Hopping on a plane and heading to Germany, well actually Bavaria, when I was 18 was without a doubt the best decision I have ever made.  I have learned a language (maybe best to say two languages, as I can speak German and a bit of Bavarian), travelled the world, fallen in love with a kraut (she likes the nickname and loves Sauerkraut more than I think is healthy).  Indirectly, I have prove to myself that I can take risks, surprise myself and my family (I think they are still getting over the shock) and best of all do something a bit crazy.  Moving to Germany with $2000 in the bank and no job lined up can be a bit exciting.

Over a decade later I am still here, well not Germany but in Holland.  I have changed and become a little less of an american and taken on some German.  Becoming an Ami-Kraut is something I am extremely proud of.  Unlike many who see it as being stuck in a no man's land I don’t see it as a loss of cultural identity but an enrichment of character.  As an added plus, this cultural adaptation has led to me becoming the Deutsch whisperer, wherein I deconstruct a German colleagues correspondence to remove it of what the majority of the world would see as

I love life in Europe.  There is so much to enjoy, despite some of the idiosyncrasies.  Yes, taxes in Europe are a bitch.  But as long as you stay patient it gives so much back and can help you enjoy so many of the finer things in life.

Beyond life as an expat I enjoy travel, photography, learning, film, video games, fitness and much much more.  And I intend to use this blog to throw my two cents on these topics into the void that is the internet and see if anything comes back.