English speakers in Dresden

Ok, i will stop the American bashing, but when you have been stopped for 3 hrs at Boston Logans Airport,
while the yanks go through every bit of your clothing, laptop, mobile phone all this time with their finger on their trigger happy guns in case i made a sudden movement, it is very difficult to like them. But i suppose it is not the TT comunities fault. Ok, i am over it and we can all get along dandy.

ChiTown i am going to Scotland on the 22nd December so we can meet up between the 16th - 21st December. If anyone else from the Dresden community wants to come along then that would be ok, but i won´t hold my breath.

STCrawley, How old are you, and why r u coming to Dresden to work for Burger King or Mcdonalds, I don´t want to sound judgemental but shouldn´t you set your sights a bit higher.

Does anyone like Turkish food?

Also our apartment is right by the Frauenkirche is anyone close to that area? If it's as cold as it was last year I'm either going to have to wear all the clothes I have or find a different way of getting around.

Malikos: They (U.S. Customs) searched me last time, too. It's my biggest U.S. pet peeve. I'm working in fast food in the U.S., if I can find a job. I'm twenty six (I'll be twenty-seven when I'm next in Dresden) and wanted to earn some money while I'm home. Doesn't look too likely.

ST you should try retail. Every place around my house is hiring for the holidays, can't be that much different down south.

Hello all. I haven't checked out this page for a while, but it looks like there's a bit more action going on in this thread, so I thought I'd write again.

I'm a 28 year old American woman, happily married to a German, been living in Dresden for over a year now. I know some people in town, but I'm always happy to meet more expats. I'd be up for a meet up if anyone's interested - coffee, Glühwein at the Christmas market, drinks, shopping, whatever. Check out my My Space page: Lucy Roboticus

Hello.

I'm 25, American, going to be in Dresden in three weeks. I would enjoy meeting up. No one here likes shopping but me, so I thought I was going to be all alone with my girly self. I checked out your profile. Bauhaus, Echo and the Bunnymen, Misfits ect. is before our time. Did you ever listen to the Dead Kennedys?

The Dresden thread is now the hot thread on this forum, which means that we have to keep it going.

What shall be the hot topic of the day, Currency, what is happening to the Dollar today.

Why is it in freefall ???

£1=$1.9336
1 Euro=$1.3086.

ChiTown and ST whats happening in the states to cause the dollar to plummett like that.

What has Bush done ?

ChiTown, do you want to organise a Dresden expat Christmas party, between the 16th and 21nd December.
Everytime i organise something no one replies.

I only know about social issues. I looked around, I don't know what happened to it because American news blows. The market is down in general but this is the biggest shopping day of the year so I'd think it would be up, but yeah, I know nothing about stocks or technology or sports. Maybe ST knows.

Okay, I can organize a party parties are fun. I was thinking I'd sort of swap numbers with who ever is interested in hanging out and then we can all agree on some where to meet and all that. Our pad is pretty little though.

I just wanted to take a moment to say that no, I don't know why the dollar is sinking. If I had to guess, I'd say that the wave of democrats elected on a "protectionist" platform might have discouraged foreign investment, but that's a shot in the dark and, well, the issue is above my pay grade. :-/

A Christmas Party would be great!!

Speaking of Christmas, the Streizelmarkt opens this wednesday - anyone interested in meeting there for a Gluewein? Chicagogo, I know you're up for it. Let me know as I live in a short tram ride away.

As far as meeting people, I would be happy to catch up with some of you. I need to check back in more ofter I guess.

Hope to hear from someone soon.

Malikos, curry sounds cool. Or maybe Tapas? Or Turkish (no shortage here)? Or maybe a different place each time. Just a thouhgt...

ChiTown, cool music on your MySpace site. And there is a ton of stuff to do in & around Dresden. Bring a bike & a good set of legs. When they say "Bike Tour" here, they mean to Hamburg & back.

Roboticus, I too am married to a German - what fun & what integration (do NOT be late or say things just in passing..). I work from home & am close to the Altstadt, so meeting just about anytime is easy, given the
workload of the day.

Maybe if we could arrange a time this early, we could see a suitable time for everyone to make it.
Chi arrives on the 15th December, i leave for Scotland on the 22nd December.

What does everyone think of Wednesday the 20th December (another date would also be ok) for the Dresden Christmas party in some restaurant somewhere. Rather than send Personal mails i think we should organise it on this forum so everyone knows everyone elses plans.

What times are good for everyone? I'm on vacation so I'm free.

