Chocolate Like Never Before!

The first leg or our journey is over. :( I already miss Sabina and our morning coffees together. But I am a little concerned we ran her ragged. Needless to say, she treated us to a wonderful time. On the final day we spent the afternoon in Krakow. It's a great city, full of energy, astounding architecture, fun shopping and lots of memories for me.

Sabina had an absolutely fantastic idea to wrap up our time before we were off to the airport. We went to a “chocolate restaurant” (my terminology). All I can say is OMG! Brian and I split two different treats that were heavenly and beyond true description! Brian got a trio of drinking chocolate – dark, milk and white chocolate. WOW! It was like melted chocolate bars or it actually was, not sure. Nothing like our hot chocolate I can tell you that much. Heaven in a cup! Then I got a sundae – chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and chocolate crunchies. Of course, whip cream atop. There was little conversation only moanings and groanings of an ecstatic nature.

This Polish chocolatier has existed since 1851. Over the years, I would say they have reached perfection! I would have taken a picture, but by the time I thought of it they were all gone!! Yummy! Another incredible memory to add to my Polish experience.

Now it's on to gelato (fabulous ice cream) in Rome and (of course) Italian coffee. :)

Different Kinds of Signs

I'm back in Poland - the first leg of our trip. Polish is returning to me fairly easily when it comes to every day little things but deeper conversations are a bit out of my league now. I'm doing a bit of translation for Brian in various situations. This brought back to mind some hilarious signs that people have made note of from their travels.

Direct translations don't always work!! One I saw here in Poland (my favorite one) is posted on a door that you pass while in line for a gondola ride up a mountain. It reads: "Exit 10 minutes before departure. Please wait." Not sure what I'm suppose to do! :-/

Others signs I've heard about - on a menu in Switzerland: "Our wines leave you nothing to hope for." So, here's to a depressing night out!! Another one, not sure of the country, also on a menu: "The manager has personally passed all of the water served here." In that case, I'll pass!! :)

Languages can be a tricky thing! I also remember one of my faux pas when talking to a guy who was about 15 to 20 years younger than I. At one point in the conversation, I told him that I thought he had great potential. (All in Polish, of course.) Well I find out later that I used the word for sexual potency rather than communicating he has a promising future!! Boy, was I embarrassed after the fact!! :-o  Ooops! I do remember he was all smiles after my comment!

The Prep

Traveling again so soon? Not the ideal but this is just how it's happening this year. How can I really complain!!?

The past week, primarily, has been all about the preparation for such an extensive trip. I even started packing 5 days prior to departure. This is virtually unheard of for me, the one who throws everything together the night before. Though at my age, that kind of early prep can backfire because I can't remember what I already packed when I'm finishing things up the day before! Did I mention I hate packing?

I am no longer enamored with any aspects of "prep" that leads up to the arrival at my destination. That includes the actual travel time. The glamor of all that has long since lost any appeal. Having lived a total of 12 years in Europe, I've done a lot of traveling. I still love new places, visiting old friends, people watching, and experiencing other cultures and foods! So, I really am looking forward to the adventure of it all. In addition, I'll be very happy when the "fullness of prep" is done!

A Few of The Signs...

... that you drink too much coffee!

Your birthday is a national holiday in BRAZIL!
Instant coffee takes too long.
You can thread a sewing machine while it's running!
You short out motion detectors. (Makes me think of Hammy in Over the Hedge!!)
Cocaine is a downer.

Just a few thoughts to ponder :) It's a fine line to walk but so worth the risk. Ahhh coffee, nectar of the gods.

A Cup of Ahhh

Perhaps a trip to Brazil is in order! :)

OK, Let's Talk about It...

Let's face it, we all have impressions or stereotypes of certain vocations. Sometimes I don't even realize I have them until I'm face with an apparent contradiction.

Now...the missionary stereotype, I have been a missionary and I've heard the spontaneous gasp followed by the hand covering mouth because I said something "unmissionary" like. (Unfortunately, I can't remember the specifics anymore.) Or, there was the surprised, raised eyebrow look when I accepted a glass of wine. Of course, if they thought I shouldn't have any wine then why offer it!? Even though I'm no longer in that field, if someone learns of my background it seems (at times) that there are still certain expectations. Nothing is said but... Honestly, I hope that I do not conform to the stereotype in any way, shape or form. In the past, when a missionary I secretly enjoyed it if I shot holes in someone's picture of a REAL missionary.

So what do I think is the picture of missionary? Well, a little crazy, if the truth be told! (Missionaries are all about telling the truth, you know!!)  Or, at least weird like a geek but in a "spiritual" way, holier than thou, maybe even snooty in that regard. Lastly, they're not very real - no one you could easily relate to. Perhaps that's a little on the mean side, but at least someone who is a bit odd. After all, who does that kind of thing? And you can't talk to them about real life stuff!

If my impressions are wrong, I'm very open to hearing about it!

I think I'm quite real. My language isn't perfect, in fact, some words seem very appropriate at times! I'm not that into churches - not that I think they are bad either, but they aren't always the best answer. I want a sense of community or family in my life, people who will support and challenge me regarding my thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, many churches don't really have that kind of everyday community life. Thankfully, I don't have an "aura" of spirituality about me, but hopefully people think I'm nice! It's the little things in life. I love what Alejandro said in the Mask of Zorro, "I'm in search of the miraculous in everyday life." So I get out and live life!  I love it, but wish my knees were more inclined to the adventure of it!!

Traveling

Why does it seem so crazy upon returning from a trip? I have to say the first night was awesome!! A meal we enjoy though it's not fancy - just easy(!), healthy and good. :) Cuing up one of our favorite shows; relaxing with a glass of wine. And, in my opinion, our bed is the most comfortable bed in the world!! It has been a bit busy since with unfinished projects like bathrooms, preparing for guests (hence the need for bathrooms!), dentist appointments and catching up with people. All enjoyable, except the dentist, but not necessarily is it all working like clockwork!
Ah well, I love the adventure of traveling, new sights and sounds, seeing old friends, the FOOD and photo options. It's good to get out of the routine. On the other hand, coming home and embracing some of those routines was also a joy! Traveling can give me such an appreciation of so many different things - old and new.