June 25, 2024

My German vocabulary!

Anyone who knows me can attest that I have no aptitude for foreign languages. The other night, while half heartly watching the German commentators after Game 3, I remarked to Tom and Stephan how many times they used English words while speaking. This lead to a whole conversation about how many words in the English language are copied from German. The first one they took credit for was Kindergarten, I never thought about that one. Gesundheit, I agreed was more common but I had no idea how to spell and don't hear it used all that often these days. Noodle,  was also claimed by Stephan, but I thought he was stretching things now. Foods that are German origin like Bratwurst, Strudel, Gingerbread, Schnitzel, Sauerkraut and Pilsner Lager I wouldn't count in the list. But I didn't think Hamburger ( even though I am in Hamburg, where it was supposedly invented) and now that I think about, is a major item on most menus I have seen here, was of German descent. Other's that are have German roots are Frankfurter, Weiner, Pumpernickel, Bundt Cake, Delicatessen, Pretzel, Foosball and they are even claiming Seltzer and Gummy Bears! 

By Patricia Patrick January 4, 2026
When you think about escaping to a semi-deserted, tropical island to recharge, FAKARAVA wins my vote! I had never heard of this place a month ago and when I did, people giggled, just saying its name. No one knew what we were going to do there for 2 days. Divers knew a little about it, but we couldn't find any tours through usual channels.
By Patricia Patrick January 4, 2026
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE - Hoping 2026 is a great year for you all! PLEASE COME VISIT - I have no plans to return to the USA.
By Patricia Patrick January 4, 2026
Papeete (with a population of 26,000) is the bustling capital of French Polynesia and the cultural heart of the island of Tahiti . Papeete is directly across the lagoon from Moorea and several ferries ( just a 35 minute ride) connect the islands & the only airport is in Papeete. The city is known for its mural arts, Polynesian culture and pearl trade.