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11/27/2006: "Auf Wiedersehen"

"So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye"

I am not sure why I am quoting the sound track from the Sound of Music. It is not even the same country that we are traveling to. Oh well, it seemed to fit.

Well, tomorrow we are off. As expected we are scrambling to get it together. Busy emailing the 11 different people coming in to take care of Alex while we are gone. We have the spreadsheet that is the schedule as well as several documents on caring for her as well as the pets and house. We were reminded tonight that, while we provided the Vet’s contact info, we did not have Alex’s doctor and health card out.

So much to think about and we haven’t even begun the packing process. Jeanette asked at dinner, “What is the weather like?” So I just jumped on the Web and it looks like it will be ranging from the low 50’s to the high 30’s with overcast and a few rain showers during the two weeks. Well that helps, . . . I think.

After the stress and dust settles, we will be relaxing on the long flight. We leave out of SFO around 2 PM Tuesday for a “12 hour tour” (more song quotes) before arriving in Frankfurt. My appointment at the clinic is at 8:00 AM the morning of the 30th so they can send my blood off by 9. They will process it over a week’s time and freeze the cells if I am not back in 7 days. Our plans have us coming back through Cologne in 11.

Things are pretty flexible as we have no hotel reservations. We are on Eurail and it is really easy to arrange hotels from the station within the town. As I researched the Web, it became clear that many of the cute small hotels in the old town do not have Web booking. So thankfully, someone came up with the idea to put wheels on luggage (Why did that take so long?). It wasn’t that long ago that we schlepped backpacks and duffle bags through cobblestone streets in search of rooms.

Anyway, ready or not, wish us luck. I will have my laptop and some limited access to Internet. So my next post should be from the old country.

Replies: 5 Comments

on Wednesday, November 29th, Kevin said

Have an enjoyable, safe, and "productive" trip. I know you will all have many happy memories of this trip and that's what's really important. Please say hi to Mike H for me.

on Wednesday, November 29th, Linda said

Don't freeze over there! Although right now Danville and Alamo have that same icy feel in the morning. Have a safe and fruitful trip!! As my dad said - love that part of the world too. Love you guys, Linda

on Tuesday, November 28th, Kam Jones said

Hi Doug,
Glad you're having fun along the way. your attitude towards life is eyes opener. You sure open up my eyes. I don't think I'll ever taking every little thing for granted. Good luck and enjoy the tour.
Thinking of you,
Kam

on Tuesday, November 28th, Grace Owens said

Hi Rock - You look and sound amazing. You wouldn't believe the load of prayers coming from the east coast, praying for you and your family. Reading your notes here, hearing the eloquence and integrity with which you live each day is so beautiful. Your ability to capture strength from within and from your family and friends is so admirable. My mom sends all her love. As we would say in New York, "keep on truckin'" give my love to all.

- grace

on Monday, November 27th, Dave said

Wish you folks one wonderful trip! Love that part of world too .Will keep you in our thots and prayers as you chip those ol'cobblestones .