Grazie, Grazie, Prego, Prego

 BUONGIORNO ITALIA!!!!  It just sounds good, doesn't it!

I must start by saying I LOVE ITALY!  Italy was always kind of a fantasy to me.  We did spend our 15 year anniversary in Capri and that was quite amazing....but the whole country top to bottom is hard to beat.  Maybe it's because of the food...being my favorite, but I think it's the whole package with the exception of clothes....Italian sizing is just not made for American bodies...but we'll get to that later.

So as usual....I can't believe I just said 'usual' it's really not usual, it's just our school schedule and most European school schedules have this crazy thing in the month of February called Ski Break!  I remember the first ski break 8 weeks after we moved in...heading to Austria.  I had never seen so many men peeing on the side of the road....or being stopped on the Autobahn in a stau (aka major traffic jam) and people getting off their tour buses to grab coolers of beer from under the bus.....anyways.....ski break....we love ski break.

This year we decided to embark on another adventure.  We don't have our sport utility, so packing is always a bit of a challenge.  Kids are bigger, legs are longer (don't laugh....I know not mine...just the kids), butts are bigger (ok...don't laugh....that would be just mine) and the luggage just has to fit.  Packing for ski trips is a nightmare....and now all the kids pack themselves (which is fantastic), but for some reason this year the car was packed to the absolute maximum capacity.

We leave about 6:30pm on Friday night to make it just on the outskirts of Munich, about 4 hours away. The good thing...no car sickness....just a little agitation ( ok let's be honest ) there just isn't enough room for Noah's legs behind my seat anymore....and I'm just not ready or willing to give up shot gun.  I know I won't be getting mom of the year this time around.  There's just something about giving up that front seat to your kid....(it's a little like the 10 euros you loaned them last week) you'll never get it back! We made it to Munich with absolutely no problem!  So after a good night's sleep we were recharged to hit the last few hours winding through the Alps....

I don't know about your family, but growing up our family would road trip it from Wisconsin to Florida most spring breaks.  I'm probably dating myself, but I can vividly remember crossing the state line into Florida and my dad pulling over at one of the roadside orange juice stands...where you got fresh squeezed orange juice and drank it from a plastic orange with a straw!  Loved that......
Well, crossing the line into Italy is a little similar....except we pull off the autobahn....and stand around the counter of a gas station sipping an Italian espresso!  Italy we have arrived!!!

Winding and climbing the roads to our hotel was breathtaking....blue sky, sun was shining....I actually think I had to rub a little rust off the hinges of my sunglasses as they haven't been used in quite some time (being this is the darkest winter in Germany since 1952..but that's another story).  The hotel was nestled right into the slopes....perfect.  Since this is our 4th ski break in Europe I had come to the decision early that I pretty much suck at skiing.  My kids have all passed me....no more ski school for them!  They are off and running with Tim on every steep, black diamond possible, going lightening fast (actually I'm kind of relieved I don't see it)!

