Insert Roman cliche here...

So, I was going to title the post "When in Rome..." or "All roads lead to Rome..." or "Roman Holiday..." but I suppose it's been done and done again, so I will let you decide on the most appropriate Roman cliche!

The weekend plans were to drive to Strasbourg with our newly purchased travel guide (in French I might add...oui oui) but a last minute opportunity presented itself that we couldn't pass up. Our dear friends C&C from California were in Rome for 3 days so we decided, what the hell, let's hop on the plane and join them for dinner.

Quick search and we found flights on Swiss air for 300 Euros return, a hotel around the corner from the Lakey's and a train ride to the city for 11 Euros each. Off we went!

This did mean leaving Stormy at home unattended for 36 hours, which was a little unnerving but again what the hell! We threw his pills down his throat before we left and hoped for the best. (Incidentally, he was quite content sleeping on the couch in his underwear when we got home, surrounded by empty junk food wrappers so I think he had a good weekend!)

Because of the last minute flights, we did have a quick stop over in Zurich (which in the future, we must avoid - direct flights only!). One thing I will say about Swiss air, however, is they serve the BEST Swiss chocolate EVER! I had to take a picture. And, I got Star Alliance miles so I'm well on my way to renewing Premiere Executive status (aka free upgrades to business class!)

A quick train ride to the city and a (long) walk to our hotel and we arrived in Roma! It was a beautiful, rather hot day, but the city was wonderful. We spent the afternoon on the Green Line Tour, a 2 hour bus tour, to see the highlights, and then dinner with the Lakey's for proper Italian!

Sunday morning we hit the Colosseum (I highly recommend paying the extra for a guided tour - the tour was crap, but you skip the 1 hour line just to get through the gates...totally worth it!).

A quick metro ride back to the hotel (an experience I will smell for years to come) to pick up our bags and then off we were home.

I can now say I went to Rome...for dinner.

2 years, 100 weekend trips to plan. 1 down, 99 to go.

Next weekend, Luxembourg to see the Pogues play (assuming Shane McGowan doesn't die before then!) Must start planning!

Who knew so much could happen when you get out of bed before noon?

So the weather has cooled down considerably (finally!).

Stormy has been to the vet and has a clear diagnosis of non functioning liver. We've been doing some reading and I'm not sure if it's hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) or cholangiohepatitis, but we are still waiting on some blood work results from the vet. My concern is we will have to force feed him, but the prognosis isn't horrible with treatment so we'll see. I have faith in Dr. Michael!

Mark and I have finally joined a gym (Fitness First) so I'm trying to set up some kind of routine. The memberships are horrifically expensive at all the gyms we looked at (I assume it's because there is nowhere near the same competition as there is in California - which probably also explains why I'm skinny in Germany compared to CA!! ;-) This location is a 15 minute walk from home and the facilities are air conditioned and clean, so why not.

The membership includes 5x30 minutes lessons with a trainer so I'm trying to schedule them in the morning just to get me out of bed! The second session today was fun and the trainer I'm working with is super nice - and has even offered to show me around town. Little does she know I will take her up on that!

On my way home, I walked through the Luisenplatz. Since I must look like a lost soul in my sweaty workout gear listening to my ipod, I was approached by 2 girls who were clearly on their mission from the Church of Jesus Christ. Now, I am not particularly religious, and really don't have a problem with other people's religions as long as they are not too preachy about it, right?

Turns out these girls are from California and were super nice. I think I came across as a little desperate to chat since I spilled my life story in about 4 sentences, but, they did say that they offer free German language lessons on Wednesday nights as part of their "service to the community". So, I've decided the Mormons are going to teach me German. Because it's free. And who am I to deprive them of their opportunity to serve? (as long as they are clear about the whole I'm not religious thing...what harm can it do???)

After leaving my new best Mormon friends, I walked through the town square and all hell was breaking loose! The cops were there, and an ambulance, and it appears that a fight had taken place between what I assume were a few residence of the platz (based on the lack of clothes and abundance of beer?) Blood everywhere, and some tall drunken man in hand cuffs being escorted to the ambulance. All this before noon! Who knew Germany was as exciting at the Bourne Identity movies made it out to be!

Tonight is the first meeting of the new Darmstadt book club as organized by a few keeners on ToyTownGermany.com. I'm really looking forward to it (but hope that it becomes a little less about the books and a little more about getting together for drinks once a month with some cool people who speak English!) Anyone interested in joining, just let me know!!

