An Invasion of a "STRANGER" Kind.... NEW THREAD IS UP!! Go Thee NOW!

[eandesmom]

Is that like a texas t shirt?

I don't know what a texas t shirt is!

It's a buckwheat pillow that shaped to rest on your neck and you can warm it up....which makes it cozy!

I used it twice yesterday, neck is a LOT better today. I think it may be time for new pillows...again.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I think I've gotten myself caught up enough to join in again!

 

[All7OfUs]

My father is an avid reader of war history and loves to pass on little pieces of trivia he picks up. Sometimes it's interesting, sometimes not, and I always wonder if what he says will have any value whatsoever.

One of the things that he found interesting, and frankly I did too, since it stuck with me more than 5 minutes, was a survey done among American GIs who served in WWII.

They were asked who among the many nations' soldiers represented they could find comradierie with, or in other words, basically "relate to" best while not in active fighting. Circumstances such as in a POW camp, in a village's bar or dance hall, in a red cross hospital or such...

The answers were VERY, very interesting! Not so surprisingly, the Americans found themselves most comfortable with the British- they were of course, allies, but more than that closest to their own culture, which lent an easiness in relating to them. Also, not so alarming was the fact, that they got along least with the Japanese. No matter how hard they tried, they just could not find common ground in much of anything, from sports, jokes, food- nothing. (Jordan please don't take offense at this!! I want a DISMeet with you someday too!)

But here are some surprising outcomes: The American soldiers did NOT get along with the French either (of course, these are all just generalizations!) who were also allies! And here's the most surprising of all. The staunch enemies of the Americans, the Germans, were, according to those surveyed, some of the easiest to relate to off the battle field!

Now, you might be aksing, "What in the heck does this have to do with a pre-trip report for Disney?" Let me explain:

Over the last few months, I've gotten to know 2 of the sweetest German ladies on the DISBoards- Magdalene and Katharina, both from Germany. You may have seen them around?? Their quite clever screen names are Flossbolna and nodnol. They currently live in Berlin, but Magdalene also hails from Nuremberg, where................








If all works out....




We'll get to meet in August for a couple of days!!!!!!!!



This weekend was quite an up and down affair around our house. On Thursday, I woke up with a neck that WOULD NOT turn. At. ALL! It was painful to the point that I came close to tears many times. I am thankful to be telling you that with prayer, many hot baths, the "rice bag", prescription muscle relaxants, copious massages from my darling hubby and daughter, I am about 75% better.

On Saturday morning, Mike told me he thinks we should NOT go into Germany and spend the $2,000 it will likely take for this 2 day jaunt on something else, like Cabo or Puerto Vallarta or a week on the Oregon Coast. (Ummmm... we're moving to Oregon- psssst... we can go to the coast any freakin' weekend we want - for nothing. Lots of our friends have beach houses!)

I told him in Saturday night that I was really disappointed in his decision, and asked if we could talk about it again when I was feeling better. That came Sunday evening. For the first time in a long time, since beginning to make all these thousands of decisions related to moving back to the US, we had a calm, rational, clear-headed talk.


I told him that I thought it was foolish to not do this thing we've for all the years we've been coming and going through Germany on our flights to Crapistan wanted to do. Every single time, we say to each other, "wouldn't it be nice to actually stop and stay a couple days?" We will likely NOT be going to Europe again for at least a very long time, and we'll never be able to do it again for as cheaply.

Nor have such an opportunity to see it through they eyes of "locals".

I am really, really, really excited that one of the last HUGE decisions related to our moving has been made. He gave me the final go-ahead to buy our tickets home, with a 2 day layover in Germany- where we'll head down to Nuremberg for 2 nights.

I"m sure this Belle from the Battalion will LOVE the company of these 2 DISComrades on their own turf!!

 

[Flossbolna]

That's great!! I am so looking forward to meet you and your family!!

 

[maroo]

This is awesome!

I am so jealous!

I took German for two years in High School and would love to visit there one day!

If I can quit going to Disney 8 times a year, maybe I would have some extra money one day to visit.








Nah.

 

[englishrose47]

I took german for 4 years , but that was a LONG time ago !!! I am not surprised by the survey !! I have heard a lot about how difficult some French people can be !! The germans I have met seemed nice enuff !!!! There is another Disser who is actually Austrian !! Dizneet!!!

 

[Flossbolna]

I think it is very interesting what you posted about American GIs. Part of this might be due to the fact that there were so many Germany who emigrated to the US. I think it is always amazing how many people in the US tell me that they had German ancestors when they find out that I am from Germany.

 

[eandesmom]

You can wave at my little brother, an official ex-pat who just retired from the Army.

He's about 3 hours away from Nuremberg...wish I could join the meet! We had originally planned to go there this summer and celebrate his retirement but then he decided to have a baby!

So we decided Disney this year for us and Germany in 2 when the baby will be a bit more fun (and mom and dad not wiped out). Plus with my sisters wedding in June, they will be coming here!

I've been to various parts of Germany twice and can't say I even feel like I've scratched the surface. We are hoping when we do make it, that it's a 2 week trip. I am 50% German, my maternal grandparents came over as children and Jeff's about a quarter and has never been.

My brother vastly prefers the company of Germans to most Americans.

I am so glad you were able to make this happen, I know you really wanted it!

 

[Millie12591]

Thank you for answered prayer Lord!! I'll keep going until I hear your 100%.

And major yea for the talk going well, and DH saying yes to your request about Germany!! I'm sure you all will have a great time being shown a great place to visit by two really sweet gals.

