The Main Differences living here are...

1. The cheese aisle is as long as our snack aisle in America - and the cheese is cheap! Just bought a large chunk of Gouda for 2.50 Euro ($3.25) and a chunk of Blue Cheese for 2.85 Euro ($4 ish)

2. Wine is quite good and CHEAP as well....a WHOLE BOTTLE for between 3-6 Euro ($4.50-$9)

3. Gas is EXPENSIVE...a full tank is app. 100 Euro ($150)! Thank goodness this is part of the SAP-covered expenses

4. Most of the time, water is drunk with "gas" / "bubbles"....and purchasing water at a restaurant is more expensive then beer and soda

5. Everything is in smaller sizes: coffee (which is typically all espresso grind) is 4-6 oz or smaller, all liquids, meat...ok, basically everhing

6. Meat here is almost all made without hormones and perservatives..in fact, most everything is with less preservatives
  SO....trips to the market are more frequent (2-3x a week).....also to get decent/fresh bread

7. Have yet to see a school bus - everyone rides bikes or walks

8. Cars are MUCH smaller but very fast with smaller engines - and couldn't find them in the US.  Trips down the Autobahn will display Ferarri's, all levels and many high-end BMW's, Mercedez, Bagoti etc... (This is Tim's noticing NOT mine!!)

9. Speed limits are more flexible - going over 200 kph (120mph) is not unusual if traffic is low (just for sections)

10. People's facial expressions are non-existant -but they will stare - and end up being nice

11. No "Mega Churches" but Massive old Cathedrals ALL OVER

12. Castles of varying sizes are in most every town

13. Playgrounds look boring but upon investigation are filled with innovative designs

14. The age on the buildings are almost mind-blowing at times -- with many streets being cobblestone -- which also means dirty shoes and feet!

AND
15. The people here just can't COMPARE to all of our friends and family THERE!!!!

I'm also adding some more pictures of recent happenings....


Chloe enjoys the Heidelberg Zoo - especially the monkeys and hairy donkeys 



Rylee liked the elephants - and the goats & flamingos



Last time I walked these steps to the Heidelberg Castle, I was with Tim - before we were married or had kids!! Very surreal:)



Mother's Day at the Heidelberg Castle overlook the town and the Neckar River



A cool double-decker Carousel in the middle of Strassbourg, France-the girls loved riding on the top level




Rylee posing in France



Blowing bubbles while relaxing in a park in France

Watching the Seals with our new friend Valentin - and eating apples

Love to hear from you:)
Linda