The Accidental Techie

Well, still waiting for the rental contract ... so I register my address ... so I can get my residency permit ... so I can start work here. Everything in Germany is a regulated process. In the meantime, having measured my new rooms, I am tentatively trying to build a new home.

Let's imagine a temporary kitchen while we're waiting for new built-in kitchen to arrive in 3 weeks.Step 1: Stop at bike shop, get low tire filled and ask where I can buy a ... wait-a-minute, have to look this one up - Durchvorhangrohr (shower-curtain-rod). Easy - Bauhaus, the local home hardware store, is just a few blocks away.

Step 2A: Get new keys cut.
Step 2B: Go home and check new keys work. Check.

Argh. Flat tire - and my pump has rusted together.

Step 3A: go to local bike shop and get a new pump. And a new tube, while I'm at it. Check.

Step 3B: Replace tube. Child's play for a mechanical engineer! Whups! Did you know buying a bike tool from a $1 store can be hazardous to your health?

Step 3C: Repair thumb.

... Step 3D: Back to the bike shop to have the wheel tightened.

Step 4: Scope out cheapest hot plate and wash basin - wow, there's even an automatic tea kettle on sale!

Step 5: Build temporary kitchen and impress the heck out of new room-mate.

Next project: Dinner!