Meet My Monkey Monday and Singalong with the Monkey

Poland Trip: Auschwitz

It is hard for me to even put into words a lot of the trip that we took to Poland, but I'll do my best.

My friend Amy had a very large desire to see Auschwitz. I'm not sure I had ever really even thought about the possibility of visiting it while we are living in Europe, but I agreed to go with her. Later our friend Camron expressed interest in going. . . so we finally ended up as a group of three heading over to Poland.

We woke up early and headed to the Brussels airport to fly to Krakow. It was a nice and easy flight (except for Brussels Airline changing our gate without any announcement), and we arrived in Krakow and found our driver nearly immediately. We took a nice smooth ride over to the Holiday Inn and made our way to our room.


The rooms were very nice. . . if not a bit Donna Reed-esque. This picture just shows two of the beds in the room, Amy slept on a memory foam roll away which she insists was very comfortable.

After we got settled in we ventured over to the area around St. Mary's Basilica to check out the Main Square. It is a nice, quaint city that appears to be very well kept. We enjoyed taking a peak around the area. It was very cold, but we were bundled appropriately.




After taking a peak around (and finding the area that the Hard Rock will be located in just a few months) we searched for a place to eat lunch. It was nearly 2:00 PM and we were all getting a bit hungry. We found a fun looking pizza restaurant and made our way in.


It was absolutely delicious pizza. Yummo! I threw my diet out the window for long enough to enjoy nearly an entire pizza on my own. Gargonzola / Spinach and Garlic - Fantastic!

After our delicious lunch we decided to venture over to the Wawel Castle to see the castle and the view of the city. We passed several of the city's major churches on the way to the castle. . .

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Amy taking pictures

Church of St. Anthony

It was a long walk up to the top of the castle, but very cool to see the view of the city from above.

Amy and Cam

Cam and I

Amy and I

Dragon of Wawel Castle - This statue blows fire every four minutes

The den where the dragon is rumored to have lived

It's the little things in life that make me smile "Alkohole"

After walking around we returned to the hotel for a bite of food and some drinks. We attempted to get a good picture of the three of us - but I'm not sure that any of us were happy with them.

The next morning we had scheduled a trip to Auschwitz to see the historic site. We all expected a lot of emotion during our trip. The day started off a little rocky, with us inadvertently going with the wrong tour guide - but after we got back with the right guide it went smoothly on our journey to Auschwitz.

I can't even begin to describe the experience to you - but I can strongly suggest that every person have at least some familiarity with what happened in this place in the 1940s. I hope and pray that nothing this despicable is ever allowed to happen again.

The entry gate translates to "Work Makes You Free" - unfortunately it was just words, and there was no intent to allow these people any freedom. The gate you see here is not the original - the original was stolen in December and the thieves cut it into pieces. It is currently being restored. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8423827.stm)

After Auschwitz I we moved on to Auschwitz II -Birkenau - which was labeled as an extermination camp. They built this camp when they deemed Auschwitz I too small to achieve all of their objectives. It is large and vast, and would have most definitely been expanded even further if the liberation had not occurred when it did.

Living Quarters - these people were not supposed to live long term, so they cared very little about the type of living accommodations that they provided them.

A view of the train tracks into Auschwitz II - where the victims were sorted and separated into "able to work" or "immediate kill".

As painful as some of the experience was to see, I can highly recommend everyone learning more about this period of time. I watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tonight and it made everything a lot more meaningful.

Overall it was such a great trip. Fun with my friends. . . education. . . all bottled into one. I am so very lucky.

Thankful Thursday. . .

Today. . I'm thankful for a little silliness. . .

Wordless Wednesday: My Sweet Little Messy Face Girl

Hot Mama Tuesday: Pet Peeves

This week, Amy chose our topic for our Hot Mama post. She has asked us to list our Top Ten Pet Peeves..ohhh boy. . . this could be interesting. . .

Pet Peeve #1: People who live in glass houses, but aren’t afraid to throw stones.

