Oh, it may not be pretty, but these documents acquired today have secured my healthful and continued stay in Germany as a working man able to provide for himself. To the right is my health insurance card, which means I no longer have to visit the expat clinic in the dreg-slums of lower Mainz with the other uncommoners. Did they have to use my mugshot for the card? Probably not but at least it’s worth it. On the left is the only piece of paper that allows me to remain here and keep earning money until my real work visa arrives.
Two steps closer to transitioning fully from student-visa residence, I never thought this day would come. Otherwise it’s been a solid Wednesday. The weather is warm again which means people are dressing down like it’s the middle of July already. At the gym earlier I got a glimpse of the German respect for female space during exercise. Skin was out, and things were popping, but every single man in there only looked at the eyes of every other man, in a desperate plea for solidarity and bonding through these tumultuous and dangerous times. One look, they seemed to say, and you reveal yourself in here. Heads down, mind elsewhere, we powered through with dignity and respect. But listen to me. What, men deserve a cookie every time they don’t ogle and objectify women around them in public spaces? Has the bar been moved so low? Still, at the Planet Fitness I went to back in Jersey I personally have seen dudes stop working out mid-rep, letting the weight slam down and set off the “Lunk Alarm” off in the process, to basically snap their necks as they whipped their heads around to stare at some girl squatting. You know why the lights are so terrifyingly dim in Planet fitness? If they were any brighter, you’d see white spots on the machines.
I realize that may have been too far but Planet Fitness disturbs me. I guess that’s it?
See you tomorrow,
Nick
Nick Denardi 