It's been raining on and off, but mostly on, all week, so it has put a damper on my excursions. We've even seen temperatures near freezing, so Alaska isn't the only one to tease with spring.
These past 7 months have been a total adventure, and I'm not the same person who left the US over half a year ago. I see some big changes coming in my life in the near future.
I've made many new friends, and have come to love our monk priests and at our Holy Transfiguration Chapel. I expect I'll stay in touch with them. My German has improved, but I still have a long way to go to real fluency. I've navigated the train and bus system and got so confident doing it that I've even made my way to two other foreign countries. I don't feel so 'navigationally challenged' as I have in the past.
There are things I like better in Germany than in the US, but on the other hand, I've come to appreciate some things about the US that I never thought about before. Going outside one's own country provides a different angle on it.
It was ultimately a big mistake to come here with the idea that it might be a good place to retire. We found out the hard way that our 'international' health insurance doesn't mesh well with the system here. There are other obstacles as well that we couldn't have known about until we were here. And there are always unexpected and hidden costs. I've tried to make the best of the situation, enjoying my 'slow tourism', however, so I can't say I'm really sorry we came. But I'm ready to come back to the US and see what happens after that. We fly out on Tuesday the 23rd.
I love Regensburg, and would come back to visit if I ever had the opportunity and ability. Hey, if anyone wants to visit Germany, I would totally recommend Regensburg, and would be willing to come with you as your guide and interpreter!
*Und ich bringe dieses Blog zum Schluss.
*(And I'm bringing this blog to a close).

Looking forward to a visit! See you soon.
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