Coffee Talk Mom

Funny reminders for your European journey:

ICE is like a crown jewel.  I LOVE ice...lots of ICE...when you request ICE, they look at you as if you have asked to see the Queen.  They bring ICE water with 1 small cube of ice.  As it melts, you cry, "NNNnnnnooooOOOOooo...dont go!"

Water is in your hotel room and at restaurants in a glass bottle.  The waiters don't walk around refilling water.  In fact, they know you are American when you ASK for water.  It's like being on a desert island desperate for something to drink and all they have is beer.  For some of you...a dream come true!  For me, a version of Survivor!

Don't visit Germany for beer...basically every bar serves one or two kinds ...mostly Berliner Pilsner (here in Berlin).  It's like if Coors was the only beer sold in Colorado!  The way CTDad explained it is that it used to be so different in the U.S. prior to all of the micro-breweries and options.  Now, Colorado is an amazing place for beer.

Just take it from someone who packed a giant bag...wear black...everything...don't bring cute shoes or colors...I stand out like a giant Rainbow Xena Warrior Princess.  In London where we stayed, all of the ladies wore black and heels...if you dress "down", black leather jacket, black shoes, skinny jeans (uhh...not the best look on CTM).  Want to look American?  ... Wear your cute, brightly colored Nike tennis shoes with a bright track jacket to match and denim.  I brought a cute dress...haven't worn it once.  Also, bring lots of shoes.  It doesn't matter how comfortable they are, when you walk 10 miles a day, your feet hurt.  No matter what the temperature, it is sticky.  Bring plenty of undergarments (men and women)...tank tops to switch out under things, etc... Bring a light blazer to dress things up.

Don't fool yourself..."Everyone" does not speak English.  The underground in Berlin was like a bad nightmare...there was absolutely no one there to help, all of the signs were in German, and the "line" we needed wasn't listed on the map.  CTD figured it out eventually.  Uber is great...no reaching for cash or tips and you can input your destination in English and they know exactly where to go in German.  Another interesting tip...in LONDON of all places, many taxis took NO charge cards.  Many of the old school drivers refuse to take anything but cash.  We waited at Heathrow for 20 minutes to get a cab to our hotel that took credit.

Lastly, kids...don't argue with your parents about taking a language...you will never regret it.  My 2 years of German in middle school has hilariously come in handy!
Kinder...zu deinen Eltern zu Horen!

auf Wiedersehen!

Coffeetalkmom

I'm not an official Catholic but...

...I have always loved visiting the ornate and beautiful Cathedrals on my travels. Last night was no exception and in a twist of fate, we arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, just 10 minutes before the Evensong service. Some things you just cannot plan, and having the music sung by the Cambridge choir was simply breathtaking. The acoustics of such a place is something not to be missed. We were sat under the dome which provides silence amidst the bustling tourists in other parts of the cathedral. The pipe organ bellowed and I felt taken to a different place in time.

If you ever have the chance to visit London, do NOT miss the chance to experience this place. The words out of the mouth of the bishop even sounded more stately with the English accent and when I closed my eyes, I could imagine being in heaven itself.
There is a whisper wall in which the acoustics are so astounding, you can hear a whispered word from several feet away. Speaking of whisper, there was no talking or photos allowed. If you were a parishioner however, photos were tolerated following the service. For this I am grateful!

These buildings are amazing...the detail stunning, and the paintings appear unbelievable. St Paul's today is the 5th building on the current site. The last building was burned in a fire in the 700's.

If you are ever in San Francisco, a very close representation is the Grace Cathedral. Many things about both locations seemed familiar, and going "across the pond" may not be in your travel plans.

European "Vacation" (The Prelude)

Denver International Airport Well...I never do anything easily, so why not start with the dog having surgery 5 days ago...caught her paw in the door and ripped her nails. Casted for the second time, I have left a very capable 20 year old home willing to take the controls, as well as some neighbors keeping an eye out for a limping dog. I've been told by my people to GO! have fun! Be blessed! If you would have asked me a month ago if I would even consider a trip to Europe, I would have said no. I am a homebody and planning out trips take logistics and planning. I know...I AM a planner...but typically for other people. This whole "empty-nest-marriage" thing is work. You have to give and take and leave your comfort zone every once in awhile. CTDad and I are doing things together with intent. The bottom line is that next year I am hoping to take him on a relaxing beach vacation with a good book and a margarita! You know you are in trouble when your beautiful, adorable husband says something like, "Never make reservations for a trip overseas on your cellphone". That translates to, "We are taking the red-eye to Newark and with a 4 hour layover, we will be at our hotel in London in about 24 hours." Off we go!