2.22.2009

I've come a long way, Schatzi

Have you ever noticed, after weeks of dissatisfaction, how unusually good your hair looks the morning before an appointment with the stylist?

With one month and seven days left, I'm having a similar experience when it comes to life in Germany. Despite the cold, winter grayness, my ineptitude when it comes to the language, disdain for anything pork, and the fact that Max was gone 24 out of 30 days last month, I'm having some of the easiest and most memorable times in all my 13 months in this country. Aside from occasional communication difficulties, day-to-day living is relatively comfortable and, sometimes, even a little exciting.

After months and months of living like a shadow of the person I once was, today I prosper.

Don't get me wrong. Living in a foreign place is never easy when compared to being in your home country. But after the initial culture shock wears off and acceptance begins, a person can start to feel "at home" in a foreign country. I am happy I reached this state of mind before leaving Germany.

I also am starting to realize a few of the things I'll miss most once I leave -- taking Charlie on long walks through the vineyards, Tchibo (a unique coffee shop/ houseware and clothing store), Flammkuchen, castle ruins along almost every hillside, and, of course, the new friends I've come know and enjoy over the last several months.

Even though I am determined to look forward to the new experiences and change in scenery that await me and Max in Barcelona, I am also in the mindset to savor every minute of the time I have left here.

11 comments:

Vodka Mom said...

I know EXACTLY what you are saying. AND, I am getting a hair cut tomorrow and TODAY my hair is smokin'. crap.

J'Ollie Primitives said...

If I was moving from Mannheim to Barcelona I'd be a little brighter-eyed too!
I lived in Sandhofen, a tiny hamlet in the Mannheim area, for six-ish years.
All I can remember is "Sie hat heisse ohren"
Why would anybody would appreciate being told that their ears are hot?

Sizzle said...

I felt that way about Santa Cruz, CA when I was moving to Seattle, WA. Everything came into crisp focus. It helped me appreciate it for what it was.

Dan-E said...

maybe it's because i'm a dude i can't relate. that and i haven't been to the barber in over two years.

Scary Mommy said...

I am like that with everything--- I romanticize everything when it's over!

Connie said...

We're leaving Cairo this summer and it will be hard. Kids are having a hard time grasping the idea too. My 5yo was trying to explain that we were leaving, going home to the US for a little while, but we're not going to come home again after that. Home to the kids is Cairo. I'm going to miss it too.

MsTypo said...

I know exactly how you feel. :) We spent so much time complaining about Delhi that once we decided to leave it we realized too late that we really loved it. LOL I think cities do it on purpose so that you miss them and remember to come back for visits. :)

kenju said...

See, that's a great attitude. I wish I could come to feel that way in Rome or Florence! LOL

Gutsy Living said...

Maybe it's focusing on all the positives, and being slightly "afraid," of what awaits you in the new country. I know that happened to me when I loved to Belize, from southern California.

Ron said...

I SO hear ya, Diane!

When I moved from Florida back to Philadelphia, as much as I was ready to move on, I couldn't help but be a little melancholoy. And you're SO right in savoring every minute of the time you have left there.

I'm so excited and happy for you and Max on your new adventure!

Unknown said...

Soak it in... I know you will love Spain... but you are going to miss Germany... (I do )