My 70th Birthday
This trip of ours was a celebration trip. The 4 of us, Ron, Nancy, Debby and I are all retired. Debby retired just this year. That calls for celebration. Also, 2016 is the year Debby and I celebrate our 45th Wedding Anniversary. What better place to celebrate than in Europe? Ron and Nancy celebrate their 46th. Ron turned 68 on this trip. And lastly I celebrated my 70th the day after we landed in NYC.
For me, we celebrated twice. Friday night, after a full day of sightseeing, my Niece, Andrea Williams, Ron and Nancy and their daughter,, Rhonda, and husband Steve who flew in from Arkansas to welcome their parents, and Debby and I, had a celebration dinner. My restaurant of choice was Virgil's Barbecue, near Times Square. It's a good thing we made reservations because that place was BUSY! The food is very good (again this time).
My next choice was Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. on Sunday evening. Our 7:00 PM reservations also came in handy. Times Square was very crowded! Gump's was also busy. Apparently, they normally do not accept reservations, but Debby went in on Saturday, sweet talked the manager, and walked away with a reserved window table looking out on Times Square!
Besides us and thc Pinkerton's, we had Steve 'n Rhonda, Elizabeth Tolon, a good Oregon friend who lives in NY, going to school, and my grand-daughter of the heart, Andrea Beekman. Andrea is a nurse and lives in Oklahoma City. It was great having her come all the way to NYC and join our celebration! I felt very special!
Sunday morning was spent at church at the Manhattan Church of Christ. Afterwards we took a walk through Central Park, had a hot dog and some roasted peanuts. Ron took part in a street act put on by 4 or 5 street people looking go make a few bucks in tips.
We checked out of our apartment around 11:00 the next day. Ron, Nancy, Steve and Rhonda headed for their respective airports while Deb and I checked in to the Hampton Inn in Brooklyn. Our flight isn't until tomorrow evening.
We ventured out and found a Mexican food restaurant called Rocco's Tacos. It was good.
After dinner, we walked around for a bit, checking out the area.
The next day we just lounged around our hotel room until 1:00, when we checked out and called UBER to take us to JFK Airport. Our flight out wasn't until 8:40 but we had no othe5 place we wanted to see.
We got home about midnight. We had an amazing trip but it was good to come home.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
NYC SIGHTSEEING
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was beautiful. Tourists flock to this area to see remnants of the tragic event that many people will never forget. It is well done. The new tower is a majestic structure incorporating many aspects of the Twin Towers. The Museum is spacious, filled with photos, videos, narrations, a melted fire truck and twisted I-beam from the original building. It's very well done and worth seeing.
We took a boat ride to Liberty Island to see the giant green lady. She has been cleaned up with new makeup and still stands for the pride we have in America. She's always worth touring!
Nearby Ellis Island is rich with history. This is where many thousands of America's immigrants came...legally...to make a new life. Some of us have personal connections tied to Ellis Island. We enjoyed our visit here today.
Back to the Manhattan mainland, we still had stuff to do. We were on the roof of the Empire State Building at sunset. It was beautiful.
It was now time for dinner. I sent a text message to my Niece, Andrea Williams, to meet us at Virgil's BBQ near Times Square. Today is my 70th Birthday and this was my choice. π The food and company was perfect.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was beautiful. Tourists flock to this area to see remnants of the tragic event that many people will never forget. It is well done. The new tower is a majestic structure incorporating many aspects of the Twin Towers. The Museum is spacious, filled with photos, videos, narrations, a melted fire truck and twisted I-beam from the original building. It's very well done and worth seeing.
We took a boat ride to Liberty Island to see the giant green lady. She has been cleaned up with new makeup and still stands for the pride we have in America. She's always worth touring!
Nearby Ellis Island is rich with history. This is where many thousands of America's immigrants came...legally...to make a new life. Some of us have personal connections tied to Ellis Island. We enjoyed our visit here today.
Back to the Manhattan mainland, we still had stuff to do. We were on the roof of the Empire State Building at sunset. It was beautiful.
It was now time for dinner. I sent a text message to my Niece, Andrea Williams, to meet us at Virgil's BBQ near Times Square. Today is my 70th Birthday and this was my choice. π The food and company was perfect.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
From Genoa to Milano to New York City, Ron and I grew weary of dragging luggage all over creation. I've decided, if we ever do this again, we need a couple of SHERPAS!!
It was a long flight to NJ, about 7 hours anyway. It felt good to be on board. Even though the past two months had been amazing, me and Ron were ready to be done. Nancy was on the fence, while Debby was just getting warmed up!! Ha Ha ππ.
It felt even better to touch down on American soil in Newark, NJ. We came through Immigration and Customs and showed our Passports for the last time.
We managed to get our luggage on the next train to New York's Penn Station. From there we loaded into a (hard to get) taxi to our rented apartment on West 47th Street.
Our apartment was plain with an inconvient shortage of a few necessities. The floors were dirty and necessitate contacting the owner to come and clean. The apartnent's layout was weird, it was more linear than square. Access was through two locked front doors and a narrow, steep staircase to the second floor. The locked entry door opened into the kitchen the wrong way. There was no room to squeeze between the open door and the refrigerator, so the door had to swing nearly 180 degrees to walk through, then swing it to 90 degrees in order to reach the light switch! Then swing it back to 180 so those behind could enter. Whew!
The bathroom was at one end. Next the kitchen, then a bedroom. Next a living/dining room with futon couch, and then a side bedroom. That necessitated walking through two sleeping rooms to get to the toilet. But the price was good! π
From Genoa to Milano to New York City, Ron and I grew weary of dragging luggage all over creation. I've decided, if we ever do this again, we need a couple of SHERPAS!!
It was a long flight to NJ, about 7 hours anyway. It felt good to be on board. Even though the past two months had been amazing, me and Ron were ready to be done. Nancy was on the fence, while Debby was just getting warmed up!! Ha Ha ππ.
It felt even better to touch down on American soil in Newark, NJ. We came through Immigration and Customs and showed our Passports for the last time.
We managed to get our luggage on the next train to New York's Penn Station. From there we loaded into a (hard to get) taxi to our rented apartment on West 47th Street.
Our apartment was plain with an inconvient shortage of a few necessities. The floors were dirty and necessitate contacting the owner to come and clean. The apartnent's layout was weird, it was more linear than square. Access was through two locked front doors and a narrow, steep staircase to the second floor. The locked entry door opened into the kitchen the wrong way. There was no room to squeeze between the open door and the refrigerator, so the door had to swing nearly 180 degrees to walk through, then swing it to 90 degrees in order to reach the light switch! Then swing it back to 180 so those behind could enter. Whew!
The bathroom was at one end. Next the kitchen, then a bedroom. Next a living/dining room with futon couch, and then a side bedroom. That necessitated walking through two sleeping rooms to get to the toilet. But the price was good! π
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Genoa, Italy
This city is a major shipping port and a place for commerce. George Bush was here a few years ago attending the G8 Summit. It is another beautiful Italian city full of life.
We were fortunate enough to have found a great walking tour guide in Christine Christina. She spoke very good English and had a good understanding of Genoa's government. She answered all of our questions and took us to some of the "hidden gems" of Genoa.
One place in particular was a trip down a narrow, 13th century street which turned right onto a more narrow walkway between high rise buildings. Ron and I noted you could walk 4 people side by side if they were small, otherwise the two on the outside would be dragging their shoulders on the buildings! Christine opened a rather plain door and stepped into a tiny candy shop. This family run candy factory made various varieties of chocolate. We enjoyed sampling some of those before deciding on what to buy. Naturally we bought too much, although, some say a person can never have too much chocolate! π
As we stepped outside, a man began talking to our guide. Not knowing the language, I asked Christine what he said. She said he was complimenting her for taking her tour groups into real Italian, family owned places instead of those big commercialized stores that do not depict the REAL Italy..
We went inside a bank that our guide called "the bank of banks". Hundreds of years ago the bankers were those with money enough to have made Genoa into a rich business with the trade routes. Large paintings lined the walls of this bulding that looked more like a palace than a bank. It had a beautiful marble floor and large marble columns. I was snapping a couple photos when two well dressed security guards came quickly towards us and said " NO PICTURES"!!
Christine said with Christopher Columbus discovering America, it marked the beginning of the demise of the greatness of Italy because the trade routes changed to the new country. We thought that was interesting.
We headed up into old town and had a photo op in front of Christopher Columbus' home until he was 18. It was surprisingly small. But he grew up in a beautiful area with a nice garden next door.
Just up the street was the main gate entrance through the castle walls and into old town. I bet there's some rich history here! Today it is full of old, elevatorless apartments, shops and cafes.
We were able to take a peek inside the Palace. Not quite as ornate as others we have seen but, still, beautiful. Christine told us about the dammages sustained during the war from bombs being dropped. Ron asked her, "who's bombs?" She said, "Well, it was the Allies. We chose the wrong side", Ron said, "I just wanted to clarify". She laughed.
We also looked at some of the churches. Many were of the 10th and 11th Century eras.
The Duomo displays an old bomb that stands against one wall. It's about 3' tall and is a part of their decor. It was about 1943 (or 45) during an Allied bombing run during WW II when it came crashing through the roof of the Duomo. It was on a Sunday morning during church services and the pews were packed with people for Catholic Mass. There was no explosion and the people ran.
A few hours latee, people began to return. They saw it as a miracle from God. The shell was kept as a reminder of what God did for the people this day.
We went up onto the top of a high tower to get a birds eye view of this huge city. Elevators are great!
Our tour guide took us down a narrow and dark street and showed us where the more common people lived. She said at one time this was the red light district, but no more. As we turned left down another narrow street, she pointed behind us and said, " now the red light district is down that way. I don't rake my tours through there! ".
A little bit further and we stopped in a small corner bakery and walked out with some "train food".
Tour was over after a few more stops. A taxi took us to the train station, where we caught the Malpensa Express train to the Malpensa Airport. From there we called the Hilton for a ride. We had a little trouble getting hold of them. Thought we might just take a taxi. We walked up to a string of white taxis and asked the driver how much? He said 40 Euros. We laughed and started walking off. He changed to 30 Euros and tried hard to convince us that was fair. We still walked off because 20 should be about right. We went up on the next level to the shuttle stop. Nancy tried calling the Hilton again but no luck. A few more taxis waited a few yards away so Debby walked over and asked, "how much"? "100 Euros". We thought, where do these guys come from?
I called the Hilton number, they answered. We soon had a ride. It was a very nice hotel.
We had a good night's rest and was back on the hotel shuttle at 0700. Though our United flight didn't take off until after 10:40, we wanted to be sure we had enough time. We had to walk one at a time through a high security area, though, at the time I didn't know what it was. There were two army types , big guys, on either side, with automatic rifles, dressed in cammos and berets, one standing in the shadows pointing his rifle at us. I followed Debby when told. The guy in the shadow said, "SHOW ME YOUR HAND.....SHOW ME YOUR HAND!!!" I was not aware I couldn't walk with one hand in my pocket, until then!
Now I know!
This city is a major shipping port and a place for commerce. George Bush was here a few years ago attending the G8 Summit. It is another beautiful Italian city full of life.
We were fortunate enough to have found a great walking tour guide in Christine Christina. She spoke very good English and had a good understanding of Genoa's government. She answered all of our questions and took us to some of the "hidden gems" of Genoa.
One place in particular was a trip down a narrow, 13th century street which turned right onto a more narrow walkway between high rise buildings. Ron and I noted you could walk 4 people side by side if they were small, otherwise the two on the outside would be dragging their shoulders on the buildings! Christine opened a rather plain door and stepped into a tiny candy shop. This family run candy factory made various varieties of chocolate. We enjoyed sampling some of those before deciding on what to buy. Naturally we bought too much, although, some say a person can never have too much chocolate! π
As we stepped outside, a man began talking to our guide. Not knowing the language, I asked Christine what he said. She said he was complimenting her for taking her tour groups into real Italian, family owned places instead of those big commercialized stores that do not depict the REAL Italy..
We went inside a bank that our guide called "the bank of banks". Hundreds of years ago the bankers were those with money enough to have made Genoa into a rich business with the trade routes. Large paintings lined the walls of this bulding that looked more like a palace than a bank. It had a beautiful marble floor and large marble columns. I was snapping a couple photos when two well dressed security guards came quickly towards us and said " NO PICTURES"!!
Christine said with Christopher Columbus discovering America, it marked the beginning of the demise of the greatness of Italy because the trade routes changed to the new country. We thought that was interesting.
We headed up into old town and had a photo op in front of Christopher Columbus' home until he was 18. It was surprisingly small. But he grew up in a beautiful area with a nice garden next door.
Just up the street was the main gate entrance through the castle walls and into old town. I bet there's some rich history here! Today it is full of old, elevatorless apartments, shops and cafes.
We were able to take a peek inside the Palace. Not quite as ornate as others we have seen but, still, beautiful. Christine told us about the dammages sustained during the war from bombs being dropped. Ron asked her, "who's bombs?" She said, "Well, it was the Allies. We chose the wrong side", Ron said, "I just wanted to clarify". She laughed.
We also looked at some of the churches. Many were of the 10th and 11th Century eras.
The Duomo displays an old bomb that stands against one wall. It's about 3' tall and is a part of their decor. It was about 1943 (or 45) during an Allied bombing run during WW II when it came crashing through the roof of the Duomo. It was on a Sunday morning during church services and the pews were packed with people for Catholic Mass. There was no explosion and the people ran.
A few hours latee, people began to return. They saw it as a miracle from God. The shell was kept as a reminder of what God did for the people this day.
We went up onto the top of a high tower to get a birds eye view of this huge city. Elevators are great!
Our tour guide took us down a narrow and dark street and showed us where the more common people lived. She said at one time this was the red light district, but no more. As we turned left down another narrow street, she pointed behind us and said, " now the red light district is down that way. I don't rake my tours through there! ".
A little bit further and we stopped in a small corner bakery and walked out with some "train food".
Tour was over after a few more stops. A taxi took us to the train station, where we caught the Malpensa Express train to the Malpensa Airport. From there we called the Hilton for a ride. We had a little trouble getting hold of them. Thought we might just take a taxi. We walked up to a string of white taxis and asked the driver how much? He said 40 Euros. We laughed and started walking off. He changed to 30 Euros and tried hard to convince us that was fair. We still walked off because 20 should be about right. We went up on the next level to the shuttle stop. Nancy tried calling the Hilton again but no luck. A few more taxis waited a few yards away so Debby walked over and asked, "how much"? "100 Euros". We thought, where do these guys come from?
I called the Hilton number, they answered. We soon had a ride. It was a very nice hotel.
We had a good night's rest and was back on the hotel shuttle at 0700. Though our United flight didn't take off until after 10:40, we wanted to be sure we had enough time. We had to walk one at a time through a high security area, though, at the time I didn't know what it was. There were two army types , big guys, on either side, with automatic rifles, dressed in cammos and berets, one standing in the shadows pointing his rifle at us. I followed Debby when told. The guy in the shadow said, "SHOW ME YOUR HAND.....SHOW ME YOUR HAND!!!" I was not aware I couldn't walk with one hand in my pocket, until then!
Now I know!
Santa Margherita Liguria and
Portofino
Santa Margherita(ville) is another beautiful town and the gateway for Portofino, a picturesque fishing village. We had a pleasant walk down to the harbor. Santa Margherita was 80 minutes away via two trains.
We walked alomg the harbor enjoying the beautiful buildings, churches and resort hotels. We caught a bus in front of the Best Western Hotel. It was crowded. It wound it's way along the often narrow road, offering great views of the deep blue Mediterranean. On the hairpin turns, the driver would lay on the horn to warn small, approaching cars to "WATCH OUT,,,I AM BIGGER!!"
PORTOFINO, Italy is a gorgeous fishing village and resort where famous Hollywood stars like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Goldie Hawn, and others, have been coming for years. It was told that Gretna Garbo liked to stay here. She would often sneak down at night to the harbor and go swimming in the nude. Little did she realize, half the town was watching. π
We all had great food at a sidewalk cafe next to the harbor. I ordered a pepper fillet steak. It was awesome! Five thumbs up! π
The word must have gotten out that we were in town, because when we got on the bus for the train station, a horde of people crowded on with us. There were so many we were standing in there like cordwood! I met the short lady on my right arm. She was from Albany, Oregon. I told her, "We have to stop meeting like this!" She agreed.
It was dark when we got home. Just about right!
Portofino
Santa Margherita(ville) is another beautiful town and the gateway for Portofino, a picturesque fishing village. We had a pleasant walk down to the harbor. Santa Margherita was 80 minutes away via two trains.
We walked alomg the harbor enjoying the beautiful buildings, churches and resort hotels. We caught a bus in front of the Best Western Hotel. It was crowded. It wound it's way along the often narrow road, offering great views of the deep blue Mediterranean. On the hairpin turns, the driver would lay on the horn to warn small, approaching cars to "WATCH OUT,,,I AM BIGGER!!"
PORTOFINO, Italy is a gorgeous fishing village and resort where famous Hollywood stars like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Goldie Hawn, and others, have been coming for years. It was told that Gretna Garbo liked to stay here. She would often sneak down at night to the harbor and go swimming in the nude. Little did she realize, half the town was watching. π
We all had great food at a sidewalk cafe next to the harbor. I ordered a pepper fillet steak. It was awesome! Five thumbs up! π
The word must have gotten out that we were in town, because when we got on the bus for the train station, a horde of people crowded on with us. There were so many we were standing in there like cordwood! I met the short lady on my right arm. She was from Albany, Oregon. I told her, "We have to stop meeting like this!" She agreed.
