Apparently American's can't take a joke

So I was out at dinner the other night with some work friends and one of them made some small joke at my expense. I reacted and defended my decision or whatever it was that he was mocking, and he told me to take it easy since he was "just taking the piss out of me". Basically an Aussie way to poking fun at someone. He then went on to say that he has noticed in the American's he knows that none of us can take a joke, and all defend our decision or something. Note sure I agree with his assessment, but I have found myself taking the bait when people make jokes lately. So who knows. Maybe he has a point.

Same moon different stars

When my little sister was leaving Germany after one of her many study abroad programs, her host father gave her the "no matter how far away we are we will both be looking at the same moon" speech that while true and heartfelt is a bit cliche at this point. I was thinking about that today while walking back from the gym. I happened to look up and for probably only the fourth time since moving here looked at the stars and really realized I don't recognize a single damn one. No Polaris or Orion's Belt to give me a frame of reference. I had to whip out my phone and fire up Google Sky Map to even find the Southern Cross which is a bit embarrassing. I am going to have to spend more time star gazing and do Mrs. Hennig proud.