October 30, 2013

Spaghetti Ice Cream & A Driver's License

I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT!!!

That's right. I'm an official holder of a German driver's license. Pedestrians beware.

I really expected the test to be much worse than it was. Ahem, especially considering that I didn't study. As in, at all.

Don't be like me, people.

I woke up this morning dreading the examination. I'd had nightmares of failure, with my test being used  in front of the whole post as what NOT to do. Engage complete panic mode. With this panic came nerves, grumpiness, and the desire to hide in bed with the covers over my head...

What do you mean, that's not everyone's response to stress? Don't tell me these things.

ANYWHO.

With a little advance preparation, this test would have been much easier. It's only 100 questions (multiple choice), preceded by about an hour of classroom instruction (keep in mind that the test for German citizens is quite a bit different than the one for military personnel and their dependents). One thing I heard over and over and over was to study my signs.

All those people were correct. Study your signs = priority numero uno (Yes, I know that is Spanish when I should be learning German. I think it's obvious I am woefully unprepared to be living in a foreign country, but I'm trying to catch up, I swear).



The classroom was necessary for me, simply because the instructor explained right-of-ways so much better than diagrams in a book could. And right-of-ways = priority numero dos. But the signs? Easy to study and memorize. You can find a handy, web-based version of the study guide and practice test here: USAREUR Practice Test and Study Guide.

I repeat, DO NOT BE LIKE ME.

Should you spend even a few hours studying, you will pass with flying colors. If you don't... well, hmmm. It's ok. You can take it again after 24 hours. If you fail a 2nd time, the wait extends to 1 week.

No pressure though.

When the pressure gets to me, I like to self-medicate with lots of ice cream. This is a tried and true cure, people! And since I promised to explain exactly what Spaghetti Ice Cream is in my last post, I'm here to end your torture.


Gelato shop in Parsberg, Germany

Spaghetti Eis is delicious, is what is. I've been informed by my neighbor that this is a common European dessert, and something oft missed upon returning stateside.

I already know I'm going to miss it. 

Two weekends ago, my same neighbor took the Hubs and I to Primavera in Parsberg. Sadly, the cafe closed last weekend for the winter season, so I can't have Spaghetti Eis until spring!!! Oh, the torture... 

Are you ready to know what this so-called Spaghetti ice cream actually is? Here ya go:  


Primavera's "spaghetti" menu

It's gelato disguised as our favorite pasta dishes!!! I am exorbitantly excited about this. There are all kinds of "spaghetti", and even a "lasagna". The gelato is pressed through a sieve or flattened into pasta shapes. Then, it's topped with yummy goodness, AND THEN YOU EAT IT. And then?

You might, just might, order another one. It's that good.

Left: Spaghetti Eis
Right: Whatever the Hubs ordered 

I'm pretty sure I can re-create this idea. And you can bet I'll try it once we return stateside. But in the meantime, I'll just gobble it up at the local gelato shops. And now you know... when in Europe, be sure to try a Spaghetti Eis! Whether it be regular, kiwi, or carbonara, it's all fantastic, you won't be disappointed.

I'll be back soon with an all new post about a trip the Hubs and I took last weekend to... are you ready for it? Budapest! 

Until then, happy ice cream eating (you know you want to now)!




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