We will be heading to the US to celebrate Christmas with my family, which will be the first time for us to celebrate with them since I moved here. This will also be Stefan's first proper American Christmas.
The past few weeks I've been stocking up on German treats for everyone at home. I can't wait to enjoy a loud, children filled family gathering and having some of my Grandma's wonderful baklava.
There's also talk of my parents getting another puppy, so Stefan is keeping his fingers crossed for that. That would mean 8 muddy paws to clean, 2 baths to give, and a lot more work. Even so, we'd at least have fun playing in the snow with Mieka, the family dog. 
During our visit we will also be making trips to New York City to visit friends and then make our way down to Washington DC to see more family. I'm looking forward to the calmness before Obama's inauguration. Not only do we have that to look forward to, we even have some guaranteed time together in the coming year. I always keep an eye on affordable flights and today we booked two!
First, we'll be heading to Rome in late February. Can you believe I've never been to Rome? It's one of Stefan's favorite cities and I am sure we'll have a great time. The art historian in me is going to absolutely love it, especially since I won't have to fight through loads of tourists. We're considering a stay at one of the convents, which offer rooms, but I know they also have plenty of design oriented hotels as well if we need a fall back.
For the second trip we will be heading to Cairo in March. I am simply in awe that I will be seeing the Giza pyramids for myself. We're also in luck, because my old roommate Kate used to live there, so I am certain she will have some fantastic tips.
I would definitely say 2009 is off to an amazing start.
(images: flickr - washington dc, rome, cairo)
Wow 2009 certainly is off to an amazing start! Hope you have a great time at home, Stefan is in for a treat!
ReplyDeleteYour travel plans next year sound amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teenager, i was obsessed with this Japanese manga about the ancient Cairo 'Pharoh's Curse.' I am so looking forward to see your trip photos there :)
Have a good time with your family and Stefan!
Happy holidays :)
Oom
Hi again,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I just created an account at blogspot too.
I used to write a blog in Thai but now i am kind of prefer reading to writing..:)
Oom
Your 2009 sounds very exciting! I can't wait to see those pictures and read your wonderful adventures:)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time is U.S. Happy holidays.
You have a lot going on! It looks like 2009 and late 2008 have a lot in store for you two! Good thing is that you will be traveling home. I always look forward to traveling with Joern, because then you cannot be distracted or parted by things like work. It is quite nice to have that time together!!
ReplyDeleteChristina...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to let you know what Stefan's reaction is. And of course, there will be a full report on the trips. I really can't wait!
Oom...
I loved learning about Egypt when I was young as well. I should probably brush up on some of the history again before I go!
Bluefish...
thanks! I will definitely take a lot of pictures and let you know what I think of both places.
Allison...
We kind of can't believe in less than 6 months we are going to such an array of wonderful places. And, as you said, it's so nice to have the time together. I just have to hope there is no blackberry service in Egypt!
Alas, I am pretty sure Cairo has blackberry service. But hopefully, you will be able to spend the majority of the time focusing on the sights and the time with each other.
ReplyDelete