Welcome to my first in-flight website update! Yes, I write to you from LH #456, Frankfurt to LA, using the new Lufthansa wireless internet connection. This is certainly a step forward for traveling mankind!

The time since our Mexican party has been primarily spent on the administrivia of life (like…. work & other such time-wasting nonsense). Many of you know that when I am not fulfilling my duties as a “Professional Traveler”, I also do some tax consulting as a backup. Ok in all fairness, I do enjoy my tax work & have worked hard to make it a global tax practice, unfettered by cables and anything else that restricts me to one location. Thanks to the wonders of laptop computers, wireless internet access, international cell phones, and Adobe Acrobat, I can (and do) run my practice from anywhere in the world. Even 5 years ago I think this was not possible. Now I roam free and make a living at the same time!

So between billable hours and laundry, we have enjoyed a few interesting events recently which include the following:

• Evening sailing expedition on the beautiful Alster Lake :

In my opinion, the most beautiful place in Hamburg is the area of the Alster Lake, in the center of the city. The lake is split into 2 parts. The “Binnenalster” is the smaller lake with an impressive fountain of water in the center and many grand historic buildings surrounding it. The Außenalster is the larger lake, bordered by floating gardens, walking paths and lovely homes, and in the summer is usually filled with sailboats and swans. On a sunny and breezy Sunday evening we enjoyed all this beauty from the comfort of our rented sailboat.

Our sailing trip was followed by dinner at a newfangled sushi bar serving sushi on a help-yourself conveyor belt which winds around a large bar. Personally, I prefer made-to-order sushi, especially California sushi chefs’ local creations and variations, but the conveyor belt experience was certainly a novelty!

• 85th birthday celebration for Soenke’s grandmother :

This auspicious event was a lavish dinner party held at the estate of a German baron. The four-course meal was entirely exquisite, and it turns out that the baron himself had hunted our main course of venison. The sprightly guest-of-honor seemed very pleased with the whole production, as did the 15 guests! (However I was dismayed to find that I’d left my digital camera at home…).

• Movie Night at the English Cinema with Soenke, Knut & Sally :

With salty American-style popcorn in hand (Germans prefer sweet popcorn), I joined my moviegoing comrades in viewing the animated film Madagascar, which was highly entertaining (go penguins!) and of course made me wonder if we needed to pay a visit to the REAL Madagascar sometime in the future…

• Surprise birthday party for Soenke’s friend Klas :

The group gift was a gigantic orange beanbag that seemed to be full of sand… perhaps this is a popular item for the German bachelor pad? Cuisine was high-style outdoor BBQ. I happily discovered that many guests spoke English! A highlight of the evening was driving home through the neighborhood called “Jenfeld” & passing under a bridge with giant letters on it spelling JEN. It’s comforting to know that I have my own bridge.

A major highlight of the past few weeks was receiving a temporary permit to reside in Germany while my application for a one-year residence permit is being processed. It is a very official-looking, passport-size green paper with lots of shiny seals and colorful stamps. There is also a cool looking German eagle on it. I like to flash this paper whenever possible!

Here in-flight, I have met my new idol. Her name is Maria-Grace; she speaks 4 languages and is in her 70s. Born in Florence, Italy, she moved to Innsbruck, Austria to marry her husband 47 years ago. Most importantly, she has spent her entire adult life as a full-time vacationer. She travels constantly and is currently on her way to Hawaii for 10 weeks. I appreciated receiving travel advice regarding every destination imaginable, including personally handwritten hotel tips for Dubai. Her specialty is holiday islands, for which she currently recommends Mauritius, Aruba and Maui. I secretly aspire to be just like her!

For the next few weeks I will remain in Orange County. More updates to follow as events unfold…

Photos! …

Sunset view from our apartment in Hamburg:

Some sailing on the Alster:

The Madagascar movie gang (photo stolen from Sally’s website! She is taking the photo) :