Live the Language

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

Have you seen these incredible and gorgeous little videos from Gustav Johansson, Niklas Johansson, and Albin Holmqvist?

They warm my heart and make me squeal with delight. These are the simple pleasures of travel... seeing, learning, and doing - and so beautifully presented. Really spectacular!!

So far cities include: Beijing, Barcelona, London and Paris.

Each video brings me back to my time in each of these cities.

I can't wait for the German version. They remind me of my own language school experiences.

Don't they make you want to jump into language school as soon as possible?

Expat Tips

The decision to move abroad can be daunting. It's probably not for everyone, although I do personally believe everyone has something to gain from seeing the world from another vantage point.

It's incredible how many different ways there are to do things and there isn't a 'right' way to do them, despite what many tell you, which is why I left the questions open ended. In my experience those who never have ventured out of their comfort zone tend to be the loudest in letting you know their way is the best. Some things work for certain people and not for others.

I've frequently been asked about considerations and for tips on starting a life in another country. Many of these things apply to living anywhere in the world when moving internationally. I'm not an immigration lawyer or expert, so I don't have the answers to all of those questions, but this list may help in putting things into perspective.

If you're trying to immigrate to the United States check out Visa Journey or enter the green card lottery.

- Missing family, friends, foods, and certain aspects of 'home' is difficult on the emotional end. People say the will visit and don't, they may not understand your life, and they may fall off the face of the earth. Dealing with a substantial time change makes contacting people difficult and it's not uncommon to be the last to know the latest news among family and friends. Thankfully there is skype, instant messaging, emails, and snail mail. You'll quickly find out who remembers you. At times it can be disappointing, but make the effort to keep in touch with those you care about.

- Be prepared to never feel fully 'home' again. You'll most likely always miss someone or some thing once you've moved. This is probably true in moving city to city, but more noticeable when dealing with other cultures as well. There are high highs and low lows, so just prepare yourself for that. Or at least make yourself think you're prepared for that.

- It's not vacation every day. Sometimes things become common place and the excitement can wear off once the everyday life sets in. Believe it or not there are still chores to be done and bills to pay, occasionally the seemingly easy (hello, washing machine) has suddenly become difficult.

- Some people are sent abroad for jobs, some fall in love, and some simply find a city that they dream of living in. These considerations will apply to everyone, although some circumstances make things much easier:

Visas + Permits

• What will you need to do to apply for a visa (x-rays, police records, translated official documents, etc)? How long will it take to process? What are the benefits and limitations of specific types of visa, and can you choose from different visa options? [If moving to Germany read this]

• Is there a possibility to obtain dual-citizenship? How long does it take?

• Are your passport, driver's license, job certifications, other forms of ID, shots/vaccinations, etc are all up to date before you apply for a visa and especially before you move? Applying for renewals from abroad is a big hassle. Sometimes it must be done in person.

• Is there are reciprocity for exchanging a driver's license to the locals license? Will you have to pay money or take courses?

• Do you have copies of important papers including notorized or apostilled copies of marriage licenses or transcripts?

• Does the country have any particular rules pertaining to expats, ie. having to hire a certain number of local employees (cook, gardener, maid, etc)?

Work Life

• Do you need a work visa before entering the country or can you get one after you arrive?

• If moving for your job or transferring with the company what issues will be important to you to negotiate?

• If married, will both partners be allowed to work? Are there job perspectives for both partners? If one partner can't work, what are their other options?

• Are spouses or partners invited to workplace functions?

• If you lose your job is there a distinct amount of time before you are forced to leave the country?

Health Care

• Will you have access to the (public) healthcare system? If not, what can you expect to pay in insurance, and what will this insurance cover, and when?

• What types of medications difficult to find or illegal to bring?

• What kind of immunizations / vaccinations will you need before going?

Food + Water

• Is it okay to drink tap water or from a distilled bottle even though it doesn't look clear?

• Are there cooking ingredients that are not available that should be brought?

• What type of measuring system do they use for foods? Should you bring measuring cups or a cook book of their ethnic dishes in your local language?

Everyday Life

• Are you able to drive in your new country? Rent a car?

• Is it pedestrian / bike friendly?

• Is there a subway / public transport system? How expensive is it?

