Monthly Archives: September 2020

Where to Get a Flu Shot

Many au pairs and host families are looking for places to get flu shots this time of year. Au Pair  insurance does not cover immunizations, but there are lots of places to get flu shots for $35 or less.  If the host family is insisting that an au pair get a seasonal flu shot and she agrees to get it, the host family would be responsible for the expense.

If you are planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine, it is recommended that you get it as early as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extensive info available online – Key Factors About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

Calvert County Health Department – Free, by appointment beginning in October. Free clinics, including two drive thru options as advertised online – Flu Shot Clinics. Advanced registration is encouraged.

Charles County –  Adult immunization services are offered by appointment. Cost varies. Call 301-609-6900.

St. Mary’s County Health Department – Currently no announced free clinics. Visit their website for the most up to date info.

Flu shots are also available for a fee at pharmacies such as Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Safeway, Costco, etc. Click the individual store for a link to each website.Several offer the option to schedule an appointment and download and print forms to complete ahead of time.

REMEMBER:

Your health insurance DOES NOT cover preventative care. If you choose a place like Target that advertises “free” or even a $5 coupon, they will bill your insurance and it will be denied, leaving you with the financial responsibility.

ALWAYS discuss the out of pocket cost. Tell them you DO NOT have medical insurance coverage for preventative care. The cost will vary between $20-50 typically.

Photo: Jen Vargas

American Experiences – Carla’s Birthday!

My First American Birthday 

The autumnal months officially started for me. It was the week of the 1st of October, my  birthday, which usually symbolizes the beginning of fall for me. But this year everything was different since I celebrated my birthday in the US. Looking at the weather, it didn’t seem to be fall at all.

So, here I was, wearing shorts and a shirt on the 1st of October and still sweating, whereas my parents in Germany were freezing in their sweaters and windbreakers. I assume that I was better-off.

My birthday started at 5.30 am, as early as never before. When my usual alarm woke me up, my phone was already exploding from all the messages that I got from my family and friends in Germany. Consequently, my day couldn’t have started better. I realized that even though I’m far away from home, my friends and family haven’t stopped thinking of me.

In a cheerful mood, I wanted to wake up my host kids but surprisingly, some presents blocked my way to their room. Flowers, a Navy sweater, chocolate, shampoo and other little gifts were standing in front of the stairs. I am still amazed and thankful for everything, because I haven’t expected to get any presents from my host family at all. Additionally, they also gave me some birthday cards from my family and friends in Germany that arrived the days before and that my parents had told them to hide.

After the perfect and unexpected start of my birthday, I followed my daily routine which was  especially fun because my host kids tried to be extra nice to make my day more pleasant. While they spent their time in school (it was the first time for a lot of years that I didn’t need to spend my birthday studying), I used my free-time to meet a friend for a birthday coffee. I also skyped with my parents at home who seemed to be more dissatisfied about spending the day without me than I was. Since my mum decided not to send me an unwieldy birthday present that I need to bring back anyways, she mailed me a wish-list. From now on, I have hard decisions to make because my mum promised me to cook everything that I write down on that list when I come back home next year.

On Tuesdays, the day of my birthday, my host kids usually have a late Soccer practice, so that I haven’t had expected anything else. I was still thankful for the gifts that I got in the morning when my host dad called me to pull the girls out from their Soccer practice. My host parents wanted us to come to my favorite Mexican restaurant to have a special dinner together. Surprisingly, they also invited my best friend Pauline so that we enjoyed a nice dinner together.

When I thought we would be ready to go home, the servants came to our table and sang a  Mexican birthday song for me. They also brought a delicious chocolate-birthday cake. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest birthday cake I’ve ever had.

As you can see, my (first American) birthday was a very special day for me and it was definitely better than I’ve expected. Of course, it was different from celebrating my birthday in Germany with all the people that I love. Nevertheless, it was an impressive experience and my fears of having a bad day full of homesickness didn’t come true.

Photos by: Till Westermayer {flickr}; Barry Silver {flickr}; Dark Dwarf {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM

Western Europe
Capitals: England – London; Scotland – Edinburgh; Wales – Cardiff; Northern Ireland – Belfast
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Church of England, Roman Catholic) – most other religions are represented

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • British people often describe themselves as reserved, but in fact they are quite funny and have a witty sense of humor!
  • The UK  is a very multi-cultural society and subsequently Brits are open minded to all beliefs and traditions.
  • It’s true that people from the UK love talking about the weather, preferably whilst drinking tea!

FUN FACTS:

  • In the UK, if you reach your 100th birthday, you get a personalized card from Her Majesty  the Queen!
  • The estimated population of the UK is over 64 million; 84% of this population live in England.
  • The UK is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon.  It is just under half the size of France and 30 times smaller than Australia.

Photo by: Sophia Baik {flickr}

 

Around the World in 80 Days – Ukraine

UKRAINE

Eastern Europe
Capital: Kyiv
Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, Other

General

  • The idea of being an au pair in the U.S. is becoming common in the Ukraine. It has been an option in other countries for several years.
  • Applicants from Ukraine are motivated by a desire to improve their English and to experiencing living in America.
  • An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to Ukraine. Her experience will help to maintain good international relationships in the future.
  • Applicants generally do not have difficulty finding the program fees.
  • Young people in Ukraine have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are common until age 18.
  • Ukrainians are cheerful, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

Diet

  • Most young people in Ukraine eat meat.
  • Vegetarianism is not common.
  • A typical Ukrainian diet includes milk products, soups, fruits and vegetables.

