04.24.06
Fresh Air
After being confined to our apartment for nearly a week, the cold weather has finally left us. It is so nice and warm.
We discovered that our new friends have arrived safely in Dresden. One of my best college buddies, Becky Brady, has a twin sister, Carrie. I haven’t seen Carrie in nearly 10 years. She is married to a guy who works for the same company as Jason.
Amazingly, Asuka (Carrie’s husband) started an expat contract only a month after Jason started his. I found out about this a few months ago because originally (before we found out we would also be coming here), I told Becky that we should plan a trip to Europe while Carrie and Asuka are living here. Never did I know that I would also be living here temporarily!
Carrie and I decided to take the tram to downtown Dresden today. It was so nice to learn new things. Carrie had been here several times before, so she knows the area pretty well.
First, Asuka drove us to the Markthalle to grab some lunch. Seeing as I had been eating terribly last week, I jumped at the opportunity to eat any form of protein I could find. I ended up eating Chinese food just to be sure to get as many food groups as possible. Asuka went back to work, and Carrie and I hit the town.
She and I went all over the place – the Neustadt and Altstadt. I couldn’t believe how much we had covered until we went out for dinner with the guys and was telling Jason all that I saw today.
I feel better going around town. I also learned about the Tram Police. Carrie pointed out that you must have a tram ticket that has been time and date stamped, otherwise, the tram police will kick you off and fine you 65 EUR on the spot. The Tram Police don’t always check for tickets, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Carrie and Asuka are here longer than we are, so they are actually moving into an apartment in the New Neustadt. It is such a nice area. There is a café right next to their apartment building. Ahhh…Europe.
I now sense that I really am in Europe. I’m so glad to have a friend here.
Today also marks our son’s 9 month death anniversary. I cannot believe how quickly time flies and what a turn our lives have taken. We miss him so much. It was nice to get out today. I am in a better place now and can talk about it freely.
It’s also my nephew’s one month birthday. Happy Birthday, Christian!
