We had the opportunity to visit Berchtesgaden, Germany and stay with Kempinski Hotel in their newly remodeled space.  The week was full of a waking up to snowy views each morning, snow-shoeing for the first time, and having the most delicious meals in the Kempinski restaurant.  It was one of absolute favorite vacations of 2017 and gave me an opportunity to experience a real snowy winter. However, now that I have my fill of snow, I think I'm good until next year -- Summer 2018, where are you?

I would go back to the Heidelberg Suites each weekend if I could.  It's such a relaxing and beautiful hotel with the perfect location overlooking the Nekar and Heidleberg Castle.  It was almost a pity how much time we spent in our room with all of the lovely Christmas activity going on. However,  it was just that great of a space, hot chocolate barely got me to leave -- it was the perfect suite.

Living in Germany definitely has it perks.  After being here for almost 16 months, I've learned to love some of the German ways of living. I'm still getting used to following rules, turning my bicycle light on at night and not recycling on Sunday. Overall this country has some pretty great things about it and I feel lucky to experience them. As the time goes on, I'm learning to appreciate what I once thought was a "weird German thing" and even becoming more German like myself.

When searching for a hotel in Heidelberg, Germany I knew I wanted to stay in a place that shared the magic and charm of the city.  Which, to be honest, is setting the bar pretty high, because Heidelberg is one the most charming cities I have visited yet.  Europäischer Hof Hotel was not only gorgeous, but also provided the historical charm I was looking for in a hotel.

Welcome to my first series of "Life in Germany", this will be a monthly update of any and all things Germany. It's an idea I have had for a while and is long overdue, better late than never?

One of my favorite things about living in Germany is by far the Autobahn. Before I moved to Germany, I thought the Autobahn was just one road somewhere in the middle of Germany. Kind of like a touristy spot where people rented BMWs and drove fast.

I find it so important to find a hotel or accommodation in a city that truly reflects the place you are visiting.  Ellington Hotel Berlin did just that.

As soon as you walk into this 1920s building, you feel welcomed and invited in this bright and trendy space.  The space is big and open, but some how still cozy. One of my favorite features of the hotel is the brass detailing along the windows and walls -- so gorgeous.

Living abroad has been amazing, so don't get me wrong by the title of this article.  However, I find it important to share that it is not always eating gelato and riding my bike with a baguette under my arm through Germany.  Living abroad is full of those magical moments, but also the frustrating ones, too. Sharing with you all the 5 hardest parts of living abroad this past year.

Just a little over an hour drive south of Munich you'll find the beautiful Eibsee Lake in Bavaria near Garmisch and Zugspitze Mountain.  If you're visiting Munich for a few days or in the area this should really be at the top of your list on places to see. 

Oh, Munich.  The heart of Bavarian culture, delicious German bier, heavy food, and so close to the mountains.  Really the perfect spot for anyone looking for a true German experience (the Northern Germans will not appreciate me saying that ;) ).

One of the top luxury hotel lines in Germany and around even the world, Kempinksi Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is not just a hotel, but a luxurious escape in Munich.  Located on the famous Maximilianstraße across from Cartier, it's the perfect location for someone looking for an extravagant weekend away in the heart of Munich.

Living abroad has been one the most incredible decisions my husband and I made and definitely the most life changing.  There are hurdles that come with this new life.  But overall, with an encouraging family, a few good friends, preparation, and the right mindset making the transition of living abroad is totally doable!

When we moved to Germany this was one of the first questions we asked ourselves: "Should we travel by train or by car during our time in Germany and Europe?"

After a lot of research, asking a few European friends, and weighing out the pros and cons, we came up with what works best for us when it comes to traveling through Germany.  Sharing with you the pros and cons of each and how we made our decision!

When we drove into this magical, winter wonderland of the Harz Mountains we had the biggest heart eyes.  The evergreen trees looked like majestic creatures; covered in fluffy, white snow and standing so tall.  Honestly, I could have simply stared at them all day and been content.  They were absolutely beautiful to see in person.

Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of the cheapest cities in Europe, is full of culture, fashion, beautiful museums, trendy bars and clubs, shopping, and above all so much history.  It's a place where you can be whoever you want to be without feeling judged.  

When you walk into Scandic Hotel at Kurfüstendamm, you'll immediately notice the bold personality and vibrant art surrounding you in every direction.  Since we immediately checked into our hotel upon arrival, it was such a good first impression of Berlin -- creative & free.

Burg Eltz is magic. Seriously.  I had seen so many pictures of this dreamy, Germanic castle, but they still didn't do it justice. It's like walking through a magical Disney story tale.