Religion

  • The most common religion in Ukraine is Christian Orthodox.
  • Most young people in Ukraine do not practice their religion regularly.
  • A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.

Telephone & Internet

  • Most Ukrainian homes have a telephone.
  • Access to the Internet is readily available.

Photos by: Vasenkaphotography {flickr}; Doktor Katze {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Turkey

TURKEY

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Dimli (or Zaza), Azeri, Kabardian

  • The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in Turkey.
  • Applicants from Turkey are motivated by opportunities to improve their English and travel.
  • The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Turkey.
  • Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
  • Young people in Turkey have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are not common.
  • Turkish people describe themselves as family-oriented, active, and energetic.
  • English is the most common foreign language option offered.
  • In public schools, classes focus on written skills. In private schools, English education begins at the primary level and will have classes taught by a native English speaker.
  • Those who do not attend university study certificate programs, start working, or get married and start a family.
  • The academic year in Turkey starts in September and ends in June.
  • The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to Turkish applicants.

Photos by: Hyeong Seok Kim {flickr}; Binder.Donedat {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – German Coffee

German Coffee (Rüdesheimer Kaffee) Recipe: 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 sugar cubes 
  • 3 T (44 ml) Asbach Uralt brandy, very warm 
  • 5 oz (148 ml) coffee 

Garnish: 

  • Sweetened whipped cream 
  • Dark chocolate shavings  

Instructions: 

  1. Place sugar cubes in a coffee cup, pour brandy over the cube and light with a long match.
  2. Stir until all the sugar has melted.
  3. Allow to burn for 1 minute, then pour hot coffee into the cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  

Photo by: Akiko Yanagawa {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Thailand

THAILAND

Southeast Asia
Capital: Bangkok
Languages: Thai
Predominant Religion(s): Buddhism

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • The Thai Smile, a unique characteristic of Thais. Thais smile at other people easily even when they do not know them.
  • Thai Tolerance – Thais are very patient. When they are stuck in traffic for hours, they still smile. It is unlikely to hear the honk of the car in the street. People just stay calm.
  • Friendliness – if you are lost, you can ask anyone for directions. Even if those you ask are not able to communicate with you in your language, they will do everything they can to help you in a friendly and warm manner.

FUN FACTS:

  • Bangkok’s real name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”
  • Thailand’s coastline is 3,219km long and has 1,430 islands, the most famous of which is Koh Phi Phi Lee, which was featured in Danny Boyle’s film “The Beach.”
  • Thailand was home to the first internationally-known conjoined twins, who were given the informal name of “Siamese Twins.” Eng and Chang were born in 1811 and moved to the U.S. where they both married, had children and lived to the age of 62.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?          Khun Pen Yang Rai?
  • Fine, thanks.            Sabai dee, Kob Khun.
  • My name is…           Chan Chue…
  • Nice to meet you!        Yin Dee Tee Dai Phob Khun.
  • Thank you.            Kob Khun Krub (m) / Ka (f).

Photos by: Alexander Annenkov {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

Western Europe
Capital: Zurich
Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic/Protestant)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Swiss people are very friendly and polite.
  • Small is beautiful: Swiss are modest and reserved in a pleasant way. It’s impolite to be too loud.
  • Traditions, quality, punctuality and perfectionism mean a lot to the Swiss. People in Switzerland take their time to fulfill duties and tasks perfectly instead of being overhasty.

FUN FACTS:

  • Switzerland has more than 1,500 lakes, and 70% of Switzerland is covered in mountains.
  • Chocolate is a major Swiss export – just 18 Swiss chocolate companies make 172,376 tons of chocolate in one year.
  • In Switzerland, it is illegal to keep just one guinea pig. You have to keep them in pairs.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Wie goots Ihne?
  • Fine, thanks.               Dangge, guet, und Ihne?
  • My name is….             I heisse….
  • Nice to meet you.        Fröit mi.
  • Thank you.                  Merci vielmal.

Photos by: Highlander411 {flickr}; Wallace Howe {flickr}

 

Around the World in 80 Days – Sweden

SWEDEN

Northern Europe
Capital: Stockholm
Languages: Swedish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Protestant)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • It is common knowledge in Sweden that “time” should be respected at all times – regardless of whether you’re going for an interview or a friendly fika. Meetings will start on time with or without you. The train leaves on time with or without you. Swedes value punctuality.
  • Swedes celebrate summer with an intensity that can only be found in a people who have just endured a long, dark winter.
  • Swedes are usually very straightforward and honest – they say it like it is!

FUN FACTS:

  • Fika is Swedish for a coffee break that is more about socializing than drinking coffee.  Accompanying sweets are crucial. Cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, even open-faced sandwiches pass as acceptable fika fare. Fika can happen at any time – morning as well as evening.
  • In mid-June, school is out and nature has burst into life. It seems like the sun never sets. In fact, in the north of Sweden it doesn’t, and in the south only for an hour or two. This calls for celebration! Friends and family gather for the most typically Swedish tradition of all: Midsummer. People often begin the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole.
  • A typical Midsummer menu features different kinds of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes  with fresh dill, soured cream and chives. This is often followed by a grilled dish of some kind, such as spare rib or salmon, and for dessert the first strawberries of summer, with cream.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Hur mår du?
  • Fine, thanks.               Bra, tack.
  • My name is…              Jag heter…
  • Nice to meet you!        Trevligt att träffas!
  • Thank you.                  Tack.

Photos by: Blondinrikard Froberg {flickr}; Ron Cogswell {flickr}; Ben Welsh {flickr}