My Survival Guide to Life Overseas!

Hey Everyone! Today I decided that I would share a few of the things that have made my time overseas more enjoyable :)  When living in a different country, you are sometimes not afforded the luxury of speaking or understanding the language.  This was a challenge for me at the beginning of my time here in Germany, but my advice to those of you who are just coming over for a few months such as myself is to just learn what you NEED to know.  Google translate is a very helpful site for when needing to look up unfamiliar words.  What I consider need to know words to be are words that you use on a daily basis...ie:  greetings, food, directions.  Most of the time you can get by using English, but you should be prepared if you are put in a situation where you need to know certain words...It is not always easy to get across what you are trying to say...emotions and expressions play a huge part of communication.
Grocery shopping over here is quite a challenge if you can not read the ingredients in certain items...for example, I bought a can of tuna and instead of the tuna being in water, it was in oil...ewww!  If I new what I was looking for on the label then I wouldn't of had this problem!  Meat over here is not the same as what you get back home...for a good steak, you need to go to either a high end grocery store or a butcher shop.  They don't really eat that much steak over here, so you need to be very selective and know what you are looking for.  Most of the meat here is pork, chicken, or fish.  You really can't go wrong with pork...some of my favorites are pork steaks, schnitzel, and  bratwursts.  The food over here is like the food back home, but like I said, you have to pay close attention to the ingredients.  It may take you a couple of trips to the store before you figure it out.  I wrote a list of words while shopping to translate when I got home...this helped me a whole lot!  Once you learn your main foods, you will be able to order in a restaurant easier too!  Some places may have English menus you just have to ask.  Also, don't be afraid to try and speak German when you go out!  They pretty much can tell that you are not German just from looking at you, but in my experience if you make an effort to communicate with them, then they seem to want to help you :)  There are those people out there who don't, but you find those types of people everywhere. 
Anyways, learn your foods, it makes life easier!
Transportation (train, taxi, bus, etc...):  You are gonna want to learn how all of these work.  Learning how to use the train system has been a huge help.  Right now, the weather here is pretty cold and snowy...driving isn't always a great idea, so I usually take the train.  Taking the train not only saves you money on gas, it gets you where you need to be quickly and efficiently.  The public transportation systems here in Europe are fabulous! Overall, the trains are clean and comfortable.  Train travel is ideal when wanting to go for a long distance trip.  International travel is easy too...I just returned from a trip to Amsterdam and all you need is your passport.  Entering the Netherlands I wasn't asked for it, but when we returned to Germany, the border police boarded the train and asked for it.  While getting around locally, you should check with the transportation provider on any information regarding monthly passes.  This helps cut down on the cost. I definitively opt for public transportation over driving.
Once you get your food and transportation down, you will notice more confidence in your attitude.  I know I did! 

Here is a list of items I SUGGEST for those of you who will be over here for an extended period of time.
1.  INTERNET!!!!!  Most of these following items run off of the internet.
2.  Smart Phone (Blackberry or iPhone)
3.  WhatsApp ( this is an application for the Blackberry or iPhone that allows you to send and receive FREE text messages from other smart phones...the reason why this is so important is because IT WORKS INTERNATIONALLY FOR FREE!!!!!!!!)

