Where in the world is...the 2nd anniversary edition

Max and I are celebrating our 2nd anniversary this week by...

Staying here....





Visiting here...



And indulging in a little of this...

Hope +1 Despair -0

Despite my doctors gloomy disposition during our last visit, my test results were good. We're still being very cautious, and I am seeing the doctor again Monday for another ultrasound. Keep those hopes pouring in! It seems to have helped me tremendously.

I'm off to Thessaloniki, Greece tomorrow to visit my aged aunt an uncle. Now my dilemma is to try to somehow keep my secret from them even though I won't be eating gobs of Feta or drinking any ouzo. How am I suppose to explain this bizarre change in my behavior. Suggestions?

Have I mentioned...

Where I'll be spending Christmas week?



Where I'll be spending the first week of the New Year?



Or even where I am today?

You asked for this, you got it

A few words about Oktoberfest

Been there.

Done that.

Probably won't do it again.

I'm the map!

Turns out, children’s cartoons *can* be educational. For those of you who don’t have kids under five, allow me to educate you. The title of this post refers to Dora the Explorer, a capable little Latina, who travels around the world with her monkey companion Boots, an animated Backpack, and, of course, the Map.

This weekend I played the role of Dora, traveling all the way across Germany to Berlin. Charlie was my version of Boots. We each had our own luggage. And my portable GPS system (called Ginger by a select few) was going to stand in for Map.

But wait...

“You don’t have a map?” my landlord, Tom, asked right before I hopped in the Mini to start my 7-hour trek to Berlin.

“No, I don’t need it. I’ve got my GPS.” I replied.

“No, no, no.” Tom said in disbelief. “GPS doesn’t always work. Please take my Germany road atlas just to be safe.”

I took Tom’s inferior map only because I didn’t want to offend him, tossed it in the floor next to a used and crumpled McDonalds’ bag, and made my way north and east for destination Berlin.

Map (or Ginger) perfectly navigated my drive--from the A67 to A6, the A6 to the A5, the A5 to the A7, the A7/A4 to the A/10, to the A9 and so forth and so on. But once I arrived and parked my car in the Swissotel's parking garage, Ginger could enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Charlie and I no longer needed a GPS system to help us walk up and down Kurfürstendammstrasse (Berlin’s version of 5th Avenue), gawking in the Chanel window, and leisurely drinking coffee at Starbucks while we people watched.

In fact, Ginger wasn’t called upon at all until the rainy and foggy Sunday at 5:30 a.m. when I needed to get back to my husband, who was arriving home from the United States.

I turned Ginger on and punched in our new destination: home. Ginger began calculating my route out of Berlin and back to Bad Durkheim. I noticed she was being unusually slow and thoughtful. She had taken a few minutes and only calculated 53% of the route, when something unusual happened. Ginger flashed a warning box at me.

“Not enough internal memory to calculate your destination,” she wrote.

Huh? She had gotten me to Berlin without any trouble. What was different now? I turned my GPS on and off a few times, tried repeatedly to get her to show me the way home, but nothing worked. Ginger, seemed delusional and as foggy as the weather we were experiencing.

I didn’t know what I was going to do. I drove around the very large metropolitan for an hour and a half before I remembered what, days earlier, I had discarded on the floorboard next to me...

Tom’s map.



I could hear the Dora jingle riging in my brain.


I pulled my car over and did something I haven’t done in many years: I mapped my own way home from Berlin down Germany’s many Autobahns. Surprisingly, just like Dora the Explorer, I lived to tell about it.

Shout out

A quick Martini shout out to three fabulous bloggers-- G, Snooker, and Yelli. I had the pleasure meeting each of them during my short stay in Berlin this weekend. Thank you all for taking time out to spend with Charlie and me. I had a great time!

Berlin or bust!

With Max away on business, I've decided this is as good a week as any to make a little road trip. So tomorrow, Charlie and I are off to a city we've never visited before--Berlin. I made my last solo trip three years ago, only that adventure took me over the North Pole and all the way to China. So a 6-hour ride down the Autobahn with my little cocker shouldn't be any big deal, right?

The recently resurrected Mac is also coming along for the ride, so hopefully I'll be able to bring you a post near Check Point Charlie or the Brandenburg Gate.

Until tomorrow!

Mrs. Coffee

Max and I are still vacationing with my family in Kalithea, which is located in area called Chalkidki in northern Greece and along the Aegean Sea. Aside from the exotic location, this is a typical family vacation with some Norman Rockwell moments, but others more like scenes My Big Fat Greek National Lampoon Vacation.

