Altemeister Ego Boost

I, like many people I know, fancy myself a bit of a student of human behavior. I have found an interesting location for behavior study: the Old Master's Gallery in Old Town, Dresden. Today I bought a shiny new year-card and did some sketching.  I got a taste of what my friends in other countries feel like to be the Great White Wonder (or, the Supertall Black Wonder- I love BD). This was my first time to feel this way because I look like a German kid, so blending in is no big deal for me, as long as I keep my mouth shut. Make that especially if I keep my mouth shut. It was so funny to sit there and sketch and see how different people react. Some people nod at you. One lady gave me a thumbs up and then asked if she could sit and watch. Gerne. Some people try and sneak a peak while they walk past. The docents, breaking every German stereotype, come over and look and talk for a while. A flock of geriatric Japanese tourists clamored to give me compliments in two or three languages. (It's also interesting to see what language people use when approaching me.) I sort of felt like I was running a candid camera show.  

In related news, I've found a place where I can go for a pick-me-up if I am ever feeling down, especially about my drawing skills. 

Fahhrad

I bought a bike on Sunday.

We'll see how that goes.

First lesson learned: Don't ride without your glasses. Depth perception is so much more important when you are riding than when you are walking. 

No, I did not crash.

Yet. 

Here we go.