Trip 3: Germany & Italy

30 October – 10 November 2011

Wake up. Try to wake up Al and head down to breakfast. At some point, we missed the memo that Day Light Savings time ended last night. O. I know why. It was written in French. Yep. I need to learn French. And Swahili. And Italian. And German. And Norwegian. My brain is in language overload. Because on a good day, I can barely speak English.

Eat breakfast, gather our goods, and away we go. This time to Ramstein. Otherwise, known as the Land of the Big PX. For those of you who don’t know, the PX is the Army exchange. Once upon a time, it was a department store where you could save money and buy clothes, household items, electronics, etc. Now, it’s just an okay department store. The days of the super savings are gone. So, I rarely shop there.

It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Zellenberg to Ramstein. We are staying at a bed & breakfast in a little town near by because we were told that there was no way we would be able to obtain a room on base. Fine by me. I’m not the traditional Army dependent. I’d rather explore the world beyond the 8’ fence. Call me crazy. But, it’s just the way I am.

Arrive to our hotel in Schweldbach. Check in. Score another fantastic guesthouse. Such a change from African guesthouses. In a running water, clean surroundings, lack of burning trash, cool air kind of way. Funny. It’s amazing how quickly you can adjust to what’s in front of you rather than what’s out there. Starting to make sense why some tribes never change.

Figure out where Ramstein and Landstuhl are. Drive around to figure out where we need to be early in the morning. Liam and Al have a conference. I have time to waste and doctor appointments. I’m broken again. Finally listening to Liam and taking care of my shoulder, knee, and post-miscarriage blood work.

Grab some dinner at a great little mom and pop diner. The portions in Germany are out of control. Liam and I could easily split every meal and still have left overs. Head back to the hotel and get some sleep. It’s going to be an early morning.

Woke up early. I had a doctor’s appointment at 0730. Sheesh. It’s the only time they could squeeze me in. Drop the guys off really early at their conference on Ramstein. Head to Landstuhl for my doctor’s appointment. I arrive really early since I was told getting through the gate could be an absolute nightmare. Then, there is the parking problem. But, guess what. I was through the gate and parked in about 5 minutes flat. I couldn’t believe it.

Find the ortho clinic and become a fixture in their waiting room for an hour. Thankfully, I grabbed my IPhone before we left Dar and had my old friend Angry Birds to keep me company! Saw the doc. Scheduled arthrogram. Tried to have all a thrombophilia panel done, but it didn’t get put into the system properly. Will have to figure that out later.

Spent the next two days shuttling the boys to their meetings, hanging out at the hospital waiting for all my appointments to be done, and wandering around the land of the Big PX. Being back in America is weird. I’m starting to think I prefer the 3^rd world. While in Ramstein, had lunch with several other African FAO spouses. It was nice to meet a few more spouses and get their input on living in our crazy world. Leave Ramstein on November 2^nd headed for Stuttgart.

Spent a few days in Stuttgart so the guys could go to Africom headquarters. We also mailed all of our wine and some of the groceries we picked up at the commissary. I hope our wine makes it to Africa in one piece.

Leave Stuttgart and head to Munich to pick up Al’s sister-in-law, Christina, and Brian.  Brian works with Al at our embassy in Mauritania. Gather everyone and head to Bavaria. Liam wanted to go to Berchtesgaden to see Eagle’s Nest and hang out in the Alps. However, since we were there so late in the season, everything was closed. So, we are going to have to come back when we are living in Italy.

On Nov 5^th, we took a stroll to Königssee Lake. Passed a bobsled run. Walked around town and took the tram to a restaurant near the top of the mountain. Walked the rest of the way up the trail to the top. Took a few pictures and enjoyed the weather. It was an absolutely beautiful day. I wish I wasn’t broken and we could have hiked some more because it was perfect weather. Walked back down to the restaurant and had lunch while fighting off crows.

Königssee Lake

Eagle's Nest.

Bobsled anyone?

After lunch, we headed back down the tram to the town and then walked back to our hotel. Made reservations at the German restaurant down the street from the guesthouse.

On Nov 6^th, Liam took Brian, Christina, and Al to the train station. Since, Liam and Al were told they couldn’t visit Army Africa, Al decided to go back to Munich and stay with family friends. Liam and I had already paid for our hotel in Vicenza so we decided we would go wander around northern Italy and check it out. Liam came back and picked me up, we checked out and were on our way. Stopped somewhere in Austria for lunch. Then, back on the road to Italy. We entered the Dolomites and the cloud covered lingered overhead. Then, it began to rain. Made the picturesque views with the castles built into the sides of the mountain pretty eerie. There were also olive trees and grape vines everywhere.

