How not to be a backpacker

I have talked a lot on my blog about backpacking and the fun that you have and the places that you see and the fun of staying in hostels to meet interesting people from all over the world but this is not that post. This is a post about things that you should not do in a hostel if you want to keep your dignity in tact. I was in a situation early this year where I ended up living in a hostel down south in WA while working at a new job. As a Perthie living in a hostel in there own state and working in a job that is my career I wasn't the average backpacker that they have their but it did allow me to witness things that need to be said.
Even in Germany I wasn't on the normal backpacker working holiday but the people I lived with in the hostel where so it gave me a different view than i have had in the past of just with just staying in one for a few days while passing threw a city.

I know that your on holiday/working holiday and the normal "at home" rules seem not to apply to you but there are things you have to remember that just like high school your reputation can make or break you. I have one big thing to tell you, women to women.

Never be "that girl!"
I am not just talking about promiscuity (polite language) but also bitches that spread rumors because both will end bad for you. On the sex front the stories will be told endlessly, rooms will be named after you (laugh but its true) the guys that had sex with them will be eyed with a mix of high fives and disgust that they where that desperate. I have no problem with girls sleeping around (I don't and probably never will) but its a lack of respect for yourself that you use casual sex to boost your own confidence and the time will come when everyone will look at you with pity in the hostel but can also come back to bite you in the ass when you find someone that you want something more with can be forever tainted by this reputation, plus STI! (just saying). With girls who spread rumors and lies, it will come back and bite you in the bum because no one wants to be friends with someone who would be two faced behind there back and it will get to a point that you will alienate people so much that you will be ostracized from the pack. Its a sad truth.

New beguinings

After a very crazy year last this year has been tough, moving back to Australia from Germany before Christmas, finding a new job and moving down south in WA for it so being completely independent for the first time, ending my 6 year relationship with someone who I still care for a lot has been hard and to top it all off a 3 month flu from complete and utter stress.
Now I am starting to get myself together I want to start doing some changes and setting some goals for myself (along with getting back into blogging) so it is going to be Do Over November.

I have set myself a few goals for my Do Over November:
only wear 20 items of clothing on rotation for the month; this includes work gear
read 5 books from my overflowing
try to get 3hrs of some sort of exercise per week
drink 2L of water, including tea and coffee
and find a treat at the end of the month, maybe a trip?

Wish me luck

Tips and Tricks

1. Mr sandman, bring me a dream

I have always had a bad time with sleeping patterns, my mum still tells me about how I would always be up at 1am and go back to bed at 4am, and they have never gotten better. From chaining time zones, partying, different weather conditions and sightseeing all day you can end up sleeping very little that can wreck your system all over and no sleep means getting ill is on the cards. Lack of sleep everyone knows causes irritability, headaches and co-ordination problems but it can also causes loss of apatite (and "tummy problems") and mild delirium with micro sleeps. Some ways to aid sleep are limit your intake of caffeine, sugar and alcohol during the day. Another is to use a audio sleep trigger that can help you focus and slowly go to sleep, many people use white noise, music, podcasts or movie/tv program to get into a relaxed state. Another thing that can interrupt your sleep is loud noises or light. If you wake up frequently during the night you will want to "sleep in" more causing you to wake up later and later. If it is noise try ether removing the noise or blocking it out with ear plugs and if it is light try moving somewhere that is darker or use an eye mask to block it out. 

2. Scrub away your blues

Travel can mean that hygiene can take a little backseat so when you do get to shower after the beach/pool, traveling in plains/trains/buses/cars, wearing dirty clothes, being out all day and night and general fighting your way for a shower when there are 4 showers but 40 people on a hostel floor to have one too your general soap down will not do. You need to exfoliate not just wash. The more dead skin cells you can take off the better with a flannel/exfoliating mit/exfoliating gel/home made. Dirty clothes and dirty skin can not make you smell good after a bath/shower if you still have a build up of dead skin (people who always smell of BO will not smell good even with a bath) this also includes feet (guys especially). I know that it takes longer than a normal soap up but everyone around you will appreciate it, trust me on that.

Are you a travel MacGyver?

You know the type that turn up with only the clothes they stand up in and a day pack, only enough money for a month even though they are traveling for 3 and no accommodation booked anywhere.

