Things About Europe

WORLD CUP

I started noticing German flags on numerous cars as I drove to work Saturday evening. The Brits on my team were very excited about the US-UK game, and were a bit disappointed with the outcome, but they continued to heartily defend their goalkeeper.
On Sunday, there was no one out, but there were German flags everywhere- on cars, hanging out of buildings, and displayed on people's jackets. Dan and I went to an Italian restaurant a few blocks from our house, and we could hear the Germany-Australia game playing on the owner's t.v. When we returned home, we saw the World Cup being played through the windows of one of our neighbors across the street.

GAS

I was in a rush to get gas this morning (or afternoon) and didn't have time to get to the base. I ended up at a German station; it cost just over 32 euro ($39) to fill half a tank (approx. five gallons).

RENTING MOVIES (ON-BASE)

I was in the Shoppette on base last Sunday, and saw the trailer for The Lovely Bones. I liked it so much that I decided to buy the movie. It wasn't on sale, but it was available to rent, so I did that instead. A three-day rental cost $3.25. I brought it home, and Dan and I watched it together; we didn't enjoy it at all. Thank God the movie wasn't on sale!

WATCHING TV

I've been pretty ticked off that everything is off-limits outside of the U.S. (most YouTube videos, television websites, Zune Marketplace...). We bought a German-compatible tv and dvd player a while ago, and discussed the idea of acquiring local cable in the near future. Since then, however, Dan has discovered a new web-site- one that allows us to watch American shows, legally. I am so excited! I think I'll start watching Glee now.

MISC.

I've been craving pecan pie for the past month and a half; as a result, Dan has had to listen to my constant whining. Yesterday I came home from work to find a whole pecan pie waiting for me on the table. Dan was on his way out the door- he ate a few slices for breakfast, but I warned him that he shouldn't leave me alone with the pie all day. He laughed and said that I could eat the whole thing if I wanted to.
He came home this afternoon and looked in the refrigerator: there is no pie left.