Off the Map

Thanksgiving in Germany

[Ed. New Photos Posted, Read First]

Excepting my beloved Family and Friends in Boulder, Thanksgiving in Germany was far more elaborate and important than ever before. Not just to grasp a sense of American identity and connection, but primarily because I had to represent our culture on this side of the Pond.

I partook in not 1 but 2 big Thanksgiving feasts. A smaller, intimate dinner (15 strong, but only 4 of which were American - the others German and ERASMUS), requiring lots of explanation as to the customs, the food, and the meaning of the occasion. The food turned out really well, and the evening was a big success.

Over 100 people attended the second event, Saturday night. Host families, Professors, Administrators, Americans, and Friends were all invited. CU organizes this event every year to foster good relationships with Regensburg, critical to sustaining such an extensive and successful program. Of course the food was ganz Lecker (delicious)! But the evening was particularly significant because every year the CU students organize a skit, and sometimes other forms of entertainment. Most of you won't be surprised to hear that I was very much involved with all of it: Played a clueless American in the skit (sadly not hard to do...), which compared our adventures here to that of the pilgrims; I also helped put together a Power Point Slideshow of my and another's photos from our 3 months here - which then aired over head of myself singing an original song with 2 amazing guitarists (they were the centerpiece, I was the backup :-) ). You can find photos HERE, behind the shots from Passau. Reviews were good, esp. from veterans of the fest, who were heard to remark that it was the best in years. Not that I'm going to brag how great our year is...

Whereas Halloween was a disappointment abroad, Thanksgiving was an excellent experience. (Cheese alert!) Being away from family while trying to explain the significance of family for our Holiday was a sad paradox. I also feel like I've developed a new appreciation for the importance of Holiday's in defining one's identity and perspective. Whenever we question why immigrants are so taken with continued celebration of occasions from their Motherland after they've willfully relocated (drive around Denver on Cinco de Maya...), we forget how important it is to have one's own identity - be it hobbies, professions, or national origin. Celebrating something personally meaningful is all the more important and defining when you're the only one.

posted by Jason @ 7:37 pm