We all forget something when traveling or get into unforeseen problems but when can being unprepared really be dangerous. Most of the "MacGyver's" I have met have been men (sorry for the stereotype, I have met a few women but mostly it has been men) who have never really had to fully look after them selves and who have kind of just stumbled through life taking the crap as it has come and been bailed out my parents when the shit hits the fan.

I am not a "MacGyver" more of a "Girl Guide" but I am flexible enough to go with the flow and have the ability to adapt into the situation. I am forgetful with taking things (towels or bathers) and do also leave things behind on trips (toiletries are the big one) but still have a the strength to take it in my stride.

So to all the "MacGyver's" out there have fun while the good life is going but don't cry over spilt milk when it all goes wrong, use it as a reminder the next time you think of going "MacGyver".

My "MacGyver" Tips:

- hair elastics can be used to hook wet bathers/socks/underwear through the loop in a larks head knot and secure the other end to somewhere that there isn't a hook to hand them from

- use tooth paste as a makeshift bandaid over surface cuts from shaving or paper cuts, just let it dry on your skin, and it will help stop dirt getting into it

- use mouth wash as hand sanitiser if you don't have any soap at hand

- a bobby pin or paper clip can be used as an emergency safety pin for clothes

Tips and Tricks

Image from jen loves kev

1. Flask me up

Travel means 2 things, 1. having to drink water that you are not use to and 2. buying loads of bottled water, both of these will cause extra expenses to the budget so a good way to do it is to take a re-usable water bottle or thermos flask. There are many water bottles that have replaceable filters that can help keep your water safe to drink, just fill it up from a safe to drink tap or from a kettle of hot water. A good thermos flask can help with keeping the cost down of buying coffee and tea from cafes when you are out and about (or as a quick snack if you put cup a soup in it when it's cold) so you can make it in the morning and it will stay hot for at least 6 to 12hrs (depending on the make and model. If you are going to want very clean water you can go down the UV pen water purifier route that kills any bacteria sensitive to UV light, but it is still a good idea to use a safe water souse to drink from. If you are traveling by plane keep the bottles empty and make shore that you put the flask in your carry on so that it can be inspected by security.

2. Fit as a fiddle

Change in weather and stress on the body can make your body get out of whack, fast! Having traveled when recovering from an illness I know how not getting enough sleep, eating crap food or not enough food and constant partying causes havoc with your body so a good dose of vitamin supplements before you leave and while you travel can be a very wise thing to take. A good multivitamin for your gender will give you a basic start to any deficiency's in your diet. There are supplements to help with travel sickness, insomnia and any basic stress relief. If you are traveling in the winter some cold prevention would be advisable, a digestive aid can be good for the prevention of food poisoning (just make shore that it's not the kind that needs to be kept in the fridge) and "fish oil" to help prevent DVT from long periods of sitting upright when in transit. Coming from Perth where it is always sunny being somewhere overcast for a long period of time can cause you not to get enough vitamin D that helps with the absorption of calcium (important to women to stop osteoporosis) but also if you don't get enough vitamin D it also causes low serotonin levels that in tern causes a higher risk of depression and also acts as a apatite suppressant so a good combination calcium/vit D is a good idea.

Keep Calm and Carry On

When I started going on holiday with my grandparents we where only ever allowed to take one bag each with us making me an excellent packer by the age of 10. I am still an obsessive packer but when it comes to my carry on I am still quite a novice. Carry on is a very hard thing to pack, unlike your checked in baggage you are restricted by size and weight, you are also restricted by what you are traveling on (plane, train, bus, ect.). I am constantly up dateing my carry on list.

etsy.com@schampagne farm and etsy.com@The Habbits of Rabbits

I have a grate pet hate of people taking large wheelie suitcases as carry on only for them to arrive and pick up a huge case in checked luggage, unless you are only taking carry on, a suitcase is way too much. The bag you take on needs to be small enough to fit neatly into a small space but big enough to hold everything. I have an obsession with 60's/70's weekend bags with them being the perfect size for traveling but can be used for a short long weekend trip. A shoulder strap can keep your hands free or if it only has handles make shore that they can be comfortably hooked over your shoulder. My bag is a rip curl overnight bag that is large enough to hold at least 3 days of clothing and is waterproof outer so you can wipe it clean.

