Hello Everyone!
During my first month here! It has been challenging and exciting! My living arrangment is very nice it is equipped with everything I need and more! The people here are friendly! It's understanding the language that is the hardest. The views are unparallel to anything I have seen from a nature perspective!
Highlights of my first month here :~) I left Albuquerque on June 14th and arrived to Germany on June 15th there is an eight-hour differents. I was faced with a few challenges long my journey early on. Was having no Euros. I had a lay over in Washington D.C. and was hoping to get some euros there was a sign in the window saying they would be back at 2:00pm and I waited till 2:30pm my flight left at 2:45pm no euros for me. :~( Then when I arrive in Munich's Airport one of my bags were missing :~( drag...so I had to deal with that! When I came out of arrivals there was someone waiting to take me to the car rental which was nice. I was hoping to get some Euros there this was around 5:30am however; no one was at the exchange booth. I was so tried I didn’t think of the ATM duh. I then picked up my car, which was an American car which didn’t come equipped with a navigator so I had to map it! Thanks to Caterina purchasing one for me: ~) thanks Caterina I love you!!! So, here's the beginning of my travel to locate Wesau a little village in Treibendorf. I need to mention I was extremely tired after 15's hours of flying I coundn't think straight.(but then again I'm not straight) anyway,. just a little side note from Munich to my finally destination should have only taken me approx. two hours okay... it took me all day.... heheheheh I slept in the park and stop area twice gee, when I finally reached my destination it was 3:30PM looking back, I sure must have been tried.. Anyway as the old saying goes "if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger".. Okay I’m stronger now heehee... So, finally I get to my flat. As, my mind wonders as it often does... how did I get here and I think only by the grace of God I say!!! Then being very thankful at that moment. I go up to my flat and the views are spectacular!! See photos!! btw, I did finally get some euros and my bag was delivered the next day.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
First week of work: June 16th-19th
First day my boss greets me with a colleague they take me for a tour, which was impressive! Then I'm introduced to several individuals. Then, I go to my working area and they call it a container... hehe this is where they have all the American's we all think it’s funny!! There are three young interns from all over very nice kids, four engineers their boss and me. My training plan will take me through the entire operation and allow me to get familiar with the process and do some hands on with the process.
“Some people think it’s holding on that makes one strong. Sometimes it’s letting go.”
First weekend June 20th-21st
Friday night I'm completely exhausted I come home and fall a sleep... yeah a Friday night!!!! And for those of you that know me I hit the bed and out I go... The lady below that owns the flat had actually asked me to join her and her daughter out Friday night to attend a Theoretical play which I didn’t attend. However: Saturday she invited me to a Rose Festival, which was very nice!! I then ventured down to Regensburg a great village. I spent most of my Saturday there shopping and eating!!! Then on Sunday she invited me to Mid-evil event, which was super cool I was in the paper photo above.. Then her daughter did a theoretical play at a concentration camp, which was very moving!! It was a great first weekend!
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Second week of work June 22nd-26th
Start of second week lots of training! Germany is big on soccer and they were in the finals this year. So, we all went to a pub to watch the game had a few beers it was fun. One evening during this week a few of us went to a great little village called Weiden we went shopping for Jersey’s for the upcoming soccer event.
“Always do what you say you are going to do. It is the glue and fiber that binds successful relationships.”
My struggles so far are being away from home: I miss my family especially my MOM, Charles, Christopher, BJ, Rick, my friends! Special note: I especially miss being away from Caterina this is the most challenging of all!!!!!!! Even though we speak daily it’s tough! It's tougher than I could have imagined!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was happy knowing I had a trip to New York on July 2nd. It seemed like a lifetime away.
“Some people think it’s holding on that makes one strong. Sometimes it’s letting go.”
First weekend June 20th-21st
Friday night I'm completely exhausted I come home and fall a sleep... yeah a Friday night!!!! And for those of you that know me I hit the bed and out I go... The lady below that owns the flat had actually asked me to join her and her daughter out Friday night to attend a Theoretical play which I didn’t attend. However: Saturday she invited me to a Rose Festival, which was very nice!! I then ventured down to Regensburg a great village. I spent most of my Saturday there shopping and eating!!! Then on Sunday she invited me to Mid-evil event, which was super cool I was in the paper photo above.. Then her daughter did a theoretical play at a concentration camp, which was very moving!! It was a great first weekend!
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Second week of work June 22nd-26th
Start of second week lots of training! Germany is big on soccer and they were in the finals this year. So, we all went to a pub to watch the game had a few beers it was fun. One evening during this week a few of us went to a great little village called Weiden we went shopping for Jersey’s for the upcoming soccer event.
“Always do what you say you are going to do. It is the glue and fiber that binds successful relationships.”
