It Has Begun!

Crazy roller coaster in the last couple of days:

An unbelievable evening on Saturday at Cafe Juanita in Kirkland, Wa. I was treated to an exquisite 5-course meal complete with wine pairings. Not only was the food phenomenal, but the head chef and owner, Holly, worked with my friend Kelvin to create a "Bon Voyage" menu just for me. The courses were truly edible art. Holly does a squab like no other chef. Her duck gizzard salad was so delicate and savory, that I kept wishing there was a way to bottle these flavors for a cold winter night in Moldova. If you have ever seen the movie, "Babette's Feast," this was very much like that... and all for me. Thank you so much, Kelvin, for the incredible going away gift.


Babette preparing the feast

Quails in Puff Pastry from Babette's Feast

Holly - Owner of Cafe Juanita - The true artist!

Add to that I had a chance to have lunch with a college buddy - Vince whom I haven't seen for years. It was amazing to catch up and find that he may be in Germany in January. Christmas in Vienna or Berlin? Hmmm... Sounds like a plan.

The inimical Vince Edd

Then last night, another cool (surprise) going away party with many amazing people. I'm going to have to post pics later when I get them. Thank you to all my many wonderful friends and family who are sending me off in style.

Today... bright and early I was at the airport with bags packed. Despite repacking many times, one bag was a little overweight. The result was a $90 penalty, and evidently I get to pay this in New York and Istanbul all over again. Sigh.

Met and traveled with some great M27s and we landed in Philadelphia late this afternoon. After getting chewed out by the van driver because of all of our luggage, we made it safely to the hotel and a group of us had Mexican food as a last Ole!

Already miss my family and friends. Will work to keep you apprised of this wonderful adventure.