And the News Is...
I know you've been waiting patiently. Thank you. But actually, the title for this heading isn't big enough, so again:AND THE NEWS IS...
We're moving to the UK!
England, actually.
And you're thinking... WHATTHEHELL!?!?
How did this happen?!?!
Well, I haven't been able to tell the general public because nothing was certain, but today was a big day. Today decisions were made; contracts were signed.
It all began about 3 weeks after we moved into our apartment here in Gruenstadt. We were happy as clams and then one day Riccardo received an email from the company with which he completed his practicum and graduate scheme. Though a permanent position he had interviewed for last year had fallen through, the company was now considering him for an EVEN BETTER position... in England.
Our first thought: NO WAY!
Our second thought: Well, we're greedy bastards. We'll see what they have to offer.
Their offer included a fabulous all-expenses-paid long weekend in England where Riccardo "interviewed" for the position. He was offered the job on the spot and we spent the rest of the weekend hurriedly looking for a suitable house to rent.
In the days since our England weekend we haven't stopped discussing the little details while awaiting his contract to arrive by post. There are lots of questions to answer: will the company have enough time to book movers for us - Riki's starting date is June 1st, and we've requested to begin letting the house May 29th? Do we bring the car, even though the steering wheel would be on the wrong side? What's the best way to get rid of our brand new closet, (too tall) brand new bed, (too wide) brand new washing machine (wrong water connection)? Will the relocation allowance provided by the company cover ALL the expenses involved in the move? Then of course there is making time for packing, getting me a visa, beginning a new job search, closing accounts and cancelling services here and beginning the same in the UK...
As someone suggested, yes, I am beginning to feel like a gypsy.
So what is the new job? Well, Riccardo has accepted the position of Marketing Communication Manager for an international design and manufacturing company of car components. The company has many well known car manufacturers in its client list. Riki's job will be to communicate between the various branches of the company, and more so, to communicate between the company and the public. And, something very exciting: this involves cool travelling like to Mumbai, India, Shanghai, China, Tokyo, Japan, etc. etc. etc. for international car shows - the annual events where manufacturers release their newest models - because he will coordinate the company's involvement in these events! ...of course this means my occassional tagging-along. ;D
And what of my life here in Germany? Well, as I mentioned, my visa was not approved and my faith that I'll ever be able to work here (without a marriage license) is waining. So in favour of brighter horizons in England, I will unfortunately have to quit the job I was looking forward to starting this summer. On the plus side, providing that I can acquire a UK work visa, the job prospects there are limitless since, well, they speak ENGLISH! I never intended to teach English forever, and am pretty excited about pursuing some other options. The lawyers for Riccardo's new company are already working on getting me a visa, and I figure if they can't get me one, no one can! In any case, I can stay in England for at least 6 months with no visa at all - though I still wouldn't be able to work.
And the house. In England, I've learned it is much preferred to rent a house, over an apartment (flat - ha!). Almost everyone lives in these "houses," which we North Americans classify as duplexs or townhouses. We found one that we like while there last weekend and are just awaiting the results of the very intense application procedure. It's a duplex, under our classification, and in a newer development in a town called Warwick, Warwickshire (10 kms from Birmingham, the second largest city in England) which seems like a desireable place to live. Actually, in England it is much preferred to buy a house, since real estate value is constantly and quickly escalating and, supposedly, it's fairly easy to get a mortgage (even a 100% mortgage), so I guess we'll start thinking about that before too long. The house is 3-bedroom, though two of those are only "single bedrooms," meaning that they're TINY, and will include a large-sized fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, and stove/oven. It even has a cute back yard! Those of you wanting to see pictures can email me for the link to the rental website.
Well, I'm sure I can find a box to pack... until next time...
oxox
i'm coming to visit!