Christmas In Nurnberg

I spent this Christmas Eve in Nurnberg at the Kriskringelmarkt in the main square.  If anyone on Earth can have a good time during the holiday season, it's Bavarians.

Firenze: the Odyssey

***Adventure Alert***

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Firenze, Italia (Florence, Italy)

Road Trip!

Today.  Florence.  Tomorrow.  The World.

Schloss Nueschwanstein

***Adventure Alert***

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Nueschwanstein Castle

Today I finally took my first trip out of Garmisch since my arrival almost six weeks ago!

The Sun Peeking Over the Mountains On Thanksgiving

Winter is Coming

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I guess winter is coming...

The Kramer 2.0: Snowy Heights

***Adventure Alert***
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I did it.  Again.

The Hausberg

The American Hausberg Lodge in Garmisch (Last Winter)

I have spent the past few days devoted to getting this place ready to open.  It is the base camp for any skiing that happens associated with my hotel.

Payday!

Today, is the day, of days...

The Bossman

A Cloudy, Rainy Day At The ELR

The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort has had a VIP of sorts visiting these past few days.  I had the opportunity to meet the big boss man today.  I have to say, today should have gone worse.

Experiments

I had my first attempt to cook at my dorms today.  I mean other than Ramen that is.

Pineapple

Monday.  It definitely is a Monday today.  My day started very slow.  It was snowing when I woke up, which is fine.  I'm still not over the novelty of snow, and it delights me.  I just couldn't get the engine started to save my life this morning.  But, it did get better.

Mmmmm... That's a good Sunday

Today has been a spectacular Sunday.  Last night was a good Saturday-night.  This whole weekend has been pretty dern good.

The Kramer... It's mine. I own it.

***Adventure Alert***
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen from the top of The Kramer

I climbed a mountain today, what did you do?

It Was My Friday

My Warehouse

Yesterday was Friday.  It was also my Friday.  This is a term I've heard before, but always thought it slightly odd.  I understand it, but it's still odd.  It means that your weekend is starting.  My weekend is the weekend.  I win?

The Hangover

I had a good time last night.  A little bit too good of a time actually.  I went to Jameson's to help send of Sam, the guy I'm replacing, but I planed on leaving before 1:00.  My best estimates put me bag home around 3:00ish.  I have to estimate, because the details are a little hazy.

Patchwork

My warehouse (left) and the Post Exchange (right)... oh and the Kramer Mountain

My humpday off was not quite what I expected.  I seemed to seamlessly move from one unscheduled activity to another.  It has been a veritable patchwork of events, that seams to have made a quilt of a day.

The Marathon

The last two days have been rough.  Not rough.  Just long and tiring.  Yesterday work was fine.  It was normal.  After work I managed to rest for a moment before I joined some friends for dinner.  There wasn't a really well drawn out plan.  We just walked until we found something appealing.  We ended up at Asia City.  As you may be able to guess, they served Asian food.

Between Jet-lag And DST... I swear...

So I was late for work yesterday.  Only by about 20 minutes or so, but I picked the worst day possible.  We inventory the warehouse and the stores every month.  Inventory started yesterday.  Not a good thing, but I survived it.

And so it begins...

Halloween weekend officially begins tonight.  Apparently its not a huge thing here in Germany, but since there are so many of us Yanks here, the local bars really go all out.  I can't wait.  It should prove to be a good time.  To save on money, I am planning on beginning the pre-drink phase of the night soon, and therefore I won't have to spend so much at the bars.  As another result of my budgeted status, I am dressing up cheaply and will be a secret.  Shhhhh, don't tell anyone.

My Day Off

I had an amazing day.  I caught up on some sleep.  I didn't rise until about 10:00.  After a long hot shower, I started a load of laundry and read a little bit.  This has been the laziest and least productive day I have had since I left Texas.  It has been an amazing day.

Because I didn't do much of anything today, let alone anything of interest, I have decided to quote a message of advice and encouragement that I received from a friend.  It's good advice for anyone spending time overseas:

The Driving Test

I stayed up too late last night, doing nothing at all.  Today, when it came time for me to start my day, I couldn't seem to get my gears turning.  To make matters worse, I had half forgotten that I was scheduled to take my driving test this morning.  I had to be at the Artillery Kaserne at the vehicle registration office by 8:00.  I made it about 8:05.

