I love hearing your stories. I arrived in Germany in 1990 with the US army, fell in love with the country and after leaving the army in 1995 I'm still here.
So did my uncle (but it was more the 1980th), came here with the Army (visited the PX with him once), he met my aunt, they fell in love, got married and after that he became a permanent resident. :)
I was an exchange student here from '91-'92 and didn't want to leave but I did due to not having time at the end of my stay to find an alternative. I had always wanted to come back but life kept getting in the way. In '15, my ex-gf from '92 contacted me, we started talking again, she came to visit me in the US, and I moved back here two months later. We are now married and it's been amazing ever since. Btw, I think that you just stayed for the butter pretzels.
I have been studying here for nearly a year, with a little over a year to go. I do not want to go back to the USA, I have fallen in love with Germany and Europe as a whole.
@@michaela6016 Working on it, If I cannot find the work before my US Study Abroad program is up, I will simply try to find a Degree Program here so I can stay longer lol.
My Mom came to Germany from the US in 1968. The first day in Germany she met my father. They got married and had 4 children. In 1993 they left us children in Germany and moved to the States. 10 years later, my brother moved to the States. Both countries have advantages. I like both, and I am annoyed by both. 😅
I studied in both Göttingen & München back in the 90s, and I would have loved to stay. I loved the language, culture, and people. I love going back, although it’s not very often. Even after all these years, I still think of it as my 2nd home.
Unsere Sprache ist in der Tat, wahnsinnig tiefgängig, wenn man es lyrisch bis ins Exzessive treibt. Aber diese Zeiten sind vorbei und sprachliche Sinntiefe stirbt, in Zeiten der Verrohrung der Sprache, der Vergewaltigung der Sprache, der Quer-Verkulturisierung der Sprache durch sprachliche Fremdeinflüsse...das tut schon weh🙏🏻
Hi, Nick, I was in your shoes (or similar shoes) about 30 years ago when I moved from Northern California to Berlin to work at the headquarters of a german insurance company while getting also paid to play semi-professional for a Berlin Regionalliga tennis team. Was supposed to be a 2 stint and in my 2nd year I met my future wife. 30 years later I am still loving life in Germany with my wife and daughter. I am really impressed with your often funny and entertaining, but also very insightful videos sharing your experiences as well as pointing out various differences between life in the US and here in Germany. Got to tell you that you really nailed so many topics that either amuse me or sometimes frustrate me regarding germans or life in Germany. I also really like how you always point out that it is almost impossible to generalise about typical "german traits", since they vary a lot even regionally. However, some things like the "relaxing" german supermarket grocery shopping experience with the wide aisles, cheerful and relaxed salesperson at checkout....can be found all over this great country. 😂. We do try to visit the States each year, though, and the 30 days paid vacation in Germany makes it possible. That has helped me greatly and my wife and daughter love visiting the US. I look forward to hearing and seeing what lies ahead for you in this new chapter of your life. All the best.
Ja aber auch daran wird die Zukunft nicht spurlos vorbeigehen, also der bezahlten 30-Urlaubstage....all die großen Errungenschaften werden grundlegender Veränderungen unterzogen. Du kannst bereits seit Jahren hervorragend beobachten, wie Gewerkschaften Stück für Stück zersetzt werden und die Mitgliedszahlen schwinden, einfach, weil kleinste Infrastruktur durch Großkonzerne eliminiert und ersetzt wird, die dann vorgeben wo künftig der Hase lang läuft. Aktuell werden unsere wichtigsten Industriezweige, das Herz dieser Nation herausgerissen bzw chirurgisch präzise durch katastrophale Laien-Politiker und EU-Puppenspieler entfernt - und was soll dann kommen? Realistisch bitte?
Also: Imagine many old people. They are only able to receive snail mail. Can't end up in a spam folder. Can't be "accidentally deleted" because if the post can't deliver it you get it back. Then there is the privacy of the envelope.. I agree we should move on to email but that should then be somehow normed, eg. with GPG... Current old email also has its problems to be solved but if everyone would be forced to use a commercial messenger it would be much worse.. I would start a benevolent association (Gemeinnütziger Verein) to make an authentication bureau similar to a Passamt for everyone where every citizen still has control on what data or privilege to grant to whom, independent from the state but under public scrutiny.
Any means capable of leaving a written record was the EU’s wording in a number of Council Decisions and Framework Decisions. Perhaps this never made it to Civil Law.
