I Heart You
Aw you are the best readers ever. I totally mean it. Your support means the world to me, especially since so much is out of my control here and in the control of my German-speaking husband who can do all of the calling and ask all of the questions -- I'm simply sending him links and showing him ads and going to see flats basically saying nothing... I must appear to the real estate agents as a perfect little haus maus wife, so quiet without questions. This has been a real challenge for finding a home, and I'm so happy that I can come here and talk about all of this with friends like you who get it.
I feel so supported by you all, so thank you for helping me through this apartment search because I am really working hard to keep my spirits high and my pockets full! Although I'm learning that if I want little stress, I can simply pay more and get a dream apartment without a lot of competition from other potential renters. But I've chosen to look for something more affordable, with good character, that I can make into our home and that is quite a challenge as here it means going on lots of go-sees and queuing in line behind 30 couples to get into the apartment to view it... but I will do this and patiently wait for the right nest.
Tomorrow I will go to another open house. Fingers crossed for me, okay!?
Happy February 1st!
(photo: my aunt in 1968 on her balcony in Argentina, one of the many parts of the world where she lived with my uncle. The poodle is her beloved dog, Alfie. My aunt made all of the apartments in her lifetime her home through art and family. A huge inspiration to me.)
{{hug}}
Comments
I am your Decor8 follower... from than I found you here... i read your post from today... Oh, I felt your anguish! I understand the feeling because I've been there. I hope you can find American friends and soon you would be speaking Germany fluently, and blogging/writing in Germany!
Note: I am doing it..., but in English (which is not my first language!
Check it out, and tell me, how I am doing... www.rgartdesign.blogspot.com
*HUG*
I am your Decor8 follower... from than I found you here... i read your post from today... Oh, I felt your anguish! I understand the feeling because I've been there. I hope you can find American friends and soon you would be speaking Germany fluently, and blogging/writing in Germany!
Note: I am doing it...,but in English (which is not my first language!
Check it out, and tell me, how I am doing... www.rgartdesign.blogspot.com
*HUG*
From your part with your blogs (decor8 and haus maus)you also you give me and my friends advice and how to approach life through decorating. is a pleasure to read your material and your experiences
thanks and keep doing a wondeful job
take care
Maite
(also you are always welcome if you want to come and visit Spain)
Believe me when I say that I know how it is to feel that so much is out of your control here. I've been in Germany for close to a year(moved from NYC)and although my German is pretty decent, my husband still has to be in charge of everything. When I try to ask questions about anything..the telephone service,bank cards,high heating costs etc some people give me this "pushy foreigner" look !! Just hang in there, you will find your "perfect place".
I'm an IP attorney (with a not so secret passion for design) at a law firm in Hannover and would love to have coffee someday if you are up to it. Good luck with tomorrow.
The best of luck!
<3
Such a lovely post. I remember you telling us before about how much you love challenges- and it is so true, you are right to stick to what you want and for the money you want to spend, you thrive on challenges and there is nothing like the feelings when you achieve a major goal in your life, which I know you will do with whatver apartment you get- you will decorate it beautifully :)
All things nice...
Holly, you are amazing and I have no doubt you will find the perfect home. It is interesting when you read about another persons life you realise just how "normal" they are. You are an inspiration to many, including me, and with so many people behind you and giving you a hug back you will find your place and then we will be able to enjoy watching you make your house your home.
thinking of you for tomorrow! x
It helps to know what you want in your home and how much you want to spend, but at some point you have to say, is this number I have in my head realistic for what I want and if it isn't either rethink your wants or your price point. I knew people who spent more than twice what we did, location plays a big part of this, but as they say you only live once, so don't take something you don't want to save a few euros. Good Luck with your search.
Hang in there - I am sure it must be tempting to feel the grass is greener etc. but here I am in sunny LA in the same situation. Been looking for the right house for over a year. Enjoy Germany you are bound to find something wonderful- you deserve it!
Keep the faith, Holly, it's a game of nerves for everyone who tries to find something special for reasonable money in big cities in Germany.
We had people that were excited to rent to us because I was American. Maybe you should through some English in there and use it to your advantage. ;-)
viele Grüße aus Aachen!
Julia
to me, that is the perfect apartment to aspire to - that view, the 60s rugs, your aunt's style, the chairs, the balcony, the lovely dog.....
I totally feel you. I also would like a larger apartment, but here in the U.S. But I refuse to pay an exhorbitant amount of rent. So stick to your guns, you'll find what you are looking for. The story of going to see the building where your husband grew up is still romantic.
And don't forget that he said that he will own that building one day, so perhaps it's not meant for him to rent there. :) In the meantime, the place you have is adorable! And it's cozy and romantic to be in small quarters together isn't it?
Hi Mimi - You live in Hannover? May I ask where? I would love to meet you for coffee sometime! Oh and an IP attorney, that is good to know as we may need on someday here. My current IP attorney is in the states...
Hi Holly,
I don't actually live in Hannover, I live in Bremen and commute about 3-4 days a week(depending on my case load). Its only 50 mins away and I like to sit in the "Bord Restuarant" catching up on my blogs and magazines!! My office is only a few minutes away from the main station so it works out pretty well. So, any luck with the open house yesterday?
Cheerios!