Last week I said goodbye to my German teacher aka paid friend. On one hand I was so glad to be done and on the other hand I really enjoyed our conversations together. Even though she was pretty direct, boarder line rude, condescending etc...she taught me a lot about the language, culture and art. Once I found out we were moving I tried to end our lessons, what was the point. She would hear nothing of it....our last day she tested me verbally on lots of basic things....by then I've lost my will to learn. Oh I know some of you are saying what you had a will to learn ....kinda! I think I convinced my self I was an old dog that couldn't learn a new trick. I certainly was her worst student....we laughed about that!
So we go to say goodbye she extends her hand for a shake, and I go in for the hug! Awkward! I guess I thought we had cross the bridge from formal to friendly.....silly me!
The end of that chapter of my German life.
P.S. She looks in pain trying to smile doesn't she?
34 comments:
You are so funny- I love that you kept up the classes even when you knew you were moving! She was a tough cookie! I think that look is because she's really going to miss you!
wow you come back so soon!
and again, i love the new header...guess this means NY City here you come?
Haha, I will not miss taking German lessons when I go back to the US. I have been such a bad German student it is embarrassing, but it is hard!
Yeah, she does look to be in pain. But, you stuck with it and you're coming back to the states with more knowledge of the language than a whole lot of other people. Good for you!!
awww. touched my heart.
OOPS. I deleted my own comment! What I was saying was that she doesn't look like a hugger and that I hate those awkward moments.
I'm back to my next German class on Monday and absolutely not looking forward to it: it uses all my free time when the kids are in school. But I think you enjoy it even less than I- congratulations on escaping this woman!
You are so funny! I hope she doesn't read your blog!!
XOXO
shoulda posted the photo of your teacher earlier so your readers could have warned you:
don't try to hug her!
hehhehehe
but really, cool that you did post a photo of the woman i'd imagined so often in my head.
we were in an indian restaurant this week and i was speaking condescendingly of the germans to the restaurant owner (indian).
(ok, to be real here, i was saying how odd it is that everytime you punch a PIN for your debit card, the people turn away as if you're undressing. i tried to tell him that you have to both 1.) steal my PIN and 2.) steal my CARD to actually be a threat. the way they avert themeselves, it's like crime is common here. and it's not.)
he said the thing he likes about the germans is their honesty.
i said, "oh, i know, like, 'your hair looks like SH**!'
that?"
and then i said "wait. don't go. tell us what you think their weakness is."
he said, "their jealousy."
i pondered that a good while. jealousy. of the riches of others. of the upper class, by the lower/middle, i assume.
i see that too.
now, please tell me that the unhuggable chick taught you about dative and genitive. cuz we ex-pats would really like that to haunt you as you abandon us.
*hug*
~lytha
My mom speaks 4 languages. She said German was the hardest! Followed by English!
She doesn't look at all as I imagined her!
All the goodbyes....... can be painful. Had to laugh at the awkwardness of it.
Glad you are back and can settle to normality again.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
I think German would be a very difficult language to learn.... especially from a grouch.
Happy weekend,
jj
I think I'm a little afraid of her.. I would have kept up with the lessons just to avoid her wrath. :)
You're funny! I would have tried to hug too :)
Funny - my German teachers always set the course, too.
now that is too funny....:)
xoxo
Buh bye cranky!! Yeah she looks like she is having a tough time getting the smile fired up! But as always I LOVE the scarfs and how stylish you both look. One less thing on your list now!! YAY!!! xoxoxo
Her eyes are smiling though, so you know it is genuine. Teachers... Most of mine I hated, but there were a few who marked my life. I wonder if they know? So can you speak and write the language?
At least she dresses somewhat stylish... once you're back in the states, you'll laugh about it all... awkward I can imagine to give someone a gentle hug and they extend their hand!!!!! (her loss)!
You should have given her a big ol' sloppy kiss.
Chin up. You've got a great smile and scarf. She's got something up her butt.
Doesn't look like much of a hugger!
Haha. You are funny. I find many Europeans to be condescending, although I was born and raised there. And a vast majority of my friends find my dad to be so too.
lol ~ My neighbor was German, came over during the war and I remember having conversations with her when later I would have to rethink, Was she purposely being rude. lol She was just very blunt!!!
I seem to learn the most from the toughest teachers. You'll be surprised how long you'll remember your German.
Wishing you safe travels back home.
Oh yeah, German determination to see it through to the end! I laughed because from your story your teacher is so typically German (I am Dutch)!
I lived one year in Berlin because I got married and hubby had his job there.
Oh yes, the handshake can even be done for relatives (considering her age)!
Now we have lived for more than 20 years in Los Angeles (it started with my studies).
i'm betting you don't like the german language...ja? it's hard to do anything that goes against your grain. I didn't expect her to be that pretty for such a sourpuss.
Goodbye are so hard to do!!
and yes she sure does looks like she is in pain LOL!
Oh, LOL! Well, I'm sure you'll never forget her ;-)
I love "paid friend". I would have gone in for a hug too. But then again, Americans seem to be a lot more huggy than Germans.
Thank goodness this is not a tearful good bye!!!
As you know I am German and I now have lived abroad a long time, but I have to agree, there are a lot of people like that in Germany. But you can find a lot of sweet and kind folks as well...
Perhaps you were not lucky with your "friends". How did you find her?
There is a difference in mentality between the Americans and the Germans. The Germans are way more privat in their friendships, less out in the open air so to speak! The Americans on the other hand are all friendliness but somewhat uncommitting. I have lived here for 17 years now and my true friends are still mostly non Americans. Blame it on the neighborhood, quite posh and wealthy, my neighbors are friendly, but the doors are closed. My Americans friends are the ones who lived abroad for awhile or are married to non Americans. I guess there are gaps which are hard to bridge.
But I admit, I like the living style in America better then in Germany. More relaxed! There is a live and let live attitude, which is harder to come by in Germany!
I always hope the younger generation of Germans, raised with more multiculturalism might get more relaxed as well!
But now your on your way home and life will be as it should be!!!
Hamburgers and all!
XX
Victoria
haha! Absolutely. As big of a pain that SHE was, I'll bet she's a good teacher--Persistent!
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