Just a Tuesday

I slept through my workout today.  Oops.  Oh well.  I did manage to make it to work on time though.  Today was a good day at work.  I am already starting to feel like I have a handle on things there.  And my head is already clicking with possible things I can do to improve the way the warehouse runs.  I can't turn off the retail manager in my head apparently.  At any rate, it was a pretty uneventful day.  After I got home, I watched one of my most favorite movies, Stranger Than Fiction, with some people.  It always leaves me in such a high mood.  I keep meeting new people at The Abrams every day.  Before too long, maybe I'll know everyone in Garmisch.  Here are some shots I took after work on my way home:

Arbeit

I got up bright and early this morning.  I was up before the sun, and most of the town apparently.  I have decided to try and discover the town by running.  I managed to run about 6k today.  The town isn't huge, and before long I might know the whole thing.  Or at least I will, so long as my glasses manage to keep from fogging up.

The I-Pub

I went out with some friends last night to one of two Irish pubs in town.  The one we went to last night is simply called the Irish Pub.  Creative, I know.  Everyone calls it I-Pub.  It is a pretty cool bar.  It was also the first time I've spent any time at all in Partenkirchen.

Apfel Strudel

I just went on an outing with my roommate Andrew.  We went into a graveyard that is just behind The Abrams, the complex where I live.  I bet no one back home knows this, except classical music fanatics possibly, but I found a very special grave stone in this very well kept graveyard...

Friday

Today was great.  First of all, I'd like to share that this is my view on the way to work everyday:

My First Day

I woke up this morning around 6:00am to some pretty righteous snow falling.  After a run around the deserted streets, I took a shower and got ready for my first day of actual work!  I bought a bike yesterday at the PX, so when I was all ready, I headed the mile and a half to work.

Bureaucracy

The past two days of been filled with tons of paperwork and chasing our own administrative tails.  New IDs, new bank accounts, new jobs and new driver's licenses for our new lives here in Garmisch.  I'm happy to be done with the majority of the paperwork.  There is still some, but it will come in smaller loads.

Garmisch

After 42 hours of traveling, orientation, and meeting coworkers, I am finally getting ready to lay my head down.  It has been a long two days and I already know I will sleep like a log.

Inaugural Address

For my first entry, I've chosen to commemorate the beginning of my new life in Germany. I'm packed and loaded on my flight to Chicago, where I'll connect to Munich. I'm ready for an adventure.

San Marcos, TX

It's such a pretty day... I think I'll go for a drive on the bike.

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San Marcos, TX

Mile 5639.  After 12 days of travel, I am home. :-)

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Comfort, TX

Mile 5470.  Comfort Texas.  Back roads from here on!

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Sonora Rural, TX

Mile 5353.  One last night under the stars.

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Ozona, TX

Mile 5305.  So Close!  Ahhhh...

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Balmorhea, TX

Mile 5147.  The light at the end of the tunnel!  I got drenched in El Paso.
The streets were rivers and my bike, a sea doo.
Managed to smuggle a gallon of fresh rain water out in my boots.

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Anthony, TX

Mile 4930.  TEXAS!!!!!  I realize that I got some sun through the desert,
and now have a stylish biker tan.

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Deming, NM

Mile 4845.  Next stop Texas!  San Marcos or Bust!

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Yuma, AZ

Mile 4378.  The dessert is hot.  It's the middle of the night
and it's still 100.  Big contrast from the perfect coastal weather.

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Seeley, CA

Mile 4314.  Sand Diego was really cool!

Larry and Nana Morris were great! 

Now for the long haul home.

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Los Angeles, CA

Orson Well's House.  Um... Party

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North Hollywood, CA

Just ate at Big Wang Sports Bar!

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Hollywood, CA

Mile 4071.  Hollywood!

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Paso Robles, CA

Sushi with Sara at Yanagi Sushi & Grill!!  Oh man I'm excited!

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San Miguel, CA

Mile 3807.  El Camino Real.  What a great drive.
So far California has been a wonderful array of strong, mostly good smells.
Wine country is beautiful.  Now for lunch with cousin Sara.  

