our munich home -- moved in and ready for guests

At long last -- the much promised, finally up-to-date pictures of our Munich home. Keep in mind that to truly appreciate our humble abode -- it must be seen in person. So the invite is open -- come visit us in Germany!

Until then... eat your heart out Pottery Barn.

The view from street level. And no, our sweet lil' Mini is not parked the wrong direction. The other dudes are.

Upon entering la casa -- the first room you'll see is the dinning room, where many a delicious meal has been enjoyed and many games have been played. In fact - it was here that Tasha and I played some of our first games of chess. Yes, I didn't learn how to play chess until my late 20's. After she lovingly "let" me win 2 of the first 3 times we played -- I've since to defeat her.

When we first saw this house -- two of our favorite selling points were the beautiful hardwood floors and the soaring ceilings.

Turning to the right of the dinning room -- we enter the living/entertaining room. The door on the far wall leads out to the grill-masters dream patio - which I introduced last week (and another one of the main selling points!)

Next up -- the bathroom.

Down the hall from the bathroom -- there is the laundry room, the guest bath and the guest bedroom -- which we transformed into our own personal walk-in closet. For some reason -- the benefits of closets never caught on over here in German houses, so you either have to build your own or make creative use of wardrobes, dressers, etc. We chose to do both.

From here we go to the kitchen!

I think I mentioned this in a previous post -- but kitchens are typically not included when renting a home. And that means nothing is included. No cabinets, no oven, stove, refrigerator or sink. It is just another empty room and the tenants are responsible for providing the kitchen and all its appliances. We were lucky enough to find one where everything was going to stay...

Including the (mini)fridge! One thing we quickly realized however -- is that we don't really need an extra stand-alone freezer to store a years worth of food. :) In fact - as you can see from the size of the freezer compartment at the bottom -- there's not much room in there for anything, aside from some popsicles, a few frozen burritos and some ice cream. But we've completely adjusted to it and now LOVE the fact that most everything that we buy -- we buy fresh from the market across the street. We buy enough for a few days -- and then go back and get more when it's needed. Fresh, fresh, fresh! Costco what?

And lastly we have the Master Bedroom. Which we've also turned into our Office and part-time reading room.

So there you have it -- la casa Inderrieden in pictures.

And like I said at the beginning -- it only gets better in person. So buy a plane ticket, come on over and punch the button you see below! Munich awaits...

our munich house -- moving in and unpacking

Wow.

Could I be the worlds worst and most infrequent blogger? Perhaps. But am I at least willing to recognize where I've been lacking and recommit (time and time again) to improve? Absolutely.

I can not believe that summer is in the rear view and we are now fully immersed in the sweater-weather of fall! So much has happened -- and updates (and pictures) of our summer trips will be forthcoming! But to begin with – here are some long awaited photos of our Munich casa. Or at least photos of the moving in and unpacking adventure. I can’t believe we’ve been calling this place home since the 1^st of April and I’m just now getting pictures up!

I PROMISE sometime soon there will be pictures of what the place looks like now... which is nothing short of awesome thanks to Tasha's ability to turn the place into a home. For now though -- these pictures will have to suffice.

Home Sweet Home!

While we stayed at the Hilton for 2 months and house hunted -- pretty much every thing we both owned that wasn't in our 2 suitcases -- made the 4-thousand plus mile trip to Munich. The goods were delivered on the 1st of April and Move-In Day officially began!

Kind of crazy to think that EVERYTHING we own is in those crates. Unfortunately there were a few minor hiccups in transport... and not everything arrived in the same shape as when it was packed. The casualties can be seen below. Some more severe than others...

Fortunately Uncle Sam takes responsibility when things are DOA -- and from some of the stories we heard from other families -- we were just glad everything of ours arrived. Kind of crummy (especially the piano!) but at least we have the funds to replace or repair the damaged items.

