I remember putting my cat in the cab of the rental truck. I was about to drive across the country when I noticed there was no cat. When I opened the car door to get back in she had been leaning against it so she fell out and I found her behind the rear wheel well amidst foot deep piles of snow.
It would be the same cat who a year later three times escaped the bedroom closet and ran outside while we were moving. The last time she ran and hid under the house and we had no option but to drive away. Unfortunately, the neighbors found her the next day and we were reunited.
It’s definitely easier if you can minimize the number of children and pets. I’m glad we timed it the way we did. Our kids got to have some good early experiences in the US before the move. But they were still young enough to make the transition without it throwing off their lives too much.
Wishing you all the best as you settle into your new life. I spent the first two years of my married life in Germany and my oldest daughter was born there. My husband was in the Army so my experience was different from what you will be experiencing in many ways, but the German people were wonderful and I am certain that you will enjoy living there. Viel Glück!
I didn't realize that! I've known quite a few people who lived in Germany as children of military families. It's an interesting mix of American and German cultures, with a big splash of military life thrown in.
The part about the cats made me burst into a deep belly laugh that I haven’t had for ages!!! Thank you!!!
And I remember seeing a guy with cats at Newark when I went thru security last year! Maybe it was you!!! I thought it cruel and unnecessary punishment because - hello, cats? Not all cats like to be held !
So, well done!
And how’s it going in Germany?
I moved 24 years ago to the Netherlands and been regretting it ever since (cross out ) - how do you do that on notes?!) adapting ever since.
The flight was fine. The vet had prescribed some kind of sedative that kept them from completely freaking out. They sat in little fabric carrying cases under the seats in front of us.
Once I got through TSA, things got easier (at least when it comes to the cats).
Wow, what a big move, and what an adventurous step. Kids are incredible in the way they adapt, especially at such an early age. We had to leave Ukraine the day after my daughter turned 4 (one week before the full-scale invasion; we were lucky) and eventually we ended up in Vienna. She adapted so quickly and was fluent in German in no time.
And what is it with little girls falling in love at the age of 5? My daughter had 3 potential future husbands lined up, and now that she's at school in 1st grade, she's in love with her 4th boy. Kids, eh?
Vienna is a beautiful city. I visited many years ago, and still think about it. Hopefully we'll make the trip there again soon, now that we're living closer.
Welcome to Europe! I moved to France in 2022 and it has been an adventure, a struggle, and a delight. I'm never going back to the US. Also, I almost spit out my coffee when I saw the illustrated garbage schematic. My husband is half-German so I can relate hahaha
Thanks, Karen! I'm newer to the whole expat thing, but we're loving it so far.
And yeah, Germans take their garbage/recycling super seriously. We know someone whose neighbor watches from the window to make sure all the trash goes into the proper receptacle. My guess is they're former Stasi.
Our family of five moved to Portugal last year. No cats joined us but that departure day with ten bags, a bike, three kids and two tired parents still traumatizes me. Glad all is working out for you in Germany. And, we are loving our life in Portugal. No regrets!
When the weather is unpleasant and/or cold here in Germany (which is most of the time), I’ll say to my wife, Why didn’t we move to Portugal??? It’s meant as a joke, but there’s some part of me that means it.
I remember putting my cat in the cab of the rental truck. I was about to drive across the country when I noticed there was no cat. When I opened the car door to get back in she had been leaning against it so she fell out and I found her behind the rear wheel well amidst foot deep piles of snow.
It would be the same cat who a year later three times escaped the bedroom closet and ran outside while we were moving. The last time she ran and hid under the house and we had no option but to drive away. Unfortunately, the neighbors found her the next day and we were reunited.
I think the moral of the story is moving + cats = giant headache
I did the trans-atlantic move 12 years ago with just myself, and my 6 month pregnant wife. Reading this I'm glad I didn't wait.
I should have mentioned that we now have 2 kids 4 cats and a dog.
It’s definitely easier if you can minimize the number of children and pets. I’m glad we timed it the way we did. Our kids got to have some good early experiences in the US before the move. But they were still young enough to make the transition without it throwing off their lives too much.
Where did you move to/from?
I'm of the Bacon's out of Burton, MI but moved from Clarksummit, PA to Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Loved this! You’re a superhero!
Thank you, Amy! For a brief moment, cats dangling under my arms, crossing through the tsa scanner, I felt like a hero.
How fun! I love your writing Lee! I look forward to the next episode! :)
Thanks so much!
Wishing you all the best as you settle into your new life. I spent the first two years of my married life in Germany and my oldest daughter was born there. My husband was in the Army so my experience was different from what you will be experiencing in many ways, but the German people were wonderful and I am certain that you will enjoy living there. Viel Glück!
I didn't realize that! I've known quite a few people who lived in Germany as children of military families. It's an interesting mix of American and German cultures, with a big splash of military life thrown in.
I was one of those! Three years near Bitburg back in the early 90s. Sadly, barely picked up a word of German (shame on me).
I'm sure you still had some cool formative experiences and visited some historic sites that most American kids never get to see.
The part about the cats made me burst into a deep belly laugh that I haven’t had for ages!!! Thank you!!!
And I remember seeing a guy with cats at Newark when I went thru security last year! Maybe it was you!!! I thought it cruel and unnecessary punishment because - hello, cats? Not all cats like to be held !
So, well done!
And how’s it going in Germany?
I moved 24 years ago to the Netherlands and been regretting it ever since (cross out ) - how do you do that on notes?!) adapting ever since.
All in all, better than my other options…
Maybe you saw me! And my cats!
Germany is treating us well. I miss a lot about the US, but that’s normal. And we’ve managed to settle in pretty nicely.
How was the flight with the cats???
The flight was fine. The vet had prescribed some kind of sedative that kept them from completely freaking out. They sat in little fabric carrying cases under the seats in front of us.
Once I got through TSA, things got easier (at least when it comes to the cats).
Great story. I too wonder about the belt, and, what else I can possibly squeeze into my bra.
A Bavarian village. Sounds idyllic. Kids adjust so easily. Let us know the wedding date. Hehe.
Thanks so much!
Wow, what a big move, and what an adventurous step. Kids are incredible in the way they adapt, especially at such an early age. We had to leave Ukraine the day after my daughter turned 4 (one week before the full-scale invasion; we were lucky) and eventually we ended up in Vienna. She adapted so quickly and was fluent in German in no time.
And what is it with little girls falling in love at the age of 5? My daughter had 3 potential future husbands lined up, and now that she's at school in 1st grade, she's in love with her 4th boy. Kids, eh?
Vienna is a beautiful city. I visited many years ago, and still think about it. Hopefully we'll make the trip there again soon, now that we're living closer.
Welcome to Europe! I moved to France in 2022 and it has been an adventure, a struggle, and a delight. I'm never going back to the US. Also, I almost spit out my coffee when I saw the illustrated garbage schematic. My husband is half-German so I can relate hahaha
Thanks, Karen! I'm newer to the whole expat thing, but we're loving it so far.
And yeah, Germans take their garbage/recycling super seriously. We know someone whose neighbor watches from the window to make sure all the trash goes into the proper receptacle. My guess is they're former Stasi.
Tee hee 🤭
Our family of five moved to Portugal last year. No cats joined us but that departure day with ten bags, a bike, three kids and two tired parents still traumatizes me. Glad all is working out for you in Germany. And, we are loving our life in Portugal. No regrets!
When the weather is unpleasant and/or cold here in Germany (which is most of the time), I’ll say to my wife, Why didn’t we move to Portugal??? It’s meant as a joke, but there’s some part of me that means it.
Glad to hear you survived the move!