It was dark when we got home. Just about right!
Saturday, October 8, 2016
PISA, ITALY
After leaving Collodi and getting ourselves to the train station in Lucca, we boarded a Regional Train to Pisa. Unfortunately for us, a lot of high schoolers were also getting on the same train after studying for the day in Lucca. Some of the boys were extremely obnoxious, very rowdy and an embarrassment to their parents. It occurred to me that the future leaders of Italy might have trouble getting along with other nations. Just an observation.
We grabbed a Taxi and were dropped off in front of the main entrance. A great crowd of tourists were making their way inside the castle walls to see the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Tower. Many nationalities roamed the compound. Many photos were being taken. We weren't much different taking regulars, selfies, us-ies and phonies (where you appear to be a giant, pushing on the leaning tower). Yes, we did that.
We didn't go into the Duomo as the crowds were unmanageable and we were limiting out. As we headed for the main entrance, I noticed two Italian Army types in cammos and carrying Uzzies. Not to be messed with!
After a few minutes of souvineer shopping, we grabbed a taxi and were soon on a train to Manarola, where we stopped for dinner before heading up to our apartment. It was a great day!
After leaving Collodi and getting ourselves to the train station in Lucca, we boarded a Regional Train to Pisa. Unfortunately for us, a lot of high schoolers were also getting on the same train after studying for the day in Lucca. Some of the boys were extremely obnoxious, very rowdy and an embarrassment to their parents. It occurred to me that the future leaders of Italy might have trouble getting along with other nations. Just an observation.
We grabbed a Taxi and were dropped off in front of the main entrance. A great crowd of tourists were making their way inside the castle walls to see the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Tower. Many nationalities roamed the compound. Many photos were being taken. We weren't much different taking regulars, selfies, us-ies and phonies (where you appear to be a giant, pushing on the leaning tower). Yes, we did that.
We didn't go into the Duomo as the crowds were unmanageable and we were limiting out. As we headed for the main entrance, I noticed two Italian Army types in cammos and carrying Uzzies. Not to be messed with!
After a few minutes of souvineer shopping, we grabbed a taxi and were soon on a train to Manarola, where we stopped for dinner before heading up to our apartment. It was a great day!
COLLODI, ITALY
We were up and fixing coffee getting ready for another day of traveling. At 0720 we were boarding the Regional Train for a 10 minute ride to La Spezia to catch another, a 45 minute ride to Viareggio. When we stepped out onto the Platform, our next Regional to Lucca was there, as if waiting on us to arrive (although it wasn't).
From Lucca, we caught a bus to Pescia, a small town about 30 minutes away from Lucca. We caught a taxi in Pescia for a 7 minute ride to Collodi.
We chose to visit this town for a couple of reasons. Second, it was the birthplace of Pinocchio. His creator was Carlo Collodi, although his last name was actually Lorinzini. He changed his last name to match the city. He was born in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1826. Debby's life has always centered around children and the story of Pinocchio was a character that delighted children.
First, because of her "Uncle Gino". Uncle Gino was born Gino Baiocchi in 1900. He emigrated from Collodi, Italy to America as a young man. He met and married a nice opinionated Italian woman in San Francisco. Among their California neighbors was Debby's family. Their Italian charm created a bonding. Enough so that Lil and Gino soon became "Aunt Lil and Uncle Gino" to Debby and her siblings. She has many fond memories and funny stories of their lives together.
So traveling to visit Uncle Gino's home town of Collodi, Italy was a dream of hers. Ron and Nancy and I came along for the ride, because visiting new places is what we do. As it turned out, visiting Collodi was a serendipity. It was a highlight of all our places.
The Taxi driver let us out near the main entrance to the Garzoni Gardens, near the bus stop sign. The first thing we did was walk into one of two sidewalk curio shops across the street. We were perusing the many souvineer, Pinocchios and curios hanging around while Debby struck up a conversation with the shop keeper, who was about my age. When Debby asked her if she knew the name "Baiocchi", she lit up and begin talking. She said her grandmother had married a Baiocchi. Debby explained about her Uncle Gino and the shopkeeper (DeAnna) seemed to enjoy the conversation as much as Debby.
We went into the Garzoni Gardens and looked around. A couple of water fountains were shooting up about 25' in the air. One pool had water plants and the other had hungry fish coming at you when you walked up....piranhas, I bet! π
Tony Baiocchi told us that his Uncle Gino was born in Collodi and worked in these gardens as a kid. He said he also recognized DeAnna, the shopkeeper in the photo, as the one he met on his trip to Collodi in 2007. She is related to his Uncle Bruno's wife.
Some of the statues within the garden were of a fantasy nature. The main fountain that cascaded down the hillside was shut down and would have been fun to see running.
The Butterfly exhibit was very cool. Those lethargic creatures were very colorful and unafraid. A couple of them appeared to be suicidal. They were parked on the stairsteps and in the middle of the walkway.
I wouldn't lay on the sidewalk in front of ME! π
We were up and fixing coffee getting ready for another day of traveling. At 0720 we were boarding the Regional Train for a 10 minute ride to La Spezia to catch another, a 45 minute ride to Viareggio. When we stepped out onto the Platform, our next Regional to Lucca was there, as if waiting on us to arrive (although it wasn't).
From Lucca, we caught a bus to Pescia, a small town about 30 minutes away from Lucca. We caught a taxi in Pescia for a 7 minute ride to Collodi.
We chose to visit this town for a couple of reasons. Second, it was the birthplace of Pinocchio. His creator was Carlo Collodi, although his last name was actually Lorinzini. He changed his last name to match the city. He was born in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1826. Debby's life has always centered around children and the story of Pinocchio was a character that delighted children.
First, because of her "Uncle Gino". Uncle Gino was born Gino Baiocchi in 1900. He emigrated from Collodi, Italy to America as a young man. He met and married a nice opinionated Italian woman in San Francisco. Among their California neighbors was Debby's family. Their Italian charm created a bonding. Enough so that Lil and Gino soon became "Aunt Lil and Uncle Gino" to Debby and her siblings. She has many fond memories and funny stories of their lives together.
So traveling to visit Uncle Gino's home town of Collodi, Italy was a dream of hers. Ron and Nancy and I came along for the ride, because visiting new places is what we do. As it turned out, visiting Collodi was a serendipity. It was a highlight of all our places.
The Taxi driver let us out near the main entrance to the Garzoni Gardens, near the bus stop sign. The first thing we did was walk into one of two sidewalk curio shops across the street. We were perusing the many souvineer, Pinocchios and curios hanging around while Debby struck up a conversation with the shop keeper, who was about my age. When Debby asked her if she knew the name "Baiocchi", she lit up and begin talking. She said her grandmother had married a Baiocchi. Debby explained about her Uncle Gino and the shopkeeper (DeAnna) seemed to enjoy the conversation as much as Debby.
We went into the Garzoni Gardens and looked around. A couple of water fountains were shooting up about 25' in the air. One pool had water plants and the other had hungry fish coming at you when you walked up....piranhas, I bet! π
Tony Baiocchi told us that his Uncle Gino was born in Collodi and worked in these gardens as a kid. He said he also recognized DeAnna, the shopkeeper in the photo, as the one he met on his trip to Collodi in 2007. She is related to his Uncle Bruno's wife.
Some of the statues within the garden were of a fantasy nature. The main fountain that cascaded down the hillside was shut down and would have been fun to see running.
The Butterfly exhibit was very cool. Those lethargic creatures were very colorful and unafraid. A couple of them appeared to be suicidal. They were parked on the stairsteps and in the middle of the walkway.
I wouldn't lay on the sidewalk in front of ME! π
MANAROLA, Cinque Terre
We fell in love with Manarola when we visited here four years ago. This picturesque village is built on steep hillsides and sheer cliffs on the rugged shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea. Counting from east to west, Manarola is town #2 of the 5 that comprise the Cinque Terre, which actually means "Five Towns" .
Because of its uniqueness and rugged beauty, the President declared this area a National Park to prevent its exploitation to commercialism. For the most part, because of the regulations, there is little construction taking place. There are no big hotels in the Cinque Terre. Because of the tourism boom, residents are turning their own units into rental apartments.
There are miles of terraced hillside grape vineyards along these mountains. Owning and caring for Vineyard farms is arduous, full time, hard work. If not busy tending the grapes, the farmers are making changes to access their crops or repairing damaged dry fit rock walls that shape the terraces due to erosion. It's a lot of hard work and kids today are looking to other interests than following in the footsteps of their fathers or grandfathers. It may, someday, pose a dilemma for these families.
You may note that the buildings in all 5 villages seem to be painted with very similar pastel colors. This is because the governing authority has declared it so. Owners have been told the color to paint. Even the same pastel color next door must be different than those adjoining it.
Years ago, when pirates roamed the seas and plundered the villages, the people built fortifications to protect their families. Thick, high walls atop cliffs, with lookout towers and cannon emplacements were typical for these towns. Pirates would plunder all too frequently, taking supplies, crops, food and women.
Before the street was added, a ravine separated the two parts of town. A year-round creek ran down the ravine and foot bridges connected the two sides. Now, the street brings more commerce as small vehicles can negotiate the narrow street and the myriad of small fishing boats that line both sides of the already narrow street.
Tiny trucks make early morning deliveries and garbage pickup before tourists are up and around. About ten the tourists and tour groups begin to arrive by train and boat. They are heading in all directions, snapping photos and trying to take the perfect selfie. They all head for the waterfront to walk the cliffside trail. From that point they turn around to drink in the gorgeous spirit of the pastel town on the cliffs. From this point are also views of other towns down the coast.
Hiking trails conneect the five towns, as well as do trains and boats (no planes). The five towns from East to West are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The lower Coastal hiking trail between Corniglia and Manarola was closed because of its destruction from a rock slide. In fact, it was closed when we were here in 2012. It remains that way, still today.
The Coastal Trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola, called The Via dell'Amore, is more of a walking path than a trail. It is nearly level, smooth and paved. It is called the romantic trail. Four years ago it was open, but another slide sent part of it plummeting into the sea, and has been closed ever since.
The upper, more rugged trails connecting these 3 towns is difficult. I did those this year. I feel satisfied in knowing I have hiked the more rugged and difficult trails connecting the Cinque Terre. Now we can go home. π
We fell in love with Manarola when we visited here four years ago. This picturesque village is built on steep hillsides and sheer cliffs on the rugged shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea. Counting from east to west, Manarola is town #2 of the 5 that comprise the Cinque Terre, which actually means "Five Towns" .
Because of its uniqueness and rugged beauty, the President declared this area a National Park to prevent its exploitation to commercialism. For the most part, because of the regulations, there is little construction taking place. There are no big hotels in the Cinque Terre. Because of the tourism boom, residents are turning their own units into rental apartments.
There are miles of terraced hillside grape vineyards along these mountains. Owning and caring for Vineyard farms is arduous, full time, hard work. If not busy tending the grapes, the farmers are making changes to access their crops or repairing damaged dry fit rock walls that shape the terraces due to erosion. It's a lot of hard work and kids today are looking to other interests than following in the footsteps of their fathers or grandfathers. It may, someday, pose a dilemma for these families.
You may note that the buildings in all 5 villages seem to be painted with very similar pastel colors. This is because the governing authority has declared it so. Owners have been told the color to paint. Even the same pastel color next door must be different than those adjoining it.
Years ago, when pirates roamed the seas and plundered the villages, the people built fortifications to protect their families. Thick, high walls atop cliffs, with lookout towers and cannon emplacements were typical for these towns. Pirates would plunder all too frequently, taking supplies, crops, food and women.
Before the street was added, a ravine separated the two parts of town. A year-round creek ran down the ravine and foot bridges connected the two sides. Now, the street brings more commerce as small vehicles can negotiate the narrow street and the myriad of small fishing boats that line both sides of the already narrow street.
Tiny trucks make early morning deliveries and garbage pickup before tourists are up and around. About ten the tourists and tour groups begin to arrive by train and boat. They are heading in all directions, snapping photos and trying to take the perfect selfie. They all head for the waterfront to walk the cliffside trail. From that point they turn around to drink in the gorgeous spirit of the pastel town on the cliffs. From this point are also views of other towns down the coast.
Hiking trails conneect the five towns, as well as do trains and boats (no planes). The five towns from East to West are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The lower Coastal hiking trail between Corniglia and Manarola was closed because of its destruction from a rock slide. In fact, it was closed when we were here in 2012. It remains that way, still today.
The Coastal Trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola, called The Via dell'Amore, is more of a walking path than a trail. It is nearly level, smooth and paved. It is called the romantic trail. Four years ago it was open, but another slide sent part of it plummeting into the sea, and has been closed ever since.
The upper, more rugged trails connecting these 3 towns is difficult. I did those this year. I feel satisfied in knowing I have hiked the more rugged and difficult trails connecting the Cinque Terre. Now we can go home. π
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Monte Carlo, Monaco
We had a wild notion to take a train ride to Monaco, a Province just across the border into France, better known as, Monte Carlo. Our five hour train ride, changing trains three times, finally brought us into a beautiful station, totally enclosed, sporting a huge ventilation system, escalators and beautiful architecture. Monaco is a wealthy Province, worth over €4,100 Billion. I can't imagine how big a stack that kind of money would make!
Monaco has about 38,000 citizens. We saw a lot of policemen posted throughout the city. It is said there is one policeman per 68 citizens.
We took a taxi to our hotel, later finding out we were only 7 minutes away walking time! We stayed the night in the Ambassador Hotel, near the Castle.
After we checked into our rooms, we walked to the castle and bought a ticket for a self-guided walking tour. I really liked this one. Even though it was huge, ornate, and dripping with riches and history, it still seemed to have a charm about it that made it feel like you could live in it.
The flag was flying atop the castle, which signaled the Prince was in residence. I had forgotten to bring along the Prince's private cell number so I couldn't text him to let him know we were in town. I hope he isn't too disappointed when he reads my blog.
Evening came and we cleaned up to go out to a nice dinner before visiting the popular hot spot, the Monte Carlo Casino. The restaurant was nice and seemed to have more waiters than customers. People in much of this area seem to eat later in the evenings than we are accustomed to doing. The restaurant was a little busier about the time we finished. The food was okay....nothing to write home about, except Debby said hers was excellent. The head waiter seemed to be pleased.
We walked next door to the casino. A few expensive automobiles were parked out front. I suspect these belonged to people with more money than they could count. The entrance fee, just to walk in and see the pretty lights, was €10 each. I had brought my low vision walking stick with me because of the uneven, unfamiliar steps and curbs...not to mention it was after dark. The cashier lady saw me and told Debby I did not have to pay the €10. That was nice.
There were not that many people inside...at least I couldn't see them! Apparently, the high rollers, whose cars were parked out front, had a private room somewhere because they did not appear to be on our floor.
I know you are probably wondering if I played. I will confess that I allocated €20 for my entertainment in this particular place. It lasted about 5 minutes in the one-armed bandit. I then punched the "cash in" button and collected my €20.54 winnings. I walked out a satisfied man.
As we were heading back looking for a taxi, a familiar short man was heading towards the casino. Debby said he was the angry Elf in the movie "ELF". He was Miles, the writer of children's books. I should have asked for his autograph!
For our second day we walked to Princess Grace's Rose Garden. It was gorgeous! We also loved seeing all the tropical plants and palm trees in this area. They testify to the warm weather and long growing season.
We visited the waterfront and saw an abundance of very expensive yachts. We saw one that had a helicopter parked on top. I suppose if I had unlimited funds to have a yacht half as big as a small cruise ship, I would need a 'chopper, too!
No trip to Monte Carlo is complete without a visit to McDonald's. This one is on two levels in the high rent area next to all those expensive yachts. It was very crowded at noon. They must do a whopping business to have this kind of exposure. Lunch was good too!
Next, Debby and Nancy went shopping while Ron and I visited the Prince's personal museum of his vintage car collection. We could hardly believe the extent of his collection! Priceless!!
We walked the short distance back to the Ambassador Hotel , picked up our luggage and headed home. It was a fun trip!
We had a wild notion to take a train ride to Monaco, a Province just across the border into France, better known as, Monte Carlo. Our five hour train ride, changing trains three times, finally brought us into a beautiful station, totally enclosed, sporting a huge ventilation system, escalators and beautiful architecture. Monaco is a wealthy Province, worth over €4,100 Billion. I can't imagine how big a stack that kind of money would make!
Monaco has about 38,000 citizens. We saw a lot of policemen posted throughout the city. It is said there is one policeman per 68 citizens.
We took a taxi to our hotel, later finding out we were only 7 minutes away walking time! We stayed the night in the Ambassador Hotel, near the Castle.
After we checked into our rooms, we walked to the castle and bought a ticket for a self-guided walking tour. I really liked this one. Even though it was huge, ornate, and dripping with riches and history, it still seemed to have a charm about it that made it feel like you could live in it.
The flag was flying atop the castle, which signaled the Prince was in residence. I had forgotten to bring along the Prince's private cell number so I couldn't text him to let him know we were in town. I hope he isn't too disappointed when he reads my blog.
