Carolyn,
Hi its Nicole (Hansen) from way back in high school.  I found a link for your blog on someone’s facebook page a few weeks ago and rather than being a lurker I thought I would say “hi.”  I have enjoyed reading your stories about your adventures in Europe, I hope you don’t mind.  The bike tour in Berlin sounds amazing.  And Portland is a great city to bike in, however, lately they have had some issues with biker vs. car rage and vice versa.  Take care.