Happy Birthday Zaza!

My baby turned two this weekend; and what a long, joyful journey. He has grown so much from the tiny 1-1/2 pound boy at birth. I thank God constantly for giving us such a healthy boy because it could have easily gone the other way. Many babies born at 25 weeks have physical and developmental problems, but not our Zaza. Looking at him you would never know that he was born early. People always say he’s big for his age.

This year for Zaza’s birthday, we spent the day with his German grandparents. Oma made four cakes and took care of all the food and decorations, leaving nothing for me to do but prepare my vegetarian meal. Hubby’s brothers were there along with Zaza’s 8-year-old cousin Tobias. Zaza had a good time playing and also got a lot of gifts. It was a nice day.

Back In Deutschland

It’s been exactly three years since we moved from Germany to Toronto, and now we are back; but this time it’s Berlin - the capital of Germany. What a vibrant city! I already like it much more than I did Toronto. With approximately six million people, over 35 per cent are foreign born. There are people living Berlin from all over the world, making it the perfect city for a multi-racial family like mine.

What I like most about Berlin is that unlike other cities in Germany, the people are laid back, friendly, open-minded, creative and individualistic. I can leave my home wearing a pink hat and polka dot pants and people will see it as art. Every form of the arts is explored in this city- sometimes to the extreme. Art exhibits, theater, opera and other performances can be enjoyed at a very low cost. This is because the government subsidises the arts; therefore, giving everyone access to quality entertainment.

Germany will be very different for me this time around. First of all, I’m towing toddler, which requires me to engage with community on a deeper level. I’ll need to push myself more to speak the language, and meet other parents with small children. Just last week, I felt adventurous and took my son Zaza to a German speaking toddler play group. The teacher didn’t speak any English, so I was forced to use German. I got along quite well with my limited German, but Zaza did great! I think that he understood more than I did.

Also this time around in Germany, I’ll have a job, something I haven’t had in almost four years. I’m really excited about working again. Now don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and raising my son. I just miss the intellectual stimulation gained from interacting with adults. For me, doing a task that takes my mind away from home duties will do a lot for me psychologically. Hopefully, I can now put what I’ve learned in college to good use.

But for the next two months, I have my plate full with finding permanent housing, and securing a spot for Zaza in a bi-lingual day care-something hard to come by in Berlin. I’ll keep you posted.

Wir ziehen nach Canada um!

The ink has dried on the contract and it’s official; we’re moving to Canada. Matze will begin a new assignment near Toronto next month, and I am so excited. Not only am I excited for Matze’s professional progression, but I’m also excited because I LOVE Toronto.

From the time I made my first visit to Toronto at age 16, and with the many visits that later followed, I was constantly impressed with the diversity and tolerance of the city. Where else can you find virtually all of the world's culture groups and hear more than 100 languages and dialects spoken in one city?

Tagged, Again

Thanks Schokolade Mädchen. It’s always nice to reflect on one’s wacky behavior.

Top 3 Guilty Pleasures:

1. Choclait Chips - I’ve eaten an entire box in one sitting. They're scrumptious chocolate-covered strips of cookies. Just writing about them makes my mouth water; I think I'll buy a box today! It's a pity that they're only available in Europe.

2. Music Videos- A great way to keep up with the latest fashion trends; and dance moves.

3. Watching TV (muted), while listening to the radio and surfing the web- simultaneously. This is absolutely forbidden when Matze is home.

The BEST Seafood Restaurant in the Florida Keys

The Fish House was recommended by Jordan, my masseur at the Hilton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As he gave me a fabulous deep-tissue massage, he recommended this delicious restaurant in Key Largo. The atmosphere was laid back, the employees were friendly and the food was amazing!. All the seafood is caught fresh by local fisherman and prepared the same day. The food was so good that Matze and I went back the next day. The employees recognized us immediately and greeted us with a warm “welcome back.”

Salzburg - "Salt City"

A couple months ago, Matze and I went to Salzburg, Austria, home of Mozart, and where the “The Sound of Music” was filmed. The country of Austria is also the heimatland (home country) of Arnold “The Terminator” Schwarzenegger, Governor of California.

There is so much to do and see in Salzburg, and lots of history to discover. The people are friendly; there is shopping aplenty, and a wide variety of food to choose from. “I’ll be back!”

A Night with Roy Hargrove

Grammy award winner Roy Hargrove and his quartet performed in Ingolstadt Thursday night, and I have to admit that this was the best jazz concert I’ve seen here since my move. The drummer was especially entertaining. His gestures were animated and so fluid that it looked like he felt the rhythm through his entire body right down to the tips of his toes.

During the first intermission I had a chance to talk with Mr. Hargrove. He thought I was a singer and was certain that we had met before – I wish! Hargrove commented about the interesting crowd and was curious why I, the only brown face in the crowd, was in Germany.

Our conversation ended with the dimming of lights, signaling that it was time for Hargrove and his band to perform their final set. I only wish I had more time to pick this 37 year-old’s brain.

Hey Bro, He looks a little like you!