbridges right above the water so you can walk right up to the waterfalls, swamps, and check out the fish and algea.
For more info on the park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes
I hope you will also check out the video I made of my pictures and short vids from the hike through the park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPu4XR1XfsI
Thanks for reading and thanks for watching!
For more info on the park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes
I hope you will also check out the video I made of my pictures and short vids from the hike through the park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPu4XR1XfsI
Thanks for reading and thanks for watching!
Softball Tourney on NATO Base
(Martin... well he likes the Yankees)
Howdy Folks,
Just got back from a weekend playing softball on the Geileskirchen NATO Airbase. Thanks first off to the guys from the E-3A AWACS unit for playing host, organizing the beers and burgers and making sure everybody had a great time.
As for the Black Sheep War Machine (my team) we had something of a lackluster performance. We lost 2 of three on the first day. The first loss was to the eventual champions, although it was the most annoying game of all time- people yelling at umps, and it turned into a circus. Second loss was a nail biter. We went ahead from down 2 in the top of the 7th, and lost it in the bottom. (Softball here has 7 innings, is that normal?)
I was personally happy after getting out of a hitting slump. I was able to take home a triple, a few doubles, singles and a successful clutch bunt as well as a handful of stolen bases. I also made a diving grab in out last game but it was meaningless as we won out at the tournament with ease.
Today is a national holiday in Germany because of Pfingsten (Pentecost) and nobody's working. I'm personally using the opportunity to lick my wounds and get it together.
Looking forward to a busy but good week coming up.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Greet The Day
Dearly Beloved,
(extra points for the first person to name the author that made that phrase famous in a comment on this post)
I got something of a rude awakening today but some excellent news from home has kept me sailing on positive winds.
I had my breakfast interrupted today by one of our borrower's husbands. I could feel this man's frustration just by the tone of his voice during which he established who he was, and that he had been connected with me correctly. Then he turned that frustration on me and blasted me for all the sins of our lenders and what had gone wrong. "Never again!" Anyway, he calmed down and I explained to him that I'm basically here working to some extent on every problem he just mentioned. This was to no avail as he declined participation in my study, was kind enough to bid me a nice day, and said a curt goodbye.
Next, I began my work day. On Fridays I have a class at the university, and try to squeeze in a 9am interview before I head out the door. Despite having agreed to an appointment some days prior, this gentleman was not so sure I was who I said I was, and of course, "there's no time." (I'm considering doing a poll of the study participants to gauge the popularity of 24 within the sample: TV show effects Entrepreneurial Success, what a great paper idea...) Anyway, we worked out a solution together and had to postpone the interview. He was very willing to cooperate, just very protective of himself. This is a good thing.
Given this rocky start to the day, I might dip from a 9 down to an 8 on my positivity scale, but I'm riding about 20 right now because my sister in law went into labor last night, and my niece, Lilly Mae Meehan has finally been born. My big brother John is now a daddy, my sister Allison a mommy, and they're both probably trying to figure out if they're more scared or tired. I am extremely excited for my brother and it's wild to think that only a year ago I was the best man at his wedding. Every one of my siblings now has kids, Dan 2 boys and Amy 2 girls, so the Meehans aren't going anywhere.
Just wanted to shout my joy, pictures coming asap (they better)
(extra points for the first person to name the author that made that phrase famous in a comment on this post)
I got something of a rude awakening today but some excellent news from home has kept me sailing on positive winds.
I had my breakfast interrupted today by one of our borrower's husbands. I could feel this man's frustration just by the tone of his voice during which he established who he was, and that he had been connected with me correctly. Then he turned that frustration on me and blasted me for all the sins of our lenders and what had gone wrong. "Never again!" Anyway, he calmed down and I explained to him that I'm basically here working to some extent on every problem he just mentioned. This was to no avail as he declined participation in my study, was kind enough to bid me a nice day, and said a curt goodbye.
Next, I began my work day. On Fridays I have a class at the university, and try to squeeze in a 9am interview before I head out the door. Despite having agreed to an appointment some days prior, this gentleman was not so sure I was who I said I was, and of course, "there's no time." (I'm considering doing a poll of the study participants to gauge the popularity of 24 within the sample: TV show effects Entrepreneurial Success, what a great paper idea...) Anyway, we worked out a solution together and had to postpone the interview. He was very willing to cooperate, just very protective of himself. This is a good thing.
