Germany: Before and After the Covid Pandemic Before this year (2023), my last trip to Germany and Berlin was in March/April 2018. It was a true European journey that ranged from Budapest, Hungary to Rotterdam, Netherlands (a river cruise), and also passed through...
The GW Expat Blog
Category
Tips, advice, suggestions
Applying for first U.S. passport from Germany
I recently made the trek to Clayallee in Dahlem, near the border with Brandenburg, to register my new baby as an American born abroad and apply for a passport. Considering this is my third child born in Berlin you would expect I would be better prepared, but I am...
Going to the Hospital in Germany
Something that is not on many visitors' bingo card is a trip to the hospital. But life just happens and sometimes the unexpected becomes a reality. That has been the case for my family this last month. As I neared my due date for Berlin baby number three, my parents...
Prepare for a Hospital Birth in Germany
Spring (or Frühling) is in the air! If you have been following German-Way on Instagram, you may have noticed these tell-tale signs in our stories: Frühblüher (early bloomers), Easter chocolates, and even the swarm-like appearance of Feuerkäfer (fire-coloured beetle)....
Lesser Known German Meals
When researching this post I came across other articles pointing out "Weird German Foods" or "Strange German Foods You Should Try At Least Once". That's not really what I am focusing on here. Most of us have heard of Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), Kartoffelsalat...
Ten Ways That Germany is Different
Germans have their own way of doing things. True, not all Germans are alike, but... The German way of life is not the same as the American way of life, nor should it be. But US Americans (that's a German influence I've adopted as a US American) and other foreigners...
A Love Letter to Berlin Photo Booths
One of my favorite parts about living abroad is that you get to make your own traditions. Deciding we really aren't fans of turkey, we still host an annual Thanksgiving party but usually buy a half dozen halbes hähnchen (half a roasted chicken) from the nearest Döner...
Unemployment in Germany
Not the most upbeat topic for the day after Christmas, but one that has been on many people's minds as we emerged from the pandemic into an initial economic upswing, quickly followed by a collapse in many industries. I work as Talent Acquisition (an internal...
Realities of the Energy Crisis in Europe and How to Stay Warm this Winter
This weekend we held our annual Friendsgiving of Americans abroad (as well as other nationalities) at our home in Berlin, It also marked the first time we turned on the heat this year. This is a game we play every year of waiting til we really can't stand the cold to...
From Afri-Cola to Almdudler, Rivella and Beyond
The World of Germanic Soft Drinks Germany is famous for its beer. But it also has its own non-alcoholic drink brands. There's an entire world of carbonated fruit and cola drinks in German-speaking Europe that few outsiders have ever tasted. Yes, Coca-Cola and Pepsi...
Going to the Doctor in Germany
I recently spent a week semi-anxiously waiting tests results from my doctor. They had told me it was going to be 4 or 5 days (business days) and the test was on a Tuesday, so I kept an ear out for a ring through Tuesday - just to be safe. On Wednesday I assumed I was...
How to Celebrate German Unity Day
Today is a national holiday in Germany, Tag der Deutschen Einheit or German Unity Day. Like every year, I feel it is almost forgotten until it is upon us. It honors the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rejoining of East to West Germany. So it is strange that a day...
Lost Luggage in Germany
This summer people were ready to forget they ever heard of the Coronavirus and get back to travel. Everyone I knew had travel plans whether it was by train (many via the brilliant 9 euro ticket plan), by car, or by air. But no sooner were tickets booked than reports...
It’s Never Too Late to Learn German
I was a little embarrassed to tell people I was taking German courses. Not because I think language courses are embarrassing. Quite the opposite. I think they are incredibly valuable. I was embarrassed because it has taken me so long to get there. After over a decade...
Going to the Movies in Germany
As Berlin steamed with temperatures in the mid to high 30s C (90 degrees F) over much of the last month, I looked for ways to cool down. My family hit a lot of the classics, including copious park hangs, elaborate ice cream sundaes, visiting the pool, and even...
Bad Medicine: Germany and Homeopathy
Samuel Hahnemann and "Like Cures Like" If Samuel Hahnemann had remained a linguist and translator, or even a physician, rather than moving into experimenting with a new type of medical treatment, he and the world could have saved themselves a lot of headaches and...
Driving a Boat in Germany
Last Thursday I left the freeways, conference center, and Funkturm of Messe Nord by bus and was swiftly whisked back into nature. Buildings gave away to tree lined roads and before long you could glimpse the water. Stepping off the bus I wandered by several...
Road trip from Berlin to Austria
As we near the summer season, I am still thinking fondly of a trip I took this winter. After two plus years or restricted travel, we have kicked 2022 off strong with a visit to our family in the USA, a week in Austria, and 10-days in Andalusia. It has been amazing to...
Quirks of Vacation Days in Germany
It is the day after Ostern (Easter) when this post goes up, so still a holiday in most European countries. As I am on vacation in Spain, I was pleased I wouldn't have to take Friday or Monday as vacation days as they are public holidays throughout Germany. That isn't...
Winterferien in the Austrian Alps
Since my daughter started Grundschule (elementary school), we have come to the grim realization that we are tied to the school schedule. While schools in Germany have many extended breaks throughout the year, they have traditionally been inflexible about vacation days...
Recent Comments