So...what's a girl to do in Italy when everyone else is skiing????  Ok - that is a silly question.  I decided that I would embark on my own adventure.  Everyday the gang would take off about 8:30 to catch the first gondola....there is no sleeping in when it comes to skiing!  So as I bid arrivederci to the troops, I signed up for the snowshoeing adventure with Karin.  How hard could it be?  I've snowshoed....it will be invigorating.....fresh air, blue skies...the Alps as my backdrop!  So....I went to the reception area at 9:00 ready to meet my other 'trekkers'....see I even I have the lingo down!  There were some lovely ladies there...looked about my age....about my fitness level....this is all good.....I'm sure they would want to stop along the way for a glass of Italian red, right????  I couldn't make out much of what they were conversing about in the lobby.....just a lot of grazie, prego.....but I did start to get a bit suspicious as they said Ciao....and I was the last one standing!  (and I'll emphasize standing).  So...it was now just Karin and me.  Karin was lovely.  Gorgeous Italian, fit woman who spoke a little bit of english.  I think she weighted what I did in high school.  I honestly felt like an amazon next to her...but this brings me back to Italian sizing....yea...nothing fits me unless I go up like 14 bazillion sizes....and even if I cut the tag off....I just can't get that XXXXXXXXXL feeling out of my mind.  Karin informs me that the other ladies were a bit tired from yesterday's adventure.  I wasn't able to go as I was fighting this crazy head cold and didn't want to push it....So, Karin and I set off.  We walk into town ( all of about 100 meters ) and strap on the old snow shoes.  Karin takes a swig of something from her backpack, and puts on her cute little hat; her long black braids hanging down on either side.....and off we go.  It is beautiful....sunny, no wind....just perfect.  Except for the pace.....OK - now remember we are a bit higher....altitude...and I really can't breathe through my nose because it's a bit stuffy.  Why don't I have some kleenex along like my mom always used to put in my coat pocket!  Karin is a pro....and about 2 hours into the excursion through waist deep snow at some points I was really hoping for a swig of whatever she had because obviously I was in need of something!  "How are you doing Amy", she would ask....I would simply mumble, "great, any chance we're stopping for water anytime soon".  She would answer, "oh...you so funny...prego, prego". (or something like that....I have to admit I was swearing under my breath at points)  Anyways...I enjoyed every minute of our 7 km trek uphill to a gorgeous vista....this lovely waterfall that I quite honestly wanted to just tear off all my clothes and shower in it...as my attire was a bit too warm for snowshoeing....I kept shedding layers!  It was quite empowering as I looked down....we had climbed up about 1600 meters.....and my heart was a pounding. (good thing I wasn't wearing a heart monitor...it would have been beeping continually and would be a bit of a buzz kill to the silence of the Alps)  Keep in mind.....we had to trek back down (7 more km) - although I was hoping I'd hear one of those helicopters over head....because surely they had been tracking me with all the beads of sweat I had dropped along the path!  No such luck.....but Karin did offer me a bit of gold!  She said I looked like I could use a little chocolate.  Yes!!!!  We were like soul sisters at this point....give me a big old snickers, or some of that great swiss chocolate (even though we're in Italy).  But....what to my wandering eyes did appear?  She had a piece of chocolate left over from her espresso this morning.  I kid you not...it was the size of my pinky fingernail....and was bitter chocolate!  I felt as though I was taking communion...a little sip of something from her flask.....and a piece of chocolate that I tried my very hardest to savor.....but hey.....now I know why the Italians fit in the clothes they do.....there ain't no hershey king size bars available!

Enough of that....my snowshoe adventure was great!  I got to the point where I actually trusted that the spikes in my snowshoes would not slip as I traversed downhill on a path no wider that a balance beam (ok maybe a little wider than that).  Karin took the hotel camera with her so she could take pictures along the way...and I loved those stops for photos!  I actually could catch my breath.  And...when we were sitting having a glass of wine that evening in the bar my pictures flashed across the screen...along with all the other adventures of the day that people participated in).  I had proof to Tim and the kids that mom actually did snowshoe and not treat herself to the spa all day! (although I did that, too)  I think I now realize why the other ladies opted for the spa that morning.  The last 500 meters of the trek I could barely pick my feet up...my hat was off, my jacket unzipped, my neck warmer (aka kleenex) zipped in my pocket, my gloves off....anything so my body could actually breathe.  Falling in the snow at the end was my favorite part,  but we did make it back to the hotel in plenty of time so I could carbo load from the lunch assortment and be ready for the next day!  I love Italy!

 
One other highlight of our trip was the ski race.  One evening the owner of the hotel came around and told us about the hotel ski race.  We traveled with friends this year, and it was their 7th year at the hotel...and they had never participated in the race. (they are very wise friends)  So, who is the first one to volunteer......Caleb!  The other kids scrunch down in their seats as they want no part of it.  Caleb then persuades (it didn't take much) Tim to participate as well.  Heck, what is a middle aged man to do, right?  As they look around the room sizing up their competition, they are tempted to trip a few men on the way out....or maybe stick a little something in the pasta.....those Europeans are good skiers!  So we've got to crazies who decide to participate in the race!

