Mommydrinks Abroad

Post Mother's Day Recap

2012-05-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

Part of Mother's day I spent in a First Aide class, which is required for receiving my German Driver's license. It turned out not to be so bad. And when I came home I found a pile of cards, chocolates and some lovely hand made coupons; 1 Extra Chore, 1 Hour Quiet Time, and One Big Hug.

On my way home, I passed these very cool crates. I could just imagine using them as table ends.

But 40 euros each? I think not!

Then I saw this really cute bike. I think I'll add some flowers to mine. See how long they last.

Okay, so this photo and the one below was not from Mother's day, but it was from Friday when I went off on my own to get my hair done. Stopped after to this great little place called Bodega. Yummy. I'm doing like the Germans, and having a glass of wine with my later afternoon lunch.

Back to mother's day.

I need to teach D not to cut off legs in a photo... your missing the cool little boots.

JJ turned out tired with a headache, so it was just D and M who took me to dinner. It's fun pretending you have only one kids. There is a lot less arguing, and more conversation. Interesting.

We went to Geldermann, which as you can guess specializes in fish. They have steak too, but naturally

I had fish. I give it 4 stars. 5 if the desert didn't repeat itself today.

And a post Happy Mother's Day to you too!

Stepping through Eppendorf's History

2012-05-08T11:37:00.002-07:00

The Isemarkt in Eppendorf is one of the best markets in Hamburg. It runs underneath the city railway bridge, situated on the Isestrasse, while the tall white apartment buildings built in the early 1900's look on. Due to the location, the long narrow market is perfect for strolling along, between the colorful stalls; everything from colorful flowers to fresh fruit, and candy delicacies can be found.

Today after my Tuesday morning stop through the Isemarkt to gather fresh flowers for the dining room table, Tiki and I decided to stroll back through the calmer sidewalks that shadow the market. There the grand buildings bring me to the Art Nouveau period of the late 19th century to early 20th century.

Eppendorf– with it's art nouveau architecture, terraced houses and many brick-built villas covered in ivy– exudes a flair that is quite incomparable. Derived from Old German, the name Eppendorf means “the waterside village”. And it is surrounded by canals, pretty cobble lanes, small, exclusive shops and galleries, antique dealers, cafés and pubs.

But as Tiki and I made our way down this beautiful street, my eyes could not be torn away from the Stolperstein, or stumbling blocks. You might remember my earlier post from Berlin, where I first discovered them. Growing up in the United States, this would never have come up. And it would not have been shared in History class... What American knows the steps it took to rebuild Germany and it's neighboring countries affected by the war, let alone the small but massive effort to memorialize individuals lost, pulled and torn from their very homes.

So on my return from Berlin, after doing my bit of research, I found myself always consciously aware of the blocks: little memorials for the victims of Nazism, everywhere. So many. So breath taking. And I mean, the kind of breath taking that just sucks the air right out of you, and makes you think. Makes you remember all. In that moment. Makes you think about this one person. Who they were, what did they look like, how old, why, why why. My imagination digs away at me... couples, young and old, single old ladies, grandmothers, grandfathers, children... being taken, dragged, brutally from their homes, their lives, from life. Lets you imagine a world that is unthinkable, and helps to give a moments thought to who you are, and a world where, hopefully, this would not happen again.

But the ugly thought is, that it does. It happens all the time.

But in this moment, I just remembered.

"It is not what is written [on the stolpersteine] which intrigues... It is the maw of the forgotten, which gives the monuments their power and lifts them from the banality of a statistic." - Cambridge historian, Joseph Pearson

And so... Tiki and I. On our 15 minute stroll from the "middle" of the Isestraße, towards home.

Devastating.

*according to wiki

Cashing it in at the DOM

2012-04-15T00:52:00.001-07:00

The DOM, ah the DOM. For my US family and friends, the DOM is the biggest public festival in the north of Germany. Three times a year colourful booths, nostalgic carousels and high-tech-rides appear for children and adults to get their kicks. One and half miles long, the Dom has many exciting sights; old horse carousels, good old show booths with fantasy illusions, exciting high-speed rides, i.e bumper cars, go-carts, spinners, roller-coasters, etc... Besides all of these attractions there is delicious foods in all variations from small snacks to classy menus. My favorite is sitting on a stool sipping down my beer while the kids take their 10th ride on the bumper cars.

