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Wow...haven't written all December~sorry! This is the only place that reminds me of such :p

So I hope that this little note finds everyone enjoying their holiday season and getting in the spirit of christmas and looking forward to the new year ahead. Though I am not able to see my family, its been great to spend time with my 'italian' family of friends and enjoy good food, good times and great travels! This past weekend I was lucky to be able to travel to Nuremburg Germany as well as take a train to Munich, Germany. I had a great time with some friends and about froze our asses right off! hehehehe...it was in the low 20's all weekend, but after we have been used to our 60-70 degree Sicilian weather, it was a shock to our system.

In Germany we got to explore the city of Nuremburg to include of course the Christmas markets as well as the Nuremburg trial museum (which was very powerful), and it goes without saying we walked till our toes just about fell off and ate our way through the friendly, welcoming markets. Christkindlesmarket is one of the most historical Christmas markets in the world. The food; pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut, egg nog, mulled wine and of course beer were phenomenal.

Nuremburg

In Munich, after a 2 hour train ride we explored the city on one of those hop on, hop off busses. We also got to walk the city and find the Hofbrauhaus which is another historical site; one of, if not, the oldest brew haus in Germany or the world. I had a tasty lemonade light beer called the Radler. Then we walked to go ice skating, which I loved. I might be a little rusty than 10 years back, but I still got some moves :)

Hofbrahaus

Overall a great trip that got me in the Christmas spirit and good preperation for my New Years trip to Florence...just gotta do some of that stuff called work to cushion the trips :)

Merry Christmas!! Buone Feste!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving...if it be a few days late :) I was able to enjoy a delicous feast and the great company of friends at my co-worker and good friend Naomi's house. Her and her husband, Nick, hosted the ER staff and some other friends for a great day. We had the traditional stuff, as well as some lasagna brought by an italian friend. This year was a bit different than last; the girls versus guys games didn't work out as well as us girls had hoped! hehehe

A friend of mine from San Diego, who now lives in Japan; Stacy came to visit me for a week. Though I did have to work many of the days she was here, we had a great time catching up and visiting around the area; showing her the sites of Sicily. I welcome visitors; especially as I leave in 7 months!

Not much else going on, hope everyone is doing well. Ciao Ciao!

Veterans Day and Goodbyes

Veterans Day was just this past week and known to be a "holiday", day off, and/or time for the sales. But this year, even more than years past its important to recognize those who have served. Its been a great honor to serve with all the Navy, Marine, AirForce, Army and Coast Guard members out there! Never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Navytimes just released an article I found to be pretty cool; a new ship named after the first marine MOH recipient; Cpl. Jason Dunham.

I also said farewell to my close friend Heidi. I knew her at Balboa and has been a lifeline here in Sicily. One of my only single friends.. hehehe...She has left the Navy after 5 years and I will miss her so much! :(

Getting rid of a wicked bad cold/sinus infection that 'blessed' me with loss of my voice for 2 days. Am relieved to think it might possibly be over after 2 weeks! Grrr...am the worst patient!

Ciao Ciao!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Though Italians don't celebrate Halloween, they do celebrate tomorrow (All Saints Day) and the ones that live near base do take advantage of dressing up their children and have them trick or treat. But Warren, my coworker and friend had a big bash with a haunted trail and all. I wanted nothing to do with the haunted trail, but I did help make a lot of the food we provided for the 50+ people. Oh, and if you can't tell, I was a beer maid :)

Work is going alright...been on nights still, which is better this time around for my sleep cycle, but I still eagerly await day shift the end of this week!

Not much else cooking, hope all is well! Ciao Ciao!

