February 3, 2008
· Filed under America, Gastronomy, Portland
One of my favorite meals has got to be sushi. Being here in Germany has definitely afforded me the opportunity to indulge in many delicious specialties, however lately I have been feeling the sushi-itch as a pregnant woman might fiend. Dank sushi is rare find in a mostly landlocked country like Germany and if found is notably expensive. Thus, as of late, I’ve been missing the unbelievably delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurant scene of Portland, Oregon. This post is a dedication to my well-missed sushi restaurant Saburo’s.
For the sheer quantity, quality, and good prices I have yet to find an equal. There is most always a wait, but is definitely worth it. Just go grab a coffee or a beer should you get a case of wanderlust; there is a lot in the area.
For me the Maguro is a must, but most things you will find here will rock your proverbial socks off. Also don’t forget to finish off with some green tea ice cream and maybe a bottle of Saki. Here are a couple helpful phrases to help you blend in with the Japanese folk there-
natach-tachi-wa ni-hon-jin = we are japanese
sushi tabi-tie = I want to eat sushi
moto tabi-tie = I want to eat more
saki nomai-tie = I want to drink saki
moto nomi-tie = I want to drink more
You’ll impress your friends\or date. At least until the waiter laughs in your face and spits in your food.
December 1, 2007
· Filed under America, Freiburg, Germany
For many, the culture shock of traveling overseas can be overwhelming. Those who venture into European countries often receive a culture shock, encountering a society built around values different from our own. Not to worry! Thanks to neocolonialism and media influence, the acculturation of American values and political methodology is sweeping the globe. No, I’m not talking about a new Bryan Adams Tour or even ethnic cleansing. Let’s just take a peek at how Americanization has affected its adopted sibling to the West: Germany.
Recent social and political movements have pushed to allow certain exceptions to existing law and in other instances the implementation of new ordinances, whose constitutionality is questionable. But who cares about that? I used to be slightly annoyed by people smoking in bars, clubs, and restaurants while in Germany. Ha! Not anymore! Starting January 2008, Bavaria will be the last of the German states to adopt a Rauchverbot after Italy’s push in October of 2005. This new ordinance sets out guidelines for smoking in public transportation, work places, schools, public places, advertising and regulations for who can smoke. Now to buy cigarettes from a machine one has to insert an ATM card to prove their age. This is a stark contrast to Germany’s earlier policy of ” You’re old enough to reach the cigarette vending machine? You’re old enough to smoke.”
I’m so tired of people bothering me with their habits and causing a scene in public. After they eventually ban smoking outside, I hope they’ll start to ban drinking in public plac- what? Oh they’re already starting to take care of that. Great. Freiburg is one of many cities around Germany, trying out a new Alkoholverbot, ban of alcohol in public, in an effort to combat drunken debauchery after continuing alcohol-related incidents. Thank God. Why should people be free to carry a beer around publicly? In the States public consumption of alcohol has been long forbidden and ever since public violence, vandalism, and civil disturbances have been kept to a minimum with little cost of law enforcement. This is a “right” people can do without.
One will also notice that many of the popular drinks found in bars and clubs are no longer boring microbrews centuries old, but new beer beverages from distributors like Bacardi and Becks with flavorings like Extreme Orange and Green Lemon! Wow, talk about a societal change for the better. Its time to be “hip” Germany, join America in the 21st century.
