What I Did On My Christmas Vacation...

·      Took my virgin trip across the pond.

·      Got a stamp in my passport.

·      Became a foreigner.

·      Schlepped too much luggage on planes, trains and automobiles.

·      Dealt with MRSA.

·      Ate 1,279 pretzels and pastries and STILL lost 3 pounds.

·      Made my first Prime Rib and nailed it!

·      Made Christmas dinner using only the tools a typical bachelor would have on hand…translate:  spoons and knives and a whisk.  Super thankful for the whisk.

·      Climbed into the turret of a castle and surveyed the kingdom.

·      Trespassed at Neuschwanstein castle.

·      Witnessed an epic fall in which the fall-ee held a cup of coffee and did not spill a single drop.

·      Looked up “What to do if someone goes missing in a foreign country” on my iphone.

·      Nearly caused a coup.

·      Discovered Ouzo…a greek licorice liquor (yum)…and “took care of” all rejected shots.  *hiccup*

·      Pointed out 1,369,254 dips, divots, lips and holes to my folks as we walked the cobbled streets of Europe.

·      Cursed the European design of threshold unevenness as I stubbed my toe for the 154^th time.

·      Said “Danke” in France and “Merci” in Germany and said “Thank you” in Prague because I could never remember to say “dejuki” (pronounced dye-quee).

·      Fell in love with the greeting: “Bonsoire”…it is just beautiful when the French say it…

·      Stepped in countless spit globs on Paris sidewalks.  (gross)

·      Bargained a few deals at the Paris flea market.

·      Imagined the damage I could have done at the flea market if only I had unlimited resources to get the stuff home.

·      Gazed upon the Eiffel tower with awe.

·      Met Mona.

·      Avoided pick pockets.

·      Avoided a terrorist attack.

·      Went to Christmas markets in Paris and Prague…after Christmas.

·      Ate Crème Brulee that just melted on the spot…

·      Went to the Moulin Rouge and caused a small explosion.

·      Had the best meal (goulash) of my life in Prague.

·      Discovered baked fruit tea…oh my…

·      Bought $650 worth of chocolate…when the salesperson in Prague charged my credit card 15,000 crown rather than 1,500 crown…luckily, it did actually come off of my card…whew. 

·      Prayed for the beautiful city of Prague, the most un-churched city in the world with 90% atheism, and a beautiful ancient cathedral on nearly every block.  Amazing.

·      Schlepped our bags home, arriving with them all.

·      Didn’t use a single curse word on the way home even though our flight was diverted and delayed…I thought them…many of them…but didn’t utter them.

·      Marvelled at God’s favor towards us as I came home with a heart full of love and memories of a trip of a lifetime!  So thankful!!