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! So glad to see you back and looking forward to reading all about your Berlin adventures. Alles Gute!
Posted by: Tracy | January 1, 2010 at 08:44 PM
Welcome to your new home, Luisa, and Buon Anno! I'm glad your move is going forward, and that your spirits seem good, considering the hassle factor. :)
Posted by: Jennifer S | January 1, 2010 at 09:11 PM
Welcome "home" to this virtual space, and I hope your new life starts to feel like home really, really soon.
Happy New Year!--Sarah.
Posted by: The Leftoverist | January 1, 2010 at 09:37 PM
Happy 2010 - glad you're "back"!
Posted by: Kristin T | January 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Here's to getting through the yucky stuff as fast as possible! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Marie | January 2, 2010 at 02:58 AM
Glad your back.
Posted by: Magen | January 2, 2010 at 03:26 AM
Hi Luisa, hope you had a great time ringing in the new year. I wish you and yours all the best for 2010 and I am looking forward to reading you soon.
Posted by: Nathalie | January 2, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Happy New Year Wednesday Chef! Looking forward to reading your blog in 2010!
Posted by: evy | January 2, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Hi Luisa and happy new year from the UK.
Just discovered your blog have have spent a good while trying to play catch up with all your content! Great stuff and will be a regular reader through 2010 and beyond. All the best with life in Berlibe!
Dylan
Posted by: Fromcooktotrainedchefandbeyond.blogspot.com | January 2, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Well, what can I say - welcome to Germany and have a happy, inspired and fulfilling 2010!
And should you ever come anywhere near Kassel in the heart of Germany, you're most cordially invited to drop by and be our guest.
Posted by: Reuben Morningchilde | January 2, 2010 at 11:30 AM
You're back! You've been missed. Happy New Year! May 2010 be a magical year for you.
Posted by: Grace | January 2, 2010 at 01:20 PM
I was happy to check in a see a new post...Best wishes for a happy new year. I am looking forward to learning more about Berlin!
Posted by: Diane Turley | January 2, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Happy, Happy New Year! May it be filled with excitement and good cheer!
Posted by: cj | January 2, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Dear Luisa,
Great to hear from you, that you hadn't forgotten your blog-fans, happy to provide global continuity!
Chin up during the settling-in time, keep posting the treats, even if it does lead to inter-regional debate (welcome back to Europe!)
Happy 2010 ;)
Posted by: eloise | January 2, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Ah, there you are! Welcome back, Madame. And a very happy and healthy 2010 to you. xo
Posted by: Brettne | January 2, 2010 at 06:58 PM
Prosecco does indeed make for a Happy New Year.
Looking forward to reading about your continuing adventures in 2010!
Posted by: Rowdy Chowgirl | January 2, 2010 at 09:22 PM
Cheers to the New Year Luisa! Thanks for sharing your celebration, looking forward to your new adventures.
Posted by: janet | January 2, 2010 at 09:52 PM
Happy New Year to you, my dear. I cannot wait to see what it has in store for you. I have a feeling it's going to be big!
xox from the New World. We miss you out here already.
Posted by: Tea | January 3, 2010 at 12:43 AM
Happy New Year to you as well! Good luck in settling into your new life, can't wait to read all about it and all the new kitchen adventures that go along with it!
Posted by: Lauren Z | January 3, 2010 at 01:27 AM
Forest Hills is missing something now! But I'm happy to hear you've arrived and adjusted and are back in the business of blogging. Looking forward to reading about your experiences in the new year!
Posted by: CattyinQueens | January 3, 2010 at 01:41 AM
hooray! happy happy happy 2010 (punctuality's never been my strongest quality but hey...)
it's all probably been said/written by now but all the best in berlin and your new life, luisa.
p.s. I've had my cava and grapes in barcelona this year but have to say I've missed oliebollen a bit ;)
Posted by: la ninja | January 3, 2010 at 06:00 AM
Happy New Year Luisa!! I wish you an amazing and renewing New Year!!!
Posted by: Maeve | January 3, 2010 at 06:21 AM
Hey Luisa,
welcome in Berlin, you'll settle in and then you'll have a wonderful time in Germany, I'm sure you will!
Greetings,
Liza
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 3, 2010 at 06:26 AM
Happy New Year Luisa! May 2010 be a great german year for you!
Posted by: Mélanie | January 3, 2010 at 09:05 AM
You're back online at last. I tried calling the german authorities in the hope that they would make german bureaucracy a nightmare for you so you would come scampering back here on the first flight home. But darn it, you seem to persevere. Your readers write some lovely stuff but can't they spare a thought for the friends you have left behind in new york. we have a great big void in our lives that can't be filled:(
Posted by: gemma | January 3, 2010 at 01:22 PM
Luisa, Happy New year!
I look forward to drooling over your recipes in the next one, and hope that it is wonderful to you! xxx
Posted by: Lisa-Marie | January 3, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Happy New Year and good luck to you in Berlin.
Posted by: The Food Hunter | January 3, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Wishing you everything of the best in 2010 as you start your new life in Berlin and pursue your dreams! Looking forward to reading all about it x
Posted by: kathleen | January 3, 2010 at 08:38 PM
Happy New Year!
