Saying Hello from Germany

Hi Everybody:

I have lived here in Germany for approx. one year and have been busy up 'til now with teaching myself a new career and taking courses in Language. I live near Cologne/Dusseldorf and we have a cat named Lucy.
Does anyone out there live nearby?

I would love to hear another Canadian's perspective on living here in
D-land. Is it what you thought it would be? Do you enjoy it here?

There are many things I like here that I don't get in Canada. Driving for one, the food is great, the festivals are fun - schutzenfests, karnival and the Christmas Markets. The culture and scenery and the closeness of Spain, France and other wonderful places to visit yet!

cheers,
Monique aus Vancouver, BC

Dear Monique,

I am a Canadian from Niagara Falls, and I just moved to Germany 1 month ago. It is a tough transition from the relaxed attitude in Canada. Mind you I have only been here for one month as well. How did you come to move to Germany?? Do you have any suggestions for learning the language, schools etc.

Sherrie aus Krefeld

Hi Monique!

Hope things are going well for you this summer! I am holding out hope that the weather will take a turn for the better in August :) I hope it´s not just wishful thinking.

Sherrie - I pm´d you to introduce myself!

Maybe we can find a time to get together sometime over the summer. It would be nice to meet you both and it would give us a chance to share our experiences as expats. Let me know what you think.

Take Care!
Sylvie

Dear new 2 Germany

Where exactly are you in Germany? and where are you from originally?

Sherrie

Hi Sherrie,

I live in Erkrath, east of Düsseldorf, near Mettman. I am originally from Northern Ontario, but lived in Ottawa for 4 years before I moved here to be with my husband. We, too, met online and he studied in Canada for 2 years, but in his line of work, it´s difficult to find a job in Canada and easier to find work here, so here we are!

What about you?

Hi,

My husband and I met on the internet 4 years ago and my husband came to Brock university to study for four years. My husband at this point is looking for a job, but he wanted to come back to Germany to work so I agreed. I had a hair salon in Fonthill Ontario and grew up in Niagara Falls. My husband and I have been married for 3 years and have a one year old golden retriever named dexter, no children yet. And you?I can't work at this point but I am in the process of trying to get my frisseur meisterin (sorry my German spelling is not great yet) so I am not working either at this point. We are living at present with my husbands parents. How long have you lived in Germany then? How is your German?

Sherrie

Hi,

We have been married for 7 months, no kids yet - maybe in a few years. We don´t have any pets either. I am not working either, and I still need to get my work permit. I already have my residence permit, which was not difficult to get at all. There are no jobs in sight at this point.

My german is so-so, but I will be taking some classes this Fall. I hope to improve to a point that I can follow a conversation without any problems!

How are you liking it here so far?

Hi,

I like it it seems okay so far. It is quite weird sometimes, meaning the fact that there are only paprika chips hehe. and no Tim Hortons.
My german is okay too, but I need to take some classes as well. It seems the three years of German that I took in Canada helped, but it is a very difficult language to learn. Thankfully my inlaws all speak english very well because my mother in law is an english teacher. which definately helps. I don't have my permition yet to stay in Germany, as out stuff that we shipped from Canada is being held in Customs still. As soon as we have our stuff, our long marriage certificate is in there and I can start my process as well. So what kind of job will you be looking for?

Sherrie

Hey Sherrie,

I sent you a private message!

Sylvie

Hello Monique,

I have been here 4 years now and probably don't see the differences anymore between Canada and Germany.
I live in Koeln and would love to meet up sometime.

Looking forward to your reply.
Suzette