A European Adventure
September 5th, 2021
The Kelpies just outside Edinburgh, Scotland
Nearly four years ago we embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as we traversed halfway around the world to relocate to Berlin. We always knew our stay in the German capital was temporary but it never had an end date until a few months ago when I accepted a position working on a new game in Edinburgh. While we enjoyed many aspects of life in Berlin, it felt like that chapter was coming to an end and the right time for us to leave.
On a Monday in late June Logan graduated from Kindergarten and by the following Monday we were packed up and moved out of our flat. We stayed two nights at a hotel down the street to take care of some last minute details and then headed out on a week-long odyssey which would inevitably end in the Scottish capitol.
Last garden party with the crew from Alte Schönhauser Straße
The first leg of our journey took us on the Autobahn to a little town in the central German countryside. Weimar is a small region that famously carved out it’s own nationstate in the aftermath of WWI where the people remained free for a little over a decade. They were one of the last regions to fall to the Third Reich in the build up to WWII and their independent spirit can still be felt in the culture.
The second day of driving took us back to Wehrheim where we got to visit with Oma and Opa for a few days. The town and area was just as beautiful as always in the Summer and it felt good to be out of the city and back into the countryside.
After a few days it was time to catch a train out of Frankfurt to Amsterdam where we’d spend a night before taking the ferry across the channel to the UK. Amsterdam was gorgeous and it felt like we had the city to ourselves for much of the time we spent there. It was Independence eve, and I couldn’t help but to think of all the amazing historical adventures which took place over the same days centuries ago. John Adams secured funds to fight the British on the 3rd of July as an ambassador while his son, John Quincy, was dispatched to secure additional allies as a young teenager. There is so much history in this place but it was special to be there during a shared remembrance between the US and the Dutch.
Our time in Holland was short lived as our ferry left the next evening. We boarded the boat, had dinner as we said goodbye to the European mainland, and by the next morning we were sailing along the English coast with Newcastle insight. As we landed, our train to Edinburgh awaited and we arrived at our new house within two hours to began our new adventure.
Nearly four years in, Berlin hardened many of our sensibilities but it’s been an absolute joy to watch all that sharpness fall away like a summer Scottish rain. It’s funny how such a simple difference can change an entire perspective in an instant.
Over the past months, life has changed in many ways. After years of not having a car we are once again avid motorists as we navigate driving on the wrong side of the road while traversing a plethora of roundabouts. Everyday we are so amazed and happy with how friendly and welcoming the Scotts are.
The first few weeks we focussed on getting settled but it wasn’t long before we were out exploring the local beaches. After a short walk down the river, the forest opens up to expose the glory of Blackness Bay. For the past weeks this has been a regular walking, biking and running path that we just can’t get enough of.
Once we secured a car, we started venturing out further and further to discover all the lovely beaches and seaside villages.
We’ve also been seeking out the local fresh water spots with visits to Loch Leven and Loch Lomond.
The rolling hills and lush green countryside are also a sight to see. We had the ability to check out a famous art installation called The Kelpies and a cool yearly festival based on the life and work of Sir Walter Scott. Logan got to learn about the local history while we watched some jousting and made crafts on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in August.
The Kelpies
Scotts Fest
It’s been weekend after weekend of adventure since July and we have not even scratched the surface. In a blink, the summer has come to an end. Logan started school two weeks ago and we’re left wondering where the time has gone - this summer and the last years.
Ten years ago, at our wedding, I was asked if I would ever live in Germany and I dismissed the notion. Four years ago I thought we’d do a tour in Europe and then come back to the states within a few years. As we were days away from leaving a friend suggested that we might never come back and I laughed that off too.
I was reminded recently of the surf legend Garett McNamara. When he set the record in Nazaré a few years back, he was asked what the secret to big wave surfing was. Garett responded “You have to relax and remain calm, you can’t fight the wave or else you’ll drown.” I don’t know what our future holds, but I know we are where we are because of acceptance not resistance. Scotland feels like home so this is where we are for the foreseeable future - making our way on this grand adventure.
Until Next Time,
The McNeills