Immigration/ Language Class

Immigration and assimilation into Germany is a finely tuned and outlined process. Upon arrival foreigners are required to report to the immigration office in their town. During my visit last year I received and signed a document outlining the requirements and timeline I had to complete classes and tests to be eligible for a resident permit. 

Train Station

With the influx of people from all over the world into Germany, it's interesting to see how guidelines have changed since the last time I lived here. Today, potential permanent residents are required to reach certain language proficiency levels and learn about German history, government and culture.

Bremen

With my list of requirements tucked under my arm I headed to the local community school to register for classes and tests.

Outside the registration office and in class I had the opportunity to meet people from every corner of the world.  I met people from Syria, Indonesia, Japan, Eritrea, Russia, Greece, Poland, Afghanistan, Bulgaria,..... Some of the conversations are unforgettable and inspiring as I heard first hand stories about life in other countries and what various peoples plans and hopes for their future were. War, love, adventure, career opportunities, education and family were frequent reasons for many people deciding to move to Germany.

Apartments in Hannover

German class was a highlight of my assimilation experience into Germany. We had a great time in class. Language classes are so much fun because you get to read, talk and are encouraged to exchange ideas and information while practicing various grammar topics and expanding your vocabulary.

German class

We learned about each others native culture and adaptation to German culture. We celebrated birthdays, achievements, holidays and offered encouragement and advise on rough days. One thing we did a lot of was laugh. We laughed with and at each other. The class was educational as well as therapeutic. A good laugh and insight to other ways of thinking does wonders for the soul. 

Talented Classmate

Celebration #7 (I don't remember the reason)

A Bubbly Bike Tour

Ohhhh! There are some traditions in Germany that I just love, love, love!

Today I joined some friends for a German style bike tour in the country. To start the fun we had a little pink bubbly :) Delish!

Pomegranate Sparkling Wine

With some pink inspiration to sip on we strategically outlined our goals of the day, to see the country, ride some off beaten roads, refresh ourselves at the destination with some Kaffee and Kuchen and have a grand old time :) Sounds like the perfect bike tour!

We set off and saw a lot of this

Lake or pond

and this

Farm House

and this

Mooooo!

What a workout! Our Rectus Femorises, Glutes and Hamstrings needed some sucrose replacement, stat! The perfect antidote for our physical exhaustion was a little German style Kaffee and Kuchen.

Beautiful Kuchen
http://outandaboutingermany.blogspot.de/2016/09/kaffee-und-kuchen-yummmm.html

We all felt much better :) The solution to just about anything is a cup of coffee/tea and cake with pals (Evidence Grade Level A). I highly recommend it ;)

Apple cake

Rhubarb cake and strawberry cake

Afterwards we had plenty of energy to enjoy the sights and find our way back home.

Off the beaten path

Are chains part of the future?

Pharmacy and healthcare are an ever evolving field influenced by the development of society, medicine, law and business. Lately I have been reading about changes and developments in pharmacy ownership.

Earlier in Germany, ownership was determined by 3 different routes:

"Privileg"-
A land owner or a commune/ parish could award a pharmacy to a pharmacist who could later choose to sell it or pass it on in an inheritance.

 "Realkonzession"
The state could grant authority to an individual to own a pharmacy. The owner could later choose their successor and present their replacement to the state.

"Personalkonzession"
The state lends a pharmacy to an individual. The pharmacy could not be sold or inherited further. When the owner decided to leave the pharmacy, it would be returned to the state and the state could then lend it to someone else.

Medications sold only in a pharmacy behind the counter

Today, current laws allow only a pharmacist to receive an operating permit for a pharmacy. The pharmacist may receive a permit for up to 3 additional pharmacies. The intention of this law is to place the responsibility, ownership and liability on the licensed operating pharmacist and prevent corporate enterprises from entering the market. 

Mometasone Nasal Spray

Many believe the independence of the pharmacist and their ownership is imperative for the pharmacy to be able to act, adjust and provide healthcare with the best interests of its patients as a core focus. In return by providing reliable, high quality healthcare the owning pharmacist ensures the longevity and success of their own investment and maintains their pharmacist license.

Health Center

There is political discussion now in Germany reviewing pharmacy ownership laws and what changes would occur if corporations and chains were granted the right to own and operate pharmacies. Some of the key questions are:

Would granting corporations and chains the rights to own pharmacies impact the supply of medications?  How?
Would this shift healthcare focus from patients to shareholders?
Would there be benefits or disadvantages to communities or the public healthcare system? 

Hmmmm, What are your thoughts?

Cough and Cold Meds