AHHH things are getting so real! My husband and I are moving to Germany and we cannot wait to share our adventure with you! In this blog post, I talk about the FAQs we have been getting since we told our friends and family we were moving!
WE ARE MOVING to Cologne, Germany! I am going to breakdown all the questions I have been asked so far along with some that I feel are coming sooner than later!
First, if you are new here.
Here Is The Cliff Note Version:
My name is Attaliah (Uh-tal-e-yah) I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Omaha, Nebraska when I was 4 years old. My father had a dream to move to America and basically him and my mom DID THAT! I am an immigrant and my parents are LITERAL proof of the American dream! One day I will dedicate an entire blog post to those wonderful human beings that I call mom and dad!
In 2016, I met this blonde hair blue eyed German boy in Thailand. Crazy right? I never believed in love at first sight until I met my husband in Thailand. I experienced when you know you know is real life! That December, we became husband and wife in Sacramento, California. The following year, we had our wedding in Dominican Republic. A destination wedding was the BEST decision I made, but I think I may be bias because we were separated. Wait, my brother and sister in law also chose to do a destination wedding in Puerto Rico! So maybe I am not that biased after all!
I moved to Sacramento, California and my husband went back to Germany. In 2018, we were reunited and got settled in our home! 2019, brought us a crazy ride because my husband got a job offer. He accepted the offer and here we are! WAHHHH so crazy! When I was little I told my mom that I was going to move to Europe. I had gotten back from a school trip to Greece, France and Italy, so I wanted to go back and bask in the sun! That’s definitely a story for later! HERE WE ARE!
Now to the juicy questions!
FAQ
What will you (Attaliah) do there?
Good question, I do not have all the answers currently! I have a Master’s in Leadership and Management in Nursing. The choices are endless. I do want to be able to take time to learn German! I want to be able to get consumed and accustomed to the environment. I am a Brand Inclusion Strategists, so I help brands become more inclusive! If you are not ready to make the jump, join that email list! I will still be a nurse! 🙂 If you subscribe, you will get all the updates!
What part of Germany?
We have a couple of places in mind, but Cologne & Heidelberg are at the top of our list!
Cologne fun facts:
Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany!
It took 632 years to constructed the Cologne Cathedral
Kölsch is a beer that Robin asks for often and its the local beer of Cologne… could it be fate?!
Heidelberg fun facts:
Robin was born in Heidelberg
A graduate of the University of Heidelberg invented the first bicycle
The biggest wine barrel lives here, so maybe I should live there too. 😉 my love for wine runs deep!
What job does Robin have?
We love sharing parts of our lives. We will not get too specific, but he has an office job. UGH, I know! Theres some things we will keep private.
When are yall leaving?
Robin is gone and I will follow eventually. HAHA. There’s some things we need to get figured out still. I am HORRIBLE at secrets, so if you have been watching my stories you probably sensed somethings different! Now I can talk on my insta stories about all things!
Will you miss your family and friends?
OF COURSE! If you know me personally, you know my friends and family are my SOUL. But they will have a new place to come visit and our adventures will be endless! So make your reservations to come visit the Strubel household! The thing about home, you feel that with someone. I cannot wait to be with my husband and I am so fortunate that my family will make sure they visit EVERY CHANCE they get!
How are you moving your stuff from California to Germany?
We are bringing clothes and a FEW sentimental items. That does not include my kitchen table. :(. That kitchen table held a piece of my heart and over the last months, I have learned to let go! The hope is 2 boxes and 4 suitcases *fingers crossed*! I do not feel the need to carry everything I have ever owned across the ocean. I used to be a travel nurse, so I have learned over the years to keep it minimal!
What paperwork is required to actually live there?
You need to a Visa. There are many ways to go about the Visa process. No worries friend, I will keep you in the loop.
How do you find a place to live?
We looked online for a little while, but decided to Airbnb when we get there to really get our eyes on the places! We walked in our current home and knew right away that it was where we belonged. There’s something crazy about experiencing a place in person! We will find a home and you will not miss out!
Do you need to know how to speak the language?
I have been learning on Duolingo, but I want to go to German school when I arrive. I want to be able to immerse myself in the language and culture, so that I can truly enjoy our new home! Learning a language the last TWO years has been difficult because I do not have to speak german daily!
How will you make friends?
I can literally be on a stranded island and find a bird to be best friends with. ahah I have joined multiple facebook groups. I am following specific hashtags and interacting with other in their dms. Funny story, 3 of my really good friends are friends from FB turned into real life friends! YES, you read that right? I randomly met people who have impacted my life on social media!
suggest reading: 5 Ways to Make New Friends When You Move Abroad
I know the questions may be endless. Please, although this may not be the way you want to leave…. please be NICE. We are deciding to share our lives with you all and we are so excited!! What is a place you want to see? I will keep you all updated and add to this list!
AT THE END OF THE DAY,
WE ARE MOVING!
I have been keeping this secret for months. I mean over half a year! I hate secrets ahahah. I am very happy this secret is out! LET THE ADVENTURE CONTINUE! Follow #Strubeladventure on instagram for updates! If you have something to show me #heyATAG!
Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and the best HYPE girl. In 2016, I went to Thailand and met my husband. Literally, in Koh Phagan, I not only fell in love with this wonderful man, but with all things TRAVEL! February 2020, I started telling my story! I am so HAPPY you are here! LET’S GO ON ADVENTURE!
Wishing you the best on this new adventure!! You’ve always had that spirit to live life to it’s fullest!! ❤️Can’t wait to hear about all the new discoveries you encounter out there.
Author
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I cannot wait to share!