Stories of the ups and downs of expat life. Life as an expat isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding.
Ali wrote about how to separate garbage in Germany a while back. This is the next story in the line. When you have things too big to throw in the black or other classes of things that are specially designated, then there is Sperrmüll. At least in Freiburg, you get 4cubic meters of allowance a […]
Freiburg is a city attached to nature. The Black Forest isn’t just nearby, an arm of it comes right down into the center of town as Castle Hill. It is also a city of relaxation and enjoyment of outdoors. There are a few sites to see, but the best aspect of the city is really […]
I like to watch movies. I enjoy how they can get me to think about aspects of life. I am also a visual person, so this medium speaks to me. Even when I read books (which I love as well), I see cinematic style scenes in my head. So movies are often where I turn […]
The visa is one of the most important papers for an expat. It is our permit to stay and live where we are. Last fall I was rubbing up against my five years in Germany. This meant, as near as I could figure, my visa should “upgrade” to the next level. It sounds all video […]
I have lived and traveled in German speaking Europe for a long time. I have even been in Austria several times, but I have only recently experienced Schmarrn. I tried making it this morning and although it was edible (and still tasty), it didn’t turn out like I wanted. I will try again, if for […]
Kündigungsfrist – This German monstrosity of a word essentially just means “notice period before quitting/cancelation.” Where do you find it? It comes up in work contracts. In that sense it implies that a certain amount of notice must be given (usually by both sides) for you to leave your job. I have seen it in […]
One of my goals of moving to Germany over 5 years ago was to be able to travel. To be in the center of Europe and be able to make daytrips in Germany and spend weekends in Italy and beyond. Yeah, well. Being a traveler is one thing, being a part of working society, even […]
When you think about Germany and you are an American, you are probably just thinking about Bavaria. So many things in the American mind about Germany have come from Bavaria. Oompah Bands, Lederhosen and Oktoberfest? Yup. Castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty? Yup. Pretzels? Well, not just Bavaria, but definitely the south of Germany. To put […]