Topic: My adventures in Europe
I got home yesterday and finally feel half human. I don't know how Joe and the boys do it. Changing time zones does a number on you! I bow to their skills.
While the rest of my family chose to stay in Brussels and do day trips, I chose to stay in Amsterdam with George. What a wonderful city. I was surprised how familiar it all felt. That may be due, in part, to the fact that Penn. has a strong Germanic history, and there are very old areas of Baltimore, so gabled roofs, cooblestone roads, slender multistory homes were not strange to me. I also got a kick out of seeing the same plants that I have at home. And, seeing that many Dutch elms (they were wiped out by disease in the States years ago)
What WAS different..No fat people!!! I have never seen that many fit and beautiful people in one place. I'm certain the fact that EVERYBODY either walks or rides a bike most of the time is a big factor. They also haven't gotten the gluttony bug..They have what they need, shop daily for food, and lack the American addiction to fast food. That means no litter. Again, be fore warned about the bicycles. I kept forgetting to check their lane and nearly got wiped out more than once.
Bonabuddys...The BEST part of the trip!!! The first weekend with Andre, his buddy Rudy, Eva, and our wonderful host Geko..We WILL have another sleep-over..it was too much fun to be a one off event. Then, last Friday, Annelies and Marianne came into town. Two more stunningly good looking women who know their music. I'm certain Joe's ears were burning!!
All the forum members I met were wonderful people. We all agreed that Joe Fans have a certain connection that stems from who he is as a human. That magic we often mention here.
Germany was lovely. That's where I saw a few hills...What a thrill to drive on the autoban..even though it was in kph..to look at the spedometer and see 135!! YeeHaa!!! AND, NO road rage. You use the fast lane only to pass, then meld back into the right lane...it works!! Very few big trucks....a wonderful thing!
The last Sunday we drove to Belgium for my nephews last game of the year (They finished in 1st place!!)..We stopped in Rotterdam and saw a Blimp over ther city.It was as fun watching George and impressing him with my knowledge of the game (vs my ignorance of "football"). As we drove home that evening we were treated to 12 hot air baloons!!! Then the full moon! It doesn't get much better!
The saddest thing was exchanging dollars for Euros...painfull!! I hope Joe is getting paid in Euros!! It's not cheap in Europe. It may explain the lack of excess. That's a good thing.
So, I'm now ready for a repeat trip including London and the RAH...I encourage all to start saving your quarters (pennies won't do) and plan on making the journey next year. I may need to sell a kidney to get there, but I'm determined!!
Now, back to reality...Good thing there's a Joe show in my future...it gives me something to look forward to!
Thanks for everything George and all my forum family for the calls and visits. You know you are all welcomed to come into the forest anytime! I cook a mean crow! Cathy
