Airing Out Your House "Luftung"

Congratulations! You have your new home to live in. It is so exciting and hectic at the same time. People will be telling you all sorts of things you need to know, and half of it you will forget. One thing you can't forget is that you live in a humid climate. Another thing you may have noticed is that German houses are made very well. What is different is that here in Germany you won't have central air conditioning, you won't have air conditioning at all for that matter. Heat you ask? Well heat will either be from heated floors or radiators.  Not quite what you are used to but it is easy to adjust to.

Potty Talk - All About German Bathrooms/Toilets At Home & On The Road

Let's get right down to the most important thing you need to know about Germany and their Bathrooms away from home... they cost money. This concept was very odd for me and I honestly was a bit intimidated by it.  So, here I am to try and make this really easy on you.  Continue reading to find out more...

GameStop & What You Gamers Need to Know

I am sad to say there is not a GameStop on post! While this is very frustrating there are some things I have found that are quite a benefit to being in Germany when it comes to gaming. So read on and don't despair.  Here is the lowdown of what I have experienced first hand.

Polish Pottery Trip Through MWR

One of the things I was really looking forward to when I arrived in Germany was going on a Polish Pottery trip! Having heard such great things about buying the pottery at the source for such great prices, I was eager to go see for myself. This trip was not disappointing at all.  These trips appear to be offered in the spring and summer here at Grafenwoehr, and they go once a month. This is wonderful because if you want to go back, and you will, then you only have to wait about a month to do it! If you want to go on any of these trips book them quick!  Continue reading to find out more.

Easy Day Trips Through Bavaria Outdoor Adventure and Recreation

One of the things I love to do and I am sure most of you will want to do is get out and see the beautiful country we are in!  When you first arrive you may not have a vehicle waiting for you. However, don't let that stop you from going to see the area. The Army MWR has adventure trips that are either day or weekend trips booked through the MWR.  The Outdoor Recreation Center on Grafenwoehr is Wild Boar Outdoor Recreation.

Off Post Dining that Delivers

I got this wonderful list from the Tower Barracks Hotel. If you are wanting to order food to your hotel or you happen to live on post then this is the guide for you.  I hope this information helps you out. I will  update it as I find more delivery options.

Cheers Diner - American Food
www.cheers-delivery.com
PH: 09641-3544
PH: 0176-6320-0423
Alte Amberger Strasse 30
Hours: Mon - Sun 1545-2300
Credit Card: Yes

Da Peppino - Italian Food
www.restaurant-dapeppino.de
PH: 09641-45-4054
Neue Amberger Strasse 181
Hours: Tue - Sun 1100-1400 and 1700-0000
Credit Card: Yes

The Kitchen Sink - Seriously it is about the sink

I thought I would share some of the things I had to figure out once I moved into my house.  One thing is the kitchen sink, at least in most of the German houses leased by the Army are small.  The typical one is a divided sink without disposal. I haven't heard of anyone having a disposal in Germany. Don't worry I will talk about that as well. I will use a lot of pictures to convey what I am talking about.

Typical Sink

Self Help - A Wonderful Bonus

Building 394, DPW Railhead

House Hold Hazardous waste, collection point 

DSN: 475-6331

Monday - Wednesday, Friday 09:00 - 15:45 Hours
Thursday 10.00 - 17.00 Hours
Saturday 08:00 - 14:00 Hours

Follow this LINK to their web page.

I went over and found the Self Help store here on post. I wanted to find out, as most of you do, what it is they offer at this post. I was really pleased.  Here is the scoop:

Shipping A Four-Wheel-Drive Truck or SUV to Germany? Make Sure It's LEGAL!

I consider myself someone that does a lot of research about the area we are moving to.  I am not usually surprised by anything.  When we found out we were moving to Germany we searched everything we could about what is allowed or not with our vehicle. Was it too wide for the roads? Gas will be expensive.  Tinted windows were fine, roof racks were fine, we don't have a lift kit or other modifications on our vehicle, and we just purchased new tires to get us through any snow storm Germany wants to throw at us, so we figured we were golden!

USAREUR Drivers License

Thank you Living In Germany for this post.

