Is this too honest?
March 16th 2008 20:34
Today I wanted to attend a fun-sounding exhibition in Bonn, which was supposed to feature over 300 live reptiles (including freaky things like anacondas) and other scary creatures, such as scorpions and two-headed turtles.
Just before leaving I realised that I had no cash on me, so I walked all the way to town (exercise is always healthy after all) to withdraw some money. It was a grey and wet day, and as I was walking the rain intensified.
When I finally got to town, the ATM decided to make my life difficult. I technically had enough cash on my account to withdraw, but after allowing me to enter my pin and asking how much I wanted, it kept giving me the message that "due to a technical problem, this request cannot be processed. Please see one of our staff". Of course there is no staff present on Sundays, so I tried all the other ATMs in that branch, only to get the same weird message from all of them.
Anyway, with no money for the bus or for the entry fee, I quickly realised that there was nothing for me to do but go back home. It was raining cats and dogs -- not what you'd call a typical "spring shower", but rather a torrential downpour. I waited around for a bit, but it didn't ease, so I decided to just walk back home anyway. The tiny umbrella that I had with me was not really sufficient for such crazy precipitation.
Now, here is where the honesty part comes in. I COULD have just taken the bus home without a ticket to avoid getting wet. The risk of getting caught on a bus without a ticket in Germany is very low. BUT my nagging honest self somehow preferred to walk for 25 minutes in heavy rain instead of "robbing" the bus company of €1.50. I always get an incredible pang of guilt when I don't buy a ticket. This guilt is clearly more unpleasant to me than squelching, wet shoes.
As a result of my honesty, I got home feeling like a little rain cloud myself. Due to the small diameter of my umbrella, I'd had to make compromises such as "either my handbag gets soaked, or my left arm gets soaked". Naturally, it was my left arm that was dripping wet.
Anyway, there was a lot to hang out to dry. And I asked myself if all this was really worth not taking one unpaid bus ride. Am I crazy or am I just good? Or have I spent too long in rule-abiding German society to be capable of doing anything even slightly rebellious?
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
But you were very sensible in one aspect:
Hahaha.
Michaelie
Comment by Eva W.
Life in Germany
Oh well...
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
There's nothing wrong with being honest! Though I must say if it was pouring rain, it is likely that I would have jumped on the bus without a ticket. Mind you, having said that I never travel on public transport without a ticket!
And you're a woman after my own heart.......saving your handbag from the rain at the expense of your arm!
Kylie
Comment by Wynona Lavota
Generation Y Life
I hope you don't get sick though.
Comment by Anonymous
aww i love this blog
Comment by Eva W.
Life in Germany
Whereabouts in Germany do you live?
Comment by Anonymous
I had a job placement in marketing and now I'm studying in a university here. They're both parts of my degree in Ireland.
Caroline
Comment by Eva W.
Life in Germany
Are you on Facebook by any chance? I enjoy building up a network of English-speaking friends in Germany.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by rohit T
Nice article.
I am Rohit from INDIA. Actually i am gonna come to Bonn in Jan,09 so just searching the net for info abt germany and came across ur blog(feels lucky
It was really nice article and enjoyed reading so much.
Rohit