Visiting on Easter Day (not recommended because it's packed). But because there are so many rides, the lines are not long (click photos to see larger versions):

As the kids have been out from school so long, I promised a return trip...

We arrived to early, so everything was closed. But after walking through the whole park, it slowly opened, and never even got that crowed.

Putting Things Together, One by One

2012-03-25T13:00:00.001-07:00

A view of the rewards of hard work

Every thing done with effort, brings great rewards. So they say. All I know is that many of the things we've purchased for our new space lately have had to be put together. And I mean, put together!

We purchased this amazing "chandelier" for our Dining Room (which I've never had before... a dining room that is). Wait, off track here... I'm just realizing, I'm 40+ and I've never had my own dining room before as a married woman??? Okay, back to what I was saying... this AMAZING chandelier for this really lovely dining room we now have, and it comes, delivered... not by UPS, DHL etc.. but a special delivery service, and the man drops the box off and leaves. I open the box, and to my horror, it is not assembled. Thanks Darling ;-)

With help from my local Handy Man, we assemble it. He really does the hard work, hanging it to the ceiling, and putting the electrical bits together... {more below}

Over a hundred clear lucite balls to be attached.

However, once hung, leveled, and lit... the labor begins. And I alone tackle this. One by one, I snap on a heavy lucite ball. As I do this, I realize why the instructions ask you to do it after you hang the shell. If not, you would not be able to hang it because it would be too heavy.

So one by one, I snap, click and go.

Until at last, I have my lovely chandelier. Schön!

Oh, but the putting together of things is not over. I am in the middle of sewing a curtain to hide an extra Entry Door. And then putting together a large electric Piano. And then adding an extension to the coat rack.

It's good to be busy!

ps If your reading this, drop me a comment and say hi, or share your own story with me.

a Mini Adventure

2012-03-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

So two to three weeks ago, we ventured out to Hamburg's most famous,

Miniatur Wunderland.

You can't skip this if you have kids. But unless your a miniature train or car freak, then yes, you can skip it. Unless you love crowds, and love smelly armpits. I'm not, naturally. But I did enjoy it. And mostly enjoyed the excitement it brought the boys.

On our way to the Mini-Wunderland we crossed the ice covered Elbe over to HafenCity, the new part of the city, where old warehouses of Hamburg have and are being replaced with offices, hotels, shops, official buildings and residential areas... including some museums.. and oddities.

Nothin' like sun'n in the park.

Seems like these miniature people take advantage of every opportunity to take a break, take off their clothes and get some sun.

Every so often, the lights go out, and night-time descends. Lights come up on shows, sirens and strobes light up, and the squeals of the children watching.

What's going on here? Like everyone including the hog are waiting to take their turn for the out house? But why is the door open? Am I missing something?

On to the Airport!

Have to say, the airport is cool. Planes actually land and take-off here. Thankfully no crashes!

Come visit, and I'll buy you a ticket and reserve your time slot. I'll wait for you outside by the River!

xxoo

Our Adventure in Berlin...

2012-03-07T03:57:00.001-08:00

The weekend before last, my family and I hopped a train from Hamburg to Berlin, with Tiki in the lead.

Everywhere we go, Tiki comes. Tiki sits royally on our lap or quietly, patiently, in her bag. But come she does.

So first let me just say, it's still sometimes surreal that I am here in Hamburg with my kids, my dog and of course my husband. But then, when we grabbed a train to Berlin, and I found myself standing under the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) I was hit with a sudden sense of awe and amazement. There I was, standing in the very same spot I stood 21 years ago –back when Die Mauer (the Wall) was freshly torn down. There was an air of excitement even with the buildings still dark with dirt and decay from a government that didn't give a shit. This was when I was only 25 and fresh out of college, without the slightest hint of what the future held for me. There I was standing with my little dog Tiki from Brooklyn, and my two boys, in Berlin! I could never, ever have imagined such a thing. Heck I didn't have any idea I would have twins, let alone live in Germany, with my american dog!

I still remember the first time I walked through the Brandenburg Gate. It had a feeling of a bombed out city because with the venders that were lined up on the east side had so many candles and incense burning there was a heavy cloud of smoke hovering in the air. Plus, there were smoke bombs being set off... so the smell of sulfur and smoke was thick.

Now it's like a different place all together. It's cleaned up, the streets are lined with fancy shops and a Starbucks! I hardly recognized the place.