Given this rocky start to the day, I might dip from a 9 down to an 8 on my positivity scale, but I'm riding about 20 right now because my sister in law went into labor last night, and my niece, Lilly Mae Meehan has finally been born. My big brother John is now a daddy, my sister Allison a mommy, and they're both probably trying to figure out if they're more scared or tired. I am extremely excited for my brother and it's wild to think that only a year ago I was the best man at his wedding. Every one of my siblings now has kids, Dan 2 boys and Amy 2 girls, so the Meehans aren't going anywhere.
Just wanted to shout my joy, pictures coming asap (they better)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
BOG!: Croatia Part 1
Hope you guys enjoy!
For a bigger view, Link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiw0HB6JZ8o
For a bigger view, Link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiw0HB6JZ8o
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gunboat Diplomacy
Once again I've built up a backlog of things I wanted to write about. I have just got to be better about putting up a note right after something happens, or else I get lost. In that spirit I'll write about something that happened to me today.
Language courses are always a great place to meet other students and young people living abroad. Most of them are Erasmus students- European college students on a one or two semester jaunt of a new language, partying and generally low pressure academics.
We were working through an exercise when an answer on the overhead came up, "We didn't feel "good" in America."(wohl - healthy, good, welcome, happy) Everyone's head turned in my direction. How's he going to react? This expectation of response shows that it registered with my classmates that it was odd and unnecessary to use a negative example of a specific country- my country.
I communicated my truly feigned surprise and pique through a tongue-in-cheek toss up of my hands that met with a few giggles.
Teach with a grin: Do you feel discriminated against in German grammar?
(Return fire has been invited)
Mike (sarcasm, overly polite): No of course not. The Europeans and Americans see eye to eye on every issue and I would never say they have something against us.
(More laughs from the peanut gallery)
Teach laughs, then turns serious and concedes: I really don't know why they included a sentence like that. It's really unnecessary.
Me, after a moment of reflection: Maybe they're a little bit envious, or jealous!
(The class erupts in laughter and boos jokingly and everybody, including our instructor, has a good laugh.)
I really like how the class was sensitive to the fact that I had indeed been isolated and insulted, but had rightly chosen to defuse the situation with humor. They picked up right away that I wasn't serious, and only using a perceived attitude for the sake of a joke. It shows they're a savvy bunch and it's nice to know I got the benefit of the doubt.
It's times like these that I ask myself if I've gone to far, but I do think there is something of a lesson here: It is better to openly acknowledge our differences, stereotypes and preconceptions and accept them to the point where we can all joke with each other, than tip-toe around on egg shells for fear of offending somebody. People respect you more, and you can connect with them better, which I do believe is the point in the end.
Language courses are always a great place to meet other students and young people living abroad. Most of them are Erasmus students- European college students on a one or two semester jaunt of a new language, partying and generally low pressure academics.
We were working through an exercise when an answer on the overhead came up, "We didn't feel "good" in America."(wohl - healthy, good, welcome, happy) Everyone's head turned in my direction. How's he going to react? This expectation of response shows that it registered with my classmates that it was odd and unnecessary to use a negative example of a specific country- my country.
I communicated my truly feigned surprise and pique through a tongue-in-cheek toss up of my hands that met with a few giggles.
Teach with a grin: Do you feel discriminated against in German grammar?
(Return fire has been invited)
Mike (sarcasm, overly polite): No of course not. The Europeans and Americans see eye to eye on every issue and I would never say they have something against us.
(More laughs from the peanut gallery)
Teach laughs, then turns serious and concedes: I really don't know why they included a sentence like that. It's really unnecessary.
Me, after a moment of reflection: Maybe they're a little bit envious, or jealous!
(The class erupts in laughter and boos jokingly and everybody, including our instructor, has a good laugh.)
I really like how the class was sensitive to the fact that I had indeed been isolated and insulted, but had rightly chosen to defuse the situation with humor. They picked up right away that I wasn't serious, and only using a perceived attitude for the sake of a joke. It shows they're a savvy bunch and it's nice to know I got the benefit of the doubt.