Grafenwoehr offers USAREUR drivers classes and tests.  Your service member will be signed up for a class as part of their in-processing. Dependents can't go on the day they have set aside for service members. However, they do have other days during the week for you to attend. Plan on 3 or 4 hours. You will watch a video, go over review questions together, then take the test. If you pass the test you simply pay your fee and you will have a temporary drivers licence that you can drive with! They will accept credit cards for payment.

About Housing at Grafenwoehr

Housing Service Office, Tower Barracks

Bldg 244

DSN: 475-7091

Civ: 09641-83-7091

Int: +49-9641-83-7091

Hours:

Mon - Thu 0800-1130 and 1300-1530
Fri 0800-1130 and 1300-1430

The housing office is easy to find. It is in the same building, 244, where your service member (SM) signed into when you arrived via the S-bus.  It is on the first floor to the left. There will be signs.

During their first day of in-processing they will get a brief from housing and fill out information for housing.  If you already emailed your housing application in advance then they will have you in the system already.  Once your SM has filled out the information you are free to meet with the housing representatives. I found them to be very helpful and kind.

Grafenwoehr Lodging - What You Need to Know

Thank you Army.mil for this image of Grafenwoehr Lodging.

Army Lodging Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks)
Bldg 619
DSN: (314)475-1700
COM: +49 (0)9641-9-3640
Email: usarmy.grafenwoehr.imcom-fmwrc.list.army-lodging@mail.mil

Lodging is going to be your top priority if you want to make sure you have a room that is both pet friendly and large enough for your family to be comfortable in for the duration of your stay.  You can have it all if you are proactive and engage your sponsor.

The Bus to Grafenwoehr

The time is upon you. It is your final jaunt to your new post! When it is time to catch the bus you will show up at the designated time. You would have been told when to show up the night before. Please don't be late, we all want to get to our final spot and relax!

After Landing at Ramstein...

Willkommen! Welcome to Germany! Hooray you made it!

Alright, now you've landed and you just got off the Patriot Express. Great job getting this far without any hassles. Take a deep breath and be prepared for what is next.  Patience is your friend, don't forget that. Besides, you have all this information which most people don't have. You will be fine.

Traveling with Cats

Abby taking a nap

When I found out we were moving to Germany one of the first things that popped in my mind is what to do with the cats.  I adore our "little girls," as I call them, and their comfort on a long trip is very important to me. Actually it is a huge concern because unlike their furry friends the dogs, I can't take my cats out on a leash for a walk at the airport to do their business.  So, I was in a quandary.  There was absolutely no way I was going to have my girls penned up in their little carriers for almost three days!  I did a ton of research and I am happy to share it with you in the hopes it makes your kitties lives easier during their transition to Germany.

Grafenwoehr PX

Address: Bldg 700

Phone: 09641 9363151

Hours: Mon through Sat: 1000-2000 Sun: 1000-1800

The size of this px is what I consider medium-large. If you have ever been to Fort Carson or Fort Leavenworth they are the same size as this PX.

Demystifying Transformers/Converters USA to Europe

There are several models you can choose from when selecting a Voltage Converter.  Be sure you know what the voltage is of the appliance you intend to use.  Save the box or instructions that your device comes with so you can reference them.

"When selecting an Autotransformer, it is essential that a suitable model is selected of an adequate power rating (VA/Watts) for its intended use. In all cases it is important that the transformer is rated "ABOVE" that of the appliances with which it is intended to be used."

(This is a guide and must not be used as a definite list, check individual rating labels or instructions whenever possible)

Here is what the instructions say they can do:

100W USA to Europe Voltage Converter (Tacima brand): $30+
Mobile  phone Charger, Portable Radio, Personal CD Player, Games Consol, Epilators, Computer Printers, Heat Lamps, Nebulizers.

Patriot Express Before, During, and After

I wish I had this information ahead of time. Although, your actual travel experience may be different.

Flying with pets:
First, if you have pets, as soon as you have orders make sure you get into your transportation office (with an appointment) 90-days out to get a pet slot, which are limited.  There are very limited slots for in-cabin pets. In-cabin pets are small pets that will fit under the seat in front of you.  Larger pets will go in the luggage area. There is a fee for pets that you will pay at the ticket counter in BWI. For our cats we paid $120 each. Also, at the check in counter at BWI, have a copy of your bilingual (German/English) Health Certificate ready.