Evening came and we cleaned up to go out to a nice dinner before visiting the popular hot spot, the Monte Carlo Casino. The restaurant was nice and seemed to have more waiters than customers. People in much of this area seem to eat later in the evenings than we are accustomed to doing. The restaurant was a little busier about the time we finished. The food was okay....nothing to write home about, except Debby said hers was excellent. The head waiter seemed to be pleased.
We walked next door to the casino. A few expensive automobiles were parked out front. I suspect these belonged to people with more money than they could count. The entrance fee, just to walk in and see the pretty lights, was €10 each. I had brought my low vision walking stick with me because of the uneven, unfamiliar steps and curbs...not to mention it was after dark. The cashier lady saw me and told Debby I did not have to pay the €10. That was nice.
There were not that many people inside...at least I couldn't see them! Apparently, the high rollers, whose cars were parked out front, had a private room somewhere because they did not appear to be on our floor.
I know you are probably wondering if I played. I will confess that I allocated €20 for my entertainment in this particular place. It lasted about 5 minutes in the one-armed bandit. I then punched the "cash in" button and collected my €20.54 winnings. I walked out a satisfied man.
As we were heading back looking for a taxi, a familiar short man was heading towards the casino. Debby said he was the angry Elf in the movie "ELF". He was Miles, the writer of children's books. I should have asked for his autograph!
For our second day we walked to Princess Grace's Rose Garden. It was gorgeous! We also loved seeing all the tropical plants and palm trees in this area. They testify to the warm weather and long growing season.
We visited the waterfront and saw an abundance of very expensive yachts. We saw one that had a helicopter parked on top. I suppose if I had unlimited funds to have a yacht half as big as a small cruise ship, I would need a 'chopper, too!
No trip to Monte Carlo is complete without a visit to McDonald's. This one is on two levels in the high rent area next to all those expensive yachts. It was very crowded at noon. They must do a whopping business to have this kind of exposure. Lunch was good too!
Next, Debby and Nancy went shopping while Ron and I visited the Prince's personal museum of his vintage car collection. We could hardly believe the extent of his collection! Priceless!!
We walked the short distance back to the Ambassador Hotel , picked up our luggage and headed home. It was a fun trip!
Monday, October 3, 2016
Tuscany
The Italian Riviera coastline is awesome but so are other parts of Italy.
Yesterday was Saturday and we decided it was time to have another great adventure! We hired a private tour guide from Florence to take us into the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. He was recommended by a store owner (cousins) near our apartment. The guide met us in Pisa, about an hour's train ride away. He met us at the station. After a quick cup of coffee and a sweet roll we climbed into his Mercedes Minivan and off we went for about an hour's drive.
Siena is an ancient city from about the 800's, probably more. The DUOMO (the Cathedral) is actually 801 years old. This walled city is more like a 5th or 6th century era.
Our guide, Artan Ramaj is from Lushnje Albania, the same city we recently visited to go see our friends Tom Bonner. Artan dropped us off right in front of the church. Driving inside this ancient walled city is very restricted but Artan has a special permit to allow him access. An electronic sensor, much like our toll road sensors in the States, is attached to his windshield to let the police know his car is allowed to be in the restricted zone. Sensor readers and cameras are installed throughout the city to help enable traffic enforcement.
The DUOMO de Siena is another huge Catholic church, ornately arrayed with gold, glitter and marble. The floor is a huge, incredible Mosaic. Most of it was roped off or covered. A lot of artwork was either hanging on the walls or painted on the walls and ceilings! The Library has a large priceless book on display. It was all very amazing!
After a photo op in front of the Duomo, we made our way to the main Plaza where the 14 ancient family units had anual horse races. We checked out the shops and were soon picked up by Artan.
He took us to another castle for about a half hout. I believe it had a hotel inside, also a restaurant...not sure what it's name is. There are around 10 castles in Tuscany. I notice one just outside Siena is for sale. It can be yours for €20 million.
We drove for a while through farmlands on rolling hills. Next stop was our original, or first choice destination city today, San Gimignano. This is another ancient city. Artan dropped us off at one end of the walled city. We entered the gates and found many tourists, shops and places to eat. We were a little hungry so we ducked into a little pizza shop and had a big wedge!
We strolled through the city taking photos and looking around, in the Plaza of the Duomo, a bang up wedding was taking place...lots of colorful costumes, drums and fun. We watched for a while before heading out the other side, where Artan was waiting for us.
Our next stop was to visit a winery. They fixed us a lunch of soup and Lasagne. Other tour groups were there. We felt the pressure of them working hard to sell us their wine. It was available for tasting for those who were into that kind of thing. None of us like the taste of it.
We did sample their Olive Oils with our meal. It was very good. We bought a bottle to bring home, as did the Pinkerton's.
Our next stop was after dark, at the leaning tower. Its a famous landmark in Pisa. Not much else in Pisa, but this tower is worth a peek! It was all lit up and easy to see, even for me!
Artan dropped us off at the train station in time and helped us catch the next train to Manarola.
The Italian Riviera coastline is awesome but so are other parts of Italy.
Yesterday was Saturday and we decided it was time to have another great adventure! We hired a private tour guide from Florence to take us into the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. He was recommended by a store owner (cousins) near our apartment. The guide met us in Pisa, about an hour's train ride away. He met us at the station. After a quick cup of coffee and a sweet roll we climbed into his Mercedes Minivan and off we went for about an hour's drive.
Siena is an ancient city from about the 800's, probably more. The DUOMO (the Cathedral) is actually 801 years old. This walled city is more like a 5th or 6th century era.
Our guide, Artan Ramaj is from Lushnje Albania, the same city we recently visited to go see our friends Tom Bonner. Artan dropped us off right in front of the church. Driving inside this ancient walled city is very restricted but Artan has a special permit to allow him access. An electronic sensor, much like our toll road sensors in the States, is attached to his windshield to let the police know his car is allowed to be in the restricted zone. Sensor readers and cameras are installed throughout the city to help enable traffic enforcement.
The DUOMO de Siena is another huge Catholic church, ornately arrayed with gold, glitter and marble. The floor is a huge, incredible Mosaic. Most of it was roped off or covered. A lot of artwork was either hanging on the walls or painted on the walls and ceilings! The Library has a large priceless book on display. It was all very amazing!
After a photo op in front of the Duomo, we made our way to the main Plaza where the 14 ancient family units had anual horse races. We checked out the shops and were soon picked up by Artan.
He took us to another castle for about a half hout. I believe it had a hotel inside, also a restaurant...not sure what it's name is. There are around 10 castles in Tuscany. I notice one just outside Siena is for sale. It can be yours for €20 million.
We drove for a while through farmlands on rolling hills. Next stop was our original, or first choice destination city today, San Gimignano. This is another ancient city. Artan dropped us off at one end of the walled city. We entered the gates and found many tourists, shops and places to eat. We were a little hungry so we ducked into a little pizza shop and had a big wedge!
We strolled through the city taking photos and looking around, in the Plaza of the Duomo, a bang up wedding was taking place...lots of colorful costumes, drums and fun. We watched for a while before heading out the other side, where Artan was waiting for us.
Our next stop was to visit a winery. They fixed us a lunch of soup and Lasagne. Other tour groups were there. We felt the pressure of them working hard to sell us their wine. It was available for tasting for those who were into that kind of thing. None of us like the taste of it.
We did sample their Olive Oils with our meal. It was very good. We bought a bottle to bring home, as did the Pinkerton's.
Our next stop was after dark, at the leaning tower. Its a famous landmark in Pisa. Not much else in Pisa, but this tower is worth a peek! It was all lit up and easy to see, even for me!
Artan dropped us off at the train station in time and helped us catch the next train to Manarola.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Cornelia, Cinque Terre
September 30, 2016
Corniglia, town #3 of 5, is the town on the hill, although it's train stop is not.
Ron and I hiked to Corniglia from Manarola, a distance of over 11 Km across the mountain. I will make a post of that hike later. But Corniglia has much of the same look as the others. Each town has its own charm. All have been worth discovering. There are many steps to take to get down to sea level. As we were returning to Manarola, we needed either the train or the boat. Both are way down there!
Ron and I went into a small market and bought a sandwich and Coke. We sat down outside and watched tourists scurrying about, like trying to figure out where they were going, or something!
Sightseeing is pretty typical of the other towns. There's a main church, souvineer shops, cafes and residential apartments. It is unfortunate that the train station and train tracks occupy a valuable beach front. That would have made a great area for beach activity, sidewalk cafes, shops and a boardwalk.
Beginning at 9:00 PM last night and continuing until 9:00 tonight, there is a nationwide train strike in effect. But from high on the mountain on our hike, looking down on Corniglia, we could see trains occasionally stopping.
We thought it's worth a try to see if we could catch one. The ticket agent said that one out of three trains was running, so we bought a ticket. We had to wait half an hour. As we sat outside the station on a bench, we could look east along the coastline to the next point and see Manarola perched on the steep mountain. We could have easily walked the interconnecting Coastal Trail if the landslides had not taken it out a few years ago.
Oh, good! The train is stopping! We'll be home in two shakes of a Lamb's tail!
September 30, 2016
Corniglia, town #3 of 5, is the town on the hill, although it's train stop is not.
Ron and I hiked to Corniglia from Manarola, a distance of over 11 Km across the mountain. I will make a post of that hike later. But Corniglia has much of the same look as the others. Each town has its own charm. All have been worth discovering. There are many steps to take to get down to sea level. As we were returning to Manarola, we needed either the train or the boat. Both are way down there!
Ron and I went into a small market and bought a sandwich and Coke. We sat down outside and watched tourists scurrying about, like trying to figure out where they were going, or something!
Sightseeing is pretty typical of the other towns. There's a main church, souvineer shops, cafes and residential apartments. It is unfortunate that the train station and train tracks occupy a valuable beach front. That would have made a great area for beach activity, sidewalk cafes, shops and a boardwalk.
Beginning at 9:00 PM last night and continuing until 9:00 tonight, there is a nationwide train strike in effect. But from high on the mountain on our hike, looking down on Corniglia, we could see trains occasionally stopping.
We thought it's worth a try to see if we could catch one. The ticket agent said that one out of three trains was running, so we bought a ticket. We had to wait half an hour. As we sat outside the station on a bench, we could look east along the coastline to the next point and see Manarola perched on the steep mountain. We could have easily walked the interconnecting Coastal Trail if the landslides had not taken it out a few years ago.
Oh, good! The train is stopping! We'll be home in two shakes of a Lamb's tail!
Friday, September 30, 2016
Monterosso de Mare, Cinque Terre
We had an amazing day visiting Monterosso, the 5th town of the Cinque Terre. It was an easy $4.00 ride on the Regional Train, taking only about 20 minutes.
Monterosso de Mare means, on the sea. It does have more useable beach area than the other 4 towns. The Italians call the Cinque Terre, "Land between sky and sea. I suppose because looking from a boat, there is only sky above the green and from the top of the green mountains down to the rugged coastline, is land.
We wanted to go there today for a couple of reasons. First, today was Market Day in Monterosso and Debby and Nancy were in the mood to shop. (I think they also hit the ATM.) Second, we wanted to rent some chairs and lay out on the beach. And so we did.
It was fun walking around the market area and roaming the old town streets. The pastel buildings are much like ours in Manarola, except this town has more and newer and has more flat area. I saw a huge Crane set up for new construction towards the upper end of town. There are rules governing this area. Cinque Terre was proclaimed a National Park because of its unique beauty and rich history, to limit any changes that might alter the characteristics of these 5 towns. Buildings and homes are required to use one of the soft pastel colors approved by a commission. Apparently, it cannot be painted the same color as the building next door.
We did enjoy the market. It was a little different from the market day in Vernazza, although some of the same merchants were doing business in both places.
There were a couple of old churches, many shops and places to eat. Tourists, hikers and tour groups were plentiful.
It was noon when we decided to head for the beach to swim and sun. Before going, we had been eyeing some rotisserie chickens. We bought one of them and some fresh fruit. We had lunch on the beach.
When it was time for a swim, we did. The cool water was borderline to cold but we we had to do it. The salty, Mediterranean Sea was clear and buoyant. We warmed up under the Tuscan sun and enjoyed a conversation with a couple from Toronto, Canada.
We've all heard the term "money laundering" for years as a thing some people do, but have not actually witnessed such a thing until yesterday. Ron has always been one of our traveling companions. We thought we knew him pretty well. It never occurred to me that he was a money launderer himself. He went out into the sea to swim and totally forgot to remove us watch! He worked hard to get that watch to the shore. He finally made it close to shore and gave it a heave. Unfortunately, he should have removed his wallet! π (The next morning, at the dining table, he was laying his money out to dry. But, hours later, that poor wallet is still wet.) π
A short ride later, we were back home preparing to have dinner before enjoying another sunset on the Italian Riviera.
We had an amazing day visiting Monterosso, the 5th town of the Cinque Terre. It was an easy $4.00 ride on the Regional Train, taking only about 20 minutes.
Monterosso de Mare means, on the sea. It does have more useable beach area than the other 4 towns. The Italians call the Cinque Terre, "Land between sky and sea. I suppose because looking from a boat, there is only sky above the green and from the top of the green mountains down to the rugged coastline, is land.
We wanted to go there today for a couple of reasons. First, today was Market Day in Monterosso and Debby and Nancy were in the mood to shop. (I think they also hit the ATM.) Second, we wanted to rent some chairs and lay out on the beach. And so we did.
It was fun walking around the market area and roaming the old town streets. The pastel buildings are much like ours in Manarola, except this town has more and newer and has more flat area. I saw a huge Crane set up for new construction towards the upper end of town. There are rules governing this area. Cinque Terre was proclaimed a National Park because of its unique beauty and rich history, to limit any changes that might alter the characteristics of these 5 towns. Buildings and homes are required to use one of the soft pastel colors approved by a commission. Apparently, it cannot be painted the same color as the building next door.
We did enjoy the market. It was a little different from the market day in Vernazza, although some of the same merchants were doing business in both places.
There were a couple of old churches, many shops and places to eat. Tourists, hikers and tour groups were plentiful.
It was noon when we decided to head for the beach to swim and sun. Before going, we had been eyeing some rotisserie chickens. We bought one of them and some fresh fruit. We had lunch on the beach.
When it was time for a swim, we did. The cool water was borderline to cold but we we had to do it. The salty, Mediterranean Sea was clear and buoyant. We warmed up under the Tuscan sun and enjoyed a conversation with a couple from Toronto, Canada.
We've all heard the term "money laundering" for years as a thing some people do, but have not actually witnessed such a thing until yesterday. Ron has always been one of our traveling companions. We thought we knew him pretty well. It never occurred to me that he was a money launderer himself. He went out into the sea to swim and totally forgot to remove us watch! He worked hard to get that watch to the shore. He finally made it close to shore and gave it a heave. Unfortunately, he should have removed his wallet! π (The next morning, at the dining table, he was laying his money out to dry. But, hours later, that poor wallet is still wet.) π
A short ride later, we were back home preparing to have dinner before enjoying another sunset on the Italian Riviera.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
RIOMAGGIORE, CINQUE TERRE
This is one of the hardest names to pronounce for Southern boys. We have listened to Italians roll it off their tongues like poetry. Americans?...not so much. We've heard variations of RIOMAGGIORE that make Italians cringe! I've also heard variations when, after trying to the point of frustration, they blurt out "rig-a-ma-roll", "rio-morie" and "rigamortice". We've gotten to the point of just saying "Rio".....just plain "Rio".
Anyway, I digress. Ron and Nancy Pinkerton went with me on my hike today. We headed towards the ridge following the road. We actually found vehicular civilization higher up. The parking lot up there is full of cars! Cars are parked along the road coming off the hill from the giant turning circle where the large tour buses turn around and park. The doors open and a herd of gray haired codgers get off and swarm....uh...slowly swarm the village
We continued up past the old church where the first group of French codgers were listening to their tour leader. We slipped past them without incident. How did I know they were codgers? Well, there was enough "snow on the mountains", we could have skied!
The upper level of Manarola, from the old church and higher, begins views of the stream that runs off the mountains and flows down through the middle of town. It's visible because it has not been covered over. But beginning a half a block away, they rocked in a street above the ravine to level it off. I suspect a person could walk the stream from the seashore to the old church area and always be beneath the street more than 10 or 12 feet. I'm certain it's accessible for maintenance. Other small streams also flow into the ravine farther down. It's an engineering marvel. It's large enough beneath the street to carry off water during heavy rains. There are times of exception, however. A few years ago this area received more than 22" of rain in a single day. These huge mountains, sloping towards the ravines, filled them so fast and so deep that the water backed up and flooded many homes and businesses these hillside cities, causing much, much damage. Who would have thought homes could be destroyed by flooding on such steep hillsides?
Anyway...where was I? At the top of the bus turn around, we decided to follow the trail to RIOMAGGIORE today....perhaps another town, another day.
The sidewalk was off and on, but we managed to stay off the busy, narrow road. Higher up opened up views of the NE end of Manarola, looking down the valley towards the sea.
In a short time we crossed over the first mountain and saw views of another valley that funneled down into the village of RIOMAGGIORE (town #1). We crossed over this deep valley on the highway bridge. It was a good quarter mile long, I bet. But it was fun. Little did we know we were about to the end of our fun.