It's times like these that I ask myself if I've gone to far, but I do think there is something of a lesson here: It is better to openly acknowledge our differences, stereotypes and preconceptions and accept them to the point where we can all joke with each other, than tip-toe around on egg shells for fear of offending somebody. People respect you more, and you can connect with them better, which I do believe is the point in the end.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Work Journal: Offenbach
While I'm waiting for some more pics from Croatia to come in from my sources i.e. Dan, the other guy who was there, I thought it'd be good catch you guys up on some work I've been doing here in Germany.
The project I'm working on is an analysis of small and micro businesses loans in Germany. I conduct interviews with entrepreneurs who have received credit from a network of lenders that I work with.
On the side, I've been working on analyzing our credit software, data bank, and processes. It's basically impossible to do scientific work on data that isn't reliable. I thought this was going to be a minor task but over time has come to be a real problem fraught with internal politics, and a lot of wasted time.
Today however I can celebrate the some real progress on this front. In Offenbach today I met with the folks responsible for benchmarking our lending progress and for programming our software. We pooled our resources and hashed out some solutions to the problem.
One interesting thing is that this all took place in German. This doesn't bother me but I sometimes wonder if I'm seen as the 'foreigner' even if what I say is met with approval. Everyone in business is generally very receptive to me, but I'm sure I'm tougher to follow than a local.
I also got to interview some local small business owners who after some convincing- it always takes convincing- met with me to do an interview.
The first two were women from Romania who run a cleaning service. One woman had doubled her income since becoming self employed. Another woman grew up in Germany but has parents from Morocco. She started out by wholesaling goods from Morocco like furniture, housewares, decorations etc. and will expand that business online this year. She received a credit from our network to renovate a shop in Frankfurt (right across the river) to start selling retail. This is another example of how credit is helping people advance their businesses and their lives.
Tomorrow is the German version of Labor Day and in Berlin there are supposed to be demonstrations, the burning of cars that look nice/new, and general mayhem. I'm happy and disappointed to be missing it but I'll get to spend the holiday with fellow Fairfield grad and Fulbrighter Katie Bakarich. Then Saturday I'll be meeting the German wing of my brother-in-law Thomas' family. Can't wait!
The project I'm working on is an analysis of small and micro businesses loans in Germany. I conduct interviews with entrepreneurs who have received credit from a network of lenders that I work with.
On the side, I've been working on analyzing our credit software, data bank, and processes. It's basically impossible to do scientific work on data that isn't reliable. I thought this was going to be a minor task but over time has come to be a real problem fraught with internal politics, and a lot of wasted time.
Today however I can celebrate the some real progress on this front. In Offenbach today I met with the folks responsible for benchmarking our lending progress and for programming our software. We pooled our resources and hashed out some solutions to the problem.
One interesting thing is that this all took place in German. This doesn't bother me but I sometimes wonder if I'm seen as the 'foreigner' even if what I say is met with approval. Everyone in business is generally very receptive to me, but I'm sure I'm tougher to follow than a local.
I also got to interview some local small business owners who after some convincing- it always takes convincing- met with me to do an interview.
The first two were women from Romania who run a cleaning service. One woman had doubled her income since becoming self employed. Another woman grew up in Germany but has parents from Morocco. She started out by wholesaling goods from Morocco like furniture, housewares, decorations etc. and will expand that business online this year. She received a credit from our network to renovate a shop in Frankfurt (right across the river) to start selling retail. This is another example of how credit is helping people advance their businesses and their lives.
Tomorrow is the German version of Labor Day and in Berlin there are supposed to be demonstrations, the burning of cars that look nice/new, and general mayhem. I'm happy and disappointed to be missing it but I'll get to spend the holiday with fellow Fairfield grad and Fulbrighter Katie Bakarich. Then Saturday I'll be meeting the German wing of my brother-in-law Thomas' family. Can't wait!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It’s Pleasure Time! Croatia: Getting In
It’s Pleasure Time! Croatia: Getting In
“It’s Pleasure Time” was the slogan of the place we stayed in Croatia. While the slogan is hilarious for being overdone and the innuendo, we still weren’t really disappointed at all.
