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Expat

Immigrant (Poem)

July 31, 2020 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

Immigrant

(A Poem by Nina Crecia)

The atoms of my soul
feel torn
between
two places.

The old familiar melodies
of almost forgotten lyrics
linger
like a whisper
on my lips.

Memories of traditions
and little things that are different,
and me
feeling different
in this place,
too.

[Read more…] about Immigrant (Poem)

Filed Under: Life in California, News Tagged With: Covid-19, Expat, far away from home, German, immigrant, memories, poem, Traditions

Happy Easter with a Classic – “Osterhasi or Nikolausi”

April 1, 2018 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

We wish you all a happy and enjoyable Happy Easter !

… and just so that you know who is coming by tomorrow to sweeten up your day, we found a classic by Gerhard Polt for you. Enjoy!

 

Image: Pixabay.com Video: YouTube


Filed Under: German Traditions in CA Tagged With: California, Easter, Expat, German, Osterhasi, Traditions

Fliehe!

January 21, 2018 by Dieter Kermas Leave a Comment

Fliehe !

(Ein Gedicht von Dieter Kermas)
.

Flattern Fahnen dort im Wind,
flieh´ sofort mit Frau und Kind,
denn seit vielen hundert Jahren
mussten wir voll Leid erfahren,
dass die Fahne als Symbol
weht nicht zu des Menschen Wohl.

Löwen, Bären, Adler, Drachen
soll´n des Herrschers Heer bewachen.
Grimmig schau´n sie von den Fahnen,
böses lässt der Anblick ahnen.
Werden Dörfer abgebrannt
und herrscht blanke Furcht im Land,
werden wie in alten Tagen,
Fahnen stets vorangetragen.

Wiens Erfahrung mit Osmanen
unterm Halbmond soll uns mahnen
und zur Vorsicht sei geraten
beim Totenkopf der Seepiraten.
Russlands Hammer samt der Sichel
und das Hakenkreuz vom Michel,
mit den Fahnen über Nacht,
haben sie nur Tod gebracht.

Christuskreuz auf einer Fahne,
dich sofort zur Flucht ermahne.
Links das Kreuz und rechts das Schwert,
ja, so wird der Heid´ bekehrt.
Den rechten Glauben musst du haben,
sonst fressen dich am End die Raben.
Scheiterhaufen sah man brennen,
Menschen um ihr Leben rennen.

Barmherzigkeit ward da gepredigt,
wer anders denkt, der wird erledigt.
So war´ s wahrlich nicht gedacht,
doch die Kirche liebt die Macht.
Noch einmal warn´ ich vor Symbolen,
sie sollte doch der Teufel holen.

©Dieter Kermas

Image: Pixabay.com

———————————————————————————————–——————–——

Dieter Kermas, CaliforniaGermans Author and a true Berliner, turned to writing after he retired from his profession as an engineer. Family and friends urged him to document his many experiences during his childhood in wartime Germany. This made for a collection of various essays which have been published here at CaliforniaGermans. (You can find the stories here on CaliforniaGermans.com by putting “Dieter Kermas” into the Search Box.) Apart from his childhood memories, he is also sharing some of his short stories and poems on CaliforniaGermans. Dieter Kermas, who loves to write, has published his first novel “Kolja. Liebe im Feindesland” in 2016, available on Amazon. Some of his work has been included in anthologies.

To get in touch with Dieter Kermas, please send an email with subject line “Dieter Kermas” to californiagermans@gmail.com
———————————————————————————————————————–

 

Filed Under: Lese-Ecke Tagged With: Dieter Kermas, Expat, Gedicht, German poem, insignia

Happy First of December! Countdown to Christmas has officially started!

December 1, 2017 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

The story of the Advent Calendar

Germans love Christmas. In fact, for Germans, it’s the most important holiday of the year!

Many traditions help us Germans prepare for and enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest, like Saint Nicholas Day on Dec 6th or the four Sundays of Advent, Christmas cookies and much more.

One tradition, however, stands out since it is equally loved by children and adults. The Advent Calendar!

Who doesn’t like a countdown to a highly anticipated event?

Apparently many don’t want to miss it. In places all around the world, one can now find these magic Advent Calendars that hide chocolates or little toys behind their secret doors. Even beer calendars are available or calendars filled with a variety of liquor filled chocolates. The possibilities seem endless…

In the old days, just a beautiful little picture behind a door would make kids happy. Today some Advent Calendars made it even online, published by companies that discovered it as another tool to engage customers.

