I didn't make it to the International Friends gathering last week because I felt like the proverbial "crap". I'm not sure what strain of flu they have in Poland - or if there is an immunization for it - but we were both knocked out hard! We are both hopeful it will be completely out of our systems before Sunday because we are leaving for Barcelona Spain for a week. Craig desperately needs a break from work and I guess I just need to add another country to my "never thought I would ever get there" list. We did encounter a few problems trying to pay for our trip. It seems one of our credit cards was deactivated because they questioned how we could use it in Berlin and Taipei, while still living in Minnesota. Our only other card that can be used globally was deactivated when they questioned our attempt to purchase our flights on RyanAir (who does not operate in the US). I guess we should be thankful creditors are so in tune to our purchases but it does put us in a tough spot when they do so without notification to the consumer. They both have our e-mail address for crying out loud!!!! Long story short...we are leaving on Sunday and Oliver will be visiting his friend Sabina at the pet hotel!!!
Because I feel particularly snobby today I've also got travel plans for a trip to Brussels and Berlin with some girlfriends - all before I return home for the holidays! It also looks like we may plan a spa weekend in Slovakia in January. This "retirement" in Europe does have its rewards. The US economy better pick up before I move back home because I will be looking for work to pay for my fun!
As you might guess, our weekend was relatively quiet due to the aforementioned flu. It did not stop us from going to a friend's surprise birthday party at a local restaurant on Friday. I should have listened to Craig and left a bit earlier - it would have saved folks a lot of pain from my rendition of some Britney Spears song on the karaoke machine! I did not go it alone. I was joined by a comrade from Australia - neither one of us capable of really pulling it off (vocally or physically)! I guess what happens in Poland stays in Poland!!! And did I mention the "DJ" was from New York? He commutes between Poland and NY since he can do his job without being in an office. I still don't really understand how he landed in Wrocław but it is a small world. Do I say that enough?????
We actually were able to enjoy two sunny days. We managed several long walks and spent a fair amount of time in the Rynek doing one of our favorite things - people watching. There was a big food festival in town so the square was hopping on Sunday. We met a couple of nice folks - one from a small town about 40 miles from Wrocław and the other from Mexico City. Always enjoy chatting with interesting people!
I'm officially "cool" now. I have a Facebook account! The International Friends group set up a Facebook account and invited me to join. That means you must have an account. Michael was right. It can become a bit addictive. I still don't have the nuances down and don't have a huge number of friends but the "Mom, do you really have a Facebook account" I heard from Erica was priceless!!! Another way you guys can contact me (since snail mail and e-mail haven't been brimming with communication)!!! ah hem......
64 days until I'm Minnesota bound.....
Go Twins!!!!! And for those who really care wasn't it great Michigan beat Wisconsin in football on Saturday!!!! I always did like the Michigan fight song much more than "On Wisconsin"!
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