No Longer an RV Road Trip!

Just as the sunset photo represents the end to my RV road trip through the USA and Canada, the sunrise illuminates a new beginning, a new day, a new adventure. This sunrise photo taken on Saturday, November 1, 2010 captures Mount Blanc against a horizon of “sky blue pink” - as my Dad would describe such colors. Neither he nor I would have ever imagined that my life would bring me to Switzerland. I arrived on August 2, 2010, a day that marks the official end of my RV road trip. I have come to this country to work as the Major Donor Global Fundraising Specialist for UNICEF in Geneva. Ed and I have stored the Prevost coach which we affectionately called “Dolly’s Pride” so I could accept this extraordinary opportunity. Our new life in Europe is another one of my bold moves ranking along with the decisions in 2007 to sell our Texas home, leave a career with the prestigious fundraising firm of Ketchum, and take a 24 month 20 day, 28,022 mile road trip. So now, I am on a journey of a new kind – living in a modern apartment in the Swiss village of Mies, working for the United Nations agency UNICEF, and experiencing culture shock while adapting to the Swiss way of life. Follow me on this new journey…building an international major donor program for UNICEF and exploring Switzerland, then eventually Europe.

November 4, 2010

2009 U Go! Awards: I Won Best Nature Photo!!!

All my life I have won things. When banks wanted to encourage customers to us ATM banking, Pittsburgh National Bank randomly awarded cash prizes for withdrawals. I won $20. My essay on citizenship submitted to the American Legion took top prize. The veterans awarded me a trail bike and my high school English teacher received a $25 U.S. Savings Bond. As a frequent flier, the photo I submitted of my grand-daughter Brianna sitting in my suitcase won an American Airlines “road warrior” recognition. Now, this week, I have learned that one of the many photos that I posted on www.igougo.com is winner of the 2009 U Go! Awards. This photo won the Best of Nature Photo in the Frames of Flora Awards. How cool is that?

National World War I Museum

Aruthur Bryant's Barbeque: World Famous Even for a Late Breakfast!

Getting up early has its drawbacks. If you eat breakfast at 6 AM, very possibly you’re hungry again by 10:30 or 11 AM. So no wonder, when I revealed our Saturday plans to Ed – a trip to the National World War I Museum and a meal at the famous Kansas City Arthur Bryant’s – he wanted to go for BBQ first.

“We just ate,” I whined, amazed that he even thought the place would be open in the morning.

“Use your cell phone to call the BBQ place. If they are open, we’ll eat before visiting the museum,” he persisted.

I called. “Yes, we’re open. Come on over,” I heard over the kitchen noise.

Both of my favorite travel books give Arthur Bryant’s high marks. Road Trip USA calls it a “classic, no-frills rib shack” … “where heavenly BBQ sauces come in plain plastic bottles.” And, 1,000 Place to See Before You Die calls it “the best barbecue joint in town, or maybe anywhere.” This book elaborates and recommends “the signature half-pound of slow cooked brisket slapped on plain old white bread, with a gritty herbs- and spices-flavored barbecue sauce and the best skin-on french fries in America.” – This is what we ordered.

Ed carried the overloaded tray of food to a window seat following behind me. I cut a path through the crowd that gathered in the narrow passageway to the counter. Saturday tailgaters had lined up for to-go boxes behind us. Two busloads of tourists made a line out the door winding out on the sidewalk. They all knew Arthur Bryant’s was open early and the food was great.

Ed and I didn’t have much to say during our meal. It wasn’t because we had an attitude. We were munching, sampling the BBQ sauces, and licking our fingers!

Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue

1727 Brooklyn Avenue

Kansas City, MO

816-231-1123

www.arthurbryantsbbq.com

October 3, 2009

Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, MO