Living Abroad Q&A

Hi friends! The past few months I have given you lots of travel recaps and fashion related blog posts, but I realized it has been awhile since I've chatted with you about life abroad. I wanted to change things up around here, and give you a little Q&A. Whenever we go back to the states or chat with friends & family back home, we typically get asked the same type of questions so therefore I decided to compile a list of some of the frequently asked q's and give ya some answers.

What do you miss most about the United States?

I miss my family and friends the absolute most. I miss spending the weekend at home with my parents, brothers and dogs, or going out for dinner & drinks with my girls. Also, celebrating holidays at home with everyone. Aside from the people- I miss Target a lot! Every time I have visited home I allow myself a few Target runs and wow, do I love being there.

Starbucks drive-thru or any drive-thru for that matter. Mexican food. Chipotle. Chic-Fil-A. Lou Malnati's. Hot Wings. OMG, no wonder I've lost weight since moving abroad. 😂

Bath & Body Works Candles, Nordstrom, Express, Gap, Ulta, I could go on and on. Lastly, I miss just effortlessly knowing where to buy random things like a blowdryer, a notebook, towels, picture frames, etc.

What has been the hardest?

I think the language barrier has been the most difficult. It was a big adjustment at first when we couldn't read signs on the road, or read our mail or the menus at restaurants without Google translating, etc. It was also hard when I couldn't respond to a person that started talking to me on the street or at a store, or if I needed to ask a bus driver if I'm on the right bus - but for the most part people can speak English in Düsseldorf.

Are Germans nice?

I laugh every time I get asked this. Okay, yes they're nice. People have this misconception that they're rude and cold. Sure, that can be the case for some- but that goes with any culture. In my opinion, they're reserved, quiet [unless you're at a biergarten], and straightforward. I think because they're very straightforward that it can come off as "cold" to some people. Anytime we've approached a German with a question or direction help, they've been polite and helpful. Also our friends who are German are pretty awesome. 

Can you speak German?

I can speak enough to get me by. I took intensive German classes [20 hours a week] and learned quite a bit, but I am nowhere near fluent, nor will I be when I move home. It is a difficult language that can take a lot of time and practice. With that being said, although I'm not fluent, I am proud at how much I have learned. My pronunciation does needs some work though.

What's your favorite place you've visited?

AH, one of the hardest questions! After every trip Rob says, "Okay, now rank your favorite place" and I am pretty sure after every new place we visit, that place then becomes my favorite. No but really, if I had to choose a favorite I'd say Italy bc it literally stole my heart. My second favorite place would be Cochem, Germany.

Where are you visiting next?

As of right now we actually have a travel break until October. I honestly feel a little bit worn out from all the travel we've done this summer. I'm so grateful to be able to experience so much of Europe but traveling is definitely a lot of work, so it's nice to stay in Germany for a bit. Our next trip is to Barcelona in the beginning of October and I am v excited!

When are you moving back?

TBD. Originally Rob's work contract was for 13 months so we would be moving back in December 2019. Rob was offered an extension, at this point in time I'm not exactly sure what our move home date is just yet. I will definitely have an answer for you within the few months though! 

That wraps up my first Q&A! If this is something you enjoy and want to see more of please let me know. Also, if you have any other questions or maybe there's a topic you would like me to elaborate more on, feel free to reach out. I hope you all have a great rest of your week!

XO,

Tor