Street Legal and Enjoying Spring

Things here couldn't be different from September.

Some might be shocked, but our biggest feeling of accomplishment may be getting our driver's licenses. We had to take eye exams, first aid courses, written tests, driving lessons, and finally a 45 minute driving test. The last time I took a driving test, was 24 years ago. The stress was surprising.


Here we are with our proof of making it.
Best part: Good for life!
Worst part: Many US states don't recognize meaning we get to retake written and driving again in the USA. (Bummer)
For me, it was February 1st to April 20th without being able to drive but now - Alles Klar.

We continued to enjoy the early spring weather in Munich and Daph and I rekindled our tradition of meeting once a week for lunch today. We met at the Italian restaurant across the street from my office, got a sidewalk cafe table and I snapped this picture.

For me - the picture has a couple of things to note:
1. Daphne is drinking a white wine spritzer since it is the middle of the day (didn't do that in the US)
2. There's a Ferrari parked next to us
3. Daph is starting to dress a bit more European. Where did the sweatshirt wearing girl I met in college go and how can I keep her from meeting this new, stylish woman?
4. The water on the table is sparkling - maybe I've become more European too

This weekend is "May day" celebrations all over Europe. We have an adventure planned and hope to have something "blog-worthy" later this weekend!

Paula - part 2

There are some days here where it feels like a truly incredible place to live your life. One afternoon while Paula was visiting, it was a warm, sunny afternoon and we found ourselves waiting for Julia to get out of school.

We walked down by the large lake, the Starnberger See, which is 14 miles long and 3 miles across. The water is crystal clear, formed by ice age glaciers.

The sun was shining and warm and the lake was beautiful. If you enlarge the pictures you can see the Alps in the background.

We stopped at a restaurant that is along the lake front for a beer/wine/orange soda and just relaxed. There are times when we get to enjoy the non-American way of life....

10!

David celebrated his 10th Birthday this April and we had a little celebration prior to heading for vacation. Our newest tradition is that each person celebrating his/her birthday can choose the restaurant of their choice. (I ate at home - why eat out when Daph can cook better than anyone I know?)

My son David selected..... The Hard Rock Cafe.

This is the face of happy young man. Chicken fingers and fries.

On the way out, Julia wanted me to take her picture in front of the Porsche SUV taxi. Only in Germany...

Paula Visit - Verboten

Paula McNick came for a great visit at the end of March (I know-I am behind).

My sister is a great guest. She's interested in learning what's happening with the kids, exploring the city as they see it, and she humored us by staying up late talking even when she was incredibly jet-lagged.


We did many of our regular routines with her there including a Sunday family walk to the castle. Still chilly in March but the flowers were out. We made a game out of estimating how many were planted - Brian concluded, "...a lot."
Paula asked each kid to pick out something they wanted to do or show her. Perfect for Julia. Paula and Julia spent an afternoon together, seeing some sights, getting their nails done, and shopping. Julia loved showing Paula how she can navigate the subway system without help and knows the key places to shop. It's really becoming her city.

David suggested the zoo. We have a great zoo here - huge, open, and of course, it has a big beer garden. Here we are outside on a statue...

The tall structure in the picture is a playground in the center of the zoo. The kids climb up this huge tower of telephone poles and then come screaming down a tube slide. (Julia in the slide - Brian is on top of the slide.) Paula and I agreed - there was a bit more danger and adventure than your average Chicago park.

Brian suggested a visit to the BMW museum. We concluded that Brian doesn't know his Aunt well enough. She hasn't owned a car in years and even when she did, I wouldn't call her a 'car person'. We overruled him.

Daphne took Paula to a store to buy some official Oktoberfest chairs (for the beer garden). Paula got a kick out of using the chair on the subway - not using the official subway seats. She proposed her act would be forbidden since several Germans frowned at her. She called her visit the "verboten tour".

Vulcan

About the only funny thing about this volcano eruption is that we have learned that the German word is "vulcan."

Sorry it has been a while between posts but I have an excuse - the McNick's were not in Munich. We spent the Easter week in Florida visiting Grandparents and other family and Daphne and the kids spent a second week in Ohio visiting Grandparents and other family.

And the funny thing is, now that Daphne actually likes Germany AND wants to come back, there is a vulcan to prevent her trip back. Life is funny, huh?

In the mean time I was able to spent 36 hours in Hong Kong visiting Beth and Dan.

Being alone for the foreseeable future means I should be able to catch up on the blog. Oh - and this also means George stays in the hundepension (kennel) for a few more days. Poor George.