@@robertbutlin3708 the problem is not on the EU level as some - line Estonia - are the most digital on the planet. Germany never changed the local laws. And then there is Strom data protection. E.g. German schools were not allowed MS Teams during the pandemic as it was not considered sufficiently secure.
@@tobiwan001 I wasn’t suggesting it was. But if there had been a Civil Law Directive from the EU requiring all countries to “make electronic documents legal” then Germany would have had to follow suit by amending local legislation.
While some things need a written document by law (for example if you want to receive unemployment benefit) this is not the major problem. Most things have to go by snail mail because of our "glorious" laws regarding data privacy protection. E-Mail is seen as comparable to a postcard (which everyone can read) so most stuff containing personal data (which is 99% I guess) can not done per E-Mail. Digital stone age but required by law. :(
I've allways lived in appartments in the attic. They are just the most cozy and soo nice to decorate. Would not want to change that for a normal flat. I overcome the heat in the summer with a good ventilator.
I live near Grafenwöhr and there are many americans who decided to stay in the area after their service overseas. They are all great people. Always friendly, integrated in our local culture but also in love with their own and always down to joke around.
Germany is a good place for culture these days. People are supportive of the arts. The pace of life is sane and the quality of life is good. All the best on your projects, Nalf! Keep writing the next chapter-
Nick I really can relate to your decision. I grew up in Germany, studied in Italy and then moved to Greece. And me and my husband are talking about how we're also open to reinvent our lifes when the kids will have moved away for good (we live on an island, so whatever the kids want to do, they'll probably have to leave if they don't want to work in the tourist industry). Good luck. Just stay open and curious, it really makes life sooo beautiful ❤️
Hallo Helga, Grüße aus Süddeutschland. Bin hier geboren und aufgewachsen und lebe nach wie vor hier. Mein Vater war aus Italien, meine Mutter aus Griechenland. Ja, es ist sehr wichtig, offen und neugierig zu sein. Dann passieren meist schöne Dinge. Bei mir war es u.a. ein längerer Aufenthalt in Irland, als ich im Urlaub spontan entschlossen hatte, ein Jahr zu bleiben 😄. Eine unvergesslich schöne Zeit. 🙋♀️🌻
Hi Nick, I can relate to all that you are saying. I came as a british soldier to Germany in 1983 and after 7 years of service, I stayed here. I had quite a lot of chapters here, changing jobs, towns and one or two relationships. Now, I'm at that stage where I don't want to change anything anymore. Returning to the UK would mean going to a foreign country,. Or getting a job in some place new very unlikely at nearly 60 years old. So anyone who wants to do something new, do it now, because there is never a better time.
Uk has changed I am sure. It's not only Brexit, the country struggles on different fronts. Wide open future with a lot of uncertainties. But isn't that the case everywhere. Your comment sounds a bit melancholic, kind of resigned. Yet here or there it'll be what is there to be for you. Panta rhei. .
If you have family in the UK, spend long holidays with them; otherwise it’s better in Germany…… believe me, I did the move the other way round about 40 years ago and I now wish I had stayed back home…… that’s what Brexit did to me!
That's great that you are back in Germany. I have learned a lot from you about US American culture and customs. I am glad and I hope that it continues with your channel. Good luck! Greetings from the region "OWL"
Haay Nalf, hows Mickey doing - is he setteling in just fine in Germany or has he dropped the German adventure? - nice to hear yer still think the life in Germany is exiting and thrilling, and its still exiting to see your experience with the life in germany as it goes by. looking forward to the next one.
I have been to Germany a couple of times and not even once to America but, from what I see and learn on the internet, I know for sure that as long as you are well, anywhere in the world is fine, when instead you get sick you wish you were in Europe. I agree with your choice because for me Germany is better.
Best of luck! Just remember, don’t let the bad days make you forget about the good ones. Living in a foreign country can be both very exciting and extremely difficult. The fact that you have friends and your girlfriend around you will make it much easier, and I’m very happy to see that you decided to stay. Also, was that coach Esume?
I have followed you for years and I love your stories. If I were younger, I would consider moving there. I am too old now even though I have in demand skills. Also, I am two generations from my closest German ancestors so I do not qualify for dual citizenship😢 my Dad was stationed in Munich before I was born in the Army and he loved Germany 👍🏻
Hope you stay. Wish I hadn’t left. Built a career in the UK and now I wish I had gone home after a few years and hadn’t stayed. Hate the Brexit bullshit and the English exceptionalism in the UK. Also, the press is so right-wing here, it’s sickening, didn’t know this kind of reporting back home.
