the website
Called: lucid in deutschland
Pronunciation: \ˈlü-səd\ \ən\ \ˈdȯich-ˌlänt\
Creation Date: August 15, 2005
Just another expat website chronicling the misshaped adventures of a native Floridian and unofficial immi-pat centered in Munich, Germany. As a semi-public blog, you’ll find, in addition to Heza’s initial expat experiences, posts on travels in Europe and in the USA with her beau, Alex, as well as her slight obsession with cuisine and cooking, and other musings and curiosities. She’s delighted you are here. This site is powered by WordPress and based on the Arras Theme.
So do you know the song Silent Lucidity by Queensryche? It comes from that. Geeky. I know. I love the guitar riff -I’d listen to it a gazillion times and never tire of it. Most likely I was day dreaming back in 2003 while looking for an alias. It was a time when life could go anywhere and I had the means to steer my path. It could be the closest moment in my life where I would be my most intelligible. That would be pretty melancholy. The blog is my push to overcome my inherent laziness. Now that I live in Germany, I’m definitely never bored here.
the author
Jan 2010
Nationality: American
Family Heritage: Philippines, Germany, England
City of residence: Munich
Age: 33
Constellation: Capricornus
Civil status: In a partnership
Occupation: Trademark research / Vice-Chair of ESME e.V.
Motos:Fulfill your potential. Dance like nobody’s watching!
Reason for moving to Germany: Love
Lived in Germany for: Over six years
Sure, missing your family, friends and favorite haunts and eats is a given. Still social media technologies and global commerce have alleviated most of these pains.
One observed cultural downside (compared to the US) is the roll of men and women in the work force. Men are rarely encouraged for roles as nurses, teachers, social workers, or hairdressers. Women, who are between the ages of 25-35, may be overlooked for a job if they aren’t vague enough when illegally asked about whether they plan to change their family status. This phenomenon is indicative of Bavaria but less the norm in northern Germany.
Munich, in particular, seems to push families away with its high prices for modest real estate or rent and a not enough qualified nannies or available space in day-care.
Once you can find your purpose, there is a balance here like no other. A genuine desire to reflect on the past, see history from many perspectives. At the same time, we live for the moment, sit with each other and enjoy ourselves–spending quality time together is built into the social fibers. We discuss with gusto, without intending to harm or slander. Preparing for a future within means is possible here.
HI! I’m a Floridian of hispanic background. I found your blog through another American expat blog.Looking forward to reading more.I’m also in love with a German, so I just might end up living there, too. Cheers.
Hi Yari,
I’m in my fifth year here in Germany so life has gotten carried away and my blogging has slowed. Perhaps I will get back to updating soon. So glad you visited!
Best Wishes to you and your German!
Hello! I am considering a position with an American company in Munich. I currently live in Tampa but need a fresh start with good people and a sense of belonging. What are the best and worst parts of living there as an American?
Hello Cathy,
No worries, there are plenty of good people here! Munich has much to offer in terms of diverse groups and activities to help you find like-minded folks–you just have to look for them and go. The website http://www.toytowngermany.com could be a good start for you to find that sense of belonging. Also, if you play an instrument or sing–you could join the English-Speaking Music Ensembles e.V. (more info at http://www.tt-orchestra.de).
Missing family and friends are probably the most difficult side-effects of living oversees. Although, if you can convince them to use web-based social networking and video calling, these forms of communication could lessen the “Heimweh”. The best part is that you are exposed to a new culture, a new language (not necessary- but I highly recommend it) and new experiences you could never imaging having in Florida. These things however, could also present some less desirable challenges while living in Germany. For example, it may be wise to make sure that your contract provides a salary that is in Euros and covers the cost of living in Munich.
It really all depends on the individual and knowing what you are willing to live with and live without. But I must say, over the years, there is very little you will have to live without here. My experience has had it’s challenges but the rewards have been fully worth it. I hope this helps! I wish you the best of luck.