The movers were an absolute God-send. Even though they didn't speak much English and we spoke even less German, they were amazingly helpful and cheerful... until they realized the piano needed to go up 2 flights of stairs. Then it was probably a good thing we didn't understand each other.

I think it took us a good couple of weeks (or more...) until we were completely unpacked and box-free -- but we seriously could not be happier with our place and it truly feels now like our "home". You'll understand more when more pictures are posted -- but there were a handful of items about this place that absolutely sold us from the first visit: the tall ceilings, the location... and the patio! Having friends over for 'brats and burgers or just sitting outside and playing chess or reading with Tash while the sun sets have already provided us with some of our favorite European memories! We love it!

Who's ready to eat? Then come pay us a visit!!!

springtime in paris -- day 3

We began our 3rd day in Paris by visiting Notre Dame.  And as I mentioned in an earlier post -- it was simply breathtaking.

The architecture and grandeur of the outside, the intricacies and beauty of the inside, the gargoyles overlooking the square and just the overall feeling of reverence that exists.

All of it was absolutely stunning.

After Notre Dame, we journeyed to the Catacombs de Paris -- a place we'd heard was not nearly as popular with tourists -- but still well worth a visit.

And yes it was.  

Apparently in the 17th Century -- the cemetaries of Paris were overcrowded and people who lived in close proximity to them were constantly getting sick.  The problem persisted for a 100 years before a solution was finally agreed upon - dig up the corpses and transport them to a series of underground catacombs.

So 200 feet beneath the city there exists a seemingly neverending maze of tunnels and caverns that you can walk through -- literally surrounded on all sides by bones, skulls and decayed bodies.

It really is unlike anything else I've ever seen.

You can reach out your hand and literally touch the skulls and bones as you walk along.  

And while no one knows exactly how many bodies are stored down there -- estimates are the number is close to 6 million.

6 million people!!!

Not for the faint of heart -- but seriously amazing!

After returning up from the underground we went to Dans le Noir for lunch and while it may seem odd that a lunch would be one of the most memorable moments of the trip -- it was.

The theme of the restaurant is "the blind feeding the blind" and just like the name would have you believe -- everything is done in the dark.  The wait staff are all legally blind and as they take your hand and guide you to your table -- you pass through 2 curtains and suddenly you are engulfed in darkness.

Watches, cellphones and anything else that would give light is required to be left at the front desk.

Once seated at a table, the wait staff asks if you are allergic to anything.  They leave and return with the first course and your drinks.  They then invite you to enjoy.

And you use whatever means necessary -- silverware, fingers, hands, etc to feel the food on your plate and then help and hope it finds its way to your mouth.

It really was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.  For the first 5 minutes, I could feel my eyes trying to adjust to the darkness, but it really is so complete that they can't.  There is no difference between having your eyes closed and having them open.  It is pitch black.  In every sense of the word.

During the meal Tasha and I would talk and try and figure out what exactly it was we were eating (they show you pictures of the meal at the end, and it definitely was a lot different from what we had thought).

It truly seemed that our other senses (taste, touch, sound) were amplified considerably with our not being able to see.

As we ate -- plates and glasses were broken on a table close by.  And the plates and glass were cleaned up by the wait staff.  All of them blind.

Amazing.

I thought we were inside for maybe 40-45 minutes, by the time we finished the 3 courses.

But when our waiter escorted us back out to the front lobby and we saw what time it was -- we were shocked to see we had been inside for almost 2 and a half hours!

It truly was a once-in-a lifetime experience and I would say it is a must for anyone visiting Paris.

Amazing.

When we went back outside, both Tash and I just looked at each other and couldn't help but feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  To be able to look at and see each other.

To be able to see the blue sky and the cobblestone roads.  To be able to use the gift of sight.

It definitely hammered home how much of a gift it truly is.

Absolutely amazing.

After lunch we decided we'd hit up one last museum before calling it a day -- and so we spent a few hours in the Musee de'Orsay -- a former trainstation that has been transformed into a spectacular art gallery.

