With just over three weeks remaining until I up sticks and move to Berlin, it’s fair to say that THE FEAR has me firmly in its clutches. I’d estimate that around 5% of me is excited, while the other 95% wants to get under my duvet and hide. In fact, if I hadn’t announced publicly that I was leaving, there’s a pretty good chance that I would have quietly chickened out of the whole thing by now.
For just €90, you too can move in style
Of course, it would be the easiest thing in the world for me to stay. I’ve worked hard over the last couple of years, building up my company and my reputation. Even when it seemed like my reputation was circling the drain, with people telling me I’d never work in this town again, somehow things turned around and I got more work rather than less. People here know me – a blessing and a curse – and most of them like me and trust me. Staying would be the logical thing to do.
But, I know in my heart that I do not want to stay in Latvia long-term. While I’ve had some good times, there’s just too much about this country that annoys or saddens me. And while ‘blog me’ is happy to have plenty of ranting material, ‘real me’ has been struggling for some time now. Believe it or not, I don’t actually want to be angry or sad. Plus, I have to leave before this ever seems like a good fashion choice.
This was sent to me by Jānis and his lovely wife. It’s the ‘gift’ that just keeps giving…
So, I’m off to Germany. You might be wondering about THE FEAR – after all, it’s not my first time moving country. It is, however, the first time I’ve moved like this. When I moved to Poland, and later to Latvia, I had a job lined up. The schools even provided apartments – I guess they need extra incentives to persuade people to move to this part of the world. I got picked up at the airport, dropped off at my new home, and had a job to go to a few days later. My move to Germany is a bit more like jumping off a cliff, and hoping my good looks, in-depth knowledge of all things leopard print, and a bit of luck of the Irish save me from being smashed to pieces.
Hello baby. I’m coming for you…
Naturally, I’ve been diligently firing off CVs to every language school in Berlin, but the few that have got back to me want to wait until I’m actually in Berlin to have an interview. So, I guess the plan, if you can call it a plan, is to keep my Latvian company open for a few months until I can set up a German company. Then I start pestering every school in person, hoping someone takes pity on me and gives me some freelance work to get me started. Then I just need to find somewhere to live… Easy, right!?
There really is no plan B, so a few months from now, you’ll either be reading about how fabulous my new life in Berlin is, or reading about how this Irish expat fell flat on her face.
I guess it will probably be entertaining either way.
Expat Eye on Latvia 
Good luck in Berlin! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
I can’t believe I’ll be there this time Wednesday!
You’ll be fine, and now I’m back from Asia! Any info you need, you know how to contact me. I can’t remember if I sent you the expat FB page where people are always looking for room-mates, flat shares, buying and selling, etc. Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/berlinexpats/
Re work: Irish charm always helps and so does keeping the old company for a while, until you’re established.
See you in Berlin!!
Better polish off my Irish charm – haven’t needed it in a while 😉 And thank you for the link! I’ll be in touch! 🙂
I wish you the best with your settling in Germany. Id say that fear is good and usualy for the best. With the attitude and energy like yours you could get your business going anywhere you like 🙂 All the best from me!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that! 🙂
TOTALLY AGREE!
🙂
I wish you all the best but I just want to let you know that you remind me of the working me. 🙂 And I love your writing style and sense of humor. It’s good exercise for my jaw, cheeks & mouth area. 😀
Ha ha! Thank you! And thank you for following! Stay tuned for the German edition 😉
Everything will be fine!! In Germany everything works, everything is organized. Berlin is a cheap city, way cheaper than Munich, and accommodation won’t be a problem! And Im sure you will find a great job 😀 fingers crossed for you!
My mam was reading through the comments last night and sent me a text to say isn’t it wonderful how lovely and supportive everyone is! And I must say – it is! I feel 100 times better about the whole thing now! Thanks! 🙂
I think your new life is going to be fabulous … and I sure hope your blogging friends are given a peek into your world to join you vicariously on the journey!
You’ll probably be begging for less information after a while 😉
And thank you, Cindi! 🙂
Wait a minute. You don’t even have a place to stay after you arrive in 3 weeks??? What in the… ??
I’m all for adventure and taking risks, but shouldn’t you at least know where you’re going to sleep?…
Ha ha! Don’t worry – I’ll book a hostel or something! Finding somewhere temporary isn’t a problem – finding a long-term, affordable, NICE place is what concerns me!
