Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I've written a blog, but I'm definitely going to try to get back into it. I'm currently on my flight back home from Dusseldorf and am able to enjoy free wifi on this Delta flight! How amazing would travelling be if there was free wifi on every flight... honestly! WHAT A TREAT!! :D

Anyway, I was approached by Alex and Tim a couple weeks about joining them for the SK Xmas party they wanted to have. Throughout the years, we have always talked about doing something during the holidays to celebrate that year's success. This year in particular, we were planning to spend the night at the famous Sansibar restaurant on the island Sylt. Eat, drink, and party until the place kicked us out.

I spent most of my paid days off on tournaments and other PR conventions. This trip kind of came out of no where and I didn't have many days off that I was able to take from work. Work is super busy and stressful for me right now, so I decided to suck it up and leave my home for 4 days for this so-called "vacation," in which two days were going to be for flying and two would actually be on the ground.... or so I thought.

I get to LAX and the airport is insane. Yes, I know we are in the holiday season and such, but the amount of people that were just at the gate check-in and security checkpoint was overwhelming. I found myself amongst the crowd feeling like a herd of cattle, being directed and pushed around, shoulder to shoulder.

My first flight was 9 hours straight to Amsterdam. I would have a five hour layover, which I didn't mind much, as I was able to walk around and buy some gifts for my friends. The weather was absolutely terrible and I think if I wasn't so much of a pansy, I would have taken the train to the city center and went to go sightsee. I've always wanted to go out and explore in Amsterdam-- I guess moreso the smokeshops-- and be able to tell my friends back home that I've done it. It was dumping snow and cold as hell, so I opted out of it and stayed warm in the airport.

5 hours later, my flight had become delayed. I felt bad for Min as I knew he was probably going to be at the airport waiting for me. At the time, my phone wasn't able to make international calls so I wasn't able to reach anyone. The central station/airport offered free wifi for an hour, but was unreliable and pretty much worthless. Eventually, my flight got cancelled and after waiting 4 hours in numerous lines, I got a hotel for the night, and exchanged my boarding pass for a train out to Dusseldorf the next morning.

I stayed at a Radisson near the hotel. I arrived there a little past midnight and went up to take a shower. The day had been long, exhausting, and annoying, so a drink was much needed. I go downstairs only to find that the hotel bar was closed for the night. What hotel bar closes at 1am? ESPECIALLY in Europe where alcohol is served 24 hours a day... or am I wrong about this? Anyway, I went back upstairs and resorted to my minibar, where I paid 6euro for a can of Heineken. Tired and jetlagged, I tried to get the best rest I was able to before my long journey to Dusseldorf in the morning. I was only able to close my eyes for two hours.

The next morning, I arrive back at central station to find that my train had been cancelled due to the weather. Upon finding other alternatives, it looked like all trains going that direction were getting delayed, and eventually getting cancelled as well. I had another flight to catch from Dusseldorf to Sylt at 3pm that day, so it was crucial I was in Dusseldorf in the afternoon.

The train station was hectic and crazy. I eventually was able to get on a train, but only for one stop. There was something wrong with the train's engine and I resorted going back to central station. My good spirits were fading fast and I was losing hope. I wondered if I should just stay in Amsterdam and fly back home to LA. I didn't think I'd be able to make it to Dusseldorf to meet the rest of the SK staff.

FINALLY, I find some random guy next to me who happened to be needing to travel to Dusseldorf as well. I went up to him and just asked if I could follow him. He gave me a weird look, but eventually said yes, and made some calls to his office. We both needed the fastest and most likely train to get there. We took our chances with ICE 123, service to Frankfurt with a stop in Dusseldorf. At last, after an hour or two, I had made it to Dusseldorf at 1pm, just in time to meet Min and go straight to the airport to meet the rest of the crew.

The emotions of joy and happiness when I saw everyone!!! I could have cried! We were due to fly to some mysterious island named Sylt where this famous Sansibar restaurant was. The dinner was that night and I felt like I was going to topple over from exhaustion. The experience of being there though was just spectacular.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by friendly staff who apparently already knew we were coming. We sat at a long table where millions of appetizers were being placed on our table. Delicious white wine was constantly poured in our glasses. Alex made some great speeches (I guess since Tobi was translating haha) and I got to try some of the local beer. I ordered a Filet for my main entree and it was absolutely magnificent. The owner, Herbert, was a super down-to-earth guy and came to greet us. I talked to him for a bit and immediately noticed his passion for WOW. He plays with his son and likes PVPing more than PVEing. I hear that he once brought the entire guild to Sansibar just to have a meeting. In case I want to start playing my mage again, I will be sure to join his guild.

The night itself was so magical. Great food, great drinks, great company, all due to SK having a great year. Great job to everyone for all their hard work this year and thanks for the great time. :]

We went to some local bar after where we took mystery shots and some waiter poured a bucket of peanuts in my purse. RANDOM? I guess I can save that for another blog though lol.

We flew home that next day after having brunch at Sansibar. Again, amazing food and again I was on a flight. At this point, I almost felt like I was in a trance. I went back to Min's hotel where I got to rest a bit. We went to have some Korean food for dinner and then back to the hotel we went as my flight home would be the next morning. Now here we are.... 4 hours til I'm back in LA and I have work at 8:45am tomorrow morning. FML.

BTW, I've never seen snow on a beach before. That was weird.

Wishing the community a Merry Christmas and great holiday! On with the next year!!! It will be even greater than this one...