Independence Day Reflections

Wow, it has been four months since my last post. I do apologize. Where do the days go... Well, back by popular demand (...or not), the latest post from abroad. It has been a busy summer: weddings to attend (my sister's), vacations and travels for business and pleasure - London, Isle of Man, Istanbul. Later on we'll be heading to the German's second home - Mallorca, an island off the east coast of Spain. It's been a truly humbling and wonderful experience for me so far to get to explore new countries and regions, from Eastern Europe to Asia. We can sometimes take our blessings for granted - not everyone can get to travel and experience different cultures or regions first-hand; and I am truly grateful for the many opportunities to take vacation, when I know others relish the one vacation they can take in a year. I know it's not Thanksgiving yet - we're still trying to enjoy the summer, yes! - but perhaps because of being reflective on the anniversary of the American Independence, and knowing how so many places in the world are struggling for independence - from war, poverty, hunger - I just feel very thankful.

Our Spring and Summer Highlights Thus Far: My sister', Sacha's wedding in D.C., May 17, to fellow journalist Brian DeBose

Vacation in June to London and the Isle of Man in the U.K. Many of you might not have ever heard of the Isle of Man. I hadn't either, before I met my husband's long-time ski friends. What a beautiful, medieval land with a rich history (and some rich clients...can you say, offshore funds...?) We spent 3.5 wonderful days exploring the island's ports and glens (woodlands and parks), bays and ancient castles. It is a must-see for those who love hiking, horses and history.

see mre pictures here (you will have to sign in to Snapfish): http://www3.snapfish.de/share/p=55491215589652687/l=122520398/g=112266663/cobrandOid=1010/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

National Flag, 3 legs that always land on their feet Castle Rushen in Castletown

ruins from a 12th centuy chapel for sailors

Castle Rushen by night

15 Minutes of Fame

...No, not regarding my book (not yet). But still very special - Kai's and my "Love Story" was recently featured in the New York newspaper, Newsday. We were very excited about it and hope you enjoy the story! Newsday (New York)March 2, 2008 Sunday NASSAU AND SUFFOLK EDITION LOVE STORY: How e-mail saved the day SECTION: LI LIFE; Pg. G19 LENGTH: 420 words Magdale, nee Labbe, Henke, formerly of Huntington, describes how she met her husband, Kai, by chance one evening. I was having dinner with my friend Kelly at Merchant's restaurant in Manhattan in October 2002. As we wereleaving, Kelly recognized a man named Kai sitting at the bar with his friend Philipp. She had worked with Kai when she was at Arthur Andersen some years before, and they had played on thecompany volleyball team together. Kelly introduced us and mentioned that Kai was from Germany. I told him that I was a German major in collegeand had studied in Germany. He was truly pleasantly surprised when I proceeded to speak German with him. Kai and Philipp persuaded us to stay and party with them, as Philipp was moving back to Germany the next week. We stayed out until 4 a.m., going to various bars and dance clubs, and ended up at Florent diner in the meatpacking district. I didn't have much money left, so I ordered something inexpensive. Philipp ordered an expensive steak, and whenthe bill came he insisted we split the total by four. I was upset and asked to pay for only what I ordered, but he wouldn't budge. He felt it was fair since they had been buying our drinks. Kai gave me money for a cab. I had the feeling that Philipp wasn't so enthusiastic about me. As a result, I e-mailed Kai (and Philipp) the next dayto stress what a good time I had and hoped that we could get together again soon, hoping that Kai would pick up on my interest in him. Luckily, he did, and we had our first date the next week. It turned out I was right about Philipp. After we had been dating a while, Kai revealed that on the cab ride home, Philipp asked Kai if I had given him my business card. Kai said yes and displayed the card proudly. Philipp took the card and threw it out the cab window! Thank goodness I had e-mailed. Of course, we are all good friends now and can laugh about what happened. On Dec. 16, 2005, Kai and I were married in a civil ceremony at the New York City Marriage Bureau and celebrated with our families at a wonderful wedding brunch at the German consulate. Kai was offered a job in Munich, and we moved there in September 2006. We had our church ceremony in October 2007 in the beautiful small chapel that is part of the New Palace Schleissheim, near Munich. Kai is senior manager of the Transaction Integration department of Ernst & Young's Munich office. I am practicing corporate law and focusing on private equity transactions with the law firm of CMS Hasche Sigle in Stuttgart,Germany. Copyright 2008 Newsday Inc.

Helau, it's Carnival Time!

Welcome to Carnival time - or Karneval /Fasching/Fastnacht Zeit! New Orleans and Rio aren't the only cities that celebrate Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday / Carnival. It is a huge celebration here in Germany as well, particularly in Western cities such as Köln (Cologne) and Mainz and in the south in Bavaria. Festivities begin as early as November (Nov. 11 at 11:11am) and the period is called the "fifth season" (fünfte Jahreszeit), leading up to the Catholic Lenten season.

The official begin of Carnival week is on "Weiberfastnacht" (Women's Carnival) that starts the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. On that day, watch out for your ties! Women are allowed to go around and cut off men's ties. The celebrations culminate in parades and partying through "Rosenmontag" (Rose Monday) and "Faschings Dienstag" (Shrove Tuesday) - the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. People dress in elaborate costumes and masks, and shows are staged at Carnival Clubs where club members or invited guests perform dance, song routines and comedy sketches - called Narren (similar to jesters/clowns). Starting tomorrow of course, the party period is then over, and Lent or, "Fasten" period begins. But until then, a hearty Carnival greeting to all - Hela, Ahoi and Alaaf!

Welcome 2008

Happy New Year! Well, I took the last quarter of 2007 off from the blog as it was a busy time - Oktoberfest, our Church wedding in Munich (I'm sorry we couldn't invite everyone - it was a very small church and party), Christmas, Trip to Thailand (some pics below, more to come) - not to mention Kai tearing his calf muscle in September and being on crutches until basically Christmastime. But this is not going to be one of those long Christmas card letters where the parents re-cap all the happenings and accomplishments of the family that people are not really interested in reading about anyway. It's out with the old and time for the new - resolutions, goals...and travel plans! (Scotland, Isle of Man, Czech Republic...maybe even Kazhakstan and Russia. Of course, New York squeezed in a few times).

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the New Year, health and happiness, and that we may accomplish what we set out to do.

God Bless.

Hong Kong

Standing Buddha in Bangkok

THe beloved Thai King

Christmas deco in Macau - a gambling mecca