My flight for Germany
What things did you prepared before traveling to Germany?
Last May 2008, I resigned from my job because after a week, was my flight for Germany. I thought "Finally, I will be with my partner!" This was my second flight and my first international flight. I felt fine and I did not feel nervous whatsoever. Though I was with my family waiting for my flight, I felt like I was already missing my family. Sad, but I have to go... But of course I am planning to go back to Cebu yearly (when I have enough money, hopefully...) ^_^
These were the things I prepared prior to my flight to Germany:
1. Important Documents:
- NSO Birth Certificate
- NSO Marriage Certificate
- High School and College Diplomas
- Transcript of Records or School Grades
- Soft Copy or scanned copy of all my documents
- Photocopies of all my documents
- Philippine Passport
2. Clothes:
- Pullover
- Sweater
- Jeans
- Shirts
- Polo Shirts (long and short sleeves)
- Underwear
- Jacket
- Rubber shoes
- Leather shoes
- Socks
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medicine for headache, runny nose, dizzyness etc
- Dried Mangoes
- Dried Sampalok
6. PLANE TICKET (I flew with Cathay Pacific)
Unfortunately, the baggage/luggage limit (Maleta) that I could carry was only 20 pounds and the hand baggage/luggage limit (backpack or knapsack) that I could carry was only 7 pounds. Be careful that you will not exceed the weight limit.
TIP: Buy a weighing scale because it will really help.
Otherwise you will have to pay for the extra weight limit. For how much per extra pound? I don't know.
I arrived at the airport 2 hours before my departure time. And PLEASE... DO THE SAME...
Travel Tips:
1. Choose a good baggage. I chose a semi hard baggage because it is light (the weight of your baggage is included).
2. Choose a good lock for your baggage (not just the cheap ones).
3. Put a belt around your baggage.
4. Put an Information Tag on your baggage:
- Name
- Home Address
- Address Abroad
- Phone Number at Home (your parents')
- Phone Number Abroad
- Email Address
- baggage size or dimension
- restricted items
- prohibited items
- electronic devices (PSP, DS, cellphones etc)
TIP: Don't bring things or food that literally stinks.
I am not insulting whatsoever because I myself love "buwad" or dried fish. Its just the law so don't complain. Here in Germany, your neighbor will call the Polizei (Police) if they smell something they don't understand/know such as "buwad".hehe
Finally I said Goodbye to my family. I was not crying because I know I could come back. I shall return!^_^ I want to help my family. ^_^
My flight was from Philippines to Hongkong. The flight was approximately 3 hours. When I arrived in Hongkong, I then changed to another plane which was from Hongkong to Frankfurt, Germany.
My arrival in Germany
Flying on the plane for 11 hours was boring. But I brought with me my PSP.^_^
TIP: First time passenger or not, it is always a good idea to choose an "aisle seat". Most of the first time passengers wanted to go for a "window seat". I prefer "aisle seats" because I could immediately go to the comfort room if I have to without disturbing anyone.
My flight from Hongkong to Germany was approximately 11 hours. I arrived in Frankfurt, Germany about 9:00 in the morning. It was May. The season was Spring. It was sunny and the sky was clear. But as I have stepped out of the plane, the first thing that surprised me was the weather. It was so cold that I was freezing. I can't walk straight unlike in the Philippines. And to think, it was not yet winter.
TIP: Don't buy winter jackets in the Philippines. If you think it is enough for winter, you are wrong. You will know once you arrive here.hehe
My darling was waiting at the airport to fetch me. And finally, we are together and could already start our plans. ^_^
We then rode a bus from the airport to the train station. From the train station we rode the ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich for about 3 hours. From Munich to our apartment we rode another train called S-Bahn (Schnell Bahn) for about 40 minutes. And finally we arrived in our apartment.^_^
Total time spent:
Cebu City Airport to Hongkong - 3 hours
Hongkong to Frankfurt - 11 hours
Frankfurt to Munich - 3 hours
Munich to Apartment - 40 minutes
TOTAL - approximately 17 hours 40 minutes
So long? Yeah! It was so long.hehe But being with your Sweetheart Forever is Priceless!^_^
Related Posts:
- German Spouse Visa Requirements
- Basic German Language Visa Requirement, Required or Not?
- German Visa Appointment at the German Embassy in Manila
- Interview at the German Embassy in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Approval of My German Spouse Visa
- After Arrival - Registration as a Resident at your local Town Hall/City Hall in Germany.
- Tips for contacting the Embassy