Been around the world

I decided to start this blog just for me, but I am not gonna lie, it's fun to have followers.  Getting my first comment brought a smile to my face.  As I continue with this blog, I discover more and more people who are reading it.  The fact that my mom sent the link to everyone she knows including people she just chatted up in the elevator (just kidding) might significantly increase the number of readers.  Thanks Mom!  But, I have also been fortunate to travel to a number of places around the world, form friendships and maintain them long after I've left the paradise in which I met my new friends.  So, guess what!  My blog's gone global!  Here are a few of my faithful followers from around the world:

This is my cousin Eric.  My dad is one of ten, so you'd think I'd have a lot of cousins...but I don't.  There are only seven of us.  Eric is the oldest and the only male cousin.  Way to carry on that Bigby name, Eric!  He lives in Germany and before this meeting, I can't remember the last time we got to see each other!  My dad and a couple of my uncles drove down to NC for the day to see Eric and my Aunt Jackie.  We all had a blast.  The day ended with a delicious feast with a whole lotta SOUL graciously cooked by Eric.  I don't think I ate for three days afterward, but I will treasure the memories of that day forever.

Marcel is not a family member by blood, but he is most definitely a part of my family.  We joke that we inherited him when my godfather passed away a number of years ago.  Marcel is from Brussels, Belgium, but he lived in Washington, DC for 40 years working as a hair stylist for all of the "big wigs" of Washington!  One of his clients was Shirley Temple (yes, the REAL Shirley Temple).  They exchange birthday cards.  It's legit.  He has brought us a lot of fun over the years.  We have tons of stories that would make your sides split from laughter.  My family and I are anxiously awaiting his visit this year.  He also has a summer house in St. Tropez, France.  Next summer, we plan to make a third visit to see him there.  My bags are already packed!

I met Jerry and Sandra on my family's trip to Italy in July 2008.  Jerry and Sandra are from Burnaby (Vancouver) British Columbia, Canada.  We had some real characters on our tour, but are forever thankful for Jerry and Sandra and the friendship that has sustained even after we left the land of good food and wine.  Sandra is fluent in Italian and saved our butts numerous times when we would venture off on our own.  Jerry and I were on a gelato tour.  We had to try gelato in each of the 12 cities we visited.  Unfortunately, I am still paying for such an indulgence.  My mom and I were blessed to be able to visit this wonderful couple in Canada last summer.  Dad missed out on the trip, we all had a blast (and even had more gelato), so we will be going again soon!

Gordon and Naomi were my pool buddies on my latest trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  Naomi was so inspirational because she would get up early and go running on the beach.  She and Gordon are both marathoners.  They are from Saskatchewan in Canada where Gordon holds a political office.  He has eaten dinner with Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace.  Yeah...really...it's true!  He and I regularly exchange emails.  It's always a treat to hear his stories and details of travel for work and pleasure.

Rene, Megi, Elise and Emma kept me entertained on the beach during our trip to Punta Cana.  In a very short period of time, I knew this family was going to be special to me.  They live in Rotterdam, Holland and I wished they lived closer.  Thank goodness for Skype though.  Rene speaks English the best of all four of them, but language barriers did not stop Elise (their 4 yr old daughter) and I from having the best conversations and enjoying each other's company.  We didn't speak the same language, but she still managed to tell me what to do! ;-)  I look forward to seeing all of them sometime soon.  Maybe one day my offer to babysit on vacation will be accepted.

Last but not least is my friend Stef who lives in London.  Stef and I met in college and we are not only good friends but sorority sisters too!  Hot damn Delta Gam!  I have been to London to spend a long weekend with Stef and then recently got to see her again on my family trip to the United Kingdom.  I am also jealous of Stef's adventures all over Europe.  Can't wait to go back  and visit her and Santi.

Whew, almost done!  This is a long post, but I wanted to introduce you to some of my friends around the world.  I know there are readers out there who have yet to reveal themselves.  This would not be nearly as fun without you, so I hope you will join in and let me know who you are.  For those of you I haven't met yet, it's nice to "meet" ya!  Thanks for hanging in there!