etsy.com @ the two sparrows

A good idea is to take one change of clothes with you on the plane in case your luggage gets lost in transit and it takes a few days to get to you (this happens quite a lot) you can at least mix and match what is in your carry on with what you wore on the plane. A small makeup bag is also a good thing to have with you that contains some moisturizer and hand cream in case your skin gets dry, a lip balm, concealer, toothbrush and tooth paste so that you can be a little refreshed when you get to your destination. If you are on a train or bus some sunscreen is also a good idea.

etsy.com@OiseauVintage

Entertainment is a must for going anywhere long distance. iPod, laptop, camera, and books are handy. If you are crafty like me and need to keep your hands busy some sewing is quite handy or a plain exercise book to draw in. A healthy snack is a good thing to pack if you get peckish but if you bring fruit and you are traveling between states in Australia or from overseas into Australia remember to put it into the quarantine bins when you get to your destination to avoid paying a large fine.

Learning the Language

I have only a few months to start to learn German so I am in a bit of a panic mode. You may say that I have left it a little late to start now but when your boyfriend is a huge procrastinator and is always having new ideas for where we should live overseas (I booked my tickets a week before he booked his tickets to force him into picking a definite date to leave) so I was still very skeptical that it would ever happen. My boyfriend has been learning German for about a year so he has a good understanding of the basics (last year he was learning Italian, see very skeptical) but I need to learn fast.

My Plan of attack:

1. Free online courses

I have signed myself up to Livemocha and GermanPod101 that help with the spoken language and written language. Livemocha has a focus on the online community as well allowing you to get pen pals so that you can get a language swap with your language for there's.

2. Podcasts

I am a very auditory learner so listening over and over to something I manage to absorb it. GermanPod101 has daily podcast but iTunes has many podcasts from the very basic to detailed courses.

3. Language Immersion

Surround yourself with German in written and spoken form so that your brain is trained to pick it up and it will not sound so foreign when it becomes the norm. These are the bloggers that I have been watching to help me. One thing never to do is eavesdrop on conversations it will just annoy the people you are listening to and anyone you are with that you will be ignoring, trust me one this, it has happened to me with my boyfriend.

Travel Crafting - Knitting

So travel always gives you lots of time to slow down and relax, like a long long weekend, but after you have seen the sights and met some nice people what can you do in your ME time? the normal options are a nice book but if you are a very fast reader you don't want to take so many books that will just weigh you down and playing games or watching a movie or tv show on your laptop can also be fun but you don't want to spend ALL your free time doing it because you could have staid at home and do that.

If you are a creative person like me how about taking some craft with you? but what to take?

5 reasons to craft while traveling

1. instant conversation starter - everyone wants to know what you are doing and what you are making

2. can keep you sane - you can pick it up and put it down when you need a little normality while you are traveling

3. grate to do in public - all travelers don't like to be singled out as one when on trains, buses or in cafes but with craft being such a global thing you will just look like you belong

4. can make you some cash - most people would love a trinket to have or to give to someone that has a real story behind it

5. ongoing project - unlike a book or program that always has a definite ending, if you don't like it, take it a part and start again

Knitting

Knitting is a good craft for traveling with, all you need are a pair of needles and a ball of wool. It is grate as you can make a scarf if you are some where cold or a bag if you are going some where hot. If you are traveling buy your self you could always make a little travel companion to come a long for the ride.

Knitting needles are unfortunately are not allowed on planes (a place where you need to keep yourself occupied) in case you become a renegade knitter and try to high jack it but there is an easy option to make a pair.

-Take a pair of disposable sushi chopsticks

-roughly sharpen the tapered end into a point with a pencil sharpener (do not make it into a pencil point you will hurt your self)

- blunt down the end with an emery board (not a metal one) or if you do not have one blunt it down rub the end on tray table

-tie some wool around the other end to make a stopper so that the stitches can't come off

-finally rub some chap stick/lip balm onto points and massage it in with a napkin or tissue, this will help the stitches glide over the needles without catching any splinters

There are lots of kits on Etsy that will give you all the equipment you will need plus a pattern to work off. If you are a first timer and think your holiday would be the perfect time to learn how to check out the youtube clip down below for a simple how to online course.