The first Advent Calendar originated in Germany in 1904 when Gerhard Lang published a simple one as an insert in a newspaper in Stuttgart. It was a raving success! So Lang decided to print a new one every year. The designs became more and more elaborate from calendars that worked like a dial to calendar houses filled with chocolates to even a calendar in Braille for the blind.

But how did he get the idea to make a calendar that would count down the days to Christmas in the first place?

The idea of counting down to Christmas Eve already existed in different ways. Some families used to mark the days to Christmas with chalk on their doors, in other families children were putting one piece of hay every day into a manger in which Baby Jesus would be laid on Christmas Eve.

Gerhard Lange’s mother however handcrafted a calendar for his then little son that would be filled with a little meringue for every day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. That caused a lasting impression and, as an adult, inspired Gerhard Lange to expand on his mother’s idea of an Advent Calendar.

The ‘modern’ Advent Calendar was born and started out to conquer the world in all kinds of variations!

Wir wünschen eine schöne Vorweihnachtszeit!  

Happy Holiday Season!

Images: Pixabay.com


Filed Under: Culture, Editorial, German Festivals, German Traditions in CA Tagged With: advent, Advent Calendar, Christmas, December, Expat, Germany, holiday season, Tradition

INTIMACY

November 23, 2017 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

.

Intimacy

(A Poem by Nils-Henrik Fuertes)
.

Laughter echoes off the timeworn landscape of birch cabinetry
Pealing in my ears as I sit on
My straight-backed chair,
Chattering of my siblings such an archaic sound
Yet worn with a love I never forget.

The glare of cheerful electric lights enlightens every corner
Enhancing the metallic sparkle of the fridge.
Dull green paint on the walls
A faded memory of the old days
Like an endearing grandparent.

Calm air flows smoothly from the humming kitchen vent.
Classical music ever-present in the background.
Dancing flames tapping
A variety of rattling pots on the excited stove
Attempting to consume the savory scents drifting about the room.

Sugary orange yams with cinnamon
Melting in a tray of warm creamy butter,
Homemade goodness enveloping my senses.
A stark contrast to the homely furnishing
Splashing color upon the scene.

Dishes bang on the smooth granite countertop
Met with the subtle and sophisticated
Tinkling from champagne glasses,
And the merry jingle of silverware,
Preparing for the feast.
Ice-cold cider whooshes into glasses with gusto
Eggnog clouds my nostrils,
Radiating heat from the oven clings to my face.
Tenderly.
Softened by the breeze of pattering footsteps.

Water merrily babbles from the sink like a well-known relative
Harmonizing with the whistling of the teapot.
Grouchily the oven screeches on its rusty hinges
Competing with the oblivious chirping of my parakeet
Not aware that a bird is being prepared for dinner!

The spice-filled pumpkin pie waits on the microwave
Awaiting its moment of glory,
Gravy splashes in the boat.
Mashed potatoes steaming impatiently
As the cranberry sauce giggles in its bubbly pot.

Stealthily, I sneak up next to the animated stove
The hilts of the knives glinting me a mischievous smile,
And there it is!
The gem of Thanksgiving dinner
A seasoned turkey roasting to a crisp inside of the searing oven.

Thanksgiving is shortly upon me.
My kitchen is now alive with newfound sensations,
A reassurance to me and my family
Warmly filling my heart.
Affection.

 

©Nils-Henrik Fuertes

Image: Rockwell [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


 

 

Filed Under: Art & Cinematographie, Culture, Editorial Tagged With: Expat, German, Nils-Henrik Fuertes, Thanksgiving, Tradition

EUSTORY, an International History Competition for German and French Youth to Reflect on Peace

November 15, 2017 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

Students of a German School in San Diego learn how to write a movie script

About a month ago  German Pacific School San Diego and San Diego French American School collaborated in preparing for an international competition that invites them to reflect on the concept of peace before, during and after WW I.

EUSTORY, an international history competition wants to guide students to a greater understanding of historic events but also engage them in finding relations between today’s events and events in the past, and overall help them become productive citizens of the world.

Both schools decided on choosing film as a medium for their project, and to learn the ‘nuts and bolts’ of scriptwriting they participated in an intercultural scriptwriting seminar. In the following read more about their experience:

German and French students collaborate on international competition

( by Lenni Elbe)
.

