Welcome to Wiesbaden

Hello everybody, greetings from Germany. Despite our best attempts, we haven't been able to email everyone, keeping them updated on our travels, as much as we'd like. So we've followed in Karina's footsteps and created a web log that lets everyone check in whenever they'd like. This is our first attempt, so bare with us as we figure everything out. So here goes:

Gabriela and I arrived on January 9th, and were immediately escorted from the airport to drop off our ENORMOUS amounts of luggage and begin processing us in. Since that day we've recieved our ID passes, our mailbox, our European driver's licenses, and began house-hunting for apartments. Gabriela hasn't had much time to relax, as she began working the very day we arrived. I've had had too much time to relax, as I'm still searching for a job!

While Wiesbaden (pronounced "vees-boden") is the capital of the Hessen territory, it doesn't seem to be all that large of a city. The town is pretty small, the traffic is pretty light, and other than the occasional parking problem, it should be a wonderful place to live. There is a fantastic downtown area filled with shops and restaurants that is only accessible by foot (called the Foosganger). Gabriela and I have been spending our free time there almost every day. She has already scouted out the jewelry stores (burn!) and made multiple visits to the chocolate venders! I'm digging the pretzle venders and the tons of restaurants.

People here in Germany walk everywhere, all the time. They walk just to walk. We participated in our first Volkeswalk this past weekend, which is basically an organized walk. Different cities have their own Volkesmarching teams and they organize a path in their town for people to hike along. From 7 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. people can just stop by, sign up, and start walking the path (usually there are options for different distances). Along the route there is food and drinks (always German alcohol), and if you finish, you can get a "prize". Gabriela got a glass bowl and I got a tablecloth. So I hope you'll all enjoy the random gifts we'll be sure to bring home with us.

While they tell me that the weather is generally more mild her in Wiesbaden than in the midwest, it's been in the 20's and rainy/snowy since we arrived. We saw the sun for a portion of the day earlier this week, but it's been the only time before or since. I'll be sure to post some pictures when the sky allows us to do this city justice.

We have begun house-hunting. We'll let everyone know when we find a place, and what the guest accomodations will provide you!!!

The food here is incredible. We don't always know what we are ordering, but so far it's been delicious every time. Not just pretty good, but absolutely wonderful every time. All the more reason to make plans for a visit.

That's all for today. We'll see how well this Blog works, and hopefully be able to keep everyone updated with the latest from our German adventures. Please email us and post your comments to let us know how life in the States is. We miss it very much, and love to keep in touch.

Tony

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