our first 9 months in germany
Guten Tag from Berlin!
it’s hard to believe that We’ve officially been here nine months. it’s been a blur since our last update — we’ve had even more paperwork and appointments, taken weekly trips to the vintage shop down the street to furnish our apartment, and have seen how dark / light berlin can be on the shortest and longest days of the year!
but in the last few weeks, things have shifted: it’s started to feel less like an extended stay and more like… life. We have routines, favorite spots, and - don’t tell our parents! - a real sense of home.
Some signs we might be turning into locals:
We collect bottles for the 25-cent Pfand (“fand”) refund — and yes, it adds up! enough to buy a coffee on the walk home.
Grocery shopping is now a daily activity. you could say it’s because The fridges are smaller, but for maria - it’s because it’s her favorite hobby.
We’ve embraced Lüften — the very German practice of opening all the windows a few times a day, even when it’s freezing. (fun fact: it's required by most lease agreements!)
We have our go-to neighborhood café, bakery, and park (Volkspark Friedrichshain), and we have a running list of our favorite restaurants. However - we’re still searching for a martini that beats BT’s signature Hendricks martini!
After dozens of documents, forms, and appointments, we finally have our residence permits!
Amid the chaos of settling in, we’ve also had some truly great moments — and lots of visitors (Scroll down for photos!):
Both of our families and Maria’s friend (and bridesmaid) Emily visited in February and March — right in the middle of Berlin’s coldest, grayest stretch. Still, it was so special to share this city with each of them. PS - We welcome visitors any time!
We snuck away on a few great weekend trips: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and London + a week in the south of France with Sam & Fuller!
We were lucky to travel back to the US for the beautiful weddings for two of Maria’s cousins – Jeff & Kelli in South Carolina and Alex & Bryce in New Orleans. Plus the chance to be home with family and friends!
We’ve also started to explore Berlin beyond our neighborhood and the main attratcitions: seeing Mamma Mia!, visiting a pop-up art exhibit in an abandoned hotel, and cheering at the Berlin Tennis Open.
And in between all the passport stamps and visits and adventures, we’ve just been living life here. Finding our routines, working hard, and figuring out what life looks like here – together.
We’ll share more soon – especially as our wedding gets closer (!!). We are counting down the days until we get to spend a weekend with you.
Alles Liebe,
Maria & Bates