An excited buzz fills the air as groups of French and German students discuss their ideas. They are preparing for an international history competition, called EUSTORY.

On October 14, students from San Diego French American School and German Pacific School San Diego partook in a seminar run by a professional scriptwriter, Diane Alpaio, to help prepare them for the competition in Spring.

The script writing workshop led students through a pre-written script in order to learn the basic elements of story writing. First, they watched and analyzed a short film. Then, they were split into small groups and wrote their own scenes using those basic elements such as dialogue, conflict, and characters.

The students left with a greater understanding of how movie scripts are written, and with plenty of ideas on how to continue their own EUSTORY project. “Working with the French students was great and I didn’t expect the seminar to be so much fun. It really got everyone excited about the competition” said Jack, a student at GPSSD.

The script writing seminar was just the start. Students will continue to meet on a regular basis throughout the script writing process. Instructors from both schools are guiding the students, including Mr. Baron (SDFAS), Ms. Brouder (SDFAS), and Ms. Elbe (GPSSD).

EUSTORY was started in order to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on the events of World War 1, to work together, and to foster cross-cultural understanding. This year’s theme is: “Peace in War Time, Peace in World War 1.” This initiative is representative of the creative potential in students, and broadens young people’s perspectives, giving them the tools and skills required to become productive citizens of the world.

The short film will premiere this coming spring at an event at SDFAS.
For more information, please visit http://www.eustory.fr or http://www.gpssd.org

Images: German Pacific School San Diego – GPSSD


.

Filed Under: CA For Kids, Fun For Kids - Kinderecke, German Schools In California, Life in California, News Tagged With: California, Education, Expat, German Pacific School San Diego, history, Script writing

Mondschein

November 5, 2017 by Dieter Kermas Leave a Comment

.

Mondschein

(Ein Gedicht von Dieter Kermas)

.

Ach wie schön war doch die Feier,

heimwärts schwankt der volle Meier.

Und des Vollmonds helles Licht

scheint Herrn Meier ins Gesicht.

Doch zu Meiers großem Schreck

ist das Mondlicht plötzlich weg.

Um ihn ist es stockedunkel,

´ne Wolke schluckt das Sterngefunkel.

Da schleichen Schritte auf ihn zu.

Vorbei ist´s mit Herrn Meiers Ruh.

Panisch hetzt er durch die Nacht.

Ein Schlag trifft ihn mit aller Macht.

Nun sieht er wieder viele Sterne.

Doch dran ist schuld nur die Laterne,

die in dieser Nacht nicht brannte,

wo Meier flott dagegenrannte.

Sein Feierfreund kam kurz darauf

und fiel auch noch auf Meier drauf.

So liegen sie im Suff vereint,

wie schön, dass nun der Mond erscheint.

©Dieter Kermas

Image:  pixabay.com

———————————————————————————————–——————–——

Dieter Kermas, CaliforniaGermans Author and a true Berliner, turned to writing after he retired from his profession as an engineer. Family and friends urged him to document his many experiences during his childhood in wartime Germany. This made for a collection of various essays which have been published here at CaliforniaGermans. (You can find the stories here on CaliforniaGermans.com by putting “Dieter Kermas” into the Search Box.) Apart from his childhood memories, he is also sharing some of his short stories and poems on CaliforniaGermans. Dieter Kermas, who loves to write, has published his first novel “Kolja. Liebe im Feindesland” in 2016, available at Amazon . Some of his work has been included in anthologies.

To get in touch with Dieter Kermas, please send an email with subject line “Dieter Kermas” to: californiagermans@gmail.com
——————————————————————————————————————

Filed Under: Lese-Ecke Tagged With: California, deutsches Gedicht, Dieter Kermas, Expat, German, German poem, Mondlicht, moonlight

Lantern Parades in California celebrating Saint Martin

November 4, 2017 by Cornelia Leave a Comment

On November 11, Germany traditionally celebrates Saint Martin’s Day. Originally a Catholic holiday to honor the kind Roman soldier, who shared his cloak with a beggar on a freezing winter night, Saint Martin’s Day quickly became a holiday loved by everyone for its festive lantern parades.
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Many German schools and German communities here in California carry on this beloved tradition and invite to their own version of a lantern parade.
.
In the following, please find a collection of lantern parades happening in Southern and Northen California.