Late Tuesday (two weeks ago?) Danny and I got into Croatia, and took a very shady bus from the single terminal airport into the town of Zadar. We couldn’t figure out how to pay the guy. Info inside said we could pay in Euros, the driver said no way. Dan manned up and played ATM roulette and we sat ourselves on a bus seat where the back had been ripped off.
In town we sat clueless waiting for the bus to our hotel, and although it was hard to figure out and the locals were also confused, we made it.
What was interesting was that none of this fazed us at all. We may have been over tired or something, but we were totally cool with being lost in a foreign country where we don’t speak the language. I guess we’re just used to weird situations at this point.
Once we’d checked into our “villa” we went out back to have cocktails. As we left the door we hear the waves lapping somewhere very near. We went out back to the terrace with gardens and a place to sit all of which was right on the water. I was pumped and I think Dan was too.
“THAT’S DISGUSTING!” I blurted in exaggeration. You don’t notice the backhoe or the muddy trench and construction equipment separating you from the sea until you’re right on top of it. Well so much for a bottle of rum, an old friend and my feet in the water. At least we still had the first two and enjoyed the first of a few chats over drinks out on the terrace in what would be an awesome week.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Easter in Zürich
I spent Easter with my parents, my brother-in-law, sister and two nieces. It was amazing that there enough of us in Europe at once to have an actual family holiday. Zürich is a beautiful but expensive city, and there is a bit of an attitude among the people especially if you are dragging two girls under 4 into cafes.
The weather was superb and one of our best moments was sitting next to Lake Zürich eating lunch with everybody and just enjoying the moment.
An important tip for anybody in German speaking Europe during Easter is that everything shuts down for like a week. They are very particular about these holidays and Holy Thursday all the way to the Monday following Easter is a huge shut down with only a few restaurants and stores open on Saturday and Friday. So Thomas, my brother in law, and I were lucky to catch an open grocery store on Saturday and stock up for the next few days.
Sunday morning mass was in a seemingly unassuming church in suburban Zürich. I was surprised to see so many people. There is almost nobody in my parish in Berlin and even on Easter 2 years ago in Konstanz, I don’t remember too many folks being there.
We soon discovered that this was no ordinary service as a full choir and chamber orchestra launched into one of Mozart’s masses. I could find no fault with the performance as tears came visibly to peoples’ eyes. The recessional hymn was Handel’s Messiah which was amazing. Link to a video of the actual church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6H3crLzpg&feature=related
Two of Zürich's most loyal Phils Phans
After mass we had a nice brunch with my sister’s neighbors who are nice people and have a son my niece Maya’s age. They are really good buddies and had fun hunting eggs together. You always have to watch out in situations when the two kids come in direct competition with each other. Thankfully it didn’t turn too sour.
Then it was off to Essen, Germany to meet Dan for our flight to Croatia.
Pink Houses
I spent the weekend off in a Neverland of BBQ, beers and softball. I played in a beer-league softball game Saturday afternoon, followed by a fast pitch game with my team the “Black Sheep” this morning.
Saturday was an amazing display of American influence and ex-pat culture. I found myself playing 3rd, sniffing out my next burger over at the grill and the classic rock drifting from somewhere in the stands only reinforced this oasis of “middle America” in a Berlin suburb.
Everybody seems to be friends and there are some real characters. There’s even a team from the Taiwan embassy who’s captain is the actual ambassador. Another guy has got a world-class mullet and can’t stop cracking jokes. Worth mentioning was our umpire who was classic: moustache, sunglasses, and direct orders all made for efficient administration.
“You throw the bat, I call you out, you bring the bat with you, I call you out, I don’t give a damn, take a lead, I call you out, when I tell you to get to the fence, go! I don’t’ got all day out here.
Eventually little details reminded me where I was: “Two down” accented in German, Becks and Berliner Pilsner. That didn’t spoil my fun though. BBQ just happens to be the natural accompaniment to baseball no matter where you are.
Arriving back at the field Sunday We donned out black jerseys that have in red, in Japanese “Black Sheep War Machine” across the chest. My buddy David, another Fulbrighter, plays short for our opponents the Jolly Dodgers. He made some great digs during the day and wasn’t shy with the bat either.
