Arrived

We’re here.

Four days of packing with the sweetest in-laws (because let’s be honest, who wants to help with something like that? Well, they did.)

One morning, we loaded up the truck with brother-in-law A. and cousin R. The latter ended up driving it partway through the day, so we never would have made it without him either.

Arrival in Berlin: 11:15 p.m.

Meanwhile, my mother-in-law and her daughter took the train to the capital, calmly and comfortably, true to the motto “Women and children first.”

The next morning: unloading everything.

And then straight back at 1:30 p.m. to return the truck.

Back at our apartment, we realized that the most important box—containing all the screws—had been left behind in an empty room. So we couldn’t assemble the furniture until two days later. Luckily, there was still “Hotel Mama,” where we were able to stay for the first three nights.

And once again, it was the same in-laws who basically sacrificed their vacation for us. They took their RV to a nearby campground so they could pop by regularly to help us unpack, hang things up, clean, set up, sort, throw things away, and deal with all the other moving hassles.

And then? Well, then we suddenly found ourselves sleeping somewhere else.

In another city. In another country.

Familiar and beloved, but once you’re actually there—it’s so different again.

We’re back to our routine; everyday life begins again.

Max is getting used to daycare.

We’re getting used to our new view.

To the home improvement stores.

To the Ämter (all the Berlin government agencies; the ones we need for just about everything. And the ones that need just about everything from us. Especially forms.)

To the traffic lights.

To the traffic jams.

I’m also getting used to my new life as a freelancer (where do I even start?).

The ficus is getting used to its new spot by the window (and is shedding a few leaves first).

And Lotta’s already used to everything, really. Babies are so handy.

Hopefully, the to-do lists with serious stuff will be finished soon.

Then we can finally start on our Berlin list.

Because there’s still so much amazing stuff to see and do!

We’re here!