GPSSD – German Pacific School of San Diego

Sunday, November 5th  
Time: 3:30pm – 6:00pm 
Where: Mission Bay Park, Crown Point North,  3700 Corona Oriente Rd San Diego, CA 92109
.
Join GPSSD for a Lantern Fest with BBQ and bonfire at Crowne Point Park in Pacific Beach (North Parking Lot). Mission Bay Park
.
The younger kids are invited to go on a traditional lantern walk (5:30pm!!) and sing lantern songs (Laternenlieder).
The older students and everyone, who doesn’t want to go on the walk can just hang out at the fire or at the beach.
The GPSSD Lanternfest has traditionally been a fun and special event and a great opportunity to meet new families. Bring your beach chairs and a dish to share for our half-potluck.
.

Contact: germanpacificschool@gmail.com, ph: (858) 461-9118


GermanSchoolCampus – Old World Huntington Beach

Saturday, November 18th  
Time: 4:00 – 7:30pm 
Where: Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
.

German School campus and Old World Huntington Beach invite to a festive Lantern Parade around the little village of Old World to celebrate the story of Saint Martin.

Registration is from 4 pm – 5:30 pm during which hot chocolate, coffee and cake and also “Weckmännchen”, a traditional pastry, will be available for purchase.  A short performance, telling the story of Saint Martin, will be followed by the lantern parade starting at 6:15 pm. (Lanterns available for purchase)

This is a festive family event. Stay on after for the lantern contest results and to celebrate the season with Old World’s goulash soup and hot cider.

Contact: GermanSchool campus at (949)285-0829


German American School Association ( GASA)

Saturday, Nov. 18 
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Where: Christus Kirche (First German Methodist Church), 556 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202
.
GASA Lanternfest: GASA teachers and students of GASA Kinderland in Glendale and of the Northridge School will participate in the annual lantern parade at the Christus Kirche (First German United Methodist Church) in Glendale.
.
Contact: GASA , Ph: (562) 693-0223

Alto International School Menlo Park
Thursday, Nov. 9th
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: 475 Pope Street, Menlo Park, California 94025
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Join Alto School for a traditional German St. Martin’s lantern parade, sing-a-long and a shadow theatre performance about the legend of St. Martin. Don’t forget to bring your lantern. The event is organized by the Alto preschool and elementary school.
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Contact: Alto International, Ph: (650) 324-8617

Laternenfest at Bay Area Kinderstube in Albany
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Saturday, November 11  
Time: 4:00 – 7:00pm 
Where:  842 Key Route Boulevard, Albany, CA 94706
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Join us and celebrate the annual German tradition of St. Martin’s Day with Bay Area Kinderstube.

We welcome the season with St. Martin’s Day songs and play, performed by our preschoolers, followed by a magical lantern-procession around the neighborhood – open for everyone to join. Enjoy German staples like Bratwurst, baked goods, mulled wine and much more in a festive atmosphere.

For more information, to purchase admission and food tickets, and to bid on fantastic items online, visit www.kinderstube.org/laternenfest
 
Contact: BAKS Kinderstube, Ph: 510-525-3105

German International School Silicon Valley (GISSV) 

Sunday, Nov 12
Time: 2-6pm
Where: 4 + 5 Funston Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
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The Laternenfest at SF Campus of GISSV started celebrating the wonderful tradition of the lantern parades with the public 3 years ago with their own version and called it Laternenfest. It is an event that our students and community look forward to every year! Friends and the larger Bay Area community are invited to join in the merriment!
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Our event on Sunday, Nov 12  will again offer Lantern making, kids games, face painting and a few special performances by GISSV SF students. And look out for the German food truck and bake sale! It all end ends with an enchanting lantern-lit walk through the Presidio.
Please check our website for special event information or join our Facebook Event.
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Contact: GISSV SF, Ph: (650) 254-0748

 


German Language School of Marin 

Saturday, Nov 11th
Time: 5:30pm
Where:  2 Locations: Santa Rosa & Novato (see below)
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Laternenfest in Novato and Santa Rosa! Lantern Festival, Music Parade, and Refreshments! For the lantern parade, we’ll meet at the locations below to light our lanterns (with flameless candles) before beginning our parade. Afterwards, we will have hot chocolate and Weckmänner (jumbo bread men) available if desired. The parade is FREE! Only $5 per person if you would like Weckmänner afterward. Everyone is welcome, so bring friends!