Highlights included: Whistlers Mother (a picture that ever since I was a little child has always reminded me of my Grandparents on my mothers side and brought a huge wave of nostalgia to see in person) and a slew of works by Van Gough.

We than worked our way back to where we began -- Notre Dame, but first stopped to enjoy some Parisian crepes one last time.  Delicious!

It really could not have been a more perfect trip.  Celebrating my birthday with the lady I love in one of the most romantic cities in the world.  What more could I ask for?

springtime in paris -- day 2

Day 2 began with us waking up bright and shiny and heading straight down to the Louvre.

Where we then spent the vast majority of it (8 hours+) wandering the halls, having our jaws drop to the floor (on multiple occasions) and just trying to soak in as much as we could of the art, architecture and surroundings.

I've always enjoyed museums -- one of my favorite things about DC is the access to the Smithsonians, all of which are amazing -- but this place was truly unlike anything else I have ever seen.

It's absolutely humongous!  

We spent an entire working day inside and I still feel like we weren't able to take it all in. However the wings that we did see and the art that we were able to enjoy -- produced more than enough "wow" moments.

Truly unbelievable.

Highlights of course included the Big 3 -- The Venus de Milo, Winged Victory (which is where Nike received inspiration for their swish logo) and The Mona Lisa.

But there was plenty of other amazing pieces we both loved -- the whole Leonardo DaVinci wall, the inverted pyramid and the murals, the murals, the murals!!!  The whole experience was absolutely phenomenal and inspiring.

After the Louvre - we enjoyed the sights of the city from atop the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the highest point of the city and then walked down and enjoyed the shops and sounds on our way to see The Moulin Rouge.  

And finally we ended our second day be taking in the sunset atop of the Arc de Triumph.

An absolutely breathtaking ending to a breathtaking day.  

springtime in paris -- day 1

Could we have received a more amazing and enchanting welcome to the city of Paris?

Me thinks not.

After touching down in France early Wednesday morning - we boarded the metro and set off for the 45 minute ride to downtown Paris.  Within 5 minutes of our departure -- the man seen in the picture behind Tasha boarded the train and proceeded to sing and through the magic of his accordian provide us with an authentic and absolutely beautiful Parisian soundtrack.

A half an hour into our trip -- and I'm already sold!

After dropping off our luggage - our first stop was The Eiffel Tower.  And I kid you not, when we came around the corner from the metro we exited and suddenly there it was towering over us -- I got goobsebumps all over and just stood there in awe.

I really cannot describe how absolutely amazing it is.  And massive.  And majestic.

The term larger than life seems the best way to explain.

I knew it was going to be big.  And I knew it was going to be beautiful.  But I had no idea how absolutely stunning it would be.  To give an idea -- until the Empire State building was built in the early 1900's -- this was the tallest building in the world.  And standing in its shadows you appreciate that.

And unlike the Empire State building -- there are no other buildings or obstacles to compete with your attention.  It's there and it's all that is there.  Just blue sky and the spire jutting straight on up to the heavens.

Gorgeous.

Views from the top...

After the tower we made a pit-stop at the Hotel de Ville -- where they used to hold hangings, burnings and other forms of execution during the 17th Century...

as well as stopped at the Dome Church -- where Napolean is entombed... gorgeous!

and than walked through the courtyard of the Hotel Invalides... enormous!

Than to finish off we headed over to the Pompidou Center -- Paris's museum of modern art.  The designers took an inside-out approach, so all of what you'd normally find on the inside of a building (water and air ducts, ventiallation shafts, escalators, elevators and massive steel support struts) are all on the outside.

Aside from making it quite a sight to behold -- it also makes the inside seem even more wide open, airy and spacious.  And while modern art is definitely not my favorite of all the types of art we saw on the trip -- it was still very, very cool.  Inside and out.

The metro system is pretty extensive (and I would also say... umm confusing) -- but Tash was able to keep us on track pretty much the whole day and even when we did get turned around and had to ask for help -- how can you get too bothered when you finally find the right metro line and the entrance looks as cool as this!

