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.