You weren't born here, but you're of the same kind. I met iranians, chineses, russians who were in a kind german like me. Germany is dying because of the self-hating Germans. We are Germans, not only Europeans, not Anglosaxons, not Americans. We want to remain german. You are invited to follow and complete our mission for the world!
Respect! and "bon chance" with Stuttgart...BTW would I be wrong to guess that technically for the German authoritiers you are not just an US citizen but an (Italian) EU citizen who could live, stay and work in Germany rather easily?
His Italian ( so EU citizenship) makes a world of difference in being able to come/stay here. Without that, he would have many more challenges/difficulties.
Glad you stay😊. I wish you the best for your chapter 2 in Germany. I appreciate your videos and your perspective of life here. You are an amazing storyteller and video-photographer. Looking forward to all your new stories. 🤩👍
I absolutely love this page. Wish I would have found it sooner, or RU-vid would have suggested it sooner, but luckily I can go back and binge watch the old videos. Excited to be here for the next chapter!
Germans don't really like to move a lot. Yes, maybe during College/University, they might move but mostly within Germany. Overall people tend to stay where they grew up and that's how you maintain a certain kind of circle of friends and you basically stay close to what you know. To Americans this might sound weird but that is normal to us. I am glad you continue your journey/adventure in Germany and you can stay where you are and still explore the rest of the country. It's not like it takes days to get from the eastern to the western border compared to taking a ride from NYC to LA.
Couldn't you become a professional football trainer for youth? This is such an interesting sport that deserves to have a more prominent role for German kids and teenagers.
I wish you a good and happy time in Germany! But please stay away from the beer-lederhosen-and-bratwurst stereotypes (by all means: avoid Oktoberfest!), go for the softer tones, art, culture, museums, outdoors, music (and festivals) and again, outdoors, hiking and biking and whatever makes you happy. I am sure, your sports-friends will show you around. While you are learning the language, use a smile, eye contact and some body language and people will - like in any other country - love you for making an effort to learn the local language. Enjoy and have fun, now and until September is the season (November and onward is less fun).
I am 70 year old American that lived 25 plus years in Germany and Austria . One thing you will learn fast is the life style in Europe is a much better Balance .
Thank you so much for your interest in our country to stay even longer. This is quite a compliment - because it shows that you seem to have such a lot of desire to understand how life here is and that is wonderful....
Many people come to Germany or other country and start the new life from the bottom without any help from others, they have to find the place to live, learn new language, place to work etc. Those are the real struggles..
It's good that you're staying connected to football. Finding a way to stay connected to your foremost passion - even if not in a playing capacity - will anchor you as you deal with the transition.
Best wishes. I think you've got lots of opportunities. Coaching, management, PR for a sports club, making commercials as videographer,... Or try something completely new. You're open and willingly to learn new stuff. I'm sure, you'll make your way.
I wish I had the same optimism when it comes to moving to the States. I feel like it's easier to settle down here than over the ocean. Plus I'm too much used to my "social net" to give that up. All the best! I'm sure you'll make it!
Been here 11 years, kind of shitty at the moment, but health care, and just something about Europe, keep me here...in the USA I would be bankrupt from healthcare costs, in Canada, in long waiting periods...just need a better location to live in (Bayern)...
Welcome to Germany and good luck for your plans. Indeed, we can use a dose of this typically exaggerated American optimism and "let's do it" very well in these times where one crisis follows the next. 😉 And you have chosen the most German of all German regions (Stuttgart & Swabia) for this, okay, THIS man really wants to know. Seriously, all good wishes for you (your spouse and you)!
If I remember correctly, you have an Italien passport, so using EU rules you can stay as long as you want and don't need any other paper work (like visa).
By the way, big cities usually are very expensive. Berlin is a little bit the exception to the rule. But if you choose it, your experience will be absolutely completely different to the life in Schwäbisch Hall. Munich is very beautiful but one of the most expensive big cities - but it might be closer to our experience that you had up to now as it is also in the South. Cologne is called the most Italian city of Germany and it is close to the Rhine river which plays a big role in German mystery. But the experience might also differ a lot to your life in Schwäbisch Hall. Frankfurt is often called Mainhattan and plays a big role as far as Germanys banking sector is concerned. In the East, Dresden is very beautiful and has been called the Florence of the river Elbe, Leipzig has a lot to do with books and Potsdam is close to Berlin but not really Berlin. The East would be a completely different experience as there are still differences because of the reunification not being that long ago so yu might be able to learn a bit about the younger past of Germany that does not have to do anything with the 3rd Reich and is a little a dive into the unknown for most people. who come from other continents. Hamburg of course has often been called the door to the world because of its big connection to trade overseas but I believe you had quite a bad experience in Hamburg... I am very curious which big city you might take.