Tips and Tricks

1. Guide books are so passe

I do like to pick up maps of the city I'm in from the info points but carrying around huge guide books just adds weight. A light weight solution is to use free apps and downloads of each city you go to. Every guide should give you a good idea of what there is to see and do and safe areas to be in. ArrivalGuides.com have over 400 city guides in 22 different languages and most are linked in with the destinations official tourism bureau, they are also in a dual format so that you can have a printable download or as an app for your smart phone. In your pocket specializing in European cities heavily focusing on eastern Europe and there developing tourist destinations. Hostelworld.com has printable downloads but also has video and podcasts so that you can take a guided tour without the tour guide. And a good old favorite is Lonely Planet because you can get your app ($5.99 per city so not that cheap) but you can also get the phrase book for the city as well making it an easy option for quick and easy travel.

2. Travel towels do work

I know that people are ether a lover or a hater of the travel towels but I find that they work for me. They fold up to nothing giving you lots of space, they manage to take most of the moisture off your skin and can dry within only a few hours of hanging. They can start to smell if you don't wash them often so after a week you need to just give it a go through the washing machine or give them a good scrub with a body wash and rinsed until there are no suds left. If you can get your hands on some use a little white vinegar when you wash it to get rid of any fungal growth (I got that tip from a microbiologist) and dry in the sunlight. Travel Gear.com.au and gogogear.com.au both have microfiber towels in varying sizes starting from $15 and free delivery in Australia.

3. Always take warm clothes on planes

An plane is always cold and wearing shorts and a t shirt because you are going somewhere hot will not save you from freezing on the way there. The best way is to wear layers that can be easily put on and taken off when you get too hot or cold and stretchy enough so that you can curl up into a ball on your seat to take a nap. I like to start with some loose pants, stretch jeans, long yoga pants or full length leggings, long socks and loose or slip on shoes to keep your feet warm, a warm cardigan, fleece or knit to throw on over your top and ether a wide scarf or wrap wide enough to go around your shoulders to use as an emergency blanket. If you have bad circulation in your feet you may want to keep another pair of socks in your carry on just in case they get too chilly. Another thing is to take your heaviest shoes on the plane to avoid having them add weight in your checked luggage. Another thing is the better you look the more inclined you mite be to get an upgrade, we can all live in hope.

Long time no talk

Image from budzi on etsy

Sorry about no bloging for ages but have had some bad times (sad face) but am starting to feel better and now I am happy to announce that I'm off to Germany on the 1st of March with my duel citizenship (3rd time was the charm for getting it) so I hope to keep updating from now on.

Basics

When I normally travel I try to stick with the idea of only taking 1 weeks worth of clothing to try and minimise the amount of wastage of clothes I won't wear and maximise the amount of space for souvenirs (and shopping) that I will pick up along the way.

My basics are light tank top, long sleeve top and cardigan to layer for warmth, jeans that can be worn long for a dressy look or cuffed shorter for casual look and a plain dress that can be worn to the beach but dressy enough for a cocktail party with the right accessories.

The next can be dictated by weather and destination.

For hot weather a short skirt for the beach to throw over bathers, sandals for the beach and bar, ballet flats for comfy walking, long tank for sleeping in or slopping around in when things are dirty and a flirty light summer dress for when it gets relay relay hot

For hot weather a knitt pullover for layering, a jacket for a good protective layer to the outside weather, leggings to be worn under skirts or under pants for extra warmth, boots for very extra warm feet in the rain and a wool jumper or cardigan for when you need to be VERY warm.

For cheap 40's vintage (my favorite vintage era) style I love brogues as dressy flats and hard soled dance shoes, high waited shorts to wear on there own or over coloured/patterned tights, flared above the knee skirt with pockets, plimsolls for dancing lindy in on slippery floors and low wedges for the night on the town (never take high heels unless for a specific event because you will never wear them, trust me).

I can dress up any outfit with cool scarfs, vintage jewelry, funky tights and socks but whatever you take with you be ok with yourself if they get lost or damaged on your travels. You don't want to take irreplaceable family heirlooms or expensive vintage favorites but in the end its up to you. When I go to lindy exchanges for dancing I have to take at least 2 to 3 tops for each night of dancing with all the sweaty that will be soaking through from dancing into the wee small hours in the morning night after night.

All images from Cotton On

Renting in Germany

(very pretty houses)

Renting will be our option while in Germany ether by our selves or in a share house situation. You can usually find share houses (Wohngemeinschaften) through websites such as Gumtree.com and private rentals.