I’m hyperventilating over here.
And I thought I was stressed about it 😉 Haven’t reached hyperventilation stages yet! 😉
Change is scary. That’s what it boils down to, nothing more than that! And I’m sure you’ll find plenty to rant about in Germany… After the small town feel of Riga, you’ll definitely enjoy Berlin!
Yeah, I think I’ll miss that actually! I like how compact Riga is – and that I can walk (almost) everywhere! But at times, it also feels too small so I won’t miss that! 😉
I agree with this too….bigger cities have SO MUCH MORE opportunity – – and many more options for everything…housing, jobs, organizations, etc… You are going to kick some major @#$!!!
And any kind of change is scary…..but stimulating too. No living the zombie life. You know??? The autopilot life? Ugg…that scares me more than change. Gosh…if you can succeed as you did in Latvia??? Think of all the cool stuff you will be able to accomplish in Berlin!
Ooh, this comment has got me all happy and excited! 🙂 And yeah, I snot rocket on the zombie life – onwards and upwards 😉
I have the utmost confidence! Besides, you could always set the new leopard-print wearing fad in Deutschland!
Would the Germans pay me for that, I wonder? 😉
Good luck with your move!
Btw, why did you come to Latvia? I’ve never really visited Poland, but their economy being in a better condition than ours one would expect it being a better place to live/work?
I didn’t like the place I was living – or the school! I had to get out after a year or I would have gone mad. After that, I just wanted to go to a capital city anywhere and the school here had a lot of perks!
Oh, you’ll be just grand! A big change just requires motivation, optimism and resourcefulness which you have heaps of!
And fear is good and having all of life planned out is boring! And you won’t fail, as you know I’m coming to visit 😜
That’s a good incentive! 🙂
Thanks Jude! I hope it’s enough!
You’re my personal hero! If you can’t do it, no one can!
I’ll be saying this in my head when I get there! 🙂
These things have a way of falling into place. When I decided to move to NYC years ago, I quit my job and terminated my lease before securing both in the Big Apple. I didn’t really like either my first job or apartment, but they were just stepping stones to get me where I wanted to be. Just remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect from the get-go, nothing is permanent. And it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind!
So true! Yeah, I’m expecting a rocky road in the beginning, but hoping it gets easier over time! I’m not afraid of hard work – or slumming it for a bit – so let’s hope it all works out! 😉
Good luck with the job hunt! I’m guessing you’ve already applied to Wall Street English?
If all else fails, you can try offering Nachhilfe (that’s basically after school lessons for kids who are failing certain subjects – in your case you’d obviously be giving Nachhilfe for English).
I’m in touch with Wall Street alright! And Linguarama – waiting to see if anything comes up. Nachhilfe sounds like a good option as well! Thanks for that! 🙂 Do you approach schools directly to do it?
I’m not sure. It’s more of a private thing, so you’d need to get the message to parents… schools could maybe help. Do you know Heather’s blog (http://heathergoesdeutsch.wordpress.com). I think she’s done some Nachhilfe in the past, so she might be able to help.
Great – yeah, I’ve recently started following Heather – funny blog! Thanks for that! 🙂
You’ll be great! I had my biz for 30 years Linda. When it comes to hiring, I can spot a winner a mile off. (Two of my sales agents were Allison Tolman and Lily Taylor. They’ve done okay. ) You’re just one of those people. You’ll be fine!!!
I’d you get spooked, just tell yourself “there’s no time like the present!”. Once you meet mr. Right, and have kids etc, your priorities will change. All you have to worry about is you right now. Enjoy that!
Sorry for sounding like a mom. Bit it’s my prerogative for having lived this long. 😉
Ha ha, no, it’s fine! The more moms the better right now! I need voices of reason 😉
Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith to save your own sanity!
And Berlin, I’m sure, will surprise you.
Here’s to hoping you land on your feet 🙂
Like a leopard 😉 Well, hoping they’re like cats 😉
Haha I’m sure they are. Graceful too. 😉
That sounds like me 😉 No, wait, probably graceful like a hippo rather than a leopard 😉
*gigglesnort*
You and me both sister! I’m more a blind bull in a China shop.
Ha ha! Well, it would be boring if we were all leopards 😉
Berlin is a magical place to live, you’ll find your way, your place, yur job and lots more. I miss Berlin!!! Good luck with your move and think positive, always!
