Mom and Mike's European Vacation - April 2006

April: My parents have been the first to brave the trip to Poland. After a long and delayed flight, they were here with all of their luggage. We did not waste any time and immediately hopped a train with Royce to Krakov. We spent a couple of days there, where we stayed in a castle outside of town, visited Wawel, old town, the Jewish Ghetto, and the market. It was the anniversary of Pope John Paul's II death, so there was a lot going on and many people visiting.

After Our stay in Krakov, we headed back to Konin for a night of rest, and to drop off Royce.

The next day we boarded a train to Berlin, where we ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and briefly looked around. It was late, raining, and we only had a few hours before our night train left for Paris. The night train was not bad and we actually got some sleep before arriving in Paris. Because of some strikes in France, we were a few hours late, but everything worked out well and we eventually made it to our hotel. While my parents toured around the city and absorbed the culture, I took the opportunity to shop for things we cannot find in Poland. We needed more travel books, food items, and toiletries. I also could not resist a trip to the Gap, Celio, and Starbucks...oops!

My parents survived Paris (my mom did a very good job trusting me on the subways), and were ready for another adventure. We took the night train to Dresden, Germany this time, where we met Royce again. They were experiencing severe flooding in the area, which made the trip more interesting. We hiked around the Bastei, ate very good mountain German food, visited the Meissen porcelain factory, and did some shopping. Royce and I found a Subway Sandwich shop and could not resist the temptation. The closest thing you can find to a sandwich shop in Konin is a Kebab. After a weekend in Dresden, we made the very long drive back home. Poor Royce got very sick after eating at McDonald's and barely made it.

I was exhausted after all the traveling and happy to be home for a few days. My parents were still anxious to see more and made a trip to Poznan via train by themselves. They stayed in the center of old town and really enjoyed themselves. When they returned, we visited the gigantic Catholic church in Lichen and toured the cemetery there as well. The next day we celebrated Easter together with a large food spread. My mom brought Easter egg dye from the US, so we were able to have a little fun with that. We had a good time and were sad to see them go the following day. It was the first family Royce had seen in 10 months! We look forward to more visits from family and friends, so come on over!!

Mom, Mike, Me, and Royce in downtown Krakow, Poland

We stayed at this cool castle in Krakow

Outside view of the castle

Mom scoping out the market in Krakow

Mike found the largest beer and burger in Berlin - He did manage to finish it all!

Mom enjoying Paris

Mom and Mike in Germany

Royce admiring the fine craftsmanship of this bridge...

Mike and I exploring the Bastei in Germany

Royce discovered Wal Mart in Dresden, Germany

Mike and I eating at an Egyptian restaurant in Konin - weird!

Royce and I in Konin's old town

Me, Mike, and Mom in Lichen, Poland

Easter in Konin...."Royce, I think you need a little more sleep"

United States, West Coast - March 2006

April: It was very strange to get off the plane in Chicago and be able to suddenly understand and comprehend everything around me. I began to experience sensory overload. I was so excited to finally get that nonfat raspberry latte from starbucks and have access to soft toilet paper. Lets just say I was happy to be in the US again.

The first day I was back in Reno, I had my hair cut and eyebrows waxed...it had been awhile. Then it was off to Fernley to see Scout. I missed her so much and was worried she would bark and growl at me. After 30 seconds of confusion, she was on my lap and happy to see me:). That weekend, a bunch of friends and I headed to Salt Lake City for a great ski trip. As always, Nicki did a fantastic job planning it. I had such a fun time skiing and catching up with everyone. Zane, Thank you so much for hunting down my perfect skis!!

So once we returned safely to Reno, I did my laundry (I was able to use a dryer!!!), packed up, and drove to Grants Pass. I had dinner and caught up with Royce's family, collected things to take back to Poland, and relaxed. The weather was not that great, so I often found myself cuddled up to the wood stove with red wine and a good book. Royce's dad and step-mom have a perfect home in the country for resting, except for the occasional rooster crow or donkey song.

After a few days, I traveled up north to Corvallis to spend time with my family. It was really nice to see everyone and be back to more familiar things. I had fun shopping, getting pampered with a manicure, going to the beach, and eating huli huli chicken from Local Boyz. I also caught up on some movies I had missed, and stocked up on some books. The best part was to see family and friends and just relax and talk with them all. I feel like I miss so much when I am away.

My journey in the Willamette Valley concluded and I was off to Grants Pass to spend time with Royce's family again. This time I stayed at his mom's house and once again spent time catching up. Unfortunately, my stay in Grants Pass this time was cut short because of a bad storm. I collected all the things we had left at his mom's house last Spring and made my way through the mountains and back to Reno. Luckily, I just missed the storm and was safely back in Fernley with the Houston's and Scout.

The next week in Reno was crazy, due to an added trip to Park City, Utah, to look at condos. I spent a couple of evenings at the bullriding competition, a couple of days at the slopes, another day snow shoeing, and the rest of the time was spent collecting more things for Poland. Things like deodorant soap, Tampax Tampons, flashcards, montreal chicken seasoning, ranch dressing, A1 Sauce, Kraft Mac and Cheese, and many more items, do not yet exist here. So, it was a whirlwind week! Oh, and thank you Jaymn, Nicki, and Becky for saving my birthday with those awesome cupcakes:)!

I ended my trip in Reno at PF Changs with Zane, Erin, and Nicki. I think this is where Royce and I had said goodbye the last time we had left, and I believe I ordered the same glass of red wine and hot and sour soup. Zane then helped me at the airport, where we tipped some guy to let my heavy luggage through (Zane also lifted my bag when it was on the scale), and I was off to Florida.

Nicki and Ty in Salt Lake

Zane and I skiing in Salt Lake

I LOVE MY NEW SKIS!

My niece Daphne, and sister-in-law Kyra

Daphne, you are just too cute!

My mom and I at the Oregon coast

A crazy night watching bullriding in Reno

Ya'll must shop at the same place;)

A couple of young riders...

Fort Myers, Florida - March 2006

April: I actually ended my US trip in Florida. It was such a relief to know that all my things had been collected and packed. There was no more to do except relax, enjoy family, and absorb the sun. I had the opportunity to eat sushi, kayak, have a massage, watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy, enjoy dinner on the ocean, and swim. Best of all, I was able to visit with grandma, Mel, and Kim, and enjoy playing with the girls. It was such a relaxing trip for me, and got me ready for my trip back to Poland. Once again, I had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back!

Me, Grandma, and Kim at Jalapeno's for dinner

Keira, Shaylee, and Mel kayaking near their home

Me, with a long awaited pina colada.....they made it with ice!!!

Shaylee, me, Kim and Keira having a slumber party

Keira and Shaylee at a horse riding lesson

Keira was a natural!

Shaylee dancing at her ballet class

Cairo, Egypt - November 2005

April: No, we did not go to Egypt again:( There were just some pictures that I could not upload onto the previous Egyptian blog entry, and had to post them separately. So, here are some pictures taken when we visited the Pyramids of Giza. They were majestic and beautiful, but sadly damaged from the environment and people.

Royce, at the base of the Great Pyramid

Is that real?
Ahab the Arab

Ahhhhh.....
We finally hiked far enough away from other tourists for a more surreal experience
I see the similarities

Sweet ride!