Click here to see my pictures of Büyükada (near Istanbul, Turkey)

Does this look like an “eggplant lasagne” to you?

I couldn’t help myself and just bought this creation from the fabulously creative Herr Mehlis, the same man who created my Christmas arrangement

View from my balcony - to the left

View from my balcony - to the right

With all that snow, I got into the Christmas spirit a little early and decided to get myself a funky little “Christmas tree”. Herr Mehlis always has the most wonderful creations.

and decorate my front door

Coming up soon: garish colored light strings on the balcony and around the windows! (maybe)

Created by my favorite chef in Germany, Raffaele

Update: After my VERY favorite chef, Dave, complained

Subject: 4 overcooked shrimp and a bowl of scrambled eggs

Gets you favorite chef honors!!!???

Wtf?

I’m hurt …truly hurt

I have added the “in Germany” as, of course, Dave is still my favorite Chef in the world - yum, those soft shell crab thingies I’ll never forget!

The Definition of Pacifist T-shirt

This is some kind of tribal style bag - if I’d had more time, I could tell you what tribe exactly. Nah, I probably still couldn’t. But it looks cool, doesn’t it.

Tribal belt (I will seriously wear this)

Didn’t get to see much as I had to work there all day, but here are some views from my fabulous hotel:

My balcony

View from my hotel room door

More Laos photos on my flickr photostream

But treating children like pets?

Seen on a street in Leverkusen, Germany today:

These two women are smiling, having a nice little chat. While one of them is holding a leash with her toddler on it. WTF?