Yesterday, we visited the family of family in another part of the peninsula. We feasted on a lunch that went on for hours and included a fair amount of ouzo and then topped our meal off with Greek coffee, a sludge-like espresso. Maybe it was because of the ouzo, but my aunt decided she would “read” the remnants of Max’s coffee.

I suppose the reading of coffee grinds is not unlike the reading of tealeaves. My aunt grabbed Max’s cup out of his hand and began swirling it around to see what the prophetic beans would reveal. Then, she waited 20 minutes for the impression to dry before passing the cup to her sister-in-law, who was more skilled in interpretation and spoke better English.

“Ah, this is a good and strong cup,” the sister-in-law began.

Both the believers’ and nonbelievers’ ears perked up. Like any good fortuneteller, the sister-in-law paced herself for dramatic effect, waiting for someone at the table to beg her to continue.

“You are successful in your work, but there is a tall, heavy man who is jealous of your successes and wishes to cast the evil eye.”

There went the evil eye again. The table looked to Max to provide the name of said man, but he couldn’t think of a single co-worker who fit the description.

“But it no matter,” she interrupted. “This man cannot interfere with your successes. I see lots of money in your future, and when you get back to work you will hear some very good news.”

Another five-minute discussion around the table ensued about all of Max’s money before the reading continued.

“You have a female friend with long hair. He name starts with M. She also will give you very good news.”

We actually do have a female friend who matches this description, but couldn’t imagine what sort of news she might give us.

“And a door is opening to you. You will be going on a journey in the future where opportunity awaits.”

All of this fortune telling was well and good, but the table grew restless. Because the audience was a bunch of old Greek people and Max and I are newlyweds, everyone wanted to know one thing.

“Do you see babies in the cup?” my father asked.

At this the cup was passed around to those who understood the workings of prophetic coffee beans. The giggling and smiling began.

“I see TWO babies—a boy and a girl. Not now, but down the road.”

Both the coffee bean believers and disbelievers roared with laughter at this pronouncement. Max smiled broadly at the thought, and I made a face at the thought of having not one, but two children over the age of 40. And even though I think the reading was a bunch of hooey, I’ve decided to steer clear of Greek coffee for the duration of our trip.

Woe is me!

I feel as though I’ve been at a neck-break pace the last couple weeks with no end in sight! My parents arrive at 5:30 am tomorrow and I’ve spent the last couple days preparing for the visit. Because real life is so busy, my blog life is suffering.

I’ll continue to post half-thought-through pieces . I’ll also read and comment on as many bloggers’ sites as I can. None of this will be done out of obligation, it will be done because I enjoy it. Still, I want to apologize in advance if I seem neglectful.

Next week might offer more chances to blog. Beginning Saturday, we leave for Greece to visit my relatives living in Thessalonica. Then, we’ll vacation in Kalithea on the Aegean Sea.

Somehow, I doubt you’re feeling too sorry for me at this moment.

Am I right?

Nael's Second (and Final) Podcast

Today is our last full day in Egypt. We board a plane back to Cairo tonight and will fly to Germany tomorrow afternoon. Thankfully, I am feeling much much better. I would have hated life if I had to fly while inflicted with King Tut's gut.

I'll return to you tomorrow with what I haven't blogged about this week, but in the meantime please take a peek Nael's final podcast of this trip. He was very pleased with your comments and asked that I post this as well.

Enjoy!

A 9-year old's first podcast

I'm still feeling a bit under the weather thanks to what I not-so-affectionately refer to as King Tut's gut, so my 9-year-old nephew Nael pitched in by making a little podcast about the first half of our trip to Egypt. He spent two hours working with me on it and enjoyed practicing his English very much. He hopes you like it.

The Evil Eye

“Max…is good husband?” My mother-in-law speaks only a few words of English, but she always manages to communicate her point very well.

“Yes, Miha,” I replied. “He is very good. We are happy.”

“Yes…good…good,” she said with a smile. Then, her look suddenly turned sour. In a hush tone and in inexplicable Arabic, she looked at me sternly and cautioned me about that which I didn’t understand. I turned to Max for translation.

“She says to tell no one else about your happiness because someone might cast an evil eye upon you,” Max explained.

I have heard of this concept of the evil eye because it also exists in the Greek culture, and is, in fact, a commonly held belief throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. The idea speaks to the jealous heart of human nature and states that people can never be truly happy for your successes and, instead, will secretly cast an evil eye upon you bringing misfortunes and turmoil. My family has always considered it a superstition, but Max’s mother takes it very seriously.

Just the other day, she walked up to her son, laid her hands upon his head, and began chanting.

“Alah akbar. Alah akbar. Alah akbar.” (God is great. God is great. God is great.)

