Marathon Countdown

There are only 5 weeks left until I am going to face the huge challenge of running the L.A. Marathon. The more I train and the closer the date comes, the more I think this distance is infeasible for me to run!

Nevertheless, I can hardly await to plunge into the crowd of about 25,000 runners that go onto the 42-km-journey together with me. Some won't reach the finishing line - which could be me - the sky's the limit - and it is still an event one wants to participate in (at least once).

Despite all my doubts I am looking forward to March 4th and the moment I hear the starting signal which then means the beginning of the run of my life!

Official L.A. Marathon website

P.S. Btw, Mara got me the right socks (toe-socks) so that I hopefully will be untroubled by blisters...

It is Snowing in Valencia

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2006, 11 am - When I look outside, I don't believe my eyes: I see hail which quickly turns into snow. Yes, it is indeed snowing. A white layer of snow is immediately covering flowerbeds, grass - even the chairs next to the Jacuzzi. I grab my camera and try to catch this unbelievable moment... Unfortunately, the actual picture is not as nice as seeing it with my own eyes...

Getty Villa

On Jan 7, 2007 we got the chance to visit the Getty Villa in Malibu - almost one year after it has been re-opened to the public.

The Getty Villa was closed in 1997, six months before the opening of the Getty Center in Los Angeles. After renovation it was re-opened Jan 28, 2006. Admission is free but parking reservations are needed. Therefore, it took us almost a year to get into the Getty Villa. Astrid was so kind as to just recently check availability for tickets to the villa and got lucky...
Gallery [ p.w. required ]

Welcome to the Getty Villa:
"As an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria, the Getty Villa will serve a varied audience through exhibitions, conservation, scholarship, research, and public programs."
The Getty [ official website ]

Welcome 2007

Bill and Liz hosted a wonderful Holiday Party on Dec 31, 2006 in their huge and beautiful house.

The newly formed band "The Wild Turkeys" presented some of the greatest songs. In addition there was enough time for all the Karaoke lovers to sing their favorite songs loud out. At 12 am we toasted with sparkling apple cider and -of course- champagne to say good bye to the old year and welcome 2007 !!! Happy New Year
Gallery [ pw required ]