I hope you stay,but of course listen to your heart,if your journey takes you to other shores,we will still follow (if you have us riding along). Due to our past i have a hard time enjoying the landmass i was born in. Seeing my own country through your experience here for the past 6years+ have made me appreciate things,and dislike others even more^^, in this country we call germany. Came for some vibes,stayed because of you adding your own vibes. You do you Mr. Alfieri and iam sure you will have a wonderfull part 2 of your journey here in germany...or perhaps somewhere else. All the best from sunny schleswig holstein ^^
You’ll be fine man. You have proven you can do tons of stuff beside football. And besides, the girlfriend is enough reason on her own! Good to have you here.
Signing things is a BIG thing in Germany for documents to be valid. That's why we still have so much paperwork. 😉 And digitalization is stuck in 1980. Sad but true.
Give it shot. I think you could also try other european countries. Each one is so different. Spain, Italy, Sweden would give you a totally different experience
Wow. You move from the south of germany.. To the south of germany. Man. That's all disneyland. If you want to see the diversity of germany, you have to see the east, the Ruhrgebiet, the northern part and so on. Germany ist so beautiful because it is one country with many mentalitys.. Hope to see you in westfalia one day!! Thank you for your work and all the best for you and your girlfriend!! 👍
Enjoyed the show. Fun as always. You have communication skills that most germans don't. It may take some convincing to get germans to appreciate your style, but certainly there is one attractive female who gets it. Keep up the good work.
Which side of the pond do I like better? Both! There are things I like here such as languages, culture, & history. There are things I miss back home. I miss wide open spaces in the States & Provinces (yes I’m including Canada too). I would love to drive again along the coast of California or camp in the boundaries waters of Minnesota. I would love to spent part of the year here and the other back in N America.
I do financial consulting for expats here in Germany and I have so many clients who originally only planned to stay a couple of years and then were so in love with the country and the people that they decide to stay long-therm.
Sounds like a plan. I never quite had it like you did during your pro career. I had to dive right into every day Swiss life. But it wasn't difficult, because I was able to earn some money, more the longer I stayed. Meeting your life partner helps also a lot, for that adds to the attractiveness of the new home. But at the end of the day you havee to experience, analyse and decide. There is no right way, only the way that's right for you. OTOH, Schwäbisch Hall is so charming. We met really shortly on the street right before your championship game. It was actually my 2nd time in your lovely town. There are a LOT worse places you could live your life in. Good luck and let us know what's up. Love your insight ad commentaries.
Nalf, you are getting older as well. Tough crazy wild young times are gone and now you open a new chapter in your life which shouldnt be far away from a well known comfy area and most important not far away from your love of your life . Well, dont bother with it, make the best out of it. And just a hint, as you are not doing so much sports any longer, take care of your belly. Every Butterbrezel counts now. 😀
1:39 “SEND ME AN E-MAIL” - No. Delivery of e-mail lacks many qualities paper mail has. If you get something like an RSa- oder RSb-Brief, you got to go the post office in person, sign it with your own manual signature, with the receipt in question returning to the authority that sent you the letter, this time-tested procedure _is extremely hard to mess up or tamper with._ In fact, e-mail, due to the possibilities of manipulation, does not per se count as evidence in court, while “snail mail” does. Contracts, important documents,… are all in paper. For *forensic* reasons. My own attitude so such an outcry (“e-mail”, “like in a modern country”) is: Typical Ami, knows nothing about the reasons, but cries how backwards others are, while the system is actually _superior_ to what the U.S. has, and: Did you know that it is absolutely possible (here in Austria, and most likely also in Germany) to get “official e-mail”? You have to do a few things via paper-mail first or show up in person, with personal signature/attendance and everything to establish proper identification, after that, electronic communication with authorities is open to you. How 'bout that? Id...t!
One thing I hear again and again from people in sports, is how tough the year after retirement tends to be, trying to find a new place and purpose in the world for yourself, after a time where everything in life was centered around training, etc. This transition would be tough enough if it were to take place in your own home environment. You are trying to sort all that out while being in Germany. Again others might move to Germany for a job and thereby have a clear purpose and they just have to work through the logistics of doing all this in a different country. Difficult enough. You are trying to do both at once. I can sense your frustration, but also your determination to keep fighting. I hope you can find a path for yourself, and can manage both the career transition as well as life in Germany. Alles Gute...
