We began traveling Sunday morning. One definite bonus of the trip was sitting next to a really nice gal on the long flight. She was on her way to climb Mt. Kilamenjaro. We figured out early that we were all teachers (as is her husband who was back in Chicago), and that we enjoyed a lot of the same hobbies. Nothing better than getting to know someone new to quickly pass an 8 hour flight! We exchanged Facebook information, and I’m looking forward to keeping in touch. Anyway, After a long day of traveling with two long layovers in Chicago and Amsterdam, we arrived in Stuttgart Monday afternoon.
Mind you, we are not vacation planners. We’ve had our tickets for some months, but the details of where we’re going are still a little fuzzy. 🙂 We did have our first nights nailed down to staying with our friends Inkari and Peter. So it was quite a lovely surprise to see my family waiting outside of baggage claim with a paper reading “ERIN”. There was a little confusion about how we should get our rental car, but the decision was made that we would head back to Ensignen to visit for a bit before we left for Trier. It was quite unreal to be able to just stop-by my Great Uncle Rolf’s house for a quick visit! We will return to stay with him for the last few nights of our trip.
It was about a three hour drive to Trier after that. Bill had no problem on the autobahn, and my only real issue was keeping my eyes open to be sure that Bill was still alert. I finally gave up and asked if he’d mind me taking a quick nap, and he assured me that was no problem. Considering we made it here safe and sound, I guess he did just fine without my constant, “How’re you doing?” 🙂
Peter and Inkari took us out on a little walk when we arrived. It felt good to move my legs! Basically we were able to see an ancient Roman colleseum (I can’t spell that…) and a vineyard on a walk 5 minutes from their apartment. It’s really beautiful here!
Inkari made us a wonderful dinner, and then it was off to bed where I proceeded to sleep for 11 hours! Day 1 was excellent!
Awww- these pictures make me SO HAPPY! I am glad you guys are getting the chance to visit with them. I could almost cry over here…
Sawyer looked at Uncle Rolf and said “Bapa”– He does kind of look like gramps, doesn’t he?
xox
Who doesn’t love uncle Rolf? He’s awesome!