 

[glennbo123]

Liesa, that is great that you'll be able to spend a couple of days in Germany on your way back to the States! Like others, I'm jealous too.

I think it is always amazing how many people in the US tell me that they had German ancestors when they find out that I am from Germany.

That's my ancestry too. I'm sure you could tell.

 

[jenb1023]

Welcome back Liesa! I was wondering where you've been. I am so glad your neck is feeling better. I am glad DH agreed to the Germany pitstop! That is so exciting! Germans are the nicest people (my maiden name is Houck and my mom's is Smeltz if that gives you any clues to my heritage )!

Maroo - you do go to Europe - every time you go to Epcot! We all live vicariously through your multiple trips a year so you have to keep going!

 

[All7OfUs]

That's great!! I am so looking forward to meet you and your family!!

Me too!! Just PM'd you!

This is awesome!


If I can quit going to Disney 8 times a year, maybe I would have some extra money one day to visit.

Mebbe!

I took german for 4 years , but that was a LONG time ago !!! I am not surprised by the survey !! I have heard a lot about how difficult some French people can be !! The germans I have met seemed nice enuff !!!! There is another Disser who is actually Austrian !! Dizneet!!!

I have too; and have in fact, experienced it - not once, but twice. In France.

I wonder if Dizneet wants to come on over?? Hmmm....

I think it is very interesting what you posted about American GIs. Part of this might be due to the fact that there were so many Germany who emigrated to the US. I think it is always amazing how many people in the US tell me that they had German ancestors when they find out that I am from Germany.

I thought it was quite interesting too! Who knew?!

We've known tons of Germans, through our work, travels, etc... and all have been so very polite and kind. That didn't surprise me; the Japanese part really did, though. We've known an equal number of the same who are just a sweet as the Germans; heck our teammate is Japanese- American (1st gen).

 

[All7OfUs]

You can wave at my little brother, an official ex-pat who just retired from the Army.

He's about 3 hours away from Nuremberg...wish I could join the meet! We had originally planned to go there this summer and celebrate his retirement but then he decided to have a baby!

So we decided Disney this year for us and Germany in 2 when the baby will be a bit more fun (and mom and dad not wiped out). Plus with my sisters wedding in June, they will be coming here!

I've been to various parts of Germany twice and can't say I even feel like I've scratched the surface. We are hoping when we do make it, that it's a 2 week trip. I am 50% German, my maternal grandparents came over as children and Jeff's about a quarter and has never been.

My brother vastly prefers the company of Germans to most Americans.

I am so glad you were able to make this happen, I know you really wanted it!

I'll wave as I fly over That's amazing that he chose to live on there.

I've been a few times too, but never got very deeply into it. I'd say you'd need all 2 weeks to start to feel like you "getting it". I think you'll have a marvelous time in a couple of years. So next year it's Australia?? Then after that Germany??

Thank you for answered prayer Lord!! I'll keep going until I hear your 100%.

And major yea for the talk going well, and DH saying yes to your request about Germany!! I'm sure you all will have a great time being shown a great place to visit by two really sweet gals.

Still a ways to go in the next dept! Woke up again a bit stiffer than when I went to bed. Brother! (imagine that smilie, but with no turning it back and forth!)

I know we're going to have a great time! And arriving in the States a little bit better rested will be almost worth the $$ right there!!!!

Liesa, that is great that you'll be able to spend a couple of days in Germany on your way back to the States! Like others, I'm jealous too.



That's my ancestry too. I'm sure you could tell.

You could come over and join us?? I'm sure Judy would LOVE another European holiday! Tell her there's schnitzel involved, and surprise here!! School won't have started yet....

Yes, I could tell...

Welcome back Liesa! I was wondering where you've been. I am so glad your neck is feeling better. I am glad DH agreed to the Germany pitstop! That is so exciting! Germans are the nicest people (my maiden name is Houck and my mom's is Smeltz if that gives you any clues to my heritage )!

Maroo - you do go to Europe - every time you go to Epcot! We all live vicariously through your multiple trips a year so you have to keep going!

With those last names, you should be coming along for the meet too!! Can't get more German than those. Well, ok, you probably could with something like Steinbrenner or something like that! Yeah, sorry, weekends are pretty tough to find DISsing time at all; but I did get more of maroo's quilt done - but mostly stayed in bed doped up.

 

[jordanyosh]

Prayer and drugs=powerful combination.

So glad you'll be able to stop in Germany.

 

[All7OfUs]

Thanks, Jordan!! I hope you weren't offended at the part about the Japanese!! It wasn't meant that way!! Especially you!!

 

[jordanyosh]

Thanks, Jordan!! I hope you weren't offended at the part about the Japanese!! It wasn't meant that way!! Especially you!!

Just kidding...none taken.

 

[All7OfUs]

Just kidding...none taken.

I actually worried a little last night after I posted- now I can rest at ease. BTW, if you want to post the ning thing over here feel welcome!

 

[jordanyosh]

I actually worried a little last night after I posted- now I can rest at ease. BTW, if you want to post the ning thing over here feel welcome!

I gotta figure that ning thing out....tomorrow.

 

[nodnol]

That are great news. I'll have to plan a trip to Bavaria then in August

 

[All7OfUs]

I gotta figure that ning thing out....tomorrow.

I had actually registered on the other one, and now will have to get myself on the ning one. Too many options!

That are great news. I'll have to plan a trip to Bavaria then in August

I'm pretty ramped up for this!! It'll be so fun to meet you and share a day seeing the sights!!