Race day is another perfect day on the slopes.....as we go to the ski room at the hotel to get equipment....there is actually no room in the inn!  There are so many people participating it's crazy.  Tim gives me a look.....a look I know well!  I give him the 'look' back! As parents we all know the look.  It's the look that says I am a total idiot...and I can't back out now because we always tell our kids to never quit!  So off they go to catch the gondola to the starting point.  Being the cheering squad I strap on my camera and head to the slopes...no snow shoes required this time around.  He basically threatened the kids to get out there and cheer.....so everyone (reluctantly at best) headed out to cheer!  I get a text from Tim saying he's had a shot of grappe!  There are more adults competing than kids.....and most of the adults are doing exercises to warm up......

So.....out of the starting gate they announce CALEB - representing the USA!  The crowd goes wild (no, not really) but he had the time of his life....and even looked right at me as he flew by!  Absolutely priceless!  He ended up with a medal.....and a grin from ear to ear!

 But the races weren't over yet!  The men's division was about to begin.  The music is playing the theme from Rocky....and Eye Of The Tiger......maybe he should really bail out now....but he does like a little competition and he has skied on good old Alpine Valley!  What more training do you need than that?  I hadn't gotten a text for quite some time....so I figure he must be in the zone.....or simple doing shots of grappe!  Maybe he's joined in on the calisthenics.  Men are whizzing by.....super speedy.  I've seen Antonia, Fabio, Vincenzo.  Absolutely every Italian name possible......and then I hear it!  TIM....representing the USA!  It was the only one syllable name, and it was like......that game....which one doesn't belong with the others.....
It should have been a dead giveaway at the start......a 6 ft 3 inch frame could barely fit in the starting gate.....all those Italian men are like little pocket pals!  Size alone will surely be a disadvantage for speed, right!

 But...being the ultimate trooper....and even though he didn't medal.....he and Caleb had a great time and enjoyed every minute!  It really was priceless!  We do think faulty timing equipment....maybe he unplugged it as he tried to fit through the starting gate.  We all really think if his name was Timtonia Schmidtaroni he would have medaled for sure!

So....that was our ski adventure this time around.  I did enjoy the fact I didn't have to turn green and feel nauseous on the gondola rides this year.....but there is a little bit of envy as I never got to see the very top....but all in all it was a great trip!  Lots of laughs, lots of card games, lots of great conversation and best of all great, great memories.  We really are truly blessed!
ARRIVEDERCI!  Until next time!  We will be back........

From Boots To Barefoot

After months of planning, daydreaming and anticipation for our island adventure, I can now say my feet are back on the ground in Germany.  As I mentioned in the last post we were just about to surprise the kids with our holiday trip destination.....(although Hannah had figured it out months before).  We were heading to the Maldives.  Quite honestly I wasn't quite sure where they were when we first started looking into the trip.....and when you go to Google Earth it seems to spin and spin and zoom in and zoom in until finally it hones in on a group of islands off the Indian Ocean in South Asia.  There are actually over 1000 islands but only 200 are inhabited....I had done my research!  So we headed off to the Frankfurt airport on Christmas Eve with 5 small bags packed with flip flops, snorkels and fins!  Many friends had gone to the Maldives for holidays in the past so we had an idea on what to expect.....but not quite sure what we were in for. I got 'the look' as I went through my suitcase one last time and everyone saw my bag of medicines.  I think I cleared out the medicine cabinet trying to be prepared for everything...heck we were half way around the world on an island....who knows what could happen.  And my little bag of tricks was like gold during the trip!
When we got to the airport it was amazingly quiet (although everyone that has visited us here in Germany always comments how quiet the airport is)......but when we got to the Condor Air line it was a different story.....I didn't realize that this many people would fly overnight on Christmas Eve to the Maldives.  When we boarded the plane it was seriously like flying to Disneyworld...there were families everywhere!  Families with kids much younger than ours, and there was not a seat available....booked solid!  Whenever I read about the Maldives, or these crazy exotic places in travel magazines it always seemed so crazy romantic...and secluded.  I was wondering what it would be like with our kids...but obviously these people had the same idea bringing the kids in tow.....so the adventure begins!
Once the flight was over (10 hours later) and a few hours (or should I say minutes of sleep accomplished) we began our descent over Male.  There were a few moments of shock and awe as I looked out the window saw turquoise blue water....and a runway (if you can call it that) - it looked a bit like a 100 yard dash track to me.  But it didn't seem to bother the passengers. People were shedding sweaters and boots were flying everywhere....people were stripping down to practically nothing!  Once again...the adventure begins!

