Well, hello there! Or should I say, Guten Tag! That's a little formal, though. How about just hallo? Hallo! I'm here! And I brought you two Pfannkuchen! It's New Year's Eve, after all, and that's what Germans eat on New Year's Eve. Jelly doughnuts, that is. Ooh, and these ones are the best. Handmade, filled with sticky plum jam or a tart berry jelly, and light as a feather. You can have both! Go on, then. I don't even mind.
Oh my goodness, I've missed you so much. Yes, you, dear reader. And you, and you, and you. I missed you! Oof, I cannot ever go that long without blogging again. But I have a good excuse, I do. Let me tell you, transatlantic moves? Not for the faint of heart. Not even for the sturdy of heart. Transatlantic moves are a kick in the pants. No, a kick in the head! I do not recommend them, no sirree bob, not unless you enjoy a little bit of existential torture.
In addition to being responsible for a million forms being signed and faxed and emailed and who-knows-what-else, you have to sell your furniture (well, most of it anyway), which can be a little gnarly if you're like me and attached to the pieces that you painstakingly bought over the course of many years and that seemed to fit just so into many apartments, then you have to watch two pleasant enough dudes come and pack up what remains of an entire life, let's face it, and you aren't even allowed to help because then the insurance wouldn't apply, and then after saying goodbye to your friends and your streets and your city and that life I just mentioned, you still have to arrive. You know? I mean, actually get off the plane, adjust to the new time zone and realize that you don't have a return ticket. Ahem.
So I guess that's where I've been. Adjusting, unpacking, looking for an apartment, dealing with the absolute hell that is understanding bureaucratic German, buying health insurance, opening bank accounts and trying to quell the heartache I feel for just a moment every single time Jay-Z and Alicia Keys start singing about New York on the radio, the jerks.
And now here we are, just a few hours, in Berlin anyway, from a new year. And before we leave this old one behind us, I just had to write, to check in and let you know that I'm still here and that I cannot wait to get back to work. For the one thing that remains constant in this incredible, wonderful upheaval is you and this space. And let me tell you, I could cry when I think about what joy and peace that gives me.
So, don't let me keep you too much for now. It's a big day, after all. Make sure you have enough Champagne or Prosecco chilling in your fridge and enough loved ones around you to squeeze tonight, and then at some point today or tomorrow, or a few days from now, whenever you have a chance, remember that there's a girl in Berlin who is very, very grateful indeed that you're in her life. Thank you. And Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Luisa! Glad you have survived the upheaval in one piece :)
Posted by: Adrienne | December 31, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I cannot imagine all you have been through, but I am glad you seem to now see the end of that long ordeal!
And, of course that your sense of humor is still intact.
You've been one of my fav blogs I read & look forward to again following along with you, now from the city of Berlin!
Best of luck with everything and Happy New Year!
Richard T
Dallas, TX
Posted by: Richard T | December 31, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Happy New Year. Well I am excited to hear about your life in Germany. I have been reading for a few months come by the way of Shauna. Take good care.
Posted by: Charr | December 31, 2009 at 11:45 AM
So glad to know that you're safe and sound! To a new decade, and new beginnings. Cheers.
Posted by: Amanda Nicole | December 31, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Good Luck, lady! Excited to hear about adventures en Allemagne!
Posted by: To Kiss the Cook | December 31, 2009 at 12:07 PM
And here you are. I find myself trying to feel what you must have felt as you deplaned in Berlin and you were--are--home, not visiting. I hear you about stuff-attachment, but imagine the pleasure of rebuilding your new life, piece by thoughtful piece. It's sort of like permission to flirt again without having to feel disloyal to an old love. And for you, I hope that is true on many levels.
Just don't pitch the "Gee, this looks interesting..." recipe file! It's gold!
I am looking forward to seeing your Berlin and wish you the very best of years in 2010.
Posted by: Mary N N | December 31, 2009 at 12:08 PM
so glad you're back! i love your blog and have been checking back regularly hoping for a post. good luck in berlin and happy new year!
Posted by: agatha | December 31, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Here's to your new adventure; and I gotta say, I love a country that kicks off the new year with a jelly-filled doughnut. My kind of people!
Posted by: tom | tall clover farm | December 31, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Welcome back! And may the new year bring you many delicious adventures.
Posted by: hide the cheese | December 31, 2009 at 12:16 PM
wish u very happy new yr 2010,..
Posted by: notyet100 | December 31, 2009 at 12:17 PM
i've had you in my thoughts, luisa - especially since i understand that upheaval all too well. cheers to a wonderful new year, full of good stuff!