Since the last time I came here, so many things have sprouted up. Monuments to those lost, to those taken and to those who survived. It's a city of warning and remembrance. Of hope and creativity. There is so much life. Everywhere. It's brimming with explosive energy.

Here, photos from our adventure, along with some history:

First stop the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. An amazing train station!

We left early Saturday morning, so we had a day and a half to see what we could. After checking into the hotel, we (and Tiki included) headed out to find lunch.

Walking through Mitte– as this is where we stayed– and not using a map, but just the motivation to find somewhere to eat, we stumbled upon some cool places. Unfortunately, I don't know much about them. I could find it again, if there, and would like to spend more time learning and exploring, but growling stomachs kept us moving.

This alley way was very cool, with loads of Graffiti, cafe's and art.

These are called Stolperstein, by the artist Gunter Demnig. Little plaques put up to remember those individual and families who were taken away by Nazi. Now that I've read more about them, and learned that they are all over Europe (there are over 2, 600 here in Hamburg alone), I've become more aware of them, and spot them all the time. They never seise to arrest me. It just staggers the mind... the atrocities that humans are capable of.

Finally we found a place to settle in and eat. Teriyaki Chicken with Strawberries anyone?

Our first stop after lunch was the Brandenburg Gate (as mentioned in the beginning of this post).

For those of you interested, the *Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most important monuments – a landmark and symbol all in one with over two hundred years of history. A former symbol of the divided city, it drew visitors who used to climb an observation platform in order to get a glimpse of the world behind the Iron Curtain, on the other side of the barren “death-strip” which separated east from west Berlin, geographically and politically. It was here that on June 12, 1987, Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov – tear down this wall!”. The speech delivered to West Berliners was also audible on the east side of the Gate and echoed President von Weizsacker’s words which translate as: “The German question is open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed.”

Incredible to look at this photo, with wall in place, cutting off the West (on the right) from the East.

When Germany was reunified following the fall of the wall in November 1989 the Brandenburg Gate quickly reinvented itself into the New Berlin’s symbol of unity. It was officially opened to traffic on December 22, 1989 and 100,000 people came to celebrate the occasion. Unfortunately this also resulted in severe damage to the monument which needed to be restored and was only officially reopened on October 3, 2002.

*(info from:http://www.berlin.de/)

a little timeline:

Relatively new, this is the Holocaust Memorial, located in Mitte on a stretch of what was formerly called "the death strip" where the Wall once stood near the Brandenburg Gate. It's a stunning monument to the Holocaust, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi genocide of World War II.

It took 17 years for the Memorial to be completed in Berlin. Its foundation stone was a Bundestag resolution passed on June 25, 1999 to erect a Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This was followed by years of discussion and deliberation, until the Monument was completed on May 8, 2005. US architect Peter Eisenmann conceived the winning design consisting of 2711 rectangular blocks of concrete laid out in grid formation, recalling tombstones. The monument is open day and night and it is possible to walk through the concrete slabs at one’s own pace. Visitors are not allowed to climb on them though, something which is particularly hard for younger visitors and small children to resist. The effect is that of inner dislocation in a destabilising maze as the ground is uneven and the blocks vary in height and size. An ideal setting for quiet contemplation.

Tiki breaks the rules.

Next stop, Potsdamer Platz. Okay, so we rushed through kamikaze style, so we could take it all in under a few hours... so what we see here is a large mall. However:

Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz is the most striking example of the urban renewal that turned Berlin into the ‘New Berlin’ in the '90s. Historically, there are three distinctive phases in the history of this legendary square. In the 1920s Potsdamer Platz, where the first set of traffic lights in Europe came into operation, was the metropolis’ heart and hub, the busiest European city in its heyday, buzzing with shopping, traffic and entertainment. A heap of ruins after World War II, it lay lifeless as a no man’s land – a strip of sandy soil known as the death-strip dividing west and east Berlin until 1989. After the fall of the Wall, in 1989, its resurrection was brought about by consortiums of international investors and the most prestigious international architects available: Renzo Piano, Helmut Jahn, Richard Rogers, Arata Isozachi and Rafael Moneo.

We kept walking, following the same path as where the wall was not so long ago; from the Brandenburg Gate, past the Holocaust Memorial, along side Potsdamer Platz, and then we made a turn on Niederkirchnerstrasse. Here we walked between two imposing buildings of the Prussian State Parliament with the House on the Left and the Martin-Groupius-Bau on the right. Once, one was occupied by the East, and the other the West, with the Wall between. So as we walk down the street and find a 200 meter long original piece of the wall. It shows traces of "wall peckers", those who scavenged stones for souvenirs.

