The world traveler is home

Thanks everyone, for your nice comments left on the previous post. They were greatly appreciated, and a few even put a smile on my face. Especially the one by Barbee...Me - a hottie? Haha.....No way. But thank you for your vote of confidence. :) Maybe I'll find my gardening partner someday, but for now I'll just have to settle for Jude as being the perfect girl in my daily life. But, I'm always on the lookout!!!! Lol.

Anyway, I have returned from my trip to Europe and wanted to share some of the experience with you.....
It's been several years since I traveled abroad, and memories of just how brutal flying across "The pond" had of course been forgotten about - or at least the extent of it. Until coming home from my trip yesterday, that is.....
Man - flying from Paris, France to Atlanta took over 9.5 hours, and the big redneck doesn't fare too well in such a small seat. I can't sleep, and my Restless legs syndrome kicks into high gear every single time....However, I made it somehow and am now safely back at home.  :)
Amsterdam was pretty cool, and I really wanted to stay longer than the time that was alotted for it. Paris was just "ok", and I'll likely not return anytime soon.
But let me tell ya......Russia, and even the countries that were formerly a part of the late Soviet Union just plain rocks......
It's cheap, the people are extremely friendly, and the culture is remarkable. I would certainly know, because I have traveled to the Ukraine 3 times, Amsterdam twice, of course to Paris, France, Prague (which is in the Czech Republic), to London, England and lastly to Frankfurt, Germany in the last 12 years.....Haha, you would have never thought it - would ya?
My favorite place of all? The Ukraine - hands down.......even to sit in a packed auditorium filled with common peasants to see a recital by a traveling dance troupe is so fulfilling.......or, to watch a newly-released movie in a theater when the dialogue is completely in Russian is just so awesome.

Anyway, let me show you some pictures of my latest travels....

Imagine how a person feels when they go to the restroom to find this waiting for you to relieve yourself with....Yeah, it freaked me out the first time, too. Going #2 has an entirely new meaning...

These 220 volt receptacles just aren't too friendly for the power converters that you can buy, and I wish my adapter had an extension on it.

Can you believe the size of this petunia? (At least I hope that's what it is) Anyway, I just had to take a photo of it next to my really big hand....

This bottle of Russian vodka held around 16oz. I would guess, and only cost $1.75. Yeah, and real Russian vodka is so smooth you can easily drink it straight....No wonder the men over there drink so much of it. Lol.

And, I just had to get this beautiful flask - even if it never gets used for its' true purpose....

Anyway, it was a very rewarding experience, but Jude was certainly ready for her master to come back home.....Dad told me that she just moped around the entire time that I was away...
All I know, is that the $228 parking fee that was waiting for me at the airport in Atlanta when I went to leave was much more than I wanted to pay...Sheesh.

Jeff