(The following is a dramatization of events that actually transpired. In order to protect the identities of the parties involved, we have partially censored the names.)
*ecky: *rian, are you able to move really heavy boxes and furniture?
*rian: Yeah sure, when and where should I be?
*ecky: I need to pick up some donations in Germany from churches and private donors, we leave on Sunday for a two day non-stop drive, a day or two of collections and a two day trip back home.
*rian: ……Mishto! (“Cool” in Romanian).
So just like that, Mike (the squad leader who used to be a personal trainer) and I found ourselves sitting in a giant moving van on our way to a small German border town called Unterwossen. Although we only came out of the car to use the bathroom (which cost $!) and eat sandwich meat out of the back of the van, we had the opportunity to see some beautiful scenery. I remember the other time I came to Europe that Austria was absolutely gorgeous. Once again, it did not disappoint and I Mike and I spent hours driving through the rolling green hills with towering mountains off in the distance. I even had the chance to go running in the middle of the night when we stopped to sleep at a Hungarian’s home.
Today, we earned our schnitzel. We loaded probably the equivalent of 2 tons worth of furniture, clothes, bicycles, televisions and random household goods into a 50 foot long truck. At one point, we had to bring several couches, desks, and wardrobes down an antique-looking, winding, narrow staircase for four flights. The staircase looked more like it belonged in a child’s playhouse than in the building, but we did our best not to destroy it too much. Thankfully, nobody died as we attempted to use every last body part (I preferred using my face), to balance the heavy awkwardly-shaped furniture one painful step at a time.
Its been a fun experience however, and I’ve had the opportunity to laugh with plenty of non-English speaking Germans as we tried to coordinate our movement down the stairs with grunts and groans. I’ve been enjoying spending time with Mike and having an older guy pour into me and offer me wisdom.
