Andreas Salathe’s Story

1. What is your name?

Andrea Petra Salathe

2. Write down a few facts about yourself.

I’m an only child. First came to Colorado Springs CO when I was 20 years old and moved to Huron SD about a year and a half later. I’ve worked various jobs over the years from waitressing at Primetime and Quality Insurance at Aerostar to a couple of warehouse positions and also Trainer for the electronic assembly lines at Daktronics plus numerous more. I have two daughters who were born in 2009 and 2011.

3. What country are you from?

I am from Germany but my great grandfather was from Italy and married my great grandmother who was from France.

4. Tell me some things about your country.

Germany is known for its castles and other architectural features plus lots of other sight seeing opportunities. The Renaissance festivals are always an amazing experience as well as various theme parks. The country itself has everything from ocean to green pastures and even high mountains and there are all 4 seasons throughout the year though in some areas it’s typically more rain during the winter than actual snow but in others there is snow for several months.

5. Why did you move to the united states?

I’ve always wanted to come visit but ended up having the opportunity to move here.

6. How long have you been in the United States?

It’s been over 20 years already.

7. Why did you move to Huron?

Family and friends.

8. What are some differences between Huron and the country you are from?

Roads are bigger as in wider, temperatures are more extreme and less trees.

9. What are some major culture shocks that you felt when you first moved to Huron?

The lack of public transportation and everybody drives everywhere all the time.

10. What are somethings you miss about your country?

Mostly my friends and family that I still have there.

11. What are somethings you do not miss about your country?

The bureaucracy, everything has to be so meticulously filed and everything takes forever.

12. What are some things that are unique about growing up in your country?

Everybody goes constantly on several hour walks every day plus the usual all-day hikes on the weekend on top of all that regular walking throughout the day instead of driving everywhere. There are quite a few who will ride bicycle instead of cars too.

13. Any fun words or phrases common in your country that would not be common here.

“Das ist mir wurst!” Directly translates to. That is sausage to me. But really means: I don’t care

14. What is something you love about Huron?

It’s a more laid back town.

15. Write down any other thoughts about moving to Huron and/or about your country.

I do keep thinking about moving back but I made my life here and would definitely miss everyone and everything from here.

16. Anything else at all that you find important to share.

I’m definitely grateful for the experience of having lived in a couple different countries and being able to explore other ones as well and getting introduced to various cultures in general.