Instead of continuing to follow the road, we saw an obscure little sign pointing the way to RIOMAGGIORE by way 8f a dirt trail. We thought, "why not? How bad can this trail be? "
Soon, the stair steps began. I decided to count them. I counted almost 600 stair steps before we saw the roof of the first house below the many, many terraced vineyards. There were another 200 to the lower part of town.
Our first line of business before checking out too many shops and such, was to indulge in some sustenance. The sign said it all: "Hamburger" and "Best Food". It was actually very tasty.
So a $4 ticket in a crowded car and a short train ride later, we were back "home". Today was a good adventure....especially with my new stylish hat and shirt!
This is one of the hardest names to pronounce for Southern boys. We have listened to Italians roll it off their tongues like poetry. Americans?...not so much. We've heard variations of RIOMAGGIORE that make Italians cringe! I've also heard variations when, after trying to the point of frustration, they blurt out "rig-a-ma-roll", "rio-morie" and "rigamortice". We've gotten to the point of just saying "Rio".....just plain "Rio".
Anyway, I digress. Ron and Nancy Pinkerton went with me on my hike today. We headed towards the ridge following the road. We actually found vehicular civilization higher up. The parking lot up there is full of cars! Cars are parked along the road coming off the hill from the giant turning circle where the large tour buses turn around and park. The doors open and a herd of gray haired codgers get off and swarm....uh...slowly swarm the village
We continued up past the old church where the first group of French codgers were listening to their tour leader. We slipped past them without incident. How did I know they were codgers? Well, there was enough "snow on the mountains", we could have skied!
The upper level of Manarola, from the old church and higher, begins views of the stream that runs off the mountains and flows down through the middle of town. It's visible because it has not been covered over. But beginning a half a block away, they rocked in a street above the ravine to level it off. I suspect a person could walk the stream from the seashore to the old church area and always be beneath the street more than 10 or 12 feet. I'm certain it's accessible for maintenance. Other small streams also flow into the ravine farther down. It's an engineering marvel. It's large enough beneath the street to carry off water during heavy rains. There are times of exception, however. A few years ago this area received more than 22" of rain in a single day. These huge mountains, sloping towards the ravines, filled them so fast and so deep that the water backed up and flooded many homes and businesses these hillside cities, causing much, much damage. Who would have thought homes could be destroyed by flooding on such steep hillsides?
Anyway...where was I? At the top of the bus turn around, we decided to follow the trail to RIOMAGGIORE today....perhaps another town, another day.
The sidewalk was off and on, but we managed to stay off the busy, narrow road. Higher up opened up views of the NE end of Manarola, looking down the valley towards the sea.
In a short time we crossed over the first mountain and saw views of another valley that funneled down into the village of RIOMAGGIORE (town #1). We crossed over this deep valley on the highway bridge. It was a good quarter mile long, I bet. But it was fun. Little did we know we were about to the end of our fun.
Instead of continuing to follow the road, we saw an obscure little sign pointing the way to RIOMAGGIORE by way 8f a dirt trail. We thought, "why not? How bad can this trail be? "
Soon, the stair steps began. I decided to count them. I counted almost 600 stair steps before we saw the roof of the first house below the many, many terraced vineyards. There were another 200 to the lower part of town.
Our first line of business before checking out too many shops and such, was to indulge in some sustenance. The sign said it all: "Hamburger" and "Best Food". It was actually very tasty.
So a $4 ticket in a crowded car and a short train ride later, we were back "home". Today was a good adventure....especially with my new stylish hat and shirt!
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE
September 28, 2016
We visited Vernazza today. It is the 4th town of 5 that comprise the Cinque Terre National Park. This town of 600 was overun with tour groups and hikers today.
Today was also Market Day. We bought fresh vegetables, paper goods and a few things we "needed". We arrived by boat from Manarola (town #2) and got to see some of the coast. Vernazza's castle has a lookout tower and behind her walls the residents found a place of safety during the days when pirates invaded their town. Pirates plundered up and down the coast for years, hitting every village. They carried off men women or children, killing, looting, burning, and stealing food and supplies. It's no wonder that fortresses with high walls and weapons were needed for safety and defense.
But, today, the pirates are gone and the farmers and shop keepers no longer have to worry. The only plundering taking place nowadays comes from the hordes of tourists who come here every year to visit these pastel villages, buying food, clothing or souvineers, or simply here to kick back and relax.
We enjoyed roaming this small town, which looks much like our own Manarola. We bought a few things at the Tuesday Market and then stopped in a Crepè shop for lunch.
We headed down to the harbor to board our boat for the return trip to Manarola. The boat crew rolled out a portable gang-way from the front bow to the dock and everyone piles on and walks the plank....yes, there are hand rails. Ron was behind the rest of us. We walked up the gang-way and down the ramp onto the boat deck, where we found seating. Ron decided to skip the ramp after coming up the gangway. With a sidestep he jumped down onto the deck near where we were sitting. The two crewmen assisting the passengers began yelling at him. It was in Italian and we didn't understand anything, except the part where we knew they weren't happy. They both looked sharply at Ron and both were talking rapidly. Ron came over and sat down. The two crewmen pulled in the gangway and headed inside the door, still looking back at Ron and speaking Italian. We could tell from the stink eye Ron got that shortcut thing the ramp was a no no.
September 28, 2016
We visited Vernazza today. It is the 4th town of 5 that comprise the Cinque Terre National Park. This town of 600 was overun with tour groups and hikers today.
Today was also Market Day. We bought fresh vegetables, paper goods and a few things we "needed". We arrived by boat from Manarola (town #2) and got to see some of the coast. Vernazza's castle has a lookout tower and behind her walls the residents found a place of safety during the days when pirates invaded their town. Pirates plundered up and down the coast for years, hitting every village. They carried off men women or children, killing, looting, burning, and stealing food and supplies. It's no wonder that fortresses with high walls and weapons were needed for safety and defense.
But, today, the pirates are gone and the farmers and shop keepers no longer have to worry. The only plundering taking place nowadays comes from the hordes of tourists who come here every year to visit these pastel villages, buying food, clothing or souvineers, or simply here to kick back and relax.
We enjoyed roaming this small town, which looks much like our own Manarola. We bought a few things at the Tuesday Market and then stopped in a Crepè shop for lunch.
We headed down to the harbor to board our boat for the return trip to Manarola. The boat crew rolled out a portable gang-way from the front bow to the dock and everyone piles on and walks the plank....yes, there are hand rails. Ron was behind the rest of us. We walked up the gang-way and down the ramp onto the boat deck, where we found seating. Ron decided to skip the ramp after coming up the gangway. With a sidestep he jumped down onto the deck near where we were sitting. The two crewmen assisting the passengers began yelling at him. It was in Italian and we didn't understand anything, except the part where we knew they weren't happy. They both looked sharply at Ron and both were talking rapidly. Ron came over and sat down. The two crewmen pulled in the gangway and headed inside the door, still looking back at Ron and speaking Italian. We could tell from the stink eye Ron got that shortcut thing the ramp was a no no.
Monday, September 26, 2016
FLORENCE, ITALY
September 25, 2016
Today is Sunday, September 25th, our 42nd day of traveling. We caught the 0632 Regional Train to La Spezia, changed to a larger train to Pisa, then caught another train that took us into Florence. All our connections were only a few minutes apart and it still took 3 hours and some change to walk into our church building. Our taxi driver was funny. He kept encouraging us to go to Arizona. Ha Ha. He liked Flagstaff.......Nevada, not so much, where he was pulled over by a Smokey for doing 90. He tried to claim that he didn't speak English, but his wife confessed she did. The Office4 let them off without a fine if they get out of Nevada. "So we go to Arizona", he said. π
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at McDonald's across the street from the train station before getting in a taxi. Our first destination is to the Florence Church of Christ at Via San Donato 13. Although a large number of the Italian membership were missing today due to a city wide cancer awareness run, a tour group from the USA was there. A couple of our American brethren led songs and prayers. The sermon was in Italian.
We met Luigi and Julie. Julie is a Niece of Jim and Linda Williams, friends from the Newberg and Camp Yamhill days. We also met Dan Cooper, the leader and organizer of the tour group. He has led many groups over the years, both to Europe and tours into the Holy Lands.
We met Bart Liddle and his wife and kids. He is here leading and teaching a group of college students this semester, from Lipscomb University. They do a semester in Florence, similar to what Oklahoma Christian does in Vienna.
We came out of church and tried unsuccessfully to phone or hail a taxi. Luigi was kind enough to walk us up and down and around the corner and across the canal bridge to point us to a bus stop to catch a bus to city center.
We made our way to the Galleria dell Accademia, where we stood in line for an hour and a half in the hot Tuscan sun to buy tickets. Some Italian guy tried to cut in line just in front of us but he got run off by a dozen irate people.
The Gallery was very nice and dripped with irreplaceable history. The largest statue, which draws thousands of people every year, is the 18' tall Statue of David. That's a big chunk of marble! Michaelangelo was commissioned to begin carving big Dave in 1501 and finished about January 1504. It was a solid chunk of white marble. Dave is fully unclothed, unashamed and undaunted. He stands as tall as the length of George Washington's smile on Mount Rushmore. (I bet you didn't expect that analogy! π)
From there we walked down to visit the massive DUOMO of Florence, a huge church of the Catholic persuasion, built in 1436. We were inside this church on our last visit to Florence in 2006. The exterior was being renovated at that time and was covered with scaffolding. It was, of course gorgeous!
We got to see a large parade of ordinary people crowding the street and following behind loud speakers with everyone singing and chanting all the way up to the main entrance. They crowded around to hear the pope or cardinal or whoever it was, begin preaching to the crowd. We aren't sure what the occasion was. Not sure if it happens every Sunday night or not.
It was near midnight when we made it back to our flat in Manarola. Our day was long and we were exhausted. Probably not going to do that one again!
Tomorrow we chill out and call it a recovery day!
September 25, 2016
Today is Sunday, September 25th, our 42nd day of traveling. We caught the 0632 Regional Train to La Spezia, changed to a larger train to Pisa, then caught another train that took us into Florence. All our connections were only a few minutes apart and it still took 3 hours and some change to walk into our church building. Our taxi driver was funny. He kept encouraging us to go to Arizona. Ha Ha. He liked Flagstaff.......Nevada, not so much, where he was pulled over by a Smokey for doing 90. He tried to claim that he didn't speak English, but his wife confessed she did. The Office4 let them off without a fine if they get out of Nevada. "So we go to Arizona", he said. π
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at McDonald's across the street from the train station before getting in a taxi. Our first destination is to the Florence Church of Christ at Via San Donato 13. Although a large number of the Italian membership were missing today due to a city wide cancer awareness run, a tour group from the USA was there. A couple of our American brethren led songs and prayers. The sermon was in Italian.
We met Luigi and Julie. Julie is a Niece of Jim and Linda Williams, friends from the Newberg and Camp Yamhill days. We also met Dan Cooper, the leader and organizer of the tour group. He has led many groups over the years, both to Europe and tours into the Holy Lands.
We met Bart Liddle and his wife and kids. He is here leading and teaching a group of college students this semester, from Lipscomb University. They do a semester in Florence, similar to what Oklahoma Christian does in Vienna.
We came out of church and tried unsuccessfully to phone or hail a taxi. Luigi was kind enough to walk us up and down and around the corner and across the canal bridge to point us to a bus stop to catch a bus to city center.
We made our way to the Galleria dell Accademia, where we stood in line for an hour and a half in the hot Tuscan sun to buy tickets. Some Italian guy tried to cut in line just in front of us but he got run off by a dozen irate people.
The Gallery was very nice and dripped with irreplaceable history. The largest statue, which draws thousands of people every year, is the 18' tall Statue of David. That's a big chunk of marble! Michaelangelo was commissioned to begin carving big Dave in 1501 and finished about January 1504. It was a solid chunk of white marble. Dave is fully unclothed, unashamed and undaunted. He stands as tall as the length of George Washington's smile on Mount Rushmore. (I bet you didn't expect that analogy! π)
From there we walked down to visit the massive DUOMO of Florence, a huge church of the Catholic persuasion, built in 1436. We were inside this church on our last visit to Florence in 2006. The exterior was being renovated at that time and was covered with scaffolding. It was, of course gorgeous!
We got to see a large parade of ordinary people crowding the street and following behind loud speakers with everyone singing and chanting all the way up to the main entrance. They crowded around to hear the pope or cardinal or whoever it was, begin preaching to the crowd. We aren't sure what the occasion was. Not sure if it happens every Sunday night or not.
It was near midnight when we made it back to our flat in Manarola. Our day was long and we were exhausted. Probably not going to do that one again!
Tomorrow we chill out and call it a recovery day!
Friday, September 23, 2016
Cinque Terre, Manarola
We arrived in this tiny Coastal village Tuesday, September 20 (my mother was born on this day in 1919). It was evening. A petite young lady rushed over and welcomed us like we were family and took us to our second floor flat, even grabbing luggage to help. It's a two bedroom flat on the second floor of a multi-story buildong. We have an ocean view from our balcony. We also have a good view of the tiny street below. It is filled with small boats and plenty of tourists. Apparently Manarola has been discovered!
The evenings are nice because the crowds thin out. Only locals and tourists staying here are in the streets and cafes. The small handful of cafes and bars are open late and music drifts down the street until nearly midnight. Fortunately, our heavy balcony doors blocks most of the sound so the codgers can get our sleep.
Unfortunately, I injured my Achilles tendon on the last step-down into our flat and I've been a couch potato all day. I will be fine in a day or two. I'm anxious to get out and explore the area.
Debby and Nancy took the train into the next town to see about finding a larger grocery store and do some shopping at the village market. They did well. They fixed tacos this evening!
Our evening walks are beautiful. The temperatures have been perfect. The sunsets gorgeous?. The food has been very tasty! Nancy and I tried the fresh tuna steak last night. It was awesome!
We find that it's hard to come up with the cash we need. The local ATM seldom works. Only a few businesses take plastic. Another handicap for us is having debit cards with no chip! Our mistake for not converting them like we did with our credit card! Italy has an international withdrawal limit, as well. We cannot withdraw cash using our chip credit card because we have no pin number for them. Another hiccup!
My ankle is doing better today. Ron and I went for a walk to check out the terraced hillside vineyards and to see Manarola from the back side. It was gorgeous! We will do more of that again.
We arrived in this tiny Coastal village Tuesday, September 20 (my mother was born on this day in 1919). It was evening. A petite young lady rushed over and welcomed us like we were family and took us to our second floor flat, even grabbing luggage to help. It's a two bedroom flat on the second floor of a multi-story buildong. We have an ocean view from our balcony. We also have a good view of the tiny street below. It is filled with small boats and plenty of tourists. Apparently Manarola has been discovered!
The evenings are nice because the crowds thin out. Only locals and tourists staying here are in the streets and cafes. The small handful of cafes and bars are open late and music drifts down the street until nearly midnight. Fortunately, our heavy balcony doors blocks most of the sound so the codgers can get our sleep.
Unfortunately, I injured my Achilles tendon on the last step-down into our flat and I've been a couch potato all day. I will be fine in a day or two. I'm anxious to get out and explore the area.
Debby and Nancy took the train into the next town to see about finding a larger grocery store and do some shopping at the village market. They did well. They fixed tacos this evening!
Our evening walks are beautiful. The temperatures have been perfect. The sunsets gorgeous?. The food has been very tasty! Nancy and I tried the fresh tuna steak last night. It was awesome!
We find that it's hard to come up with the cash we need. The local ATM seldom works. Only a few businesses take plastic. Another handicap for us is having debit cards with no chip! Our mistake for not converting them like we did with our credit card! Italy has an international withdrawal limit, as well. We cannot withdraw cash using our chip credit card because we have no pin number for them. Another hiccup!
My ankle is doing better today. Ron and I went for a walk to check out the terraced hillside vineyards and to see Manarola from the back side. It was gorgeous! We will do more of that again.
NYNASHAMN, SWEDEN
(I forgot to post this blog. It should be sandwiched between Finland and Heading for Budapest).
Being unable to visit Finland due to rough seas, we continued sailing towards Sweden, with the promise of good weather and calm seas. We were not disappointed.
Our ship docked in the tiny port city of NYNASHAMN. It was about 0600. The only thing was, there was no dock and we were a good 70 yards from shore. So what do you do when there's no dock? Well, the port officials in this small port brought one out to us!
This was an engineering piece of art! An articulating floating marvel of steel and concrete, complete with stripes and hand rails atop a 3' high fence along both sides from one end to the other. A built-in motor driven propeller, started up by its pilot. The dock driver began unfolding this 400' long, multi-sectional, articulating dock and parked it alongside the Regal Princess so we could disembark. Quite amazing, actually!
We bought tickets for the Hop On/Hop Off bus that took us into Stockholm, Sweden's Capitol city. We rode the bus and hopped off in front of McDonald's, a familiar icon to Americans. We went inside for coffee, a bathroom break and WIFI access.
