tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338688422217292683.post1908575076166723595..comments2023-10-09T09:48:06.803-07:00Comments on Steph's Munich Madness: Happy New Year!Gerardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15774370139393954353noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338688422217292683.post-9027542096535424982008-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:002008-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00Love the pics of the kids. The boys look happy an...Love the pics of the kids. The boys look happy and healthy. Steph, you are doing a great job. Kathykaprobertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04067572907893143084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338688422217292683.post-32408800331111141622008-01-04T10:38:00.000-08:002008-01-04T10:38:00.000-08:00Your new winter hat may be warm but it makes you l...Your new winter hat may be warm but it makes you look like a muslim. Just an observation. <BR/><BR/>Love the pics, as usual. And the videos are a nice treat. <BR/><BR/>I think Gerrit is enjoying the texture and "mouth feel" of the banana as much as the taste. <BR/><BR/>Your description of the firework displays are reminiscent of those we used to be able to experience in the states (including Southern California) when I was a kid. The regulations gradually crept in, especially in the residential areas, in the name of protecting our “safety.” <BR/>I remember the sights and burnt out smells of the mess left on the street and sidewalks the next morning, as you described. At that time we used to search through all the discards hoping to find one that hadn’t yet been used, occasionally we’d get lucky. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad that you are thinking more positively about your experience in Germany. <BR/><BR/>It is an opportunity that few Americans have. If you have the mindset that "I may never be here again and when I do finally leave I want to make as sure as I can that I don't regret not having done everything that I had a chance to do," I think that will help you savor the moment better. <BR/><BR/>When I was in Alaska, the real Alaska, I was almost constantly aware of what a wonderful opportunity and treat that I was experiencing. It almost pained me that time was so short and there was so much to see, do and learn. <BR/><BR/>I wanted my memory bank as full as it could be when the time came for me to leave. I never dreamt after I finally found my 'paradise' that I'd be away from her so long. Those memories have helped to sustain me while I've been away. <BR/><BR/>Here you are in Europe. Almost the center of Europe. I know that you are strapped down with kids now, and that you've been to Europe before, as a visitor, but now you are there for a sustained period as a 'resident.' What a wonderful opportunity. Rather than keeping to your former American routines, why not immerse yourself more into the various cultures around you. Go native. And whenever you can, you and Gerard and the kids should spend time traveling to the countries around you. See and do the things that you wouldn't ordinarily be able to as a tourist with time limitations. Network with locals that know the areas and speak both languages. Make new friends in those places. You are an ambassador for all of us who would like to be where you are but can't right now. Trail blaze for us. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, that is my advise. <BR/><BR/>Love DadStephanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11210033611229800174noreply@blogger.com