Thank you! I’m doing my best! In between freak-outs 😉
I think it’s totally normal to be anxious about the unknown and what comes next. Moving to a new place is always daunting
One thing that was really difficult about moving to Madrid was finding an apartment. I tried looking online before I arrived, but I literally had NO idea what neighborhoods and prices were like, let alone the delicate art of negotiating. The first apartment I went to see was a dump–no light in the (disgusting) bathroom, some crumbling doors, a dog that wasn’t cleaned up after…and the roommates actually sat me down and INTERVIEWED me. A full-on interview about what I could bring to the place. ACK! That was a shock, but luckily after that there was no where to go but up.
Ok, that was a bit rambling. But ANYWAY, all of that to say–there are so many things that you can’t really deal with or grasp until you arrive. If nothing else, you come out with a great story for the ‘ole blog 🙂
Ha ha! That first place sounded like a nightmare! Did you tell them you could bring a pooper-scooper? 😉 I think it’s going to be an adventure alright – watch this space 😉
PS. I’ll answer your questions today or tomorrow!
Haha, if only I had known the word for pooper-scooper in Spanish… Ah, if only I had realized the price was too good to be true
You were really lucky to have help finding a place in Riga!
And–no rush with the questions! Just whenever you have time 🙂
Cool 🙂 Yeah, it was the decider in coming here – I was thinking of going to Budapest but everything was set up for me here. Took a lot of the hassle out of moving!
My hat is off to you. It’s not easy moving period. Throw in a different country and language and it’s downright scary. But I know you’ll do great. It’s quite an adventure, and a really exciting one at that.
Do you have to set up a new company if you get hired by a school to teach English? Do you work for several different schools simultaneously?
I don’t have to set up a company but I have a few clients from here that I can take with me – proofreading and writing for blogs, etc. Hoping to do the same in Germany – in time! I need some way I can invoice people.
The freelance teaching will be separate to this. Something to get me out of the house – if I can find a house 😉
You’re not jumping off a cliff. You are on a trampoline, and a leap to Berlin might take you higher….em…maybe I should have thought this out more…imagine a series of trampolines…anyway it’s not a cliff…there will be no disasters.
Ha ha ha! A series of trampolines sounds like fun 😉 That’s how I’ll try to think of it!
Embrace the new adventure! I think you’ll be happy. 🙂
I believe that too – which is why I’m making this crazy move! 😉 Should be interesting if nothing else!
I don’t believe you will fall flat on your face. You might at times feel like you’re headed that way, but you’ll catch yourself (or be caught) in time. You’re too smart to fail. Too resourceful. You’ll find a way to make it work if you really want it to work, and I believe you really want it to work 🙂 The simple idea of moving back to Latvia should be motivation enough 😉 Keep that photo of the lady decked out in animal print near you at all times! Whenever you feel like hanging it up and heading back to Latvia, take it out and ask yourself, do you want that in your face every day for the rest of your life? I’m confident that alone will spur you on to success in Germany 🙂
Ha ha! That’s an excellent idea! No, going back to Latvia will never be an option. I’d go back to Ireland for a while and save up before moving somewhere else if it all went horribly wrong.
Must buy a frame 😉
all will be good. Germans love to practice their English and you ll make lots of friends.
Thanks, Emmi! Hoping they’re helpful when it comes to helping foreigners with their German as well 🙂 I think I’m going to need a lot of that 😉
Come on, you know you’ll charm the city, and someone will pity you enough to let you crash on their sofa if the flat turns out to be hard to find. And you’ll love it! And I’ll love reading about it.
I love your faith in me! 🙂 But let’s hope it doesn’t come to the pity sofa 😉
You’d get the pity sofa only if you wear the leopard print, otherwise it. will only be the Helbing Hand that youd offer to any cool People You Meer too 😉
I’d be afraid of what they might expect in return if I wore the leopard print 😉
Roarrrr!!!
🙂
From what I hear from my native English speaking friends a teaching job won’t be hard to find. And as for apartments – in this country most seem to be found a week before the actual move. You really have nothing to worry about! In the worst case you can always temporarily sublet a “WG Zimmer” by convincing some German student that their stuff will be in good hands while they’re having some semester break fun 😉
Somebody else told me about that WG thing – always an option! And this is very encouraging! Thank you!!
By the way, “that”:) is good style in the UK and America, too. I always remember about you when see this print on ladies everywhere. Don’t know about Germany, but better avoid these countries for sure.