My struggles so far are being away from home: I miss my family especially my MOM, Charles, Christopher, BJ, Rick, my friends! Special note: I especially miss being away from Caterina this is the most challenging of all!!!!!!! Even though we speak daily it’s tough! It's tougher than I could have imagined!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was happy knowing I had a trip to New York on July 2nd. It seemed like a lifetime away.
Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever.”
For those of you that know my son Christoper he is going to join the Peace Corp. this coming
For those of you that know my son Christoper he is going to join the Peace Corp. this coming
November attached is his blog on his progress: The photos in his blog were taken by him great eye chris...and please take a look at his videos. I'm so proud of all of his accomplishement for just being 19 years of age he has accomplished a ton! http://peacecorpschris.blogspot.com/ I love you CJ
"Success is one precent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration"
Second Weekend:
Went back to Weiden there was a parade that weekend I went to the parking area after and enjoyed the music and got home around 10:30. Sunday I went back to Weiden for a beer festival this was fun the Germany's sure like to drink beer! I fit in just perfect!
“True affluence is not needing anything.”
Third Week of work: June 29 July 2nd
Continued training only had to work a few days! Ahhh, finally... it was time to go to New York to see Caterina & BJ!!! Yippee skippee…
“Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.”
July 2nd – 12th
I had the opportunity to spend 10 glorious days with Caterina and BJ my cousin!
Upon my arrival Caterina greets me at the airport and we stay at a Marriott Hotel by the Airport since BJ was arriving the next morning at 5:30 am. We pickup BJ then go back to the Hotel for a nap till noon, then we head over to Caterina sister’s house to celebrate the 3rd of July she has an annual party at her home! The fireworks were the best I’ve every seen!!! We sat on the boat and watched an amazing display!! A great evening! Some highlights from our trip we spent a few days in Manhattan with BJ went to the beach, dancing till 4am one night, some shopping and eat great food! I was suppose to leave back to Germany on July 8th however; I missed my flight so, caterina changed her flight back to Santa Fe until Saturday. After missing my flight that evening Me, Caternia, Roseanne, Theresa and Caterina's Mom went to dinner at an amazing restaurant it's no wonder why I can't lose weight.. hehehe this started the cheering to missing my flight! Then after dinner we meet Caternia's cousin who by the way is a Doctor he then starts to write precriptions for them..zanax..sometimes Italians need to be tranquilized Oh..boy I'm in for the ride of my life...hehehe.seriously.. I'm not kidding... I might have to take them eventually.. but for now I'm out of the country so, I think I'm okay for now...hehehe who's to say what the future holds...danger. Will Robinson...Danger.... Actually, these were some of the best days of my life with out question! Yes, cheers to missing my flight! We had a fabulous time at Coney Island; Long Island we went to the dunes...a memory to last a life timeI We then spent time with Caterina’s brother then went back to New Jersey to Caterina's sister's home. By the way she has an amazing family!!! I wish time could have stood still for a lifetime!!!
“Recall it as often as you wish a happy memory never wears out."
Upon my arrival Caterina greets me at the airport and we stay at a Marriott Hotel by the Airport since BJ was arriving the next morning at 5:30 am. We pickup BJ then go back to the Hotel for a nap till noon, then we head over to Caterina sister’s house to celebrate the 3rd of July she has an annual party at her home! The fireworks were the best I’ve every seen!!! We sat on the boat and watched an amazing display!! A great evening! Some highlights from our trip we spent a few days in Manhattan with BJ went to the beach, dancing till 4am one night, some shopping and eat great food! I was suppose to leave back to Germany on July 8th however; I missed my flight so, caterina changed her flight back to Santa Fe until Saturday. After missing my flight that evening Me, Caternia, Roseanne, Theresa and Caterina's Mom went to dinner at an amazing restaurant it's no wonder why I can't lose weight.. hehehe this started the cheering to missing my flight! Then after dinner we meet Caternia's cousin who by the way is a Doctor he then starts to write precriptions for them..zanax..sometimes Italians need to be tranquilized Oh..boy I'm in for the ride of my life...hehehe.seriously.. I'm not kidding... I might have to take them eventually.. but for now I'm out of the country so, I think I'm okay for now...hehehe who's to say what the future holds...danger. Will Robinson...Danger.... Actually, these were some of the best days of my life with out question! Yes, cheers to missing my flight! We had a fabulous time at Coney Island; Long Island we went to the dunes...a memory to last a life timeI We then spent time with Caterina’s brother then went back to New Jersey to Caterina's sister's home. By the way she has an amazing family!!! I wish time could have stood still for a lifetime!!!
“Recall it as often as you wish a happy memory never wears out."
July 13th-17th
Back to work… training all week. Now, I have a roommate: She is a nice girl she is an engineer for the Production floor we get along just fine. She likes to shop and so, do I so; we have spend most of our evening’s shopping! Then I will have a trip to Spain for a week in Seville to see our facilities and prepare for training for our new hires.
“It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.”
July 18th Weekend
Went with colleagues to a beer festival this happens every weekend during the summer!
