Go Global : January 2014

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Berlin Wall Circa 2014

One thing I cannot stop thinking about is how recent history has touched this part of the world. How different it was just a few years ago for so many people. I was just about 6 when "the wall" came down. I was a child without a worry in the world but for so many kids my same age, they grew up in a different era. An era that has been divided, broken down and built back up. As I walked the wall - I can only imagine the stories it holds and lives it has impacted.

The thickness of the wall - cut

The other side

Travelers Tips: You can find lots of smaller pieces of the Berlin Wall throughout the city (and around the world for that matter) but it is worth venturing to the East Side Gallery and seeing the actual wall - to touch it with your own hands. The East Side Gallery is a little ways out but something I'd recommend seeing, especially if you are all the way in Berlin anyway. It's a piece of history. Since I am not a historian but enjoy learning along the way - click to learn more about the East Side Gallery and the history of the Berlin Wall.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Our Friends Are Having A Baby!

While Chris and I have been busy in Poland - two of our closest friends have been busy making babies! Well, 1 baby - a little girl! We couldn't be happier for Jay and Kim who are expecting their first child this spring so we went in with our friend Doran on a surprise baby shower get together for them. We are lucky to have such amazing friends to "shower" them with love and lots of memories.

In December, they didn't know the sex of Baby Waynick so we went with a yellow, grey gender neutral theme. Had to give it to the hubs - he picked out bib in the middle all on his own: "Here comes trouble"

Little Onsies...so cute and tiny

Our creative friends made balloon babies.

Yellow and Grey Baby Theme

Cigars to celebrate for the men - the big one was for Daddy Waynick


Beans, Coleslaw, Slow Roasted Pulled Pork layered in Mason Jars - Ummm Amazing - invented by Doran

Doran putting together his masterpiece of pork and Jeff making a dangerously good drink of lemonade vodka and tea

Who doesn't love opening presents?!

Polish Vodka for the Pops

Since we went with a co-ed get together - we kept the activities to a minimum but had to have a few.

Baby Shower Activity: I created note cards and envelopes labeled 1-18. We had everyone pick a year and write a birthday message to future Baby Waynick and then seal the card. Each birthday, they can open the card for that year till their kid turns 18. Gotta give it to our friends for being creative and having fun with it! Jay & Kim may want to screen some of them before sharing with Baby Waynick.

Baby Shower Game: Name that poop. I melted candy bars in diapers and they had to guess what filled each diaper. Sniffing, licking and touching are encouraged. Some of them just looked wrong.