I’m hoping for sensible shoes and lederhosen and not a trace of leopard anywhere! 😉
You cannot wear lederhosen outside of Bavaria… you have much to learn 😉
Incidentally, once you get there maybe you could take it upon yourself to teach Germans the difference between the “g” and the “ch” sound. (As in “Germany” vs. “China” etc.) It’s driving me crazy.
Ha ha! I’ll do my best 🙂
And yeah, I kind of knew that about the lederhosen – still, I like them 🙂
It’s now OK for girls to wear them. IN Bavaria.
I can’t wait 🙂 That will be some photo shoot!
Well, soon they’ll be pronouncing the “th” the Irish way, at least, rather than as a ridiculous “z” sound. That’ll be an improvement.
A marginal improvement 😉 I think I pronounce my ‘th’s just fine though!
I shall ask Anna about that in a couple of weeks…
I’m looking forward to hearing her Russian/American English 😉
I dunno… she got to the US pretty young… I doubt she’s got much of a residual accent.
Trying to remember what Rhode Islanders sound like!
I wonder if you can wear ‘Lederhosen’ (presumably, several, and possibly – all at once) outside of an insane asylum. 😉
I’ve seen plenty of people wearing them – not as a joke! But that was in Munich 😉
I sort of meant it as a bit of word play – ‘Lederhosen’ is plural, not singular (German seems to love hating the vestigial Indo-European dual number: ‘Schere’, ‘Brille’, ‘HOSE’, arrr).
But, while lederhosen looks like something that’s come out of a particularly weird sexual game (leather, straps, pretty revealing, makes you look like a schoolboy, regardless of your age – what’s this all about?!), as far as traditional ethnic clothes go, I think it’s okay.
I’d probably even agree to wear a pair, but topless – they should go well with manboobs, and with an ushanka – for local flavour, and in case it’s January. 🙂
I’ll get working on my man boobs 😉
Well, you still have three weeks to switch to the world-famous Latvian peas-and-lard-only diet, and buff up the chesticular appendages the way real men do! 😉
Mmm, peas and lard. My favourite 😉
BTW, have you ever tried sklandrauši?
Is that the carrot thing?
Yeah, they’re carroty. Like this (now I’m almost scared to show you these 😉 ):
http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Nerdator123/media/P5016304.jpg.html
Yeah, I think I almost had one once 😉 I think the ‘orangeness’ put me off 😉
Try them, while you still can. The orange bit is a carrot mash with sugar, caraway and cinnamon, while the rest (the potato mash, and the rye base) is savoury. They are really wonderful: I am really surprised when tourists (or expats) here are fed peas and pig snouts/ears as something local and traditional, when we have this simple and quite unique snack.
Where’s a good place to get a decent one? I don’t see them in many cafés here.
I am really not an expert here, I know that they are undeservedly unappreciated – and I have mostly eaten home-made ones (primarily my own). They sell pretty good ones in the Prisma supermarkets (at least in the one in Domina). I could ask around, if you’re interested.
It’s not really that important 😉
Certainly not, but if you do try them, you will leave Latvia knowing that you have tasted the one traditional gastronomical item Latvia has to offer that is both a great dish, and something that doesn’t try to give your cardiologist a heart attack. 😉
I think I remember someone telling me Top had them before. I’m never near Prisma or Domina. Top could be done though.
So, do try them when you get the chance. 🙂
Sure! I’m shutting it now, it’s sounding like a hard sale already. 🙂 (As if the General Exalted Potato-Carrot-Rye Combine paid me up to five percent per person convert… ugh, nevermind.)
Ha ha ha ha, get some leopard print lederhosen.
OOOOOH, I’d look hot in those! 🙂
It has got to be done, what a post that would make. just the tag irish woman in leopard print lederhosen, would drag people to your blog
A whole new range of fashion ideas… the merchandising possibilities are endless 😉
Beware! One step further and it’s leopard codpieces!
Those who don’t risk never drink champagne. 😉 You have the grip. So I am sure that you’ll succeed. 🙂 But anyway don’t burn them bridges. There are people in this country who would be happy to see you coming back or at least visiting from time to time. And I am sure that you can call those folks to help you if things become desperate. By the way your humble servant is one of them. 😉
Aw, thank you honey! I might come back for a visit now and then – and you’re always more than welcome to visit me as well! Provided I have a roof over my head 😉
Sure I will! Just stay in touch. 😉
Of course! 🙂
She has the grippe? She should stay in bed til she gets over it and then move! No wonder she’s stressed. 🙂
But seriously folks, jump off that cliff. You’ve got a pretty decent hang glider (metaphorically speaking).