I know you’ve heard my thoughts on judgement before, but it really bothers me when people live in glass houses – surrounded by imperfections (hey, we’re all human after all) - yet spend their time hurling rocks all around them at the people who surround them. I truly believe that most of those people are using their numerous jabs at other people to mask their own insecurities about their own weaknesses.

Pet Peeve #2: Inconsiderate / Self Centered People

This pet peeve really blossomed since moving to Belgium. The culture in Belgium is much more inward than the culture in the United States. In general, the folks are not as outgoing or inclusive, and tend to focus on their own situation first and foremost. That’s great, until it starts spilling over into my grocery shopping experience, or my driving experience. . . sure, I’ve been in line for 20 minutes, but I’d love to have you budge in front of me and pretend you don’t see the other part of the line . . sure, I’m driving 70 kms per hour, but I’d love to slam on my breaks to allow you to force your car in front of mine rather than wait 10 extra seconds. . . sure, push my three year old out of the way so yours can get to see the show faster. I am thoroughly aware that this situation happens in the US too. . .but it seems more predominant here . . . I just wish people would remember that we’re teaching our children valuable lessons about life every day. They shouldn’t be taught that self absorbant behavior is the way to get ahead (figuratively and literally).

Pet Peeve #3: People Who Do Not Parent Their Children

Some of you may feel that this is in direct violation of pet peeve #1, but I really cannot stand it when parents allow their children to behave like wild animals to avoid enforcing proper behaviors. Sure, sometimes my child can be high energy – but I do my best to step in immediately to be sure proper behavior resumes. I never let her destroy a house. . .never let her leave a mess behind at a friends’ house. . never let her take something without asking. . . and do my best to clean up any mess or issue caused by her (with her help of course). During our last trip home to the US there were some children behaving wildly in the customs line – it took custom officials (think big scary policelike men) three loud warnings before they had to go take the children to their parents and insist they not be allowed to run around the customs waiting area like a playground. I cannot even fathom allowing that behavior. Unbelievable. I’m blessed that most of my friends share similar parenting views so it’s rare that I have a flareup of this pet peeve – but it absolutely irks me when it occurs.

Pet Peeve #4: My Own Desire to Please People

Yes, I annoy myself and I’m irritated by it. I cannot stand that I’m always trying to please other people before myself. I think that in a lot of situations this works out okay. . . arguments are avoided, hurt feelings are ceased, etc. But, in some situations this causes issues for my own family. I will spend days stressing about how the decision that is best for my family may make another person or people feel. I need to focus on doing what is best for our family, while balancing that with the feelings of others.

Pet Peeve #5: Entitlement

I could write a whole blog post on this concept that I despise, but I will try to tread lightly. It is my sincere belief that having been given the gift of being born into the beautiful world does not automatically translate into the right to receive everything you want without ever having to contribute in return. Of course, I believe that there are exceptions for those that truly lack the ability to provide for themselves - but as a rule I think that it is our obligation as a member of society to contribute in some way. It is no secret that people who were quoting the “wonderful healthcare system that exists in Belgium – where healthcare is provided for free” during the Obama campaign turned my stomach. 40% taxes my friend. . .and they still lack appropriate funding for road works, etc. My car is nearly inhaled by massive pot holes on a regular basis. Sure, the Belgian Governmental system has its strengths. . . but it is nowhere near flawless. I realize that this topic is touchy right now with so many Americans out of work due to the economy. . that is not the need that I’m referring to – I’m talking about people who choose to sit around at home expecting the working public to take care of their family because it’s easier to stay home. Or how about the general lack of appreciation that people have for what they actually do have. . . oh and the concept of muttering a thank you every once in awhile. . . Oye vey, I shall stop before I get really consumed by this peeve.

Pet Peeve #6: Lack of clothes appropriate for tall women

I realize and embrace that I am a tall woman. I often wish I were not, but it’s the body God gave me so I’m going to rock it with pride. I just hate how hard it is to find clothes that fit me properly (never mind the fact that I live in a country with a lot of delicate short women). I just want my arms to be fully covered folks – is it that large of a request? I have to be honest and admit that when the ¾ length sleeve phenomenon began I wasn’t a big fan – until I realized that it meant I could actually wear some of my shirts again without being embarassed that they didn’t go all the way to my wrists. Sure, now I can wear some items from The Gap Tall collections – which I’m very grateful for – but please, more companies. . considering aiding your Amazon Arm Friend and providing some better options for the tall consumer. Thanks * Smiles *

Pet Peeve #7: Dog / Cat Hair

I love animals, but despise their hair. I don’t have much to say about this one . . . having their hair everywhere really bugs me. . . so we’re constantly vacuuming.