Arrived in Vicenza, found our hotel, checked in and asked where to eat dinner. Since we were worried about parking, we walked the few blocks to the restaurant. We tried to dodge the rain, but we were unable too. Showed up to the restaurant a little wet and enjoyed a nice dinner.

Walked back to the hotel. Discussed our plan for the next day and went to sleep. The next day, we drove to base and completed a few last errands we had. Decided to drive around and determine the lay of the land. Wandered all the way to Asiago, Italy. As in, Asiago cheese. It’s this awesome town in the mountains with 500 km of cross country ski trials and quaint Germanesque culture. After spending a couple hours in town, Liam decided that we should live in Asiago. I spent the next hour and a half (driving back to Vicenza) trying to convince him that it was a bad idea because while it was beautiful it was too far away from work for him (and potentially me). Oh and the roads to Asiago go back and forth straight up the front side of the mountain. This is going to be a long-term discussion between us.

Get up on the morning of the 8^th and head to Garmish. What a great place. Liam mentioned that there are some African FAOs slots here. If so, sign me up. It’s the perfect ski town. Lots to do. Tons of places to play outside in all four seasons. Yep. Definitely our kind of town.

On the 9^th head to Munich to pick up Al and drive to Frankfurt. We are flying to Amsterdam tonight and then back to Dar in the morning. Stayed at the Eden Amsterdam Manor in Amsterdam between our flights. It was a great hotel with a special headboard that we had to share. The bed was so comfortable!

XXX doesn't necessarily mean what you think it might. Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam#Symbols

I thought the decor was really neat.

The headboard. It took us a while to see it.

While I’m sad to be leaving Europe, I’m ready to go home. It’s a weird moment when you realize you would rather be at your house in the 3^rd world than a great hotel in the 1^st world. Nothing like the comforts of your house – no matter where it is in the world.

Trip 3: Why yes I will taste your wine...

29 October 2011

Awake to wonderfully cool, fall air. Decide the bathroom is a little too chilly for showers and close the window. Shower, get dressed, and head downstairs for breakfast. Today is going to be a GREAT day.

Gather our bags and head back out on the road. We are heading to the Alsace region of France today for some vino drinking. WOO! HOO!  A few weeks ago, I had one of the hardest internal debates I have ever had with myself – Alsace or Champagne region. Alsace has ALL of my favorite grapes/wines. Champagne has champagne. So, Alsace won only because Liam PROMISED to bring me back to Champagne over the next few years while we are in Europe. (So, it’s in writing buddy – no going back now! Hehehehehehe.)

It’s about a 4 hour drive to our hotel in Zellenberg, France. The boys are in the front and I curl up in the back as we are on our way. Stop around noon for gas, coffee, and I grab a salad.  The boys decide they aren’t that hungry and will wait till later.

See the sign to Zellenberg and turn down a curvy road that passes through row after row of grapevines. Keep driving and arrive in the town center with a large church and quaint French countryside villas. Pass three wineries and hundreds more grape vines as we wander to our hotel. Life just doesn’t get any better than this. Find out there is a total of 5 wineries that offer tastings. Check into the hotel and away we went. 

See. A ridiculously cute town in Alsace.

We rounded the corner from the hotel and discovered that the first winery was literally next door to our hotel. In fact, they almost shared a parking lot. Began tasting. Liam was excited because unlike our wine trip through Seattle while we were dating, all of these tastings were FREE! Talk about a kid in a candy store. That also meant my wine-purchasing budget had expanded. Needless to say, I was pretty excited as well. Tasted several great wines and bought a few bottles (as in 2 sealed cases).

Walked across the street to the next winery. Tasted a few and bought a few bottles. This went on as we walked around the town and hit all five wineries. Keeping in mind that we had to some how get all of this wine back to Tanzania, we decided to buy 23 bottles. Yes. We thought that one through didn’t we??? I went a little over board because there are only South African wines for sale in Tanzania, and while they are absolutely delicious, every once in a while it’s nice to have a different flavor.

I was carrying most of the wine in my backpack because I looked at it as an increased workout regime as we walked around town, up and down the hills. Plus, I’m the wine drinker in our house, so I figured it’s my job to protect it.

 Full of delicious French wine. Mostly Pinot Gris varietal. Fingers crossed it's en route to Tanzania and makes it here safely!

We went to the last winery right at 5pm. Since the next day was a national holiday, we were trying to maximize our afternoon and taste them all. The pinot gris wines in this area were FANTASTIC. In fact, I think that’s the VAST majority of the wine we bought. In fact, we bought at least one pinot gris at each vineyard. To think, many moons ago, I always said I didn’t drink white wines. Well, I saw the light and haven’t looked back ever since. White wine is DELICIOUS. Well, except for Chardonnay.