Later, Max told me this was done in an attempt to ward off any evil eyes that might be directed toward him. Of course, her chant didn’t prevent me from shooting Max a look of bemusement and amusement at his explanation.

But perhaps I should not have dismissed the power of the evil eye so quickly. Not even day later, something evil certainly befell me—a bacterial infection in my digestive track, which required medical attention.

Fortunately, the resort here in Sharm El Sheikh features a well-staffed clinic. In addition to the infection, the doctor discovered I suffered from low-blood pressure and dehydration. He put me on IV fluids immediately.

I’ve been very careful of what I’ve eaten since arriving in Egypt. Last year, I also became sick a few days after arriving in Sharm and thought I had learned my lesson. But last year, I didn’t diss the evil eye. Lessoned learned.

***

(In a few days, I’ll be fine. The good news is my sickness gives me a chance to catch up on my blog reading—something I have missed since coming to Egypt. It’s been hard to sneak away from Max's family, but now I have the perfect excuse to leave them for a bit to "rest.")

A change of plans

Friday, we were supposed to be spending our holiday here, but plans have changed.





Now, sadly, we are going here instead.

Amazing!

Max and I arrived home from a wonderfully romantic weekend in the Czech Republic. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities we have visited (and, by far, the cleanest). We took over 300 pictures, but if you'd like to see a handful, click here.

More later!

Got My Groove Back

I feel as though I’ve been away from a computer since forever.

Between Jules’ visit and trips to Rome and Athens, it’s been a hectic, but joyous, two weeks. Remember when I told you I had lost the “wow factor?” Forget I ever mentioned it. I’m still buzzing from the sights and sounds of the last couple weeks.

However, I don’t think it was the new geography that impressed me as much as it was the quality time with good friends and my Max, who was able to accompany me on both trips.

Rome and Athens were more than just a way to spend vacation time. In both cities, I met some of my husband’s lifelong friends. I got the opportunity to see his old elementary school yearbook, hear funny stories from his college days, and order a shake at his favorite high school hang out. Max also drove me by his childhood home in Voula, a coastal suburb of Athens.

In just a few short days, I was able to get a glimpse of my husband from days gone by. It was not surprising to hear from his friends that, even as a young person, Max displayed the same joy, warmth, and integrity, which I have also witnessed over the last three years. Finally, I got to see Athens, a city I have visited before, and Greece, a country where I have roots, through his eyes. And I could understand why he loved the time he spent there so much. I wish we could have stayed a little longer.

But all good things must come to an end. Max returns to work, where he faces a hard couple weeks and I am going on a hunger strike—for real this time. Needless to say, I ate my way through Rome and Athens. It was impossible to do otherwise because the food was delectable. I am also happy to stay I have probably staved off aging for a few years. After sampling ample quantities of the wine of Italy and ouzo of Greece, I am sufficiently pickled.

The future is so bright...

We've got to wear shades!

And we're back...

Good food, great company and the beautiful sights of Italy--it was hard to come back to the routine of life after experiencing Tuscany! But I guess, all good things must come to and end. It you'd like to see a sampling of what Max and I saw during our trip click here.

I need a day to decompress, but will be back in full swing tomorrow. I look forward to catching up on what has transpired with you during my absence. Ciao!

I'm not rubbing it in, really

The Internet can be a wonderful thing. Fabulously Me helped me locate a hund pension (doggie hotel) and Angela and Jen came through with recommendations. I can board Charlie feeling much more confidant as I make my way to Italy.

For those of you who missed it, I said ITALY! Max and I are off frolic under the Tuscan sun. I have traveled to many parts of the world, but never to this country outside the Milan airport. I’m so excited. I can hardly stand it.

Along with another couple, dear friends from the United States, we’ve rented a villa to use as home base during our sojourn. I know the lovely farmhouse has many amenities, but Internet access isn’t one of them. As a result, I may be out of touch with you for the next week unless I find a convenient place to upload photos and catch you up along the way. If not, I will keep a travel journal and share a few tidbits when I return.

I think this marks the time when living in Europe will become very exciting. The weather is improving; friends are making plans to visit. I’ve already heard from thirteen people asking to visit, and our social calendar is becoming quite full. In addition, Max and I have trips planned every month from May through the end of the year.


May - Rome, Italy
June - Prague,
Sharl El Sheik, Egypt
July - Kalithea, Greece
August – Paris, France
September – Oktoberfest, Munich
October – Raleigh, U.S.
November - Cairo, Egypt
December – somewhere warm in Florida, followed by a cruise to another warm location

But before I get too far ahead of myself, I have beautiful Italy to explore. Forgive me if you don’t hear from me between tomorrow and next Saturday. Know I’ll miss you terribly. ☺