Finally, A Summer Vacation and Making Up For Lost Time
My summer started July 24th, and what a wonderful way to begin, with my parental unit AB (Achey-Barr) joining me in Germany to visit parts of Europe. This is especially special, because last year I skipped my summer vacation to begin work at FISW - one of the best decisions I've made, but intense without a break! So, after slaving away all year (ok, that's an exaggeration - it was a labor of love which I was paid for), I was exhausted and relieved to be looking forward to a 7 week break! The last day of school was bittersweet, saying farewell to friends while preparing for holiday. And what a holiday it's been!
This school year, aside from a trip to Belguim with some friends, I've only managed to travel locally in and around Germany.
It's sad to be in the middle of Europe without taking advantage of how easy it is to travel between countries here. So, I had a thrilling itinerary lined up:
We traveled south to Switzerland and hiked around in the gorgeous Jungfrau region, staying two nights in Lauterbrunnen which allowed us time to take the 4 gondolas all the way to the top of the schliterbahn for breathtaking views over breakfast at the rotating restaurant at the top of the mountain. 
We played at the interactive JamesBond Exhibit before heading back down and hiking around the quaint villages of M... & E... Then enjoying Swiss fondue.
The next morning we visited the forceful waterfalls inside the Interlaken caves before returning to Germany for a few more relaxing days.
I dropped my parental unit at the airport, with a promise I'd see them again soon, then returned to my flat to get to work as I only had 4 days to pack everything up and leave my flat. A BIG thank-you to RC, Jose, Ivan and Israel - I couldn't have done it without your help. Everything was out of my flat in time for me to head to Italy where I met my friend Sean and we toured Rome and the Vatican together.
It was SO HOT! We lucked out and stumbled upon a tour group that invited us to join. Not only were we able to skip the very long line, we had an extremely educational experience from TWO guides for the Coleseum, Palatino Hill, & Roman Forum. Then we went for a pint to cool off with the rest of the guides from the tour company(Romearound). We had such a great time, that we booked our Vatican City tour with them as well. The Sistene Chapel was extraordinary, as was St. Peter's Basilica, which was much larger than I expected it to be! So much interesting history.
After Rome, Sean and I flew to Athens, Greece. Still hot, but windy which made all the difference. Again we lucked out (apparently Sean is part leprechaun), and we scored a major deal at a 5-star hotel. We explored the Acropolis and Pantheon before touring the city.
We went on a day cruise from the port in Piraeus to the islands of Hydra, Poros, Aegina. Along the way I learned some traditional Greek dancing, visited a purely pedestrian island (the only other form of transportation is by burro), and swam in the Mediterrranean Sea!
Our final day we visited my Uncle Kostas's family in Athens. Such wonderful and welcoming people who welcomed us whole heartedly, cooked us an amazing meal, and even shared tiny chocolate mice ice cream cakes with us because it was Sean's birthday. We flew back to Germany full of food and happy memories. Sean was a wonderful companion, going with me as I finished my final moving tasks and spent time with wonderful friends who I will miss greatly.
We left Germany on July 23rd and it took us over 24hrs to make it back to Washington state. I was SO tired, and my eyes SO bloodshot, that I looked like something out of a horror movie. Seriously - I looked and felt like the undead, and probably scares small children. Sean deserves a medal for patiently putting up with a tired and hungry Maureen. I must have tried his temper - transcontinental travel shows you who your friends really are, and Sean is a keeper! His sister collected us from the airport and after a night to attempt recalibrating my system, I was off to camp at the Highland Games in Enumclaw Washington with the crew that attends every year. How I had missed them, and what a marvelous way to be welcomed back.
My summer has officially ended as I have reported to my new international posting - but more on that later. Overall, summer seemed too short, but was well spent. I am blessed with the amazing family, wonderful friends, and awesome places I've visited. Stay tuned for my next adventures... 
This school year, aside from a trip to Belguim with some friends, I've only managed to travel locally in and around Germany.
It's sad to be in the middle of Europe without taking advantage of how easy it is to travel between countries here. So, I had a thrilling itinerary lined up:
France and Switzerland with my mom and step-dad, back to Germany to finish packing up, meeting my friend Sean in Italy, then traveling with him to Greece and one last stop in Germany before flying back to Washington State, USA.
