January | 2022 | alexandchika.com

After more international trips than I can count, I can definitely say was this was the most challenging of all. Navigating German school laws, COVID, expired passports, and more than I can’t even get into. But was Sydney’s big day, so needed to pull out all the stops.

We all started together on the first leg to Frankfurt, after which Chika peeled off to take care of some business meetings. Kai, Teo, and I arrived successfully into Philadelphia, with the first of many, many, many great meals. The next day we went to go meet the extended crew for some outdoor activities — the weather was great.

To augment all the fun with some education, I took the boys down to Philadelphia to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (and of course some Dim Sum) where we got to catch up with Allan Kyle (wish we had more time to spend together).

Thursday Chika arrived (just in time for some amazing steaks). Friday we needed to get our PCR tests and then the kickoff for big event with Friday night services and a dinner where we got to catch up with Goldman’s.

The next day the big show was on. Sydney was a magnificent Batmitzvah and William did amazing job in operations. I will not comment on my own performance, but was happy that camera’s were not allowed.

As amazing as the day was, the evening was beyond expectations. A rockstart party from every dimension. Venue, decorations, food, drinks, music, entertainment and more. Everyone just had an amazing time.

So we had a final meal with the family for Sunday brunch, and then headed back to prepare for our trip to the Dominican Republic (and for me and Chika to escape for a quick sushi meal in Yardely — quite good surprise!)

At 6am, our transport was there to take us to the airport. Amazingly, we managed to fill 4 bags to the max and barely made it onto the plane… But after all the hurdles and challenges we had finally made it. It was pure bliss just waling around in December with t-shirt and shorts. But, at our destination there was plenty more — in fact too much. They abilty to eat and drink non-stop (room service, mini-bar, pool bar, multiple restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc.) was overwhelming. Even when we ventured into Santo Domingo, the food was too delicious and overproportioned. Luckily, we did some small hiking into caves to burn a few of those calories.

In the end, the best was having such a special time for the boys to spend quality time Grandmom and Pop Pop. That was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.