WhatsApp only works on iphone or blackberry

3. www.Ch131.com ( This website is awesome! On Channel131.com you can watch TV shows and Movies for FREE!!!  Check it out here!)
4.  Slingbox ( If you purchase a slingbox you can set it up on your tv back home and it will transmit to your computer overseas!  I love it!!! It works through the internet.  You can check it out here!)
5.  Pay as you go Phone ( I use a pay as you go phone from Vodaphone.  The way it works is you purchase the phone, and then put money on it as you need it.  It is FREE to receive calls and texts.  My phone cost 10 euros, you can put as much or as little money on it as you want.  You can check it out here!)
6.  Facebook ( Using your facebook account is easy way to keep in touch with your friends and family, yes FB chat works internationally!)
7.  Shopping Bags ( Here in Germany, you have to bring your own bags when going grocery shopping.  You can purchase bags at the stores, but having one or two really good canvas or plastic bags on you at all times is a must!)
8.  Clothing  ( The fall and winter months here in Germany are really cold!  Well, to me :) I suggest you pack warm, and have a good pair of winter boots.  Rain boots are good to have as well. Also, pack a good winter coat. Wear layers and you should be good!)
9.  Appliances (  I suggest you buy new appliances such as a hair dryer, straightener, electric razor, etc... over here.  The voltage is a lot more powerful and will damage or destroy your American appliances.  They do sell converters, but I just find it easier to buy European appliances...especially if you plan on coming back in the future.  The store to buy your appliances is the Saturn store, they sell everything relating to appliances and electronics.  You can also find outlet and power converters there.)
10.  Personal items (1.  Deodorant!  I have yet to find stick deodorant here, they mostly have roll on and spray, if you do not like this, then stock up before you get here! 2. Medicine:  The drug laws over here are very strict.  They do not sell Tylenol, Advil, Excedrine, Benadryl, NyQuil, DayQuil, Tums, Pepto Bismol, and the list goes on!  For many medications, you need a doctors prescription.)

These are the main things that I suggest, and believe me I wish I knew about the medication before I got here...
I really hope that this will help those of you who are planning on moving or visiting overseas!  If you know of more things that would be helpful, then feel free to comment :)
-Tschussy!

Merry Chirstmas from Amsterdam!

Hey Everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas!














This year Zach and I went to Amstedam :) It was AMAZING!!!! We got a day and a half off for Christmas this year, and I think we made the most of our time.  We left on the 24th early in the morning, and unfortunately there was a winter storm going through Germany.  There was soooo much snow, probably the most snow I have ever seen in my life!  Even though we were delayed like three hours...I say half the fun is getting there :) We met a few people who were going the same direction that we were, and they helped us out so much!  Every time a German announcement about a delay or cancellation came on, they let us know what was being said, and what we should do.  I think we changed trains like three times before we ended up in Amsterdam!  All of the other trains were breaking down and the last train we got on to get into the Netherlands looked like it could go through a brick wall!  This train meant business :)  We finally arrived into Amsterdam, checked into our hotel, and went  out exploring the town. 

Getting around the city was so easy!  There is this 24 hour public transportation pass you can purchase for 7 euros.  If you are in Amsterdam for a day or two, then I highly suggest you buy this pass, our passes paid  for themselves!  The pass gives you access to the tram, metro, and bus lines that go throughout the city.  I also suggest a map of the city, because most of them have the routes of the public transportation system.  All you do is scan your pass when you get on and off...pretty simple.  Since we didn't have an agenda to follow, we just hopped on and off of different buses all day.  We did a little sight seeing and shopping :) Since it was the 24th some things were closed early, but there were still plenty of things to do and see.
Overall, Amsterdam is the most interesting place that I have ever visited! The culture is very diverse, and everyone speaks English! Yay!!! There is just such a laid back lifestyle there, and I understand why people move there! The liberal laws seem to keep crime down, and fun up!  I totally recommend that everyone should visit Amsterdam!!!
Here are a few pictures of the city!!!

Overlooking one of the many canals

The famous I amsterdam letters

Me climbing into the e

Dam Square

Winterland Amsterdam!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you all have exciting plans for the New Year!!!
-Erin

Berlin Wonderland!

Hello All!  Yesterday Zach and I went to Berlin! It was awesome.  We started our trip around 10am, and got to the heart of the city around 1.  The drive wasn't too bad, but we have had some snow the past few days, so it was just a little slushy on the Autobahn.  When we arrived to Berlin, we went straight to the East Side Gallery.  The canvas for the murals at the East Side Gallery is the actual Berlin Wall! So, that's a check by "Visit the Berlin Wall" on my "bucket list" :)
We parked and got out of the car...it was freezing cold and windy, btw.  There were so many interesting murals, and a wide range of different styles.  Below I have included some of the pictures I took while we were there.

 After we visited the wall, we went to Alexanderplatz and checked out some of the Christmas Markets in the area.

 After wandering around Alexanderplatz we took a cab to the Brandenburg Gate.  We went at night, and the gate was light up beautifully.  There was also a huge Christmas tree at the gate.  Around that area were all of the International Embassies.  I have to say when I saw the American Flag on the American Embassy it made me proud to be from America :)

 

So far Berlin is my favorite city in Germany.  It is full of culture and the city itself is so neat to see.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you all enjoyed!

