300 days, 7 hours and 39 minutes

It’s been a long time since I have posted anything on my Hamburg adventures blog. I’m really not sure why it took so long, but things have been interesting here in Hamburg. First of all, it’s fall and there are many leaves on the ground and a crispness in the air that I reminds me so much of being home in Boston. I really do love fall. So, before I start with all the fun stuff going on in November 2010, I’ll do a little recap of end of June, July, August, September, October and little bit of November.

June: This was my birthday month and it was great!! I loved all the Hamburg excitement about the world cup. I watched many of the games and was sad to see Portugal not make it to the end, but there is always next time. Henrik and I spent 2 great evenings in the Portuguese Quarter (Portugiesisches Viertel) to see Portugal win. Unfortunately, they lost and we went home disappointed. No worries, I was representing by rocking my Portugal track jacket (thanks Henrik).



June was the month for interviews. I felt that things were starting to turn around because I had 6 interviews in one week. I was so lucky to have been offered 6 jobs! Most of the jobs were freelance job that did not offer any benefits and seeing that healthcare was a priority on my list it was a must! I finally accepted a position in a kindergarten as a native English speaker. This position required that I speak English with the children (infancy to preschool). So, I was very happy to have a schedule to sign my work contract on July 1st and start July 15th. My birthday was lovely and sweet. It was wonderful sharing the day with Henrik. I made my first fruit torte (which was delicious) to share with my colleagues from my German class and dinner at a Portuguese restaurant. It was a great day!

July: On the first of July, I went to sign my work contract where they had a colleague there to translate – very helpful. And my start date was on July 15 exactly 6 months after I moved to Hamburg. The first day was great and all my colleagues were super helpful and supportive. I was very excited to be working in a childcare setting again and I realized how much I missed working so closely with children. In July I also went to Budapest with Henrik’s mother.



It was a short getaway that included a lot of relaxation and delicious food. I also had the opportunity to meet Henrik’s aunt Christel. She lives in Viena, Austria and came to Budapest to see her sister & me. It was really nice to meet her. Now I see why Henrik always spoke so fondly of her.

I also worked a side job doing cold call research for an auto company to Mozambique and Angola. That was interesting. I felt very lucky that I was able to use my Portuguese to earn some extra cash! It was truly an interesting gig!
Julia (Henrik’s cousin) and Holgee (her boyfriend) moved to Harburg!! It’s been so nice having a friends & family so close by!!!

July was a very hot month in Germany. Seeing that they don’t use or like air conditioners the way we like them in the states – it took some adjusting.
August: August was still HOT! Lots of showers & changes of clothes. What I learned that it’s always good to carry an umbrella in Hamburg because you never know when it will raid. Work was great and I began to notice how easily the children became comfortable with me. It made me extremely happy to know that I had not lost my touch with the little ones. I wasn’t enrolled in a German class, but needed to enroll in one that fit my schedule. This month we learned that the Bruins were going to play 2 games in Prague! I’m hoping Henrik & I take a short trip to a new city & he gets to watch his first hockey game!!! We celebrated Holgee’s birthday at the new apartment and I got a little tipsy =) It had been a while. August was pretty quite.

September: Henrik turned thirty this month and I was definitely more excited than he was =) A lot of time was focused on school, work and his birthday. Together with Henrik’s mother, we planned a surprise birthday party that didn’t exactly go as planned. In planning the big event, I learned a lot about German birthday traditions (LOVED IT!) Henrik wanted to go to Heide Park (an amusement park) for his birthday and on September 28th that’s exactly what we did! We went on lots of fun rides and the park was already decorated for fall & Halloween! I realized that I can’t handle roller coasters they way I used to when I was younger =( I loved being there and so did Henrik!



We also bought tickets to the Bruins game!! What a great way to celebrate Columbus Day weekend!!!

On Sept. 1 & 2, Henrik and I went to Frankfurt for a work related training. Henrik, kindly attended the training to help with translation. I am so lucky to have such a caring and supportive boyfriend. As we grow in our relationship, we learn more about what we can and cannot tolerate. We are working on the importance of getting to places on time – it’s a challenge at times…While in Frankfurt, we stayed that the company “kinder hotel” and toured the city.



On the last day of the training I found out that I was the company’s 1000th employee! Lots of fun!!!



As the birthday party planning progressed it became more evident that compromising was becoming more difficult and confrontational. The things his mother and I once agreed on suddenly became a disagreement. I was hopeful that we would be able to find a resolution to our differences of opinion, but it didn’t exactly go that way. This was a difficult time for me personally because I wanted so much to keep the party a surprise. I was lucky to have such supportive friends and family helping through this time.

