A Passport is a Girl's Best Friend

Germany. It feels so good to be back. We went to visit my family in Haslach for the weekend since we had not been back since April, 2016. However, this time, Grayson and his cousin Hannes were a part of the group (born only 4 months apart). Friday afternoon we took the train to Freiburg where my cousin, Florian, picked us up at the train station after work and we drove into the valleys of the Black Forest. We had wonderful food, good wine/beer, great talks, got to remember and speak German, looked at old pictures, provided IT support, shopping around town (Germany is so cheap!!!!), and walks around the town center. It was so great to see my family again. To catch up with them about everything that has changed in the last 2 years. To see this cute little town that has become so familiar to me. Till next time Germany. I'll miss you. #ExpertTraveler Morning reading with Michaela and Ludwig   Groß Cousins

Haslach! We arrived to our little town Thursday evening, checked into our little apartment, to then walk over to the families house for a traditional German dinner. Have I mentioned how much I love being in Germany? It was so nice seeing everyone again, particularly for such a special occasion. Last summer, my cousin Florian emailed me that he and his long time girlfriend, Martina, were engaged and this weekend is the wedding! These three, such trouble makers. Friday we showed John around the town, did some shopping, went to Bollenbach to taste and buy locally made schnapps. Spring! Schnapps tasting Mmmmmmmm Schnapps Saturday was wedding day! Germans are crazy. They start their weddings at 2pm and then party till 5am. I cannot keep up with this. Sunday after saying our goodbyes, we drove through the countryside to meet some more family for lunch. 

Yesterday morning we packed up drove over the Austrian Alps, then back into Germany to Füssen. Reason? To go to the real Sleeping Beauty castle otherwise known as Schloss Neuschwanstein of course! First we met up with Mom and John to explore the little town. A beautiful full moon with the Alps The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. Ludwig paid for the palace out of his personal fortune and by means of extensive borrowing, rather than Bavarian public funds... so naturally he went bankrupt, was arrested for being "crazy", and then "mysteriously" drowned the next day in a lake. Hohenschwangau Castle, that King Ludwig grew up in is just a stone's throw away. Alpsee Neuschwanstein Castle Marienbrücke Next, off to Haslach to rest my legs from all of this hiking.

Germany. Last summer, my cou sin Florian emailed me that he and his long time girlfriend, Martina, were engaged. So amazing! Another excuse to go to Europe! I love those. Through planning and limited by PTO, I decided we would rent a car and explore the Bavarian Alps South of Munich and make our way to the Black Forest for our first traditional German wedding. Yesterday, Mom, John, Duane and I la nded in the second best city in the world, Munich (Fact: San Francisco is number one). Hello old frie nd. It has been far too long. Struggling, but desperately trying to stay awake, we made our way to our respective hotels just in time for a much needed shower. To accomplish not passing out at 7pm and inevitably making my jet lag unbearable for the next 5 days, we met up with my good friend Fabian for dinner and drinks in the student neighborhood around the University. Man, did I miss my German food and my friend.  Sunday was our only day i...

(note: Please read the next sentence in Robin Williams, RIP, radio voice from  Good Morning Vietnam.* )  Goooooooooooooooooood morning SWITZERLAND!!!!!!!!! An opportunity came up a few months back for D to go to a conference in Barcelona, which we planned to go on together and turn into a vacation (because, we are really really good at that). Before heading to Spain, D was going to go work in the Zurich office for a week before I met up with him in Spain thinking that I wouldn't be able to swing the first part of the trip. Somehow, I managed to get permission to work from Zurich for a week (?!?!?!) and so here we are, again. This week will not be as exciting as previous trips, because, poor me, I will actually be working. Although, I am going to be on an east coast schedule and be working from 12 - 9pm, leaving my mornings open for adventure in the crisp fall air. I really do love this time of year. Home for 6 days D flew out on company time, and has been here fo...

I traveled to Haslach early Wednesday morning for a quick visit. I love being back in Haslach and Germany. I feel so at home here. After being picked up in Hausach by my aunt, running some errands for the next day, I wandered around the streets of Haslach, visiting my favorite stores and admiring the familiar landscape. Schmutziger Donnerstag: Summary....If Halloween and Carnival had a baby and then some crazy 150 year traditions thrown in too. the town all decorated  5:15 am - you wake up, put on leggings, underhosen, a long traditional night gown, a night cap, really thick striped socks, straw slippers and a bandanna in a wooden pretzel. Basically, think Mr. Scrooge in the Christmas Carol. Super attractive  6:00 am - You meet the town in the center of the old city to start the carnival parade. Behind the carnival master, everyone walks around the old city walls making a cacophony of noise, ringing all of the doorbells to wake up the people in Haslac...