Settling in

It's been almost two months since we arrived in Berlin. Slowly we are learning how to navigate the city and we are finally starting to feel a little more settled. Last weekend we decided to add some color to our otherwise white wohnzimmer (living room)! We picked a nice earthy orangy-brown to compensate for our lack of pictures and wall hangings. The place is beginning to shape up and is feeling more and more like home. Besides our home decorating ventures, we have been busy with work and play. Matt is enjoying his position at Max Planck and I have recently become employed at the Berlin Metropolitan School! It is an international school right in Mitte, Berlin's historic and exciting center. I am currently a long-term substitute but I have been offered a full-time contract for next year! So thankful for the opportunity to gain international teaching experience as well as some new teacher friends!

Almost finished!

Matt showing off his painting skills

Finished!

Local Market-goers

This morning, after sleeping in until 11am (long week!), we walked about 2 blocks to Boxhagener Platz....a large park with ample sidewalk space for fabulous weekend markets. On Saturdays, many shoppers with their reusable bags in tow arrive for a large open-air food market. All sorts of vendors return weekly with their delicious cheeses, breads, fruits, veggies, eggs, fish, jams, meats, oh and did I mention cheese?? I am in heaven. This morning we stocked up on egges, bread and veggies for the week. Tomorrow the same neighborhood platz hosts a flea market. Last week we scored 2 comfy leather chairs and a sweet dining room table set. I wonder what we'll stumble upon tomorrow?

Mmmm...fresh brot!

We couldn't resist buying some spuds named "Laura"!

A view of our new neighborhood

Home Sweet Home

How fun it is to set up a new home! Sure, the lugging of the heavy furniture and hours of IKEA-building are not necessarily activities of choice, but once it's all said and done, it is just so NICE! We are in love with our new place. It couldn't have worked out better. Initially, the daunting task of setting up viewings and securing a desirable place to live seemed close to impossible. This was actually the first (and only!) place we saw! It is in a lively, hip location in east Berlin with lots of cafes, pubs and shops all within walking distance. The one downside is Matt's commute - one hour each way. He has stocked up on some good novels at a local English bookstore to help pass his daily train ride. Here are some pics from the last few weeks. As of today, we are online here at our new place, so expect some more updates soon! Once we get the place set up a little more, we'll pass along some of those photos as well!

Matt built our new bed with his handy swiss army knife!

Reading up on our new fridge

The view from our new balcony...I think we'll have to wait for spring to really enjoy it!

Halloween at "Hairy Mary's" - an English pub

Matt and Jong on Halloween with our friendly waiter