life abroad Archives - Helene in Between

What It’s Like to Have Surgery Abroad

When I started this blog, I mean really started it, I had just fallen 20 feet rock climbing. Unable to move, I spent my time writing. I wrote about a lot of the things that I had going on in my life, and of course, my recovery process with my broken ankle. I never dreamed that I'd be put in the same situation in Europe. I wanted to share what it's like to have surgery abroad because it is so ... Read the Post

10 German Phrases You Need to Know When Visiting

The German language isn't the most romantic language, but it's straightforward in it's construction and they mean to get to the point. Just like many Germans! For example the word for "gloves" in German is "Handschuhe" which literally means hand shoes. Who needs words like mittens or gloves when you're just talking about your hand covers?! When visiting a country it's nice to have a handle on the ... Read the Post

Life Update

You know that friend that is classically clumsy? Falling all the time? Spilling on her stark white shirt? I never thought I was that girl. But apparently, I might be. And let's get real, I am known to wear white and spill. It was a wet and snowy day in Leogang, Austria. The weather couldn't make up its mind to choose light fluffy snow, rain, or blizzard-like conditions. But it was our last day ... Read the Post

Why I Moved to Germany

If you looked at a map and could pick any place in the whole world to live, where would you choose? Maybe you're partial to the sun and sand. Maybe you crave the mountains. Maybe you love a bustling city or the quiet countryside. Whatever it is, we all have our preferences when it comes to a place to live. A few years ago, my husband Michael and I decided we wanted to live in Europe. We traveled ... Read the Post

The Best Fall Festivals in Germany

Fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves are falling, the pumpkin spice lattes are steaming, and the festivals are all around. Before moving to Germany I was worried: how could I recreate my love of The State Fair of Texas!? Luckily, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The festivals are plentiful; almost every small town to big city boasts a fest this time of year. Each one has it's own ... Read the Post

10 Things No One Tells You When You Drop Everything and Move Across the World

One year ago I was meticulously packing up my two suitcases, beads of sweat dripping down my back as I lugged them back and forth from the scale trying to get the weight to right at 70 pounds. It was at 82. I needed to be right at 70 pounds because I was carrying my whole life overseas, but if I went over, it was going to cost me. At the time, that was my biggest struggle. Little did I know what ... Read the Post