Expat family life, German style, from the pen of Trevor Dykes in darkest Franconia!
“Germany is a land rich in tradition. However, every land, excepting perhaps Antarctica, is rich in tradition. And even there, I expect researchers have passed their time concocting traditions for all seasons. They probably perform their own spring rites like the rest of us, only in November and wearing thicker clothes.” Trevor’s thoughts turn to Germany’s traditional Springtide celebrations, which also include football, beer and – oh no – German folk music…
“I’m going to add an extra touch this year, assuming I can find one of those amusing e-greetings cards. If I put enough effort into it, I’m confident I’ll come up with a heartfelt template at Yahoo.com. Imagine my wife’s delight at discovering an ‘I Love You’ e-mail on the computer!” Trevor muses on his forthcoming wedding anniversary, the death of the Pope, and 1.FC Nürnberg’s impending relegation…
“I’ve no idea where that case fell down from or how it arrived in the cellar. I came across half of a booklet published in 1812: ‘Merryweather’s Concise Compendium of Wisdom, Idioms and Expressions Collected during Mr Merryweather’s Journies Around and Through the.’ I’m not sure where Merryweather had been, seeing as the cover was less than well-preserved.” Trevor goes rooting through his cellar and unearths some pearls of questionable wisdom…
“I don’t think I’ve mentioned my illustrious football career. To those who don’t know me personally, it may come as a surprise to hear I had one. It would be completely incredible to my acquaintances, but people are full of surprises.” Trevor reminisces about the last time he pulled on his boots…
“Fischer’s a man with a mission. He will happily set himself up in parks, market squares and shopping centres. And people smile and join in; dozens, hundreds and sometimes even thousands of them, singing along with tunes we know as ‘Roll Out The Barrel’, or ‘I Love To Go A-Wandering’.” Trevor tells us all about German folk singing phenomenon Gotthilf Fischer…
As I made my way back up the stairs, I was surprised to hear giggling and chattering. It was then that I observed the painted boot prints on the plastic sheeting. I followed them, and was astonished to find that they continued up the wall at the top, and even onto the ceiling. It was as if small and playful elves had decided to join the campaign.” Trevor’s children decide to “help” with decorating the stairwell.