Today began with a three dollar breakfast buffet that included all kinds of good foods like fried egg, various meats, soups, fresh coffee and fresh pressed soy milk. All for three bucks! I really think eating is the best part about this country, although it really requires a leap of faith, so many places to eat are literally holes in the wall with a vinyl sign in the front. (more…)

After what seemed like an endless airplane trip, I have finally landed in Ho Chi Minh City! The flight began out of Dulles International Airport with a three hour layover at Narita, Japan — overall flight time 20 hours. For the most part the flight was generally what you want out of a flight — uneventful. (more…)

Dear people, far and nearby – I thank you all so much for making this my best birthday ever. I never believed that I could have such a happy day so shortly after leaving my home country. It is so wonderful to see how all you germans are sending me your hearts, writing me your wishes and calling long distance. In addition I was blessed with another new circle of friends and family this year, that is surrounding me with love and make me feel like I am just at the right place in this whole wide world. And as if all that wasn´t already enough, there is this wonderful husband by my side, whose only goal it is to make me the happiest person ever. And man, does he make me happy!! I love you übelst, my Liebling! I love you my dearest family! And all of you! Thank you!

Happy Birthday dear Nicola. This year has been quite an amazing year hasn’t it? You crossed the atlantic ocean and got married the guy that picked you up at the airport. Now you’ve turned 28 and are ready to start your career! I can’t wait to celebrate your next birthday to see what an amazing year we will have together! I love you! -Lincoln

As of September 25, 2008 I am officially no longer a student. I’ve been living inside this warm and comfortable bubble of student status for the majority of my life and now all of the sudden I’m a brand new member of this so called Real Life. It’s a strange trade-off when you think about it. Here, I take a moment to list the pros and cons of each status: (more…)

finally things are moving!! No, we are not moving out yet, but we are at least two big steps closer to a great future. This week, after 4 and a half month of endlees waiting and frustration, I finally got an update on my immigration case: my work authorization and my travel document are being issued! It makes me feel like a complete, free person again. Not only can I start making money now, advance in my career, also can I travel and come back into the country. Isn´t that great? Now motivation is overflowing and I will send out my first application tomorrow.

In addition to that my awesome husband graduated from acupuncture school this week. He is now officially not a student anymore. That means he doesn´t have to pay for patients to come in anymore, but will make money through healing people. How great is that!

I feel like these two developments give us a lot more opportunities for creating our lives the way we want them to be. I´m all excited now and busy writing applications.

Thank you all so much for the support in the past few months!

Es wir mal wieder Zeit ein bisschen über die Unlogik dieses Landes, in dem ich lebe, herzuziehen. Anlass hierzu bietet ein eher unschöner Vorfall vor ein paar Tagen, als man mir im Café einen falschen Zwanzig-Dollarschein unterjubelte und ich drauf reingefallen bin. Erstens, habe ich einfach noch nicht so super viel Erfahrung mit dem Geld hier und zweitens sind die Geldscheine einfach beschissen gemacht. Dass alle Werte die gleiche Farbe, Größe und Aussehen haben ist ja schon mal die erste Unpraktikalität. (more…)