Posted by: BF | December 31, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I was just thinking about you today....wondering how your move was going and when you were going to pop up again! Change is tough. Hope you are enjoying the new sights, sounds and tastes. Happy New Year, Luisa!
Posted by: Kathy | December 31, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Happy New Year, and happy new beginnings! I'm so proud of what you've just managed to do - no small feat indeed. Wishing you all the very best in 2010.
Posted by: Clara | December 31, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Woo-hoo! So glad you made it safe and sound. You are such an inspiration. And really, donuts are never a bad thing. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Shauna from Piece of Cake | December 31, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Welcome back, Luisa! We've missed you! I can't wait to read up on your culinary and writerly adventures in 2010. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Lisa F. | December 31, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Oh, so nice to see you here again. Can't wait to hear about your Berlin adventures.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Andrea | December 31, 2009 at 01:52 PM
I've been waiting impatiently to know how your journey was and am so glad you seem to be settling in nicely. I miss the Pfannkuchen but there'll be plenty of time for those in 2010 when I get back to Berlin. The Prosecco's chilling though and we're going to have Bellinis and Zabaglione. Einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr Luisa und bis bald!
Posted by: Vanessa | December 31, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Happy New Year, Luisa! I feel your pain...and the joys that are to come too! I've moved from Malaysia to the UK and back 3 times, then I got married and moved to Rhode Island - and last year we moved to Colorado! You learn to live light and always, always, to enjoy the present. The geographical and emotional stability can wear on you at times but you won't regret it, ever.
Posted by: Raquelita | December 31, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Welcome to Europe - Glad you made it here. Trust me! Changing countries does get easier - Well, OK - a little. The first shift is definitely the hardest.
For me that was NYC to Crete and like you I still get a pang when something reminds me of the city I left behind.
After several intermediate stops I now live on an island off the north coast of Estonia - so we're almost neighbors.
Good Luck and lot's of fun getting settled into your new home. Happy New Year/Decade.
Posted by: Martha | December 31, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Happy New Year Luisa! We're in the same timezone now so it's not far away now. I've followed your stories for a while now and am wishing that everything is going to turn out just wunderbar for you :) And am looking forward to your book!
Posted by: kim | December 31, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Welcome to Germany! I made the move here from the US in August... you are correct, it's a trying adventure! Make sure you get an EC card with bank account (I wasn't allowed to get a credit card until the bank account had been open for 3 months) and temporarily extend the limit when you need to make big purchases such as furniture. Much luck for the new year!
Posted by: Melanie | December 31, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Happy New Year, Happy New Space, Happy Next Adventure to you. So glad to start 2010 with another post from you!
Posted by: Julie Varee | December 31, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Ahh...finally you are back! Sorry to hear that it's been a bit challenging dealing with the move, but I also sense that you are still very happy. Again, congratulations for your accomplishments and I hope to see you in the New Year!
Posted by: Kristin (The Pearl Onion) | December 31, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Happy New Year, and here's to getting settled and on course in 2010!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 31, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Happy New Year, Luisa! Glad you are safely landed and ready to begin your new adventures. I can't wait to hear about them!
Posted by: TheKitchenWitch | December 31, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Happy new year - or should I say - decade and a good start into your 'new' life.
We have a wonderful foodblogging scene in Germany and in Berlin.
You better get an account with EC-Card because not everbody accepts Credit Cards. And Master often is more welcomed than Am Ex.
I hope you still get an hold on Wednesday food articles because I love the recipes you choose.
Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland, Luisa.
Liebe Grüße Katja aka Kaffeebohne
Posted by: Kaffeebohne | December 31, 2009 at 06:41 PM
What a lovely post and I adore the idea of jelly doughnuts for New Year's Eve. Enjoy!
Posted by: Denise @ Chez Danisse | December 31, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Happy new year! Glad to hear that you are safe and sound. May 2010 bring you even more joy and excitement. From a silent longtime reader.
Posted by: Yazmena | December 31, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Welcome Home, Luisa!! My new year can finally begin because you are back!
Thanks so much and here's to a new future full of excitement, adventure, and lots of doing exactly what makes you happy.
Posted by: Kelly | December 31, 2009 at 10:21 PM
We missed you, too..
Posted by: Barbi | December 31, 2009 at 10:43 PM
welcome home, in more ways than one. :) glad you arrived in one piece, with jelly donuts to celebrate. (now I need a jelly donut.) can't wait to hear about all your food adventures in your new kitchen in your new apartment in new city ... so here's to 2010!
Posted by: jenny | January 1, 2010 at 01:26 AM
Luisa, thank YOU for being that girl in Berlin, that courageous and grateful girl who, despite the tremblings of her heart, swaps continents, and follows her dream!! Happy 2010 to you!