And it looks like we may be heading to ROMA for 24 hours this weekend! Friends from CA will be there for a few days and we found relatively cheap flights so figure we should make the best of it....

My only worry is leaving the Stormy bear for 36hours in his condition. But the decision was made that the point of this little jaunt to Germany was to travel Europe, so here goes...Maybe I can ask the Mormons to pray for him while we're gone?

Best Vet EVER

First of all, my Stormy bear is a monster of the first degree when he goes to the vet. Our last vet in California, who was great, decided on day one that she was no longer going to see our precious baby without a heavy dose of sedatives (for the cat, not her). So began a series of vet visits over 2 years that never cost less than $300.

Stormy's adjustment to Germany has been slow to say the least, and given his apparent liver issues (as seen before leaving CA), it was imperative that we find a reliable vet ASAP who spoke enough English that I could explain his abundant history (blood work, ultrasound results and on and on...) and who would be able to explain to me what was going on (yes, I'm one of THOSE pet owners who needs to be involved in every detail, and yes I do think that just because I have a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, I know everything there is to know about cat anatomy. Really it's a wonder no vet has yet refused to see me without a heavy dose of sedatives!)

So, the search for a reliable vet began. We were unfortunately thrown off track slightly after Stormy refused to eat anything for 2 days and in a desperate attempt to keep him alive, we went to the vet around the corner who spoke not a word of English. While she did give him a shot that allowed him to eat (God bless her for that!) she flaked on our recheck and apparently no longer worked at the practice when we returned.

Anyway, after much searching online, I found an "All Cats" practice in Oberursel. On paper (read internet), they had all my must haves - website seemed top notch, fancy pictures of the practice showed abundant happy staff, sunny waiting rooms, and for Stormy - no dogs! I tentatively sent an e-mail asking if any of the vets spoke English. Within 20 minutes, I received a response, from the vet himself, that he did speak English. One more e-mail and we had an appointment at 4pm today. I was sold!

Although the location was a bit far - 30 minute drive with a little traffic - it was totally worth it! Sunny waiting room, happy staff (who already knew I was English, by the way and I was able to avoid the awkward - Verstien sie Englisch?). And Dr. Michael was lovely. Despites Stormy's monsterousness (word?) Dr. Michael was able to examine him, get blood, and run the labs on site in 20 minutes! He spent lots of time answering my abundance of questions and didn't seem one bit annoyed!

Although we are still short of a diagnosis (apparently it is not uncommon for cats to suffer from liver issues of unknown cause), we have a course of treatment (antibiotics and steroids - Stormy's thinking of taking up body building) and follow ups scheduled accordingly. Also, he was able to get blood for the rabies titer for his EU/UK passport and recommend a cat sitting service. Not a single sedative required!

SOOO - looking for an excellent vet in the Frankfurt area for your cat - look no further than Katezin-Praxis and Dr. Michael Streicher.

He's a life saver - just ask Stormy!

When in doubt....Shop!

I must admit that today, we found the best shopping mall ever...even better than...wait for it...any shopping mall visited in Southern California. I know, it's hard to believe I am actually admitting to finding something, in Germany, that is better than anything from either the US or Canada!

Our day began with the buzzer ringing at 9am and the nice men from Amazon.de finally delivering our washing machine. I was thrilled at the prospect of finally having clean underwear that had not be hand washed in the bathroom sink! I spoke too early, however, because our old apartment had an old tap that the washer needed to be hooked up to, so of course the fittings didn't work!

Mark decided to head out to the hardware store while I stayed home to make breakfast (ie lie in bed and watch Friends reruns on E4 - they're always on...it's great!). He came home with what he thought was the right fitting, which of course didn't work. But more importantly, was super excited about finding the German equivalent of Home Depot. Like, down to the layout, "hand" written signs and orange smocks! So, since he had to go back anyway for a different fitting, I decided to see for myself.

Sure enough (as the picture will attest to), we found the German equivalent of Home Depot. This lead to a series of purchases for what might eventually be a normal shower (don't get me started on what is currently passing for a shower in this place!) and clean underwear...(For the record, we still don't have the right fitting, so I have planned my Sunday around sink washing once again...).

After finally dragging Mark out of the Home Depot, it was decided that I needed a proper food processor and Garmin GPS if I was going to survive one more day in Darmstadt. The nearest Saturn (read European Best Buy) was just around the corner. What we didn't know was that it was housed in the most glorious shopping mall EVER! Stores abound including Starbucks, Guess, Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Esprit, Clothes, Clothes and More Clothes. I was in heaven and have decided if you need to find me at any point over the next 2 years, look for me there (because now I have Garmin GPS who will show me the way!).