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Morgan Hill, CA

Mile 3676.  San Fransico was cool.  I rode across the Golden Gate!
I didn't know it was a toll though.  Kinda thought California paid for it.
And they say the West is communist.  Psh.
California is as pretty as they say though.

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Hornbrook, CA

Mile 3246.  California!!!  And the feeling of warm sun again!
Oh me oh my how wonderful.

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Eugene, OR

Mile 3049.  So I have only seen this in Oregon,
but this is the second time there have been
full service attendants at a gas station... it's bizarre.

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Lake Oswego, OR

Mile 2929.  Meara and company.  The kids are getting so big!
And they are adorable.  Now for California!

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Lake Oswego, OR

What a great day of seeing family!
And what a wonderful family I have!

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Vancouver, WA

Up before my alarm.  AGAIN.  I could get used to this.

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Vancouver, WA

Mile 2885.  Vancouver.  Uncle Tom and company.

Spaghetti tonight!  What a wonderful house they have!

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Seattle, WA

I got it!  I leave October 3^rd!!

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North Park, WA

Mile 2705.  Bedtime.  I arrived hours ago.

It’s been a great night of dinner and family.  Wish me luck tomorrow!

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Bellevue, WA

Mile 2691.  Seattle!  Finally!  I hit HORRIBLE traffic

at the beginning of the Cascades.  

They’re getting ready to blow up the Mountain!

Now to find Bridget…

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Quincy, WA

Mile 2544.  BFE.  I didn’t realize there were so many

farms in Washington.  Welcome environment after the

misty mountains in Montana/ Idaho.  Lunch Break.

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Coeur d'Alene, ID

Mile 2381.  Coeur d’Alene.  I was frozen last night coming 

through the mountains.  Had to stop.  

Postponed the interview to tomorrow.

Feeling rested.  Seattle Today!

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Butte, MT

Mile 2085.  Butte.  Just passed the continental divide.

It’s cold… More gloves.

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Billings, MT

Mile 1853.  Hit a nasty storm 50mi ago.  Suffered through

strong headwinds and lots of rain for about 10mi.

Good as a time as any for lunch and some hot coffee.

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Lodge Grass, MT

Mile 1792.  Lodge Grass.  Spent the night between Buffalo and Gillette.

A front blew through which was loud, then cold.

Cold weather gear doing it’s job fairly well.

Was up before the sun and watched it rise in my mirrors.

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Sturgis, SD

Mile 1500.  Sturgis.  Biker Mecca.  Too bad I can’t stay and

school the amateurs.  Bundling up.  The sun leaves and it is getting cold.

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Mt Rushmore

Mt Rushmore and Crazy horse are indescribably beautiful.

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Newcastle, WY

Mile 1389.  Wyoming is gorgeous.  It’s hot. Almost lunch time.

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Cheyenne, WY

Mile 1145.  The rolling plains of Wyoming: wheat colored and windy.

REALLY WINDY.

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Broomfield, CO

Mile 1064. Dicks Sporting Goods for some new headphones and some REAL cold weather gear.

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Lakewood, CO

Denny and I are checking the weather before I leave.

I am looking at live doplar on my phone and

he is reading the paper's weather report for the rest of the country.

Neither knew that the other was possible.  Haha.

Goodbye Denver!  I'm off!

This is me with my bike.                   Denny packaging a picture.

The picture Denny painted.       His award winning organic garden.

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Lakewood, CO

I'm up.  No alarm but the Colorado morning sun.

Big day ahead.  I'm feeling rested though. After a meal, I'm off.

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Lakewood, CO

Mile 1041.  Uncle Denny and company.  Amazing meal.  Finally.

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Pueblo, CO

Mile 906.  Pueblo.  Last stop before Denver, family, 

a home cooked feast, and a nap til sun up.

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Raton, NM

Mile 799.  Raton Pass.  Did New Mexico in one go.

I can't imagine why I might have stopped.

There's nothing there.  Pretty though.

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Texline, TX

I bought some real estate in Texline, TX

from four brokers who may be as old as me

when you combine their ages.

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Dumas, TX

Mile 629.  Dumas, TX.  That's pretty much it.

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