Wrapping Up

So, we did finally make it to Munich, and after landing safely, we paid €17.60 for the local train fare to the Ostbahnhof. George & Ilsa were waiting there for us and fed us all those lovely German things--good bread, meats, cheeses, and of course, beer. 

(George is a friend of my father's from early military days in the BOQ - that's Bachelors Officers Quarters)

It was a shame to have such a short visit, but we kept them up until 1:00am and I broke all rules of conversation, bringing up both religion and politics. I just can't shut up sometimes!

In the morning, Ilsa woke up to fix us breakfast and George drove us to the airport. We gave them our CD which they insisted on holding up in the picture, and they gave us loads of gummi bears. Danke!

Once again, shame on Aerlingus for making our visit so short and keeping us from seeing their daughter Colette & son-in-law Michael who were only free to visit the night before! 

In the airport, we spent a bit of time in the duty free shops, but alas, this €1,250 whiskey for only €1,000 is still no bargain! The box sure is pretty though.

Our trip was a fast paced one, but it was a great one. I was struck by how many friends we have made on the other side of the pond over the years, and also by how content I am these days to be settled in Denver. I really missed our house & Diego by the end and was happy to be returning to such a good life. 

The conversations we had over there challenged me and made me think. Hopefully, that will have some lasting affect. On a shallower note, I actually LOST 3 pounds somehow! 

I found the picture below of Randy on the blue line El in Chicago from our very first trip overseas in 2001. In this photo he had just said that he was worried that Ireland couldn't possibly live up to how great he hoped it would be. 

Little did he know that we would love it so much that we would be spending most of our excess cash to go back again and again! This was our 5th trip together--not to mention my trip without him last year (and please lets not mention it! I have not heard the end of it!)