Day 1 in Paris -- simply splendid!

Aside from the highlights already mentioned above -- I also fell completely head-over-heels in love with crepes!  I had been introduced to crepes before -- but something about watching a banana and nutella or hum, cheese and egg crepe being made before your very eyes by a street vendor on a cobblestone street in the heart of Paris -- made my appreciation for their deliciousness grow by leaps and bounds.

Loved it all!

paris, je t'aime!

So I know it's been a little while since an entry has been posted (much of that delay due to the fact that we were without internet for a good couple of weeks -- no fun indeed), and I know there is a lot of ground to cover and details to share about our new living quarters, how we are adjusting, things we continue to fall in love with about Germany and things we miss from the hotel that was our home for two months... and I promise all of that be covered. 

But first I have to share my newfound love for the city of Paris!  (and I may have to break it down day-by-day-by-day -- because there is so much to love!)

After the past four days I think it very well could be one of the absolute most fantastic cities I have ever visited in my entire life!  Oh my goodness!  I loved it so much!

For my birthday this year (the big 2-8!  Yikes.), Tasha planned a little get-away to Paris and I really can't get over how absolutely amazing it was!

I don't think my words or pictures will do the city justice -- but over the next few blog entries I will try. 

There have only been a handful of times in my life, where I have literally been speechless.  Where I am so absolutely stunned by a view, an event or experience that words escape me.  That happened twice on this trip.  

Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time and sitting inside Notre Dame cathedral.

Maybe it's because Paris wasn't near the top of my list of cities I really wanted to visit while here in Europe -- for whatever reason I was never incredibly attracted to it.  I was always more enchanted and intrigued by other places like Rome, London, Scotland and Greece.  And maybe that is partly why Paris hit me so hard.  But man - it knocked my socks off.  Before we left - Tash told me it was one of here favorite cities in the world, and after spending a few days in it -- I concur.  

The sights (more pictures to follow), the vibe and life of the city, the bakeries (we had what I consider hands-down some of the best desserts my taste buds have ever been treated too!), the museums, the art and the history!  From the moment we touched down on Wednesday until we dragged our weary bones to the airport 4 days later -- it was just a feast of amazingness.

Je t'aime paris!

the continuing house hunt, my first european flea market and our 6 month anniversary

So yes, nearly a month and half into our stay in Munich and we are still looking for a house.

Truth be told - it has been a bit more of a challenge than either of us had really expected going into it.  I think we both assumed it would be different from what we were used to in the states... but man - it has been REALLY different.

So far we've submitted 3 different applications on 3 different apartments and have been declined - yes, 3 separate times. 

The reasons?

Our age.

Our nationality.

And the length of our stay.

Really.  

Where are you ACLU?

Now I can understand a landlord wanting to be picky and wanting to have the tenants they feel are best for their home.  But... really?

Staying here 3 years isn't long enough?

The fact that we are young is a reason to not let us rent your flat?

And because we are Americans you're going to say no?  

Alas - I digress.

We are still looking and I'm confident something will turn up.

Hopefully.

I also had my first flea market experience this week -- Un. Real.

Top finds:

- A coin for 1772.  A coin that is older than the United States of America!  1772!

- An original, first-edition book by Victor Hugo -- Lettres a la Fiancee.  

- And a German occupation coin, marking the Nazi occupation of Poland.

And lastly - this past week Tash and I celebrated our 6th month anniversary.  I honestly can't believe we've been married a half a year!  The time has absolutely flown by -- and I could not be happier!  I truly do feel like the luckiest man in the world.  I and am so grateful for Tasha and so excited about what our future holds.

I'll repost some pictures from our wedding here -- and end with one of my anniversary gifts:  after 7 months without visiting a hair-cutting establishment -- I decided the time had come to return back from the land of Halpert.  So long long-hair.  At least for now.