The first photo taken of Suzanne and I was in January 1987, at the Sea-Tac international airport. She was on her way to Germany for a semester of study, and I had a letterman’s jacket and big shiny braces. (That’s hot. She was crazy not to date me.)
A group of some of my best friends went on the same German exchange program. And at the end of the school year, they all took a few weeks and wandered around Europe. When I was 17, that was my dream trip. It sounded like the coolest adventure ever. Now that I’m 40, I think it’s even cooler.
So long story ridiculously short:
- Awesome Teachers Cheryl Patterson and Cleo Strazdas contacted Michele Kophs (my legendary event manager) and organized a series of author visits for me with elementary and middle school students in Germany
- Suzanne graciously suggested I spend a second week wandering Europe
- Michele orchestrated and coordinated with Cheryl and Cleo and Suzanne and me and Heike the travel agent
- On March 27th, me and my backpack arrived in Germany. Official dream come true!
OK- Later I’ll write about the best experiences and all. But right now I’m too sleepy.
Good night bears, sitting in chairs.
Derek Munson works as a writer, speaker, and all-around daydreamer. His writings have been translated into over 40 languages, and he has presented to over 100,000 kids across the United States and abroad. He lives in Bellingham, Washington with his wife Suzanne, their daughter Abby, their son Zack, and Roger the family dog.
KidHeaded 
I want to see the picture from 1987 por favor.
ooh- good idea Barbi. Here it is in all its glory.
So happy you were able to make it happen! I am quite envious. Can’t wait to read more about your adventures. Will you write a kid’s book about any of it?
thank you Wendy!
I don’t know if a kids book will come directly out of the content, but i do feel completely reinvigorated as a writer, both inspired and focused. I’ll take it 🙂
I think the castle would make a lovely setting. Just sayin’!
🙂
Fun to read your blog–isn’t travel just the most wondrous of things?
hey Mary!
your castle rocks! i love that house of yours- what an amazing view. hope all is well in Deutschland. 🙂