The year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve. I arrived to what I knew is the secret gem hidden in Europe, the country of Malta. I just didn't expect it to be the island paradise get away from everything I worried about at home. Instant thoughts: BRING FRIENDS HERE! It has it all, island, history, culture, food, sun all wrapped in a mix of Italian/Arabic/Mediterranean wrapping. Claire! Surprised me at the airport when I tried to look for her. She has a Nissa...

Monday. Kontanz (Laura's previous place of study) ? I just spent two days with my aunt and uncle-I-just-met! They are so delightful! Uncle Peter and I had much in common about planes since he used to fly a Piper Challenger and I had done for mech 390 the design of the piper arrow brakes. In short: - Went to the beginning of the reign river - crossed into Switzerland, could see Austria. Stood on borderline of Germany/Switzerland. I like Germany better. - s...

Day 2,158 of traveling. Total: 21 years of bad _e_. McDonald coffee and croissant egg sandwich. Left Laura's place with cool sunday morning music and the train station with a heavenly choir. Happy St Jean Baptiste. Note: I wanted them not to speak English so I could listen to them in German. Like watching tv, I tried to decipher their convos, I picked certain ideas, even knew Laura was describing my photography of models and celebrities and at one point, she...

Mercedes-Benz museum, I appreciate your cars and all you've given to the modern car. But I won't be buying, danke. BBQ, brattwürst, Ebbe makes his own potato salad and garlic butter. Enjoyed Spain vs France 1-0 Eurocup. Onto Konstance in the morning!

Just had German soccer bread! with Laura and her friends. Talked American-world view and chilled on the porch Just heard jazz music that reminded me of the Montreal Jazz Fest. So comfy. Her friends are planning a road trip from NYC to Florida. Told them all the foods in NYC and Laura told then about Philly cheesesteaks! Now heading to the Mercedes-Benz museum!