The plane touched down and comes to a screeching halt. A huge round of applause takes over the airplane as the Flight Attendants announce our arrival to paradise!  Luckily wise friends told us to pack shorts and flip flops in the carry on bags....and the 90 degree salty island air felt so good!  We were immediately met by our tour representative...and having booked the trip through a local travel agent in Germany, our guide assumed we were German (and with a name like Schmidt).....so we got about half of what she was saying and followed her to the sea plane!  The kids expressions were priceless.....and I think they were pretty happy that Santa came a day early with snorkels and fins.....

The sea plane held our family of 5 and one other.  There were two pilots - flying barefoot of course...and one flight attendant who spends a whole lot of time outside the aircraft tying us from place to place!  The flight was about 20 minutes and the views were amazing....the air circulating in the aircraft.....not so amazing!  Luckily we had disrobed to the last possible layer...but I could see in Caleb's face he was feeling a bit green......

But he rallied....and loved the landing as we glided across the water with flying fish outside our window.  We made it!  We got off the plane onto a floating pier. We were wondering what was next as we were right smack in the middle of the Indian Ocean....but within minutes a boat docks right to the floating pier, our luggage is put on the boat and we are off for a 10 minute boat ride to our resort......Caleb's face was a bit lighter green....he went from Elphaba in Wicked to Kermit the Frog color....so we were hoping the 10 minutes wouldn't seem like 10 hours!

We finally arrived.....Christmas day (about 11:00am) to Kuramathi Island.  As we stepped off the boat,  I was fairly certain I would see Tattoo and his sidekicks from Fantasy Island, but instead we were greeted by the local Maldivans.  Maldivans are small in stature...but huge in smiles!  I saw the kids reaction as they ran down the pier barefoot looking side to side at the marine life.....and my eyes just filled with tears... a combination of 'we made it'.......'relief'......and just overwhelmed with the beauty!  It was incredible! 

As a family of 5 we are used to booking two rooms......but two water villas, I was a bit worried.  I had sent a request to the resort (actually numerous requests).  I'm sure any e-mail they saw coming through from 'Schmidt' they immediately flagged....and classified me as a 'nut'.  But I wanted to make sure the rooms were right next to each other.....adjoining would have been ideal....but that doesn't quite happen when you're in a little hut on stilts in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  But I wasn't tagged as a 'nut' and we were placed in two great rooms next to each other overlooking the sunset every night.  As we walked to the rooms the kids noticed the colorful fish and the crystal clear water. They also noticed something that resembled a shark......

Of course being the mom who over- prepared for this adventure with a 10 pound bag of medicines in my carry on, I was second guessing my preparedness...... maybe I should have Googled shark attacks in the Maldives.  I also was rethinking the movies that are downloaded on the iPad.  Soul Surfer and Shark Tales may not have been the best choices.  Trying to distract the kids from the large shark-like looking fish to something more resembling Nemo....we walked into our rooms and what do we see out the back.....more of these large, shark-like looking creatures.......once again the adventure continues!

