I was peeling carrots in my kitchen yesterday. Our kitchen window looks out the back of our house onto our yard, a path, and then a cemetery. It's beautiful, peaceful, and a busy path for the neighborhood.
First, I heard them coming. I looked up, and then I saw them. The running Verein. About 20 people. Full gear. 5:45 in the afternoon.
Now this is blog worthy.
Verein. I can best describe it as a tightly knit group of people with a common interest. There are running Verein, fencing Verein, shooting Verein, dog Verein, chess Verein, music Verein, western club Verein...
You name it. They are very popular here in Germany. My German friends may correct me (and should) and say that some are not tightly knit. I don't know for certain, but I do know them when I see them. Check out this picture, for example.
I found it on the web. I'm sure I don't know anyone in this picture and probably shouldn't post it, but check out the clothing.
Running specific. There is not a t-shirt at the table.
This is what I saw running behind my house yesterday.
And I first remarked to myself, they are all dressed perfectly for the occasion. Complete purpose-driven running gear. No baseball hats, no t-shirts, and no iPods.
Spandex, wind-blocking gear. Jackets, pants. All of them. Chatting away happily.
My next thought. Why would one want to join a running Verein? I just want to pop my earphones and hit the play button on iTunes. I don't enjoy running in a group, but certainly many people do.
I have learned some things about culture here, though truly I do speak in generalizations. It is very, very social. Not a "hello" on the street social or hold the door open for someone, but belonging to a club is very important. Belonging is important. It is different.
And committing to belong in a Verein is not a light matter.
We briefly considered joining a Verein for soccer for the kids.
It was a year long commitment. And commitment means just that. Purchasing the right equipment, attending practices, meetings or events, and paying appropriate dues.
I came from a family who wanted my brother and I to try and bunch of different things.
See what we liked.
And what we didn't.
I find that I prefer that approach.
Try out soccer. See if it takes.
Then give softball a go.
How about a musical instrument? You can rent them.
I find the Germans, in general, different. They commit. Really. Great thought goes into decision making. Preparation and training are very highly valued.
There is something to be said for that. They are incredibly loyal and very, very competent in their disciplines.
Our family is just different.
I think we'll play soccer this spring. For about 3 months.
Summer? Maybe some swimming lessons.
But how I love to smile at the runners. I wonder what they talk about. All 20 running together. No one fastest, no one slowest.
Just. Together.
(Appropriately dressed, of course)
