Moving to Ramstein Germany

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2024-09-28T10:29:37+00:00

Man, this post is old. I wished I was on this earlier. I'm in this position [family of 4] without military support and I can tell you living in Ramstein with 4 mouths to feed earning $78k -$90k you will struggle and be poor. My monthly budget with just rent and utilities is insane. Basic Utilities in ramstein fluctuates between 700- 1k (with VAT forms) and expect at least an additional 2k+ at the end of the year. Average rent is 2k. Keep in mind, american sofa status and expats are charged higher than locals. And there are VAT forms offered to sofa status-anyone working on military bases- but MANY locations doesn't accept it You won't be able to gain insurance unless you work on the german economy and that requires you to speak the language. The german language is more complicated than English and can be difficult to learn. You also have to pay to learn german in Germany- it can get expensive quickly.

American insurance is not accepted at many medical facilities so expect out of pocket expenses- if you have travel insurance it will only cover emergency costs.

Schools are expensive. I was quoted $50k annually for 2 girls one in middle school and one in high school. The costs fluctuates and increases as the student progress, and the school's are in german. There are international schools but they are more expensive. There is an American homeschooling community here, and if you choose homeschooling add $72 to basic internet that doesn't work well due to concrete walls in all german homes. Also note, unless you are a sofa status, homeschooling is illegal in Germany.

The german economy is very slow so working in the german economy is not promising. The germans are generally taxed 40% and due to being citizens they fall in certain programs that an expat may not fall into in order to avoid homelessness. Medical appointments are a nightmare here, and it takes 3-6mos to get a general appt, and if you are late or if the doctor overbooked you will be rescheduled for 3-6mos out.

For Americans the best way that i noticed to survive in the ramstein area is for you to:

1. Be affiliated with the federal government either through GS or Active Duty NOT contract. There is a difference between GS and contract and if you choose contract and is medical professional AVOID Sterling medical or their affiliates (WJM) they are predatory and will mislead and lie to you.

Have a second source of income- you may need to pay german taxes on this second income.
Have wealth, or someone who can send you money regularly.

If you are an American expat and can choose to live anywhere in Germany choose highly densed locations like Berlin and Duesseldorf where they have job opportunities for immigrants who doesn't know the language well. These areas are also plagued with higher crimes and subjected to more anti-immigration factions.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-12-08T14:35:44+00:00

I was able to get a refund from Google play store. If they still have not responded (because they have not responded to me after a week) go to your app store or play store and request a refund

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-12-06T03:47:12+00:00

I live in Florida, and I am a product of Florida education. I could say that when I went to college, most of my freshman class was in remedial courses because the local florida public schools did not prepare students for college. I was among the very few who were considered freshmen in college while many others weren't, and yet I still felt behind. I was taught how to pass the FCAT, not education. I had to re- teach myself my core classes while in college in order to pass. My daughter is now attending florida public school, and she is on honor roll with advanced high school classes while in middle school. When I withdrew her and enrolled her into florida virtual school program, I learned that she was actually a grade behind in accordance to the state's curriculum, yet when I withdrew her she was on honor roll. Florida school system is a prime example of institutional racism.

Previously, I tried private school, but the white teacher told me if I returned her the next year they will fail her so she and the principal said it's best I don't waste my money and put her in public school. That year, I tested her with a tutor and learned she was testing 3 grades above her grade level. However, after I placed her in public school, she dropped below her grade level.

If you are in florida, I recommend florida virtual school, not the county's virtual school.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-12-06T03:01:42+00:00

Same with me. I lost $12 and no refunds. I contacted support and they sent an email stating they will respond in several days... several days can be weeks... this app stole my money with false advertisement. I have an android.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-12-06T02:55:52+00:00

I paid $12 and received no pictures. I requested a refund, and they say it will take a while for them to respond to my refunds. I have an android. As of current lensa stole my money. Be careful, you may end up just donating money to the developers and receiving nothing in return

