German Observations

Just some random things that I've noticed so far:

It is not uncommon for kids under the age of 10 to wander around the streets after 11pm alone in this extremely safe city.

There is a KFC flagship here that has a 2 story parking garage attached. Just because the Germans have a thing for chicken :)

Germans follow the rules. Unconditionally. ALL THE TIME!  They NEVER jay-walk, they always buy train tickets-even though I've been checked one time in the entire month+ I've been here. They have insurance to cover everything-cars, health, bike, home, property, life insurance, animals, liabilities, etc!

They aren't particularly religious here (except about Soccer) but NOTHING is open on Sunday. And all the stores close at 8pm every other night.

You can drink alcohol anywhere; public transport, at the library, on the street. I think it's actually encouraged.

I think that Germans have a rep throughout Europe as being unfriendly. But I haven't seen ANY of that yet! Besides, all the people I've met so far have been very welcoming, interested in hearing about my far away land and get really excited when I tell them that we used to have an F1 race in my city :)

Now if I can just find a job that will allow me to speak English, I'll save everyone's ears from something disastrous!

Isn't there an election happening soon?

As a political science major I am deeply disappointed that I'll be overseas and missing the election-day chaos over here. And while I already sent my probably useless blue shaded absentee ballot to the red state of Indiana weeks ago, I'm sad that I will not be able to vote in person and get a sticker.

BUT, I will be staying up ALL night tomorrow watching Wolf, James, John and Anderson on CNN Intl and eating homemade blue colored cupcakes :) At least if the wrong outcome ensues then I can take comfort in the fact that I'll be in the EU the next few years and still have a shot at health insurance!

Just one more thing that needs to be transported around the globe. So far the biggest holidays/events that I've missed having friends and family to celebrate with are: St. Patrick's Day, the Indy 500, Halloween, my brother's graduation, a good-friend's wedding, July 4th, Election day and my birthday. It's just impossible to book a $1200 ticket for every event!

Perhaps it's time for a low cost airline that just does the short puddle jump?

 

Step 3: Start over again

Well it all finally happened!
I FINALLY Graduated with my MBA!!! It was an insanely long year of tests and cases and teamwork with my fellow classmates. I travelled 75,000 miles in 12 months to four continents and 11 countries. I spent 5 weeks in Singapore gaining an understanding of the Asian mindset and work ethic. I paid 200 Euros under the table to obtain a Russian visa for a week where we saw how their 'business model' worked. I froze in Cape Town while doing a hands on consulting project for a winery and experiencing some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. And of course I met tons of amazing people along the way.

My IIP team finished our project and had our final presentation on the morning of graduation and then that evening we all walked across the stage.  I know that having a graduation at this age and obtaining a master's isn't nearly exciting to some, but for me, it was the hardest thing I've ever done. When I arrived to Paris in September last year with 3 suitcases and a laptop, I didn't know a single person within a thousand miles. I said goodbye to my entire family, to my friends, to a boy, to a job, to a city that I had lived in for over 20 years and left. I completely started over.  And here I am, 1 year later, doing it again.  Only this time, I have an amazing person by my side.

I moved to Munich 10 days ago and so far I can say I love it. While Oktoberfest is clearly the best time of the year for the city, it hosts many great people and places.  And I'm so looking forward to learning German and getting to know many people here and getting involved in the local community.

Now if only I can figure out how to stay skinny in the land of brezen and bratwurst...

Step 2-Make it happen

I will be officially graduated in 22 days. Oh my god.

I am SOOOO not ready for this! I still need a job. And a place to live. And to learn German. And to make new friends in Munich. And a visa. And  health insurance. Let me tell you, moving 4000 miles away is not an easy thing to do!

But on the plus side, I'll have my MBA, a real degree that offers possibilities (no offense IU Political Science)! And a great man that loves me and wants to keep me. And plenty of free time initially to start learning German (or plan Greek island adventures).

This summer has been kind of a let down after the course in Cergy. Cape Town was lovely of course, but really it all feels as though I'll be starting an entire new chapter of my life in just a short time. In 22 days, I won't be a student anymore. I'll be an adult. It's no longer going to be appropriate to act like a college student and be forgetful and procrastinate with things. It's time to grow up and start doing adult things, like buying a house, and professional clothes. I should be spending money on organic foods instead of wine and chocolate. And working out and flossing more regularly. In 22 days, it becomes real.

I can't wait!

Step 1- Identify the Issue

I arrived in France to start my intensive one year MBA program on Sept 23, 2011.  I met my soulmate 11 days later.  And since then, it's been a rollercoaster.  But we have decided to stay in Europe after graduation.

How did I let myself get in so deep that quickly? No idea. But I do know that I've never been so confused (or happy) in my entire life. 

So how do you keep a balance with your old American life and successfully make a new one in Europe?  How can I transfer my culture, my music, my cooking style-unhealthy of course, and my love of cars over public transportation into a European household?  And how can I keep in touch with my family and friends that are 6 hours behind effectively and often enough?  Skype just isn't enough.

Just a few questions that I'll be pondering over the next few weeks/months/years. Getting through the MBA in the next 5 months is the easy part, but then real life starts!