Niederkirchnerstrasse. A post stands to the left with a photo of how it used to look,
with the watch tower hovering over the wall, and on the right, we walk down today's sidewalk.

What remains of the wall.

The Wall stands by the site known as the "Topography of Terror". It was the central location from which the Nazis planned and managed most of their crimes; between 1933 and 1945. Partially destroyed during the war, it was rendered unrecognizable by demolition after the war, and eventually forgotten. Rediscovered in the early 1980s and gradually reestablished it has been transormed into a center for the documentation of Nazi crimes, and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Our last stop of the day, Check Point Charlie.

Checkpoint Charlie, was the best known border-crossing of Cold War days. The sign, which became a symbol of the division of Cold War Berlin and read like a dire warning to those about to venture beyond the Wall – YOU ARE NOW LEAVING THE AMERICAN SECTOR – in English, Russian, French and German - stood here. It is today an iconic marker of territorial boundary and political division. Until the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, it signified the border between West and East, Capitalism and Communism, freedom and confinement

The spot remains a must see sight in Berlin with huge historical and emotional resonance, even accounting for the fact that there is remarkably little left to recall the atmosphere of pre-1989 days. An enormous amount of debating went into deciding what should be left here and preserved for Berliners and visitors to see in the future.

Historically, the site is important because from 1961 to 1990 it functioned as the main entry and departing point for diplomats, journalists and non-German visitors who used to be allowed to enter East Berlin on a one day visa after exchanging their Deutsch Marks on a one-to-one basis for East German currency. More dramatically, US and Soviet tanks had a close encounter here in October 1961 when J.F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev’s tanks faced each other in an acrimonious moment feared around the World as a possible lead up to World War III.

The wooden barrack where visitors to the Russian Sector (East Berlin) were once obliged to pass through for vetting was removed. Reconstruction has included a US Army guardhouse and a copy of the original border sign. The original white booth which served as the official gateway between East and West can be seen in the Allierten Museum in Berlin-Dahlem. Cobblestones mark the exact spot of the former border and the poignant photograph by Frank Thiel of an American and Soviet soldier can be seen here. Memorabilia includes the nearby Café Adler (eagle), a hotspot for journalists and spies in the past where informers met their counterparts.

To me, it felt sad. A sort of tourist gimmick, with people posing next to actors dressed up in uniform having their photo taken.

Sunday.

We set out for breakfast... turns out we had an amazing breakfast at a vegetarian restaurant!!!

This is NOT where we had breakfast, but I like the style of it. Plus lovely photo of the boys.

After Breakfast, we headed over to the DDR museum. Here is where you can learn about life behind the iron curtain... So many people knew very little about what life was like in East Germany and East Berlin during the Cold War. Here, the DDR museum walks you through the stories, the life, and the programs that the DDR implemented during their run. There are personal accounts from children, farmers, engineers and more. The boys even got to sit in the famous Eastern car; the Trabi.

The Plan.

Kids in the Trabi:

Photos of how things were:

I still remember as a child, being told about East Berlin. It was so hard for me to grasp as a child in Southern California in the 70's. Actually, it still is.

To Translate = Zu Übersetzen

2012-03-06T08:58:00.002-08:00

So this is what I do quite often in a day. Command N, for new window, and click my bookmark tab for Google Translate! I don't know what I'd do without it. How did my mom survive living in Frankfurt 23 years ago, before google, internet and email!!

The Kids Are All Right

2012-02-20T04:34:00.002-08:00

So the kids started school, and are loving it! Fantastic news indeed from a worrying mother. But ISH is a fantastic school. The program is great, the facility is wonderful, and everyone is so nice. The kids have already made some friends.

The long walk between train stop and school

polo club

Honestly that walk almost killed me. Not that it would be bad once a day. But I was carting them to school the first 3 days, so once there, once back, and again to pick them up. Thanks god their is a school bus, and now that they feel comfortable, we just walk them to the bus in our neighborhood, and it goes directly to the school. In the afternoon, sometimes, they walk back by themselves. My little men.

First week of school: Snow!!

One of their favorite things to do after school is stop at the crepe place and get a Kleinechocolate Crepe.
Mmm.

The Ice Age Commeth?