Chi, This lot don´t answer to well. I will repeat what time is good for everyone. Chi,
if this lot don´t answer we can go out for a beer.

Well they're busy, buddy. Almost everyone is married or has a job and stuff so be patient and they'll come out and play.

Did you ever find a movie theater that played Borat in English? I went to the movies a couple of time in Köln and it was really fun.

The 20th sounds good to me (if I'm in town). Any ideas for a place to meet? Neustadt is just a tram ride away & Altstadt is even closer.

Chitown, I saw Borat in Stuttgart, in English. I think the theatre at the Prager Strasse (here is Dresden) shows movies on wednesday night in their original language (not necessarily english). That's one thing I miss the most about the States - the weekly movie.

And you're right about being busy - we're not ignoring you, we're are just busy running about (at least I am).

I would prefer a Tapas bar in the centre, i think its called Barcelona, near Pinaischer Platz. But i suppose it depends what everyone wants.

So far we have 3, so i guess it is ok for a good meet. Hopefully more will reply.

Ok, we now have 4 people, just waiting for Lucy Roboticus to reply and then we have 5 people.

Ok so its the 20th December, everyone keep there December 20th free, so what time and what place.

We could all meet outside the semperopera at about 18.30, go for a drink somewhere and then decide where we want to eat. What does everyone think of these plans ???

Where is that? I'm only familiar with the three miles in each direction of our pad. Generally I don't venture so far so I'm going to need to know where I'm going and then figure out how to get there.

Bon, I'd really like to know where the theater is. I love movies.

They show very few English stuff here, but they r showing Casino Royal this weekend in English in the Cinemax , so finally i can watch an English film at the weekend, but it starts at 13.45.

The semperopera is in the old town, near the Tram station theatreplatz. A huge building you can´t miss it.

There also showing Crank in English at the UCI on Monday and Wednesday. I still can´t believe it, 2 English
speaking films in a week. Its all too much, i need to sit down. But still no Borat

Probably the second most famous building in Dresden after the Frauenkirche!

BTW folk, I will be in Dresden on/around 20th. so may also meet for a pint. will keep an eye here for details nearer the time.

Chitown,
The theatres are at the end of the Prager Strasse, across the street from the Haupbanhof - I think its called UCI (someone correct me if I'm wrong here). CAUTION - the popcorn is sweet :-(

I miss the movies the most I think. I'm looking for a beamer or a big screen TV.

Anyone have plans yet to go to the Stiezelmarkt? Gluwhein on a cold night (or during day for that matter)...

Nice of you to join us, that makes 5 so it could be a good night out.

There are very few English films in Dresden, but i use this site to find them,

www.kino.de, it will show where the English films are being played.

I am for some gluwiin unfortunately i have been to too many parties and drunk too much beer
and December has just started. Might cut down, but all the people (I know) who have lived in Germany have come back to the UK with alcoholic problems. Why do Germans make beer taste so damn good ?

Sure, count me in for the 20th - 6:30 in from of the Semperoper. Sounds like fun!

Oh, and I always enjoy a good Glühwein - I'm out of town this weekend - but maybe next week? Anyone else in? The Christmas Markt is pretty lovely at night.

Roboticus, will you join us on the 20th December as well ???

Yep, I'll be there!

That is 6, we have ourselves a Dresden Christmas party

Ok, so at 18.30 outside the semperopera on the 20th December.

Sounds good. Shall someone bring a big sign in case we don't recognize each other? Malikos I'd like to see you standing there with something that says "Welcome, Expats in Dresden!"

roboticus (or anyone else in the area), I will be around all week if you'd like to meet up at the Striezelmarkt for a Gluwhein.

Have you tried the Feuerzangenbowle? Its worth a try.

check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feuerzangenbowle

Now I wish I were still in Dresden. I hope that y'all will still be this social come February!!

Hey, while you're chatting. . . does anyone have a suggestion for a good way to entertain a crowd of mostly Germans and two (non-German speaking) Americans at a wedding reception? I'm racking my brain, and I haven't come up with anything, yet.

ST, try playing "Country Roads" - it will give the Germans a chance to sing their un-official national athem and give the Americans a very interesting show, as well as leave them asking the question "What the HELL?". I'm still at a loss as to how this song has so deeply infiltrated the German society (at all age levels no less).

Only joking about the song but you have a task on your hands for sure. Maybe there are some differences in the marital process that both sides can see. I had a Korean friend who married a Carribean girl - that was one wild wedding. They performed 2 ceremonies and everybody was interested in the others' culture. Good luck with that.

