Des Moines, IowaA couple weeks ago, we took our first trip home to the States after about 8 months here in Germany. Although the trip went by quickly (as we knew it would), it was really great to be home to spend time with family and friends, eat some American food and take note of how one's perspective on everyday things can change after living in a foreign country for even a short time. For example:
1. I have never really understood why people who drive cars insist on calling SUV's "trucks." Well, after tooling around Germany for half a year in a BMW and coming home to drive my Chevy Trailblazer, I can finally understand. I could not believe how wide and spacious it seemed inside- totally bizarre.
2. The roads are sooo wide in the States! I loved not having to drive up on to a curb to fit in a lane with oncoming traffic in the other lane, as we sometimes do going through small village streets here in Germany (luckily, most curbs are extremely short here). It was nice to have enough room in a lane and then some.
3. I enjoyed not having to constantly be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians while driving. Crosswalks in Des Moines are nearly always empty, whereas in Germany they are almost being used.
4. Being able to turn "right on red" is a good thing when you're in a hurry (
verboten in Deutschland)
5. I had to do some longer runs for half marathon training while we were home, but unfortunately many parts of the city are not set up for pedestrians. Not only did it take forever to even get a "walk" signal, I had trouble making it across the street before the light changed while
running. So my question is, how do people who are
walking make it across in time? I realized for the first time how many trails there are here in Germany and how nice it is to run through scenic fields and forests as opposed to running along a straight highway.
6. It's really nice to spend money in the States as opposed to Europe (today's exchange rate is $1.564 to 1 Euro). That being said, it was surprising how quickly the purchases add up when you try to do 8 months of shopping for American products in 1 week:)
7. I no longer take for granted the unlimited free water and ice served at restaurants in the States! Here in Germany, a very small water (smaller than one of the small "Ice Mountain" screwtop water bottles) can cost around 3 Euro, about $4.70- more expensive then pop, wine or beer.
8. Gas prices are not as bad as they could be back home- gas was about $3.55/gal in Des Moines, it is about $3.89/gal here on base, and when we had to buy some gas on the economy here in Germany, it was about $5.86/gal.
9. It was nice to be able to go out to eat, to the mall, or to the grocery store on a Sunday. Germany has really preserved Sunday as a day of rest by closing down nearly every business on Sunday. Also, stores open later and close earlier most days of the week.
10. Germany is unbelievably green compared to Iowa this time of year. I really didn't expect to notice such a contrast, but it seems that nearly all of the trees here kept their leaves this winter.
All of this being said, our first trip back to the States helped us to appreciate all of the wonderful things about both "home" and Germany. Here are some pictures of our trip to Des Moines:
My first night in town, I tried to stay awake over dinner with my family...
With my parents (Scott and Debbie)
With my brother (T.J.)
Brandy, our family dog, will be turning 12 in October. It was pretty sad to see how much she has aged since Matt and I moved. It appears that arthritis has really set in, yet in some ways she hasn't really adjusted to her new physical limitations. She still wants to race down the stairs and chase after balls, but her body just can't keep up. I really enjoyed taking her for daily walks (short ones) and spending time just being with her.
Quality time with my cousins, Hannah and Elie...
It really did not feel like I had enough time to see, let alone hang out with friends. Nonetheless, it was great to have even a little time to catch up over Waterfront sushi and wine!
Ashleigh, Ashley and Liz...
Liz shaking up a beverage...
Erich, Ashley and Kiley (my sister, the soon to be bride who got engaged here in Germany)
Dad and Ashley
One night, my dad, sister, grandma and I all went to an impromptu
Gordon Lightfoot concert. Although I only knew a couple of the songs, I will always remember my first concert with my Grandma! Thanks, Dad.
Grandma and Kiley on the way to the concert...
Another huge highlite was spending time with our nephew, Magnus. At first, he wasn't quite sure about us, but he definitely knew our names and could point us out in pictures (that was awesome, Jessica and Ben). With a little work, by the time we left, he could say our names. Now the trick is making sure he remembers us for another 8 months!
Playing at the park...
Getting a hand from Uncle Matt on the slide...
Playing the piano at Nanna and Grandpa's house...
Magnus loves to play hide and seek! I had my flash on for this picture so you can't really tell, but he is literally standing in a dark bathroom hiding from all of us. The best part is you can walk right by him, calling his name, and he doesn't give his hiding spot away. In fact, when he hides in a closet, he will actually tuck back further behind hanging clothes when you get close- pretty entertaining!
Hiding in the dark bathroom
Giving some love to the "baby" in the mirror...
Dancing with Mom and Dad...
Since we were in Germany for our 1 year Wedding Anniversary (and we didn't think it wise to ship a cake in our household goods) we broke out the cake on this trip home...it didn't neccessarily look pretty, but it still tasted good!
On that note, check out the next post from Mo and Sonia's wedding weekend!
