I've tried to copy our schlüssel (key) at 5 different schlüssel dienst (locksmiths) in our neighborhood with the exact same results. Each one looks at the key, turns it over in their hands, shakes their head and mutters something about security. Given my pathetic German skills, I quietly take back the offending key and leave the shop. At the third shop, it finally dawned on me that this was no ordinary key. The locksmith spoke very slowly in German and I understood about half (very exciting). The gist was that the key is a security key and is controlled by *one* locksmith in Hamburg. The next day I spoke with our secretary, Bianca, who confirmed that this was the case. She also indicatd that we would have to receive permission from the building manager and possibly the other tenants to make a copy of this blasted key.
The other two (of five) locksmiths we visited were just to be on the safe side and to see if there were any unscrupulous locksmiths who might make an illegal copy. No go. So! I had my secretary call the *one* locksmith in Hamburg (a city of 3 million) authorized to copy our key to arrange to copy my key. The locksmith referred us to the building manager who sent a fax to the *one* locksmith in Hamburg authorized to copy our key. We didn't have to get permission from the other tenants (whew!). However, I was then informed that the cost of this little transaction was to the tune of 26 euro. With the current exchange rate that's right about $38. For a key. Just one key to our apartment. It's not special. It doesn't have a tracking device on it or even a beer opener on the end. What a racket.
To make matters just slightly more nerve racking, if any of these four tightly controlled keys goes missing, we are responsible to replace the locks on the entire building since our key allows access to the stairwell and garage. If any of these four keys does go missing, I am totally telling the building manager that it was lost in a fiery car crash or it is at the bottom of the Elbe or I left it in the U.S. when I was home on vacation and my mother threw it into the garbage incinerator. The silliest part is that there is no address on the key other than the locksmith's. So, I am not exactly sure what someone who happened to find a missing housekey in Hamburg might do with it. Go door to door? Good luck with that.
To my and David's chagrine, today I turned 26 euro into a non-descript key, which I promptly gave to Laurel the dog walker. For the love of a dog.
Other tidbits - today is Halloween. The Germans are celebrating this holiday in increasing numbers each year. According to my colleagues, Halloween was essentially unknown in Germany until about 5 years ago. And tonight I saw flocks of little witches, ghosts and what-have-you working the blocks for candy. I can't believe it took German kids this long to implement a day of free candy. Silly children.
To celebrate the holiday, David took a bunch of candy to work today. He thought reverse trick-or-treating would be fun - going office to office offering a bowl of candy around. Everybody thought it was his birthday and he got lots of strange looks. Yet they took the candy. Silly people.
Finally, today I read an article that Wal-mart is kicking off the holiday season on Friday with doorbusters typically reserved for black Friday. Creepy. I've noticed the beginnings of the holiday frenzy here, too. Decorations are showing up in stores, the candy and other holiday treats are appearing on grocery store shelves. I kind of understand - Halloween is a faker holiday in Germany and there's no Thanksgiving. That basically leaves an entirely holiday-less autumn. No fun. So let's eat rum balls in October!
Happy Halloween, everybody!
Of course, I still love Hamburg.
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