October: Henrik’s party ended up not being a surprise and resulted in being more conflictual than I had ever imagined. Details are not necessary at this time regarding the events of the party and what happened after, but the reality is that only sadness consumed the month of October. Henrik and I had a difficult month, as he tried to remain neutral and I tried to resolved feelings of disrespect and frustration. I allowed my emotions get the best of me and they won. I ended up being extremely overwhelmed and got sick. So, off to the Doctor I went and I had bronchitis =( YUP. And per doctors orders I had to stay home for nearly 2 weeks. Would that happen in the states??? I don’t think so – LOL. Well, I had plenty time for crafting and relaxing.



Henrik and I went to Prague and we had a great time. We nearly missed our flight, but after some chatting with a airline worker we were swiftly escorted to our flight!!! Oh what a day!! During our trip we still had a lot of unsettled feelings about the drama with his mom, but we tried to work through them. I believe that these difficult times definitely made us stronger as a couple, but it was not easy. The Bruins game was great.



We sat near a bunch of locals and realized there were more into the game than us – surprisingly they knew the names of nearly all the players! We met some cool people from the states and watched an awesome game!!

We also started preparing for Halloween and harvest season. Now, I know that Germany does not celebrate Halloween, but we did! We went to a farm and bought gourds and apple cider.



We carved pumpkins with Holgee and Julia! I think everyone was very proud of their pumpkins. It was Henrik’s first pumpkin and I think he did a great job!! I also celebrated with my kids & colleagues at work! I had such a great time.



I also made a great costume (an octopus) because of a great song I sing with the kids.

On October 23rd we celebrated Julia’s birthday with traditional afternoon cake & coffee. I love this tradition, but I don’t think I love all the cakes. Julia made some delicious and beautiful desserts and I had a wonderful time!
In October, I did a lot of soul searching and praying. I am a non-practicing catholic but I prayed! I found prayers calming and reassuring to me when anger and sadness took over my thoughts. I learned to forgive and to believe...this was a very empowering experience.

November: It’s November 10th…Cameron’s 10th birthday and my 300th day in Hamburg. I’m sad that I won’t be there - had never missed a birthday. And now I’ve missed over 4 family birthdays since the move. I don’t think it gets easier. Especially with the holidays fast approaching. I really don’t like missing the special days in my family’s life…I know being here is not forever, but its not always easy.

Since, Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Germany – for obvious reasons but I have taken Thanksgiving and black Friday off from work. We’ll be having a Thanksgiving dinner with Henrik, Holgee & Julia and we will honor the day be remembering what we are thankful for in 2010. I will also attempt at making a turkey dinner. I know the turkey & the stuffing will never be as good as my grandmother’s used to make, but I hope it all works. I will be thinking of my family at home, know that this is the first family holiday without my grandmother and how difficult it is for them and me remembering she is no longer with us – but I know she is always with us in spirit and in our hearts. I never really understood grieving – one minute I am settled with her passing and the next I am consumed by tears and fond memories.

So for now, let’s see what the end of 2010 has to offer…I’ll be praying for peace, love, patience and kindness.

143 days 23 hours and 55 minutes

JUNE: my favorite month of the year. (Well, possibly because it's my birthday month)

Since I have returned to Hamburg, I have made finding a job my number one priority. Finding employment in Germany has been more than challenging. Often times potential employers are very excited about having a native English speaker as a teacher, but they don't want to pay. And I need an income to stay in Germany. Germany is also a very expensive country and people pay a lot of money for taxes (income & sales). Approximately 20% sales tax & about 50% income tax must be paid to government. So, as you can see the money you bring home isn't much. Just another part of living in Germany. Not to say its all bad, but in the event that a person loses employment the government will financially give support, that's the social tax. It's an adjustment.

I have had several job offers and the opportunity to substitute, but I haven't found anything yet that includes a descent salary or health insurance. At times, it can be very discouraging. But I'm an optimist and very determined to make this work!

May was a transitional month for me, I returned to Hamburg and adjusted to life in here again. I must say Henrik welcomed me with open arms and was thrilled to have me return home. "Home" is an interesting word for me, because I still refer to Boston as home, but I am also call Hamburg home. I wonder if that will ever change?

I have started my German language class again, I have reached level A 1/2. It's funny because speaking is still very difficult for me. I understand the grammar & can read quite a bit, but being able to engage in any conversation...I'm not there yet!

Henrik and I love cooking together and sharing meals with friends. In the month of May, we were happy to have hosted 2 little dinner parties with friends. Maybe we are practicing for when we need to have family parties in the states. It's nice to have friends that enjoy our company. Thanks!!