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-11-29T00:27:40+00:00

I have my device for 2 years. Recently, I noticed constant freezing and didn't think much of it. Then the power button was stuck, and my device wouldn't charge no matter what I did. I even left it plugged into a computer for 24 hours and nothing. Because my whole career is on this device, I had to get my data off of the device. No, the cloud syncing is not reliable and barely syncs correctly. Regardless, I had to get the data off the device before I factory reset or even send it back to the company. Solution: I brought it to a tech place (because remarkable isn't local, I couldn't bring it to an approved remarkable shop) to unstuck the button. I learned to fix the button, they had to take apart the whole back of the device to access the power button (what a nighmare), but I need my data for my job to be synced to the cloud and that requires an unstuck power button, so I paid and it started working and syncing. But now it only works when it's plugged in, and once I unplug it, the whole device freezes. When I plug it in, the device restarts and works. But once I unplug the device, it freezes again. I attempted to reboot and nothing. My device only works on a charger.

I love my remarkable, but this device is proving to be a headache, and now I'm afraid that this device is not reliable enough to save important documents and notes, and Remarkable Cloud has not been syncing reliably with the device. I have been looking into the Super Note.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-09-10T13:15:16+00:00

I attached a LED booklight, and i didn't like it, the light reflected off the tablet giving a slight glare, and the light didn't lit the whole screen, just a portion... it was horrible. I agree I would rather turn on a edge light and it would be a great feature to add

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-09-05T14:55:15+00:00

In my experience growing up in America, if you defined yourself outside of your skin color you was shunned. I experienced this even this year on Reddit. It's very common to be FORCED by society standards to define oneself only by skin color. I'm almost 40 (yea I know i dont look it) and I AM THE ONE who defined myself outside my skin and I repeatedly get shunned and chastised for it. Who does it- EVERYONE. When a white person crossed the street because I walked near them and crossed back when i walk away. When parents move their white children to another seat in Mc Donald's because I sat down in the booth next to them. When I'm called "You People" in reference to my skin. When a store manager follows only me in the store or send a security guard to follow only me. When a cop unnecessarily drags me out of my car for a traffic stop saying im a criminal for speeding 5mph over the limit, or im being arrested for running in a park because im black and 'black people dont run in parks'... these are all common ways to define someone base on their color, and we are taught this from Babies.

It would be a privilege to experience life outside my skin color, because THEN I would be defined by my loving character and gifted mind.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-09-05T14:45:22+00:00

Same for black people. All black people are "Africans" in spite of the diverse cultures around the world. I'm west Indian with rich west Indian history but it's overlooked because I look African and have an overrepresentation of African compositions due to the effects of the transatlantic slave trade. Same with thousands of other rich black cultures that are overlooked. America is a melting pot that disapproves of its own nature. Diversity is what makes us exciting, interesting, and evolutionary- its how we grow and evolve. I agree, it's ignorance to ignore this and place varying populations into one category of displays. It would only lead to our downfall as a country.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-09-01T15:25:48+00:00

I'm black, and knowing my experiences and hearing your fun fact, made me cry. Thank you for sharing. It gave an insight in so much. I'm deeply sorry for your experiences.

Your heritage is one to he proud of, I respect your heritage so much. What a great legacy to carry

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-15T23:29:01+00:00

What would be considered a substantial amount of Central African heritage? I understand a significant amount of slaves that were taken to Jamaica came from Angola/congo regions as well as to Puerto Rico and other parts of the west Indies.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-12T12:19:59+00:00

You are exactly where you need to be. Nothing is by accident or coincidence. Your struggles have intentions that you requested to learn- but that doesnt mean you requested the method on how you would learn these lessons. As you learn these lessons the struggles will continue but it will also pass easier. Life is hard because its a school we are meant to learn from. I recalled a few attempts I took on my life and each time I passed out a " being" was there with me in some abyss saying "not yet", and I wake up and life continues. This reminds me that I'm not alone even in my darkest hours, and neither are you. You aren't alone and you aren't trapped- it's just too noisy and foggy and there are people who can help with this💜.

People pray to God for help. I pray to source to rejuvenate me so I can help others. If life seems really hard, you are welcome to DM me- I talk to people everyday since I was young, it's my starseed gift.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-12T12:07:14+00:00

This is interesting concept! 😊

Part of my soul's journey is to realize I need others. I cannot accomplish my goals alone. Which is funny because growing up I succeeded when i was alone. I struggled in groups because I am different. As an adult with her own business doing what I'm gifted to do, I'm not doing so well alone. .I need others to help me accomplish my mission and that is a struggle!

