Just to preface this post, I am exhausted. Completely, totally, falling asleep standing up exhausted. But I briefly crawled out of bed to update you all on my weekend (actually, it was to see when the next episode of “Flavor of Love” is showing on MTV Germany, but shhh, that is my guilty secret pleasure).
So yesterday, while most Americans were waking up and starting their Super Bowl preparations, Germany had World Cup fever. Handball World Cup, that is. After spending the afternoon touring around the area (I will post pictures later), Rainer rushed us home in time to catch the 4:30pm start of the handball final between Germany and Poland – which I missed due to the fact that I fell soundly asleep until mid-evening. But DEUTSCHLAND IST WELTMEISTER! Or, in other words, Germany crushed Poland and the whole country was dancing for joy.
Then it was on to the Super Bowl, which surprisingly I was awake for (except for the first half of the fourth quarter) – which was a first in my German residency. It was a very exciting game, due mainly to the randomness injected by the pouring rain. And in case you didn’t hear, Indianapolis Colts throttled the Chicago Bears.
Two things have been on my mind lately. First, we need a car that will fit us, baby and Charlie. I was disappointed to find, after looking at the Honda and Toyota sites, that there don’t appear to be any hybrid station wagons. I guess I will need to go buy some car magazines. Any safe, reliable, environmentally-friendly suggestions?
Second, Rainer and I have discussed several times the possibility of taking a last vacation as two, and I’ve been pretty indecisive about this. The adventurous part of me votes for Tunisia, Egypt, or Morocco, but there are perhaps food hygiene problems in these destinations. The nervous side of me would rather stay at home, or at the most, spend a weekend in Munich, the nervous side most certainly does not involve plane travel in the planning. The practical side of me says I should pick someplace a little further away, since travelling long distance will be harder with a kid. I suggested Thailand, but Rainer says this will not be relaxing because my family will be with us all the time. Rainer has suggested the Canary Island, but this involves plane travel (I know, so do the other places but I’m an irrational pregnant lady at the moment so give me a break). Yeah, so, right now it looks like hanging out at home is winning. Any thoughts? Suggestions?
And Wednesday I get another ultrasound! Yay! Now I’m going back to bed.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah, the handball champs took place here, on the same day as Köln beat Jena at soccer. I had a concert in the morning and my bike route is along the Rhein… nearly didn’t make it because the police (many, many police) had rounded up the Jena fans (already MUCH worse for wear although it was only 10 a.m.– they had been on buses through the night and had used the time to get thoroughly lubricated) and herded them onto one of the Rhein cruse boats that are docked near the Cathedral, and were holding them there so they couldn’t make any more trouble before the game started.
As you know, I am a big fan of Dubrovnik… it may not be as warm as Thailand this time of year, but it is all walkable and the food is great, and the entertainment of choice is taking mini day-cruises. People are friendly and the plane ride is about an hour from munich. (but make sure you get an apartment in or near the old town). I think you found my pictures from our last trip there already.
I think if you can control yourself from buying every possible piece of baby-gear on the planet, American-style, you should be fine with something like a Yaris or Honda Jazz. By the time you need more room to take the kids to football practice, it will be time for a new car anyway. Not a hybrid, but still excellent mileage.
I am hopelessly, shamefully addicted to Flavor of Love. I consider it a new low in my already pathetic taste in television. But damn, so funny!
@vailian: Yikes, lubricated soccer fans can be quite a handful. I have been thinking seriously about Croatia. I’ve always wanted to go there. Will the weather be pleasant in March/April? I’d rather not go someplace that still requires winter coats, but sweaters/light jackets is fine.
@stacy: I really like the Jazz, but is the back big enough for storing an XXL dog (he’s 110+ lbs)? That’s why I was thinking station wagon. He currently takes up the whole back seat of our Civic.
@jul: I am completely with you on this. Rainer got me started on it too! He was watching the first episode and I heard all this screaming coming from the living room so I went to investigate and was horrified, and yet hooked at the same time. Hottie and New York are just too hilarious! I missed all but the elimination section of the lie detector episode and I’m DYING to see it. Luckily, it’s replaying tomorrow at 12:30.
How about some kind of ski chalet holiday? Even if there’s no snow, you can snuggle up and eat fondue.
how about gong to the wild east. czeck republic or slowakia would come to mind. you’d even have to exchange money. so it’s semi-exotic. also, it’s basically just around the corner (some night-train might go to prague or bratislava), so there’s not the issue with loads of time spent traveling. and from what i heard from a friend of mine, they have snow presently. LOADS of snow. more snow than in bavaria.
ps. the blog is down again. *just short of despair*
I don’t know, but stay away from the mid-Atlantic, US. It’s an ice box.
@B: I think I’m more into old cities, but a spa type holiday might be nice.
@rita: I’ve been to Prague, I liked it, but I liked Budapest a lot better, so I’d go back to Budapest before Prague. But Bratislava is an idea. I rode through it on the train but I’ve never actually been there.
@grafs: Yeah, I think you guys have our winter this year!
I flew to Germany just shy of seven months pregnant. If you are going to take the trip later, I definitely recommend NOT flying for 10+ hours!
Hopefully your energy will return soon… I loved the second trimester because I went from sleeping 11 hours a day to hopping around like the energizer bunny.
I think you’d regret not doing something while you’ve got the chance. Maybe just a driving trip… France or The Netherlands? We went to Venice this summer and I found it to be the most relaxing, laid back vacation I’d had in a long time.
@maria: I hate that transatlantic crossing even when I’m not with child, I can’t imagine making it now!
@eurotrippen: I really, really hope I will have loads of energy soon. There’s a lot that still needs to get done around here! And you’re right about taking a trip. I’m thinking much more seriously about it now.
Oh go to Morocco, I wish i could go there. My offspring was there four years ago and loved it.. Just watch out when carpet sellers invite you to tea, they expect you to buy…ciao
@rositta: Morocco may have to wait, but it’s near the top of my list of future trips. Rainer is currently too much of a worrywart about the baby to risk travel to Africa.