Box Springs or Wooden slats.
European's do not use box springs, the beds have a mattress/box spring combination. After 40+ years of sleeping on a box spring, my back has officially rejected the Euro Mattress. In distress, I tried to make arrangements for the box spring, but found the sharp pain of $2000euro to the wallet greater than the pain of that nagging dull lower back. A compromise was found with a thicker European mattress from IKEA. Yes, IKEA sells something without screws! ( I think I've developed a nervous twitch in my elbow brought on by the mere sound of IKEA.) Back to the mattress. So far, the body has not rejected this transplant. Medicine may be helping. We shall see....
Legoland Deutschland!
We went to Legoland on Sunday with a colleague of Robin's from TI. Legoland is about an hour away in the middle of what used to be a forest! It's a great park, not too big and a nice way to spend an afternoon - although it is quite expensive. The weather was a bit overcast and slightly cooler than in Munich. The Bioncle was our favorite ride. The Bioncle must be similar to what astronauts go through in their training. The rider programs the ride the way he or she wants it to go and then you ride it. I was with Sam, who really hates extreme rides of anykid just like his dad. He was taking too long to program the ride so I just started pushing numbers. You should have seen the Dr. Jekyll take over in Sam! He was so mad at me, because apparently I pushed the number that would give us the most extreme ride! He got on with me anyway, and it was the most fun ride ever! The Bioncle arm was tossing us around, upside down and every which way just like we were sacks of potatoes! I was laughing so hard I was crying, while the whole time Sam was screaming and yelling at me!!!! A great memory!!! Sam can add it to the list. . .I turned over a ski mobile I was riding with him, I made him ride the Rock 'n Roll roller coaster at Disney (followed by him getting sick), made him go snow skiing, and now the Bioncle!!!!
US Player Receives Yellow Card on German team!
Yes, that would be #8, Joe Haines! On Saturday, Joe's team played the 3rd place team in their league. Joe's team is made up of all players with 93 birthdays, however, they are playing UP in their league and often play other children who are 12 and 13 years old, 1-2 years older and certainly bigger. The coach did not expect Joe's team to be able to do much, however. . .they won the game 2-1! The player that Joe was responsible for was at least a foot and a half taller than he was and early in the game this #11 on the other team took Joe down twice! He even received a yellow card for his dirty play! It was actually pretty scary as Joe went down hard and I was concerned about a broken leg/ankle. This particular player, #11, seemed to be the "go to" player for the other team, but Joe had him shut down and he never scored except for a PK. What you should also know, is that the refs that the jugends get for their games are about the same quality as the refs we see at the indoor games in Dallas! Enough said?! So, Joe had made one of his usual hard tackles, getting all ball, but the ref called a foul on him. Unable (or chosing not to) control his temper, Joe kicked the ball way out of bounds, thus receiving a yellow card for his poor sportsmanship. Of course, we talked to Joe about it - if you're going to get a yellow card, get one for something not so STUPID! Fortunately, yellow cards do not carry over from game to game to game here unlike in the Classic league in Dallas. A player can receive a single yellow card in each game he plays in and nothing happens. If a player receives 2 yellow cards in a single game, then that becomes a RED and the player must leave the game. Hopefully, we never have to find out! The coaches of Joe's team were really excited about how well the team did! Joe has been very happy with his team!!! He gave the players TEXANS bands (like the Live Strong bands) and it's fun to see his new team mates wearing them in support of Joe!
German Biergarten!
We visited our first German Biergarten on Friday night with our friends, the Glagows. When I told my mother I was going to a biergarten, she jokingly told me she was also going to a biergarten to have a raspberry margarita! Unfortunately, there are no margaritas of any kind at a German biergarten! The idea behind the biergarten is much like going on a picnic. You can ride your bike, walk or drive to it, carry your own food, then sit with family and friends and drink the beer available for purchase at the biergarten. Outside, under the trees at the Oberschleissheim Schloss (castle) biergarten, we had a great time. The kids played a little fussbal, told stories and just had a nice time. Biergartens are every where and people spend a lot of time there especially when the weather is nice and warm! I think we also will be spending a lot of time there! There are even biergartens at the soccer fields where the boys play!