Then there is scrapbooking =) Yes, I have found a scrapbooking group through the American Women's Club of Hamburg (AWCH) and hope to attend regularly. The group is filled with wonderful women and I have the opportunity to speak English with some expats. The AWCH has several event throughout the month including a book club and girls nights organized by group members. It's a lot of fun. This month Henrik & I attended a "new members" event at the Empire Hotel's bar, 20 UP. We can't wait to attend the Fourth of July event on July 3rd!! I am sure it will be great!

So, the Euro Vision song contest is a big deal here. And this years winner was a local girl. Germany won the contest this year. I had the opportunity to she a live version of the event in the Reeperbahn. The event brought back memories of songs from when I was a child, including 2 Portuguese songs that won the event in the 80's.

Euro Vision winner 2010! Lena Meyer-Landrut with Satellite





Winner in 1983: Armando Gama with A balada que te dou





Winner in 1982: Doce with Bem Bom





As for the rest of June, I hope to have an enjoyable birthday with few tears. I have noticed that anytime there is a holiday or event I am missing in the states I experience extreme homesickness, so we'll see. I don't know what I am doing yet, but I can only imagine Henrik has something planned. It will be nice to spend my birthday with him, but it also reminds me that I won't be spending it with my family. Last year's birthday was such a nice day. Thanks to my sister and friends for organizing a wonderful dinner. I remember the shock of seeing all my friends at family as I entered the restaurant, a mix of joy and sadness.

Happy June to all my friends and family.
Sending you all many hugs & kisses from Hamburg!!

~peace, love & happiness

106 days 12 hours and 37 minutes

I will be welcoming the month of May with open arms, as the April was a bit challenging. I had to place my Hamburg adventures on hold to return to Boston for three weeks. After spending my first Easter in Hamburg away from my family, I realized that I survived my first holiday away from my the people and traditions I love the most! I participated in local traditions of Easter Fires (bonfires lit before Easter season to chase away the winter darkness and welcome the spring) by attending a HUGE bonfire in Harburg and observed a whole lot of drunk and happy people and smelt like smoke for days. Henrik's parents also had a bonfire on Good Friday, where they welcomed neighbors to bring dried wood & greenery to burn in their garden. I was given the honor by Henrik's dad, Ingo, to light the fire. Monika, Henrik’s mom, also helped me make my first batch of massa souvada, which didn’t turn out good at all, but that just mean I have to practice more. Henrik & I attended Easter Mass in Hamburg, and I am very proud of him for enduring an hour long mass in PORTUGUESE. It must be love!! And on Easter Monday (which I had never celebrated) attended a lovely brunch at Henrik's parents house.



Unfortunately, on Easter Monday, I also found out that my grandmother was quite ill. Approximately two-years-ago she was diagnosed with dementia and it's been difficult to see her deteriorate. My family called me and informed me that she probably might not make it another day and if I was wanted to be there I should fly home immediately. Having discussed the possibility of her death during my time in Germany, Henrik & I had agreed that if such day should come I would go home and be with my family. Sadly my grandmother passed away that night, April 5, 2010. She was surrounded by her loving daughters, son-in-laws, most of her grandchildren and a very strong Nicole, my goddaughter. I was on a flight home on the following morning. As her illness and symptoms progressed, I knew how difficult it would be to lose my Vovo. My Vovo, was not just grandmother, she helped raise me when she lived with us before moving to the Azores. I often remember sneaking into her bed night after night and she never turned me away. She was a strong and determined woman that when she faced the possible disruption of her young family was not forced comply. She kept her family together during a time when a single mother was not the norm. My grandmother was a mother, wife, aunt, Vovo, sister, a musician, a wonderful cook, a seamstress, took care of sick, housekeeper and a hard worker. My grandmother always put others first, especially her family. One of the strongest women I know, that faced with adversity, she overcame her obstacles ending up stronger than when she started, she my hero. I made it back to Boston in time to be with my family, attend the wake and the funeral. Many people attended the wake and funeral, and thank you all for being there for my family and me during such a difficult time.



I was lucky to be in Boston with my family for some time, but I kept thinking about my life in Hamburg. It was such a difficult time to leave because I was enrolled in Germany classes and had some employment opportunities waiting for me. Just when I thought it was time to get back to Hamburg there was a volcanic eruptions preventing me from taking a flight home. I stayed in Boston another week. It was great to spend even more time with my parents, sister and her family and I also caught up with old friends.

Now, I am back in Hamburg!! Returned to my German classes yesterday and still searching for a job. Unfortunately, I think I won't get the teaching job I was hoping on, but I am hopeful for other opportunities.
Henrik is happy to have me back. It’s nice to know he missed my company and our life together.

Life continues to be interesting her in Germany. I have officially been rejected health insurance because the Germany health care laws don't accepts the American health care system. I am learning German, but still feel shy speaking the language. I have become a member in the American Women's Club of Hamburg and hope to attend many events! Oh and our apartment looks amazing!!

