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.
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. 🙂