Since we were all stumbling a little after 15-20 tastings, we decided to find a restaurant for dinner. Walked across the street from the last winery and were told that the restaurant was booked for the evening. Decided to head back up the hill to see if there were any availabilities at another restaurant we had passed. There was so we plopped down and proceeded to dig our way into a very delicious meal.

After dinner, we walked back to our hotel. The weather was delightful. Nice crisp, clean air. Grapes vines all around. This is the life. Now, I’m really starting to get excited that we are moving to Italy. There is going to be SOOOOOO many opportunities for us to wander around Europe. I cannot wait. Now, fingers crossed I find a job in Vicenza so we can have the dream European vacation while we are living in Italy! We are going to  wander all over Europe! It’s going to be so much fun!

Open a window and off to sleep!!

Trip 3: Germany to Belgium

28 October 2011

Road trip through Europe. Yes, please. After a great nap and a great meal, I’m starting to realize how crazy living in Africa has made me. But, I think that’s part of the appeal of Africa.  Who knew it was possible to become crazier?

Indulging in a breakfast of real cheese, real milk, and delicious food is a fantastic way to start your day. Still trying to process that there are places in the world where you can buy fresh, safe things to eat. Starting to really see what Third World means. Guess you have to leave the sandbox every once in a while…

Decided to take a walk around the hotel to kill some time until we pick up Al from the airport. Headed down the street towards the Main river which runs through Frankfurt. Enjoyed a nice leisure stroll in beautiful fall weather with the greatest person I know. As we passed a few of the parks, we found a see-saw and decided we must. So, here are two over-30 adults seesawing at 10am. There were a group of teenagers walking past us and laughing. But, we didn’t care. You can’t find seesaws in the States anymore. They are too “dangerous.” Whatever. Kids are supposed to get hurt. It’s part of growing up. (I think we just signed up for a lifetime of ER visits).

Main River, Frankfurt am Main. Notice the two guys rowing down the river...

"Liam, LOOOK! A tree with leaves that are changing colors. WOW! It's fall. Not constant summer"

A fountain? A sandbox? A multi-functional toy for children AND adults. Yes!!!!

Look at all the fun things kids can hurt themselves on. Germany is a GREAT place. I'll move here any day!! A PIRATE SHIP. Seriously. Germans know how to play!

Head to the Airport to kidnap our friend Al. He’s going to be our travel buddy through Africa for pretty much the rest of the year. So, welcome Al. To our crazy little world.

Pull up to the airport and reposition our bags in the car. While Liam is cleaning out the suitcase from where the laundry detergent exploded, I walk into the airport to see when Al’s plane is landing. Well turns out it has landed. So, I sit down and wait for him to appear. Walk out to the car with Al in tow, and Liam was a little “frustrated.” He claims I disappeared. Whatever. I told him I was going to check on Al’s flight. Well, it was only located in one place. Right outside of the baggage claim. So, I figured waiting wouldn’t be an issue. But, I was wrong. Because I didn’t have my cell phone and I was gone for 30-45 minutes. Oops. I’m sorry Liam!

Jumped in the car and headed to Belgium. One of the things Liam really wanted to do on this trip was head to the WWII memorial in Bastonge. Jumped on the Autoban and away we went. I would like to discontinue a rumor right now.  I was a little disappointed in the speed at which people were driving. The Autoban is just another highway. People were driving anywhere from 60-120 mph. In a German car, it feels like you are walking - slowly. Germans know how to design a vroom vroom.

Stopped at a rest stop to grab some grub. Even gas station food is fabulous. Just makes me want to amp up our culinary skills. Game on. We are moving to Europe now. The Connor kitchen is only going to get better.

Arrive at our hotel, check-in and meander to Bastonge historical center. After WWII, Belgium built this monument to honor the soldiers who died during the Battle of the Bulge. The unit Liam was associated with for his entire career, until we left Alaska, was involved in the Battle of Bulge. So, he was pretty proud of his history.

Patton's head. In concrete.

I really love this memorial. And it didn't hurt that it was a GORGEOUS fall day.

This picture makes me happy. He's right where he belongs. ALASKA.

It was a gorgeous cool fall day. I think one of the hardest things about living in Africa is going to be giving up fall & winter weather.  It’s my absolute favorite time of year. Anybody know how I can bottle it up to move with me?

Stop at a pub and have a few Belgian beers. Delicious. I have not had a beer since pre-pregnancy. I refuse to drink the stuff in Africa because it stinks and probably isn’t worth the calories. But, to let the beautiful flavors of a Hefeweizen hit my lips…now, that is beer bliss!  And I think I’ll have another!

Return to our hotel and decide to eat dinner there since the chef is an up & coming star. And for GOOD reason. Man. Frédéric Bolis has skills. I’m really starting to feel like our kitchen needs some help. Culinary classes in Italy? Maybe I shall.

