Setbacks

CAR

For reasons I'd rather not discuss, our rental car is currently inoperable. I called the rental company this morning and they sent a mechanic who promptly loaded Luisa onto his tow truck and left, saying that I would receive a call when they are finished with her. The rental company offered to deliver a replacement, but there is currently a shortage of small, automatic vehicles.

INTERNET/PHONE

Since Dan arrived, there has been no reliable access to the internet or phone. Yesterday morning the internet was available from 9:59-10:05, 10:10-10:14, 10:27-10:30, and in small increments thereafter. It's been a week since I've been able to go online after 5pm.
The phone situation has improved, however: we're often able to converse with callers without being subjected to the static that's usually there. When Dan called the technicians, the static was so bad that he couldn't even hear the advice they were giving him. Eventually they tested the line, confirmed that there was a problem, and said that it would be resolved within 24 hours.
That was approximately 36 hours ago.

OUTINGS

Dan experienced his first taste of military community shopping, at the Exchange and Commissary, and he's still recovering from the experience. The aisles were cramped, there were people everywhere, and our bagger at the commissary was indifferent to the point of being rude. Dan doesn't want to go back unless it is absolutely necessary.
On Monday we drove an hour to Mannheim, and spent the day shopping at Ikea and Media Mart: we bought a chair for the living room, an alarm clock, and a webcam! I'm so excited about the webcam; now I will be Skype-ing in style!
After the big stores, we went to a grocery store and picked up a few essentials (coffee for Dan, milk, and peanut butter), then returned home. Yesterday morning Dan walked around the neighborhood again, and found a grocery store and butcher within walking distance of the apartment. He confirmed that the local passion for meat is just as strong as I suspected.

BONUS?

I was recently informed that my camera does indeed have video capabilities, so last night I ventured out and recorded a bit of the apartment's exterior (well, the walkway and front door areas). Unfortunately, since our internet connection is not reliable, I am unable to post it...for now.