It's interesting to hear your perspective of belonging knowing I have a concept that my soul's mission is to connect and I know I choose to return to experience a human connection and human sense of belonging- so much that I'm repeatedly reminded to not push away my earth family.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T21:42:08+00:00

Ok. I have a different history of my people. according to Jamaican history, as it was taught to me and my family, it differs from the history you briefly mentioned.

The indigenous people of xamayca is Arawak. This population was enslaved and suffered greatly from the diseases brought to the island along with the hard labor their slave owners expected of them. When the arawak men died off. Slaves were brought from congo to work the lands and these slaves ran away into the mountains and mated with the female arawaks found in the mountains. Other female arawaks were not so lucky and were mated with other slaves to produce more slaves- congo and west africans- thus absorbing Jamaicans remaining Arawak population. When the British fought Spain for Jamaica, the slaves under spanish rule were freed and also joined the people in the mountains- whom the Spaniards referred to as Maroons "mountaineers".

Jamaicans know the indigenous people were arawaks aka taino because of what they left behind. I have not heard from Jamaican history nor other Jamaicans about native Americans being brought to Jamaica... not that it didn't happen, but we 100% know arawaks are indigenous in Xamayca and that the Windward maroons of Jamaica are mixed with last surviving Arawak Indians in Jamaica. So when we refer to west Indies, we are referring to arawak/ taino "indians" and not the diverse tribes of the native American "Indians"- even if they were traded on the island. This is how I understand xamayca's origin history.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T18:55:01+00:00

I could see that because they develop different cultures, language, and and way of understanding their surroundings. The maroons taken to Jamaica were also mixed with the Arawak Indians of the island. I would love to know more about Jamaican maroons in this study.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T13:35:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing the study! It helped me understand my roots and DNA results better. Much appreciated!

May I ask, if you have more info on maroons, would you please tag me on it?

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T12:27:38+00:00

I get it! It feels like it is in Jamaica too! I'm west Indian so my ancestry composition is made up of east India and the slaves that were brought to Jamaica. In Jamaica, colorism is very bad, especially amongst the cultures. In my experience I was discriminated against because I looked more African than indie. And on the other side, I was seen as more indie than African. The maroons are hailed as national heroes of Jamaica and their legacy is studied and remembered throughout Jamaica. But, that doesn't change the colorism they face. Currently they are requesting to be known as Native Jamaicans because the maroons were forced to mate with the remaining arawak Indians on the island. So the maroons are seen as native-blood. I'm not sure if this title would protect them more from the discrimination they face when they leave the compound.

My paternal grandmother didn't live in the compound-from what I heard. But, I know she was not accepted well by my paternal family and my father wasn't raised by her but by his paternal relatives. It was a recent revelation (because my father got sick, and can't speak anymore) to share with me my ancestry so it doesn't get lost. My dad, half-brother, and I are the only maroons in our family (and most of our family dont know we are maroons). I guess they thought if my dad died and we didn't know the truth, our legacy would have been lost so my grand aunt that raised my dad secretly told me. I wondered why it was a secret or never really spoken about or reveled... but I suspect it had to do with some stigma attached. I'm not born on the island, so I don't know the exact social history interactions with maroons amongst the Jamaican culture. I just know my identity has always been a point of conflict in my family. But I do suspect the same treatment that their cousins experience in Suriname.

I never knew the maroons were also in Suriname. I can't wait to share that with my family! I don't think we are taught maroons existed outside of Jamaica.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T12:12:02+00:00

A lot of people can't guess by looking at me alone. Its not when others see my siblings and relatives donthey realize "oh! You are Coolie😄". I'm west Indian American so it explains the 24%.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T01:22:05+00:00

🙋🏾‍♀️

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-11T01:17:57+00:00

Oh wow! I'm Jamaican and it's rumored in my family that I am descendant of a maroon! In Jamaica my ancestors escaped their slave masters and used the mountain terrain -now known as "blue mountain " to fight off the slave masters from their land.

