Reality Check

I've been fairly quiet about many of our experiences so far because I haven't wanted to sound too whiney or negative. (How spoiled would I sound if I were to complain about this awesome opportunity to live in Germany?)

But I do believe it's important to note that it has been difficult getting settled. Moving is a hassle, no matter where you go. Throw in a foreign language and a different culture and it makes things even more challenging. 

My posts the past few weeks would be pretty boring...going to offices, filling out forms, making phone calls, writing emails, waiting in more offices, filling out more forms, you get the idea. 

So, when I start posting things about our really awesome life here, you can know the real life side of it has been a major pain. I think having that balance - that reality check - is important. 

This week I have been working on having internet set up at the new place. I went down to the closest English speaking company and signed us up. Immediately, I'm told by others that this was the wrong company to go with. Even the sales lady told me I should go with "Company B." 

Naturally, my next move is to promptly cancel "Company A" and go sign up with "Company B." I learn where the place is, I drive there without getting lost, and I park in a spot that may or may not be legal. I walk up to the shop door, which has a sign that says they open at 1000. I wait until 1010 and the shop is still not open. It's then I notice this curious sign:

Since I've learned zero German so far, I whip out my smart phone and try to decifer this strange language. I translate the sign to read: "Because of deadlines is the Thursday/Friday June 26 & 27 and Thursday/Friday July 3 & 4 closed. Temporarily openable we Monday - Friday of about 1230 - 1900"

Um. Yeah. So I'm pretty sure this doesn't apply to me since the dates don't match, but the place isn't open. I call the phone number and someone answers. My phone conversations go like this: " Guten tag. Sprechen sie Englisch?"  

Yes, he speaks English and he tells me to come back at 1230. Because I have small children and they need to lunch and nap, I am unable to return until 1530. It's.not.open. 

I leave. I call back at 1600. I explain to the man that I have been to his shop 2 times and it has been closed. He tells me it's open now. I clarify, "So if I come there right now, you will be there?" The answer is yes. 

I go. He is there. We sign a contract that's in German and we're told we will have internet. I will believe it when I see it, but yay for progress, right? 

End of day.