Mike's Ramblings

When I was quite young, I lived with my cousin Christoph and my aunt Uta. About 30 years ago, we moved apart, and about 20 years ago I basically lost touch with him... I only kept track through my Mom.

The past few years, I've started getting back in touch, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we have a lot in common with respect to beliefs and philosophy. I made it a point to visit him on my trip to Europe with my motorbike.

Now, visiting my cousin would have been pretty easy if he had been living somewhere in the neighborhood of where we grew up, which was Krofdorf, Germany. But no, he had to move all the way out to Havsnas, Sweden, some 1000 miles away as the crow flies, and about 1300 miles driving.

However, the extra driving was definitely worth it! Not only was the scenery quite something on the way up there and downright incredible on the way back (I went through Norway), but I was also treated like a brother while I was there. Both Christoph and his beautiful and talented wife Nicole managed to make my visit one of the most memorable portions of my trip. The landscape was quite incredible and the pace of life very relaxing. It was great getting caught up on the last ~20 years with Christoph; I was often amazed how very similar he and I are. Much more similar than I am to my brother, who I also love dearly.

You can see some wonderful photos of Christoph, Nicole, their animals, their home, and their neighborhood at their web site, www.havsnas720.com. You can also check out some of Nicole's excellent art work at www.arsnowak.net.

My love to both of you, Christoph & Nicole!