• Can/should you ship your car? If so what are the additional safety/enviromental regulations? Are there road taxes?

• For the city/region, how's telecom (generally)? Is it typical to have your house phone/internet up and running within a week or two or is the wait more like 6-8 weeks, in which case are wireless cards/keys worth it?

• Will your electronics work there or will you have to buy tons of adapters + convertors?

• Is there a book store with publications in your native language?

• Are your DVD's or games going to work over there (region free, etc. )? Does your DVD player have a 'cracking' code?

• What are the area's religious views? Will this change the way you practice your own faith? Will you need to wear special clothing to blend in with others?

Children

• Do you want to potentially have children there? What is pregnancy and childbirth like in this country?

• Would the child / children have the ability to gain a second citizenship? How do you register births with your homeland(s)?

• What kind of educational system is there for children?

• What kind of activities/after-school programs are offered?

• How will the school communicate with you (for those who don't yet speak the language)?

• What is expected of you as a parent (as in contributing volunteer hours, etc)?

• What holidays do children celebrate? And how do they celebrate them?

• Which medications are over-the-counter and which will you need to obtain from a medical professional?

• Will your child be able to get medical care the day you arrive? What about dental care? Eye-care and glasses?

Pets

• Can you transfer pets to this country? If you get a pet in your new country, and want to move it to another country later, what would you need to do?

• Is the country/city pet-friendly? Will it make renting a home or apartment more difficult?

• Is there an option to board pets when you want to travel?

• Does the country quarantine - how long is mandatory and how expensive is it?

Community

• How easy is it for you to travel home from there?

• Is there an expat community present?

• Are there organizations to get involved with for volunteer opportunities?

• Is this a country where you can meet and interact with locals, or will you mostly need to rely on other expats?

• Are there lots of other expats in the area, and is there an active network?

• Are special programs available to foreigners to learn the language?

• What are different areas known for and what areas are most desirable to live in?

• What is the crime rate and some of the local laws?

• Are there local customs that you should be aware of, including holidays?

Moving & Accommodations

• Can you bring your things? How much would this cost? Are there customs restrictions? How long would it take (approximately) for your things to arrive at your new house?

• What type of living arrangements will you have access to?

• Can you choose your own accomodation, or does the company choose for you?

• What can you expect to spend on accommodation?

• Is it safer to live in an expat neighborhood/compound?

• Can you buy, or do you need to rent?

• Can temporary residents get a mortgage?

• If you own a home what will you do with it?

Finances, Taxes, and Banking

• What will you be expected to pay in terms of taxes? Will you receive any government benefits?

• Are you paying for things you won't have access to, or can you get a rebate?

• Are there any partner banks that offer benefits in the new country?

• How often will you be paid and in which currency?

• What about retirement savings? If you can/must put money into company/government pension schemes, can you take that money with you if you leave the country?

• Will you be eligible to get the country's social security?

• Will you have to pay taxes in your home land even while you are abroad?

• Will you/can you transfer money to your "home" bank if necessary?

Useful sites:
Expatistan - cost comparison between cities
If it were my Home - very interesting country by country comparisons
Expat blog - a directory of various locations from an ex-pat perspective
Internations - a community of expats with local chapters around the world
Spotted by Locals - tips from locals around European cities

If I forgot anything please leave a comment and I will add it to the list!

reunion

Being home I quickly realize how much I have changed. While it's fantastic to see friends and familiar faces, I see how different our worlds are. It's not always easy being between two cultures and not quite knowing my place in either one.

Sometimes I walk a fine line of not wanting to disappoint my parents in being too happy in Munich, despite the fact I know they want me to be happy. I like to think I have a knack for focusing on the positive and seeing the bright side of things and living in Munich is no different. The prospect that I could stay there for a longer amount of time or forever is daunting to them. At times it's daunting to me as well. I get the itch for something new and different, despite knowing the quality of life will be tough to match.

It's extremely difficult not to have the answers over something as seemingly simple as where we will live. Most people choose stability in their lives, since we're creatures of comfort and routine, however I find myself going the opposite direction and questioning if that's normal or what is wrong with me. Life abroad isn't easy or straightforward, and at times it can get lonely, but every day is a challenge. I sometimes think that's what makes me thrive and keeps me appreciative of the simple things.

