Munich First Impressions

Man I wish I had spent more time with Rosetta Stone!!! The language barrier is something that we are working through. At the Munich airport our first goal was to get luggage, check. It all arrived intact, now on to the rental car. We were worn out at this point and the rental place had reserved us a manual transmission vehicle and took their time trying to find a suitable vehicle with automatic and room to carry our 5 suitcases and four people. Finally as KF was about to have an accident I hear Cindy tell the lady "I just need to get this done so I can take my daughter to the bathroom!"And now we are off to find the car which was backed in to a tight space so I could not get the luggage in. The plan was to pull out and pull back in to the space forward, the problem was that other cars were coming around the corner of this parking garage so fast there was no time.There was also not enough room to get back into that space. Solution......pull over to one side as much as possible to allow the cars by while we loaded up. Leaving the airport was not bad since we have a vehicle with navigation. We were immediately one of the famed Autobahn highways and people were whizzing by us even though I was going over the posted Km/h. We made it to the hotel and checked in and finally got some rest.

Three days later I think we have mostly adjusted to the time zone and Cindy is at her first day of work. We all drove up there together and dropped her off to get her residence permit. The kids and I got some things accomplished, now we are just trying to stay cool. I have no phone yet so Cindy and I are communicating via email so I know when to pick her up.

Speaking of communication, I need to get on my Rosetta Stone classes. We have tried to order tap water about four times and each time we get a 7 euro bottle. We even asked our relocation specialist how to order it and they still brought it in a bottle. We also learned about tipping. I have been taking the 19% tax and leaving a little more for a few meals. The reaction from the wait staff has been good, well come to find out that tips are optional and not expected. If you get really good service you can leave 5-10% more but usually no more.
The beer has been as advertised. Every time we let the waiter choose the "best" beer they have brought out the Weiss. Last night I ordered a lager and I think I enjoyed it even more.

The people so far.....
I guess comparing the people that we have encountered here vs in Dallas is most relevant. So we only think we move fast in Dallas. These people drive fast, talk fast, and are in a hurry to complete what ever task they are doing at the time. The difference is the overall attitude. Bavarians will let you know they are there but you don't get the muttering, hand gestures, or other forms of frustration boiling over and in your face. When it is time to sit down and have a beer or a meal everything slows down. The waiters will not pro actively bring your check, you have to ask for it since so many people sit for extended periods reading or talking. This is why I think I will really like this place. That describes my existence. When I have a task, I just want to get it done so I can get back to being on "my time". I don't enjoy driving, it is a means to get a task done faster so get out of my way people!

During the next few days while Cindy is working I plan on getting the kids to a couple of activities they will enjoy. We will let you know how that goes.