As much as I miss the comforts of home, I love the life I am living here.

31 days, 23 hours and 45 seconds

It's day 31 in Germany and it's sunny and the sky is nice an blue.

I will be happy when it's spring time because this snow business is getting ridiculous. This is what it's looked like since I arrived.




I have experienced many wonderful & stressful times here, but I am always reminded by the love and kindness that has been shown to me by loved ones, new & old friends.

The past couple of days have been emotional because I have missed my home, family and friends. I know things will get easier as time goes by, and I am excited to plan my next visit home.

Over the past month, I have registered as a resident, registered as a "alien," worked part-time, received my tax ID and faced many challenges with the shipping companies & customs. I have decided to explore free-lance work as a teacher/tutor. The idea of starting a business is exciting and I hope it all works out.

I have had the opportunity to share time with friends, old & new. I have visit many cafe's and attended a dance/music concert performed by local children. Attending the concert brought back memories of my own performances as a child & teenager, as well as attending my god-daughters wonderful dance performances.

I have also spent some time pretending to be a "domestic diva" by cooking and baking. Unfortunately, I have not mastered all my skills but hope to improve with practice. One of my biggest goals in the kitchen would be to bake Portuguese sweet bread for Easter.



This is the chocolate cake I baked...for those of you that don't know, the first time I mixed the batter I added salt instead of sugar...it was awful! This was the second one baked WITH sugar.



We bought some salted cod and I made Bacalhau a Bomes Sa. It was delicious!!

This is what a beer bottle looks like in Germany!! Small bottle typically found in the states next to a bigger one more commonly found in Germany.




I life is never dull here, and I have learned to just take time to relax, something that I haven't really done is a long time. Self-care is very important and I was never very good at it, but I have learned to have "some ME time." I have also shared many wonderful conversations with Henrik, and I am reminded of his love and affection for me, even at times for great stress.

Today, we will go on a little getaway to Trier, one of the oldest Roman cities in Germany, I believe about 2,000 years old. I can't wait because I can be a bit "geeky" and enjoy visiting museums and looking at old architecture. Henrik has had a long semester and needs a little break. Can't wait!!

I will post pictures & details about our trip next time!

Tchuss!!

17 days 11 hours and 49 minutes

This is my first blog about my move to Hamburg, Germany. You might be thinking "Why Germany? Well, it was all about a German guy, a long distance relationship and a lot of love.

In March of 2007, I was a graduate student at Salem State College and decided to participate in an exchange program to learn about Germany social welfare system. Coincidentally, there was this German guy was doing a friend a favor by hosting one of my colleagues and our paths crossed for the first time. In September 2007, amidst the stress of school, work & internships, the German students made their way to Massachusetts for their part of the exchange program. This German guy participated in a exchange program with Salem State and our paths crossed once more. He was a quite and serious man who intrigued me a bit. During those two weeks, we saw each other practically every day in workshops, discussions and dinners with colleagues...my interest was sparked. But he never seemed to show any interest in me. The time came for goodbyes and our German friends and colleagues were leaving. We had all spent a lot of time together we all became rather close and say goodbye has never been easy for me. As we were walking towards terminal E at Logan airport he reached out and held my hand. This gesture came as a surprise to me and but it was genuinely comforting. He said, "I know you will probably spend the holidays with your family, but if you want you could come visit in December" I wasn't sure what that meant but I would soon find out. I took that trip to Germany in December 2007 and the rest is history.

Henrik, he's the reason I left my life in New England. Sounds adventurous and definitely out of character for a girl that had always been only miles away from most of her family. But life is too short and I didn't want to have any regrets.

In January 2009, we began discussing what we wanted from our relationship in the future and there were many tense conversations on SKYPE about who should move, when to move and for how long. At the time, he was still in school and I was finished making it easier for me to move. In June of 2009, we decided that if we would need to be on the same continent to strengthen our relationship and begin our future together. We decided that I would move to Germany in order for him to finish his degree and we would move back to the US upon the completion of his degree. I would have to place my life in New England on hold for a short time. I told my family and began planning my future in Germany.

I booked my flight and began preparing for the biggest change in my life. Leaving my family, my home and my friends. I knew I would be an emotional wreck! And I was.

It's been 17 days...but if feels like yesterday that I left my home in Massachusetts. Since my arrival I've had do many different things that have required a lot of patience and an open mind.

I am very thankful for Henrik during this first 17 days. He has been supportive, loving and a shoulder to cry on when I've missed my family. I am extremely thankful for my family, because they have been there for me through this entire process. The goodbyes were tearful and difficult, but my family believes in me and my decision to take on this new phase in my life.

This blog will allow me to share the everyday challenges and adventures during this time in my life in my new home.