Our new home

Welcome to my new blog Oederweg about the adventures of two Americans and one little Vietnamese girl in Frankfurt, Germany. Until a few days ago we all lived in a small house on Culver Street in Somerset, New Jersey. This weekend we moved into our two bedroom apartment on Oederweg. It overlooks a wooded park area, which is great for Bruno, our dog. The old building has a wrought iron gate, worn wooden stairs, high ceilings, and radiator heating that works in most rooms. We live about 1 block from the nearest train station and grocery store. There is even a Vietnamese restaurant close by so that Gianna can get her fried rice. Speaking of Gianna, the first night was a little difficult, she was asking to go home. Both her and Bruno are a bit confused, but are enjoying all the new experiences like riding the train and escalators.

Here are ten interesting differences I have noted so far between the US and Germany:

1. mustard and tomato sauce comes in tubes like toothpaste
2. coin operated shopping carts
3. bring your own bags for shopping
4. dogs are allowed everywhere except playgrounds and the supermarket
5. chicken is scarce
6. cars park half on the sidewalk, half on the road
7. almost everything is recycled, even styrofoam
8. you can't buy chlorine bleach
9. stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays
10. Woolworths still exists

And here are some photos from around our apartment

Gianna in our kitchen with her Tết bush

Gianna and Bruno in her giant bed

View from the front of our apartment

View from our back balcony