8.05.2008

Milestone

Max and I past a milestone—our 8th month living as expatriates in Germany. This timeframe might not seem long, but it could very well represent a full third of our total stay in this country. Max received word that he has made a good impression in his new position and, if things continue to go well, he’ll be moving on to a “big opportunity” in a “nice part of Europe.”

But I can’t allow myself to begin speculating about our eventual departure when it feels as though we’ve only just arrived. After a seemingly endless winter, the summer has breezed by and it won’t be too much longer before the autumn months are upon the Deutsche landscape. The vineyards I pass through every day, now plush, green, and teeming with grapes, will be harvested, signaling the end of another year. Then, as winter again settles down for the long haul, quaint Christmas markets will spring up, brightening towns and warming the souls of weather-weary residence.

No, I can’t think about leaving. I like it here too much. And after 8 months, to like where I live is a wonderful milestone.

19 comments:

kenju said...

Isn't that amazing? Considering that just a mere 9-10 months ago you approached the move in trepidation. I am so glad that you like it there, although Raleigh is the poorer for it. Just where could the "nice part of Europe" be? Everything I saw of it was nice!

Tiffany Fairbanks said...

I'm happy for you! I'm happy for me that you are still blogging. Don't leave us. Will you spend Christmas in Germany or is that too far away to think about?

ms chica said...

It doesn't seem like eight months has passed, but that's easy for me to say when most of the groceries I purchase are packaged with English names...Isn't it great when a place becomes home?

Anonymous said...

Whew! An EXPAT who isn´t whining about "having" to live in Germany. I too am EXPAT! It is unreal hsome of those who apparently can NOT adjust remain to only complain.

Thanks for a ray of hope that not ALL EXPATS can NOT or will NOT go back to where they came from.

It´s NOT about where the "hat is hung" but the attitude with which the "hat IS hung."

Enjoy!

Dora said...

I'm so glad you like where you are. Your town sounds so nice, what an experience it must be living there.
Thanks, BTW, for blogging about it, because I really do enjoy reading about where you are and all your mini trips. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely jealous, but I can still be happy for you, right?

Jill said...

How I do agree that living somewhere you like is half the battle! I am so happy that you feel at home there - I say that with more understanding than you know... as I can't stand the physical house in which I've recently been assigned.

Congrats on your 8th month anniversary. I look forward to hearing more great things from you!

Shelly said...

Oh, I hope you decide to continue to blog about your expat adventures. It's so much fun to read about your travel adventures and your lovely life with Max...and of course that darling pup.

Berlinbound said...

Movement - it makes you take a longer look at everything you might otherwise take for granted.

Claire said...

Wow, eight months. I love Germany, and the way you describe the seasons really takes me back. :)

Cxx

running42k said...

That long already? Wow time flies.

Erin said...

Don't think about moving on yet! Enjoy where you are right now. It sounds like it's a great place.

Anonymous said...

My hubs likes to say that life is what happens while you're planning the rest of your life. Enjoy your time in Germany!
P.S. I meant to post awhile ago, your house is so neat!

Paige Jennifer said...

Whatever, Ms. Diplomatic. If you land in Paris or Nice, I'm TOTALLY visiting you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, time really does fly, doesn't it? I'm so happy you feel settled and loving where you are. But am also a *smidge* envious and the thought of yet another adventure, and in a "nice part of Europe", no less!

meno said...

"a NICE part of Europe"?

Where are you now? Looks pretty nice to me.

Cheryl said...

Wow. I can't believe it's been 8 months already! Enjoy...

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Time flies, doesn't it? You have the right attitude about living here. I am happy you are finding it a pleasant experience :) The opportunity to live in a foreign country should always be appreciated.

Snooker said...

8 months!
Don't look back girl, spend your time looking forward. You will be a better person for it.

Anonymous said...

Hi there.
I recently found your blog and have also recently relocated to Germany (Heidelberg) and it sounds like we arrived at the same time. Our adjustment has also been good an it is starting to feel like some kind of home.