Episode 18 – One year in Germany (Anniversary Edition)

Living as an expat in Germany involves navigating a transition from "hard mode" survival to cultural integration. The first year of residency, marked by strict pandemic lockdowns, necessitated a shift from planned routines to spontaneous adaptations, such as organizing domestic feasts and local group trips to Belgium. The subsequent reopening of Europe allowed for broader cultural immersion, highlighted by a trip to London for an NFL game and visits to historical sites like the Churchill War Rooms. These experiences reveal the stark contrast between the isolation of lockdown and the vibrant, multilingual reality of European city life. Key personal growth stems from embracing the discomfort of illiteracy and navigating foreign social norms, such as the aggressive etiquette of German bike lanes or the full-frontal nudity of local bathhouses. Ultimately, the expat journey transforms a person's perspective from mere observation to active participation in a global landscape.