Closes eyes and… 😉
Turns into a pink flower.
Ha! We wouldn’t see that coming.
I really want some of what you’re smoking 🙂
You’re the second person tonight who’s accused me of smoking something. The first was my husband, too, sitting right next to me.
We might be onto something 😉
Unless they’re putting weird stuff into their mosquito fog these days – nothing. The mosquito fog might be worth checking out, though.
Wear a mask – though it might be too late 😉
I’ll pick one up and we’ll see what happens 🙂
🙂
I have a feeling you will be fine. Sounds like it is all part of the adventure. Plus you are a woman you can always resort to prostitution.
Ha ha! I had considered it 🙂 But I’ve seen some of the women that work as prostitutes there – I’m not sure I could compete with that!
Your mother would be ashamed of that low self-esteem. She would tell you that you would make a great hooker!
Ha ha! That made me laugh out loud! She reads the comments so I’ll ask her later! 🙂
This has made me feel ridiculous about my dragging out the move to Madrid 😉
It’ll work out. And if it doesn’t, come join me in Spain. Plenty of work for you there.
Well, I am a huge fan of Madrid, as you know! Any update on your moving plans!?
…uhm… no. But I’ve not changed my mind. I can’t stay in Toledo long-term. I just can’t.
Yep, sounds like you’re in the same frame of mind as I am – now it’s just a matter of making the leap! Maybe you can read about mine first and find out how NOT to do things 😉
I’m very much hoping that your kicking yourself into action will rub off on me. I need to get this show on the road. I feel all… stagnant and cabin fevery.
I love being an inspiration 😉
Makes a nice change, doesn’t it?!
Ha ha! Yes, it does 😉 I might do it more often 😉
You will do great. It’s Germany I am a little worried about 😉
Ha ha! The perfect comment! 🙂
I reckon you’ll be fine. (Not that be ever risked leaving here) I guess you could pretend it’s like an extended trip…. And only stay if it works out?
There’s always moving home I guess, but that would feel like the ultimate failure (sorry mam) 😉
Nah. That’s plan F. Last resort stuff. And if that happened it would just be a break not a failure. It should be fine!
Fingers crossed! 🙂
Every choice is a step forward, Linda. You’ve got every skill you need.
Thanks Liz! I’m sure the ability to spot leopard print from a mile off won’t be too much in demand, but hopefully my other skills will be! 😉
Ach! You know how to charm people, be direct, chat to strangers, travel when you aren’t familiar with the language, access new places…
Well, I am very charming 😉
Stop now!
Ha ha! OK, consider me (charmingly) stopped 😉
Just do it!
🙂
Best wishes on your move. I’m sure there isn’t much leopard print in Berlin.
God, I really hope not! I’ve had enough to last me a lifetime!
And thank you! 🙂
Starting something new without a backup plan is commendable. Fear of going hungry is a heck of a motivator to succeed. I predict you will do well.
Let’s hope you’re right! 🙂
Ah, well, I know how you feel on this one, to some extent. I do have a job lined up in Portugal, but my missus doesn’t and there is that similar sense of “are we doing the right thing at all?” going around our heads from time to time.
It would be so easy to stick with what you know – hell I even like the place where I live, to a large extent. But when I really think about it and think about the elements that don’t work, for either of us, I know it’s the right thing.
It might be a rough ride for you, to start off with, but I’m sure that all the things you mentioned above and that whole “being good at your job” bit will see you through. Then I can come visit and drink beer out of silly giant glasses and eat curry wurst! 😀
Among other things 😉 Really hope things work out for you guys! I guess if we lived in our heads all the time, we’d never do anything interesting. Sometimes I suppose you just have to make the leap! 🙂
Exactly. Just having balls gets you a long way!
Metaphorical balls that is.
Ha ha! Thanks for clarifying! 🙂
Stay! As we say, it’s better to be the first man in your village than nobody in a city. There are way tooooo many expats in Berlin, way toooo many people looking for jobs and apartments, you won’t be special over there, but you are in Latvia 😀
I’m not sure I’m special in a good way though 😉 A bit of anonymity might be nice for a change!