What is this Expat life but one of Contrasts? Contrasts of life both old and new, memories, emotions, and of course surroundings. And it’s the contrasting and comparing of new discoveries and scenery that is perhaps my favourite part of it all…
A few pictures of things that will always remind me of our first “temporary home” in Denmark… Nyhavn – A regular meeting point, “Copenhagen transport”, Fastleavn Bøller, Summer Krebs, and endless beaches…
To the contrasting scenery of this, our second “temporary home” in Bavaria… A new meeting point (Marienplatz!), Munich’s amazing bier gartens, the gorgeous lakes and mountains that surround us, its famous Christmas Markets, and my favourite – the brezens!
They both have one thing in common though, lots of this: –
I will admit to being a little down on this whole living abroad thing of late, probably thanks to the four-year mark which is fast approaching. Who knows whether it will be a case of “where next” or “back home” in a few years time? At the moment, I think we would all prefer the latter, but only time will tell. The stubborn part of me is still determined to make the most of it however, and to keep on appreciating why for now at least, different is good…
Mama Syder says
Such beautiful photo’s. Love the look of the lakes…I so want to go there x
bavaria says
Thank you! I am sure you would love it, and I know some good tour guides! :D xx
Pia says
I could give you a hug in expat-sisterhood; you speak my mind here! It’s the 6-year mark for us, and something is moving and shifting in me. Where to? Who knows? But like you say, we’re making the most of it for now.
I felt the sand in my toes with that photograph there, Emma :)
bavaria says
Thank you lovely Pia… A strange feeling isn’t it! :) xx
Sally (Recipe Junkie) says
Sorry – don’t know what happened but I couldn’t edit the comment. So as I was saying, yes, great experiences but it can be tough. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision – to venture onwards or to return ‘home’ when the time comes…
bavaria says
Thank you Sally, you are so right! xx
Sally (Recipe Junkie) says
Living away from home is hard – not that I’ve done a huge amount of it, but enough to know that occasionally, wvwn when things are going well, you get whackedin the face by a huge amount of longing to be somewhere familiar
Midlife Singlemum says
Both beautiful places – I couldn’t decide which I’d like to live in permenantly. Btw, re the first comment – I’m also coming to the conclusion that spending our summers in England is the way to go.
bavaria says
Thank you… Yes, so am I! :D
Brinabird and Son says
Having lived in Glasgow for so long we are yet to call it home and I’m not sure why. I guess because we still rent there is always the possibility of change of moving on. Contrast is a great way of explaining expat life I am sure! I hope you are making wonderful memories and enjoying all your experiences!
bavaria says
A strange feeling isn’t it… I will file away the memories and yes, I am enjoying most of the experiences! Thank you! :D
older mum in a muddle says
Lovely post and gorgeous photography!
bavaria says
Thank you so much! :)
Funky Wellies says
Different certainly is good. I am really enjoying my life here but remain open to more changes! ;o)
Loving your beautiful photos, and quite partial to a nice Brezel too… xx
bavaria says
Maybe this is it for us now. A few years somewhere and then you get that itch to move on again. What if we are like this forever?!?!? :D Thank you! xx
A Patchwork Life says
Looking at your fantastic photos, it’s perhaps too easy to see the adventure and fun and forget the other side of expat life. It must be so hard sometimes. I wonder though, if you’d miss it more than a little if you came back here? Or maybe there’s a point when enough is enough?
Love all your pics – the last two work so well together xx
bavaria says
Thank you. I probably would miss it, but I do also think there’s a point where enough is enough. I just haven’t quite got there yet! :D xx
Helen says
Oh wow those pictures are just amazing and really paint an amazing life you are leading how wonderful i dont think you will ever want to come back
bavaria says
But I do sometimes, I really do! Thank you! :) xx
Sarah@The View From the Table says
Contrasts, experiences, memories and an unmissable education for your children. Amazing photographic opportunities too!
bavaria says
Thank you! I am glad some good things come out of it too! :D
MsCaroline says
Oh, oh, oh, the lake…Berchtesgaden…such fond, happy memories of Bavaria and so jealous! At least 3 of my kiddos will be moving home to Munich this summer and I am so jealous! Besides the fact that I am still convinced that Bavaria is the most beautiful place in the world, what with all the insanity surrounding house hunting here in Seoul, the idea of moving somewhere (anywhere!) where I understand what people are saying and what’s happening around me- even if it is a foreign country- seems heavenly.
bavaria says
Thank you Caroline… You know, I think you should arrange a trip to visit those students and make sure they are settling in properly at some point in the near future!! I am strill struggling with the understanding language part here as well! :D
Michelle | The American Resident says
‘What is this expat life but one of contrasts?’ You’ve done it! Great images to represent the Linky theme! Beautiful post. x
bavaria says
Thank you Michelle! xx
brooke says
It is hard sometimes! I am glad we are heading home for the summer, it makes staying in Germany (which we want to do) easier. BTW, I loved the silent Sunday amusement park ride. Did you use a tripod?
bavaria says
Thank you Brooke… I think that’s a good idea. I am going home for a short while, but maybe next year the whole summer is the way to go! No to the tripod question, I was just lucky. I am on the search for a tripod, having only got a gorillapod at the moment! That is good though! :)