Did you know...

... the Black Forest is a great place for reunions?

Before Christmas, I traveled to Villingen-Schwenningen in Southern Germany and had a chance to reconnect with another wanderer living there. Sonja was the German lecturer in Brasov when I was working in Romania at the University of Transylvania (where the night classes are a real killer... he he he). Although we hadn't exchanged more than a few emails since leaving Romania and it was by chance that I was in her new hometown, we renewed our friendship over a lovely brunch and brisk walk in the forest and did not skip a beat. Isn't it amazing how easy it is to reconnect with some old friends?

... the Stuttgart Christmas market sparkles with bright lights, good food, and excellent mulled wine when you have good company?

On the same December trek to Villingen, I also made a stopover to see a friend who has left Estonia to relocate back in his hometown of Stuttgart. I had long heard of his famous hometown Christmas market and got to see it first-hand. Quite impressive! Decked out with lights and a million little market stalls where you can spend your money on all kinds of Christmas treats and gifts, the market is one of the most impressive I've seen. We also had a chance to try out some local foods and some salsa dancing before heading onto Uli's home the next day.

... that Germans still use real candles on their Christmas trees?

I had the good fortune to join Uli's family in Aachen and be a part of their cozy Christmas celebrations this year. Among many highlights (beautiful food, warm conversations, getting to know family and friends) was the beautiful Christmas tree. I had never seen real candles used on a tree before (fire hazard) and it was stunning. So warm and inviting and special. I don't know if I am ready to implement the same in my own home, but I really liked sitting and staring at the glow of the tree decked out in flickering light.

... bars in Oslo are closed on New Year's Eve?

Yes, it's true. After landing on December 31st in a new city with no plans for ringing in the new year, we set out, prepared to spend a bazillion dollars for a beer or two, in search of a cozy bar and other celebrators. However, we found bar after bar after bar (and even McDonalds!) with signs announcing closure for the holidays. Who would have thought that Norwegians don't go out on New Year's Eve? They must have some really amazing home parties!

... the fireworks made a great start to 2008?

Defeated in the town center, we took our host's advice and climbed a hill to watch fireworks at the dawn of the new year. Oslo has perhaps the most stunning private fireworks show. The entire city was alive with jumping sparks and big rockets... beginning already around 11:00 p.m. and not stopping for more than an hour. Really, it was one of the most incredible things I've seen.



... I am a ski goddess?

Okay, perhaps it is a bit of an overstatement, but at least that is how I felt when we joined our Estonian friends in Trysil for three days of magical skiing. It snowed from our arrival and was a really refreshing way to spend the first days of January. We skied all day (some cross-country and others downhill) and then spent the evenings in a cozy cabin playing games, telling stories, and recovering in the sauna. I hadn't been skiing in a couple of years and it felt great to glide down the slopes with snow floating down all around me. Winter can be so wonderful.

... there is no place like home?

After all of these travels, it is good to be back home in Tartu. The celebration of holidays and interruption of routines helped me to get back on track and enjoy my home surroundings here. It's still a bit gray, but I've been able to better appreciate what is here... with a running start. Salsa dancing, theatre, friends, good projects, lefse cooking, book clubs, challenging work, presentations and conferences, new job applications... my feet haven't touched the ground yet!