  But we just kept the old quote 'fish are our friends' in mind and enjoyed incredible snorkeling right out our door.  The large, shark-like looking fish were indeed sharks....they were reef sharks....and they were everywhere.  We were reassured that there has not been a shark attack from a reef shark ever.....although every time we were out there and one would swim by I held my breath. ( or Hannah would say I'd jump on top of her)  I've never seen such beautiful marine life....the colorful fish, stingrays....and we even got to swim with mantarays.  Some are as big as a double bed and almost resemble a bat.  They glide in the water and come right to you!

One of the many mantarays

All in all it was an incredible adventure.....we swung from vines (or tried to)

Caleb had his fair share of 'mocktails' and became fast friends with one of the servers named Chimpeeka.

We took part in an official coconut plucking.....which is a bit over rated.....but they climb these crazy tall trees and chop down the coconuts....good thing they didn't ask for audience participation.  Although Hannah took part in an official tasting.  I think the picture says it all!

The sunsets were breathtaking...and one night Caleb, Noah and I laid on the deck and just stared at the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 

The Maldive adventure was worth every penny.  The island of Kuramathi is the second largest in the Maldives.  It took about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other.  The workers were so pleasant and their smiles were contagious.  They worked hard every day to keep the island impeccable.  We got to know many of them....and one story that we think about often is the young man that has to travel 30 hours by boat to get home for the birth of his first child.  Most have left their families behind to work and live in Kuramathi. They learn about tourism and hospitality...which the Maldivan people have mastered.  The food was amazing and we made it without any trouble...just one minor injury (not food-related) which was well attended to with mom's bag of tricks.  The island has the largest medical facility in the Maldives...so that was reassuring as we traveled with kids.  We met several other families....not too many Americans.....but some that are living abroad like us.  Each day we write in a family journal.....and on the last night we read them together.  One thing we all had in common is that we were so thankful that we are able to take trips like this one.....and realize how lucky we are.  We also realize a little something about each other that might have gotten lost or overlooked in our usual crazy routine of life.  It was unforgettable!  One of the most memorable moments was being able to SKYPE my mom on her 80th birthday.....halfway around the world...and an 11 hour time difference and we were able to be with our family.....amazing!

Tim clicked a picture of me (without me knowing) of me with my tripod. My morning routine

Fruit bats with big eyes hanging in the trees

Sharing night......good old Hannah with the illustrations

Well as we all know - all good things must come to an end....and so did our adventure.  No more bare feet...back to the boots and the usual routine of a mom of three busy kids and husband......but it sure was fun while it lasted!  As we buckled in for the flight home the Captain came on and said, "due to strong head winds our flight to Frankfurt will be a bit longer....the current weather in Frankfurt....light rain, high winds (that was an understatement and is worth another blog entry) and 3 degrees celsius"...reality set in!
 
Here's to a 2012 filled with adventure......love.... good health.....and an abundance of thankfulness!

Christmas in Germany

As I sit down to write this entry, Germany has been our home for two years.  I think back to the day we were scheduled to fly from Connecticut to Germany, and the awful snowstorm that hit the northeastern seaboard. We ended up arriving a day later than expected and walked into our new home in Kronberg with boxes from floor to ceiling (and 3 days before Christmas).  Our relocation agent had put up a Christmas tree so the house was filled with the aroma of Christmas.  I'll never forget how Noah peeked out the window (and if you've been here you know it's a bit like a fishbowl...and everyone knows what you do and where you are in the house) and saw his cousins David and Megan.  My eyes just filled with tears - so happy they were here to help us move in and be here at Christmas....but so worried because I didn't know a thing...or know a person.

Frankfurt Banhof with Dave, Heather and the kids! (2009)

  Somehow we made it.....and today I sit and glance at the Christmas tree now filled with ornaments from places we've traveled throughout Europe.  I look at the paintings on the walls and each tells a story of somewhere we've been in the last two years on this journey.  I think of my Christmas card list which now includes friends from all over the world.  

