So I came home to a piece of mail from the city of Bremerhaven. Apparently, they are charging me 76 Euros...
For what?!
I can't think of one reason why I would owe the city money... and I can't imagine why they wouldn't put the reason on the notice...
After 3 calls to the office (thanks to my roommate who speaks German) I come to find that I'm being charged for leaving trash on the street back in April. Also, and here's the kicker, this is the final notice and if I don't pay today, someone will come to my apartment and take my possessions... I'm not kidding...
How crazy does this sound????
1. This was the first notice I have received
2. How could they possibly know that specific trash on the street is mine, even if I did do it?
3. I followed all the rules while putting my furniture on the street back in April by calling the trash company.
So what do I do... because there is no way I will or can pay this money... that little negative sign in my checking account proves it.
First, I call my father and cry because I know he will tell me how ridiculous this is and give me the courage to go down to the office and fight this.
So I do... and what happens while I'm sitting in the office talking to the man? I completely burst into tears...
He must have thought I was nuts... But let's think about this:
I have been stressing for 6 weeks with Vodaphone over my internet
I woke up at 3 am, worked 8 hours and am, therefor, exhausted
I don't speak enough German to be able to carefully explain my problem and why I shouldn't pay this money
I'm in dire need of some familiar faces... stat
So with all those reasons combined... I think there was no way avoiding the tears...
Sometimes I swear I'm living in Crazy-town and things would be so much easier if I spoke the language fluently and I knew how things worked.
So in the end I have to wait 3 weeks to see if I have to pay just because "someone" said that the trash on the street was mine... which it most certainly was not...
This is indeed crazy!! One of the things that stresses me out here is their trash system. And now just thinking of having to pay a fine like that is giving me the creeps. I hope everything turns out fine for you...
ReplyDeleteOh no Katie glad that call went to a dad and not a mom men seem to be more reasonable less emotion, hope all works out.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's no consolation, I just want to say that things like that happen everywhere. Whether you're in Germany, the U.S. or on another planet, it's part of life as an adult. I know how frustrating and upsetting it can be, especially when you're wronged,exhausted,in a strange land and finances are a challenge. Just keep your chin up and keep fighting back. Look at it as another life experience. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you won't have to pay anything Kate. Things like this always seem to work out.
ReplyDeleteWow that is messed up. Are you sure that this is not some kind of scam or mix up? Especially after such a long time. I hope there is someone who can go with you that can speak German. Especially when it comes to German officialese, even natives hardly stand a chance.
ReplyDeleteKatie -- that's dumb. I miss your face. Desperately. I am currently making homemade pasta and beef stroganoff. I wish you were here because I would give you some.
ReplyDeletemuch love, prima--
Maggie
maggie I love you good timing!!
ReplyDeleteuhh! i can't believe that! if i could speak German and wasn't in Australia right now i'd back you up.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel for you....living in Germany myself and having good vocabulary really doesn't help when it comes to issues, don't they know we are TRYING....and there are a lot of them here (issues)....Have a good cry, eat some good chocolate and hang in there. meschugge = bonkers!!!
ReplyDeleteKatie - things will be better. You are doing great!! Not many people would be as brave as you to do the things you have done!! Don't let the bureaucrats get you down.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same thing here in Texas right now - the water police. Hang in there!