Mcwhat?

That's right, Germany found a way to capitalize on one of the most capitalist enterprises we have in possibly the most ironic way.

"McFit: Just look good."

Ok, sure. I can do that. After being warned about a flesh eating disease (MRSA? Merca?) that American's are sure to get if they even step foot inside a European gym, I was a bit discouraged about the prospect of keeping in shape while I scarf down my wienerschnitzel and pommes frites. I decided to meet my flesh eating friend face to face and found that this is perhaps the most sanitary atmosphere outside the H1N1 (hell, swine flu) vaccine manufacturer in China (thanks CNN...). EVERYONE has a towel that they drape over EVERY machine when they use it. The first time I went, I...did not. I carried my rough one ply paper towel around and pretended that I knew how much 45 kilos was. I've only been three times and still when anyone asks me anything, I panic as though I've been convicted of some horrible crime and usually the only thing that comes our is "sorry." I do know SOME German. I was delighted when the scale had a lbs. option. I pushed it and my weight flashed- 10:10:45- or something. "Entschuldigung..."(yes German!) I beckoned one of the many blonde fit ladies who works the counter "kennst du....mmmmphhsshh?" I tried to ask her if she knew what the machine was trying so earnestly to tell me. She checked with one of her blonde beautiful friends and confirmed that it was pounds and she knew nothing about it. Language barrier meet weight barrier.

In any case I have found a cheap option for the four months I am here. The eye candy's not bad either.