Nov/Dec

Hello everyone,

This time I’ll go in reverse chronological order. The past nine days have marked the longest and probably worst sickness I’ve had in a long time (10 years?) They ran some tests and said it wasn’t the flu but a different viral infection (my addition: one that produces symptoms identical to those of the flu). I still have the violent coughs that have prevented me and Alina from having a good night’s rest, although my fever has finally gone down to a bit above normal. The worst part, however, is the loss of energy and ability to think (or do pretty much anything else useful). Recovery is still in slow and painful progress, but as you can see I’m at least able to write a little.

On the positive side, it only hit after we had completed our awesome Southern trip. Below I provided a list of destinations and activities. In general, it was a road trip, not a sightseeing one, meaning we spent most of the time in the car. Luckily, we got to see at least one different landscape and have a great, relaxing, fun time together (just the two of us).

• Kansas City: Korn and Slipknot. Alina’s best concert experience in the U.S. so far, I’m still debating but it was definitely up there. Two really-really great shows. 
• St. Louis: sightseeing by car. We ran out of food and spent about 2 hours (no joke) looking for a way to find some. The reason: Thanksgiving. We were ready to settle for a gas station when we finally found Maggiano’s Little Italy. They served only a special Thanksgiving dinner that night, which was expensive and awesome… and A LOT. We took 12 (!) metal trays full of leftovers with us to last 3 more days. 
• Nashville: a fun city. We walked around downtown and briefly considered buying a cowboy hat. Decided against it. Broadway is pretty good, there are quality music and bars everywhere. We enjoyed a little bit of the nightlife for a few hours. 
• Mark Twain National Forest: nature. A huge forest (two times the size of my home county, Tolna Megye) with beautiful roads and landscape. We figured it probably had been even more beautiful a few months before but even in its late autumn glory it was a remarkable sight. Our accommodation was quite special too, and as a special bonus we got upgraded to a place with a hot tub. 

The before-the-trip period can be characterized by four words: work and everyday life. Really, that’s most of what we both did. And an Amon Amarth show which was fantastic. Too bad we both went a little off the rail on that one…becoming either old or lightweights (or both). Still it was a great gig.

The aforementioned life is still going great. There is no lack of good things to look forward to, either: after much struggle, Alina finally obtained her visa to Canada!! Which means our Christmas vacation is set. Toronto, beware! We are coming shortly before the holidays.

We hope you are doing well too. Don't be shy to contact us, we still haven't developed the skill of biting through ether:)