Deutsch Dental Hygiene?
Last week, I had an appointment to see Joe's dentist for a routine dental cleaning. . .Dr. C had been really nice with Joe and he liked her and had no complaints. I had been told by another expat mom that when she went to the dentist and asked to have her teeth cleaned, the dentist just brushed her teeth with a toothbrush!!! So I made as clear as possible that I wanted my teeth cleaned like in the US. In this particular dentist's office, there are no hygienists for this job, but in Dr. C's office, she did the cleaning. What you should know about me is that I am NOT a good dental patient. Not that anyone really enjoys going to the dentist, but I try to go regularly just so that the exam is LESS painful! Anyway, Dr. C met me and greeted me with a handshake, with her gloves on that would go IN MY MOUTH! At least she was wearing gloves!!! Usually when I have my teeth cleaned, it takes about 30-45 minutes. But get this, I was in and out of the chair in under 15 minutes!!!!!! NOW, I must say that all the tools she used were ones that I had seen before, however, she used no handtools - you know how the hygienist will scrape and poke with those sharp tools? Anyway, although I was familiar with all the tools she used, I had never experienced the use of these tools at such a fast and rough speed!!!!!! I was sweating like you wouldn't believe!!!! One step that I have never experienced before would be what I call the "sand blasting" step. She sprayed what she called "powder" (it was orange flavored baking soda) on my teeth. For this step I had to wear goggles PLUS keep my eyes closed!!! OH MY GOD, this was rough! I tend to have extra sensitive teeth and gums anyway, so this just about killed me! However, there was a benefit I couldn't have predicted with this step in the cleaning process - I think I received a free facial microdermabrasion treatment at the same time as the "powder" was spraying all over my face too! She finished up with the polishing and usually with all my dental experiences in the US, the use of dental floss is the final step, however, no dental floss was used - I was concerned that I even had teeth left after the experience so I guess there was nothing to floss! I had been told my my dentist in the US that dentists and doctors in Germany are not know for being gentle or concerned too much about how you're feeling! Boy, was he ever right! Anyway, I have a lead on another dentist who was trained in the US and has separate hygienists that are very gentle!
relocation complete
We just received a letter from our relocation service notifying us that their job is complete, we are , according to them, relocated. They have even provided a check list detailing the completion of our relocation.
We have a place to live.
We have registered our residence status with the police of our town.
We have a residence permit.
We have drivers licenses.
We have a language school.
We have private liability insurance.
We have a TV and radio license.
We have satellite TV.
We have electricity for our home.
We have a German bank account.
Is this what it means to be relocated?
Keeping it legal on the autobahn
This is a story about two american families living next door to each other in Germany. One family is from Washington the other from Texas. Both of these families have the same fundamental requirements as expatriates living in Germany, you have 6 months to get your drivers license. The family in 1a, started the process three months after arriving. The process for them, 40 hours of class room and driving instruction, spending more than $1,500 each. This included the hassle of driving extra distances for "english speaking" first aid classes. The other family in 1b, started the process three months after arriving, spending just twenty minutes with an interpretor at the city hall. After the stress of failing and then retaking the drivers test, which cost another $800, the family in 1a has kept it legal on the autobahn of Germany. The family in 1b recieved their licenses today, no hassels, without a test or a class. Good thing we had a license from one of the 24 US states that have negotiated a reciprocity agreement with Germany. Call us lucky? Maybe.
Spring Break in Deutschland & Dallas
Hi everyone, wilkommen to our new BLOG site. I don’t know what BLOG means, but it is a great way to keep everyone updated with our European adventures. You are invited to comment on what you see; ask questions, tell us when you’re coming to visit, keep us updated on Dallas happenings.
