I'm actually writing this in a German newspaper office, because I didn't bring the right kind of plug converter to use with my little portable computer. So I'm using a German keyboard, and the Z is where the Y should be and vice versa. You never realize how many Ys you use until you start seeing Zs all over the place.
So far everything has been wonderful except for the weather which is kind of grey (or grez as the case may be). The flight was smooth and easy and all my planning was for naught, since they gave every single one of us our own pillow and blanket. I did get a little bit of sleep, which was a good thing because as soon as I reached Buxtehude, I was taken to meet the mayor, and then to the incredibly fabulous Plaque With My Name On It ceremony. I am delighted to report that the plaque is right in front of a bakery, which given my fondness for baked goods, is extremely appropriate.
It occurs to me that part of this Y problem is because of my fondness for the word My. But I don't have the energy to switch to the Regal We.
Today I visited at a high school and this evening I'll give a talk at a library. Tomorrow I'll visit another school and go to Hamburg for another appearance. Friday I get a tour of Buxtehude, and in the evening I get my award. Saturday I go on a tour of the area, and then Sunday I fly back to America, to Scooter, and to keyboards with the Y where I'm used to it.
Be prepared for a much longer report then and lots of pictures. And just maybe the Regal We!
PS- I'm not sure how to spell plaque (I keep thinking maybe there should be a C in there) so I just used spellcheck, and the only word it says I spelled right is Buxtehude. This really is a German computer!
7 comments:
Oh, I can understand the Y dilemma, Susan!
Have a great stay nevertheless :)
Sounds like you are going to have a lot of fun, hope i see lots of pics!
The computers in Argentina were just as confusing.:) Best of luck with your school visits and talks. Looking forward to the pictures!
Maybe one of your short stories could be set in Germany. Just a thought.
Anonymous Santa Fe
Have a wonderful time. You deserve it.
I just found these wonderful photos of Susan in Buxtehude: http://www.buxtehude.de/default.cfm?did=2081740
I can't figure out how to log in since Google keeps asking me to in German, but I think it will let me leave a comment, so I'll just say everyone has been incredibly nice, and that my always healthy ego is expanding rapidly (as are my hips since people keep giving me chocolate, which of course I'm obliged to eat). I've been interviewed four times I think, with another one scheduled for lunch today and I met my German publisher and the American Consulate General of Hamburg read a long introduction of me in German, and, well, you get the drift.
Today for the first time there's blue sky. I'm going on a tour of Buxtehude and then I have a lunch interview and then tonight is the awards ceremony. And everyone assures me the Buxtehude Bulle really does weigh 25 pounds.
I guess they've been feeding it chocolate also!
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