I would consider living in Germany a once in a lifetime opportunity and I plan on my spouse, my pup and myself to make the most of it as we are getting the chance to travel to new places, try new things and meet new people.
Touch down
When our feet touched the ground at the Frankfurt airport, we were filled with all sorts of emotions. This was it; we were finally here to stay for the next 4 years. Luckily most of the culture shock was over and done with during our house hunting trip. Our fun began with having no cell service, a rental vehicle with the GPS in German and not understanding road signs. Thankfully we had each other and took our time.
During the first week, I found myself trailing along with my spouse on base getting cleared in and meeting new people. I luckily found myself gravitating towards the Military Family Services (MFS) and what they had to offer. A routine eventually started to form with going to the gym in the morning with my spouse and then Volunteering and keeping busy at the MFS, which made a huge healthy difference in my adjustment to moving to Germany. Going from working 40+ hours a week and having an active social life with friends and friends, to no job and not really knowing anyone was making for a very different lifestyle.
Hotel living
For an unknown length of time we had a hotel booked in the beautiful little town of Hiensburg. The little town has a lively main strip with grocery stores and shopping within walking distance. The hotel was a perfect little place to stay; having everything you needed for day to day living. After three weeks we decided to move ourselves to the City Hotel in Gielenkirchen (where we stayed for our HHT) which gave me a little more freedom to come and go from base, with it being a much closer location. We would highly recommend both hotels- (Great location, friendly people, and appropriate accommodations).
New Home
After a week at City Hotel the day had finally come when our house was ready and our belongings had arrived. It was time to start making a house our home and no more living out of a suitcase (which is an experience all on its own). As excited as I was to ready our home, I found out quickly that it will take time and is a process.
If I could give any advice to spouses and members experiencing any posting, it would be to take each day as it comes, get involved in the community, take advantage of the facilities and enjoy meeting people. I’ve found myself having highs and lows adjusting to this new life in Germany and I’m enjoying every minute of it.