On April 23rd the movers came to our house on Emmons and packed up all our belongings in about 3 hours. It was like a tornado. In a way it was good that it was quick because we didn’t have time to think about anything. The next morning they arrived with our shipping container, loaded everything in about two hours and then were gone. It was a very quick process.
We cleaned the house and turned in our keys. It was a little sad to leave the house, the flowers were just coming up that I had planted they year before…. I imagine they are all in full bloom now. It was a good little house.
We had a nice going away party on the 26th and were able to spend some time with family and friends before our departure. Neither of us like good byes so it was a lot of “see ya later for now’s.” After a few last minute errands, Jeff left for Germany on Monday, April 28th. I headed directly from the airport to West Michigan for a week, then to Chicago for a week, and then back to Detroit for a week.
There was a lot involved in getting Cooper ready for departure. We had to get a bunch of paperwork from the vet and then drive to E. Lansing to have it all certified. From my understanding this was a requirement for the NWA and the German Customs Agency. The airline barely looked at the paperwork and German Customs didn’t even see Cooper or ask for papers.
So Cooper and I arrived in Germany on May 18th (also Coopers 1 year Birthday). We had a bit of a stressful flight. Coopers bag didn’t fit under the seat at all and this was after they mandated that I sit in a particular seat. I guess something about the video equipment under the seats. I gave Cooper Dramamine to calm him down, and it kind of worked. He was only calm when he was able to sit in my lap. You are technically not supposed to have the dog out of his carrier bag, but the flight attendants were Ok with us doing it, thankfully. So we arrived, a little bleary eyed but very excited to see Jeffy.
So today marks the end of week one for the 3 of us together here. We are staying in a nice company flat while we continue to look for a place of our own. The house hunt has proven to be a bit more difficult than we imagined. There is a large demand to live in Attendorn and a low supply of housing. We did find one place that we really liked but then were told it was not available! So the search continues.
Jeff had become very familiar with the town and knows were to go for everything. We have visited the grocery store, pet store, drug store, etc. We are managing to get along just fine with the German we know and most speak English if needed.
Cooper and I spent most of the week sleeping, reading and walking. We are just about fully adjusted to the time change. Thursday was a German Holiday so Jeff had Thursday & Friday off. We have a new circle of friends who have been inviting us to the pub, soccer games, BBQ’s etc. We took a few road trips this weekend…. one to a festival in a small village called Cobbenrode (which included a long, spirited country side drive….. very exciting!!), and then another trip to Köln for an afternoon of shopping, eating wurst, drinking Koelsch, and sightseeing.
We had a nice going away party on the 26th and were able to spend some time with family and friends before our departure. Neither of us like good byes so it was a lot of “see ya later for now’s.” After a few last minute errands, Jeff left for Germany on Monday, April 28th. I headed directly from the airport to West Michigan for a week, then to Chicago for a week, and then back to Detroit for a week.
There was a lot involved in getting Cooper ready for departure. We had to get a bunch of paperwork from the vet and then drive to E. Lansing to have it all certified. From my understanding this was a requirement for the NWA and the German Customs Agency. The airline barely looked at the paperwork and German Customs didn’t even see Cooper or ask for papers.
So Cooper and I arrived in Germany on May 18th (also Coopers 1 year Birthday). We had a bit of a stressful flight. Coopers bag didn’t fit under the seat at all and this was after they mandated that I sit in a particular seat. I guess something about the video equipment under the seats. I gave Cooper Dramamine to calm him down, and it kind of worked. He was only calm when he was able to sit in my lap. You are technically not supposed to have the dog out of his carrier bag, but the flight attendants were Ok with us doing it, thankfully. So we arrived, a little bleary eyed but very excited to see Jeffy.
So today marks the end of week one for the 3 of us together here. We are staying in a nice company flat while we continue to look for a place of our own. The house hunt has proven to be a bit more difficult than we imagined. There is a large demand to live in Attendorn and a low supply of housing. We did find one place that we really liked but then were told it was not available! So the search continues.
Jeff had become very familiar with the town and knows were to go for everything. We have visited the grocery store, pet store, drug store, etc. We are managing to get along just fine with the German we know and most speak English if needed.
Cooper and I spent most of the week sleeping, reading and walking. We are just about fully adjusted to the time change. Thursday was a German Holiday so Jeff had Thursday & Friday off. We have a new circle of friends who have been inviting us to the pub, soccer games, BBQ’s etc. We took a few road trips this weekend…. one to a festival in a small village called Cobbenrode (which included a long, spirited country side drive….. very exciting!!), and then another trip to Köln for an afternoon of shopping, eating wurst, drinking Koelsch, and sightseeing.
We are feeling good about things and adjusting pretty well. More adventures to come, we will keep you posted.
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