4 Years in Germany

Yep, it’s the anniversary of our big move overseas! It’s hard to believe that we have been living abroad, in Deutschland for 4 years!  The time has just sailed by. I wish we had been able to move here sooner, but thankful that we were able to move when we did.

I am still so happy we made the big move.  Here are some of the things that I still love about living in Germany.

1. Universal, affordable healthcare.  This is a no brainer.
2. Reliable public transportation
3. Super affordable food prices
4. A Bakery on every corner.  I still find it hard to pass a bakery without stopping to make a purchase.  My waistline is proof of that.
5. Sundays.  I love that most everything is closed on Sunday here in Germany.  It reminds me a bit of my childhood and is just such a stress reliever.
6. I love being so close to the Netherlands, and France.  I also love being just a short flight to Ireland and Scotland.
7. The McDonalds here have real fried pies, like the ones we had back in the day in the US.
8. Dogs are allowed in most places, what’s not to love about that!?
9. Public paths and trails all over the country.  It is very easy and safe to walk everywhere.
10. Toilet paper with fun patterns.  Yep, still love this.  I try to find a different pattern each week.  (It doesn’t take much to entertain me).
11. The chocolate and candy here in Europe is the BEST.  THE BEST, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. My HbA1C will attest to my love of the sweet things here. 
12. Christmastime. The Yuletide in Deutschland is just Magical.  I recommend visiting the Christmas Markets at least once in your lifetime.  (Usually held in the first weeks of December) .
13. Being able to afford to live on one income!  We could never live this well in the US with only one of us working outside the home.  I am thankful for this every single day!
14. The windows.  Yes, I love German windows.  Just do a quick google search about German windows if you don’t know why I love them.  You will love them too, I promise.

Now, it is true there are things that I still miss about the United States too.  But in truth, the list is growing shorter all the time.

1. Good Mexican or Tex-/Mex food.  I have found an online shop to buy what I need to make it at home.  But, I do miss going out with friends for Authentic Mexican food. I REALLY miss Diana’s Dads homemade tamales most of all.
2. My family and friends.  Not going to lie, even this list is growing smaller, sadly.  But, there is a lot of truth in the Out of Sight Out of Mind phrase.  Many people that I had considered friends, have not even tried to keep the friendship alive from afar.  At first this bothered me quite a bit, but it is what it is, people do drift apart.  Especially when there is such a distance between.  This being said, I do have some really dear friends and family that I miss everyday.  
3. Halloween celebrations.  It’s just not much of a thing here, sadly.
4. I miss being fully understood when I talk.  I do have a few English speaking friends here, but we haven’t seen each other in MONTHS due to Covid.  Luckily, Jack, Newt and Binxy are all bilingual and understand me fully.  Now that somethings are getting back to ‘normal’ I will try to get back into some German language courses.  
5. I really miss being able to order an unsweetened ice tea at a restaurant! Why is this not a thing here in Germany?  I have found sweetened or flavoured versions, even worse, I have found carbonated ice tea.  WTH?  Don’t worry, when I open our American Diner, I will serve Iced Tea.

It’s been a great 4 years, even with a pandemic raging on throughout the world.  We have built up a solid business, made good friends, moved to a wonderful house and we have added some sweet pets to top things off.  I am really looking forward to the next 4 years living here in Germany, with my best friend.

Have you moved abroad, or even far from your place of birth?  What keeps you in your new home? What do you miss about your old home?  Let me know in the comments, I love to hear from you!