Move-in Day

After two fantastic weeks back in the State for Christmas filled with snow and family, it was finally time to fly back. No more will I have the safety net of a guarenteed flight home every month. It was time to make this move permanent. What better way to do that than to plan to get off the plane and immediately move into my new apartment?!? Having my own place would allow me to really settle in both physically and psychologically. It was really hard for me to think of this move as permanent while staying in a hotel or guest room. However, I neglected to think about how exhausted I'd feel after an 8 hour transatlantic flight. Moral of the story #1: If you decide to move in directly after a transatlantic flight, it pays to have the furniture already set up.

After landing in snowy Koeln, I immediately picked up my new rental car (one step at a time people) and made my way to work since that is where I had been storing my extra clothes while in the States. A couple hours there and then I loaded down the little A Klasse full with extremely large suit cases. The bicycle and stereo system that I had bought from a co-worker would have to wait for another day.

This time I had remembered to get a navigation system because although I had been to the apartment to view it two months ago, there was no way I could remember how to navigate the small city streets in my jet-lagged condition. Mylandlord is always happy and understanding and greeted me with a big smile when I arrived. I paid the deposit in cash because I still don't have access to my German bank account through card or online, but that story is for another time. After a quick tour of the place and which of the five keys I was provided did what, my landlord was off.

I have to admit after he left I had a strong urge just to plop down and sleep, but then I would be without clothes and food come the morning as I would surely sleep right through the night at this point (it was 1:30 in the afternoon). However, I pressed on and started the arduous task of lugging all my belongings upstairs. Now I know why they call it luggage! I don't think I have a lot when looking at my stuff unpacked but man does it feel like a lot when you are carrying it up three flights of stairs on your own.

While I was making my many trips up and down stairs, three guys were helping their friend move out. There was a lot of music equipment and random boxes that they were loading into a van. They offered to help, but they had enough to do and I didn't have any beer to offer as payment just yet. But wouldn't you know that as soon as I said I worked for the European Space Angency they stopped talking to you me! Come on! Just because I work for a Space Agency does not make me too smart or nerdy to be approachable and fun! Stupid Boys.

After all my stuff was IN the apartment (not put away for sure), I decided it was best to take a break by finding a grocery store to buy the all important TP, soap, milk, bread and beer to get me started. It was a good thing that my exhaustion was the only thing hurrying me because of course I got turned around trying to find the place and without my mental map established, I had no idea where this store was in relation to my apartment by the time I got there. No matter, just retracing my steps will work right?

I had totally forgotten how many "house staples" you need to get a place going. I totally missed things like salt and pepper as well as something for dinner that night, but remembered the peanut butter and some other very heavy items. So I set out with close to 50lbs of groceries on my back and was praying that I wouldn't get lost before my back gave out. Wouldn't you know I took a wrong turn down my home street and ended up on the complete other side of the neighborhood before I convinced myself it was all wrong and had to go back. What is normally a 7 min walk took my 30. I definitely got my exercise in for the day :) Moral of the story #2: When stocking an apartment for the first time, it is better to drive to the grocery store and make a list before you're exhausted.

By this point I couldn't lift my arms anymore so hopped on the computer to veg for a little while. I didn't think the chair I was sitting on was very comfortable and in trying it now can confirm that, but the combination of moving in and jetlag allowed me to fall asleep in it for over an hour. That was all I needed to have the energy to finish unpacking before settling in for a nice long bath to relax.

Now that I am more coherent I am really appreciating this little place and enjoy making it my own. I can't wait to show it off with a housewarming party and visitors!