More ketchup, please.

There are many "American" things here that aren't the same as they are in America. For example, some of the music is the same, but it's not censored because nobody can understand the lyrics. A while ago, I heard 50 Cent "P-I-M-P" and the normally censored line "Ho make a pimp rich, I ain't payin' bitch / catch a date, suck a dick, shit... trick!" came across loud and clear. It's even funnier to hear Germans try and sing along to these lyrics with their accents. Hilarious. Another "American" thing that is different - Coke. They don't have Diet Coke, it's "Coke Light" and it definitely doesn't taste the same. Apparently all of the fake sugars that we Americans love aren't used in Europe. They have Starbucks, but no Splenda to put in your coffee.

And now, the epic symbol of globalized business, Americanization, and "the world is flat" principle - McDonalds. Totally not the same as it is in America. There's no red and yellow theme, no Ronald McDonald, no plastic booths, no McDonalds Playplace. In comparison, it's actually kind of classy. They even have a special Asian-style menu. They don't have massive ketchup dispensers on the side - you have to order ketchup with your meal (which is an issue for people like me, who put copious amounts of ketchup on everything.) The menu, aside from having an Asian section, is completely different. There are no numbered meals, so you can't go up and ask "a number two, please." The food tastes different - better, actually. One thing that hasn't changed?? EVERY time I go to McDonalds - only three or four times a year - I spill ketchup in my lap. Every. Single. Time. And, I am always wearing white bottoms. It's a curse.

Speaking of ketchup, someone wise once compared getting to know German people to opening a bottle of ketchup. At first, nothing comes out. You can shake it, you can try holding it at different angles, but nothing will come out. Then, all of the sudden, you have tons of ketchup on your plate. In my experiences with German people and with ketchup, this seems to be an accurate description. They take a while to get to know. They are much more reserved. But once you break through that barrier, they're pretty awesome - but it takes time. You see, Americans are more like bottles of shampoo. Unless you hold them just right, everything comes pouring out. Just a little push will give you much more information (or shampoo) than you wanted.

I want to be more like a bottle of ketchup. It's always easy to reveal more about yourself, but it's impossible to take something back. You can't "un-share" something. People don't forget that easily, especially the types of things I tend to share about.

Oh and I'm taking out my nose piercing - I think it's sending the wrong signals to the bosses. Es ist nicht angemessen für Arbeit. They shouldn't know that their good-girl, hardworking American Intern has a more interesting side. Being boring at work is a good thing. More ketchup, less shampoo.


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