See you in February

Hey ST, I have a few suggestions: First, introduce them to a variety of beers...quality beers. Try ofcourse Sam Adams and point out the German Purity law on the label. Then fill in the gaps with your own favorites. This start will cut the ice; plus I don't meet many Germans opposed to Beer. Just for fun, show them "Schlitz" beer; ask me later.
Germans usually get a huge kick out of seeing German origins in US culture. Find your own examples here.
Especially the differences of German/Enlish sayings...Oooh, more later...The Daily Show Global with John Stewart is on now...

This forum is well and trully buzzing. On the 20th December i will stand with a piece of paper which says expats welcome to Dresden, outside the semperopera at 18.30. But i would like to pint out that at 18.33, the sign goes off. So the sign will be only visable for 3 minutes.

Chicagogo, could i point out the Sam Adams is the worst beer i have ever tasted.

Steady, Chicagogo, Steady...

Okay Malikso, if you really have a sign on December 20th I'll buy you a drink. I have to see this, even if it's only for three minutes.

Personally my favorite beer is Stella Artois. But I like Irish Red, Blue Moon, and Amstel too. The funny thing about Dresden is that most of the Germans I know drink fosters or Turkish beer. When they want to be hard core then they break out the tequila.

Oh yeah on a side note about our Christmas party. We should invite all the significant others and friends who want to come as well. I know my boyfriend would feel left out if he couldn't come. His english is better than mine sometimes

Hey, even though I'm not a real native I'd be up for meeting up (if allowed). I will return from NY in the end of December and I can certainly need some english speaking people around me. movies, drink whatever. Let me know

Depending on the success of the 20thDecember we could make it a weekly or fortnightly event. Also anyone who reads this forum is welcome to attend. As long as she is female below the age of 30 and single . No seriously anyone is able to attend. I guess that goes for all partners.

Malicos, first of all it is a matter of taste; everyone is different, but not everyone has taste. As a certified brewmaster, I value more than opinion. Sam Adams is one of the finest beers in the world despite your comments. How have you ever sampled Sam Adams beer? I will repeat another of my questions again: Have you ever been to the States (to taste it from draught)?

Ok, I won't be holding any sign. I'll be there at 18:35. Me and all the ladies you scared off Malicos will find our own way.
P.S. I will be the friendly looking, similing man next to the front door of the Opera house.

Chicagogo you should bring a sign too. Anyone who brings a sign will get a free drink. We could even have a vote for the best Expats in Dresden sign. I'll take pictures. The more the merrier, that's usually the way parties work.

Whats this with the signs? Now I have to bring one - anything for a free drink

Anybody up for meeting somewhere for Happy Hour prior to the 20th? Seems like people are getting more interested here - and the english speaking company is always nice.

Let me know...

In September i was in Boston, and went to the Cheers Bar on Beacon Hill, like all tourists do and had
Sam Adamas. I have to say appart from Fosters which is worse, Sam Adams wasn´t the greatest beer.

For curiosity Sam Adams comes from the Boston Area ???

Info: there is an opera starting at 19:00 on 20th so maybe it is better to meet at the statue/monument in front of the Semper oper, rather than at the door.

Ok, so everyone getting that, we meet at the statue/monument in front of the Semmper Opera at 18.30.
Thanks Deccie.

That really limits the possibilities.

Yes Malikos, it is from Boston. You would have been informed of that, especially in a tourist bar like that. I'll give you some slack then, since you have been there. Different tastes and that, ya know. I went to school there and fell in love with their philosophy. Just pick a variety of beer, they make it.

I suppose being in America your not used to the quality of good beer. I spent some time in Belgium which is the beer capital of the world, once you try quality beers like hoegarden and leffe, then Sam Adams is a major dissapointment. Chicagogo, what is your favourite beer.

Mine is hoegarden (called in Belgium white beer).

Malikos now you are talkin' sense, somewhat...! We may not agree often, so enjoy this. I would never argue the quality of Belgum beer. They are some of my favorite stles to emulate in my own brewing...Hmmmmm, my favorite...well, I could say I celebrate all their styles but if I had to choose a favorite I would pick An Abbey Dubbel brewed by Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle in Malle, Belgium. Man, this stuff is like the candy of beers. Kind of hard to find though. I happened across it in an unnamed specialty bar in Den Haag, Hol.

HOWEVER, on the American beer thing...step out of the tourist ring on your one trip there and live there for a while (or I'd prefer you not, just take my advice). You might experience something positive.