Client E. (aka Eddie Alzamora) wrote some good music reviews for a small publication in Shanghai a few years ago. At the time, we both thought that we had ears for good music. He has since moved to Portand where he gets to use those good ears to hear a lot of great music. On the other hand, I’m in Bucharest — turn on the radio and you’ll hear either Robbie Williams or Pet Shop Boys. Which is worse?

It’s been a long crazy year. Thus, we are greatly enjoying our lazy holiday here in Bucharest. We have a tree, and there is snow on the ground. The heaters work well (unlike Germany), and the shutters block out all of the late morning sun (again, unlike Germany).

Although we are staying up late and sleeping in even later, we do have some projects to keep us busy. Brady is writing a graduate paper and practicing bass guitar for an upcoming concert with a blues band he is a casual member of, and Jeanette is reading, knitting, cooking, and (shutter) getting a head start on her report card writing.

Most importantly we are trying to decide what to do next year. We must notify our school by Jan 4 of our intentions. It’s either stay, find another school, or take a year off in Hawaii. Your comments as to why the third choice is the only logical one are very welcome.

Be sure to check out the Christmas photo album in the photos section.

Merry Christmas!

Here’s a map of the places I’ve travelled to. I probably left a few out. I thought I had travelled a lot until I saw that I’ve only been to 13% of the world’s countries. I’m way past 13% of my life, so I better get busy.

From the DR, we headed for Mexico. Mexico City, known as the DF, is 23 million plus outlying suburbs and shanty towns, but having lived in Shanghai and spending time in NYC, we were ready.

The DR has some beautiful places, and Jeanette and I were lucky enough to be taken to Casa de Campo, where her family has a house. It was fantastic to get to meet the rest of the family and spend time with them in a wonderful place. . .

We attended our first halloween in Romania, and surprisingly enough, nobody dressed up as a vampire!