November 04, 2014

German Halloween

November 04, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

As many know, especially if you live in the US, Halloween was last Friday. In Germany, Halloween isn't as big of a holiday as it is in the US and trick or treating is not widely conducted. Some areas do, but most do not. However, there are always some Halloween parties happening (we're in Germany and it's another excuse to drink!). On Friday, an expat group we are loosely a part of, Internations, held a Halloween party in Mannheim. We thought it would be a fun, relaxed way to meet others and there were even a couple from our Culture Training a couple weeks ago who were interested in attending.

October 31, 2014

Fully Cultured - Part 2

October 31, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

Before Aaron and I moved to Germany, BASF provided an 8 hour ''Cultural Integration'' training seminar for us to make sure we were equipped to interact with Germans. Although, in all honesty, 8 hours is woefully short and can't possibly cover everything that one would need to know on how to seamlessly integrate into German society. It would take an entire 8 hour course just to explain how they sort their garbage.

Which brings us to last week. Aaron and I, as part of the relocation package, were able to attend another 16 hours of cultural training. I know it can sound dry since ''cultural awareness'' is generally lumped

October 23, 2014

A Wedding and 'Merica

October 23, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

It's been a while since we last posted, but there was a good reason for it. I promise. Aaron was in Washington until last Saturday and I was in Michigan this past weekend to two close friends tie the knot. I am so glad that I was able to be there to celebrate with them. Cari was a beautiful bride and Murray seemed so excited to be marrying the love of his life.

The other awesome part about this last weekend? Seeing my sisters and being in 'Merica! Some of them I had seen in the past couple of months, the others I hadn't seen in quite a while. I realized how much I miss them all and miss having friends close by

October 14, 2014

I'm All About That Balance, 'Bout That Balance

October 14, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

Pop culture referance anyone? I know there's some controversy over the song, but I can't lie, it's catchy as hell and can work it's way into quite an Ohrwurm. Any who, back to our (ir)regularly scheduled post...The Germans take their work life balance very seriously, much to the chagrin of many Americans. Depending on the company, they often work less hours than Americans, get better vacation time and really take relaxing seriously. In fact, doctors can even prescribe time at a spa or time off from work. I wonder if the fee for a spa would apply towards my deductible?

September 24, 2014

Siebenundzwanzig...A Birthday

September 24, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

This week, I turned 27. Want to know how I celebrated? I got a cholesterol test and physical for my German healthcare in the morning and then went diving in the evening. Rocking birthday right there!

I know it's not old by any means, but I still kind of feel like only yesterday I was turning 21. And to be honest, my life is dramatically ...

August 26, 2014

Settling In

August 26, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

We've found the grocery store, where to buy household items, I've signed up for a discount card with a local group of stores, and I've even managed to mail a couple of things. I'm beginning to understand more spoken German, so I don't look like as much of an idiot when people in shops ask me a question, or wish me a "Schon Tag!" (responding is a different story though). The cat has arrived in Germany ....

August 23, 2014

Our First Couple Weeks in Deutschland

August 23, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

And finally, the move is complete. I arrived in Germany bright and early on August 9. Aaron was there to meet me at the airport (he had been here for a week and a half already), and help me with my luggage. I'm not going to lie, it was hard to say good bye to friends ...