Hey Aurora, I've only just seen this thread! So happy that life's treating you right. It sounds like you're diving in, linguistically. Don't worry, immersion will be your greatest teacher. Above all, enjoy Europe! It's a big and diverse place, even the UK (I'm looking at you Min & Valk, can't speak English, indeed!!) so make sure you cross borders and drink it all in. Hope everything works out the way you plan.

I thought I had read somewhere that memory foam was very popular in Europe. Personally I hate soft matresses, but very firm ones that don't give at all cause me agony in pressure points, like hip and shoulder, after only a few hours. This matress is honestly the firmest I've ever felt. No give at all!
Solid memory foam works best for me, it gives firm support, but also gives way on those pressure points. I'm going to ask for a matress topper eventually, though I'm trying to make do for now.

We will try to travel to all the cool places. That is why we came more than a month before he starts work, give us plenty of time to be tourists, hopefully. Prague is certain, we will try to visit in Heidelberg as well, in a few weeks maybe.

(July 5, 2017 at 5:05 am)Aroura Wrote: Quick update:

My family has landed, and are now settling into our new apartment.  Still very busy getting paperwork done (the Germans really do have quite a lot of required paperwork.  Need the residency permit just to open a bank account or get a phone!) and learning the local area, stocking up on basic necessities, etc, but all is proceeding fairly smoothly. Residency permits awarded, working on work visa next.

Apartment is lovely, people here really are very friendly and helpful.  I feel like I speak the most broken German anyone has ever heard (and honestly we have met a number of people who speak no English, like the apartment repair man, and shopkeep of the local appliance store, so I'm glad I speak even broken German, it has been a help).

Hope to find time to tour the city in a more relaxed and fun manner, soon.  Oh, and the food is really good so so far!  Out to eat once, everything was excellent. Enjoying the local grocers as well. No elevator in our building, and we are on the 4th floor, so between that and needing to walk or tram to shops (full grocer called Rewe is only like 2 blocks, and soooo many little local bakery's close, too!) I should be in the best shape of my life in no time!

Miss all my AF buds!  Thanks for all your well wishes and help.  The support here is invaluable.  Hugs to you all!

Aroura

P.S.  Dear Deutschlanders, it is ok to have beds softer than poured concrete, no one will think you weaker for it.

Now that you're settled, come visit me in Clonmel. I'll speak to the Super, he'll find a nice little room with a view for you.

Happy for you, Aroura. I'll be content with the occasional post card. Have fun!

(July 5, 2017 at 2:07 pm)Aroura Wrote: . Prague is certain, we will try to visit in Heidelberg as well, in a few weeks maybe.

My holidays start July 26 or so...

Pictures, people. For gawd's sake, don't forget the pics.

As much as I would love to see Ireland, it's a bit much to think of right now, lol. Thank you for the invite! If we do decide to head that way, I'll certainly give you a shout.

Theft is so much to see right here in Germany, and many just outside like with Prague and Vienna,I don't know how to fit more in! Id like to visit Ireland, Spain, Portugal, maybe even England, but might not make it to any of those. All the same, if anyone is ever in this area, drop us a line for a visit.

Just don't mention the war...





Seriously, though, I'm really happy you've made it.

Enjoy your time there. I understand the Germans are an amazing and friendly people.

As requested. Sorry I didn't post any sooner,I still only have a tablet and now an Iphone.  I struggle posting pics from either, but I managed!
First 2 are me and my daughter in the new apartment.  Next is a shot from the plane somewhere between Munich and Dresden.  Last is my daughter on the first plane from Redmond, Oregon to San Francisco Ca.  She was pretty terrified at first, but after take-off, enjoyed her window seat quite a lot.

Nize Hat!