Well, we finally crossed over the '05-'06 barrier, and now we're less than five months from moving back to the US. Longtime readers will know how we've longed to see this day on the horizon. You know what I'm ready for?
I'm ready to have one vet, one doctor, one optometrist, and one car mechanic, all of whom speak English. Monday I had to go to a German clinic and buy new glasses, all in German. I speak terrible German, but the glasses guy said I speak it better than anyone else he's worked with. That's pathetic. I'm tired of feeling anxious about not knowing words like timing belt and prolonged diarrhea (which the dog had, not me). I'm sick of the sinking feeling in my stomach when I realize I have to go Out Into Germany to take care of business. And I'd really rather get itemized receipts, instead of having the vet hem and haw after he's done with Charlie and go, "Mmm...41 Euro?"
I'm ready to buy a variety of groceries and beauty products. Gruyere cheese? Can't get it at the commissary. Nor can we get tamari, ground poultry, or chipotle chilis. My neighbor, who happens to be the best dentist in the world, suggested I use ACT mouthwash. I bought one bottle and then waited three months for the PX to restock. Finally I gave up and bought it online. Do you know how hard my mom laughed when she heard I had bought seven bottles of mouthwash online? But we can't get it here. They've also been out of Woolite carpet spray for pet stains since July. Sigh.
I'm ready to go to a freaking Taco Bell.
I'm just ready for peace of mind. I'm ready to know that I can buy or do anything I need to. Or I can at least call and ask for information. (Ahh, to make a local call for free -- what a treat.) I'll be able to take care of myself, instead of begging German acquaintences to help me read my mail and call the phone company for me (on the English Hotline, where no one speaks English.)
I'm ready to go home.
1
Amen, sister!
I remember a few weeks ago during our knitting club, I called Mark to ask if he wanted to go anywhere when I got home. He started asking me about something totally unrelated, and I said, "Babe, I gotta go...This is Sarah's nickel." How lame! It's sad when you have to pay to talk to someone within walking (well, kind-of) distance!
I'm ready to go home too.
Posted by: Erin at January 04, 2006 06:23 AM (pPQK6)
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5 months? I'm going to miss you SO much!!!
Posted by: The Girl at January 04, 2006 07:00 AM (boUZW)
3
Sarah,
I agree with everything you said. It seems that as the days get nearer, I get more and more anxious to go "home". I can't wait to be within a 3 hour flight for emergencies instead of thinking that if something happened, it would be a whole day to get the states.
We have no idea what Jason is going to do as far as DEA or School but I don't even care. I told him that the first morning we are back, I want to go out for BREAKFAST! I want a waffle, bacon, and cheap, gross coffee!
Posted by: Stephanie at January 04, 2006 07:45 AM (MOoZ+)
4
Remember the grass is always greener on the other side . . . I know how much you love these type of sayings! I know you are more than ready to be back in the US of A . . . people always laughed at me for ordering just about anything from the internet . . . I still find myself doing it even though I live in the US! I think I might go eat Taco Bell for lunch in your honor!
Posted by: Heidi at January 04, 2006 11:45 AM (E0L31)
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I can't wait for you to get back either. I do miss Germany but love being able to ask for help in English. Heck, even the sales-people will ask you if you need any help instead of just staring at you until you leave the store! Oh and don't forget, if you pass your exit on the highway....you can actually turn around before you get to France....HAHAHA!
Any idea where the Army will tak you next?
Posted by: Angie at January 04, 2006 12:46 PM (SA3c9)
6
Yes...I remember! I'm with Heidi though...the grass really is greener, although I totally sympathize with your "american" desires
I remember feeling the same way. I'm happy to have the material world at my fingertips now, but I do miss the close-knit community I knew in Germany. Of course, it's always about the people, right? Hey...what ever happened to that Taco Bell in graf??
Posted by: Nicole at January 04, 2006 01:20 PM (KJBDI)
7
I couldn't wait to leave Germany either, but no that I am gone there are things I miss.
Cozy, cold Christkindl markets, Gluhwein, bratwurst, walking downtown (any city) and window shopping or sipping capuccino.....and the best thing....Driving through the countryside in spring and enjoying the colors and flowers. (Minus getting stuck behind the poo truck).
Let us know where you end up.
Posted by: Vonn at January 04, 2006 03:29 PM (dEgRi)
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My son says Germany is a nice place to visit, but he's tired of living there (yeah even after nearly a year in the Stan, he's not looking forward to returning to Germany). Since he's told me about 3 or 4 different things he's "going to do" when he gets done with his deployment - I've decided to wait until he gets to a final destination and says - "this is where I'll be for the next ___ amount of time". *grin*
I hope you end up somewhere excellent in the States and that you can find the great people you're looking for. In some cases it may take some searching... for instance doctors who speak English (this can be problematical). Good Luck!
Posted by: Teresa at January 04, 2006 04:12 PM (FZwDL)
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I think it would be really neat if you got stationed at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista,Arizona. I'm about 30 miles from there in little Bisbee, which has no stores(except art galleries and gift shops for the tourists) and I'm over in Sierra Vista all the time. On Sundays you see all the kids, male and female, from basic, walking all over town with their knapsacks and cell phones. They fill up the food court at the Mall, which is a good 7 or 8 miles from the post. They're not allowed to ride in private vehicles, sometimes you see a shuttle van unloading a bunch of them at Walmart. There's a Starbucks in the Safeway and if I have enough money on me, I'll pay for their coffees. They all giggle when I thank them for their service. I look at those baby faces and I think some of them will be in Iraq soon, and they're all in my prayers. I think you and your husband are terrific, Sarah.
Posted by: Maggie45 at January 05, 2006 01:44 AM (YYsdS)
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Sarah - I've never been out of New Jersey (outside America actually) but I almost moved to Kansas once. The two things that stopped me were tornadoes and lack of anything being open after 9pm. When you get HOME to America...come up towards NYC and I'll buy you any fast food or take you to any all-night diner you wish. Get home safe!
Posted by: Kathleen A at January 05, 2006 07:26 AM (7qm8p)
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