Today begins my second week in Germany. While there are still some logistical things that need to be sorted out, I no longer have any real excuse for not properly getting to work. So, here I sit at my desk, surrounded by paperwork... blogging. Oops. This'll be a short one.

My Sunday was quiet; I suspect that this will generally be the case, as stores are all closed here on Sundays- even the larger supermarkets. Harkening back to an earlier era, I suppose. I am not sure if it's quaint or irritating. Perhaps a little of both. I'm actually a bit surprised by it, because the Germans I know don't seem particularly religious, but I guess it's become more of a cultural thing.

Now that it's August, town will be quiet, as the University is on break, and as is the case in many other European cities, people disappear in August- go off on vacation somewhere or other. My first experience with this came in Paris last year; I was shocked to learn that much of city just sort of shuts down in August- bakeries, restaurants, shops- many are closed. For a month! So, if you want to experience Paris in the absence of the Parisians, go in August.

Anyway, I've officially gotten settled into my apartment; I re-arranged some of the furniture and the plants, etc. I should have brought some photos with me, something to put on the walls or on the bookshelves. Something to make it feel more like home. Guess that's something I can work on this week (getting prints made, that is)...