Spring Break in Montenegro!

Well, we didn't see that one coming. Never in our adult life had we ever thought "I wonder when I will be going to Balkan states?" Never. At least never until we learned that Christine's cousin Evelyn and her husband Collin would be spending this academic year in Montenegro's biggest city and capital, Podgorica.

Podgorica (pronounced poed-go-rit-za) is a city of roughly 200,000 people and held the title of Titograd (after the infamous Yugoslavian president/dictator/party chief/big man Tito) for many years before a series of government changes made it seem like a good idea to find a new name :) Located on the plains area next to the giant Lake Skadar, the city is a beautiful combination of modern culture and old world charm.

So with Easter Break upon them, Christine and Tim packed their suitcases and headed over to the Balkan Peninsula for what would prove to be an adventurous and heart-warming time seeing new places and making good friends. With twenty-one hours of traveling we both were able to narrowly avoid jetlag by sleeping a short bit on the long flight at just the right time to end the old day and start the new day naturally. When the plane landed, we were as fresh as spring chickens!! Mind you, spring chickens that had just spend two days in the same clothes on a plane...

And with that, I will finish and let the photos do the talking for us. Evelyn and Collin were fabulous hosts, treating us to all of the local specialties and driving all over creation with us. We got to travel to ALBANIA!!!!!! They taught us several new card games (and even let us win once or twice ;) and we all shared a lot of laughs and great stories. We are wishing them all the best as they finish out their time in Podgorica!!

For some reason these seats were cheaper than economy.  :)

Tim usually does not get this much leg room

Turkish Coffee

In Albania!!!!!!

Fort/Church/Mosque Ruins in Albania

Albanian Food

At one of the major photo spots in Montenegro - Lake Skadar National Park

Parking Montenegrin Style

Historic city of Cetinje

Kotor Walled City

Looking Up At The Fort

At the church on the hill over looking Kotor

Podgorica's Town Center

Ostrog Monastery in the mountains

At the church

In Petrovac (beach time)

Another abandoned fort

A Pedestrian Tunnel

Some of the view from the trail

Another famous photo from Montenegro.  St. Stephan's Island

Sunset on the last full day

To all our friends and family throughout the world, please know that there isn't a day that goes by when we don't think of you all. Keep doing Good in all your endeavors and activities. We are awfully proud and thankful to have you in our lives.

Love,
Tim and Christine

HK to Istanbul :)

Pre-Spring Break Happenings

This is from March 22-31st :)

Student Led Conferences
Tim had the Elementary school student led conferences on a Friday and Saturday.  He said it was really cool - the kid takes the parent around and tells them about what they are doing in their homerooms and in their specials.  He played several recorder duets with his students for their parents :)

Rugby Sevens
The middle school and high school jazz bands perform every year at the Rugby Sevens.  They play for about 20-30 minutes and then are able to take in some of the action either watching the game, the crowd or running around and getting free stuff.  Tim and I chaperoned and were able to stay after the kids left which was fun.

The Stadium

Cathay Pacific is a major sponsor (we LOVE flying with them!)

The Rugby Sevens is played with 7 players on a team, with 7 minutes in each half and the clock does not stop for much.  There is one two minute half and then 5 minutes between each game.  It is very fast and very entertaining.  In addition to the fast paced entertainment on the field, the stands are filled with people drinking and in lots of different costumes.  Tim and I thought the people watching was a lot like State Street in Madison on Halloween.  I am really glad we were able to go and see it :)

A sampling of costumes :)

Showing some free swag

Shatin Fellowship 15th Anniversary
Our church had its 15th anniversary celebration.  It was quite the special event and I felt like everything went smoothly.  Tim helps out with the piano and I sing in the choir.  Tim and I are really lucky to have found the church we go to in Hong Kong.  We feel very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of people.  They have really made Hong Kong feel more like home since the first weekend we were there. :)  I am really going to miss them this fall.

The Choir

Raquel and Christine

<3

A typical choir rehearsal :)

<3

Laura's Visit
Our friend from Chippewa Falls came to visit during her spring break.  We had a blast exploring Hong Kong with her and seeing all of the sights.  It was wonderful hanging out with her again and being able to catch up :)  Some highlights included Seafood Dinner in Sai Kung, Disneyland Hong Kong, watching middle school Sports Day, The Peak, Victoria Harbour, Monkey Mountain, Shek O Beach and Big Buddha (in a Monsoon wind warning).  :)  Thank you so much for coming Laura!!!

Seafood Dinner in Sai Kung - Crab, Lobster and Calamari

Disneyland Hong Kong!!!

Monsoon Wind Warning at Big Buddha!

Up next is our spring break trip to Montenegro! :)
Christine and Tim