Tomorrow, I'm going up to an island on the Baltic Sea with my team for our debrief. Naturally, I waited until 10 p.m. the night before to pack my stuff. While I was picking out clothes for the weekend, I had a funny realization. Namely, that the things I was picking out for the weekend were significantly different than I would have chosen a year ago (in fact, a year ago, I was packing for a similar weekend away--that one in Indianapolis--to prepare to come here in the first place). That got me into thinking about all the subtle quiet ways I have changed after a year living in Germany. But since it's late and I have five hours on the train tomorrow to think through the significant things a little more thoroughly, I'll stick to reporting my fashion changes for now*
*Sometimes I wonder why anyone would actually read this blog when I write stupid things like this. But then, who really cares?
Three distinct new additions to my wardrobe, thanks to Berlin:
--Leggings. I swore up and down that I would never buy into the leggings trend. Which only proves that you should never swear up and down about anything, especially when it comes to fashion, because one day you (if you're like me) will probably cave. When you do, it's just embarrassing.
--Non-white socks. Germans, so I am told, do not ever wear white socks unless they're going to the gym. Tennis shoes, too. I must say, I wear my tennis shoes out in public in other cities when I'm being a tourist myself. At the end of the day, I care more that my feet don't fall off than I do about being unfashionable, but I can't bring myself to do it in MY city.
--House shoes. Okay, so I actually left my house shoes out, because I didn't end up having room for them in my bag, but the fact that I HAVE house shoes in the first place is proof of the effect Germany is having on me. I mean, I hardly ever actually wear them--I would always rather be barefoot--but at least I own a pair.