Real estate agencies (Makler or Immobilienmakler) are good but often you have to put down a bigger deposit or bond.

You can visit the local Housing Office (Wohnungsamt) which offers information on state-run housing associations (Wohnungsgesellschaften) with flats for rent ( A social housing permit is often needed for state-run housing and can be applied for through the local Wohnungsamt)

Most rentals are let unfurnished and empty, without kitchen cupboards and appliances. The size of the property is usually stated in square metres (m²) or/and number of rooms, excluding the kitchen and bathrooms.

Rent (Miete) is paid by tenant (Mieter) to the landlord (Vermieter). A deposit (Kaution) can be legally up to three months rent paid in advance . When lease is up, the deposit as well as any interest earned on the deposit can be given back to tenant.

When looking for rentals there are a few words to look out for:

(German = English meaning)

Altbau = Old building pre-1945

Balkon = Balcony

Kaltmiete = Cold rent (basic rent only with no additional costs included)

Warmmiete = Warm rent (includes additional costs such as water, property tax, chimney sweeping, street cleaning and waste disposal services)

Nebenkosten = Extra costs

Badezimmer = Bathroom

Zentral-/Gaz-/Etageheizung = Central, gas and floor heating

A good article on renting in Germany with more detailed information that has helped me a lot.

Lindy Hop

I have been a dancer since I was 2 in one form or another but have been dancing Lindy hop for about 6 years now on and off (off at the moment due to an injury) and love the lifestyle that goes with it. I have met many of my friends through dancing that I would have never met without being a dancer. When I move I want to keep on dancing for my fun and to meet local people with similar interests as me. I have met many dancers who have moved to Perth and have instantly found a group of friends.

The best way to find places to dance is through online swing websites that can tell you where to go and when the events are on. Most of these websites also have forums so that you can get in contact with dancers before you leave that can give you the low down on the scene before you get there.

I have found that Swing Scout is a very good German website with information of schools, workshops and events all over Germany .

Tips and Tricks

Image from Freelancer's Fashionblog

1. Never forget your own style

The easiest way to spot a traveler (not only by the backpack) is the generic travel attire, jeans, t shirt, specialized travel company clothing. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't dress like that at home why where it while traveling. Wearing clothes that are not your style will make you feel out of sorts immediately. Your style is you and no "I'm backpacking" style of clothing is going to make you feel as good. This is a good article on how to mix your style peaces with easy basics.

2. Expect for the unexpected

Traveling is a stressful outing even though its a holiday. I have seen women with everything from cystitis to blood noses due to stress on the body. Always bring extra sanitary products because stress can effect your cycle and you don't want to get caught out when it comes early. If you are taking an oral contraceptive time zones will affect when you take it up and its effectiveness. If you are prone to any stress related illnesses be prepared. If you do need any womens health services while traveling Woman on Waves has a grate country by country search engine.

3. Go with the flow

I don't mean doing anything illegal or unsafe but with new experiences and emotions. Take the good with the bad. Do things that you wouldn't do with your usual friend group, if you don't normally get to dance get down on the dance floor if it makes you happy. When you are sad and feel like crying, go ahead and cry, it will make you feel better afterwards to let it all out (the shower is a good place I have found to cry that is private where you won't feel embarrassed) .

4. Pack for where your going

Hot climate-light layers, cold climate-warm layers. Don't forget about in door heating and aircon. You will boil if you can't take off your heavy winter clothes when you are inside and will freeze in flimsy summer clothes without a cardigan or scarf to wrap around you in aircon. Take religious and cultural customs into account when dressing. If you are expected to cover up don't go flashing skin, you will invite unwanted attention. If you are unshore about what to wear this artical may help.

Luggage

Every trip starts with you luggage and there are so many types out there to choose from. It is up to the way you travel and where you travel too that will influence the luggage you take with you

Backpacks

They are Huge! You can fill it with everything you will ever need to travel with for years but they are heavy and cumbersome. I remember my hiking teacher at high school telling us that you should only carry 1/3rd of you body weight on your back because any more than that can cause serious damage to your back, knees and shoulders. Most airlines have a 20kg luggage maximum so you can't take the kitchen sink. I am not a fan of these for basic travel. If you are not having to take a tent and sleeping bag I would leave it at home.

