Creative Mess

Paying Bills German Style

Or it may just be European style, but I can't be positive...

 

Back in America, we paid all over our bills online and we still do for the most part.  But here, they pay bills differently since they are very anti- credit card.  You get a little bill in the mail that looks like this.

Of course it is in German, so if you don't completely understand it, you must take the time to translate it.  I must do this with this particular bill because I have no idea what it is about and they want approximately $90 from me.  

Next step is to rip off the bottom of this bill and take it to your bank.  We had to open up an account here just to pay our German bills.  The bank then makes a transfer from my accout to theirs that is listed on the bill.  I think it is interesting.  And then I think, 'isn't paying online via a credit card easier for everyone?"

 

I got another bill today in the mail that doesn't require any translation at all.  It is Keith's 27th parking ticket, so I am very familiar with the process!!

Oktoberfest!

This year we got to attend twice!  The first round was during the day with the kids and the second round was a weekend evening, just Keith and I and we stayed the night in Munich.  Love fest season.

We really only took pictures the first time around.  A big camera is a lot to take care of in this type of environment. We hopped a train with every other fest attender and really, this should be considered the pre-party.  Though we did not partake, Bridger was surrounded by happy Germans.

(sometimes I just hate my fancy camera and someday i will learn how to take a picture in front of a window)

Inside our lovely tent, probably holds about 6K 

I never tire of these booths full of cookie necklaces.

 
And booths full a Bavarian treasures.  I bought a silver pretzel necklace from this booth.

The kids dropped a lot of their allowance going on the rides.  At least 3 months worth, but they saved it with type of event in mind.  

This year we enjoyed visiting with Brazilians, Irish, Italians, Greeks, Portuguese and of course Americans and Germans.  Until next year........