In Novato
We will meet on Saturday, November 11 at 5:30pm at Pioneer Park in Novato (map it). Help us plan! Please RSVP to Carolyn Bopp or let us know during school on Saturday if you would like to join us and would like Weckmänner.

In Santa Rosa
We will meet on Saturday, November 11 at 5:30pm at our school campus in Santa Rosa (map it). Please RSVP to Christine Campbell by email or let us know during school on Saturday if you would like to join us and would like Weckmänner.


German American School Palo Alto (GASPA)

Saturday, November 11th  
Time: 5:30 – 8:00pm 
Where: Alto International School Campus (475 Pope Str. Menlo Park)

(Please RSVP)

Join GASPA for its annual St. Martin’s Laternenumzug at the Campus of Alto International School in Menlo Park. The event will start with a shadow play about the legend of St. Martin as well as introduce the traditional lantern songs. Following the play, everyone is invited to join for a walk through the neighborhood with their lit lanterns while singing songs. The parade will end with a final song together in a candlelight circle.

There will be refreshments, which include Martinsmännchen, Frankfurter Sausages, Pretzels, and Hot Cider will be available for sale before and after the parade.

Contact: GASPA, Ph: (650) 520-2346


Tivoli Rainbow Preschool in Los Angeles

Wednesday, November 15th
Lantern parade – More Information to follow. Please contact the school. Ph: (310)301.9147
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Credits: Lantern Image created by Pia Elbe

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Filed Under: CA For Kids, Culture, German Festivals, Life in California Tagged With: California, Expat, expatriate, Lantern parade, Laternenfest, Saint Martin, Sankt Martin

Der Kalte Keller – Eine Gruselgeschichte zu Halloween

October 29, 2017 by Dieter Kermas Leave a Comment

DER KALTE KELLER

(Eine Gruselgeschichte von Dieter Kermas)
.

Die Frühjahrssonne erhellte mit ihren wärmenden Strahlen unser Montagebüro. Durch das große Südfenster fiel mein Blick auf das emsige Treiben auf der Hardenbergstraße in Berlin – Charlottenburg.

Dienstags bis freitags hätte die Sonne sicher unsere Laune und unseren Arbeitseifer günstig beeinflusst. Doch heute war es Montag. Aus Erfahrung wussten wir, dass heute das Klingeln der Telefone meist unangenehme Nachrichten bedeutete.

Baustellen hatten kein Material bekommen, ein Lastwagen mit dringend benötigten Dämmpaneelen war bei Braunschweig in den Graben gefahren und der technische Leiter einer Filialkette schnaubte erbost, dass sich die Tür zum Tiefkühlraum nicht öffnen ließe und somit keine Ware für den Verkauf zur Verfügung stünde.

Diese Gedanken gingen mir durch den Sinn, als mein Telefon loslärmte.

Mein Gesprächspartner hatte keine Hiobsbotschaft zu verkünden. Er wollte mich noch heute wegen eines Angebotes sprechen. Freudig erregt sagte ich, ich sei bereits auf dem Weg zu ihm. Ich warf mich in meinen Trenchcoat, beeilte mich das Büro zu verlassen und floh so vor den üblichen Montagsüberraschungen.

Der Weg zu dem alten Krankenhaus war nicht weit und so war der Anrufer recht erstaunt, als ich kurz danach in seinem Büro in der technischen Abteilung auftauchte.

Mit kurzen Worten erklärte er mir den Grund seines Anrufs. Die Kosten für auszuführende Reparaturarbeiten sollte ich ihm als Angebot einreichen.

Beim Hinausgehen fragte ich noch, in welchem Gebäude ich mir die auszuführenden Arbeiten ansehen könnte. „Sie kennen sich doch hier gut aus“, rief er mir zu, “die Pathologie finden Sie sicher alleine.“

Aha, die Pathologie, dachte ich und lief etwas langsamer. Ich war früher bereits einmal in diesem uralten, muffigen Kellergewölbe gewesen. Das Gemäuer stammte sicher noch aus der Zeit um 1900.

Ich stieg die ausgetretenen Stufen hinab. Liebe Sonne ade, der Hades wartet auf mich. Ein Lufthauch wehte mir entgegen, als ich die erste Kellertür öffnete. Nun atmete ich dumpfe Kellerluft gemischt mit dem Geruch von Desinfektionsmitteln ein.

