Friday, April 10, 2009

Day Two and the tragedy counting...

Katelyn and I were on our own to get out to the house with nothing but directions in our pocket. After eating breakfast we decided to head to the city center to get a coffee and check out Tpunk (German T-Mobile store) for cell phones. A quick walk in the cold rain we made our way to Starbucks. No matter where you are chain stores always feel like home, I could have stayed there all day. Stayed there a while until we were all jacked up on lattes; the T-Punk store was next. The lady at the T-Punk store said she spoke English but I think she was lying because there was, ”Oh how should I say it,” not much English coming from her mouth. Basically you have to give an arm and a leg to get a cell phone so we left empty handed, only after she wanted to check our purses because we beeped when we walked in whatever that means! Discovered why we were beeping, apparently Katelyn’s jeans had a tag still in it that made her set' off the security alarm upon entering and leaving stores. Stupidly we went to one more store because we are shoppers and couldn’t leave the city center empty handed. After setting off the beeper when entering, shear panic set in, “How are we getting out of here without getting arrested?” We were looking guilty even though we were not and we bolted out the front door to freedom and promptly returned to the hotel to cut the tag out of her jeans. Tragedy One!

To recover from that trip we hung out and watched German MTV and the Home Shopping Network quite entertaining! We decided to make the big journey to the house, venturing out like two nervous nellies! We conquered the tram and the bus no problem!! Made it to the house, with no heat and food sat there wondering now what!! Even though it was July it was very cold and rainy in Germany, which is shocking coming from 100-degree summer in Utah. We hung out and watched more German TV and napped most the day, lying on our awful rental couch, huddled under a blanket.

We ate jellybeans from my purse left over from airport lounge and drank water. Craig came home probably thinking he would walk in to the smell of a home cooked meal!! I think he was a little disappointed we didn’t venture to the store but we were too nervous to mess with the luck of a successful trip on the open road. Hunger was Tragedy Two for the day! Tragedy Three would be Katelyn’s straightener not working even with the adaptor. It was fried.

Our relocation lady, Sabine and the old tenant, and the owners Lawyer came for inspection. Which was really uncomfortable, you have to walk around and point out all the damaged or questionable things about the house. The old tenant was very defensive, but if we don’t have the damage documented then when we leave we are responsible for repair. Afterwards Craig and Katelyn went to the store and our first German meal was on its way, “Frozen Pizza”. When you’re as hungry as we were it never tasted so good. I could have eaten the cardboard that night.

Sophie was also finally delivered to us, she was so happy and looked really good. She gave us lots of hugs and kisses, then needed to sniff the whole house.

Our first night in the house was hard getting used to new sounds, but we were so tired it didn’t matter, we all slept pretty good.

Stuffering from Jet Lag...napping by all!

12 comments:

kks said...

thanks for telling your story! what an adventure! you'll appreciate "home" even more when you get back! so glad Sophie made the trip ok, she probably adjusted better than her human pack! how long have you been there now? have a great wknd, and look forward to the next "story" !
xo

Attila the Mom said...

Looking forward to hearing more!

Thanks goodness they let you bring your dog. The kids I prolly could leave at home, but the dogs never! LOL

Hit 40 said...

Enjoy Germany. My hubby goes there for business. He loves it. Swing over to Italy - he says the food is unbelievable.

Ute said...

LOL, Germany isn't so bad when you get used to it. :) It's definitely the trip of a lifetime for you, and you'll always remember it fondly... even the bad things. :)

But Starbucks in Germany? That's so WRONG! When I visited Germany in 2007, my brother and I walked in this pedestrian area, and we passed this place and I thought, "Hmm, smells like Subway." Turned my head, and sure enough, there was a Subway right there. SO WRONG!!! I would never eat there. Not in a million years. It's friggin' Germany!! Give me a Doener Kebab or something good... but Subway? Pulease!!

Anonymous said...

This is such a wonderful post Miss WFA, it gives so much insight on cultural aspects that are different from here, and those that are similar.

And that photo is fabulous! Snooze-orama!
tp

Somer Love said...

wow! you don't look to comfortable on the couches. I am glad you guys didn't get arrested either :)

SAving grace of day 2 The Bucks!!!! ;)

Shady Lady said...

Thank you for painting such a wonderful picture with your words. I can't wait to hear more!

Deidra said...

I am really enjoying the story of your adventure in Germany! Thanks so much for sharing it. I was born in Germany, but we moved back to the states before I turned two, so I have no memories of living there, and I have yet to return. It's on my bucket list, though!

kw said...

haha
Day two was by far the funniest day I think, with all of its 'tragedies'and all!!! :P

Ronda said...

Great story! What part of Germany are you in? The time will go by fast, and soon you'll be back looking at your mountains! Happy Easter!!
XOXO

kw said...

We live in Bremen! It is a small city in Northern Germany.

Joyce said...

I don't mean to laugh, but I was visually a scene from Lucy and Ethel. I'm glad this is all behind you. xoxo