A brief recap, to get the ball rolling

I know.  I've been really, really, delinquent about writing.

Dad's visit gave me a great excuse to
go to my first museum in Berlin -
the Pergamon.

I can't exactly say I've been rip-roaring busy since I wrote my last post after the presidential election.  But I did start off that way, and then I guess I just forgot.  Shame on me.

Tried my hand at a black forest cake
for Bosse's birthday.

November was busy - really busy.  And I must say, I was pretty overwhelmed from the start.  Before the month even started, I was looking forward to those 30 days being over.  And of course, they were soon enough.  Along with over 140 units of class, was also a visit from Dad, Bosse's birthday, Madam Butterfly, and Thanksgiving.  It was a great month, and by the end, I felt a bit like I had finished a marathon - accomplished and exhausted.

Thanksgiving for 2 - every bit as
delicious with even more leftovers

Then came December, which is always a good time, especially here in Berlin where one can take part in any of the 50+ Christmas markets that happen throughout the month.  I managed to make it to at least 8 different ones, and many of those on more than one occasion (and getting a glass of Gluwein each time, of course).  Fortunately, this year I was able to resist most of the sweets that tempted me the year before - leaving plenty of room and calories spared for the two different Christmas feasts we had at Bosse's parents house, one at the beginning of December, and again during the days of Christmas.  Yes, here there is not just one, but THREE days of Christmas. (24, 25, 26) and one doesn't even consider getting out of pjs for the entire 3 days.

Charlottenberg Market

Essen Market

Potsdamer Platz Market

Well, we did once, and that was to play some squash, which (for my first time) I was AWESOME at, until I fell on my ankle.  Being the tough gal I am, I continued to play. And then I couldn't walk for the next 2 days, which meant our plans of taking a day trip to Brussels were.... squashed (get it?).

After spending a quiet week at his home, we came back to Berlin for a much louder new years celebration.  And loud it was.  In Berlin (and the rest of Germany), people are permitted to shoot fireworks for 2 days out of the year - December 31 and January 1.  So, in the few days leading up to New Years Eve, everyone goes nuts buying them, and then on the days, everyone goes nuts setting them off.  And these aren't just your puny little sparklers you bring back when you cross the border into Mexico.  These are full rockets and even shows.  Here, one can buy a huge "battery" of fireworks that, once lit, will give you about 5 minutes of a semi-professional show.

Getting a little goofy after
too much Christmas shopping

Bosse making Thanksgiving #2
for Christmas dinner

Christmas Tree
with REAL candles!

So, come December 31, a city like Berlin turns into a virtual war zone of explosions and sparks, and at midnight, ones first (and most sane) reaction would be to tuck for cover.  Fortunately, because of the mild weather and a general excitement of the season, we went out to enjoy in the festivities and watched as the city glowed of different colors and shook with the booms of rockets.  There's something unique and thrilling when you feel like your not just a spectator in all the splendor, but part of it.

Sadly, I was back at work the next day.  But since, January has been an especially slow month, especially after the rush of the year's end.  The relaxed pace did allow me to take a brief trip back to Arizona last week, and I was so happy to see my family, friends, and old coworkers.

It was a wonderful holiday, but the year ahead is looking full and fulfilling.  In a way, it's hard to believe that the first month is almost finished, because I really want to savor the next eleven.

The New Year's firework show:

Brandenburg Gate at Christmas time