I was surprised to be starting in Left since I’m new to the team. But as my buddy Mike from Canada (Mike #2) pointed out, you get extra points when you are from North America. Mike had actually just joined the team last Thursday when I invited him along after a class. He fit right in and did well hitting DH for the Sheep today. Going 2 for 4 with a handful of RBI’s I’m feeling pretty good although I had limited action in the field.
The day ending in victory, we hung out and took in the next came and chatted up some locals. I am loving it to enter a work week having played a little ball, got some sun. Now time to return home and squeeze in the last bit of free time before what should be one heck of a week.
Saturday was an amazing display of American influence and ex-pat culture. I found myself playing 3rd, sniffing out my next burger over at the grill and the classic rock drifting from somewhere in the stands only reinforced this oasis of “middle America” in a Berlin suburb.
Everybody seems to be friends and there are some real characters. There’s even a team from the Taiwan embassy who’s captain is the actual ambassador. Another guy has got a world-class mullet and can’t stop cracking jokes. Worth mentioning was our umpire who was classic: moustache, sunglasses, and direct orders all made for efficient administration.
“You throw the bat, I call you out, you bring the bat with you, I call you out, I don’t give a damn, take a lead, I call you out, when I tell you to get to the fence, go! I don’t’ got all day out here.
Eventually little details reminded me where I was: “Two down” accented in German, Becks and Berliner Pilsner. That didn’t spoil my fun though. BBQ just happens to be the natural accompaniment to baseball no matter where you are.
Arriving back at the field Sunday We donned out black jerseys that have in red, in Japanese “Black Sheep War Machine” across the chest. My buddy David, another Fulbrighter, plays short for our opponents the Jolly Dodgers. He made some great digs during the day and wasn’t shy with the bat either.
I was surprised to be starting in Left since I’m new to the team. But as my buddy Mike from Canada (Mike #2) pointed out, you get extra points when you are from North America. Mike had actually just joined the team last Thursday when I invited him along after a class. He fit right in and did well hitting DH for the Sheep today. Going 2 for 4 with a handful of RBI’s I’m feeling pretty good although I had limited action in the field.
The day ending in victory, we hung out and took in the next came and chatted up some locals. I am loving it to enter a work week having played a little ball, got some sun. Now time to return home and squeeze in the last bit of free time before what should be one heck of a week.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Parents Visit Berlin
(The Bear is the symbol of Berlin, just so everyone knows this isn't completely ridiculous)For the last two weeks I've been pretty much out of commission, and a lot of great stuff has been going on so its time to catch up.
On April 6th I picked up my parents at the aeroporto and after a brief scare of malfunctioning bank cards, we made it to their hotel and dropped off their bags. The hotel is so close to my apartment I can see the front door from my window, which is good for keeping an eye on the old folks.
It was nice feeling to be able to show my parents around Berlin. In any other place it would be difficult to entertain your parents for 5 days, but here there's plenty to keep everybody busy. The main issue is striking a balance between Mom's gardens, paintings, and attention to detail and Dad's history, architecture, beer, and "big picture" styles.
Check Point Charlie was right for both my parents because they lived through most of it, and since it's right down the street we went there first. Charlie is also a good spot to pick up the Path of the Wall which we walked along to Potsdamerplatz, after which we had our first lunch of Beers, brats, sausages and dark bread. Nobody was complaining and everybody was happy.
(John & Gay at the wall, Soviets went fleeing)In the following days we had great meals together and saw some the top sights in Berlin. Highlights would have to be the German History Museum, where my Dad spent 4 hours enthralled in WWI & II history, while my Mom was most impressed by him not complaining let alone any exhibits. I would recommend this museum to anyone. It's detailed but not in a way that bores you.
Another highlight had to have been lunch at KaDeWe (see glossary) where we toured the decadent 6th floor gourmet gallery. They have every kind of food, pastry, wine, cheese, fish, meat, anything else you can imagine and some you don't want to.
My parents also took in a jazz show with me and my buddy Jan at A-Trane. Everybody had a great time and it was a nice to see my parents do something they probably wouldn't do.
Another night we went to a great place for sunset cocktails called Solar. The place is a little snooty and selective but somehow mom and dad got through the bouncer, and up the elevator to the bar where we had a drink overlooking the city.