-Erin

Happy Turkey Day!!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I woke up today and there was snow on the ground! Since I am from South Carolina...it is just unheard of having snow on Thanksgiving (or even Christmas for that matter).  It is starting to get below freezing here, and colder and colder everyday.
To my family and friends:  I really miss you guys today, and I am just so thankful to have all of you in my life.  I definitely take having y'all in my life for granted. 

 On a happier note...it is Turkey Day!!! To my family and I am sure many others, this means that the holiday season has officially begun.  Christmas trees will be popping up in windows, and lights will be hung.  Harbison Blvd will be even more of a headache, and Columbiana Mall...well, let me just say, be careful (hopefully you make it out of the parking lot)...there are some ruthless shoppers out there that will take you out over even the smallest of sales. ( I know this from experience!)

They don't celebrate Thanksgiving over here in Germany, but they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to Christmas.  Already I have seen many interesting decorations and markets.  I will get some pictures uploaded as soon as I remember to take my camera downtown.  It really is unbelievable how they have transformed the city. 

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Turkey Day!!!

-Erin

Lovely Celle

Yesterday Zach and I went on a drive to a town named Celle.  It is only about 40 minutes from Hannover, so we went and checked it out.  We were pleasantly surprised by this quaint town.  The downtown area was totally pedestrian friendly, and not too many cars were around.  Most of the streets are for pedestrians only and were made out of cobble stone.  This reminded me of some parts of the French Quarter downtown Charleston, South Carolina.  The town was also being decorated in holiday lights.  I have heard that Germany is a beautiful place to be for Christmas, and so far I have seen some proof :)   Celle to me looks like a little Christmas village.

Downtown Celle with Christmas Lights

Zach and I in Celle

We peeked into an antiques store and found some neat things, including books, beer steins, and tons of spoons.  There was also some hand painted china and tea sets.  Being an artist, I enjoy such crafts as those we found.  For the rest of our time in Celle, we just window shopped and took a lovely walk around the Celle Castle, also known as the Schloss Castle.  This castle was built as a water castle, that guarded a ford over the River Aller.  The Aller river is the main river that runs through Celle.  The castle today is now a park for the public.  The moat that surrounds the castle is still in tact and is home to a number of different types of wildlife.  The most common moat creatures we saw were the mallard and goose.  Overall, our little trip to Celle was short and sweet. 

Moat Critters :)

Bibbed Mallard...I haven't seen many of these

Celle Castle with Snow :)

If you get a chance, you should definitely check out Celle!
-Erin

Out of the Box!

{Makeup day!}

I recently came across a makeup store here in Germany called KIKO.  I myself am a MAC girl, but this store really impressed me.  Unfortunately I am going to have to get my fix while I am over here and stock up on all the goodies, because they only have stores in Italy, Spain, and Germany. 

The KIKO cosmetic store was originally founded in Italy, and they take pride in their "made in Italy" makeup.  They offer a wide variety of makeup, nail, sun, body and skin care.  They also sell brushes and makeup accessories!  The best part of it all is that the prices of their products is low!  I bought a lipstick, blush, and nail polish for only 13 euros!  This sure does beat the MAC prices!!! I was quite skeptical of the prices being low, but after trying out their products, I am pleased to report that they are of excellent quality!  The mission of KIKO cosmetics is to appeal to every type of woman.  They really do have something for everyone!  If you are ever in Italy, Spain, or Germany, then you need to check out one of their stores.  You can visit their official website here. 

KIKO cosmetic store

KIKO products

 

 

 

 

KIKO products

I have also been doing some research on makeup artistry...I found Alex Box!  This lady has talent!!!  I have had some crazy makeup for runway shows, but this work is AMAZING!!! 
Alex Box was originally an installation artist before she went on to train to become a makeup artist.  Her work mainly focuses on the relationship between the human body and nature.  She has created her "out of the box" looks for designers such as Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Biba and Chanel!  Below are some exciting makeovers done by Alex :)

Alex Box and model

Her work definitely takes ordinary and turns it into extraordinary!

