Today I got my first negative reaction to not speaking German. Pretty good, since I've been here a month and have interacted with various shop/food service people just about every day.
I also made my first solo subway trip. I have been very nervous about doing this because I feel that the signs are just not very clear and I'm constantly worrying about walking up the wrong set of stairs and ending up on some street where I have no idea where I am. Today I decided to go to the Hauptbanhof Nord station. Hauptbanhof means the main train station for each city, but this particular Hauptbanhof has two separate stations--the main station where you can pick up real trains and the S-bahn, and a small, regular-sized U-bahn (subway) station. Kevin and I have been to this station several times so I felt pretty confident.
Well of course I picked the wrong exit and it took me a little wandering around to find the street I was looking for, but I did find it. After more wandering around, I finally found the Lush store. After selecting a new soap and a moisturizing bar, I headed to the checkout. The transaction went well (non-verbal) until she asked me a question. I didn't quite hear her and couldn't translate in time, so I gave my "I don't speak German *sheepish grin*" response (and yes, I said it in German). She gave a little Humph sound and shot me a dirty look, then whipped around a got out a bag, and I then realized that she was asking me if I wanted a bag or not. Well, humph yourself lady. How do you say in German, "Look, my purchase pays your salary." Oh well.
I also have developed a problem--foot pain. This started a couple of days ago and has become progressively worse. My right foot hurts terribly when I walk, and also when I rest, so all of the time, basically. The pain is located right in the heel and after looking it up on the web, I have diagnosed myself with plantar fasciitis. I found some stretches on the net and those have been helping. Basically it seems that the muscle over the heel tightens up and is very painful. As you walk or exercise, it stretches out and the pain lessens, but once you stop it tightens up again. I rested all day Sunday and that seemed to help, but with all of the walking I did today, now that I'm home from class it is really hurting me. Let's hope I don't have to go to the doctor about this!
And just one note about class:
Dear Mr. Impatient: Other people are talking. Shut up. If you have a question, wait until the person talking has finished before you ask it. If you have an answer, wait until it's your turn to shout it out. If you ask a question, let the teacher answer before shouting out a series of what you think the answer might be.
Oh man! I HATE Mr. Impatient! he works over here, too!
Hope you feel better soon!
Posted by: Buzz at March 10, 2004 01:24 PMPlantar fasciitis also affects the tendons in the bottom of your foot. Bones in your heel can rub the base of the tendons the wrong way and they get sore. You need arch supports. Or, at least, that's what I needed.
Posted by: Sherri at March 10, 2004 09:29 PMI've had plantar fasciitis for about 8 years now and it's definitely no picnic. Please go see a doctor before it gets any worse. He can either put you on some anti-inflammatories or give you some really good calf stretches. Either way, it's good to nip that in the bud.
And yes, Gypsy is quite the drama queen as well. You'd swear that we beat the crap out of her, the way she cowers when she meets new people. ;-)