I have to admit, it was lovely, and every bit as wonderful as I'd hoped. Sadly, it went by WAY too fast, and with so much I tried to squeeze in, I had to be in near constant motion to accommodate such a busy schedule, and even so there are still friends I missed! But I am grateful for the time I was able to share with those I love.
So - a quick recap! France was sunny and beautiful as always. Once again we stayed at the Kiefer's hotel in Itellsweiler, and again I rode through vineyards on bicycles with my parental unit near Barr, France.
We visited a fascinating war bunker from WWII, roamed around Salsbury, and ate delicious French food from some of our favorite restaurants.
We traveled south to Switzerland and hiked around in the gorgeous Jungfrau region, staying two nights in Lauterbrunnen which allowed us time to take the 4 gondolas all the way to the top of the schliterbahn for breathtaking views over breakfast at the rotating restaurant at the top of the mountain. We played at the interactive JamesBond Exhibit before heading back down and hiking around the quaint villages of M... & E... Then enjoying Swiss fondue. The next morning we visited the forceful waterfalls inside the Interlaken caves before returning to Germany for a few more relaxing days.
I dropped my parental unit at the airport, with a promise I'd see them again soon, then returned to my flat to get to work as I only had 4 days to pack everything up and leave my flat. A BIG thank-you to RC, Jose, Ivan and Israel - I couldn't have done it without your help. Everything was out of my flat in time for me to head to Italy where I met my friend Sean and we toured Rome and the Vatican together. It was SO HOT! We lucked out and stumbled upon a tour group that invited us to join. Not only were we able to skip the very long line, we had an extremely educational experience from TWO guides for the Coleseum, Palatino Hill, & Roman Forum. Then we went for a pint to cool off with the rest of the guides from the tour company(Romearound). We had such a great time, that we booked our Vatican City tour with them as well. The Sistene Chapel was extraordinary, as was St. Peter's Basilica, which was much larger than I expected it to be! So much interesting history.
After Rome, Sean and I flew to Athens, Greece. Still hot, but windy which made all the difference. Again we lucked out (apparently Sean is part leprechaun), and we scored a major deal at a 5-star hotel. We explored the Acropolis and Pantheon before touring the city. We went on a day cruise from the port in Piraeus to the islands of Hydra, Poros, Aegina. Along the way I learned some traditional Greek dancing, visited a purely pedestrian island (the only other form of transportation is by burro), and swam in the Mediterrranean Sea! Our final day we visited my Uncle Kostas's family in Athens. Such wonderful and welcoming people who welcomed us whole heartedly, cooked us an amazing meal, and even shared tiny chocolate mice ice cream cakes with us because it was Sean's birthday. We flew back to Germany full of food and happy memories. Sean was a wonderful companion, going with me as I finished my final moving tasks and spent time with wonderful friends who I will miss greatly. We left Germany on July 23rd and it took us over 24hrs to make it back to Washington state. I was SO tired, and my eyes SO bloodshot, that I looked like something out of a horror movie. Seriously - I looked and felt like the undead, and probably scares small children. Sean deserves a medal for patiently putting up with a tired and hungry Maureen. I must have tried his temper - transcontinental travel shows you who your friends really are, and Sean is a keeper! His sister collected us from the airport and after a night to attempt recalibrating my system, I was off to camp at the Highland Games in Enumclaw Washington with the crew that attends every year. How I had missed them, and what a marvelous way to be welcomed back.
Sean accompanied my mother and I to Wicked with dinner at the Melting Pot before heading to Yakima where all my sisters were together for one glorious evening and breakfast. Then a whirlwind of friends and family, trying to squeeze everyone in. Sadly, there's a few key people I missed, but I will double my efforts to see them when I return. For the ones that I was able to see, I am thrilled to have spent so much quality time with those I love and have missed. Thank-you for making time in your schedules to visit with me.
My summer has officially ended as I have reported to my new international posting - but more on that later. Overall, summer seemed too short, but was well spent. I am blessed with the amazing family, wonderful friends, and awesome places I've visited. Stay tuned for my next adventures... 
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