Several of us went we listened to music and eat some yummie food and of course drank beer...The music here is actual very good!! Then on Sunday morning, I had to be up early to go to Spain by 7am
“Everything you can imagine is real.”
July 19-Today
Arrived in Spain Sunday night we stayed at a very nice Hotel see photo above. In Spain they don’t eat until after 8:30 so that means staying up late to enjoy a decent meal. The first night we sat out and had a great meal the first night. The next morning we went to work at 9am the purpose of the trip was to coordinate the training schedule for Sept -December 18th. The next night I fall upon found this little place where they serve tapas and beer for a buck! However: the weather during this visit was hot. I came out of the factory saying muy caliente and someones say's muy caldo...muy caliente means that you think your sexy hot I'm sure I blushed and made sure I didn't say caliente moving forward.. now that I know the meaning..The people in the factory were sweating since they don’t have air conditioning: ~( I felt bad for them, my first day I spent several hours in there just learning the process flow since it's different then Germany.. I came out of there with rosy cheeks… The rest of the week was not so, hot! Finally the week was over then I flew back to Germay. I arrived back to my flat at 2:30 am and spoke to Caterina for a while, I actually fell asleep talking to her...I ended up slepting till noon today...and stayed in all day. It has been a beautiful day here with rain showers through out the day. Tomorrow I will drive up to Munich as; I hope to be back in Albuquerque next week to start hiring my new team!
“We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.”
Back to work… training all week. Now, I have a roommate: She is a nice girl she is an engineer for the Production floor we get along just fine. She likes to shop and so, do I so; we have spend most of our evening’s shopping! Then I will have a trip to Spain for a week in Seville to see our facilities and prepare for training for our new hires.
“It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.”
July 18th Weekend
Went with colleagues to a beer festival this happens every weekend during the summer!
Several of us went we listened to music and eat some yummie food and of course drank beer...The music here is actual very good!! Then on Sunday morning, I had to be up early to go to Spain by 7am
“Everything you can imagine is real.”
July 19-Today
Arrived in Spain Sunday night we stayed at a very nice Hotel see photo above. In Spain they don’t eat until after 8:30 so that means staying up late to enjoy a decent meal. The first night we sat out and had a great meal the first night. The next morning we went to work at 9am the purpose of the trip was to coordinate the training schedule for Sept -December 18th. The next night I fall upon found this little place where they serve tapas and beer for a buck! However: the weather during this visit was hot. I came out of the factory saying muy caliente and someones say's muy caldo...muy caliente means that you think your sexy hot I'm sure I blushed and made sure I didn't say caliente moving forward.. now that I know the meaning..The people in the factory were sweating since they don’t have air conditioning: ~( I felt bad for them, my first day I spent several hours in there just learning the process flow since it's different then Germany.. I came out of there with rosy cheeks… The rest of the week was not so, hot! Finally the week was over then I flew back to Germay. I arrived back to my flat at 2:30 am and spoke to Caterina for a while, I actually fell asleep talking to her...I ended up slepting till noon today...and stayed in all day. It has been a beautiful day here with rain showers through out the day. Tomorrow I will drive up to Munich as; I hope to be back in Albuquerque next week to start hiring my new team!
“We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.”
Today: Okay.. I go to Munich I see this festival, I park the car and walk to the festival I'm shopping, eating and enjoying my day...taking pictures then I decide I should get back since it's a little drive.. I go back to where I parked... no car... I'm like what... sure I haven't lost my mind... the only thing I can think is I was towed.. so, I go to a pub and talk to this guy Chirstian.. he calls the police and gets me headed in the right direction. I have to then find a bank since, I had spent most of my money shopping...I have to get a Taxi. I come out of the bank and see a Hotel with taxi's I explain to the taxi driver my situation he know exactly where to go.. so we arrive at the towing company, which they speak no.. english.. it a good thing the taxi guy stays with me he speaks to them in German.. we proceed outside to find the car we go up and down several rows of cars and I don't see my car.. I'm thinking oh my God someone stoled the car great!! I look one more time praying the car it there.. I see a white car at the end I walk over and yes, it's my car.. I was sweating by then. So, the taxi guy is still with me. We go in to pay the fine. It was $275 euors.. I said you've got to be kidding... I didn't have $275 euros on me and they don't take credit cards... gee now what I thought.. The taxi guy tells them he would pay for it.. so, he pays them , the we go outside then he uses my credit card to pay himself back.. I was just happy to get the car back.. So, I drive home thinking wow... things could have been worse.. I just counted my blessing and thanked God that I arrived safely back.. Life is an adventure for sure!!.
The best thing in Gemany is the autobahn...I love it! It's the best highway I'VE EVER DRIVEN ON..
Thanks for joining me along this journey…. “Love is a friendship set to music.”
Thanks for joining me along this journey…. “Love is a friendship set to music.”
