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