This past weekend was the reunion from my University, which is really a spectacular place. Everyone wanted to talk about life and what they have been doing. They had plenty of questions for me, including where Stefan was. It would have been so much nicer if he was here - everyone missed him and every little detail reminded me of our time together on campus where we met.

These are the people that I shared some of the most wonderful years of my life with, yet things are different. Some are married, some have children, and it's reality that we'll never go back to what we had - living in a neighborhood with our closest friends or staying up all hours of the night to talk with few cares or problems. The lessons I learned are still profound. I still prefer experiences as opposed to things and think time spent with people is the most important gift to give.

I'd rather go to an intimate dinner and share a meaningful conversation than go to a house party and drink cheap beer out of plastic cups or eat cheap pizza late into the night, but for one weekend it's nice to play college again. I love to appreciate our experiences that helped to shape us into who we are.

While I'm home I have the quintessential questions about when I'd be moving back, how well I speak German, or how we can afford to travel to so much. Below the surface there's so much more. The experiences that I've been given, or chosen for that matter, have really shaped me.

Through my German classes I've had to interact with so many cultures and speak with so many people who are facing similar, yet entirely different struggles. That is something most of my American friends have never and will never encounter. I admit that I do find it difficult to talk about world issues with so many people who have no interest in traveling for whatever reason. It's difficult to explain that the world is much larger than their hometown or trying to tell people about my classmates who have come from Iraq or another asylum seeking country without sounding haughty. I love learning from others and I realize I'm often the first American some people have ever met.

It quickly makes me realize that life is full of choices and priorities. My choice has been to share my life with someone I love and to learn about the world by experiencing it first hand. I have an inner need to take life in until it makes me want to cry, but I really wouldn't want it any other way.

The emotional roller coaster of saying hello and goodbye to the people that I love the most will never get easier, but slowly I do consider the fact that's the price I have to pay to be between two cultures. While most of my friends do live in the US, they don't get the privilege to visit friends and family for weeks at a time. It's easier to take things for granted when it's never been any different. That's a luxury that I don't have, but another reason that makes me so sure of my choice in choosing the life that I do. My friends, on the other hand, get to appreciate never having to miss things or to feel slightly misplaced as if they are on the outside looking in.

Everything reiterates how incredibly happy I am and I still feel the same way as when I graduated from college. I'm excited to share my enthusiasm for life with the world and yearn to help others.

life changes

Apologizes for not writing more frequently or responding to your comments in a more timely manner. I truly appreciate them and it's so nice when people take the time to comment or give my blog an award, but lately I have felt awful that I haven't been able to devote the same energy back. I promise I'm working on it!

I have to say I'm still surprised it's not just my family and friends from home who occasionally read this, which is extremely flattering, if not slightly intimidating.

Lately many people in my world have been facing big life changing struggles. As Stefan's Oma says, "Luck doesn't always fall on one side." Sometimes it means picking up the pieces, changing life plans, or making the most of time with loved ones.

Times like this call for appreciating the little things, which I often have to remind myself. That alone isn't always easy being so far away from home and leading such an unpredictable life, but there's a beauty in knowing that support can come from the most unlikely of sources. It's one of those beautiful moments of life beginning again.

It makes me think of the hermit crabs in the Maldives. Every single day there was so much action on the shore line. Upon closer inspection I would see the tiny crabs fighting to move into a new shell. Even for the little guys life isn't easy, but everyone fights on, gradually getting stronger and more colorful over time.

All of these little battles are tedious and demanding, but they are what make us appreciate the wonderful things of life and the moments that bring us joy. They add color to our lives as well, and shape us into interesting and complex people.

At the end of the day it's important to be thankful - even for the smallest things, and to realize how difficult life can be for everyone from time to time.

Locked Up Abroad

Sometimes I feel like I live under a rock, because I'm not as up to date with pop culture (let's face it - German TV is nothing special... even the Germans agree).

I just learned about a new (at least to me) TV show called 'Locked Up Abroad', and I can't get enough of it. (In foreign markets it's called 'Banged Up Abroad'.