Im Halbdunkel tappte ich den Mittelgang in Richtung einer stärkeren Lichtquelle.

Ehe sich meine Augen an das hellere Licht gewöhnt hatten, tauchte eine kleine, gedrungene Gestalt vor mir auf. Dann erkannte ich den Zerberus dieser Gruft.

Ein ehemals weißer Kittel, jetzt mit undefinierbaren Flecken übersät, spannte sich über seinem kleinen Spitzbauch. Trotz des angefressenen Zigarrenstummels in seinem Mund quetschte er eine Begrüßung hervor. „Kommen Sie bitte, ich zeige Ihnen die beschädigten Fliesen und die abgerissenen Türdichtungen, die erneuert werden müssen“, murmelte er etwas undeutlich.

Hier möchte ich kurz den Raum beschreiben, in dem wir uns befanden. Die Wände und der Boden waren gefliest. Eine Wand aus Dämmpaneelen teilte den Raum in seiner Länge. In dieser Wand befand sich eine Tür neben der anderen. Es waren zehn Türen.

Hinter jeder dieser Türen lag eine Leiche auf einer fahrbaren Bahre.

Mit den Worten: „Ich lasse Sie jetzt alleine“, entschwand der Kellergeist.

Also Taschenlampe angeknipst, Notizblock, Zollstock und Stift in die Hände genommen und rein in die erste Tür. Der anfangs beschriebene Geruch schlug mir nun verstärkt entgegen. Ich meinte noch einen weiteren Bestandteil in der Luft zu riechen, doch wollte ich darüber lieber nicht nachdenken. Die Bahre mit der Leiche etwas zur Seite gedrückt, und mich vorbeigequetscht. Beschädigte Wand-und Bodenfliesen notiert und auf der Rückseite des Raumes weitergeschlichen.

Die Kühlanlage sprang plötzlich klappernd an und verwirbelte den durchdringenden Geruch im Raum. Zwischen jeder Bahre zur Tür gedrängelt, um die Dichtungen zu kontrollieren. Mein Gott war das eng hier, dachte ich. Um zu messen, musste ich mein Notizbuch mit dem Kuli auf einer der Bahren ablegen.

Lieber Leser, hier muss ich leider eine Illusion zerstören. Die Leichen liegen nicht, wie oft in den Krimifilmen dargestellt, sauber abgedeckt und ordentlich gekämmt da.

Nein, hier lagen die Körper, so wie sie gestorben waren, nackt und oft noch mit den Spuren der vergeblichen Operationen auf den Unterlagen. Aufgedunsene Bäuche mit gelber Desinfektionsfarbe und grob vernähte Schnitte sind sicher kein schöner Anblick. Ich war heilfroh, kein Kind zu entdecken.

Ich bückte mich, nahm an der Tür Maß von oben nach unten, streckte mich und wollte die Maße in mein Notizbuch eintragen. Da blieb meine ausgestreckte Hand wie erstarrt in der Luft stehen. Etwas hielt mich hinten am Trenchcoat fest. Ich hielt die Luft an und fasste nach hinten. Meine Hand berührte einen kalten Fuß, dessen Zeh sich im Gürtel des Mantels verhakt hatte. Ich zerrte am Gürtel und kam frei.

Durch den Ruck stieß ich gegen die andere Bahre, worauf mein dort abgelegter Kugelschreiber unter den dort liegenden Körper rollte. Mit der Taschenlampe geleuchtet und mit spitzen Fingern den Kuli wieder hervorgeholt.

Die letzten Maße waren eher geschätzt als gemessen. Nur raus hier, war mein Gedanke.

Ich drängelte mich wieder bis zur ersten Tür durch und begab mich zum Herrn der Toten. Ich entdeckte ihn in seinem kleinen Aufenthaltsraum, der von Zigarrenqualm zugenebelt war. Jetzt eine Zigarette dachte ich und kramte die Schachtel aus meinem Mantel. So saßen wir eine Weile schweigend und rauchend, ehe wir auf den Montageablauf zu sprechen kamen.

Er sah auf seine Uhr, meinte es wäre Zeit für sein Frühstück und ging zu einem kleinen Kühlschrank, der vor dem Raum an der gegenüberliegenden Wand stand.