2012-02-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

an ice party on the Alster

This morning we spent our Saturday quickly running some errands; Like getting a coat rack, coat tree, and then some food for the next two days (because, let us not forget, stores– food and fun– are closed on Sundays) and as we walked over the small bridge, we looked below and saw the happy residents of Eppendorf walking, playing, and skating on the frozen canal.

In past years, when winter is frosty and cold, the Alster transforms itself into a winter wonderland. On the frozen lake up pops stalls where one can buy Gluehwine, beer, and other drinks and food.

But this hasn't happened since the winter 1997, until now. After a few weeks of below freezing temperatures, the waters froze once again. Today there were impromptu ice hockey games, skating adults and children, dogs sliding around, and strollers out for breath of fresh air.

We joined the crowds for an experience we might not ever have again. And the first time the boys walked on a frozen lake!

Brooklyn to Hamburg: We've Arrived!

2012-02-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

Jetlag in Hamburg...

tiki takes up 1/3rd of the bed...

It takes about a week to get over jet lag. And in the photo above and below, you'll see two kids and a dog totally passed out till 11:00 am. It's been exciting staying in a hotel... until Dean and I magically got a stomach bug. But couldn't have been a nicer place to have it.

dean prefers to go solo...

We've been busily running about getting things for the apartment (which we finally moved into on Monday). Yes, these posts are behind because we have no internet, phone or cable until Friday. Then I'll have a lot of making up to do.

So these photos are from last week... are stay at the St. George on the Alster (which is frozen no btw). It will be open for ice skating this weekend.

hotel dream machine. I think I broke it though...

This here baby blows our little Nespresso machine away. Think eco friendly. No pods for this.. real coffee beans. It's grinds and spits out a delicious blend of yum. Yum.

dog are royalty in Germany

Even Tiki is treated to royalty at the George! She loved tearing up the carpeted hallways.

my current station of business

Ah the George. I miss the internet access there.

Here a quick visit to the apartment, where our new chairs were delivered. They sit patiently waiting for our dinning room table.

Things are coming together... slowly, but surely. Good news, our furniture is due in port this friday, so we might get it next week. However, only if the Elbe River doesn't freeze over!

Time for a cocktail...

Saying Goodbye to Brooklyn

2012-02-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

The Last Supper.
(I'm wondering how many cell phone pics turned out from the evening...)

Ah, where to begin!

Well, we could just start were we left off, but there would be a lot of backtracking to do... but in a nutshell? Here we go.

We said our goodbyes to all our friends, which was devastating. It's always lovely to have an excuse to do a dinner with friends, but when the reality is you won't see your friends for some time, it's just plain hard. I'd done well to hold back the tears. I'd focused on things to do.

Change of Address, etc...

Calling quite a lot of companies to tell them we needed to change our address to Germany sucks. Each time it brings up the conversation of why and how. Even strangers like to talk about their experience, or someone in their family who did the same thing. Then it brings up the possibilities of whether or not they have the capabilities to mail a statement to Germany. Or can they do online statements. You would think everyone can do this. But a lot of places are still run mom and pop style. The trash guy in Garrison, for example. So I had to find another option. A temporary mailbox. USAbox.com does this. They gave me a Florida mailbox, and then I re-directed my mail to it, and then USAbox will mail it to me. You can select how often, and even look online at photos of the mail, to pick and choose. Terrific yes? Yes.

One down, and more to do. Disconnecting. Actually, this conversation is now getting boring. I don't really want to re-hash all the tedious things it takes to get your ass out of brooklyn and over seas to Germany.

The more interesting things are the kisses, and hugs, and love that you discover all around you from your friends as they let you know how much they will miss you. So yes, getting back to my beginning... I eventually broke down. It started with Rikke (who I've rarely seen cry), and ended with Bess (who I was able to see last). In the middle there were the unexpected tears from the cleaning lady, and the very expected and painful ones from Tor. Tor, who I didn't want to say goodbye to. Who I really want to say so much. There is so much to say... the tears couldn't cover it.

Lots of Friends, gathered to wish us goodbye at a special dinner my friend through for us.

I love my friends, and they are the arms and legs to my heart, that holds me together. I know that as I embark on this journey to Germany, they will continue to hold me together until the next time I'm able to be in their presence. They will always be there. Always. And I will always be with them too.

Dueling Arm Candy. My armor will keep my spirits going!

Found, Acquired, ready to move!

2012-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

This Post, is post dated, as I have been too busy to actually keep up. But going back, here is where we I left off...