After indulging in a delicious meal, we migrated upstairs to a comfy bed with his and hers covers. Or as we shall forever call them, the end to who stole my covers. Turn off the heat and open the windows. Fall air feels so cozy. Liam might disagree, but he married a personal heater. So, he will sleep just fine, all toasty and warm!

Trip 3: A conferencing we go...

26 October 2011 - 27 October 2011

Since we did trip #1 during the Army Africa Command (or whatever the "official" title is b/c I always get it wrong) conference, Liam looked into going to the Joint Venture Africom conference. Well, turns out the more he started talking to people, the more they encouraged him to go. Then, we found out we were moving to Italy. So, it became a why not? Go the conference, network, find out more information about life in Africa. Okay, sure. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Oh. Wait. Did I mention Africom is in Germany? That means we get to leave Africa and return the real world. And I get to buy CHEESE!!!!!!!  I'm a unifocused woman these days.

So, the morning of the 26th. We wake up to NO power. The generator didn't kick in. On any other day, I wouldn't have really cared but we are about to leave our house for a while and we have stuff in the freezer that will go bad. And I don't feel like coming home to that kind of heat. Then, there is the security lights and alarm system. So, put in the calls and wait for the people to show up to the house and fix it.

A side effect of not having power is that I couldn't start my day out at 0700 and get laundry going, snacks packed, etc. So, once the power came on around 1030-1100, I had to scramble. Which meant no pre-flight nap.

The only reason I cared about my nap is because there are a LOT of movies I have missed in the past eight months. The main reason it's fun to fly internationally is all of the movie choices!

Ran around the house until about 3pm, then tried to rest. But, the universe had other plans. A few more embassy employees came by. Then, Liam called to say he was going to be home in a few hours. Decided I should get up and finish packing the lsat few things. Next thing I know, its 6pm and Liam is walking in the door.

Cab driver appeared 10 minutes early, so we skipped eating at the house. And dashed out the door. Arrived at the airport, checked in, and pursued food.

Something odd. Every touristy place in Africa so far has listed prices in USD. Now, we live in Tanznaia. We are used to only carrying shillings. So, we go to order a snack before we get on the plane - and all the prices are in USD. WTH??? It's Africa. Not the States, people. Your currency is Tanzania shillings. Let's stick to using what is the national currency and not confuse the locals. Thanks. Appreciate it.

Jump on the plane. The woman in the window seat looks at me and rudely says "I prefer the aisle seat." Well, Miss Thing I prefer to telepathically appear in Frankfurt. But, that isn't going to happen. I'm going to squeeze into my seat next to your hip fat.  This is going to be a fun flight.

Well, based on the sarcasm oozing from my previous statement, I'm sure you deduced that the flight was less than fun. I was cooking between Miss Thing's hip fat and Liam. I was so uncomfortable and restless that Liam finally made me get up and walk to the back of the plane. Which felt fantastic. I'm sure everyone back there was freezing. When I came back to the seats, Liam had moved to the middle hoping that I would be more comfy and actually cool off enough to sleep. And more importantly, let him sleep. I have the best husband! I felt horrible being so restless and uncomfortable and he was doing everything he could to help. I need to have my TSH level checked. These post-Nora hot flashes are KILLING me.

The only movie that appealed to both Liam and I was Hangover 2. I'm happy to say, it was pretty funny. In many ways, I actually think it was better than the first one.

Landed in Amsterdam. Headed to the KLM lounge. On the way, wandered through several shops. So, this is what civilization looks like. Bizarre! You can walk into one store and get everything you need? Wow. Sticker shock. Things are EXPENSIVE in the real world.

Stayed in the KLM lounge until about 30 minutes before our flight. Made it to our flight, jumped on the plane and away we went to Frankfurt.

Arrived in Frankfurt about 45 minutes later. Grabbed bags and the rental car. Away we went. Except. MUST REMEMBER TO DRIVE ON RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. It's harder than it looks. We are getting to a point where we have no idea which side of the road to drive on...OR....what time it is. So, please be forgiving if we show up clueless and flustered about driving.

Made it to the hotel with only minor turn arounds. Checked in and were greeted with Gummy Bears on our pillows. I heart Germany! What a great way to start our European vacation (I mean business trip)!  Found a pub and went to dinner. You would have thought we were in a 5 star restaurant by the way we devoured our food and proceeded to lick the plates. The flavors. The smells. OMG. African living has made us crazy. First World food is 10 times better. Gotta enjoy it while we are here. Because it's going to be a while before we make it back to real food!

Return to the hotel and try to download Lion and Aperture but the internet is so slow, I give up. Off to bed. Another adventure awaits tomorrow.