For those of you who haven’t heard, we had a bit of a medical emergency about a month ago. Joe went sledding and had a rude introduction between his mouth and the sidewalk. . . city boys, they just don’t understand the physics involved with a sled and concrete. . .Joe understands now! He broke his 2 front teeth significantly. Fortunately, our German English speaking neighbor, Nicky, was home and made a phone call to a local dentist. After describing to the dentist what Joe’s mouth looked like, the dentist told us to wait and come in the morning. While waiting for the morning to arrive, we e-mailed a digital photo of Joe’s mouth and then called our wonderful pediatric ortho/dentist, Dr. Plunk and consulted with him over the phone. We met Dr. Claudia who speaks some English as well as her receptionist the next morning. After taking an initial x-ray, Dr. Claudia sent us for a more extensive x-ray as she was concerned that Joe had fractured something in his face. Imagine my continuing panic! After the x-ray of his head, it was determined that yes, Joe has a brain and that no, there were no fractures and no sutures were required. I had already made an agreement with Robin that if Joe required surgery that I was taking him home to the US. Fortunately, that wasn’t necessary and a few days later Joe was given his new German composite bonding teeth. Joe had a few comedic comments during his ordeal. . .one, “Look mom, now I have an upper lip”, referring to the fact that his top lip is so slender it often looks like he doesn’t have one, and second, “Mom, I like my new teeth better than the originals”. Go figure!
This is what happens when young texans discover snow.
On Saturday, March 11th, Sam and I headed back to the US for Sam to participate with his team, the North Texas Strikers, in Dallas Cup XXVI. As this was our first time to fly BACK to the US, we had not realized how long the trip would be and feel! After an early morning flight from Munich to Gatwick in London followed by a 5 hour layover, 3 bad movies, 2 bad airplane meals, and Sam getting fidgety legs we finally arrived in Dallas. The good things were that Sam and I had 3 seats for the two of us, and that the jet lag was easier to deal with going back to the US. Upon arrival in Dallas, we immediately went to Chili’s for a big, juicy hamburger, something that is incredibly hard to find (we haven’t found a good one yet in Germany!)
I had a long shopping list for the US and I wasted no time as I was at the mall with my mom on Sunday. One of the first things I purchased (I would consider it a “covert” purchase) was a new king sized comforter. Robin had told me not to ship the one we had at home b/c the beds were different sizes. However, all that is available in Germany are duvets and duvet covers and I have grown to dislike duvets very much – they move around in the duvet too much. Sam and Joe have even take to sleeping inside their duvet covers, without the duvets, like a sleeping bag! Once I purchased the king size comforter set I was concerned about how I was going to get it back to Germany. How lucky could I be? My salesperson was from India and she had experience in this very thing! She told me to get a space saver bag and suck the air out of it making it small enough to get into a suitcase. So, I made sure to get that done, and get it packed before Robin arrived in Dallas. I finally told him what was in my suitcase once we were in flight back home! He laughed and was glad it wasn’t all clothes in the bag! There were a lot of new spring clothes and lots of new sandals though!!!!
My purchases continued as I hit a few grocery stores and of course, SAMS, to purchase hard to find and expensive in Germany, items. We are now happy with a stock pile of Campbell’s tomato, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken and chicken noodle soup, not to mention Ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, and a variety of other items that helped to exceed our 70 pound weight limit per bag on most of our 8 pieces of luggage. But you know, it’s the small things that matter the most in life, and sitting at the table having Campbell’s tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches is something you can’t take for granted. I didn’t even mention all the Creative Memories products I brought back to Germany! Fortunately, the attendant who checked us in at the airport must have liked us and didn’t charge us for the extra weight! And luckily we didn’t get stopped and checked with German customs or we could have been in lots of trouble!!!!
A proud moment for Sam as he enters the field for the Dallas Cup opening ceremony.
The Dallas Cup was a lot of fun and a great experience. Robin and I have been going to see Dallas Cup games since before the boys were born, so it was really exciting that Sam got to play. The Strikers tied their first game, lost the 2nd game and really lost their last game. Competition in this tournament is of the highest caliber, and the Strikers had nothing to be ashamed of. They hosted a team from South Africa which was also a lot of fun. Sam spent many nights with his friend Blake and two South African players, Sebastian and Kareem. The South African team taught the Strikers a pre game chant and dance. Before the Strikers last game, the South Africans circled up with the Strikers and all 30 plus of the boys were dancing and chanting on the field! It is a memory not soon forgotten.