Our next stop was at the Abba Museum. It was a place dedicated to Sweden's most popular foursome. They had many great pop musical hits that often rang the bell on the top 10 charts. We spent time seeing their costumes, records, photos and videos of some of their songs. It was a lot of fun! Debby and Nancy auditioned with Abba by joining their group, performing and singing right along with them. It was hard to d8stinguish between the professionals and the amateurs. NAAAAHHH!! NOT!! Our bus ticket also covered the boat taxi for a ride on the river. That was fun. We hppedt off near Old Town and walked into that area to explore. We stopped in a small cafe for something to eat. The small old town street was narrow and crowded with many tourists.
Soon, we headed for the bus stop to catch our 4:00 PM bus to our ship. Our deadline to board was 6:30. We made it back with time to spare.
The next day was spent at sea streaming towards Copenhagen. The Captain announced the Princess would pass under a bridge before 9:00 and would be worth seeing. So after sunset, we remained on the top deck to see this bridge.
It was awesome to see the approaching bridge and wonder if this massive ship could go under it. It did. Looked to be about 10' of clearance! Cars were parked on the bridge taking pictures of this giant ship clearing the bridge. I bet they had a great view of our Lido Deck!
We are due in Copengagen early tomorrow morning. We will disembark around 0830, collect our luggage and head for the airport.
Our next destination is Budapest, Hungary aboard Norwegian Airlines!
(I forgot to post this blog. It should be sandwiched between Finland and Heading for Budapest).
Being unable to visit Finland due to rough seas, we continued sailing towards Sweden, with the promise of good weather and calm seas. We were not disappointed.
Our ship docked in the tiny port city of NYNASHAMN. It was about 0600. The only thing was, there was no dock and we were a good 70 yards from shore. So what do you do when there's no dock? Well, the port officials in this small port brought one out to us!
This was an engineering piece of art! An articulating floating marvel of steel and concrete, complete with stripes and hand rails atop a 3' high fence along both sides from one end to the other. A built-in motor driven propeller, started up by its pilot. The dock driver began unfolding this 400' long, multi-sectional, articulating dock and parked it alongside the Regal Princess so we could disembark. Quite amazing, actually!
We bought tickets for the Hop On/Hop Off bus that took us into Stockholm, Sweden's Capitol city. We rode the bus and hopped off in front of McDonald's, a familiar icon to Americans. We went inside for coffee, a bathroom break and WIFI access.
Our next stop was at the Abba Museum. It was a place dedicated to Sweden's most popular foursome. They had many great pop musical hits that often rang the bell on the top 10 charts. We spent time seeing their costumes, records, photos and videos of some of their songs. It was a lot of fun! Debby and Nancy auditioned with Abba by joining their group, performing and singing right along with them. It was hard to d8stinguish between the professionals and the amateurs. NAAAAHHH!! NOT!! Our bus ticket also covered the boat taxi for a ride on the river. That was fun. We hppedt off near Old Town and walked into that area to explore. We stopped in a small cafe for something to eat. The small old town street was narrow and crowded with many tourists.
Soon, we headed for the bus stop to catch our 4:00 PM bus to our ship. Our deadline to board was 6:30. We made it back with time to spare.
The next day was spent at sea streaming towards Copenhagen. The Captain announced the Princess would pass under a bridge before 9:00 and would be worth seeing. So after sunset, we remained on the top deck to see this bridge.
It was awesome to see the approaching bridge and wonder if this massive ship could go under it. It did. Looked to be about 10' of clearance! Cars were parked on the bridge taking pictures of this giant ship clearing the bridge. I bet they had a great view of our Lido Deck!
We are due in Copengagen early tomorrow morning. We will disembark around 0830, collect our luggage and head for the airport.
Our next destination is Budapest, Hungary aboard Norwegian Airlines!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Milano
Every country has a unique difference. We have been blessed to have visited many foreign countries in our travels. Comparing train station people to other places in a country is unfair because of the many visitors from other countries. But comparing train station people to train station people is acceptable. Milan seemed to have more than its share of travelers the day we arrived. It was very crowded, had a taint odor about it and the overall look was dirtier than anywhere we had yet visited.
Several ladies dressed in scarfs, shawls, and long multicolor dresses, roamed the train station, shuffling ever so slowly, and poking empty cups into the faces of those passing by. Their deep voices were low as they said their well rehearsed line, persistently determined to take "no" for an answer, speaking in what seemed like the Italian language, .
I learned a long time ago, one solid rule for travelers. Unless you are talking directly to someone, avoid making eye contact! You will be less likely to be approached by a Gypsy beggar or a pushy salesman.
Ron and I sat at a food court table there in the train station, nursing a warm Coca Cola as Debby and Nancy left to find accommodations. Debby had hoped to connect with the owner of an apartment that she had been working with from Interlaken. Because of poor Internet she had not completed a transaction, but had given them her credit card numbers before the Internet died. She hoped to find the same apartment and verify the rental, or not.
Ron and I sat with our luggage and waited patiently. Milan was the train station where, 4 years ago, a shifty, hippy looking woman tried to get into Debby's backpack, but was thwarted. So Ron and I were on high alert! Within the hour Debby and Nancy returned with good news. The Internet transaction had failed but they were still able to rent the flat for the same price she found on the Internet.
The two room apartment was spacious, clean and adequate. It was only a block from the train station and within easy walking distance with our luggage. We were on the first floor, which in America is the second floor.
Our Hop On/Hop Off sightseeing bus was pleasant enough, if you excuse the tiny seats, the faulty earphone radios, and the narrations in English so broken, it sounded like another Italian dialect! We rode it completely around, (2-1/2 hrs) then wanted to get back on to ride it part way, so as to connect with the Blue Line to see something different. The ticket checker lady on the bus said we did not have enough time to do the route (it was 3:30) because they quit at 5:30. The ticket salesman at the news stand told us they work until 7:30, like the brochure said. No matter how many times Debby tried to explain this to the ticket lady, the more emphatic she was that they quit at 5:30. We walked back to the news stand and told all this to the salesman. He was very clear that they quit at 7:30. Ugh!! Welcome to Italy!
By this tine we were hungry but at 3:45, most restaurants were closed. We managed to find one that was open and sampled their Italian Lasagne with meat sauce. It was good.
Back in our apartment, we relaxed and consoled ourselves of feeling cheated by the Hop On/Hop Off fiasco. We also made coffee and tried out the mostly useless Internet wifi. It was not going to allow us to open a Blu-Express Airline check-in for tomorrow's flight to Albania. All we could do was to check email.
The next day we packed a light suitcase. We would be gone two nights to Albania. We left the rest of our luggage in our rented apartment so we didn't have to risk leaving it in a questionable storage room somewhere. Also, it was good not having to drag it somewhere else. We felt like the extra $25/each cost was a small sum to pay for this convenience.
We caught a bus at the train station that took us to catch our flight. We returned Monday evening and stopped by a recommended restaurant just down the street. We all had pasta dishes and water. It was good. Looking over our bills we noticed a "cover charge" was added that totaled $14.00. That, apparently, covers the expense of having us enter, sit and use their napkins. We've got to watch that small print at the bottom of the last menu page! Sometimes, DISHES are extra!
For our last day, we got up early, and following our morning devotional, we took a taxi to a gorgeous church called the Cathedral of Milan, an awesome structure that opened in 1965, yet one of the Architects was Leonardo da Vinci.
Apparently a visit to Milano is not complete without a visit to the fashion district...at least that's what Ron and I were told by our wives.
So that's what we did.
Every country has a unique difference. We have been blessed to have visited many foreign countries in our travels. Comparing train station people to other places in a country is unfair because of the many visitors from other countries. But comparing train station people to train station people is acceptable. Milan seemed to have more than its share of travelers the day we arrived. It was very crowded, had a taint odor about it and the overall look was dirtier than anywhere we had yet visited.
Several ladies dressed in scarfs, shawls, and long multicolor dresses, roamed the train station, shuffling ever so slowly, and poking empty cups into the faces of those passing by. Their deep voices were low as they said their well rehearsed line, persistently determined to take "no" for an answer, speaking in what seemed like the Italian language, .
I learned a long time ago, one solid rule for travelers. Unless you are talking directly to someone, avoid making eye contact! You will be less likely to be approached by a Gypsy beggar or a pushy salesman.
Ron and I sat at a food court table there in the train station, nursing a warm Coca Cola as Debby and Nancy left to find accommodations. Debby had hoped to connect with the owner of an apartment that she had been working with from Interlaken. Because of poor Internet she had not completed a transaction, but had given them her credit card numbers before the Internet died. She hoped to find the same apartment and verify the rental, or not.
Ron and I sat with our luggage and waited patiently. Milan was the train station where, 4 years ago, a shifty, hippy looking woman tried to get into Debby's backpack, but was thwarted. So Ron and I were on high alert! Within the hour Debby and Nancy returned with good news. The Internet transaction had failed but they were still able to rent the flat for the same price she found on the Internet.
The two room apartment was spacious, clean and adequate. It was only a block from the train station and within easy walking distance with our luggage. We were on the first floor, which in America is the second floor.
Our Hop On/Hop Off sightseeing bus was pleasant enough, if you excuse the tiny seats, the faulty earphone radios, and the narrations in English so broken, it sounded like another Italian dialect! We rode it completely around, (2-1/2 hrs) then wanted to get back on to ride it part way, so as to connect with the Blue Line to see something different. The ticket checker lady on the bus said we did not have enough time to do the route (it was 3:30) because they quit at 5:30. The ticket salesman at the news stand told us they work until 7:30, like the brochure said. No matter how many times Debby tried to explain this to the ticket lady, the more emphatic she was that they quit at 5:30. We walked back to the news stand and told all this to the salesman. He was very clear that they quit at 7:30. Ugh!! Welcome to Italy!
By this tine we were hungry but at 3:45, most restaurants were closed. We managed to find one that was open and sampled their Italian Lasagne with meat sauce. It was good.
Back in our apartment, we relaxed and consoled ourselves of feeling cheated by the Hop On/Hop Off fiasco. We also made coffee and tried out the mostly useless Internet wifi. It was not going to allow us to open a Blu-Express Airline check-in for tomorrow's flight to Albania. All we could do was to check email.
The next day we packed a light suitcase. We would be gone two nights to Albania. We left the rest of our luggage in our rented apartment so we didn't have to risk leaving it in a questionable storage room somewhere. Also, it was good not having to drag it somewhere else. We felt like the extra $25/each cost was a small sum to pay for this convenience.
We caught a bus at the train station that took us to catch our flight. We returned Monday evening and stopped by a recommended restaurant just down the street. We all had pasta dishes and water. It was good. Looking over our bills we noticed a "cover charge" was added that totaled $14.00. That, apparently, covers the expense of having us enter, sit and use their napkins. We've got to watch that small print at the bottom of the last menu page! Sometimes, DISHES are extra!
For our last day, we got up early, and following our morning devotional, we took a taxi to a gorgeous church called the Cathedral of Milan, an awesome structure that opened in 1965, yet one of the Architects was Leonardo da Vinci.
Apparently a visit to Milano is not complete without a visit to the fashion district...at least that's what Ron and I were told by our wives.
So that's what we did.
LUSHNJE, ALBANIA
We were booked on Blu-Express on Panorama Blue. Italian airlines...what can I say? That bucket of bolts 737 was rough and noisy but we had good flights with no problems.
We were visiting our good friend and fellow contender in the Faith, Tom Bonner, our Missionary from the Metro Church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon. Debby and I have known Tom since 1971.
Upon landing at this small International Airport in Tirana and being bussed to the Terminal, we made our way through Customs and finally into the main area where we found Tom waiting for us. With Tom was Olti and Sojana Mezini and Olti's brother, Gazmund. They are friends of Tom from the church in Lushnje.
We left the airport , taking the highway, we caught a few brief views of the Adriatic Sea before heading inland. We also stopped at a cafe to have some refreshments and chat. It was a good time. I had the smallest cup of coffee I had ever seen! But it packed the punch of six cups!
Dinner was Tom's choice...and a good one it was! I cannot recall the name of this little cafe but the rest is easy to remember! I had a Big Greek Salad for starters...so did Ron. Tom had a different big salad. I left only the green olives with seeds...not really a fan of those.
The 18 inch platter of assorted grilled meats was amazing and much more than we could eat between the 5 of us! It had an assortment of lamb, sausages chicken and beef. Very good! In fact, we took the left overs home and had enough to make another meal! All for aboutn $30.
Sunday morning church was awesome! We met so many people we were overcome! All of them were friendly and genuine. It was refreshing to see a group of people with so much joy in their hearts.
Olti Mezini preached a great sermon while Alma circled us up in the back and interpreted for us.
We met so many, I can't recall the names. Vjollca Cela was a beautiful grandmother and one of Tom's English teachers. We met a bunch of kids and teens.
Following services, we met Ollie and Sojana for lunch at a beautiful restaurant, I think called the Royal Crown. Not many people there to make it crowded. The food was excellent. We had some Greek salads, beef and chicken dishes. It was a 3 hour experience. Thank goodness they weren't busy! Ha Ha!
The next stop was to a shopping mall, a large variety store with groceries and everything. It didn't take long for Ron, Olti, Tom and I to buy nothing, but it took the girls a while longer.
Sunday evening we relaxed at Tom's place, snacking and talking. Tom has a very nice house. It has plenty of room for guests and an elegant sitting room. His house has a nice veranda on the upper floor, an excellent place to sit with early morning coffee. His front porch below the veranda is equally as comfortable where one can sit and enjoy seeing his 3 fruit trees loaded with oranges and lemons. He has one tree grafted half with oranges and half with Mandarins.
They have been blessed with a very nice church building. They have a large piece of the second floor in a high rise. The white tiled floor and white painted interior reflects much light. It was easy for me to be able to see inside this place! The meeting room was rectangular with air conditioning and full length windows. There were 4 or 5 other rooms where they could have storage and classrooms for the kids.
Olti took a group photo of many who were in attendance while we were there. Upwards of 50 people attend the church, although some seemed drawn to the beaches during these nice summer months and attendance was down today.
Upon closing and following announcements, Tom got up and introduced us to the church. Tom and I have a history of ribbing each other, so after he tossed a couple he gave me a chance to respond, by asking if I had any comments. I stood up and announced that I had two. The first was, "We need to find a wife for Tom." Tom ducked as the crowd broke out into laughter. "The second", I said, was, Tom needs a Smart Phone!". Heads nodded in agreenent; giggles, laughs and "yes he does" were heard. Tom didn't let me say any more after that!
I walked to the church building with Tom on Monday morning. It was good to see him greet and be greeted by the local people out and about. Tom seems to be acquainted with a lot of people and is well liked. We rearranged the building's chairs and tables, even sweeping the floor, to prep for students coming in for English classes this week.
Which reminds me.....I am going to see if I can be a part of raising money for this church to buy new chairs. Their chairs are wearing out as chairs do. They are also growing in numbe4 and need more. I am thinking 100 chairs. A comfortable, stacking chair can be had for less than $50/each. Anyone want a piece of this good work?
When we got back, Debby and Nancy took off to go find postcards. They were back in half an hour. We all climbed into Tom's car and made a stop a few blocks from his house to look at a monument remaining over from the communist days.
We met Olti and Sojana for coffee and ice cream before Tom took us into Tirana to catch our 4 o'clock flight to Milan.
It was hard saying goodbye to Tom. We all wished we had planned for a longer stay. We appreciated Tom's hospitality. He is doing a good work and is well loved here. I feel confidant that, even though the church is young, that after Tom has left, the seeds he has planted will mature and his influence be long lasting. God is in charge of the harvest. Olti and Sojana are smart and seem to be strong in their young faith. If they keep their eyes on Jesus, listen to Tom, and not be pulled away by the world, I believe they will make good leaders for this church. Tom is working with Olti to stand firm in the Faith towards maturity. So many people are pulling away, but Olti and Sojana appear to be strong and growing their faith.
We wish the church in Lushnje, God speed!
We were booked on Blu-Express on Panorama Blue. Italian airlines...what can I say? That bucket of bolts 737 was rough and noisy but we had good flights with no problems.
We were visiting our good friend and fellow contender in the Faith, Tom Bonner, our Missionary from the Metro Church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon. Debby and I have known Tom since 1971.
Upon landing at this small International Airport in Tirana and being bussed to the Terminal, we made our way through Customs and finally into the main area where we found Tom waiting for us. With Tom was Olti and Sojana Mezini and Olti's brother, Gazmund. They are friends of Tom from the church in Lushnje.
We left the airport , taking the highway, we caught a few brief views of the Adriatic Sea before heading inland. We also stopped at a cafe to have some refreshments and chat. It was a good time. I had the smallest cup of coffee I had ever seen! But it packed the punch of six cups!
Dinner was Tom's choice...and a good one it was! I cannot recall the name of this little cafe but the rest is easy to remember! I had a Big Greek Salad for starters...so did Ron. Tom had a different big salad. I left only the green olives with seeds...not really a fan of those.
The 18 inch platter of assorted grilled meats was amazing and much more than we could eat between the 5 of us! It had an assortment of lamb, sausages chicken and beef. Very good! In fact, we took the left overs home and had enough to make another meal! All for aboutn $30.
Sunday morning church was awesome! We met so many people we were overcome! All of them were friendly and genuine. It was refreshing to see a group of people with so much joy in their hearts.
Olti Mezini preached a great sermon while Alma circled us up in the back and interpreted for us.
We met so many, I can't recall the names. Vjollca Cela was a beautiful grandmother and one of Tom's English teachers. We met a bunch of kids and teens.
