Stephen's Visit

My BROTHER came to visit! I was so excited that he was coming to get a taste of Europe and more importantly that I got to see him! This has been the longest time I have gone without seeing anyone in my family so it was great to have him around! The second he got off the plane I saw him as an adult. My little brother is no longer a teenager! I couldn't believe how old he looked AND how much he looked like Anthony (my older brother). 

Anyway, he got off the plane, and we headed from the airport, to a quick lunch and a 5 hour train ride to Genea, Italy (also known as Genova). He was exhausted and after we finally found our hotel and got (a delicious) dinner (Italian wine included) it was time for bed. 

Genoa, Italy

When I woke up, I headed out to find us some breakfast before waking him up (I know I am the best sister ever!). After being outside for about 10 minutes, I was sweating from the SUN! It was absolutely amazing. I hadn't felt its warmth in so long and was able to wear SHORTS for the day. The trip was just getting better! 

There are too many pictures of Stephen not smiling and me being ridiculous...hmmm

At port. A self timer picture..you know how I love them!

We explored the city by foot for the rest of the day. Stephen did a little bit of shopping. We found a great restaurant with some salami pasta dish and pesto pasta (both traditional for the region).  We had some more amazing Italian wine and fried dough as an appetizer that was "filled" with "vegetables" but really it was just delicious fried dough!

So we made it to Milan after Genoa. The Duomo in Milan is one of the most famous churches in Europe. Stephen had yet to see a church and seemed confused by the fact that I was so adamant about going to the church in Milan. This may have been one of my favorite moments in Italy. Stephen and I walk up the stairs from the Metro and as he turned to see the church, his face stared in awe at the beautiful church.

It truly was gorgeous and at the recommendation from the same friend we headed to the top of the church. The beauty continued! It is my new favorite church in Europe. I am not sure anything by the Sistine Chapel will surpass this one. When you are in Europe, you see a lot of churches and, well, they get old. They are more of the same. Ornate, gaudy and expensive.  Yet, occasionally I come to a church that I really enjoy and you can't help but admire it. Milan's is one of those! 

View of below from above

After exploring more of Milan and getting disappointed by our lunch meal, we headed off to find gelato. Which made up for it all. It.was.AMAZING. The line out the door was there for a reason! It was absolutely d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.!!!!!  

After another bad meal in Milan we explored more of the city and then headed back to the hotel early to enjoy some Italian TV and a good night of sleep for the first time all weekend. 

After a wonderful four day trip in Italy, we headed to Zurich for the rest of the week.  Stephen got to see where I live, meet the kids, and my friends. It is always fun to show your city to someone! Especially since the sun was shining during his whole trip! 

Our hike in Zurich to the highest place in Zurich

A trip to the Lindt Factory (yummmm)

Yummm

It was insane to see him as an adult and my not-so-little-brother. I was thrilled to have had the chance to show him a little bit of the world and my world! We had some delicious food throughout the whole trip. We were also able to go to the Swiss National Team's tryouts, where Stephen was able to put some of his classes into action!

We both had so many good conversations, laughs, and have I mentioned the food? I have passed him the travel bug and I can't wait until our next trip together!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So this is the second Thanksgiving I am not in San Diego for. However, last year I shot up to Boston and spent it with my Aunts and Uncles and of course my "little" brother Stephen! It was a great substitute but of course spending Thanksgiving in San Diego with football, turkey, pie, and our annual game of  Battle of the Sexes Trivia Pursuit is irreplaceable.

This year is much different. I am abroad. This translates into Thanksgiving being a non-existent holiday.  My American friends and I have been talking about what do today for a couple of weeks and we are having a traditional Thanksgiving. However, I will not be any family, there will be no football, and I spent the morning looking after a 7 week old baby.  Needless to say, it just doesn't quite feel like Thanksgiving.

I am super excited that we will be having turkey today, which is a feat in itself because the Swiss don't eat turkey! I also spent the morning baking an apple pie and peeling 3 kg of potatoes to make into some (hopefully) delicious mashed potatoes. The dinner I am going to will have people from all over the world (potentially 6 of the 7 continents) and many Americans. I am excited to enjoy a massive feast with my new friends!

In keeping with tradition here's a list of things that I am unbelievable grateful for (in no specific order):

1. I am so thankful for having an amazing and supportive family! I decide to do and say ridiculous things all the time knowing that they will be behind me in the end. I love you all sooo much and wish that I could be with you today!
2. All of my friends from high school, college, life in DC, and everything in between! I am so lucky to have each of you in my life! I miss you so much and am so excited every time I get talk to you all the way in Switzerland!
3.  Video Chat, facebook, phones, online television..etc. Without this technology I am not sure that I would EVER be able to live over 6,000 miles away from everything and everyone I know! 
4. My mother - She gets an individual shout out for countless reasons! I am learning so much about what it takes to raise a family and make a Thanksgiving dinner! I am shocked everyday that you were able to do it all! I love you and thank you times a million! 
5. Living in Europe! This is such a great opportunity and it has been so much fun already! The new friends I have made are fantastic! I have been able to travel and my month of December is going to absolutely jammed with exciting adventures!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And a Happy Thursday to those of you who won't be celebrating Thanksgiving! Much love and safe travels!

Baby Watch 2010

So as many of you know, my host family expecting a new one. The little girl was dubbed Baby Gaga by the previous aupair! So she is due 10/10/10, which I think is an awesome birthday! Totally waiting out until your due date for!

Mama C has had her previous two kiddies several weeks prior to her due date which means we have started the waiting game. This week Papa B went into high alert! On my train ride home from Munich on Sunday night I got a phone call and I thought it was game time. It wasn't.  Papa Bruce just had a "feeling."  Whatever that means.

So each day Papa B has been concerned with my whereabouts most of the time. He makes me nervous so I have become someone who has my phone on extra loud whenever I am out and in my hand.

Monday night I thought it might happen. C was on the phone with the hospital (which is apparently a challenge because she doesn't speak much German so can have trouble finding a good person to talk to if her doctor isn't in). It didn't happen.

Tuesday Papa B told G that if he isn't home in the morning it is because her parents are at the hospital with her new sister.

Wednesday, Papa B brought Mama C's hospital bag down to the car before they left for work. Mama C didn't seem concerned and didn't understand why he was doing it. He did it anyway.

Mama C is ready to go. She wants Baby Gaga out and Papa B must be freaking out internally and it shows in pieces each day! So who know when we will reach the day of birth but I am hoping we can wait until 10/10/10!