Yum, Yum! Thai Food!

Lisa takes us to this place in Greensboro where they have this terrific authentic Thai food. Wow! I hope we have a second chance to go here before we leave.

We end up talking about German heavy metal bands. These guys love the stuff I was really crazy about when my hair was still long---what a coincidence!

Last Day at Work

I didn't imagine it being as hard to say goodbye to ATC as it was today.



The last three months that started at ThyssenKrupp Advanced Turbine Components (left photo, made in summer) went by much too quickly. During this time, by the way, the company was sold to another German manufacturer, Leistritz (right photo, made today).

Christmas at the Colyer's

Yuka and me are invited for lunch at the Colyer's. Valinda and Jerry Colyer, who are both coworkers of mine, and their family see to it that we have a great time.



The dish is prepared by Jerry's daughter who is in training to become a chef. A tremendous chef, by the way, because this menu is a culinary enjoyment!

Heatwave on Christmas Eve

What a contrast to last year's Canadian chill!
With sunny 15 °C, this is probably the warmest Christmas Eve I have spent so far.

Festival of Lights

Every christmas season, the famous Festival of Lights takes place at Tanglewood Park, which is a public recreational park near Winston-Salem.



A lot of my coworkers recommended not to miss out on this winter wonderland, so tonight---it was the last day of work---seems to be perfectly suited.



Seems to be a perfect day, however, for a great number of others as well: we stand in line for about 90 minutes before we see these nice sites.



It is worth the time nevertheless; we experience a truly authentic American christmas adventure.

Freezing Rain

This morning is defenitely one of the special kind!



Heavy rain and temperatures below freezing transform not only the streets and highways into skating rinks, ...



...but also lay a solid film over the whole scenery.



While I have fun driving (or rather sliding) to work, ...



... Yuka takes a field trip to the neighborhood and makes these great shots.

Takewondo Xmas Pary

Ok, folks! Prepared for some strong meat?
This girl, innocently waving behind this enormous cake, is a martial arts mistress!



And this guy (nope, the left one!) is actually one of the cracks teaching Takewondo.



Probably one of the biggest cakes I have ever seen.
Will the crowd be able to eat through it?



Lisa and Yuka.



Chris, Lisa's boyfriend, is also a Takewondo instructor.

Mistletoe Run

Together with 1000 other runners, Yuka and me take part in the 13.1 mile (21.1 km) YMCA Mistletoe Run here in Winston-Salem this morning.



In spite of some deficit in training and a somewhat hilly distance profile, we enjoy a smooth and motivating run.

...probably thanks to the execellent Thanksgiving dinner we're still feeding on!