Guten Tag Sweet Friends!

Yesterday was a hugely successful and productive day! With the help of my friend Maggie, I completed step one in my residency permit process in less than 30 minutes!! I’ve been very worried about this first step because I’m a little late in registering, about 50 days late! So I was worried the official would ask a lot of questions. But, thankfully, no questions were asked and I now have my registration confirmation paper. Next step is signing up for much-needed language classes and obtaining German health insurance. These are two expenses I had not counted on, but it’s the price of living here. Nonetheless, I was elated that the first step was completely painless!

To celebrate the beautiful day and our success, I went for a long 6 mile walk along the river to new territory. I found several new “beaches” along the way that reminded me very much of the North Shore in Hawaii – Haleiwa Point to be exact! I also walked by a HUGE RV park along the river. Now this is not a tourist RV park, this is a permanent residence community with gardens, playgrounds, shower facilities, etc. There were hundreds of residents sitting outside in the sun or gardening in their flower gardens, hanging wash out to dry and otherwise enjoying the sunny day. I thought to myself, now this is the way to live!! A small RV that you own with an espresso maker, small garden, and al fresco dining! Plus a community of people who enjoy the same lifestyle and only want to share it with you. No mortgage bills, no home insurance, no huge house to clean, no unnecessary stuff taking up space and collecting dust and a view that can’t be beat! I’m sure they have parks like this in the states, but I’ve never run across one this nice. It was a quiet, residential community of campers and RV’s with rose gardens and the smell of espresso!!! 🙂

Today, I’m going to take the placement test for my language class. I know where I’ll place of course; no test needed. Just sign me up for remedial Deutsch please and show me where to pay. Afterwards, I think I’m going to hit one of the river beaches for some sun before showering for the Rod Stewart concert tonight!!! He’s playing at the arena in Cologne and my friend Beatrice managed to get me a ticket in the box!!! Score!!!

Enjoy your day my friends, whether you are on a beach, at a concert or enjoying an espresso at the RV park! Life is good friends, life is sehr gut!

Auf Wiedersehen!