If you don't live in the US or you're not the proud owner of a sling box (we have one, but I still had never heard of the show), you can watch the it via YouTube.

It features true stories of people that barely make it home alive from their international adventures. Some have been abducted, some have made careless choices and end up in jail, but their stories are incredible and harrowing.

Don't even watch the ones about the Philippines without having tissues nearby.

Another series that I really enjoy is Morgan Spurlock's 30 Days. Each episode is an educational, challenging, and controversial look into the lives of others. These episodes can be watched via his website regardless of where in the world you live - (Thank you to whomever made that decision at FX!).

I also learned he'll be doing a movie adaptation of the popular Freakonomics book. I'm looking forward to seeing what that will be about.

Finally I can watch informative documentaries as opposed to Galileo, Germany's sorry attempt to being investigative, as they have 'Jumbo Schreiner' gorge himself on one more 'world's largest (insert type of food)'. I wish I was joking.

(photo courtesy of National Geographic)

Spotted by Locals

It's no secret that I love to travel and spend hours and hours of my life planning for trips... not only planning, but making them happen. 

I love to find obscure restaurants, beautiful quiet spaces, interesting street art, tiny details, and meticulously designed hotels. Every single aspect makes me feel alive and I wouldn't trade my life for anything. 

I'm obviously a very visual person and learning about things through my own eyes and experiences is for me what life is about. Thankfully Stefan understands my enthusiasm and is willing to go to most places that interest me.

Sometimes the best way to experience a city is to wander around and get a bit lost, but I can't deny I'm a planner. I want to visit the best pastry shops, restaurants, museums, and stores, to really soak in the culture. Through my travels I prepare by talking to my friends, who span the globe, and try to get their local perspective. I also read, read, read. 

It always warms my little heart when Stefan tells me he can't believe the hotel we're staying in or the restaurant we just got reservations at for dinner. He doesn't get loads of time off, so I really want to make sure he enjoys it as much as I do.

This week I stumbled upon Spotted by Locals and I am loving it. Suddenly the cities where I don't know someone feel like people are opening their secret resources to me, which is why I want to share it with you.

Right now only Europe is represented, but it's such a stellar idea.

I can't wait to share some of the wonderful places we'll be visiting this week in London. I already have a few surprises I'm looking forward to.

Happy Travels! 

Dream kitchen

As of now, we're definitely making the most of the city life. We live small, we live simply, and we live well below our means. It's really quite nice. It also means we must be very particular about the things we decide to fill our small space with and I am always thinking ahead.

Slowly we've been working on updating our apartment to make it more of our own place. I absolutely love looking at inspirational images and wondering where life will take us. In the meantime I often gather things that are meaningful to me. Some we are able to incorporate now - like our new fridge that arrived this morning!, and other things we'll have to hold off on... like a subway tile back splash in the kitchen.

I also love the fact that Stefan continually is commenting how much he loves our refrigerator.

Not only do I want my dream kitchen to have a subway tile back splash, but I want the entire kitchen to have a very slight subway undertone. I have a cookie jar, à la my Grandma, that my sister gave me a few years ago. It is a London underground sign. She also recently showed me the beautiful Parisian subway dish cloth, which I have added to my wish list.

Isn't it lovely to surround yourself with things you enjoy and to look forward to?

Here are bits of the master plan...

The subway tile kitchen belongs to Genifer Goodman Sohr, who is a well known stylist. I saw these images on her equally talented friend, Sara Hicks Malone's blog Party Perfect, and I can't quit thinking about them. They also match our table and chairs that we recently purchased.


I promise I'm not on a French kick, but I also love the work of antoin + manuel, a French design duo. And continuing on the subway theme, they have a lot of beautiful pieces including one aptly titled RATP (Parisian Metro), Carte Intégrale, 2005. Their website is a real treasure trove for design lovers.

In other things French... I was overjoyed yesterday when I was in town shopping for a few things and found two things I have been dreaming about. Originally I had see them on uncommongoods and the Moma Store, but today I found them here in Munich.

I really love Revol French porcelaine - it's minimal, very resistant, and simply elegant. Some of their pieces are quite classic, while others - like the the things I bought today, are slightly comical. They keep things interesting.