Last but not least we visited the palace Sanssouci ("with out a care") in Potsdam. Amazing gardens and some slightly odd sculptures kept everybody entertained as we waited to enter the palace, which is set up as a one floor villa. As my Dad always says, "It's good to be King," and here was proof. This guy's summer cottage is huge and didn't compromise on quality either.
Palace GardensIn the end everybody had a great time, and my anxiety was unfounded. Good times in Berlin, forthcoming, Easter in Zürich and Croatia!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
New Arrival, New Place, New Start (Throw Back)
Here's the first of many throw backs. (See Intro all the way down) This post is actually made out of excerpts from an email thread between myself and my parents. Since they are here to visit, I figured I'd honor them with this.
The background required here is that from Sept. until the end of Dec. I lived in an apartment that was a bad situation for me, my work, the neighbors and probably everybody else remotely involved. I came home for Christmas and returned to spend my first night in a new place, to start fresh. Berlin Fulbright Take 2, Action! (Ok, that was a little much, but it stays).
RE: New Digs?
Hey Pop,
I basically had a totally screwed up sleep arrangement. I was trying to make it until a normal hour before I went to bed...
But despite that, I have a nice big bed with a firm comfortable mattress, and since it was sunny today their was a nice mood in the apartment. I got here, and the chick from australia was here, They had had a party the night before but the place still looked fine. I chilled with Danielle, my flatmate for a while before bed, and I think we should get along fine.
I basically spent my first day catching up with everyone I had been in contact with. there are two firms that I have stuff to organize stuff with this week so I tried getting in touch with them. This is usually a long process...I got an email from [Alexander] asking when I'll be back. He asked when I was "coming into the institute" which I would say bears well for possibly having something of a place to do some biz.
I went for a run today too, the streets were still snow covered so it wasn't exactly easy, but I found the dry cleaners, a jazz/blues club, and the Catholic Church, in order of being found, mind you. I went by this park with a nice sized hill where there were so many kids and parents sledding it looked like an ant hill. The snow packs solid, so you can really fly, and everybody had those old school wooden sleds of the kind you'd see in the 50's or in A Christmas Story. There was a big tree at the bottom of the hill and somebody had put an old mattress there to stop from running into it which I though was pretty funny. The houses in the neighborhood are generally 3 story old places with a bit of character and I found the neighborhood to be overall more pleasant than where I was before. It was cool to see the whole place be out and about in spite of the cold and the messy streets.
TO: Mike
FROM: Mom
Mike,
What a great e-mail.
Those old wooden sleds from the 50's are called flexible flyers and we all
had them. Great sleds on packed icy snow. What a vision. Is the church a
pretty, old one?
So that's where I was and what I felt on January 5 2009. Life was full of hope and a new beginning.
The background required here is that from Sept. until the end of Dec. I lived in an apartment that was a bad situation for me, my work, the neighbors and probably everybody else remotely involved. I came home for Christmas and returned to spend my first night in a new place, to start fresh. Berlin Fulbright Take 2, Action! (Ok, that was a little much, but it stays).
RE: New Digs?
Hey Pop,
I basically had a totally screwed up sleep arrangement. I was trying to make it until a normal hour before I went to bed...
But despite that, I have a nice big bed with a firm comfortable mattress, and since it was sunny today their was a nice mood in the apartment. I got here, and the chick from australia was here, They had had a party the night before but the place still looked fine. I chilled with Danielle, my flatmate for a while before bed, and I think we should get along fine.
I basically spent my first day catching up with everyone I had been in contact with. there are two firms that I have stuff to organize stuff with this week so I tried getting in touch with them. This is usually a long process...I got an email from [Alexander] asking when I'll be back. He asked when I was "coming into the institute" which I would say bears well for possibly having something of a place to do some biz.
