I Wreak of American

The other day I was out running as usual. Frozen hands and face included. I am not really sure if there is a German etiquette on snot rockets while running but if I don't launch the rockets they turn into horrifying snotsickles that freeze to your nose hairs and stab you in the nostril. You don't want ice on the wings right? I also find myself wanting to spit more with the cold so I really hope I am not offending anyone. I usually wait until I am deep into the woods before I turn into snot launching mucous producing machine but sometimes I forget where I am.
Anyways, I was about half way through an 8 mile run making a circle around the animal park.

I was right here to be exact. ( the weather obviously being different since I took these in the fall ).  During the week I usually see groups of children admiring the pigs and the buffalo, and the older folks walking around with their walking poles. ( Which are the same as ski poles ).

I continued to run on down the path and I passed an older gentlemen who had stopped to admire the buffalo. As I passed he smiled at me and said Morgen! He was so cheerful I couldn't help but try and return the greeting. But with the cold, my social retardedness, and lack of German all I could get out was. "Orgen" followed by a smile. Wow, what the hell did I just say? I brushed it off and turned the corner to the loop. I was at the half way point of the loop when I saw the old man again walking towards me. This time as I passed him he smiled at me and said "hi!" and let out a chuckle. I let out a laugh and a nod, still thinking I could get away with passing as German if I just didn't speak, but It was already too late. My cover was blown.

So now I have a new goal. Be able to properly greet someone in German without making a fool of myself.

Wish me luck.