Spoiler Alert
I’ve just returned from a triumphal visit to the English-language movie theatre in Nuernberg. Triumphal because I drove there myself and got lost only once, which resulted in a scenic detour toward Wurzburg. Triumphal also because I found the theatre on the first try and the car wasn’t towed while I watched the movie. And triumphal especially because I saw “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which I wasn’t sure I would get to view on the big screen since I hadn’t managed to see it before we left the States. Jeff refused to see it with me because he says Oompa Loompas give him nightmares. I will watch anything starring Johnny Depp since I think he is dreamy. Though Willy Wonka is a decidedly asexual role, but he was still fetching and entertaining and interesting. Perhaps I’ll start stalking him now that I live nearer his home in France.
Because I am self-centered (only child trait rears its ugly head), I related to almost every character in the film, including the bratty kids (ahem, only child again) and even Willy Wonka. At one point he pulls a grey hair from his head (don’t worry, this won’t ruin the movie for you, and besides you already know the story, don’t you?), realizes that he is mortal, and that he’d better start thinking about the future. I think it’s no coincidence that just as a preponderance of grey hairs began springing forth from my scalp this year, an opportunity for a life change appeared. This move to Germany is my very own Chocolate Factory (yes, I’ve twisted the metaphor). Living outside my home country was something I’d always wanted to do, but it took a few grey hairs and the realization that I’m not getting any younger to make me pursue it. That and an adventuresome spouse whose job generously worked out the finances for us. A good reason to be thankful for the next grey hair I pull out of my head.