Mehr zufällig als neugierig sah ich, wie er ein in Pergamentpapier eingewickeltes Päckchen zurückbrachte, es öffnete und in eine Stulle biss. Doch was enthielten die Plastikbeutel, die ich neben seinen Stullen im Kühlschrank gesehen hatte?

Ich fragte. Noch kauend verstand ich, dass es entnommene Organe und andere Teile seien, die er für die Studenten, oder auch für ergänzende Untersuchungen aufbewahrte. Es würgte in meiner Kehle.

Ein Geräusch ließ uns in Richtung einer Tür blicken, die ich vorher nicht bemerkt hatte. Zwei schwarz gekleidete Männer schoben fast würdevoll einen Sarg, der auf einer fahrbaren Unterlage ruhte, in den Keller. Sie nahmen den Sargdeckel ab und legten ihn auf den Boden. Das kauende Unikum rief den beiden Beerdigungskräften zu, dass sie den Gesuchten hinter Tür Nr. 5 fänden.

Wie gebannt verfolgte ich den weiteren Ablauf. Sie zogen die männliche Person, es war die, die sich in meinem Gürtel verfangen hatte, mit der Bahre neben ihren Sarg. Dann packte einer die Füße und der andere fasste unter die Arme der mageren Leiche. Der am Kopfende zählte „eins, zwei und drei“ und mit Schwung flog der alte Mann in den offenen Sarg. Es polterte wie ein Sack Kartoffeln. Der Deckel wurde aufgelegt und sie verschwanden.

Es ist jetzt höchste Zeit ebenfalls zu verschwinden, überlegte ich, verabschiedete mich vom Herrscher der Unterwelt und stürzte ins Freie, in die frische Luft.

Nach diesem Erlebnis empfand ich den Lärm und die Hektik in unserem Büro wie eine Wohltat und langsam entspannten sich meine Nerven.

©Dieter Kermas

Image:  pixabay.com

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Dieter Kermas, CaliforniaGermans Author and a true Berliner, turned to writing after he retired from his profession as an engineer. Family and friends urged him to document his many experiences during his childhood in wartime Germany. This made for a collection of various essays which have been published here at CaliforniaGermans. (You can find the stories here on CaliforniaGermans.com by putting “Dieter Kermas” into the Search Box.) Apart from his childhood memories, he is also sharing some of his short stories and poems on CaliforniaGermans. Dieter Kermas, who loves to write, is currently working on his first novel. Some of his work has been included in anthologies.

To get in touch with Dieter Kermas, please send an email with subject line “Dieter Kermas” to: californiagermans@gmail.com
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Filed Under: Lese-Ecke Tagged With: California, California Germans, Deutsche in Kalifornien, Deutsche Kurzgeschichte, Dieter Kermas, Expat, Halloween, Tradition

Why Germany Is a Great Place to Have Kids

October 13, 2017 by Kate Müser 1 Comment

Why Germany Is a Great Place to Have Kids

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by Kate Müser
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Parental leave – or rather its absence – has recently become a hot topic in the US. Will a sinking birthrate in the US lead to financial motivation for struggling parents?

In Germany, on the other hand, the birthrate has been rising recently, up just slightly from worrying lows. Here, generous parental benefits were implemented years ago.

Most Americans would fall out of their chairs to learn that new parents in Germany can receive around two-thirds of their salary for up to 14 months after the birth of their child – without going to work.

Meanwhile parents can plan the years after birth with a great deal of flexibility – taking turns working part-time or not at all, and with a high degree of job security.

With my first baby on the way, I’m about to experience the full extent of German family benefits first hand.

But are state subsidies and time off work the only reasons why German is known for being an ideal place to have kids?

I chatted with German YouTuber and mommy-of-two Charlotte from the channel MenschFrau to find out.

©KateMüser

Image: Pixabay.com

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Kate Müser, who grew up in Pleasanton, California, was surprised to discover that she feels even closer to her home state now than she did when she first moved to Bonn, Germany, over 13 years ago.

She is the creator of the successful YouTube series #thoseGermans and the portrait series #germany24. Visit Kate’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/katemuser and her website, justkate.de.

For over a decade, Kate has been a TV, radio and online journalist at Deutsche Welle, where she currently hosts the video series Meet the Germans with Kate and the TV show PopXport.

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Filed Under: Germany in the News Tagged With: Expat, family planning, Germany, Kate Müser, kids, parenting, raising children

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