Hope you enjoyed!
-Erin

Beauty Through Simplicity

So I am trying this new thing where everyday I share something that interests me.  Art, Yoga, Fashion, Quotes, Books, and Music are just a few of my favorite things to learn and share my knowledge about.

{Today is all about simplicity} 

I came across an artist (Diem Chau) who has inspired me to be true and visualize the beauty in the little things. Chau discovers very recognizable mediums to work with and showcases her talent of taking something everyday and turning it into something memorable. Her work touches on the value of Storytelling, Myths and its ability to connect us to each other through cultural and humanistic similarities. Chau’s current work drifts into new territory by exploring the periphery of the narrative, moments forgotten and faded, or too brief to retain.  You can access her official website here.
Below are some of her works that particularly interested me.

Zodiac Figures

Porcelain and string

Next, I have a simple Yoga stretch that anyone can do.  This stretch helps to make the body taller.
 

Stand Up Taller

If you feel like you start to get shorter and more slumped as your day goes on, try this exercise to stretch the side of your body and give you a sense of increased height:

Stand with a wall to your right. Start about 12 inches away from the wall, but increase this distance as appropriate. Place your right hand on the wall above your head with your elbow straight and your palm pressing into the wall. Then lift your left arm and stretch it up and over your head toward the wall. If the stretch is too much, move closer to the wall. If it's too little, move farther away. Remain for five to 10 breaths, and then try the other side.

When you've practiced on both sides, stand up straight for a moment. Do you feel taller? Has some of the discomfort melted away? If so, practicing this exercise regularly may be good for you.

Last, I leave you with a quote:

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated" ~Confucius

Take time today to meditate and try to find the beauty in the simple things :)

-Erin 

November Bliss

Hello Everyone!
It is November, and things are going great here in Hannover :) Zach and I just got back from a much needed vacation.  We went to Antalya-Belek, Turkey.  Turkey is considered to be Eurasia...because it is situated between Europe and Asia.  The resort we stayed at was located right on the Mediterranean Sea.  The sea was calm and the water was clear.  The weather was gorgeous in the upper seventies or mid twenties Celsius.  The name of the resort is the Susesi de Luxe, and it was awesome.  It was an all inclusive vacation, and for about 850 euros our flight, train, food, alcohol, and room were all accommodated for.  You can check out the resorts website here.  Also, if you are cat lovers like us, then you will love the little kitties that roamed around the resort :) This was an interesting addition to the resort.  While walking around the resort the first night we got in, Zach almost tripped over what we thought was a rodent, but then realized it was a kitten.  We were a little shocked, because we didn't expect it, but after we called it over to us and saw that it was tame, we assumed that it was meant to be there.  The little guy even started to follow us back up to the hotel and came inside!!!  We brought the cat to one of the workers and asked if it lived here and they just smiled and said yes.  We proceeded to the 24/7 bar and lounge area, had a few cocktails and called it a night.
The next day we explored around the resort going to the beach was the highlight, since we haven't been able to go outside without a jacket for the past two months.  The weather was perfect!  I pretty much ran around in my bikini all day :) We also found some hammocks, ping pong tables, and the spa!  In the spa area there were a few different relaxation places.  The main one was the Turkish Bath...I am still not sure what this is.  When you enter, the room is completely made out of marble and there is a circular marble slab in the middle of the room and I guess you are supposed to lay on it while someone bathes you.  The room is kept very warm, and is sort of like a sauna.  We were not too interested, so we just moved on and took a swim in the heated indoor pool. 
The food at the resort was very different from what us Americans are used to.  Everything for the most part looked good, but we just didn't know what it was...Overall, we got used to the differences, but we are happy to have our normal food back :)
Now we are home, and the weather is going crazy! Today it was cloudy, sunny, rainy, windy, and hailing all at the same time...blah!  The temperature here is starting to get lower and lower everyday, but it is mid November and that is just to be expected.  Zach is having a good break from hockey, and doesn't have a game until next weekend.  You can visit his teams' website here.  You can also see a live ticker for his games here.  Just click on the date of the game, and the time will and opponent will be listed.
Here are a few pictures from our trip :) Hope you enjoy!