I went for a run today too, the streets were still snow covered so it wasn't exactly easy, but I found the dry cleaners, a jazz/blues club, and the Catholic Church, in order of being found, mind you. I went by this park with a nice sized hill where there were so many kids and parents sledding it looked like an ant hill. The snow packs solid, so you can really fly, and everybody had those old school wooden sleds of the kind you'd see in the 50's or in A Christmas Story. There was a big tree at the bottom of the hill and somebody had put an old mattress there to stop from running into it which I though was pretty funny. The houses in the neighborhood are generally 3 story old places with a bit of character and I found the neighborhood to be overall more pleasant than where I was before. It was cool to see the whole place be out and about in spite of the cold and the messy streets.
TO: Mike
FROM: Mom
Mike,
What a great e-mail.
Those old wooden sleds from the 50's are called flexible flyers and we all
had them. Great sleds on packed icy snow. What a vision. Is the church a
pretty, old one?
So that's where I was and what I felt on January 5 2009. Life was full of hope and a new beginning.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring Weather in Berlin
24.3.09
I believe today was the weirdest weather day we’ve had. Spring weather is a welcome blessing after months of dreary winter. This is the Vivaldi version (click here for musical accompaniment) of happy spring gracefully replacing old man winter. Truth is that spring is a sometimes violent change and that old man winter doesn't release his grip so easily. See Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
Today Started grey- normal. 10:30 Hard rain and sleet some small hail. It rolled in like a summer thunderstorm and blackened the sky, and then delivered a violent helping of its wintry brew. It was an odd mix. Then a beautifully deep blue sky followed, with white fluffy clouds high in the sky, which is uncommon in Berlin. Then it got grey again. Noon: Sunny! I suggest lunch before it gets violent outside, and on the way back with the sun still shining it felt like a winter day after a snowstorm with water from the melted snow on the sidewalks. 1pm More snow, and a brief patch of dark clouds, return to sun. 13:45. White wintry snow flurries with a sunny sky overhead, and the more typical Berlin mix of sporadically diffused clouds and haze. 2:15 pm, full on winter snow storm, only reminder of spring is that the snow is a little wetter and heavier than normal. Then 2 minutes in, the sun shines in the middle of it all. Crazy.
It’s just another example of how you never get the same look at this city twice. She’s in constant motion. Till next time and happy weekend all!
Proof that the nice Vivaldi version of spring will come, even if set in non-traditional Berlin.
I believe today was the weirdest weather day we’ve had. Spring weather is a welcome blessing after months of dreary winter. This is the Vivaldi version (click here for musical accompaniment) of happy spring gracefully replacing old man winter. Truth is that spring is a sometimes violent change and that old man winter doesn't release his grip so easily. See Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
Today Started grey- normal. 10:30 Hard rain and sleet some small hail. It rolled in like a summer thunderstorm and blackened the sky, and then delivered a violent helping of its wintry brew. It was an odd mix. Then a beautifully deep blue sky followed, with white fluffy clouds high in the sky, which is uncommon in Berlin. Then it got grey again. Noon: Sunny! I suggest lunch before it gets violent outside, and on the way back with the sun still shining it felt like a winter day after a snowstorm with water from the melted snow on the sidewalks. 1pm More snow, and a brief patch of dark clouds, return to sun. 13:45. White wintry snow flurries with a sunny sky overhead, and the more typical Berlin mix of sporadically diffused clouds and haze. 2:15 pm, full on winter snow storm, only reminder of spring is that the snow is a little wetter and heavier than normal. Then 2 minutes in, the sun shines in the middle of it all. Crazy.
It’s just another example of how you never get the same look at this city twice. She’s in constant motion. Till next time and happy weekend all!
Proof that the nice Vivaldi version of spring will come, even if set in non-traditional Berlin.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Berlin/Germany Basics
Reichstag - the building where the German Parliament meets. Having been damaged in a fire it was out of use for sometime. After reunification it was refitted and a glass dome was built over the center where visitors look down over the meeting representatives. This is supposed to symbolize of the people keeping close watch on their elected law makers. It's also another example of old juxtaposed with the new in Berlin and is a nice piece of architecture to boot.
Ampelmenschen - The red and green "people"
in the crosswalk light indicating go and stop. (Ampel - traffic light, Mensch(en) - people, may recognize from yiddish used as "good person") There are two types of Ampelmenschen to be found in Berlin. The rule of thumb was that the old fashion ones with the man wearing a hat were to be found in the East, but now there doesn't seem to be any sense to it as even some Westberlin neighborhoods seem to want the iconic traffic watchmen guarding their streets as well.
