Rather shockingly (to no-one else but us I expect!) we realised that it is exactly two years to the day that we upped sticks and made the move from Copenhagen to Bavaria. This fact occurred to us whilst pounding the gentile streets of Vienna yesterday (more on that shortly!) and made us both ask “where on earth has that gone?” at the same precise moment…
I wouldn’t say it has been an easy ride all of the time exactly, as undoubtedly it takes time to adjust to yet another country (with yet another language) and everything else that goes along with that. And two years in (four years including Denmark!) it makes you realise that you never ever stop missing family and friends, and lots of other things that go along with home too …
But on the very same roller-coaster that is expat life, are the highs that make it all worthwhile: the new people who become firm friends, the beautiful surroundings (the view of the Bavarian Alps (when they are not hiding in cloud) never fails to make me smile on a morning), the surrounding countries to explore, and perhaps the best of the lot, the opportunities available to the Small people. I am proud of the little global ambassadors they are becoming (not to mention jealous of their language skills that far outweigh mine!), and for the time being at least I am grateful that the ride isn’t over yet.
Thanks so much for all the support from my faithful readers along the way, it is more appreciated than you might imagine!
Prost! This might be an old picture, but we still had a bier today to celebrate – it wouldn’t have felt right celebrating with anything else!
older mum in a muddle says
That’s amazing…congratulations! What a wonderful adventure you are all having, and what an incredible experience you are giving your children. Bottoms up! X
bavaria says
Aw thank you. It has flown by! :) xx
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
Gosh, two years :) It does go quickly though, doesn’t it? I couldn’t believe when we hit a year in the US, and that was several months ago now :) Cheers!!
bavaria says
Whilst there are definite times that I feel like time is dragging, it does tend to fly past usually! Thank you Sara! :)
Funky Wellies says
Prost! :o) I have been here four years already… I cannot quite believe it either. xx
bavaria says
Wow! Where does time go? xx
Mari says
Two years have flown by haven’t they? And I feel I got to know you a little more too even if only via blogging and the one swift meet at BritMums.
Two years is also a good time as you have settled, made friends and life is good, so I raise my cup of tea (it’s early) and wish you another great 2 years to come xx
bavaria says
Thank you Mari, and thanks for all your support along the way! :) xx
Pinkoddy says
Happy 2nd Anniversary. What a wonderful experience for you and your whole family.
bavaria says
Thanks Joy. Can’t believe we have been out of the UK for over 4 years now! :/
Stacey Corrin says
Congratulations to you! I’ve adored reading about your adventures (even if I don’t always comment – my bad), and really feels like I’ve been along on the ride with you all. Wishing you all the best and may the sojourns continue!
bavaria says
Thanks so much Stacey, and thanks so much for keeping us company so far! :)
Cakesphotoslife (Angie) says
troubles or no troubles its a wonderful thing for you all to have, experience is something never forgotten x
bavaria says
Thanks Angie. Definitely something I need to remind myself from time to time! :) x
Sim @ Sims Life says
Congrats!! Happy 2nd anniversary in Bavaria – a beer was definitely in order :) x
bavaria says
Thank you! It most definitely was! :D x
Mammasaurus says
Wow two years already! I remember you moving there…
I do love reading what you are up to and how you are getting on, it’s an insight into a world that I don’t know, expatdom x
bavaria says
Thanks Annie, and thanks for all your comments along the way so far! :) xx
Carolin says
Having swapped countries with you, I know exactly what you mean about expat life. It is amazing and you learn so much about the country and most of all yourself, but I also find it incredibly hard when something happens at home and I can’t be there for a hug or a chat with my mum.
bavaria says
As much as it sounds patronising to say it, I do think it’s only those of us that have done this who understand what it’s really like… Thanks Carolin! :) x
Michelle | The American Resident says
Wow! I’m envious. Although I really do love England as my second home country I do envy the expats who’ve had the opportunity to live for a few years in other countries. And especially Germany. I LOVE Germany. On the other hand, through reading all these accounts here and on other expat blogs I know how tough it can be to move from place to place, especially, as you say, if you don’t have an end date. You seem to know how to enjoy the moment though, which is amazing and I think your skill with the camera must help as you focus (literally and figuratively) on each scene! xox
bavaria says
Thank you so much Michelle, it’s a lovely place to live, especially for the children, but I do get days when I think you can’t beat home, as I am sure all of us Expats do! xxx
Emma @emvanstone says
I remember when you moved, it really doesn’t seem like two years ago.
I always feel a little envious of your expat adventures, but I’m really not sure I would be brave enough. You are an amazing family. x
bavaria says
Thank you Emma. Amazing or stupid, one of the two! :D xx
A Mum in London says
On the other hand… it’s so precious raising ‘little global ambassadors’, isn’t it?
bavaria says
Thank you. Yes, it is really interesting to watch! :D
Susanna says
Two years is a long time. When are you coming back to England? x
bavaria says
One day Susanna, one day! :) xx
A Patchwork Life says
Two years already! It must be so hard sometimes being away, but your lives have got to be richer for all the new experiences you’ve had together. And a wonderful start for the kids, especially the gift of another language.
Always enjoy reading what you’ve been up to! xx
bavaria says
I won’t lie, I am finding it sooo hard at the moment. I think because this one’s longer than 2 years so to speak and I don’t have a definite end date! Thank you, and Thank you for all your comments along the way lovely xx
Helen The good life mum says
gosh the years just fly by dont they, im now craving a cold pint thanks to your picture
bavaria says
I know. I can’t believe it. My itchy feet are beginning to itch!… :D
Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo says
Small, but perfect post! I love happy stories. The pic may be old, but it is very good – I want the food and drink in it. : )
bavaria says
Thank you… It’s hard to write these things without sounding smug for part of it, so they tend to have me stumped and I end up not making them that long! :D
Aly says
The question is do you have plans to move and if so where?
bavaria says
Who knows Aly, I reckon I need a crystal ball… Work dictates, but for the time being it’s an interesting life. I do miss home though… Thank you :) xx
Selena @ Oh, the places we will go! says
It’s amazing how fast the time goes by, isn’t it? Happy Expativersary!!
bavaria says
Thanks Selena. It goes too fast doesn’t it? :D
Sarah@The View From the Table says
Wow, what an adventure. Keep going!
bavaria says
Thanks Sarah! xx
3yearsandhome says
Happy two year anniversary! It creeps up on you sometimes, doesn’t it? On the whole, I’ve loved our expat experience. Right now for my own sanity, I need some time at home where everything is familiar. But I know that travelling bug will overtake me at some point in the future. I’d love to go somewhere where I don’t have to learn another language though. Canada, perhaps :-)
bavaria says
That’s one thing that actually wakes me up in the night. We move home, and I am happy initially, but then the travel bug catches up with me again! :D Yes, totally agree with you on the language front too! :D
Mama Syder says
Wow, Two years already! I have enjoyed following you on your journey and you have taught me soooo much about other countries. I love reading about your interesting life. And I still think you should write a book about your travels xxx
bavaria says
Thank you so much. I would love to one day, who knows! :D xxxx
Grace says
Oh another tear to my eye ! So proud of you all and time together is quality time now, never taken for granted! x
bavaria says
Thanks Mum… Lots of love xxx
Midlife Singlemum says
Happy Expativersary! Is this a long term position or do you know when you will have to move on again? Good luck for the next two years, wherever they take you. xxx
bavaria says
Thank you very much! Who knows but I think we will be here a while longer yet! :) xxx