So now exactly six months to the day after I arrived in Munich, I am here again. It was kind of a sentimental day being once again in Munich, staying at Michael’s, enjoying the city, and having to depart once again by train.

Last night after returning from Slovenia 🇸🇮at 16:30, we managed quite well and timely to catch the bus to his apartment; quite full packed from our shopping expeditions in Slovenia 🇸🇮– similar to my full packed, over packed arrival six months ago! We unloaded at his place and changed from our smoky clothes; I called to mom, Todd and dad to check in (since Luise’s dad doesn’t believe he isn’t charged for my calling card charges); and we dropped off my pack at the Bahnhof locker for tomorrow.

As we were cruising through Schwabing, we happened upon a nice Thai restaurant which just opened and Michael knew the owner. We decided to go there instead of the projected Pizza 🍕 Mario’s, the oldest pizzeria in Munich. It was a good choice and we were nearly the only ones there! They were laughing when they saw me bury my wristwatch in the rice bowl 🍚, reminiscent of my last night seven years ago (in 1992) when we also ate at a Thai restaurant (Dagi, Michael, Gustave und ich) and we had a ceremony burying my watch (my turquoise Swatch) so as to ensure my return to Munich!!

Now I am just wondering when I will return, probably just on a visit, and I am looking so already forward to going home, including to my sweet love. I am lucky to have had this time and fortune that I was able to “get away” for so long, as well as to pay off as many of my bills as I did.

When I get home I will be ready to get a good paying job (I think!) I know it’s only three more months and that goes by like lightning, even if it seems like forever in a day while I’m watching the kids! Like boyfriend says, I need to enjoy it, as I will be sad when it’s time to say goodbye! And it will be a good experience to see China 🇨🇳 and to try out a different culture. The three months in Kosice went so fast upon looking back, then my three traveling months even faster; although one of those was doing already the nanny thing!

It’s an adjustment, but I have to sacrifice in order to gain, and it will be an adjustment for us all once we get to Shanghai. I have to remember I’m there to help Luise and to shop! And the fall clothes are already looking so nice!

I feel so lucky to that mom and dad came out, and Helen; and boyfriend; and that we all had such a great time together!! (Just now passing through Rosenheim where Michael and I had to get off the train “Out of Rosenheim” in February!) It was 17:45 already and German efficiency prevented us from riding between 16:00 🕓– 18:00 🕕!

So let me go back now and write about the Slovenia 🇸🇮 trip with Michael from Monday 26 July 1999…

2 August 1999