Dönerkebab - I hope I can do "döner" justice in this short discription. This Turkish delicacy is lamb meat cut off a rotating spit, put into a slightly toasted pocket of breat with one of a few sauces, tomatoes, red cabbage, onions, and cucumbers. Its cheap, fast, delicious, healthier than Dominos or McDonalds and is generally thought of as a guilty pleasure, good for a quick lunch, or as sustenence on the way home from a watering hole. Whatever your use it gives new meaning to "Turkish Delight." See tribute to the glory of döner here. The text translates to "I have a onion on my head- I am a Döner! Because Döner makes it better! I am poor and like to eat. Baguette makes you fat... I have an onion on my head..."
KaDeWe - or Kaufhaus des Westens (Purchasing House of the West) and yes it is smack in the center of former west Berlin. Notable are high prices (boo) but also a great gourmet food section on the top floor (awesome). They have types of meat and fish on display at this place you never even wanted to know was edible. But it's great for the experience of walking around getting hungry and then stopping at one of the food stands or bakerys to satisfy the craving.Welcome, Intro and Preview
Welcome and thanks for taking some time to check out my blog. To the title. I wanted something that invoked the current, live, nature of me reporting my own thoughts and experiences as they happen and how they are bound to this place. Hence the second "LIVE," as in live music. "Es lebe Berlin" is the slogan of the public transport system, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), and is hard to translate, but goes something like, "Long live Berlin!" This is the origin of the first "LIVE" in the title, both at once saying Long live Berlin" this crazy, fantastic city, but also setting a commitment to live the life of the city, to engage in everything possible, and take advantage of the short time available to me here.
It is my hope that this blog will become a way for me to present my time here to you, and stay in touch with you whatever network you fall into, (family, and friends, Fairfield U., other Fulbrighters, employers, random contacts or others with a Berlin experience). While the topic of Berlin could take up a lifetime, I am concerned as well with presenting the topic of my research: microfinance. I hope through hearing the very few stories I will present to you here, you might start to think more on the topic of helping people world wide through entrepreneurial, business oriented means, and also be reminded that those people can exist in developed countries as well. (Info: www.microfinance.net www.microfinancegateway.org)
I hope to divide my blog into a couple different types of entries. I have a work journal that I write in when I am traveling doing interviews. In these types of entries I will talk about the entrepreneurs/borrowers I meet and they're stories, the loan officers, and the experience in and of itself. Other entries will probably center around an experience I had like discovering a great band or cool bar/club, and still lastly I will have to burden everybody with news analysis, and a few thoughts and reflections of my own.
Lastly, for uninitiated into certain German phrases and important basics, I will have a running glossary and a section called "Berlin/Germany Basics" which will hopefully help you if I start talking about the Reichstag, Ampelmenschen, or Dönerkebab and you don't know what that is. (See Glossary)
Hope you're doing well, and enjoy!
It is my hope that this blog will become a way for me to present my time here to you, and stay in touch with you whatever network you fall into, (family, and friends, Fairfield U., other Fulbrighters, employers, random contacts or others with a Berlin experience). While the topic of Berlin could take up a lifetime, I am concerned as well with presenting the topic of my research: microfinance. I hope through hearing the very few stories I will present to you here, you might start to think more on the topic of helping people world wide through entrepreneurial, business oriented means, and also be reminded that those people can exist in developed countries as well. (Info: www.microfinance.net www.microfinancegateway.org)
I hope to divide my blog into a couple different types of entries. I have a work journal that I write in when I am traveling doing interviews. In these types of entries I will talk about the entrepreneurs/borrowers I meet and they're stories, the loan officers, and the experience in and of itself. Other entries will probably center around an experience I had like discovering a great band or cool bar/club, and still lastly I will have to burden everybody with news analysis, and a few thoughts and reflections of my own.
Lastly, for uninitiated into certain German phrases and important basics, I will have a running glossary and a section called "Berlin/Germany Basics" which will hopefully help you if I start talking about the Reichstag, Ampelmenschen, or Dönerkebab and you don't know what that is. (See Glossary)
Hope you're doing well, and enjoy!
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