Wheelie Bags and Cases

Very easy for packing in and is a popular option for traveling if you can keep it in one place. I have traveled with one before and found it very good but was a bitch to walk on uneven terrain with and get in and out of train carriages. The rigid structure of the case keeps everything inside in perfect condition even when the outside gets a little battered. More suited for city trips than long range traveling.

Wheeled Backpack

The best of both worlds, you can wheel it in the city but you can carry it on your back for fast access. I am a little in love with them for there versatility but they are a little smaller that the big hiking packs and can be a little uncomfortable to carry over long distances because of the steel uprights for the handle and wheels. I am seriously thinking about getting one of these for my trip.

A Little Rant

I have been absent for a week or two due to illness and a very slow internet (5min to load up one picture on reader WTF!) but am now mad. While I was away I found out that British passport holders don't need any visa (including work visas) under the EU rules, that solves the problem of a working holiday visa.

I am eligible for a British passport because my mother was born in England and I was born after 1982 within the commonwealth, so for the last week I have been getting all my paperwork together for my application.

On Friday I took 2hrs of work to go to my passport appointment at Australia post outlet. When I got there I was told that my passport photo that I had taken at another Australia post outlet was the incorrect size and was not usable and that because I have not had any contact with my Father since I was 2 it may not be enough of his information to allow for a passport, SHIT! How can something be so hard. I am also not automatically eligible for a passport due to my mother being English born not my father. Fucking patriarchal society. If he was it would be automatic. No one ever remembers the old proverb of its a smart child that knows its own father because you always know who gave birth to you.

So on Tuesday I have to take another 2hrs off work to do the whole thing again. ahhhh FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!!!!

Job Hunting - Pro/Con

As this is not going to be a total holiday and needing paid work as soon as I arrive getting a job ASAP is THE IMPORTANT THING. As I am only qualified formally (and all my extra skills have been gained on the job) in one very specific area and do not have a university degree my options are quite limited. As a non German speaker I can not find work in my current field thus I will have to adapt. I do have one thing going for me though, I am a woman, making me less threatening and able to use this talent to my advantage.

There are a few options for work:

Aupair/Nanny

A grate website to use is Aupair World that can put you in contact with families before you arrive so you can already establish a relationship with them before you start

Pro:

There are many family's that are looking for someone who can look after the children on a full/part time basis with taking them to school, looking after them at home and teaching them English. You can pick up German easier as you do everyday tasks. You can also gain local knowledge by talking with the family and the children's teachers that you wouldn't get if you where not in contact with locals.

Con:

This can be exploited. You can be made to be more of a maid than someone who is primarily there to look after the children. They are not your own children and being frustrated can be ten times worse when you don't speak the same language. They can sometimes want long hours or in house Aupair.

English Teaching

There are many recruitment sites out there but you must also have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

Pro:

As a native speaker there is a clear advantage going but there is also an opportunity to expand your own English skills as your students learn from you in the lessons. The classes will have many people from many different countries to meet. A very well paid job of about 2,000 euros a month.

Con:

You already have to have a very good understanding of English which is very hard for someone with dyslexia like my self who already has difficulty with the language. You also have a lot of unpaid lesson preparation before every class and as the students are not learning through language immersion your teaching can be made harder.

A lot more job looking is still to be done

Visas - the important bit

Like all countries in the world to go and live and work in Germany for a year the first thing that is need is to apply for the Working Holiday Visa.

You must be:

1) be an Australian citizen

2) be at least 18 years of age but not turned 31 at the time of application

3) be in in good health

4) not be accompanied by dependent family members (e.g. children) during your stay

The visa fee the equivalent of € 60 in $AUD. You also have to have proof of sufficient funds (at least € 250 for each month of your stay = approx. $AUD 400 per month); evidence of funds may be in form of credit cards, copies of bank statements or an official sponsorship declaration with proof of income of your sponsor

The Working Holiday Visa already include the Work Permit for Germany but there is no guarantee that a visa will be issued and you don't get your money back. Also when you arrive at the border immigration authorities may examine whether the prerequisites for your

entry continue to apply.You might be refused entry even though you are in the possession of a valid visa if prerequisites for entry no longer apply.

You must have valid medical insurance for the entire year that you are in Germany.

You must also be in possession of a valid exiting ticket when you enter the country (so they know you are not going to overstay)

All images and info from Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Canberra