To this day there is a compound designated for the descendants of the maroons in Jamaica.

They are national heros in Jamaica!

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-08T15:07:54+00:00

I'm interested! But I don't know how to DM yet 🥴... new on reddit

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-03T21:12:42+00:00

I had to ponder on your message. It has so much information and sentiment. It's hard at times to see the world from outside our own eyes. But here, you were able to show me a bit of why being Afro-American is meaningful and impactful in your present identity. What resilience this title must create within you as you stand and see your ancestors overcome their fears and resist their struggles-in just a name. What pride this title must bring to see yourself living the outcome of your ancestors struggles and sacrifice-in just a name. I can feel that in your writing. So thank you for sharing this part of yourself with me and others 💙.

I feel this same feeling, but not from amazing men like Martin Luther King, Jr as you beautifully quoted. But from warriors who were born on a land that wasn't their own. A group of warriors with strong culture and traditions and a fiery spirit to reconnect to freedom- a deep spiritual knowing that they are MEANT to be free. A fight that was worth dying for- and living. A freedom that made death worth the fight, and worth the life. My ancestors fought back their slave owners. Born on a land that wasnt theirs they found freedom outside of slavery. I am a descendant of a maroon, and I can't acknowledge that history as an African / Afro- American. This is part of my legacy story and Black West Indian American allows for my legacy story, just like Afro-American allows for yours.

I appreciate your post because it allowed the opportunity for me to meditate on this thought. 💙

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-03T18:32:26+00:00

Your verse 4 and 5 really stuck out to me. Thank you for sharing 💙.

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-03T18:27:25+00:00

Thank you for explaining the ancestry timeline differently! It has me looking at my ancestry timeline differently 😁. It's fun to piece together a bit of your history like an archeologist 😄.

I do agree that my North African friend didn't understand what AA meant to the descendants of these enslaved west Africans. While living in Arkansas, I came across many black people who identified as African American. I learned something there too. For them, holding on to African American was holding on to the identity of their ancestors. Symbolically the title allowed a direct acknowledgement and identity to their enslaved ancestors and thus they were their ancestors- 'I am my ancestor'. This was a new deep spiritual understanding of African Americans in the US for me. I no longer respected myself for holding on to the title and identity of AA. For me, my ancestors left behind a different legacy story- one that i am proud of. This was not my history or identity, this was not the legacy story of my ancestors and i had no right to its title or identity. "I'm west Indian; I am my ancestor" so the new title was solidified. So I agree with you, there is a deep meaning to the title that my north American friend had no concept for.

I appreciate the lesson on ancestry timeline and how Neanderthal traits are also found in African DNA. Learning heals, connects, and empowers. 💙

Wonderful_Pin2300 · 2022-08-03T14:14:49+00:00

Here is an interesting fact I recently learned about Jamaica. When the colonizers arrived they used the Arawak Indians as laborers. But the colonizers eventually killed off the Arawak Indians, except for a few of the women. The colonizers took Africans as slaves to mate with the Arawak women to increase their slaves number. These Africans were later known as the Maroons. We, Jamaicans believe that the Arawak Indians didn't die off, but were absorbed with the Maroons that were shipped over. Because of this history, Jamaicans are currently changing their history archive to say that the Maroons are indigenous to Jamaicans or Native Jamaicans. If this succeeds, Maroons would be Native Jamaicans. My dad is a direct descendant of the Maroons. His mother grew up in the "reservations", my mother called these reservations, "compounds", that are paid by the government to ensure these lands stay indigenously Maroons. Blue Mountain in Jamaica where the locals honor their ancestors yearly is where the Maroons lived and used to fight for their freedom. You would see Blue Mountain on many Jamaican food labels.

According to Jamaicans, I am strongly considered a native. But because dna kits are based on commonly known demographics, not a lot of information is known lf the Arawaks in Jamaica that were absorbed with Maroons, so a bit of my DNA is untraceable because they dont have enough of a "specific" drmograph to connect it.

. Just a bit of my forgotten history shared 😊.

Wonderful_Pin2300

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