We might be moving to Germany!

[Whateverist]

Hey that's great, Aroura! Congratulations to you all. If only I could get the hell out here too. Try not to hate us too much, remember some of us are not Trump-lovers, okay?

I'd missed this post. How long will you be there. Could it be permanent or was it just for the training period you mentioned early on?

[Aroura]

Hey that's great, Aroura! Congratulations to you all. If only I could get the hell out here too. Try not to hate us too much, remember some of us are not Trump-lovers, okay?

I'd missed this post. How long will you be there. Could it be permanent or was it just for the training period you mentioned early on?

It's for one year, just the training periods, to begin with at least. We should be returning to the states in late 2018. To my hometown, too, of all places. It's a small world.

My husband will be training for a year with the parent company, Systems Solutions, in Germany. Then working 4 years at their new American branch in Oregon.

At the end of that 4 years, he may have the option to return to the parent company, in Germany.

Oh he just forever me and said it's even possible we might stay, the 5 year contract he's under its for any branch, but most likely 4 years will be in the US.

Thanks Whatevs It's all pretty amazing!

[I_am_not_mafia]

You should check out the integration courses (Integrationskurs). State subsidised and very cheap, ran at the local Volkshochschule. If we knew about it when we went over and my husband had gone off to it from the very beginning we'd probably still be living in Germany.

[Aroura]

Update:

Our furnished apartment is now reserved.  It's a 3 story apartment, joined with only one other unit.  Here are some pics of the place we will be living.

I can see the opening for stairs on the left.  This looks like it leads to the kitchen down the hall?  I'm not sure, yet.


This kitchen makes me want to cry with joy.  Flat top range, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Lovely dining table, lots of sun.  Beautiful!


Bedroom for me and James.  The beds look a bit oddly shaped, maybe it's just the square pillows, lol.  Memory foam mattresses though, so yay for that!


I already <3 this bathroom.  Corner tub and separate shower, lots of room!


Our daughter's bedroom, has her own desk AND couch!  Much roomier than expected, too.


Apparently the upper floor is a Winter Garden, partly enclosed, partly outdoor patio.  I'm kind of amazed.

So, our flight date is not firm, yet, supposedly we will find out by Friday, so we can give notice at our current place of residence.  It will be between July 1st and 6th, though, for sure.

This Friday, we are driving down a few boxes to be shipped.  Winter clothing, a few pots and pans, Liz's toys, etc.  Then we have 8 boxes of things to store, plus a few items of furniture, but not much.  We are just keeping our desks and an end table.  We are giving away most of the rest of our furniture, rather than try and fit it into storage.  We are also going to sell the car.  James is a bit sad about that last, he loves that car, but it's more costly to store it for a year (or more) than it will be worth by the time we return.

Our house is 90% packed right now, so we will be living with just our beds and the clothing we pack in our suitcases for about 3 weeks.  My computer goes in a box on it's way over seas tomorrow, so I'll only be able to post from my tablet and/or phone until those shipping containers arrive, which could be 10 weeks (mid August) but might be sooner.

Anyway, I wanted to share the news. We are so excited!

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You should check out the integration courses (Integrationskurs). State subsidised and very cheap, ran at the local Volkshochschule. If we knew about it when we went over and my husband had gone off to it from the very beginning we'd probably still be living in Germany.

Also, thank you for the info, Mathilda.  I will check into this!  I really do want to learn enough to speak it at least casually.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to learn a language while being in the culture, and I'm determined to make the best use of it.

[pocaracas]

That looks like an awesome place, Aroura!
Even though we're not getting that bedroom pic, but I saw it on FB...

My only two points are:
- Two beds for a couple?
- The dishwasher looks smallish... but that may be due to the perspective. Still, should be more than enough for you 3!

[Aroura]

That looks like an awesome place, Aroura!
Even though we're not getting that bedroom pic, but I saw it on FB...

My only two points are:
- Two beds for a couple?
- The dishwasher looks smallish... but that may be due to the perspective. Still, should be more than enough for you 3!

I think I fixed the bedroom pic, now. : I just forgot to insert it, lol.

About the 2 beds, my guess is this furnished unit is flexible, for roomies as well as families.  It looks like they just pushed 2 singles together.  Heh, we'll make due. 

I am honestly thrilled there is a dishwasher at all!  I was preparing myself to hand wash everything.  I already do wash my pots, pans, and baking dishes by hand, so even a small dishwasher will be fine for us.

[Whateverist]

Hmmm .. are you sure it's big enough for all your AF.org guests? Better check with the hubby to see if he is up for singing some xmas carols too.

[I_am_not_mafia]

I am honestly thrilled there is a dishwasher at all!  I was preparing myself to hand wash everything.  I already do wash my pots, pans, and baking dishes by hand, so even a small dishwasher will be fine for us.

You're missing out on a big part the German experience of moving into a flat / apartment without even a kitchen sink. We spent the first month washing our dishes in the bath until we went to Ikea and bought some free standing kitchen units.

We'll be visiting our house in Lower Saxony in August or September. We could meet up!

[Jackalope]

You're missing out on a big part the German experience of moving into a flat / apartment without even a kitchen sink. We spent the first month washing our dishes in the bath until we went to Ikea and bought some free standing kitchen units.

Suddenly, I feel spoiled.

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Looks like a really nice place, Aroura.

[Aroura]

I am honestly thrilled there is a dishwasher at all!  I was preparing myself to hand wash everything.  I already do wash my pots, pans, and baking dishes by hand, so even a small dishwasher will be fine for us.

You're missing out on a big part the German experience of moving into a flat / apartment without even a kitchen sink. We spent the first month washing our dishes in the bath until we went to Ikea and bought some free standing kitchen units.

We'll be visiting our house in Lower Saxony in August or September. We could meet up!

I was mentally prepared to do just that, lol.  I saw a lot of apartments that were essentially bring your own everything, including cupboards and plumbing! That sounds backbreaking, though.  Talk about roughing it.  

I think a meet-up would be great, if we can arrange it. : We'll keep in touch when we arrive, and you can let us know when your visit dates firm up. I look forward to meeting you and your husband!