Oui, Oui Paris

Eiffel Tower at night...at 8pm it started to glitter
I must say; I have been extremely blessed and lucky to be able to do so much travel lately...most recently Paris with a good friend Heidi. Heidi leaves to the US in the next few weeks and will be greatly missed :( Heidi and I in front of Notre Dame

And the good with the not so good; after being away from work for 10 months I went back on my first day which was my first "on call" day as well and the following nights back to work in the ER. Its much different! And slow island life is going to be the death of my social life being on night shift, not to mention a skill killer. Luckily I should get to go to Germany in the next few months for some ICU cross training which I look forward to.

So back to Paris; it was AWESOME! By far the most gorgeous, friendly, clean city I have been to so far (right behind London and Edinbourgh). The people were so kind to ask us on several occasions for help with directions. We did a few day trips; 1 was to the Champagne area (countryside, about 2 hours outside the city), the other 1/2 day to Versailles and tour. Both places were gorgeous. The weather over all was the biggest help to a wonderful weekend too! Crisp fall days and cool evenings were perfect. One of my favorite sculptures at the Louve; Pysche and Cupid View from the top of the Eiffel Tower
Of course you can't get enough photos of the Eiffel Tower! Though parts of Europe are part of the increased level of security threat, there were no problems and it was tough to notice any difference within the city at all. There were a few armored military members hanging out in random spots, but other than that.

Hope all is well. Ciao Ciao!

M☀lta

Since I am not just yet back to a full time work schedule, I have been able to maximize and "catch" up on my travel plans on extended weekends! This past weekend I was able to go to Malta. A short 40 minute flight away and an island of so much beauty! The waters were pheonomenaly clear and gorgeous! This upcoming weekend I am headed to Paris, a favorite of many of my friends here in Sicily. Hopefully the rainy predictions clear up and we won't need our umbrella the whole 4 days!

This slow of pace has allowed me to get some study time in as well as planning for my next few courses to take for some instructor courses that our command provides; and of course time to catch up with friends!

This past week was a warrior welcome home breakfast provided by the Wardroom. Here is a link of the AFN news site here on base shot click here

Hope this note finds everyone in great health and enjoying fall back in the states! Ciao Ciao!

Readjustment

Have been back a few days now from the vaca, and here are some highlights;

~ Venice was beautiful, and we got lucky having a hotel close to the bus line that was only about 10 minutes from the main square. Venice, was however, very expensive. We paid 1.50 euro to go to the bathroom! It got expensive for me as I drink lots of water :) Infamous gondola's
Hard to see the detail, but tile mosaics!

~ The cruise was awesome! Norwiegan is who we went through and we had a great time. The ship was rather new and we definitly enjoyed it!

~ My father suprised me with a cake, decorations and spa gift certificates! And made me cry :) It was a huge suprise to open the door of the room and find those things.

~Croatia was very pretty; we did the Krka National Park and did a little walkin around the part.


~ Corfu, Greece was a great beach break for us and perfect for relaxing.

~Santorini we did a Greek Fiesta, with a top of the island tour. Gorgeous views, great food and even the dancers and plate breakers. My favorite stop of all the islands.


~Mykenos activities involved a jeep drive and that was entertaining and fun of course. 2nd pick of the islands

~Irakelion was the last stop and we choose to just walk around there. It was very city and obviously very populated. I am sure it had more potential than the time we were alloted on shore; 4 hours.

Overall a huge success and great break from everything. We had perfect weather till the day we got off the boat, so we sure can't complain there either.

It was great to spend time with my mom, she's the best! I was greatful to not have to go into work while she was here either, made it more relaxing as we explored the island; Etna, Taoromina, Catania and Siracusa. One of MT Etna's Craters

So far am getting adjusted alright; some things are still a bit overwhelming as I get back into the lives of my friends. I have obviously missed so many events and thought I would want a big get together, but I've realized I am enjoying 1:1 for now as I get caught up on all the gossip and share my stories as well. My bosses are super supportive, and I actually won't start back with patient care for a few more weeks. This will allow time for some upcoming travels to Paris and possibly Malta, not to mention getting settled and things straightened out :)

Ciao Ciao till next time :)