They have an entire line called the Recycled collection. I love the curving ruffle lines of the 'pommes frites' dish - and the crumpled tumbler is just cute and fits so nicely in my hand.

The best design advice is to surround yourself with things that you love and I can really attest it adds to my happiness.

Life is too short

When you are a lady of leisure with idle time to burn, much like myself, you often consider things that you could or should be doing. I'm not talking about the household chores, but all of the possible career paths and life choices. The things that make life interesting. The difficulty is not knowing how long we will be living here to know how much of myself to invest in these endeavours... not to mention crossing the language barrier in a foreign country.

Being in an international marriage means that at least one of us, at all times, will be the foreigner. Right now Stefan has a different kind of battle, considering he's an international business man and speaks English and German fluently (on the down side he works crazy hours, but he is passionate about his job). I, on the other hand, have plenty of interests that I would consider sinking myself into, but have other obstacles to conquer along the way - namely the German language, social system, and the political and bureaucratic games that are unique to every country. Granted, these are the same things that make me appreciate the opportunity to live in a foreign country and really challenge myself.

The unfortunate thing is that even with so much time to ponder what I want to be when I grow up, the secret is I am still quite clueless. I've had a number of jobs in my life to know things I am not interested in doing, but I am excited for the time when I am able to do something great. Sure I love being a tour guide - it's probably the best job I've had to date, but I yearn to do more.

I was thinking about this today for a variety of reasons... Spring is a time of new beginnings, Stefan and I have major life changes in the next few years, and I finally entered Geobuch - the book store located at Rosental 6. The reason I list this travel book shop is because to me it contains a wealth of possibility and experiences. The glowing globes in the windows draw me in and the collection of books inspire me.

I love life and the possibility of it. I'd probably even come back for another one if I was able to. With as many interests as I have I think I would need several more lifetimes to accomplish everything. There is one common thread that I notice with my interests- they make people happy. And here is a sampling:

Art - I love art history, archeology, architecture, art education, and museum work, which are all visual communication that people from every walk of life are able to take in. I love the link to the past and understanding how old societies did things, as well as modern works that the people of today will be remembered for. Let's hope it's not another strip mall! All people are creative and I think it's really essential to have some form of a creative outlet. Hence my need to take zillions of photos and make arty things as shown to the left.

Travel bookshop owner / writer- While I'm nearly finished with my second self published children's book, I would like to write a real book. If I lived in a city long enough I also think it would be great to have a shop like Geobuch or Globe Corner Books. Did you notice the graffiti monkey?


Florist - my grandparents owned a massive greenhouse before I was born and I wish someone in the family would have taken over it. Being surrounded by color and beauty all day sounds like an alright life to me. Especially if I could make visually stunning arrangements.



Non-profit work - I'd love to do any kind of work that helps people for the greater good. Perhaps that is due to my benevolent side.






Letterpress stationer - sure it may be an archaic title and job, but for me it's deeper than that. I appreciate hand written correspondence and the personal nature of it, as well as the tactile quality. I never met someone that didn't love getting mail - so why not make it high quality mail? Having the space and finding a Vandercook press is another obstacle.

Pastry chef - while I don't want baker's hours, I love beautifully made desserts that are elegant and delicious. People always love cakes and cookies. I'm also a big fan of various interesting chocolates, like those at Vosges.




I definitely have an interesting adventure ahead of me and I'm enjoying life as it happens.

A Map for Saturday

I often feel out of the loop regarding pop culture in the US. Tonight I was pleasantly surprised to see part of the documentary A Map for Saturday, which I had never heard about until seeing it on MTV. The film maker Brook Silva-Braga does an excellent job of relating what life is like on the road. I could identify with parts of his story, such as spending Thanksgiving away and how the people met along the way add to the experience.

Once all of the excitement and travel is over, it becomes difficult to remember what it was like to live in the moment and fully take in what is going on. I can imagine that's only intensified traveling for an entire year and meeting a lot of people all over the world. Travel is a natural high that forces people into situations where they talk to people they normally wouldn't and experience things outside their comfort zone, which keeps things interesting.

I feel so blessed to have someone to love and share those experiences with. I think all people seek to learn about the world, whether it be their town or the world on a larger scale, outside of their comfort zone. For me it's living rather than existing.