Many hours later, Mark was afraid I would spend all his money (hey - I don't currently have a job, so who else's money will I spend?) so headed out to our planned Saturday destination. IKEA. While much window shopping and planning was accomplished only a few purchases were made (and we still haven't solved the washer or shower problem!).

Eventually, we were both hungry and headed to Wiesbaden to see what it was all about.

We had dinner at a lovely Scottish pub (the Scotch and Soda) and then off to Murphy's Irish pub for Guinness and Strongbow. Wiesbaden has a lovely downtown that remains untouched since before the war and due to the American Army/Air force base is full of English speakers who will tolerate my lack of German skills. Long story short, it was decided that we would be spending many more weekends pub crawling through Wiesbaden (and who knows - may have to move there if it suits us!). Apparently they have the worlds largest cuckoo clock. How can you go wrong!

All in all, today was a good day....which is a great thing to come by!!

God Bless The Rain (and Internet!)

I'm currently at home living through my first German thunder storm and my first storm in at least 5 years (since I left Canada).

I used to hate thunderstorms, but the heat here has been unbearable (30C +) since we arrived so I'm glad that the air has cooled down some and we might actually get some relief. I really don't understand what the German's have against air conditioning! (oops - negative... I'll try to keep that to a minimum!)

Poor Stormy has not weathered the move well and has decided to stop eating. Apparently he also hates thunderstorms and is hiding behind the couch. Hopefully he will come out when the air cools off? Or he can chase the moths that have made their home in our apartment (again, what do people have against window screens??!)

Our first week in Darmstadt is finally complete and we have tried to settle in as best we can. We have a working dishwasher, dryer (but no washer so really what's the point?) and a very large "American" fridge that our landlord ordered but that still needs to be hooked up to the water source to produce ice. Apparently there are parts missing. At least it can be plugged in and keeps things cold!

We find a great British pub around the corner owned by an Indian couple who have been her for 25 years or more. They have Magners and Guinness on tap, the best curry dishes in the country and speak amazing English (super bonus!) so hopefully we can become regulars.

Our internet has been set up (I was so relieved I almost cried - for the 97th time since we arrived!) so I can now waste my time on Facebook and job hunting (with no intention of ever getting a job!) while mark is at work supporting us!

We started to do a little travel over the weekend. We drove to France (Vive la France!) because I begged Mark to take me to a country where I spoke the language. It was oppresively hot there as well, but they have wonderful supermarkets and Hagueneau has good ice cream so it was worth the trip.

We also took the train to Frankfurt, which means I may actually be mobile now! I kind of liked Frankfurt and have decided it is the place I will find German language training and possibly go back to school...or get a job...or go back to school...or be on vacation for 2 years? We'll see...

Must make plans for next weekend getaway. Perhaps a trip to somewhere cool? (never thought I'd say that!)

Germany - the early days

If 2 days of company provided cultural connection training taught me anything it was that moving across the world is hard and don't dwell on the negative. So here is my attempt not to dwell on the negative...

We arrived safely and on time at our destination. Stormy weathered the trip as well as can be expected. The vet decided to give him a new sedative (torb) instead of the usual (Acevet). Not such a great move. We arrived at the security gate where he needed to be removed from his carrier and carried (ie wrestled) through the metal detectors. A bloody match ensued (I have the scars to prove it!). Cleary, not so much sedated. The ATA officer standing on the otherside of the detector asked nervously if I could remove his harness and leash before walking through the detector. What I wanted to say was "Sure - if you want a terrified black cat running wild through you airport, crazy lady!" but instead, politely said no, and agreed that if I set off the detector we would submit to secondary screening. Luckily, Stormy did not set off any detectors, was quickly returned to his carrier and off we went.

As expected, we were upgraded to business on the first flight so were able to drink our share of wine in preparation for the second flight. No upgrade on the second(because of the cat...Stormy was very upset since he is used to flying in style) but the flight was empty so we were able to spread out a bit.

Upon arrival, not a single German customs person was to be seen so despite our best efforts at showing someone Stormy's "passport" we ended up bringing him into the country without inspection. I feel a bit like an animal smuggler (and I also wasted $35 on USDA endorsement!) but better to be prepared than not.

When we arrived at our new apartment the rental furniture truck was already there to greet us (although I don't think the movers were too plased at having to lug everything up 3 flights of stairs!).