Following services, we met Ollie and Sojana for lunch at a beautiful restaurant, I think called the Royal Crown. Not many people there to make it crowded. The food was excellent. We had some Greek salads, beef and chicken dishes. It was a 3 hour experience. Thank goodness they weren't busy! Ha Ha!
The next stop was to a shopping mall, a large variety store with groceries and everything. It didn't take long for Ron, Olti, Tom and I to buy nothing, but it took the girls a while longer.
Sunday evening we relaxed at Tom's place, snacking and talking. Tom has a very nice house. It has plenty of room for guests and an elegant sitting room. His house has a nice veranda on the upper floor, an excellent place to sit with early morning coffee. His front porch below the veranda is equally as comfortable where one can sit and enjoy seeing his 3 fruit trees loaded with oranges and lemons. He has one tree grafted half with oranges and half with Mandarins.
They have been blessed with a very nice church building. They have a large piece of the second floor in a high rise. The white tiled floor and white painted interior reflects much light. It was easy for me to be able to see inside this place! The meeting room was rectangular with air conditioning and full length windows. There were 4 or 5 other rooms where they could have storage and classrooms for the kids.
Olti took a group photo of many who were in attendance while we were there. Upwards of 50 people attend the church, although some seemed drawn to the beaches during these nice summer months and attendance was down today.
Upon closing and following announcements, Tom got up and introduced us to the church. Tom and I have a history of ribbing each other, so after he tossed a couple he gave me a chance to respond, by asking if I had any comments. I stood up and announced that I had two. The first was, "We need to find a wife for Tom." Tom ducked as the crowd broke out into laughter. "The second", I said, was, Tom needs a Smart Phone!". Heads nodded in agreenent; giggles, laughs and "yes he does" were heard. Tom didn't let me say any more after that!
I walked to the church building with Tom on Monday morning. It was good to see him greet and be greeted by the local people out and about. Tom seems to be acquainted with a lot of people and is well liked. We rearranged the building's chairs and tables, even sweeping the floor, to prep for students coming in for English classes this week.
Which reminds me.....I am going to see if I can be a part of raising money for this church to buy new chairs. Their chairs are wearing out as chairs do. They are also growing in numbe4 and need more. I am thinking 100 chairs. A comfortable, stacking chair can be had for less than $50/each. Anyone want a piece of this good work?
When we got back, Debby and Nancy took off to go find postcards. They were back in half an hour. We all climbed into Tom's car and made a stop a few blocks from his house to look at a monument remaining over from the communist days.
We met Olti and Sojana for coffee and ice cream before Tom took us into Tirana to catch our 4 o'clock flight to Milan.
It was hard saying goodbye to Tom. We all wished we had planned for a longer stay. We appreciated Tom's hospitality. He is doing a good work and is well loved here. I feel confidant that, even though the church is young, that after Tom has left, the seeds he has planted will mature and his influence be long lasting. God is in charge of the harvest. Olti and Sojana are smart and seem to be strong in their young faith. If they keep their eyes on Jesus, listen to Tom, and not be pulled away by the world, I believe they will make good leaders for this church. Tom is working with Olti to stand firm in the Faith towards maturity. So many people are pulling away, but Olti and Sojana appear to be strong and growing their faith.
We wish the church in Lushnje, God speed!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Gimmewald
Four years ago we spent several days in the mountains at a tiny village called Gimmelwald. We didn't feel like a trip to Switzerland would be complete without visiting the Mittetag Hotel and visiting Walter,, then 87, owner/operator of this unique and quite rustic hotel.
Walter is now 92 and as spry as ever. He was busy fixing dinner for his guests. I don't believe he recognized us but he was friendly. It was good to see him again.
We walked around for a while; took lots of pictures and had a picnic lunch at a closed cafe. They were kind enough to let us sit at their outdoor tables. Even tho it was cloudy, we occasionally enjoyed views of the massive Eiger, Mounch and the Jungfrau mountains, standing tall just across the Lauterbrunnen Valley below.
Along our bus routes, we stopped to get a look at a waterfall that was very similar in awesomeness to the gorge walk we did in Garmisch, except this crack in the earth was vertical! Ron and I did the stairway hike up 10 flights of stairs. WHEW!
Four years ago we spent several days in the mountains at a tiny village called Gimmelwald. We didn't feel like a trip to Switzerland would be complete without visiting the Mittetag Hotel and visiting Walter,, then 87, owner/operator of this unique and quite rustic hotel.
Walter is now 92 and as spry as ever. He was busy fixing dinner for his guests. I don't believe he recognized us but he was friendly. It was good to see him again.
We walked around for a while; took lots of pictures and had a picnic lunch at a closed cafe. They were kind enough to let us sit at their outdoor tables. Even tho it was cloudy, we occasionally enjoyed views of the massive Eiger, Mounch and the Jungfrau mountains, standing tall just across the Lauterbrunnen Valley below.
Along our bus routes, we stopped to get a look at a waterfall that was very similar in awesomeness to the gorge walk we did in Garmisch, except this crack in the earth was vertical! Ron and I did the stairway hike up 10 flights of stairs. WHEW!
Interlaken, Switzerland
We said final goodbyes at the Garmisch train station to Vonda Vensel and her kids, Max and Madi Barton. They were heading off to other adventures while we were heading to Interlaken.
The countryside through Bavaria, Austria and into Switzerland was beautiful. We stopped briefly in Innsbruck, Austria to change trains. We changed trains 3 times and made our connections on time without incident. Pretty good for us!
The lakes are a beautiful greenish blue...typical glacier melt color. We pulled into Interlaken about two and quickly found a taxi. He knew where Manor Farms was located and 30 Euros later, we pulled into our campground on the lake and our little 2 bedroom camper. We are in a spot amongst many campers, tents and trailers closely parked all around. Fortunately we barely have one neighbor, so, honestly, this might be the quietest place we have ever rented! We have finally acheived "trailer trash" status! Ha Ha!
After we got settled, we took a walk down by the lake and sat down at an outside table overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. This nice restaurant had a menu that would raise the eyebrows of a rich man! Prices were staggering! A small steak was $35. My iced tea was cheaper than Debby's water. Our chef salads were like $23.00...nothing special except the high price. My "iced" tea (a loose term because Europeans do not do ice) tea was $4.00 while Ron, Nancy and Debby had water, which cost $4.50 each. We skipped the $12 desserts!
With Switzerland's minimum wage at $25/hr., everything's bound to be expensive!
We took a boat ride into West Interlaken this morning and walked around checking out the town. We ate lunch at McDonald's, where I had a Big Mac combo for another $14.00. But enough about expenses.
We caught the Cog Train at Harder Bahn and crawled up a steep mountain, called Harder Klum, overlooking all Interlaken. Not much on top except a couple of snack shops, souvineers and a viewing platform that jutted out sharply over the edge.
Interenlaken is a beautiful city of shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels and tourists. The park is also a favorite landing spot for Paragliding and Hang Glider enthusiasts who launch from the nearby mountains.
There were many Muslim tourists...some riding in huge, black, Mercedes SUV's.
We took a taxi.
.
We said final goodbyes at the Garmisch train station to Vonda Vensel and her kids, Max and Madi Barton. They were heading off to other adventures while we were heading to Interlaken.
The countryside through Bavaria, Austria and into Switzerland was beautiful. We stopped briefly in Innsbruck, Austria to change trains. We changed trains 3 times and made our connections on time without incident. Pretty good for us!
The lakes are a beautiful greenish blue...typical glacier melt color. We pulled into Interlaken about two and quickly found a taxi. He knew where Manor Farms was located and 30 Euros later, we pulled into our campground on the lake and our little 2 bedroom camper. We are in a spot amongst many campers, tents and trailers closely parked all around. Fortunately we barely have one neighbor, so, honestly, this might be the quietest place we have ever rented! We have finally acheived "trailer trash" status! Ha Ha!
After we got settled, we took a walk down by the lake and sat down at an outside table overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. This nice restaurant had a menu that would raise the eyebrows of a rich man! Prices were staggering! A small steak was $35. My iced tea was cheaper than Debby's water. Our chef salads were like $23.00...nothing special except the high price. My "iced" tea (a loose term because Europeans do not do ice) tea was $4.00 while Ron, Nancy and Debby had water, which cost $4.50 each. We skipped the $12 desserts!
With Switzerland's minimum wage at $25/hr., everything's bound to be expensive!
We took a boat ride into West Interlaken this morning and walked around checking out the town. We ate lunch at McDonald's, where I had a Big Mac combo for another $14.00. But enough about expenses.
We caught the Cog Train at Harder Bahn and crawled up a steep mountain, called Harder Klum, overlooking all Interlaken. Not much on top except a couple of snack shops, souvineers and a viewing platform that jutted out sharply over the edge.
Interenlaken is a beautiful city of shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels and tourists. The park is also a favorite landing spot for Paragliding and Hang Glider enthusiasts who launch from the nearby mountains.
There were many Muslim tourists...some riding in huge, black, Mercedes SUV's.
We took a taxi.
.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
When I was stationed at Cambrai-Fritsche Kasern, Darmstadt, Germany, US Air Force, 1967-1969, Garmisch was my favorite destination for a little R&R. I was in love with these mountains! Having graduated from high school in Kansas, I had never seen anything like these! It's one thing to know they exist, yet much different to see these up front and in person!
We decided to check out a popular trail and to take a hike inside a crack in the earth called Partnachklamm, a gorge walk along a narrow, raging stream as it tumbled down the gorge.
We also climbed the Zugspitz...Germany's highest mountain at about 9,000'+ elevation. No switchbacks on this one! We hit this one head on...straight up the middle. The face got pretty steep but we kept climbing! All the way up and through the nook where the Tram let us off on the platform.
Clouds covered the top much of the time with occasional vista views in every direction. We took a seat around a picnic table with a Bratwurst in one hand and a Coca Cola in the other. About the time we finished eating, it began sleeting nearly pea sized ice pellets. We didn't mind too much until it turned into rain. We headed for the Tram after a stop at the gift shop to buy a magnet for my daughter, Ami.
Even with weather, we had a good visit. Madi Barton don't care much for heights but I think she had a good day....except the part about being stalked by the big black birds! Thanks for coming along Madi! Also with me wwas Vonda Vensel, Max Barton and Ron Pinkerton.
On top is a huge steel constructed platform with 4 levels. On top is a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with beautiful Lake Eibsee far below. There were still patches of remaining snow. Glaciers glistened in the sunlight.
It was beautiful!
When I was stationed at Cambrai-Fritsche Kasern, Darmstadt, Germany, US Air Force, 1967-1969, Garmisch was my favorite destination for a little R&R. I was in love with these mountains! Having graduated from high school in Kansas, I had never seen anything like these! It's one thing to know they exist, yet much different to see these up front and in person!
We decided to check out a popular trail and to take a hike inside a crack in the earth called Partnachklamm, a gorge walk along a narrow, raging stream as it tumbled down the gorge.
We also climbed the Zugspitz...Germany's highest mountain at about 9,000'+ elevation. No switchbacks on this one! We hit this one head on...straight up the middle. The face got pretty steep but we kept climbing! All the way up and through the nook where the Tram let us off on the platform.
Clouds covered the top much of the time with occasional vista views in every direction. We took a seat around a picnic table with a Bratwurst in one hand and a Coca Cola in the other. About the time we finished eating, it began sleeting nearly pea sized ice pellets. We didn't mind too much until it turned into rain. We headed for the Tram after a stop at the gift shop to buy a magnet for my daughter, Ami.
Even with weather, we had a good visit. Madi Barton don't care much for heights but I think she had a good day....except the part about being stalked by the big black birds! Thanks for coming along Madi! Also with me wwas Vonda Vensel, Max Barton and Ron Pinkerton.
On top is a huge steel constructed platform with 4 levels. On top is a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with beautiful Lake Eibsee far below. There were still patches of remaining snow. Glaciers glistened in the sunlight.
It was beautiful!
Oberammagau, Germany
This picturesque Bavarian town of 5,000+ citizens is an easy place to fall in love with. The typical houses and buildings are generously decorated with beautiful railed balconies with many healthy flowers that overflow their boxes, and painted murals on front and sides of every kind, depicting people in various events, at play or at work, dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing.
Many sidewalk cafes abound with festive umbrellas and various tables and chairs waiting for customers.
Cobblestone sidewalks and curvy streets rattle cars, bicycles, motorbikes and baby buggies alike.
Our apartment was only 2 blocks from the center of shopping and restaurants. A million things could be had for a price, as a shopper flitts from shop to shop like a Bee in a flower garden. Traditional German food was reasonably priced and very tasty. If you didn't care for Schnitzel or Brotwurst or other German delights, no problem! Hamburgers can be found nearby as well as Pizza just across the street. They even deliver!
Oberammagau is home to the Passion Play. It is only held every 10 years but draws crowds of thousands, some from half way around the world. It is a play put on by the towns-people that depicts the story of Christ. The next show will be in 2020. Apparently, many years ago there was a terrible plague that was killing nearly 80 percent of those exposed to it. The story goes that the townspeople prayed to God for deliverance; that if spared, they would proclaim the life and death and resurrection of Jesus by putting on a story or play, every 10 years. And so they do and have done for years.
This area has a beautiful landscape. Tree covered mountains with lush, green Meadows, clear streams from snowmelt, hiking trails, bicycling and paragliding are but a few summer activities. There is plenty of winter sports, as well. Garmisch Partenkirchen, a nearby town (my favorite place in all of Germany since 1967), still maintains the facility built for the 1936 Winter Olympics, held when Adolph Hitler was in power, which still lies shrouded in a piece of this area's checkered history
This picturesque Bavarian town of 5,000+ citizens is an easy place to fall in love with. The typical houses and buildings are generously decorated with beautiful railed balconies with many healthy flowers that overflow their boxes, and painted murals on front and sides of every kind, depicting people in various events, at play or at work, dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing.
Many sidewalk cafes abound with festive umbrellas and various tables and chairs waiting for customers.
Cobblestone sidewalks and curvy streets rattle cars, bicycles, motorbikes and baby buggies alike.
Our apartment was only 2 blocks from the center of shopping and restaurants. A million things could be had for a price, as a shopper flitts from shop to shop like a Bee in a flower garden. Traditional German food was reasonably priced and very tasty. If you didn't care for Schnitzel or Brotwurst or other German delights, no problem! Hamburgers can be found nearby as well as Pizza just across the street. They even deliver!
Oberammagau is home to the Passion Play. It is only held every 10 years but draws crowds of thousands, some from half way around the world. It is a play put on by the towns-people that depicts the story of Christ. The next show will be in 2020. Apparently, many years ago there was a terrible plague that was killing nearly 80 percent of those exposed to it. The story goes that the townspeople prayed to God for deliverance; that if spared, they would proclaim the life and death and resurrection of Jesus by putting on a story or play, every 10 years. And so they do and have done for years.
This area has a beautiful landscape. Tree covered mountains with lush, green Meadows, clear streams from snowmelt, hiking trails, bicycling and paragliding are but a few summer activities. There is plenty of winter sports, as well. Garmisch Partenkirchen, a nearby town (my favorite place in all of Germany since 1967), still maintains the facility built for the 1936 Winter Olympics, held when Adolph Hitler was in power, which still lies shrouded in a piece of this area's checkered history
Friday, September 16, 2016
Along the Danube
Our first day of 8 days cruising the Danube River on the Viking Tor. This is a large boat and rides smoothly in the beautiful glacier fed water. It takes 165 steps to walk from one end to the other.
We left Budapest in the early afternoon and began our River Cruise. We've always heard the words "Blue Danube" associated with Danube. It was not blue. More like a washed out, bleached green, typical of snowmelt or glacier melt. But it was running smooth and calm.
We enjoyed lounging on the top deck and watching many interesting sights along the river....old castles, church spires in every little village. We went through 27 locks on the 400+ miles of river. Going through a lock is very interesting. When the boat needs to elevate to a higher water level, the boat enters a large concrete container. Huge doors close off behind the boat and smaller doors in front begin to open, allowing water to flow into the container. The boat rises with the water level. Once the two levels equal, the front doors open and the boat leaves the container onto the upper river level. The process is reversed if the boat needs to drop down to a lower level river. There is always a lock at every Dam on the river.
Our first port stop was Vienna., Austria. We had signed up for a Princess bus tour of the city. It was fun seeing some familiar sights we recognized from our last trip to Vienna.
Later that evening, Ron and Nancy went to a Mozart concert. Oit was performed by a man from Montana. Ron said on the bus ride back, he is almost certain he saw the apartment building where we were almost arrested for loud partying after 10:00 o'clock back in 2012.
Our next stop was at Krem, Austria, a port city. We boarded large buses and was taken on a Princess tour to the Gottweig Abbey. It was an ancient old church sand residence for Monks who live here. They harvest Apricots and make an awesome Apricot nectar. They also farm 30,000 acres of various crops, the majority being grapes for their wine making business.
In Passau, we did a walking tour of this city. We went inside a huge church to listen to organ music. They had 5 organs, one of which boasted to be the world's largest. In the afternoon we took a bus tour to go visit an old 18th century era Bavarian village.
