Planning our Trip

Like Joe and Tracy we are trying to decide what we want to do in Germany. Dave has two main things he must do... Drive really fast on the Autobahn... And what brewerys to go to. Dave was very disappointed that Joe did not share the same interest when we offered to put him and Tracy on the drivers list of our Rental car. Perhaps they are lucky.. I think I'll have to take sleeping pills to reduce my stress while Dave is driving... :-)

I would like to go to the Christmas Markets...... See a Castle...... Perhaps go to the Alps.... Hmmm might have to get 4 wheel drive in that car. And of course taste some of the local specialtys that was recommended to me.

The only thing we are not looking forward to is the rain, snow and grey sky's... We already get that 10 months out of the year up here in Washington..... I"m praying for some clear blue sky's. The snow can come at night while we are sleeping....

A Mere Month!

I hope it snows when we're in Munich. Not much, mind you. Just enough so on Christmas Eve I can stand in Marienplatz (the town center) and sing Silent Night in German, while drinking a really big beer. Okay, maybe I'll just listen for carollers singing Silent Night in German while drinking a really big beer.


Yesterday, Joe and I went beer shopping (the beer shelf in our fridge is in sad shape) and were sucked in by the Franzenkaner/Warsteiner/Spaten vortex. It's a very good thing. I'm sooo looking forward to the up close and personal version.

I started the packing list and got some cool airplane toys: an inflatable seat back that gives your whole back a cushion (so we might actually be able to sleep in Economy) and a silk blanket/wrap with a little pocket on one end to keep my feet warm. I already have one of those neck pillows, so I think I'm good to go!

There will be two formal nights (we think) on the cruise. Those of you who read the ANZ blog will remember my diva dresses...yeah, we won't be wearing them this time around. I haven't been that good on my diet. I'll have to figure out something else (I'm sure I'll manage). The rest of the evenings will be nice attire, of course, jeans during the day, and we won't have to worry about swim suits. I refuse: on weather conditions and...um...have you seen my pasty white thighs lately? ;-) They're only going to get pastier and whiter...at least until April or May!

I'm looking forward to seeing our friends, Chris and Linda, from Boston and Providence, respectively. We met them on our last European river cruise. Great travelers! Great fun! Great friends! I can't wait to see you! I'm also looking forward to spending time with Debbie, Dave, Linda, Wally and Silvana...and meeting Doug for the first time. I hear we should get along splendidly!

Let's face it, I'm just plain looking forward to everything about this trip.

Six Weeks Out

While we don't actually leave for Munich until December 23, my vacation actually starts Friday, December 19, at 5:01 pm. Six weeks from now.

When I was a kid, six weeks was an eternity. Now, six weeks is just a blip on the scope. I'll run out of time before I run out of decks to clear at the office, or before I find the perfect scarf to go with the perfect coat I found. Six weeks will swoosh past me like dry leaves caught in a sudden gust. Six weeks barely gives me time to finalize my packing list. ;-)

Six weeks used to be the time for tests. I guess it still is. At least for us. We've been tested this past week with the news that we needed a new furnace, we had a foundation leak and, oh! that'll be $5,000 dollars...six weeks before we leave on vacation. I guess I'm glad it happened now. Had it happened while we were still in the planning stages of the trip, we may not have decided to go. Or what if it had happened while we were gone?!? How awful if we were abroad and have to leave all the shit on the housesitter's shoulders...or, worse, come home to a flooded house...no thanks!

In six weeks, though, it will all be over. In six weeks we'll be leaving it all behind...yes, worries and all. All. In six weeks.