Posted by: anya | January 1, 2010 at 09:21 AM
So glad that you are back! I just discovered your blog and love it. I have already tried several of your recipies and they were big crowd pleasers.
Posted by: Simplegal19 | January 1, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Happy New Year Luisa!! What a difference a few years makes, huh? I wish you all the best for 2010, sounds like you're off to a good start already. xoxo
Posted by: ann | January 1, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Happy 2010 Luisa,
And congratulations! This is really quite an amazing adventure you've written for yourself, well done you. Wishing you all good things. xo
Posted by: gretchen | January 1, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Finally...you have been missed! What a maze of feelings you must have gone through; moving in itself is not easy, yet here you have shared just how amazingly brave and strong you are - BRAVO! The hardest part is behind you and the rewards are ahead. Happy New Year, and can't wait to see some pics of the new place, Berlin, the fabulous German food...oh what memories! Thanks for sharing with us Luisa.
Posted by: Charmaine | January 1, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Luisa! So wonderful to hear your voice from across the pond! You are a brave soul, that's for sure, making that New York-to-Berlin move. But I hope the new adventure still feels fresh and exciting. And by the way, yes, I would like some Pfannkuchen! {nom nom nom...} Delicious! And fun to say.
Posted by: Rose-Anne | January 1, 2010 at 10:41 AM
WOO HOO, she has ARRIVED!!!! So good to see your post Luisa!
I've been checking in daily, waiting impatiently, Wo ist dieses Mädchen?
And here you are, dear one!
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!! Did a little dance there, could you tell? Hee Hee! :)
Wishing you the best it's ever been in 2010!
Happy New Year Chickie!
Love from a grateful girl in Delaware,
Shawna
Posted by: Shawna | January 1, 2010 at 11:01 AM
congratulations for having the courage to live your dream. it is rare and it is inspirational, its like a little stone that tips my own courage scale toward the unknown possibilities vs. the known. thank you.
Posted by: carol | January 1, 2010 at 12:59 PM
You are so sweet. Happy New Year!!!!! I thank you for the wonderful blog.
Posted by: MarthaD | January 1, 2010 at 02:15 PM
Great video - thanx for the link. I made your sow's ear apple pancake this morning...it was great as always :) Hope all's sweet in Germany. Happy New Year!
~Ally
Posted by: Ally | January 1, 2010 at 02:27 PM
Welcome back -- I've missed you, too! Here's to a wonderful new year, filled with delicious food and the rich consequences of leaps of faith. Bon courage!
Posted by: Monica | January 1, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Congratulations on the big leap. I am looking forward to hearing all about your new life and new recipes. Happy New Year and Happy New Home!
Posted by: kristine | January 1, 2010 at 04:09 PM
Happy New Year Luisa!!
A new life in the new year. May this year and change bring you joy and happiness.
A faithful reader,
Janet
Posted by: Janet | January 1, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Happy New Year,dear Wednesday Chef- wishing you and yours a great year ahead
Best Wishes
Amy
Posted by: Amy | January 1, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Dear, Dear Luisa,
We are all SO glad to hear from you.
Off you go to 2010, leaving 2009 in the dust.
May this be the happiest of your years so far.
Posted by: Victoria | January 1, 2010 at 05:08 PM
Happy new you year, Luisa! I hope you're settling in quickly in Berlin - looking forward to all the upcoming posts!!
Posted by: Honeybee | January 1, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Happy New Year, Luisa! I just got back from spending Christmas in Paris so I'm experiencing the upheaval in reverse (although nothing compared to what you're going through). I found blogging to be very therapeutic my first night back when it was 4 a.m. and I just could not go to sleep. Look forward to hearing all about your new life in Berlin.
Posted by: Cathy | January 1, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Hallo und guten Tag from Munich.
I believe that with your last post you meant 'Berliner', which are by neither Pfannkuchen (=more similar to the French Crèpes) nor Doughnuts (the dough used is different and the shape and way of baking, ah well) but certainly very delicious.
These are only eaten in Berlin, nowhere else in Germany, so there will be many regional specialities waiting for you to be discovered in 2010.
Enjoy and Happy New Year.
Posted by: Carolin | January 1, 2010 at 05:42 PM
Hi Luisa, welcome back to the big "B". Hope you enjoyed the white New Year's Eve - a welcome present shared by everyone but meant just for you.
And Carolin - Berliners will disagree with your ideas about "Pfannkuchen", "Eierkuchen" and "Berliner".
Posted by: zeta | January 1, 2010 at 07:02 PM