The North Texas Strikers and the Arch Bishop Tutu-Ikapa United teams
rally before the game.
Robin and Joe arrived in Dallas on March 19th and we immediately headed to our favorite Tex Mex restaurant in Mesquite and took along friends including our friends from South Africa. Tex Mex is something we really miss in Germany. Don’t get me wrong, there are some Mexican restaurants here, but it’s just not the same! During our stay in Dallas we managed to eat at all our favorite restaurants. Nothing beats Chick Filet, Chipotle, Pei Wei or ribs at Houston’s just to name a few! I think we’re satisfied for the time being. . .
When Joe arrived in Dallas he spent a lot time with friends from soccer and school. Once his soccer club found out he was in town, the white team of the club asked him to play in a tournament with him. Of course, Joe had his Texans uniforms with him – he’s always prepared! Fortunately, the Saturday games were rained out and we got a break from soccer. With Dallas Cup and all the extra games we watched, we had had enough of soccer for while.
We had a great time visiting with family and friends, but are now back in Lohhof. It wasn’t easy getting here though. Our flight from DFW was diverted to Chicago with air conditioning/pressurization problems (must have been our extra heavy suitcases) so once we landed in Chicago we boarded a different plane. By that time, we knew we wouldn’t be making our connecting flight from Gatwick to Munich. Let me tell you that dealing with AA/British Airways was not easy. The next flight once we arrived in Munich was not for 4 more hours and we were only on standby. At least they gave us passes to the Business lounge and we spent our time there. We got on the flight but when we arrived in Munich, our driver had not gotten the message that we needed a van for the four of us and 8 suitcases. Robin put me in the taxi with the bags and sent me home and he and the boys were going to take the train home. But as luck would have it, our dear German friends, Tom and Vera, were at the airport eating (apparently there is a good Sushi place there) and they ended up bringing all the boys home!
The boys have already been back to soccer practice with their Lohhof teams and Joe just finished a game that ended in a tie, 4 - 4. He didn’t score but he had about 3 assists. He started out at forward and then one of the trainers for another team told Joe’s coach to move him to center mid! Back to where he belongs! The trainer had many nice things to say about Joe afterwards, but the most important was that he could tell that Joe had a great heart for the game. . .maybe playing for Arsenal isn’t such a long shot! A kid can dream!!!!!
Joe has another game on Sat and Sam also has a game. But, they are at 2 different fields and we only have 1 car. Joe will play at the home field, so since we just bought our new bikes, Joe and I will probably ride our bikes to the game!!!
Germany is so beautiful now. All the grass is green, and the flowers are planted and blooming. The trees are soon to follow, and the restaurants are setting up all the biergartens! I can’t wait. We’ve recently discovered gelato and we’re excited for the really warm weather to get here and stay. We have had many beautiful and warm days, but today, though sunny, had a cold wind blowing in from Russia.
The boys are back to school on Monday and I’m back to my little routine. I realized many things when I returned to Dallas for 2 weeks. I realized that I really miss my friends and family and the confidence that comes with being comfortable in your surroundings. However, I also realized that I don’t miss the hurried and hectic life in Dallas, driving all over the place and just having too much to do! I enjoy the slower pace of life we have here in Germany, I much prefer driving on the autobahn – Americans can learn a thing or two about highway driving from Germans. I also prefer restaurant dining here in Germany. It’s nice to have time to finish your appetizer before your main course arrives, which happens all the time in the US. I enjoy the really good inexpensive wine in Germany and my cappuccino machine – my cappuccino tastes better and is certainly less expensive than Star Bucks!
We are looking forward to a short trip to Prague in April or May with our neighbors and visits from family and friends in July, as well as a weekend trip to Austria with the players and families of Joe’s soccer team!
