10 things I didn't expect about life in Germany

1. Most people in Heidelberg speak english. We live in Leimen, which is just 10 minutes south of downtown Heidelberg and most speak english here too. It really has made life much easier!

2. Recycling is mandatory. They pick up trash every other week and the the recycle can every other week too. We recycle all plastic and paper. It's incredible how easy it is and how much is completely wasted in the states! We will always recycle, no matter where we live.

3. The fridge and freezers are TINY! You can MAYBE fit 3 packages of meat in the freezer. That's it. People here grocery shop every few days. Which I actually love. I noticed I'm not wasting food like before and everything is so much more fresh.

4. Everyone walks or rides a bike. Even older people well into their 80's ride their bike's to the market. They just have a basket in the front of their bike, load up on fresh bread from the bakery and fruit from the market and zip along. You don't see overweight people here at all. Most people are in decent shape and healthy. It's pretty cool. No wonder the life span here is like 90 something!

5. Driving is crazy. The signs and laws have no logic at all. And the Germans are very picky and stubborn when it comes to driving. The autobahn is cool and people drive insanely fast, but there are posted speed limits. Most people think you can drive as fast as you want, but there are hidden speed cameras everywhere.

6. No garbage disposals here. Everything goes in the trash.

7. Public transportation here is awesome. We haven't taken a train yet, or even the street car because it is down until September. But the transportation is so quick and convienent, it's foolish not to use. Especially because parking can be nightmare some places.

8. It's safer here in different ways. Although the threat of terrorism against americans is higher here, violent crimes are far less heard of. People walk and run around late into the night.

9. Everything is closed on Sunday. Except for restaurants. It's nice because it forces you to just have a relaxing day each week.

10. Nudity is normal here. Although I haven't seen it, I heard people sunbath topless along the Neckhar river and at swimming pools, kids are normally just in there naked or running around naked. It's interesting because right next the army base is a brothel house. They are very casual about that kind of thing.


I'm sure I'll think of more to add to this...but it's a good start

Finally connected to the world again

After nearly two months, we finally have internet!! With the exception of a few things we need for the house and a few accounts we still need to cancel in states, we are officially settled, hallelujah! We still don't have a car (just a rental)and haven't really decided whether we should get one. Within blocks we have a nice grocery store, another little store with every brand of makeup, lotions, shampoo, etc as well as restaurants, buses and soon enough the streetcar. We could easily survive without a car, but come winter time I'm not sure we'll want to.

We love Germany. I've already made 3 new really cool friends. One of them lives in Leimen and has 3 kids, so Lexi has made some friends as well. We have gone to so many fun places since being here. It's great how kid friendly it is here! Although I speak maybe 20 words of German, if you have a kid or a dog you're fine amongst the Germans. So as it turns out my maniac child is a lucky charm!

The pictures are of the living room. It's actually much bigger than the photo's make it look. The layout it perfect. The backyard needs some work...more bushes, some flowers, etc. We will probably wait until next spring to do anything though. We still have boxes to unpack, but are waiting until we get closets. The houses here don't have closets, but IKEA has some cool closets you can buy. BTW the IKEA here is gigantic!! It's literally the size of Dillards (with an upstairs and downstairs!)

Overall I think we have adjusted great. Shaun really likes his job much, much better. He's going to start school October 5 and then I just started class again yesterday. Lexi is her normal self and loves exploring. She has made several German friends and is starting to pick up some German words. It's adorable. We are definitely happier with our life here so far.