Deja Vu, 8 Years Hence

Just as it was almost 8 years ago to the week when Pranvera and I spent a a romantic getaway in Bianca Hotel in Klashin Montenegro (see blog posting Nov 2007). Only a couple things have changed: we have 2 kids, there was not a white-out blizzard with several feel of snow on the ground, we had to wait for one hour for them to pave a section of the main road, we were able to do a mountain hike and enjoy the beautiful Fall colors around the empty ski resort, the hotel was empty for one night (Thurs) until some weekend guests arrived the next day, we couldn't hang around the spa ducking in out out of pools, sauna, Turkish bath and massage due to guess who.

All and all that much more fantastic. Adi had the week off school due to a 'Fall Break (never heard of this) so we needed to get out of town for a part of it so we all didn't go crazy. We were able to get a mid-week package deal so away we went. It is such a magical place only 4.5 hours from our home thru good conditioned roads and beautiful Fall scenery. It was great to actually see the town a bit and the general area as last time it was too cold to spend too much time outside with everything covered in white. Adi even walked the entire hike up to a small eco village where we lunched in the warm sun and absorbed the sounds of nothingness. It was only us and a couple loggers/construction men we passed along the way. Save for the 2 puppies who startled (ie terrified) Adi in the beginning so he literally climbed up mommy screaming, who is also a bit scared of dogs so the both of them dancing around screaming only encouraged the two little puppies to continue playing as they jumped and nipped at them. Eventually I chased them away so we could begin our journey in peace.

And on the way back down the Kosovo mountain side we came across a well known trout farm restaurant with the largest kids play area we have seen. After 3 hours in the car and well after lunch it was a perfect break as we absorbed the last 20 minutes of direct sun before getting cut off by the high mountain peaks while we  soaked up the sun sitting on their outside terrace. Needless to say the fish was fresh and fantastic.

Any next trip we take will be covered in snow and we look forward to our family Christmas holiday we have arranged in Obertauern, Austria.

http://www.biancaresort.com/bianca/

A Pirate and a Tiger

Starting at Harvest Festival at school, Adi and schoolmates watched a magician, played games including 3 legged races, potato sack races and other field games. For some weird reason the school does not allow the kids to dress up but at least the US Embassy had a costume party full of more games, treats, kids to play with and a haunted house. Rea's school was mostly about a bake sale and kids running around with food. Was a joyous event for all.

 End of Grandpa's Visit

A wonderful time had by all with pumpkin carving, family visits,  rainy day in Skopje, a train ride to Peja, trip to the Rugova waterfalls and general exploring in Pristina. Not to mention plenty of nice dinners, walks in the park, casual conversation on the deck nice weather was moderate Fall temperatures. The kids will miss their ever accessible Lego builder and coloring partner until we all meet up in Austria for a ski Xmas vacation.

London w/o Kids

A bit delayed on this post but still worth sharing, especially thanking our great hosts Carol and Jim (and Sammy and Lucy) and John/Tanya and Kian. 4 nights of a 4 hour adult dinner, little English pubs, The Book of Mormon play, and sushi reminded us how much fun date night can be. On our first day in the city we walked over 20km seeing all the parks, museums and general tourist attractions ducking inside a Starbucks to avoid the afternoon shower. Most importantly was late night conversations and day outings with our close friends living there which also included dear friends Vica and new husband Simon from Pranvera's Harvard days. Plus visiting with several of her cousins who actually live in the UK. Perfect weather and the extremely cheap discount airline flying into Luton from Skopje which just required an extra 2 hours of driving from Pristina.