Vacation, Vacation, Vacation

It is the time of the year, when Floridians (and resident aliens) like to get out for a little while to escape the heat and humidity. Michael left for 2 weeks and spend the first in England before going on to see his parents. Rosie only could take a week off, so we met again in Germany. Very sophisticated planning and some good luck also made it possible for Rinaldo and Flavia to end their Tour de Europe in northern Germany, so we all descended on Michael's parents new home for a few days.
There were sites to visit, beers and schnapps to drink and lots of "traditional" German cuisine to be eaten. Especially Rinaldo took great pleasure to take pictures of all the different beers he could sample and he also established a taste for Aquavit at a BBQ at Michael's parents.
The last 2 days were spend in Hamburg. Again many sites to visit and views to enjoy. Michael's brother's father-in-law, Heinz, volunteered to be our guide and surprised us with his knowledge and insights of his hometown.

Germany Summer 2008

Class of 2008 Graduation Celebration

This week we took some time to celebrate the end of a long journey for our chiefs. I feel lucky to have had them as mentors this year. So, as much as we had fun all year, it could not have ended any other way but with a blast!
First, we went fishing. We left the marina at 8am and many were past their first couple of beers. I thought my Scopolamine patch would keep me free of sea sickness, but it didn't. I spent most of the boat ride sleeping my sickness away.

Later that night, Dr. Francheschi hosted an informal gathering at this home. We enjoyed paella that was prepared from scratch. It was wonderful!

Fish Fry

On Saturday, the big party happened at the Collonades Hotel in Coral Gables. Everyone looked great in their best formal get-up. We enjoyed great food and drinks. The DJ could have been better... But, we danced nonetheless! We left at midnight, but I hear the party went on to much later...

Graduation Party

Trip back in Time

Next week Michael will go back to England to visit old friends and colleagues. Already arrangements have been made so he can enjoy all his old favorites again: warm beer, rude service (if any), overpriced meals, overpriced everything, cold rain, pale skinned people, strangers calling him "luv", "mate" or "sparesomechange", etc.
Nah, it's not true, he's looking forward to it and will have fun seeing familiar faces almost everywhere and being able to walk around town in 30 minutes.
Let's hope the weather gets better
Cambridge: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1413
Miami: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0099