CLT+AVL, USA

Since I was in the proper earth-quadrant, I passed through North Carolina. Good thing I had this detour planned, because my parents are moving out of their house where quite a bit of my stuff has been living. I got rid of a lot of stuff, but can not bring everything to Europe with me. (Thanks for the continual storage space, folks!) I spent some time in the mountains fly fishing with my dad, then we headed to Charlotte for a few days of cleaning and hanging out with the whole family - the little sister was also in town. I was also fortunate enough to see my Grandma and an Aunt and Uncle - I didn't have time to make it to Raleigh, but will *knock on wood* be there in Autumn.

Asheville might be known for its beer, but the food that comes with it is pretty dope!

mole-mint lamb meatballs with cucumbers

Honestly, I ordered "the glutton" for the novelty value.
Fried chicken on a brioche doughnut with Gruyere and something maple. 

Back in Charlotte, I was forced to get a manicure with my Auntie B (Thanks! The "Game of Chromes" gel color I got to-go works great and I've gotten lots of compliments on it.) and was able to do some US American things like watching baseball and going to a bridal shower.

Family at the new-to-me downtown baseball stadium. So urban.

Technology can be difficult for the newly retired.

The lil'sis and me at her BFF's bridal shower.
Congrats, Emma! Sorry that I can't make it back for the wedding.

Gma aka my (probably) number one blog-reader.

Two sets of sisters. It  was great seeing all of you.

Home

The ust a little update on recent and upcomong travel.

I flew home for Christmas (arriving Christmas day). The transatlantic flight was not the most comfortable. There were only TVs that dropped down in the isle, not individual ones at each seat and the audio was pretty poor (using both the headphones they handed out and my own)... I know, I know first world problems! They also didn't have extra blankets. My neighbors didn't get the vegan meals they had ordered.

 

For some reason, I got bumped up to first class for my JFK-CLT flight. I still don't think it is worth it for an hour long flight, but I can see how it would be worthwhile for an oversees jaunt. The name-brand dark chocolate cookies and GiGis were a nice touch.

 

 



Look at that leg room! (Full extension)

This stylin' pup picked me up at the airport!

Overall, the trip back was rushed. I loved the routine of running errands with my family and working last minute to get my extended family gift made. Extended family Christmas was bananas; we drove over to Raleigh for 24 hours. There were so many people (whom I love dearly)!

Upcoming schedule for my mother's sanity:

Friday I am heading to Vietnam for an international fecal sludge management conference - including a tour of a sludge treatment plant near Halong Bay! This will be followed by a few days with colleagues in either the northern part of the country or around Ninh Binh.
 

On the 28th, I will fly to the Philippines to play beach ultimate with some friends of friends, hopefully (kite)surf or dive, and relax on the beach. On the Monday after the tournament I fly back to Manila and then Zürich via Singapore.

10 days in Switzerland, then I am off to Sweden for more Frisbee and a visit to my university.