In Regensburg, we took a walking tour of this Roman influenced city. The Jewish tombstones had been destroyed by the National, but at least one was saved by someone by hiding it in the wall as part of the construction and plastered over to hide it. It was later uncovered but left exposed in the wall for all to see. Ron went into a golf museum where they told him Regensburg is where golf was invented . We visited another big church. We sampled the local cuisine and ate lunch in a downtown cafe. I had a delicious Venison Brotwurst lunch.
Our final port was Erlanger, Germany, where we headed for the big city of Nuremberg. Princess gave us a bus tour of the city and the old castle. This specially built castle offered a great deal of protection with booby traps and secret doors, holes and openings from which boiling oil, arrows from hidden archers and burning hay could be dropped unexpectedly upon the determined enemy.
We saw a very large stadium where Hitler could review his troops and watch his military parades.
Before getting on the bus to head vack to the boat, Ron and I sampled Nuremburg's famous Keyhole Brotwurst for lunch. This little finger size brot was created back during the time when folks feared for their lives and were afraid to even open their doors. An enterprising brot maker designed them small enough to slip through a keyhole. He delivered.
Our first day of 8 days cruising the Danube River on the Viking Tor. This is a large boat and rides smoothly in the beautiful glacier fed water. It takes 165 steps to walk from one end to the other.
We left Budapest in the early afternoon and began our River Cruise. We've always heard the words "Blue Danube" associated with Danube. It was not blue. More like a washed out, bleached green, typical of snowmelt or glacier melt. But it was running smooth and calm.
We enjoyed lounging on the top deck and watching many interesting sights along the river....old castles, church spires in every little village. We went through 27 locks on the 400+ miles of river. Going through a lock is very interesting. When the boat needs to elevate to a higher water level, the boat enters a large concrete container. Huge doors close off behind the boat and smaller doors in front begin to open, allowing water to flow into the container. The boat rises with the water level. Once the two levels equal, the front doors open and the boat leaves the container onto the upper river level. The process is reversed if the boat needs to drop down to a lower level river. There is always a lock at every Dam on the river.
Our first port stop was Vienna., Austria. We had signed up for a Princess bus tour of the city. It was fun seeing some familiar sights we recognized from our last trip to Vienna.
Later that evening, Ron and Nancy went to a Mozart concert. Oit was performed by a man from Montana. Ron said on the bus ride back, he is almost certain he saw the apartment building where we were almost arrested for loud partying after 10:00 o'clock back in 2012.
Our next stop was at Krem, Austria, a port city. We boarded large buses and was taken on a Princess tour to the Gottweig Abbey. It was an ancient old church sand residence for Monks who live here. They harvest Apricots and make an awesome Apricot nectar. They also farm 30,000 acres of various crops, the majority being grapes for their wine making business.
In Passau, we did a walking tour of this city. We went inside a huge church to listen to organ music. They had 5 organs, one of which boasted to be the world's largest. In the afternoon we took a bus tour to go visit an old 18th century era Bavarian village.
In Regensburg, we took a walking tour of this Roman influenced city. The Jewish tombstones had been destroyed by the National, but at least one was saved by someone by hiding it in the wall as part of the construction and plastered over to hide it. It was later uncovered but left exposed in the wall for all to see. Ron went into a golf museum where they told him Regensburg is where golf was invented . We visited another big church. We sampled the local cuisine and ate lunch in a downtown cafe. I had a delicious Venison Brotwurst lunch.
Our final port was Erlanger, Germany, where we headed for the big city of Nuremberg. Princess gave us a bus tour of the city and the old castle. This specially built castle offered a great deal of protection with booby traps and secret doors, holes and openings from which boiling oil, arrows from hidden archers and burning hay could be dropped unexpectedly upon the determined enemy.
We saw a very large stadium where Hitler could review his troops and watch his military parades.
Before getting on the bus to head vack to the boat, Ron and I sampled Nuremburg's famous Keyhole Brotwurst for lunch. This little finger size brot was created back during the time when folks feared for their lives and were afraid to even open their doors. An enterprising brot maker designed them small enough to slip through a keyhole. He delivered.
Friday, September 9, 2016
VIKING TOR
After roaming the streets of Budapest for 3 days, we checked out of our apartment, grabbed a taxi and headed for our River boat, the Viking Tor. Our zhungarian cab driver had trouble trying to understand us. We figured he would be familiar with these big boats. We eventually got him headed for the river. We weren't sure where our boat had docked but we should be able to spot this 400' long vessel easy enough.
When it dawned on our driver where we were going, a big light came on and he said, "Oh, VIKING! ", which he pronounced, "WEKKING"! We felt so stupid!
We were able to board ship right away. We would soon get our rooms and lunch will be at noon. We will not set sail until tomorrow afternoon. It was nice to be able to relax on the quiet ship. Most of the passengers are on shore sightseeing Budapest. Ron and I decided to take advantage of the quiet. We remained on the ship enjoying the food and lounge chairs. Debby and Nancy went shopping. Where else would they go?
When evening came the Tor took us out on the river for a night cruise to see beautiful Budapest at night. The buildings and bridges along the Danube were illuminated and looked gorgeous! We cruised for more than hour before returning to our parking place for the night.
The next morning (Saturday), we had a guided excursion to do a bus tour of Buda, across the river. We drove up to Fisherssman Bastion, an place on the hill overlooking all of Buda and Pest, with the Danube in the middle dividing the two old cities, now called Budapest. We also visited a church. It was very beautiful.
Back to our ship for lunch and began our upriver cruise.
After roaming the streets of Budapest for 3 days, we checked out of our apartment, grabbed a taxi and headed for our River boat, the Viking Tor. Our zhungarian cab driver had trouble trying to understand us. We figured he would be familiar with these big boats. We eventually got him headed for the river. We weren't sure where our boat had docked but we should be able to spot this 400' long vessel easy enough.
When it dawned on our driver where we were going, a big light came on and he said, "Oh, VIKING! ", which he pronounced, "WEKKING"! We felt so stupid!
We were able to board ship right away. We would soon get our rooms and lunch will be at noon. We will not set sail until tomorrow afternoon. It was nice to be able to relax on the quiet ship. Most of the passengers are on shore sightseeing Budapest. Ron and I decided to take advantage of the quiet. We remained on the ship enjoying the food and lounge chairs. Debby and Nancy went shopping. Where else would they go?
When evening came the Tor took us out on the river for a night cruise to see beautiful Budapest at night. The buildings and bridges along the Danube were illuminated and looked gorgeous! We cruised for more than hour before returning to our parking place for the night.
The next morning (Saturday), we had a guided excursion to do a bus tour of Buda, across the river. We drove up to Fisherssman Bastion, an place on the hill overlooking all of Buda and Pest, with the Danube in the middle dividing the two old cities, now called Budapest. We also visited a church. It was very beautiful.
Back to our ship for lunch and began our upriver cruise.
BUDAPEST APARTMENT
Our apartment building from the outside was not too impressive. Once inside, the open courtyard allowed one to see all 5 stories. This building was built in the 1800's. In the main areas, it could use some work. On the insids, our 3 bedroom apartment with spacious bath, kitchen and living area was about 1200 square feet. The newer washer and drier was put to good use as we had plenty of laundry between the four of us after 11 days at sea and 5 days traveling.
We spent 3 full days in Budapest. We walked several miles through downtown in and out of shops, malls and stores. We rode the Hop On Hop Off, took advantage of the Taxi service and walked around on our own and on guided walkabout, miles per day.
We ate in various places including Budapest's oldest Restaurant where Ron and I enjoyed Hungary's version of the huge veal cutlet, aka, Schnitzel. Totally filling and totally delicious!
During our readings of various menus we noticed that most all restaurants offer several ways you can order Goose Liver. It can be poached, fried, marinated, cold or hot and maybe a couple of other ways, like liver pate or something like that.
We aren't much into Goose Liver, I guess.
The Hungarian baths: We had to sample the Hungarian mineral baths experience. It was relaxing, for sure! Better directions for all those underground tunnels, lockers, and to various pools could have been more helpful. Now it makes sense...Larry, Moe and Curly ended up in Budapest writing directions to the baths!
A stroll across the Danube on Chain Bridge was fun. It would be more colorful at night.
Our apartment building from the outside was not too impressive. Once inside, the open courtyard allowed one to see all 5 stories. This building was built in the 1800's. In the main areas, it could use some work. On the insids, our 3 bedroom apartment with spacious bath, kitchen and living area was about 1200 square feet. The newer washer and drier was put to good use as we had plenty of laundry between the four of us after 11 days at sea and 5 days traveling.
We spent 3 full days in Budapest. We walked several miles through downtown in and out of shops, malls and stores. We rode the Hop On Hop Off, took advantage of the Taxi service and walked around on our own and on guided walkabout, miles per day.
We ate in various places including Budapest's oldest Restaurant where Ron and I enjoyed Hungary's version of the huge veal cutlet, aka, Schnitzel. Totally filling and totally delicious!
During our readings of various menus we noticed that most all restaurants offer several ways you can order Goose Liver. It can be poached, fried, marinated, cold or hot and maybe a couple of other ways, like liver pate or something like that.
We aren't much into Goose Liver, I guess.
The Hungarian baths: We had to sample the Hungarian mineral baths experience. It was relaxing, for sure! Better directions for all those underground tunnels, lockers, and to various pools could have been more helpful. Now it makes sense...Larry, Moe and Curly ended up in Budapest writing directions to the baths!
A stroll across the Danube on Chain Bridge was fun. It would be more colorful at night.
BUDAPEST AT NIGHT
Needing to wait for our apartment to be cleaned, we dropped off our luggage and hit the streets. Our first stop was next door to a small Hamburger shop operated by 4 or 5 guys , we figured were Hungaruans. We sat outside at a sidewalk table. Our burgers and cokes were delicious! I was impressed!
We headed in the direction of the River Danube, asking perfect strangers how to find it. The initial hard part was not correctly pronouncing Danube! We didn't know the Hungarians dropped the lette4 "b" . It was DANU! DUH!
When we ask for distances and directions, we find ourselves often more confused than had we kept our mouths shut and figured it out ourselves. A "5 minutes walk"..."only about 35 meters", and such answers are enough to get you started so you can ask the next person who you think speaks English. They, of course, have different directions. Eventually, that 5 minute walk only took 35 and that 35 meter distance was more like 200. But there it was...the Danu. You can't hide the Danu!
We stopped at a Hop On Hop Off office and bought a 3 day pass which included a nighttime boat ride. At the appointed time we crossed over and waited in line to board the sightseeing boat. The night lights lit up the statues, buildings, bridges and everything! Budapest is gorgeous at night!
Needing to wait for our apartment to be cleaned, we dropped off our luggage and hit the streets. Our first stop was next door to a small Hamburger shop operated by 4 or 5 guys , we figured were Hungaruans. We sat outside at a sidewalk table. Our burgers and cokes were delicious! I was impressed!
We headed in the direction of the River Danube, asking perfect strangers how to find it. The initial hard part was not correctly pronouncing Danube! We didn't know the Hungarians dropped the lette4 "b" . It was DANU! DUH!
When we ask for distances and directions, we find ourselves often more confused than had we kept our mouths shut and figured it out ourselves. A "5 minutes walk"..."only about 35 meters", and such answers are enough to get you started so you can ask the next person who you think speaks English. They, of course, have different directions. Eventually, that 5 minute walk only took 35 and that 35 meter distance was more like 200. But there it was...the Danu. You can't hide the Danu!
We stopped at a Hop On Hop Off office and bought a 3 day pass which included a nighttime boat ride. At the appointed time we crossed over and waited in line to board the sightseeing boat. The night lights lit up the statues, buildings, bridges and everything! Budapest is gorgeous at night!
HEADING FOR BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
We docked in Copenhagen about 0600, went upstairs for a liesurely breakfast before grabbing our luggage and heading for a taxi. It was hard leaving the loving arms of the Princess after being pampered the past 11 days.
A taxi ride to the airport hot us there 4 or 5 hours sooner than writing needed to be but it worked out for the best. Getting through Security was time consuming, to say the least. They were unusually slow and the lines were the longest I have ever seen! No worries! We were never anxious as we had plenty of time.
The 90 minute plane ride to Budapest went well. We hot a taxi how our Urania Apartments. We buzzed for entry but there was no answer. We fumbled around trying to get some help until a tenant came up with he5 pizza and she helped us. She knew the cleaning lady! The cleaning lady cane down and brought her friend who spoke English. They were surprised we were there to claim our apartment. Besides, she had not cleaned it yet! After showing her our paperwork that, yes, this was the correct date and time and address and,my essay, it was paid for in advance, that, no, the owner from whom we rented this unit was currently in America! But no problem, we don't need to telephone the owner . She needed us to wait 3 hours to clean...like we had a choice. We, apparently, caught her off guard. Like we say back home..."When the cat's away, the mice will play".
We docked in Copenhagen about 0600, went upstairs for a liesurely breakfast before grabbing our luggage and heading for a taxi. It was hard leaving the loving arms of the Princess after being pampered the past 11 days.
A taxi ride to the airport hot us there 4 or 5 hours sooner than writing needed to be but it worked out for the best. Getting through Security was time consuming, to say the least. They were unusually slow and the lines were the longest I have ever seen! No worries! We were never anxious as we had plenty of time.
The 90 minute plane ride to Budapest went well. We hot a taxi how our Urania Apartments. We buzzed for entry but there was no answer. We fumbled around trying to get some help until a tenant came up with he5 pizza and she helped us. She knew the cleaning lady! The cleaning lady cane down and brought her friend who spoke English. They were surprised we were there to claim our apartment. Besides, she had not cleaned it yet! After showing her our paperwork that, yes, this was the correct date and time and address and,my essay, it was paid for in advance, that, no, the owner from whom we rented this unit was currently in America! But no problem, we don't need to telephone the owner . She needed us to wait 3 hours to clean...like we had a choice. We, apparently, caught her off guard. Like we say back home..."When the cat's away, the mice will play".
SAD TIMES, FINLAND
We were tired tourists and tired of touring as our bus dropped us off. After going through Russian Emmigration, presenting our Passports for the last time and being scrutinized by a staunch-faced officer, we boarded our ship and were soon sailing out of Port on our way to Helsinki, Finland.
Somehow, Debby, Ron and Nancy ditched me for dinner so I headed up to deck 16, The Lido to have dinner from the sprawling aisles of cafeteria style food. There is much to eat up here. You name it, it's probably served on the Princess. I had steak, sautΓ©ed mushrooms, shrimp, salmon and onion rings, among other things.
For this cruise, we purchased one interior stateroom and one stateroom with a balcony. Ron and Nancy were staying in the balcony unit until the day before we reached St Petersburg, when we exchanged rooms.
During the night last night, the Westerly winds came up to around 40 knots, creating white caps and rough seas.
We were scheduled to dock in Helsinki about 0700. At about 0600 the Skipper came on the loud speakers in our cabins that he had some bad news. In light of the high winds creating unsafe conditions, he must totally by-pass Finland, citing safety of passengers, ship and crew. Instead, he would cut our speed in half and steam towards Sweden, spending today at sea and dock at Sweden, on schedule, early tomorrow morning. The forecast of the winds dying down tonight will allow safe docking tomorrow.
Finland has always intrigued me. I don't know why, but I have always longed to visit Finland....since the 1960's. I thought for sure this would be my time! Sad times! I need a hug.
There is much to do aboard ship besides eat all day on the Lido. We roamed about for a while before napping in our staterooms, waiting on dinner! We are SO predictable!
We were tired tourists and tired of touring as our bus dropped us off. After going through Russian Emmigration, presenting our Passports for the last time and being scrutinized by a staunch-faced officer, we boarded our ship and were soon sailing out of Port on our way to Helsinki, Finland.
Somehow, Debby, Ron and Nancy ditched me for dinner so I headed up to deck 16, The Lido to have dinner from the sprawling aisles of cafeteria style food. There is much to eat up here. You name it, it's probably served on the Princess. I had steak, sautΓ©ed mushrooms, shrimp, salmon and onion rings, among other things.
For this cruise, we purchased one interior stateroom and one stateroom with a balcony. Ron and Nancy were staying in the balcony unit until the day before we reached St Petersburg, when we exchanged rooms.
During the night last night, the Westerly winds came up to around 40 knots, creating white caps and rough seas.
We were scheduled to dock in Helsinki about 0700. At about 0600 the Skipper came on the loud speakers in our cabins that he had some bad news. In light of the high winds creating unsafe conditions, he must totally by-pass Finland, citing safety of passengers, ship and crew. Instead, he would cut our speed in half and steam towards Sweden, spending today at sea and dock at Sweden, on schedule, early tomorrow morning. The forecast of the winds dying down tonight will allow safe docking tomorrow.
Finland has always intrigued me. I don't know why, but I have always longed to visit Finland....since the 1960's. I thought for sure this would be my time! Sad times! I need a hug.
There is much to do aboard ship besides eat all day on the Lido. We roamed about for a while before napping in our staterooms, waiting on dinner! We are SO predictable!
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Being here in Russia is an awesome experience for me. Back in "the day" visiting any communist country was not possible. And of all those countries, Russia was the most impossible. I suppose that was because Russia was the heart of communism. But now, as tensions between us and them have eased off a bit, we have entered into a new relational Era...not to mention I am no longer attached to the military...more than 45 years now.
