Here vs. There

Having lived overseas now for a total of 30 months, 28 of the consecutively, I have come to appreciate many aspects of the German (and European) way of life. Additionally, this time away from the States has allowed me to develop a heightened awareness for the conveniences as well as annoyances of living in the States. One thing is for sure, I don’t think I will truly be able to take my city for granted anymore.

One thing that has become painfully obvious during pregnancy is the difference between foods here and there. In the States, I could eat out at a number of my favorite restaurants without having to worry what is in my dinner. Here, however, I know I cannot go for ice cream, because most all Eis is gelato, which is made with raw eggs. I have to ask whether or not a cheese on the menu is made with “raw milk,” because many of the common cheeses are unpasteurized. Orange juice at my favorite restaurant is unpasteurized. If we go out for breakfast, a common meal is breads, cold cuts, cheese, jam, eggs, yogurt, juice, and coffee.  I can only have the bread, jam and yogurt. Decaf isn’t offered for the coffee, and unless the eggs are served scrambled and well done, I’m out of luck. (The eggs are usually just a bit shy of well done.)

All that said, I think my inability to eat these yummy treats allowed me to lose a little weight in the beginning of my pregnancy. No sodas, coffee, beer and wine certainly helped too – as did my lack of appetite for much of anything during weeks 6-10.

Perhaps my inability to eat freely over here is also a product of my evolved taste. If I was still in the States, I’m sure all I would be eating when dining out would be enchiladas, queso (um, yum!), tacos, and well done burgers. Yeah… it’s a good thing I have spent this time here – both for me and for my figure!