All Things German In California
PIT STOP IN MALTA
Those of you who had the chance to listen to my journey on audio on my friend’s podcast know that I had a pit stop before my final destination Germany. When I made the decision at the beginning of 2018 to leave the US, I already had a destination in mind: the Mediterranean island of Malta. [Read more…] about Pit Stop in Malta
MY STORY OF LIFE AS AN EXPAT IN A NUTSHELL
Now that the cat is out of the bag, I would like to offer you a deeper look into why I left the United States and reveal where I first ended up before moving back to Germany. But instead of writing you a novel, I would like to switch things up this time and present my story in a nutshell to you in the form of audio.
A few months ago, while I was already living in Europe but not in Germany yet, one of my dear friends, who has visited me twice while living in the States, asked me if I would like to be a guest on his podcast and talk about my experience as an expat. I loved the idea and agreed to record an episode together with him. [Read more…] about My Story of Life as an Expat in a Nutshell
IT’S TIME TO FLIP THE SCRIPT…
My dear readers, yet again I owe you an apology and explanation. A lot has happened over the past eight months, but things are finally starting to settle down. I usually don’t describe myself as a person who is willing to settle easily. But at some point, even I need a break and feel home at one place. At least for a little while.
So today, I am sharing some news with you. Not sure if I should call them news though since that entails the word ‘new’, which doesn’t quite fit my situation anymore. I have to admit, I lived in hiding from you the past several months. Not because I am ashamed of my actions, but because I needed time to process. [Read more…] about It’s Time to Flip the Script…
VISITING OUE SKYSPACE – TOO MUCH FOR MY NERVES?
Remember that time I talked about my girlfriends from Germany visiting me? Yes, I know, it’s been a while, and I don’t want to leave you hanging any longer. So today I am back and ready to share another fun LA adventure with you that you might want to try yourself one day, if you haven’t already.
You might have heard about OUE Skyspace, which Google describes as an “Open-air observation deck providing 360-degree views of the city & a unique glass slide.” I was quite intrigued when my friends told me they wanted to check out this sightseeing hotspot. I had seen reports about the slide before on national television, but I had never gotten close in real life. [Read more…] about Visiting OUE Skyspace – Too Much For My Nerves?
REFLECTING ON CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY
Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope you had wonderful holidays and enjoyed good food and company! I just got back a few days ago from my vacation in Germany. While it was amazing to see many friends and family after more than three years, I am so happy to be surrounded by sunshine again.
Let me tell you, from the 16 days I was in my homeland, at least 14 of them were covered by grey clouds. At least my mood was full of sunshine as I was excited to relax and also spend some great quality time with people that are very close to me. And even though I keep saying that I don’t see myself living in Germany again, it is always hard leaving family and friends behind when it’s time to go back home. [Read more…] about Reflecting on Christmas in Germany
EXPLORING GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. My dear readers, there is no doubt and no denying that It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Every radio station is blasting at least one Christmas song per hour, houses are loaded with Christmas decorations, and the candy isles in the supermarkets offer various delicious Christmas treats for our indulgence.
I am a big fan of this season and everything that comes with it, especially the Christmas markets. And this year, I finally have the opportunity again to travel to Germany during this wonderful time to indulge in lots of mulled wine and crepes with Kinderschokolade (yum). Needless to say, during this time my healthy eating and fitness are not my main priority, but I do believe in balance and that treating yourself here and there is a necessity.
It’s been a hot minute since I stepped foot onto a German Christmas market, around four years, to be exact (oh my!). Trust me, if you have ever been, you can relate about how big of a deal that might be. For this year’s trip, I have already mapped out three opportunities to stop by for the occasional mulled wine or sweet treat. [Read more…] about Exploring German Christmas Markets
HANGING IN THE SWING OF THINGS – THE SECRET SWING
My dear readers, please excuse my absence from this platform! You could quite say I took some sort of a hiatus the past two months. I know I brought up this excuse before that life happens – but boy, did my life happen. But I’ll come back to that in a future post. For now, I am going to let you in on a secret gem I recently discovered in the Los Angeles area.
[Read more…] about Hanging in the Swing of Things – The Secret Swing
HOW TO STAY FIT ON A BUDGET IN CALIFRONIA
I think we can all agree that California is home to some of the fittest people on earth. Especially during summer time I am constantly reminded of how great in shape many Southern California residents are. Strutting their stuff on beach boardwalks all around the regions constantly inspires and motivates me to live healthier in regards to my nutrition and fitness.
By no means am I intending to become the female version of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger during his Mr. Universe days, but I am striving to become leaner and healthier all around. While there is definitely no shortage of exercise possibilities thanks to hundreds and hundreds of gyms, Yoga Studios, Cycle Bars etc., it can get costly as some memberships have high fees. [Read more…] about How to Stay Fit On a Budget in California
WHAT I LEARNED FROM LIVING SEVEN YEARS IN CALIFORNIA
Last month, I celebrated my seven year anniversary of living in Huntington Beach. It has been quite a journey composed of a lot of learning and self development. Today, I am a much happier and self-accepting person than I was when I arrived in Southern California.
I believe that life is a continuous ‘work in progress’ with never ending life lessons that challenge us. In the end, it all depends on what we make out of and take away from them. I had a really hard time in the beginning when I moved out here, not really knowing anyone and trying to adapt to a new culture. [Read more…] about What I Learned From Living Seven Years in California
XPAT Spotlight – Interview with Desiree Perez, my BFF and CEO of Aviation Leadership Academy
Growing up together in Germany, Desiree and I both immigrated to the United States in 2011. For the first four years, she resided in Texas before her career brought her to Los Angeles in 2015. During her time in California, Desiree faced some crucial challenges that made her rethink her move as well as her career choice.
In this interview, Desiree shares her raw and honest perspective about living in California, why it is not her dream come true, and how her experience resulted in a career change. [Read more…] about It’s Not Always Just Sunny in California – A Different Perspective (Interview)