Our settling in has not been without glitches - no internet, phone or fridge until next week, no washer/dryer until we order one (please come next week! I'm quickly running out of clean clothes and it's very hot and sticky here!), no cold water in the kitchen for the first week, no working dishwasher at this time, and until yesterday, no english TV except CNN. That one nearly killed me! I can only take so much of the same top stories over and over again (although I did catch Larry King's interview with Lindsay Lohan's father about her jail sentence. Rivetting. I miss California!) In an attempt to keep me from getting on a plane for Canada (my bags are still technically packed...) Mark was able to rig up some kind of satellite which gives me free to air UK TV. I've never appreciated reruns of Star Trek as much as I do now (Captain Kirk - your such an alien ladies man!).

Our landlord is a lovely man who is generous with invites to local bars to watch football (hence the pictures - sorry Germany!!) and has much advice on where to go (I think he wants to take us wine tasting in Burgundy - which is nice, but a little forward? Have I become that American?). I'm just hoping he might be able to help with the appliance situation with the same enthusiam!

Mark has returned to work on and off, leaving me to my own devices (not always a good thing). I have now driven a car on tiny German roads (also, not always a good thing) so I'll let you know when my first accident and/or speeding ticket arrives. I kind of always forget the no right on red thing...

We've found a gym and a Starbucks with free wifi (hence the update) so my next challenge will be finding German language classes and friends. I've even considered looking for a job (although I'm not that desperate...yet...)

But who knows what may happen! It'll get better...right?

Independence Day

It's 10pm (PST) July 3rd and tomorrow is our Independence day from America.

A few updates...

The movers came and went, successfully packing our storage, air and sea shipments. There was minimal damage to the house (although I'm convinced that the scratches on the floor in our bedroom were not there when we vacated the premises!)

It was kind of cool to see the actual sea container show up at our front door. The big green monster was opened and one by one our furniture and belongings were loaded. Since the delivery time is 3 months, I assume our container will be driven to Long Beach and loaded onto a freighter bound for the Panama Canal. It's a little disconcerting to realize that by the end of the journey, Stormy's cat tree will be more well traveled than I am. I hope that the ship makes frequent stops and that our Papasan chair has a chance to hop out somewhere in central America for a quick drink and dance lesson, or that when our 3-piece sectional docks in Europe, it can hop a cab to Amsterdam for a pub crawl (although if it arrives smelling like smoke of any kind I will not be happy!).

Our neighbors were kind enough to invite us over for dinner on Friday night where we shared 4 bottles of wine until 1am. Frank and Sandy are lovely people and I'm truly going to miss them. It's a shame that we didn't get a chance to spend more time with them (ie, I will miss Sandy's cooking and stories!!) but hopefully they will still be there when we move back!

Despite a late night on Friday, we were up at 7am Saturday, back to the house for cleaning (and Stormy cuddles), and the final touch ups that I hope will make the house ready for rent.

I then enjoyed a mani, pedi and eye brow wax (who knows where I will find that kind of service in Darmstadt!), a quick trip back to the house to give Stormy his meds and we are finally at the end of the preparation stage.

The Taylor's joined us at the hotel for a swim, dinner and fire works (to celebrate our send off of course!) and after many tears (yes mostly mine) we said our final good byes to the best friends we could ever have here in So Cal. I'm still crying...

So this will be the final update from these US of A. Since our internet is not going to be hooked up until July 13th (really? can we not do better than that??) I will provide an update of how the actual flight passed once Stormy and I have slept off the sedatives and I can find an internet cafe.

Happy 4th of July to all our friends in So Cal that we will miss dearly!!

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian and Expat Canadian friends!

Incidentally, it's also Stormy's 12th birthday, so happy birthday to my little old kitty.

Since today is day 1 of the move, I had almost forgotten it was Canada Day. I'm sitting here with nothing to do but watch 4 boys pack up our house (with great efficiency I might add) and started surfing the web for Canadian expat sites in Germany and found numerous Canada day parties abroad. Hopefully we can partake next year!

Mark is off organizing the selling of the Dodge Ram, banking details, customs paperwork and visa things so I'm here alone with the movers. It's kind of awkward sitting around with nothing to do while they work so hard, and yet I wouldn't trade having packers for anything. My best advice to anyone out there who is planning a move is spend the money on packers. It's worth EVERY PENNY!

Stormy is hiding under the couch, having a heart attack no doubt because of the activity. If he only knew what was in store for him on Sunday!

We will be staying at a fancy hotel tonight (on the company dime!) so I'm looking forward to that. It will feel like a vacation after the chaos at home. Then back to more of the same tomorrow....