Thailand

Bangkok was work, work, and more work. The week went by very fast. There was some violent protesting that went on while we were there. It wasn’t covered by the news because our economy was going in the shitter at the same time – but local paper showed some pretty incredible photos about the violence.

Berlin

On Wednesday we were off to Berlin. We had a train and plane ride to take before we got there. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Kempinski Hotel. It was very nice! It was raining cats and dogs the night we arrived and I had a little work to do so we stayed in that night.

On Thursday took a “Fat Tire” bike tour through the city. It was a GREAT tour and Joey and I learned a lot about Berlin!

After the tour we went to the Pergamom Museum where we learned about the Myths and the Truth about the gates of Babylon. It was the last week of the exhibit so we were really lucky to see it!

Then, in a moment of greatness, we found one of the only Mexican Restaurants in Germany and had the best Chicken Quesadilla! It was just what I wanted!!

On Friday I had to take an early exit to continue my journey to Thailand, so Joey and I only had the morning and afternoon to go exploring. On the top of Mount Zugspitze, a nice American man we met suggested that we go to the Berlin Zoo if we had time. It turned out that our hotel was in walking distance from the Zoo. So on Friday, we went to the Zoo!



It was a very nice relaxing and fun way to end our German vacation. Joey and I had a blast!

Garmisch

On Sunday we were off to Garmisch. We took a train down south and arrived mid afternoon. It was a beautiful day so Joey and I decided to take advantage of the sun and go to the highest point in Germany – ZUGSPITZE.

On Monday, we rented bikes from the hotel and rode into town. WE RODE EVERYWHERE and BIKED ALL DAY LONG! It was fun, but exhausting! It is so beautiful in Garmisch!

On Tuesday, Joey and I decided (last minute) to rent a car and drive to Neuschwanstein Castle. This is the real life castle that Disney modeled the Magic Kingdom castle after. We drove about 45 minutes through the hills of southern Germany. The drive alone was worth going to the castle. The castle was on the mountain. It was incredible!

Munich

Joey and I spent 2 days in Munich. Since I have been there around five times this year, I was familiar with the scene and new where I wanted to take him.

On Friday we ventured out on the uban (underground subway) to down town Munich. We walked around taking in all the beautiful buildings and parks.

We also ventured over to the BMW factory where we looked at newly introduced cars and then from there we walked over to Olympic Park. This is the site of the 1972 Olympics. It was also the site of a deadly terrorist attack.

The park is beautiful, and it turned out to be a nice day. It was fun walking around outside after being cooped up for two weeks in a hotel!!

On Saturday, our trip took a darker turn. Joey and I took a tour of Dachau Memorial which is the site of the largest and longest running concentration camp.

We arrived at City Center in Munich at 10 am. Our tour group gathered and then we got on a train (about a 15 minute ride) to Dachau Memorial.

The pictures really speak for themselves…

It’s really crazy and sick to think that nearly 60 years ago that people were walking around these camps being tortured and murdered. It’s even worse to think that there are places like this around the world that are still doing the same evil things that were done in Dachau.

Oktoberfest

I was lucky enough to have purchased a traditional Dirndl (traditional German dress) which I wore to Oktoberfest with the rest of my team. I did not have time to buy Joey Lederhosen (just think European Vacation). But the image alone is enough to put a smile on my face!

A bus picked everyone up from the hotel at 4pm. We arrived at Oktoberfest and went straight to the Paulaner tent. The tent was huge! And filled with people from everywhere!

(My leg is turned really weird in this picture! It looks like I'm deformed!)

Joey’s dad, Joe, was in town for a meeting and happened to be Oktoberfest at the same time. In true “Joey Style” Joey sweet talked the door guy in letting his Dad join our party. It was great fun to have Joe with us and loved it because he had a drinkin’ buddy.

We ate, drank, and danced to silly German music.

It was a good start to our German Vacation!

My Journey...

My journey began on September 16 at 1:00 pm. I flew to Philly and then flew from Philly into Munich. From Munich I had to get on a train to Nuremburg, Germany. I arrived in Nuremburg a little after lunch time and I went straight to the office. My team and I were in Nuremburg for 2 nights. On the 19th we drove to Munich. We had 3 days until our conference began and there was a lot of work to do!

We worked all day preparing for the conference. We had to set up all of the details before 500 people arrived. On Tuesday, September 23 the conference began and lasted until noon on Thursday, September 25. On Thursday, Joey flew in from Ft. Lauderdale. That evening I took him to Oktoberfest with my conference group.

The Journey Begins...

In between my last blog and my month long journey I made one short trip to Germany and Las Vegas, which were both work related.

The Germany trip in August is now a blur...nothing to report. Las Vegas was a little more exciting! Our meeting was at the Paris Hotel on the Strip. Joey surprised me mid week, so we were able to spend a little time together.

View from my room

Because I planned the meeting I ended up getting a big suite, so it was nice to share it with someone and not just waste it on myself!

Living Room

Bedroom

Our meetings were held at Bally's, the hotel adjacent to the Paris. On Thursday morning, the week of the meeting, I went down to the Bally's bell station to request a box be delivered to our meeting room. As I was naively walking, half a sleep, I noticed the front entry of the hotel was blocked off with "Caution - wet floor" tape and signs.



I thought to myself "Oh, a pipe must have busted and leaked all over the lobby this morning." As I walked closer I noticed that there was red blood all over the floor and police everywhere!



I'm so naive!



Apparently, an hour early, there was a turf war with two hookers. One hooker who was established at the hotel knifed another hooker's throat as she was leaving. Unfortunately, she died.



The weirdest part - everyone at the hotel (the bell guy, workers, police) acted like it wasn't a big deal. Lesson: Vegas is a very strange place!

On a better note, we were able to see Brandon Deloney and his wife Liz. We ate dinner with them on Friday night before I boarded my plane. It was nice to finally me Liz and see Brandon.

UPDATES COMING...

Well, I went on a very long journey and I am now back and finally feeling awake. So much has happened since I last blogged. Be prepared for a story! Updates coming soon!