Pet Peeve #8: Stating Opinions as Facts

It truly drives me crazy when I see a Facebook update or hear someone make a statement that is totally turning their own opinion into a fact without facts and data to do so. Folks, lets face it – you can find ANYTHING on the internet. I could find an article telling me that I should boycott chocolate, baby bootie creams, etc. Case in point:

http://sholander.wordpress.com/chocolate-kills-children/

http://thegreenbeautyguide.com/?p=191

I just wish people would stop and realize that it’s not necessary to turn everything into drama. . or a debate. . . and sometimes its okay to keep your opinion to yourself (gasp). It doesn’t make it wrong if not everyone hears your precious little opinion. It’s alllll good ya’ll

Pete Peeve #9: Chewing on Fingers

I can’t stand it when people (ahem. . . Matt) chew on their nail beds / fingers. It hurts me to watch people do it. I can’t even really explain why it bugs me . . . but it does.

Pet Peeve #10: “To Be Continued”. . .

Okay, so I’m sort of stretching here. . but I cannot stand when a show ends with “To be Continued”. . or leaves you on a cliff for a full summer until their next season starts. I get the whole “need our viewers to come back again” thing. . but golly gee. . . I hate waiting . . (sorry, Kat – no patience here).

And there you have it – my long list of pet peeves. Love me or leave me, there’s the truth.

I bet ya’ll are looking forward to Wordless Wednesday after all that wordiness.

Meet My Monkey Monday

If we took a holiday. . . ohh yeah. . just some time to celebrate. . .

I never used to be a big travel planner. Sure, I love a good trip with my husband like the best of them. . but our opportunities to travel were not extensive. I had a great variety of wonderful experiences through work, but Hawaii was the only trip that Matt and I took that truly felt like a true holiday to me.

Of course, that was all before we moved to Europe. Since we moved to Europe our world has been expanded far beyond the depths of comprehension and we are so grateful for that. However, there is a distinct phenomenon that this situation causes. . . I call it the itch. About one month (maximum) past our last family travel experience I get the itch to start planning another. It keeps me going. . keeps me sane. . .gives me something to look forward to.

So yesterday it happened. . the itch. . . I was sitting at work, merrily minding my own business and I started feeling the overwhelming urge to plan a vacation. I'm not sure why it surprised me, we arrived back in Belgium on January 4th . . . it was due time for the itch to arrive. However, the sad thing is that we just had friends over last Saturday night and we were supposed to begin planning a vacation for May. I had no motivation. We know where we want to go, but I just couldn't get any pep in my step about it. Fortunately my sweet friend Tara agreed to look into accommodations because I just wasn't feeling doing the leg work. Now one week later, I'm in full swing itch mode. It comes on that fast.

Now, this would all make sense if I didn't ALREADY have trips planned. I have a girls weekend to Poland planned for next weekend with two of my best girlfriends here. . my sister is coming in April and we are going to London and Paris. . . our little family is heading back to the US for a visit in the summer. . . the wheels are already turning for a May vacation. . . why in the world am I so travel itchy?

More than likely it's because I don't like to waste holidays. If there is any sort of an extra day surrounding a weekend I want to take it to go somewhere. . . and right now, with the weather being less than lovely in Belgium, I want to go somewhere warm. Right now I have a three day weekend in May that isn't covered. . and it's driving me batty. I'm sitting on my hands until we have our week long holiday planned. . but oooeee it's driving me nuts. Heck, I'm already looking at the calendar and noticing a four day weekend in November that I want to start planning :)

I'm starting to think that this looks really really nice. . and I think that this might be exactly where you'll find our sweet family sometime in May. . . .