Happy Birthday to Me!
Who woulda thunk it? Another birthday, in another country. Last year if you might remember, I celebrated my birthday in Wuhan, China. It was great, being surrounded by people I had never met before in my life, yet having so much fun. I still remember the Chinese birthday song that the restaurant played. In Germany, I would be hearing Happy birthday in quite a few different languages!
In Germany, the biggest difference about celebrating Birthdays, or any special day for that matter, you have to bring the food. The day turned out to be a mixed bag of weather. My friend Weijun had planned to have a BBQ because it was the last time he would be seeing a lot of people. It turned out perfectly as it would be my birthday party as well.
I was sitting at work and the forecast was out for bright and sunny skies. come lunch time...the skies darkened and the heavens let go. It was really crazy! One second, it was bright and sunny, the next, the sky was pouring its guts out. It wasn't looking good for weather. Thankfully, the rain stopped, the skies cleared and it was on!
First stop was a friendly football game. We stuck with the same teams that we had previously...A Serbian, Iraqi and two chinese on one team versus a British, Mexican, Italian and Pakistani. After some hard fought points, my team prevailed, but only after losing the previous two games.
We all stopped by our local Rewe (grocery store) and bought some sliced up cow. Now we were ready for some grilling.
Adam stoked the coals and we all proceeded to pull out the chairs and bench, from inside the neighboring common room. Serdj had just bought a new camera at 25% off. Taking advantage of his new toy, he shot video of everyone saying a little something in German, then in our respective language. It was really cool because there were so many languages...9 if I remember correctly!
Then it was time to tell everyone it was my birthday. Prior to that moment, I had only told two other people that it was my birthday. I thought it was better as a surprise. I came crawling out the window, cake in hand and announced...Its my Birthday! sorta like that.
We all gathered round and the traditions began. Rather than just light the candles and say happy birthday, everyone tossed in their traditions. Luis from Mexico mentioned that you must put a ring around one of the candles. Once you do, the wish will certainly come true! Only one person knows my wish...
Last, but certainly not least was the kiss on the cheek from all the girls. A German thing I assume 
The food was good, the friends were awesome and the atmosphere was a total mix of cultures. Another Birthday, Another country, many more memories.
AND....I have to say a big thank you to all my friends who sent me a Birthday greeting on Facebook. Not quite as good as meeting everyone, but its the thought that counts!
