For last 6 days, we’ve enjoyed a fantastic cruise onboard Costa.  We’ve seen Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.  On board, we’ve had 5-star dinners, attended Broadway shows and even had our vows renewed by the Captain.  This was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime trip and well worth it.  Here’s a few pictures along the way.

First stop Venice & Bari Italy

Next stop Dubrovnik, Croatia

Next stop Olympia, Greece

Last stops Izmir & Istanbul, Turkey

Saturday was a perfect day for a drive to France.  Not far away is a town called Metz, a place full of history with over 100 historical sites and French charm.  Click here to see more of Metz.  The drive took barely an hour and a half and parking was easy.  We walked through the town, had lunch at a cafe and window shopped.  The open market had every flavor of cheese, seafood and fruits.  I could live here. 

The focus of our trip was on the Saint Stephen Cathedral.  Built in 1552, it has the largest collection of stained glass windows in the world, including the works of Marc Chagall.  Very impressive and the entire day was well worth the trip.

When I took my kids to Disney World so many years ago, I told my son, this is why your father works so hard – so we can enjoy times like this.  Tickets came in the mail for our upcoming cruise.  My wife found a perfect little black dress, I’m bringing my appetite and we can’t wait to go.   

This one posted just last month.

Six years ago, I was granted a divorce.  I remarried and have been happy ever since.  My wife and I are nothing special but we are blessed to travel the world and enjoy our lives together.

Every so often my ex visits my blog only to wallow in her hate.  She’s not going to see something and say “oh congratulations” or “have a good trip”.  So what does she want?  Why visit if she’s only going to hate?

Some would think, as I do, that six years is long enough to move on.  I moved on, obviously, but she hasn’t.  I realized a long time ago that she’s jealous of the life she lost and expresses it in ”hater” notes.  She wants attention much like a spoiled three year old who can’t have ice cream for breakfast.  I never reply to her emails and I don’t let anyone read them because they’re pitiful.  It shows a desparate woman who’s got nothing better to do than to be jealous of her ex-husband’s life.

So what does that mean to me and you?  Absolutely nothing.  But I hope when she reads this, which I know she will, that instead of writing me maybe she could use that energy and concentration to find something else to fill her life.  A job for starter, marry a good man and buy a dog or even a simple hobby will help her get over the jealousy so maybe she too can move on.

I wish her the best because life is too short to hate on what other people have.

I recently traveled to Charlotte, NC and had a great time reconnecting with family and friends.  The main purposes of the trip were to see my mom, who I haven’t seen in about 6 years and to lay eyes on my grandson.  That’s right, I’m a grandpa and I have to say, that’s one handsome little man.  My daughter has a beautiful family and I’m there for them as they are just getting started on a long & wonderful journey together.  After being overseas for so many years, I also had to reconnect with some of my favorite foods and stores.  I can’t believe how much Concord has grown.  I took a nice walk at UNCC, my alma mater, and it blew my socks off!

Germany partied its butt off this past weekend.   And we helped.    At least during Oktoberfest, drunks are contained to fair grounds.  Oh no, not at carnival.  Drunks are everywhere.  Good thing, so is the polizei.

Germans let down their hair and have the time of their lives, drinking, singing and dancing.  Celebrations attracts over a million visitors into their cities from all over the world.  Pubs and restaurants stay open till early hours.  The party spirit is in the streets, public squares, offices and houses throughout the city.  Thousands of people jam pack the streets to watch the enormous and colourful parades.  Millions of people stand on both sides of the street cheering, calling out for sweets and little bunches of flowers, dancing, eating and acting like pure fools.

We visited Aachem, and their parade was snow covered but we got lots of sweets (cookies and candies).  While there, we visited the Aachen Cathedral, also referred to as the Kaiserdom (“Imperial Cathedral”).  The Cathedral remains one of the oldest churches in Germany and contains a wealth of treasures from the early medieval period.  Abusolutely amazing!  Then on to Dusseldorf, spent the night, got our fill of tempura, sake and ramen…oh and more carnival.  The next day, on to a sunny day for a huge parade at the Cologne cathedral.  A guy dressed in drag tried to give me a kiss.  Key word “tried”.  So funny!

This is from our visit to top of Germany – the Zugspitze.

Planes fall and people still fly.  Cars crash and we still get behind the wheel.  We enjoy cruising, we’re looking forward to this one and a great summer.