I am learning to speak German, albeit, rather slowly. I really enjoy it here but mainly thanks to Oett. I haven't traveled around the country much so can't do many comparisons to other places in Germany. We live in a more rural-ish area and the only downside I've experienced is not much English speaking compared to the larger cities so Oett has to do all the talking. I get easily frustrated-like a stranger in a strange land feeling at times. And I miss American food and my friends and what not. But the weather is decent-fairly mild - like Pacific Northwest. Very green and environmentally friendly. Close proximity to other countries that I am looking forward to visiting. We are close to the Netherlands and a plane ticket to London or Dublin is around $40. Once I learn the language I think it will be a perfect paradise for me. And I just moved from Hawaii so I know paradise!
I have experienced this feeling and in turn, had some drastic literal moves moving thousands of miles away in life (like Germany recently lol) and I truly believe it gives you that "fresh start" you are hoping to achieve. It's liberating! All the people, culture, food, things to do is so different and a refreshing change. I love how nobody knows me here. All relationships, jobs, ridiculous past drama and stupid shit I have done is all left behind and no reminders of it. I know there is that saying "Wherever you go, there you are" and that your problems still follow you no matter where you are. It is true...but it is also a mindset. But guess what, my first morning I woke up in Hawaii and started anew, I certainly didn't dignify a single thought to my "previous life" except for maybe being thankful I was no longer a part of it. It was a new day at the start of a new life. And now here I am in a new adventure in another country not even missing Hawaii. Here I go again, much like the Whitesnake song.