Monday, March 14, 2005

O solo mio...

Looks like I'm gonna be going solo for a while again soon. We're planning Virginia's trip back home to visit the family and I should be buying the ticket today hopefully if I can find one for the right price. The plan is for her to fly to Hong Kong for a week, then fly to Philippines for about a month, then back to Hong Kong for another week, then back to Italy. She'll be gone a total of about 6-7 weeks. Right now she's looking at flying on or about April 8 and returning somewhere around May 27 or 28. I'm really going to miss her and the X Man, but it's been several years since she's been home to visit her family so I know it means quite a lot to her. And her family has never met the X Man, so the time they'll get to spend wit him will be priceless. I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous about the X Man spending so much time in the Philippines without me (her family lives in a very rural area), being so young and all. But I trust Virginia to make sure he's ok. I just told her, "No casawa root!"...

So anyway, work has been quite busy which will occupy most of my time, but I'm planning on taking a few weekend trips while they're away since it's a lot easier to travel solo and I'll need something to keep me busy on weekends anyway. But damn, am I jealous that I can't go to Hong Kong with her! When the Afghanistan crap is over and I'm able to take some vacation time, Hong Kong is at the top of our list. But for now, I'll have to make do with the occasional weekend trips around Europe. If anyone has any suggestions...

Rik

8 comments:

Ed said...

I assume the casava root reference was to the latest event in the Philippines. I think the most ironic thing was that when they confronted the vendor who sold the stuff, she said they were perfectly fine and she ate a couple to prove her point. Last I heard she was in the hospital in critical condition. Hope Virginia has a good time back home. Mrs. "Abbey" and I are planning on going back this Christmas for a stay. It's going to be a pasalubong heavy trip so we are already starting to collect.

Rik said...

Ed - It sure was. What a dumb ass, she deserves whatever happens to her. Virginia assures me that the X Man will not have any so I hope she keeps her word. Actually, I'm more worried about the water. What would you call that - "Marcos' Revenge"? Ha ha...

Rik

Anonymous said...

Ciao Rik,

I suggest you go to a Wine tasting tour in the Chianti area... that is a unique experience.
Also join one of the evening dinners there.

Rik said...

Ciao Adele, welcome to the blog!

Yes, that's a great idea. A wine tasting trip to the Chianti region would be a perfect weekend trip. And while I'm there, I can stock up on Montalcino and Montepulciano. Fantastic idea. In fact, maybe I'll do the Piedmont region as well...

Rik

Anonymous said...

Weekend of May 22: Mons, Belgium for the "Doudou" - major festival celebrating the combat between St George and the dragon. The chance to party and drink lotsa yummy Belgian beers! Could be your chance to visit friends in NATO if some of them are assigned to the SHAPE base.

Rik said...

Diz - That sounds like an excellent idea! Mmm...Belgian beers...
How far is Charleroi from Mons? I can catch a Ryan Air flight to Charleroi from here for less than 100 euros, so if it's not to far, I might actually do that...Mmm...Trappist Beers...

Rik

Anonymous said...

It's only 30 minutes away by train, Rik! Definitely doable. Drop me a line if you need more info, I'd be glad to help!

Rik said...

OK, it's official - I'm planning on going to Belgium on the weekend of May 22nd, barring any unforeseen circumstances. While there, I intend to consume mass quantities of Trappist beers. Always wanted to try a Geuze (sp?) too...

Rik