Getting lost again

We still needed to get more school supplies and this time decided to try the mall Main-Taunus-Zentrum. It should have taken 10 minutes to get there, but we ran into the same problem of missing the right exit, taking wrong turns, being put on different highways and then spying that blasted telecommunications tower that kept getting closer instead of further away. I even managed to add going down a one-way street in the wrong direction to my repertoire. This time, I did let my emotions get the best of me, finally found a street to pull off to and cursed and cried. And cursed some more. Why was this so difficult? Micaela took a look around and rather hesitantly said, "Ummm, Mom? I think this is the same place where we pulled over yesterday and people helped us back to the highway." I glanced around and saw much to my relief that she was right. We had ended up at the exact same spot. Surely I could find my way back a second time.

We made it to the mall and because I felt so guilty about my behavior earlier, I decided to treat the kids to an early lunch at McDonald's. We got our order (the menu was very similar to the American one) and enjoyed the special treat, but I kept noticing an employee staring at us. We were the only people in that section so I was pretty sure it was us he was staring at. I felt a bit uncomfortable and didn't wish to linger any longer than we had to. I gathered up the trays and our trash and looked around for the trashcan. I couldn't find one. What were we supposed to do with all this? I did notice a tall box with slots where maybe you could place your tray. But what about the other stuff? I stood there with our trays feeling foolish as I looked all around. I finally decided to take the coward's way out and just leave. As we turned to go, the employee approached our table, took our trays and disappeared behind a door. My only guess is that employees sort through your trash and pull out recyclable items. The poor fellow was simply waiting for us to leave so he could do his job. So, we probably should have placed our tray loaded with trash into one of those slots. I'll know better next time.

Recycling is taken very seriously in Germany. To quote from the 20-page recycling booklet we received upon arriving in Germany, "Not only is recycling crucial for the future of our planet, but here in Germany, it is the law." Virtually all packaging, be it from the grocery store or any other place, is recyclable. And woe be to you if you do not sort your trash carefully. Rumor has it your trash bags may be inspected and if it is determined you are not following the recycling rules, you will be fined and the town could refuse to pick up your trash.