I believe people seek to find others that they can relate to, which is probably part of the reason I am drawn to travel and other people in international relationships or that choose to live abroad. We understand each other and the struggles and decisions that are made to remain in a relationship or to survive in a foreign land. We've made active choices to be with our partners and spouses and gone against the grain of what is easy. We've been forced to make conscious choices and endure the time and distance between seeing our loved ones, all the way down to shopping for groceries and not being able to buy familiar foods. All of it is a journey.

Today Stefan left for Munich, which makes me sad. It's crazy for me to think we had spent months apart while we were dating and now one week seems torturous. Another reason I love to travel is because it enables us to have guaranteed uninterrupted time together.

I'd still love to make a round the world journey work, or at least a long term trip. We may have some interesting things up our sleeves. I can't wait to see where we are in a year or two.

Benevolent Creator

Benevolent Creator

Today I took the Personal DNA test to discover I'm a Benevolent Creator. You can find out your personal DNA without giving any personal information by clicking on the link above and answering some questions. I don't know that I discovered any life changing information - I'm independent, into aesthetics, creative, and enjoy getting into random situations. I'm benevolent because I care about other people's feelings and worry about people I've never even met. These tests always seem to paint things in a nice light. For some reason I doubt they have masochistic sociopath as a category.

An Illustrated Life

Beauty in a book is all that I can say about 'An Illustrated Life' by Charley Harper (and arranged by Todd Oldham). The prints are simply stunning. Mr. Harper studied at Ohio's own Art Academy of Cincinnati and met his wife Edie on the first day of class (how sweet is that?).

I'm a big fan of modernist works, or 'minimal realism' as he called it, and I appreciate the vintage feel that his images have.

You can look at the book in its entirety here . Be prepared to feel an appreciation for the beauty of the world, his art, and perhaps to fight the urge to decorate a children's room.



(images Ammo books)

Germany

So it has been over a year since I began to call Germany home. There are definitely many idiosyncrasies that I am continually learning about. Whenever I have visitors I notice things more and miss those initial thoughts when I would ponder the smallest mundane detail such as a door knob that doesn't turn.

There are some things that Germans are known for, such as cleanliness, structure, being on time, cars, and engineering. I have to laugh when Stefan tells me about going on business trips and telling coworkers to 'stop being so German' when someone is 5 minutes late.

One thing that I do appreciate is the simplicity, design, and attention to detail. I think everyone that has visited and asked where to shop I have asked 'do you know anyone with a baby?' The reason is I absolutely love their baby toys made of bright colored wood, particularly a brand called Haba. They have produce, beads, and teethers. (I bought the flower teether for Emily's daughter Claire).



They are just so beautiful!

There is however, a large divide as well. You either have great quality or complete crap. Some of the stores I walk into and shudder as I see things that look so archaic and are yet still quite expensive. If I want to go into a time warp I can just walk into our attempt at a Meijer. It's unfortunate that we don't have something like Target that melds design and functionality into an aesthetically pleasing place. I guess Germans go with the adage of if it's not broke don't fix it. You know what you need you go to get it and you leave. Although, if you let a German loose in the US, (this was when the exchange rate wasn't even as good as it is now) you will see a child in a candy store and they are instantly converted into consumers.

I often look at many design websites and save images of things that I like so I can get what I want when I need it (maybe some of the German mentality is rubbing off on me!) I was surprised and excited to find this beautiful baby bed (don't get an ideas - we still want a few years being child free). The great part is that it not only grows with the child and is beautiful, but it also made in the Allgäu! It's comical for me to see it on all kinds of international design websites when it comes for the Allgäu. I think it will fit wonderfully into our simplistic and modern approach at decorating once it's time.



Lately we have been trying to figure out our next few years. It's a funny life that I never imagined I would lead. I feel like a nomad with a home base in two countries. I see my friends from home settling down and putting roots down, while my friends here are typically 30-35 and unmarried, but dating the same person for 6 or 7 years. Or I have the 50 something variety that are spunky and have fascinating life stories. There is something to be said about the way Europeans look at life and especially here in Germany with the most vacation days of any country in the world.

I truly couldn't ask for anything better in life. Even working here feels like early retirement!


images: haba + sirch