I'm so glad you landed safe and sound...
Posted by: merle b | January 3, 2010 at 09:18 PM
happy new year!
good luck with the move and your new adventure, etc!
Posted by: Hannah | January 3, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Happy new year Luisa! Have a wonderful 2010, looking forward to hearing all about Berlin as it is a city high up on my must visit list.
Posted by: Gemma | January 4, 2010 at 07:38 AM
HAllo Luisa, I am NEW to your Blog...just been directed over by Brian.
I can relate...but came the other way...Europe to Canada.
HAPPY NEW YEAR...it doesn't have to be forever, and looks like you have tremendous support!
Your blog is wonderful...I will be back.
Char
Posted by: Char | January 4, 2010 at 09:25 AM
i like your new header.
Posted by: michela | January 4, 2010 at 09:59 AM
So glad you made it safe and sound and are back to the blog. We missed you! Can't wait to hear how life in Europe turns out for you. Salutami Italia se ci vai!
Posted by: Jill Grossman | January 4, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Cheers to 2010 and new beginnings!
Posted by: Lecia | January 4, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Happy New Year Luisa!! Missing you over here but am glad to hear that you are slowly settling in. I know that 2010 will be a wonderful year for you! Sending lots of love.
Posted by: Carrie | January 4, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Hey Luisa, just discovered your blog and as a German girl I wanted to say Hallo and wish you a good start in the new city..As you probably know..it is a fantastic city....and I hope you find many great inspirations for your book.
Posted by: maria | January 4, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Luisa! It was so wonderful to see your post when I randomly checked online New Year's Day. But alas, I only had my Blackberry, which would not cooperate long enough to let me leave a comment. We spent NYE in New York (SoHo), having a relaxing, lovely, delicious, cozy dinner downstairs at a place you recommended - Peasant. Thank you so much, it was exactly what we needed in the middle of a crazed - but fun - weekend of family wedding activities (my sister's, not mine). Hopefully the next time we visit NYC, we will have time to see more of that wonderful city. Missed you! Glad to hear you have arrived safe and sound in Berlin, and am looking forward to reading about all your adventures there. xo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn (KitchenTravels) | January 4, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Luisa, it's so good to be hearing from you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your life with so many people you don't know from Adam (although you have made us feel like we do know you, through your willingness to be so vulnerable), even in the midst of limited time and a multitude of stress, uncertainty and adjustments. On the days when borrowing under the covers seems safer than facing a cold, oversnowed reality, please know that all over the world there are people who are rooting for you, whose days are made by your beautiful blog posts. All the very best with the transatlantic settling-in.
Posted by: Raquelita | January 4, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Hi Carolin,
in southern Germany they are called 'Berliner' and here in the Rhein-Main-Area around Frankfurt they are called Kreppel. There are also areas where they are called Krapfen. But in Berlin they are definetly called 'Pfannkuchen' and what you know as Pfannkuchen (crepes) are called Eierkuchen in Berlin.
Happy new year!
Katja
Posted by: Kaffeebohne | January 5, 2010 at 07:52 AM
lovely post,..wish u happy new yr 2010 ahead,..
Posted by: notyet100 | January 5, 2010 at 08:45 AM
I moved countries (continents) 5 years back and it is hard hard hard hard hard. But golly, the new adventures waiting.. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Claire | January 5, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Happy new year! I liked these Pfannkuchen. I would be a lot grateful to you if you could share the recipe. These can make a wonderful birthday breakfast treat!
Posted by: tastaturen | January 6, 2010 at 12:29 AM
Happy New Year Luisa! I look forward to following your new life in Berlin. All my best wishes for finding your niche there.
Posted by: Penny | January 6, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Good luck!!! you must be filled by emotions...some good ones and some others not so good...beginnings are hard...but you learn so much...and that's what makes all it worth...
Happy new year and new life
Posted by: intxaurtsu | January 7, 2010 at 02:31 AM
What a lovely post. :) I'm looking forward to reading about your German adventures!
Posted by: Jen | January 8, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Oh my goodness! Thank you very much for posting one of my favorite desserts of all time! Jelly donuts! I tried making this the other day and it was really delicious. It really went well with my coffee too. Great pics too. Happy New YEar!
Posted by: Michael Cavinta | January 9, 2010 at 12:58 AM
Lovely to hear from you. Welcome home, good luck hunting for your nest.
Posted by: Suzanne Quinn | January 10, 2010 at 01:54 AM
Welcome to Berlin! I made that transatlantic move a year and half ago and I don't even want to think about doing it again any time soon. If you ever need any help from a local fellow expat and cook, feel free to ask!
Julie
PS - you are so lucky you were in Berlin for the New Years celebration - I missed it this year :(
Posted by: Julie | January 10, 2010 at 05:31 PM
I have found a new idol. Every sentence, picture and recipe I have experienced thus far has only confirmed my desire to be a food writer. Thanks for the inspiration. And don't worry, whenever you miss the concrete jungle, know that someone here is pursuing their dream just like you have, and we are ALL connected through food. Good luck and Cheers!
Posted by: Jessica Kanat | January 10, 2010 at 10:30 PM