Wow!! the time just slipped by…i didn’t get to see and do everything i had hoped to, although it was great fun and i ended up doing more than my body would have liked.  I have been horribly ill for almost 3 weeks now!  it was all worth it, though…this infectious traveling-mucus can leave my body,  any time now… between the cold and the cracked rib (did i mentioned that i am incredibly clumsy?), i haven’t been able to do much since i reached the states.

I had such a wonderful time in Germany.  It is always like going back home for me.  It is where i did quite a bit of growing up, well….for that age (still have many areas that need working on).  The friends i made there are like family, and even with many years between visits, it still is familiar and comforting for me.  i worked my magic and hopefully i have enticed  some folks to come  for a visit, with promises of greasy foods and friendly americans who speak german(so y’all better get studying your Deutsch).  Portugal was also lovely.  The best part was seeing Inês and meeting her wonderful family.  We made promises not to wait so long between visits.  That means i have to get on with learning Portuguese and as her son Alexandre told me, also learn to move my chin when i speak.  I didn’t know i needed to do this, but i have been practicing.  it’s not as easy as it sounds….

Thank you to everyone who feed, lodged, laughed, cried, rode the ferris wheel, ate sushi, and lived with me during this great time.  I wouldn’t have enjoyed my time as much without all of you…love to you all and einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!! …until next time….here are some fun fotos…..