One of the friendly little kitties at the resort

Hanging out on our balcony

Sunset over the Turkish Riviera

Zach and I in the Mediterranean

 Thanks for reading!
-Erin

Fall is here :)

Hello everyone! I know it has been a while since I last posted...sorry! It is just that time has been flying by!  In the past couple of weeks, Zach and I have been exploring around Hannover, and visiting near by towns.  Recently we went to a town that is less than an hour away called Braunschweig.  This town had lots of Medieval influence and architecture.  I took lots of pictures.  You can find most of them on my Facebook page.

The Mall in Braunschweig...Pretty Snazzy!!

We also went back to the garden here in Hannover.  I put up pics from that a few post back, but they were only from the botanical garden.  That day, the main garden was closed for a firework display.  I am sure you will just love the pictures from that day too!

Golden Gates at the Garden

The main garden, so beautiful! 

Another view of the main garden

Also, last week, Zach and I went with the other teammates to an event with Go Karts...It was pretty extreme!  The point of us going was to drive the cars with people who are handicapped.  The drivers that we were competing against use wheelchairs, so the cars were hand operated.  This was no easy task, but it was lots of fun.

 Hockey has been going a little rough lately, but I have hope that the guys will turn things around.  The fans are still behind them, and it is still unreal to go to the games and hear them chant and cheer the entire time.  Last week, Zach and I had dinner with a couple of the fans.  They had us over to their house.  Thomas and his wife were very inviting, and it meant a lot to us that they wanted us to come over :) Thomas is a geriatric nurse here in Hannover, and is possibly going to have me come to work with him one day!  This will be very interesting to see what the health care systems are like over here.  I start my geriatric clinical in January!! 

Zach and I have also been taking walks by the river.  Instead of going our normal route, we opted for the other way.  We came across a large community of ducks!! So, since we have found them, we have been going down there with some bread and feeding them.  We try to go everyday, and each time we go more and more of the ducks trust us and fly up onto the path.  They are pretty funny, and they like to compete for the food :)  Zach took a video of them the other day...I will try to put it up too.

Well, things are going good here!  Thanks for reading, and I will hopefully keep up with the blog for all of ya'll back home :)

-Tschussy!

I can't believe it's OKTOBER!!!!

Hallo! Is it really October?! So, I have been in Germany for a month now and I just started to drive by myself!!! This is a major accomplishment, just so you know... I am mainly just sticking around the neighborhood, but trust me that is a good start! Enough about that, This week Zach and I were able to go to a city two hours north of us called Hamburg.  Hannover is pretty big, but Hamburg is double if not more the size of Hannover! City Hall in Hamburg is gorgeous, and the city is right on the water.  Seriously, the buildings foundations are under the water! The architecture is a lot more European too, because there are more buildings that were saved from WWII.  I hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures that I got!

City Hall

Inside City Hall

A fountain in the courtyard of City Hall

The main train station downtown Hamburg

The buildings along the river literally go into the water

This past week has just been quiet and relaxing.  Zach and I try to go on a walk as much as possible, and recently we have been walking along the river near our house.  There is a huge lock system that allows bigger boats and barges to pass through the river.  It is neat seeing the boats rise and fall 49m at a time!  I started back with Yoga!!! YAY!!! I'm not gonna lie, after the first session back I was super sore the next day, but it felt great! I didn't realize how much I missed doing it! Zach has been doing it with me, and can tell a major difference in the way he feels :) It's amazing how Yoga can change you!

Oktoberfest is also going on now :) We live too far away to go to the real one, but we stopped by the festival here in town.  It reminded me of the state fair back home.  I hope that one year Zach will be playing closer to Munich so we can go to the real Oktoberfest!!

Us at our local Hannover Oktoberfest

I am trying to paint while I am over here...mainly to keep creative  :) The walls of our apartment are so bare so painting also helps this :)                                                    

Owl painting that I did, it's one of three

Well, the weather here is starting to get a lot cooler, and the rain comes and goes throughout the day...Believe it or not, it makes me miss the hot weather back home! It is October though so it is time for Fall :) Well, I love and miss everyone back home and I hope that all is well :)  Thank you for reading and I will have more for you next week!

-Tschuss!