We decided on Eppendorf! A lovely little place, that speaks to us of old and new.

Standing on the balcony overlooking Eppendorf. It's rainy and grey, festive!

See the details??? A little old (deco?) brass, glass and wood! My favorite materials in a home!!

I'm picturing a chair here...

Mixing Modern with old... a sliding glass door leads to an amazing kitchen.

Twei Toilette! That's two!

And one Badezimmer.

Hey it just occurred to me we can draw in chalk all over the tub wall!

And doorways that lead from the "study" to the boys room.

I haven't posted much about the move recently, as there is just so much to do. I spent most of the time worrying and stressing, and preparing because there is just not a lot you can do until the move begins. Then it's sort, pack, sort. The movers come, pack it up, and take it away! Estimate shipping time, 4-6weeks!

So arrive Hamburg January 31st, kids start school the 6th, stock up the apartment, wait for furniture to arrive...

Sounds like a plan.

The Search is On

2011-12-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

at the christmas market in hamburg

The search is on. Day 3, and we narrowed it down to two places and have yet to see one more. We were quite disappointed there weren't more choices, but it is getting overwhelming. There just aren't a lot of availabilities for three bedroom apartments (or 5 simmers) in the areas we are looking. Nothing is quite perfect for both of us. Where I like the big rooms, bright light and fancy buildings, Mark entertains the darker, cozier spaces. He does understand my need for light, but I don't think he understands how much it truly affects my mood.

I have a desire to have my own private space, somewhere to hole up and let my expression go. I used to have this when I lived in big spaces in L.A. But space is at a minimum in New York, and you have to make due. So I'm hoping for a place where I can have my own studio, or maybe shared with dual purposes, but a place to escape to. It's not about trying to avoid others, it's about quiet time and expression.

The two places we like are OPPOSITES. One in Winterhunde, a very old gorgeous building in a rarely residential building, with a lake behind it. It comes with a lovely old german gentleman who speaks marvelous english and lives on the ground floor with his wife. All the details are amazing; brass detailed handles, beveled glass in doors, nooks & crannies, a special alcove for writing! If I lived here, I would probably wouldn't want to go out! I would love to just hibernate. All the rooms are huge, the kitchen is lovely, and the terrace has an amazing view.

The downside? It's very residential and it seems Winterhunde has a reputation for being the Hollywood of Hamburg. I think he means Beverly Hills of Hamburg. That's not a selling point for us. It's a little too money, money, money. This is not really our lifestyle.

The second apartment is in Eppendorf. Perfect location. Hip, life around it, shops around it, and you walk out the door and there is a cafe to the right. It's only one flight up to the second floor. Great renovation of modern with old. Also great brass details, but with a modern kitchen. The kitchen has an island which will fit barstools around it, perfect for all to eat. Lovely bathrooms, although the master bath elevation is unnecessary for us tall giants. Nothing is too extreme here. Fits our personalities. A mix of old and new.

However, the rooms are smaller, but that seems to be the only drawback. I'm hoping the light is good, but it was such a dark day, and rainy... who knows. One can only hope.

So there you are. Now the questions is, the dog. Will either place accept our silly little Tiki.

We will see.

New York to Hamburg

2011-10-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”-Deepak Chopra

It is with great trepidition and excitement that I begin to embark on a life change. To uproot my family from what is secure, safe, and sometimes predictable; to journey across the sea to a country whose english is not the main language and whose food and customs differ from our own.

image by Graham Reynolds

Although, not terribly different. And let's face it, loads of Germans speak very good English. The challenges are not in the place and what it offers, but instead of breaking away from friends and family and a life that one loves. What one is accustomed to. Of the daily chit-chat amongst friends, and community. I'll miss everyone from the postal delivery man named Carmine, to the butcher at Paisanos, to the owner of Diane T., my next door neighbors, all the people from my children's school, my tennis instructor, my Pilates instructor to my intimate and loving friends. Those who I have shed a tear on their shoulder, and those who I have drunk many a toast with.

It is not easy to walk away from that. But, times are changing, and it's time to shake it up. Besides this is a different age we live in with Skype, facebook and twitter. There are so many ways to talk to a friend in the day... to feel connected.

So I embark on the journey with a heart that is heavy, but with a mind that is hopeful, and an imagination that is growing each day.

some words on change:

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
- Marilyn Monroe

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
- Andre Gide

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.”

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

email, facebook, twitter or snail mail; we shall always keep in touch