Why?
So I've regularly been asked "Why Hamburg?" and frankly, at times I can't come up with a very convincing answer. Because I'd heard a lot about it? Because I want to improve my German (this would be more convincing if I were actually working on my German but in fact, judging from the confused looks of people lately, it seems to be getting *worse*).

Because I have a few friends here and wanted to see them more? Well, perhaps, but I could have just as well done that on vacation.

Because I have family roots in Germany? Possibly, but not very convincing either.

For the food? Well, it's better than Baltic fare (tho I do miss Lithuanian fried bread, and Estonian, errr, Estonian...well, ok just the fried bread then). But German food is pretty much still meat and potatoes. And more meat. And crunchy, flaky bread rolls that leave a mess when you bite into them. Not good for long term consumption, as Renita and I found out years ago, such food simply makes you a bit fatter round the middle. (Tho being in Europe does mean I've got a steady supply of great cheeses from Italy and France, so that's something). Nah..if I go anywhere for food, it will be Italy or France.

For the dancing? Well, there is a good lindy scene here, but i'm not the dance maniac i once was, and now the lindy scene has become more of something to do now and then, a way to meet people. It was really more of a pleasant surprise to find out there's a good scene here with friendly people, but not a compelling reason to come (or stay).

Someone once said that compared to life in the USA, life in Europe just makes a lot more sense in many ways. I have to agree; things like great public transit, the fact that fewer people have (or need) cars, a lack of non-stop shopping/consumerism, a life-work balance (eg, decent amount of vacation time, and a society that generally watches out for its people (albiet while taxing the life out of them) rather then letting them fall throught the cracks, seem to make much more sense than the way these things are done in the US.

Not that it's perfect here; there are plenty of things to rail on about. The silly usage taxes on everything from TVs to (starting next year) mp3 players, antiquated labor laws that hold might just be holding back the economy, lingering racism, and my terrible cow of a former housemate, to name a few.

But why *am* I here? I'll get back to you on that...