Sprudelwasser

Before this year I had only been once to Germany. I tend not to count it actually because of how short the 2 days trip was at the time (however full of emotions it was since I had traveled to Berlin for a memorable surprise family reunion). This year I've already been twice and as it looks, there are more trips to Nurnberg planned for the next 6 months, which I look forward to. But I have one problem: I don't speak German. Not a word. While I'm not technically required to speak German for the matter that brings me to Bavaria, this would be convenient of course. And also this is a great opportunity for me to learn a language I had never been interested into.

See at school, I had the choice between Spanish and German. My parents having bitter memories of their years of German, I had been adviced to pick Spanish. This was a great decision because I began to learn an easy enough language and to discover a lovely culture. On the other hand, all my friends were complai

ning about how tough German was to learn and the "sausages at breakfast" stories they would tell after field trips would horrify me at the time. I never thought I could want to learn German other than for a pretty girl.

But the last two days have been very frustrating for me. I had entire meetings in German and could only pick up words here and there, when I was lucky. I hated it. I was left out of not just the discussion but the entire understanding of the meeting. During one of them, in between two moments of absence, I decided I would learn German. I don't intend to get fluent overnight or to be able to write properly but I'd like to be able to pick up what's going on around me. Also I wouldn't mind understanding some of the weird German habits. The main one I need explanations with is the sparkling water.

In any country I've travelled to the water choices you have are "still" or "sparkling" water. In Germany, it's "light sparkling" or "strong sparkling"?! And don't think you'll get around that awkward choice by going for the apple juice: it's a trap too! It's mixed with sparkling water! On the menu of the restaurant yesterday I tried to escape the bubbles but I panicked when the waitress (not one of these who would have made me learn German) came over. I had a look at the menu and there were bubbles all over the card. I thought I was going for the safe option by ordering a "Coke" but my awful pronunciation almost got me a local beer had it not been for my boss who corrected my order (I owe you one Hardy). I urgently need German classes. Really.

Any cute tutor available?