This time of year is always a time of refection.  No matter where you are in the world, Christmas is a special time.  Living in Germany at Christmas is especially beautiful...the last two years we have had snow on the ground...but this year it has been mild (and rainy).  We were able to walk through some Christmas markets which transform the local villages into real life fairy tales....with twinkling lights, and of course the taste and smell of the ever so popular gluhwein.  Caleb had his fair share of kinder punch...and reported to his entire class that he is 'hooked' on gluhwein.  I guess it's better than what he told his kindergarten class after a trip to Belgium and his remark (that made the Primary newsletter nonetheless) 'I love beer'. 

Living in another country and culture has proven to be rewarding....but challenging at times as well.  As an expat - your friends become your family.  Your support network.  Most of our husbands travel the globe, and it truly is a blessing to have friends that have 'been there, done that' and help out at a moments notice.  One challenge is saying goodbye to friends.  It's just part of the lifestyle....but I can honestly say I haven't gotten used to it.  We said goodbye to dear friends this year that arrived in Germany when we did.  They are now off to Australia (which is home for them)...and we look forward to a visit down under in the not too distant future.  Noah is already saving his money for his trip to Australia when he graduates. I have no doubt this will happen!  This experience has made the world a much smaller place.  I often tell Noah (now that he's in 6th grade) that when I was in 6th grade, I had to write a paper on the most interesting place I thought I'd ever go.  I chose Maine.  Now being a Wisconsin girl, I couldn't even imagine how great it would be to see that part of the US and the eastern sea board.  Eat lobsters....and be out on the ocean - that would be a crazy adventure for sure.  I never even imagined I'd be living in Europe, and still pinch myself when I look at what my kids are experiencing.  They look at the world so differently than I ever did at their age.  They are accepting of other cultures and ways of life.  It is very refreshing.  When Caleb talks about his new friends at school...I never know if they are from India, China, England....he never mentions color...just their names! (and I have to be honest - sometimes the names give it a way...and I never know how to spell them...but he sure does)  It always gives me goosebumps...and I am very proud of how all of them have adjusted.  I said in one of my first posts - that we will be forever changed from this experience.....and that continues to hold true.  It is an ongoing adventure...and we are truly blessed to be able to experience it as a family.

I certainly miss my family and close friends, and during the holidays it's especially tough.  It's these times of year that make me feel very far away.  Tim knows and recognizes that I am most homesick when I am out of my routine....when the kids have breaks from school....and people scatter all over the globe, and there isn't that daily visit with friends that speak english.  We usually plan our trips around those breaks (and as you know there are many)....and we are thrilled to take a trip to somewhere very sunny this holiday ( I still can't believe it)....I will keep it a secret until my next post as it is a surprise for the kids.  Although my very savvy daughter has clued in....and has told me to close my tabs on the computer......gotta love it!

We were so blessed to have many visitors over the last year.  Dear friends from the US traveled to spend time with us.  We also had several visits from family - we are so very lucky.  Grandma Do and Pa (Dave and Doreen, Tim's parents) have visited 3 times in the last year.  Amazing!  As soon as we hear when someone is coming we start counting the days......and of course we never know how they make it through customs with all the bags of pop tarts and chocolate chips they bring with them.  We would love to have you visit.....so plan your trip - and we'll pencil it in.  I've gotten really good at being a tour guide...and there's so much to see - and all so close to Frankfurt!

Trip to Umbria, Italy (Summer 2011)

We spent a week with Dave, Heather and the kids in Umbria

Caleb with Megan and Hannah - loving every minute

Skiing in Austria (February 2011)

Hannah and her friend Ashley skiing

Ben and Emily Mabon visiting in the spring

A trip to London with the our dear friends Dave and Laura Mabon

Our 19th wedding anniversary - took an 'antiquing' trip to Belgium

The Hernke's visit us in Germany

My college friend, Joan and her family visited

Dad's and daughers (Italy, 2011)

Tim & Dave in Umbria, 2011

My sister Ellen and her husband Tom visit

Although I miss my peppermint mochas (Starbucks doesn't have those in Germany).....and my XM holiday tunes (don't have that, either)......we do love our time here in Germany! 

Here's wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas....and a New Year filled with love, laughter and good health (and maybe a visit to Germany)

Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”