St Petersburg is a city rich in history, where Czars ruled with an iron fist and built palaces and monuments for themselves with no expense speared. There are more palaces than a person would be able to fully see in a lifetime. Huge rooms decorated with rare paintings, gold, jewels and precious stones, exquisite woodworking on walls and floors, enormous solid marble columns weighing several tons and decorations enough in almost every room to make your jaw drop. Much of this vast fortune was mined from Russia's Ural Mountains. Much if the early history was about Peter The Great and Catherine The Great.
We spent two days touring a portion of these famous palaces and churches that literally dripped with gold. Anna, our tour guide, a short, gray haired Russian lady, a citizen of St Petersburg, was an encyclopedia of knowledge. I have never known a fellow codger with so much knowledge. She talked for two days, almost non-stop, spouting names, dates, background and bits of information that gave one full insight into Russian history. She said she has been leading tours for 25 years. Before that she taught Art in school.
Anna knew a lot about Catherine the Great. Paintings of her showed she was a plain looking woman, very short in stature and built like a Dirrigable. Little is known of her many husbands...Anna thought maybe 23. It seems as if she could only tolerate one for about a year (or in some cases, the other way around, I presume). As she was in power for 23 years, her husbands could have numbered that many. Whenever she grew tired of one, he would soon find himself banished to Siberia, never to return, although she was kind enough to set him up with a bag full of money. So she did have a good heart...well, part of it anyway.
Anna said that because she was short like Catherine the Great, we could call her, Anna the Great! Makes sense!
Two days of Anna's lectures of Russian History, of identifying every building along every street we went, how the streets got the it names and everything we saw that Peter the Great designed or built from canals, roads and buildings to ships.
We are Palaced out of our minds!!!
Being here in Russia is an awesome experience for me. Back in "the day" visiting any communist country was not possible. And of all those countries, Russia was the most impossible. I suppose that was because Russia was the heart of communism. But now, as tensions between us and them have eased off a bit, we have entered into a new relational Era...not to mention I am no longer attached to the military...more than 45 years now.
St Petersburg is a city rich in history, where Czars ruled with an iron fist and built palaces and monuments for themselves with no expense speared. There are more palaces than a person would be able to fully see in a lifetime. Huge rooms decorated with rare paintings, gold, jewels and precious stones, exquisite woodworking on walls and floors, enormous solid marble columns weighing several tons and decorations enough in almost every room to make your jaw drop. Much of this vast fortune was mined from Russia's Ural Mountains. Much if the early history was about Peter The Great and Catherine The Great.
We spent two days touring a portion of these famous palaces and churches that literally dripped with gold. Anna, our tour guide, a short, gray haired Russian lady, a citizen of St Petersburg, was an encyclopedia of knowledge. I have never known a fellow codger with so much knowledge. She talked for two days, almost non-stop, spouting names, dates, background and bits of information that gave one full insight into Russian history. She said she has been leading tours for 25 years. Before that she taught Art in school.
Anna knew a lot about Catherine the Great. Paintings of her showed she was a plain looking woman, very short in stature and built like a Dirrigable. Little is known of her many husbands...Anna thought maybe 23. It seems as if she could only tolerate one for about a year (or in some cases, the other way around, I presume). As she was in power for 23 years, her husbands could have numbered that many. Whenever she grew tired of one, he would soon find himself banished to Siberia, never to return, although she was kind enough to set him up with a bag full of money. So she did have a good heart...well, part of it anyway.
Anna said that because she was short like Catherine the Great, we could call her, Anna the Great! Makes sense!
Two days of Anna's lectures of Russian History, of identifying every building along every street we went, how the streets got the it names and everything we saw that Peter the Great designed or built from canals, roads and buildings to ships.
We are Palaced out of our minds!!!
Tallinn is a beautiful city with both a modeen piece ....
Just across the bay from Finland.
Caught a bus to Olde Towne.
Still a piece of the old walked city remains.
Some buildings date back to tgev the century.
Enjoyed a free, two hour walking tour of the city. Our guide was a bubbly young lady of Estonian birth. She was j7ss personality, spoke very good English and her knowledge of Estonian history, architecture and government info was a 10.
Wifi was nice to have. Thank you, McDonald's for being predictable! We were able to touch base with social media. Still trying unsuccessfully to post to Blogger! Not cool!!
We picked up a couple of small souvineers. We found several larger things we would love to have but considering the fact we're going to be traveling for another 6 or 7 weeks, we need to restrain ourselves!
The Mushroom soup we had at a local pub and grub, decorated oin a 16th century peasant flare with cute young ladies and big ugly guys dressed in colorful Estonian garb, was excellent! We would love to have had a few of those unusual soup bowls back home but no can do! Too likely of breakage!
The Estonians were friendly and easy to talk to. The shops were well kept and and goods seemed reasonably priced. Although we seldom buy much, the experience was pleasant; no pushy salesmen.
We were on the ship that evening and shoved off about 11:00. The next day and night we were at sea. It is amazing how smooth the Baltic Sea is. I'm good with that! Not much visual sea lifevwxcept a few birds and some Jellyfish.
Heading for Saint Petersburg tonight. We will be doing all day excursions for the next two days. We've neve4 been to Russia. Exciting!
Just across the bay from Finland.
Caught a bus to Olde Towne.
Still a piece of the old walked city remains.
Some buildings date back to tgev the century.
Enjoyed a free, two hour walking tour of the city. Our guide was a bubbly young lady of Estonian birth. She was j7ss personality, spoke very good English and her knowledge of Estonian history, architecture and government info was a 10.
Wifi was nice to have. Thank you, McDonald's for being predictable! We were able to touch base with social media. Still trying unsuccessfully to post to Blogger! Not cool!!
We picked up a couple of small souvineers. We found several larger things we would love to have but considering the fact we're going to be traveling for another 6 or 7 weeks, we need to restrain ourselves!
The Mushroom soup we had at a local pub and grub, decorated oin a 16th century peasant flare with cute young ladies and big ugly guys dressed in colorful Estonian garb, was excellent! We would love to have had a few of those unusual soup bowls back home but no can do! Too likely of breakage!
The Estonians were friendly and easy to talk to. The shops were well kept and and goods seemed reasonably priced. Although we seldom buy much, the experience was pleasant; no pushy salesmen.
We were on the ship that evening and shoved off about 11:00. The next day and night we were at sea. It is amazing how smooth the Baltic Sea is. I'm good with that! Not much visual sea lifevwxcept a few birds and some Jellyfish.
Heading for Saint Petersburg tonight. We will be doing all day excursions for the next two days. We've neve4 been to Russia. Exciting!
WARNEMUNDE, GERMANY
This is a resort town where one can find vacationers from all across Germany coming to this seaport town go park their RV's, rent condos, hotels or camping spots. This is a very clean looking town with many shops, cafes and souvineers.
We left our ship and walked along the dock and sidewalks into the city. We soon found ourselves admiring a bakery showcase full of pastry goodies. In spite of the giant Fly crawling around inside on top of the sugar coated/glazed pasteries, we partook and chased it down with stout coffee. We also enjoyed their slow, but free, WIFI for a few minutes to catch up on email and dabble in social media.
We walked around and browsed a few shops and surveyed a tall tower that one could climb for two Euros, while Nancy and Debby frantically searched for Euro change so they could use the pay-before-you-go toilet.
We walked out onto a boardwalk towards the beach. A man was busy sweeping the sand off the walkway, a seemingly endless job. Debby and Nancy opted to go out a ways and sit on the sand and look out across a sea of empty beach chairs at the Baltic. I watched Nancy rearrange a place in the sand to comfortably fit her, before I walked back out towards the shops to see an arrangement of flags. Ron came with me.
I must say that I am partial to the beaches in Oregon. We have some of the most gorgeous stretches of beach that rivals none other. There is no privatizing our beaches like in Europe. So you will not find roped off areas of oceanfront sand filled with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. Yea! for us!!
The walk back along the canal was bustling with people! Apparently many tourists on holiday slept in as long as possible. Many of our cruise passengers took the 3-hour train ride to Berlin and spent 4 or 5 hours seeing the sights. We chose to not do that because we spent 4 or 5 days there just 4 years ago.
AND...on this day in WARNEMUNDE in 1964, nothing happened. Same as today. π€
This is a resort town where one can find vacationers from all across Germany coming to this seaport town go park their RV's, rent condos, hotels or camping spots. This is a very clean looking town with many shops, cafes and souvineers.
We left our ship and walked along the dock and sidewalks into the city. We soon found ourselves admiring a bakery showcase full of pastry goodies. In spite of the giant Fly crawling around inside on top of the sugar coated/glazed pasteries, we partook and chased it down with stout coffee. We also enjoyed their slow, but free, WIFI for a few minutes to catch up on email and dabble in social media.
We walked around and browsed a few shops and surveyed a tall tower that one could climb for two Euros, while Nancy and Debby frantically searched for Euro change so they could use the pay-before-you-go toilet.
We walked out onto a boardwalk towards the beach. A man was busy sweeping the sand off the walkway, a seemingly endless job. Debby and Nancy opted to go out a ways and sit on the sand and look out across a sea of empty beach chairs at the Baltic. I watched Nancy rearrange a place in the sand to comfortably fit her, before I walked back out towards the shops to see an arrangement of flags. Ron came with me.
I must say that I am partial to the beaches in Oregon. We have some of the most gorgeous stretches of beach that rivals none other. There is no privatizing our beaches like in Europe. So you will not find roped off areas of oceanfront sand filled with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. Yea! for us!!
The walk back along the canal was bustling with people! Apparently many tourists on holiday slept in as long as possible. Many of our cruise passengers took the 3-hour train ride to Berlin and spent 4 or 5 hours seeing the sights. We chose to not do that because we spent 4 or 5 days there just 4 years ago.
AND...on this day in WARNEMUNDE in 1964, nothing happened. Same as today. π€
Leaving Oslo, late evening, we sailed towards Germany. Day 3 was spent at sea doing various activities aboard ship. I was up just after 0500, having food and coffee from my window seat, watching the sun come up. Debby soon joined me on deck for the sunrise. Ron and Nancy slept in for a few more hours.
The day at sea was relaxing. I had great massage in the Spa. Our evening dinner was a "dress up" occasion enjoying fine dining and great food. Afterwards we grabbed some blankets and lounged on deck to watch STAR WARS on the big screen.
Still at sea throughout the night, we finally docked at the resort town of Warnemunde, Germany about 0700. I was on deck having coffee and making sure the Captain parked this rig okay. Not needing my help, I returned to our Stateroom for a dry roll and more coffee.
There would be an excursion train taking many b of our passengers to Berlin, a 6 hour round trip event. We opted to not go to Berlin, as we spent 4 days there a few years ago. Instead, we would explore Warnemunde today.
The day at sea was relaxing. I had great massage in the Spa. Our evening dinner was a "dress up" occasion enjoying fine dining and great food. Afterwards we grabbed some blankets and lounged on deck to watch STAR WARS on the big screen.
Still at sea throughout the night, we finally docked at the resort town of Warnemunde, Germany about 0700. I was on deck having coffee and making sure the Captain parked this rig okay. Not needing my help, I returned to our Stateroom for a dry roll and more coffee.
There would be an excursion train taking many b of our passengers to Berlin, a 6 hour round trip event. We opted to not go to Berlin, as we spent 4 days there a few years ago. Instead, we would explore Warnemunde today.
OSLO, NORWAY
We boarded the Princess yesterday afternoon and pulled away from Copenhagen about 6:30 PM. We docked in Oslo, Norway about 10:30 AM after traveling all night.. unfortunately the cruise ship The Queen Mary got here first, taking the best docking station.
We disembarked and made our price way to the Hop On zhop Off city sightseeing Bus. We rode the bus the complete circuit times two.
Oslo is a modern city with people who look and smell much like us. There were many people out and about, filling the parks and checking g out the events around town. There were also two other cruise ships in port.
The Viking Museum was fun to see. It housed old rowing boats, carts, sleighs and many other articles once used by the Vikings.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park sported 212 bronze and marble sculptures that depicts the nakedness of man and shown as being active in various events and family life. This was the work of one sculpted: 212 sculptures over a 20-year period of time. Quite unique, this is the largest collection of sculptures by one man, in the world.
There was some kind of PokΓ©mon Go event going on inside the park. Dozens, if not hundreds, of kids (and a few adults) were looking for PokΓ©mon's. It was a screeming frenzy of excited children running from one place to another.....much like what's happening with my grandkids! The same was happening in Copenhagen. I guess kids are much alike no matter where they are living!
It was nearly 11:00 PM when we disembarked and left Norway.
We boarded the Princess yesterday afternoon and pulled away from Copenhagen about 6:30 PM. We docked in Oslo, Norway about 10:30 AM after traveling all night.. unfortunately the cruise ship The Queen Mary got here first, taking the best docking station.
We disembarked and made our price way to the Hop On zhop Off city sightseeing Bus. We rode the bus the complete circuit times two.
Oslo is a modern city with people who look and smell much like us. There were many people out and about, filling the parks and checking g out the events around town. There were also two other cruise ships in port.
The Viking Museum was fun to see. It housed old rowing boats, carts, sleighs and many other articles once used by the Vikings.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park sported 212 bronze and marble sculptures that depicts the nakedness of man and shown as being active in various events and family life. This was the work of one sculpted: 212 sculptures over a 20-year period of time. Quite unique, this is the largest collection of sculptures by one man, in the world.
There was some kind of PokΓ©mon Go event going on inside the park. Dozens, if not hundreds, of kids (and a few adults) were looking for PokΓ©mon's. It was a screeming frenzy of excited children running from one place to another.....much like what's happening with my grandkids! The same was happening in Copenhagen. I guess kids are much alike no matter where they are living!
It was nearly 11:00 PM when we disembarked and left Norway.
Our first full day in Copenhagen was frought with trying to figure out how to use the kiosks to get train tickets, reading non-scaled maps for determining walking distances, and understanding the language, tho many English speaking Danish-kins are eager to help. (Is "Danish-kins" even a word?) We started our morning with a visit to a local bakery inside the huge next door mall and a sit down coffee inside Starbucks.
Ron and I quickly grasped the monetary exchange rates but the girls had difficulty with the math. One Danish Krone equals 15 cents....or 7 to 1...pretty easy. But things are expensive enough. A burger at Burger King runs about $12. Gasoline is about $7/gallon. A sit down meal costs above $20 (for even a beef burger and fries!).
We thoroughly enjoyed the canal ride and open air water taxi, hop on/hop off and seeing the city from gorgeously blue water. Nudism is quite acceptable here, which created a few embarrassing moments for those of us not accustomed to seeing that. Even nude sunbathers at water taxi stops did not appear concerned with boat loads of tourists with cameras! This was one of those times when this half blind codger's eye condition came in handy! Ha Ha! Some of that stuff you DON'T WANT TO SEE!! π π
Tivoli Gardens has vastly improved since my first trip to Copenhagen in May of 1968, but that was 48 years ago! Hard to believe it's been that long! But it's every bit as beautiful as I remember...and more. It's certainly moderniΕΊed with more exotic rides, restaurants. The entertainment is much the same. In fact, the Pantomime Theatre still has the same act that it has always had since it opened! Makes me want to go home and dig out my old Kodachrome slides and check it out!
We came in late because we enjoyed the night lights of Tivoli so much. We did leave just before the Laser Light show at 10:45 as we didn't want to fight hordes of people for a taxi!
Today we are taking the train and Bus 86 to see the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's iconic statue. But first, a sweet roll and Starbucks was more important.
Later, as we stood looking down at the Little Mermaid, I struck up a conversation with a lady who seemed very knowledgeable and interesting to talk to. She was a codger, like me.
Ron and I quickly grasped the monetary exchange rates but the girls had difficulty with the math. One Danish Krone equals 15 cents....or 7 to 1...pretty easy. But things are expensive enough. A burger at Burger King runs about $12. Gasoline is about $7/gallon. A sit down meal costs above $20 (for even a beef burger and fries!).
We thoroughly enjoyed the canal ride and open air water taxi, hop on/hop off and seeing the city from gorgeously blue water. Nudism is quite acceptable here, which created a few embarrassing moments for those of us not accustomed to seeing that. Even nude sunbathers at water taxi stops did not appear concerned with boat loads of tourists with cameras! This was one of those times when this half blind codger's eye condition came in handy! Ha Ha! Some of that stuff you DON'T WANT TO SEE!! π π
Tivoli Gardens has vastly improved since my first trip to Copenhagen in May of 1968, but that was 48 years ago! Hard to believe it's been that long! But it's every bit as beautiful as I remember...and more. It's certainly moderniΕΊed with more exotic rides, restaurants. The entertainment is much the same. In fact, the Pantomime Theatre still has the same act that it has always had since it opened! Makes me want to go home and dig out my old Kodachrome slides and check it out!
We came in late because we enjoyed the night lights of Tivoli so much. We did leave just before the Laser Light show at 10:45 as we didn't want to fight hordes of people for a taxi!
Today we are taking the train and Bus 86 to see the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's iconic statue. But first, a sweet roll and Starbucks was more important.
Later, as we stood looking down at the Little Mermaid, I struck up a conversation with a lady who seemed very knowledgeable and interesting to talk to. She was a codger, like me.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Copenhagen or Bust
You might not think that an overnight plane ride to NYC with a short stop in Boston, then making connections for an International flight out of Newark could rack up over 6500 steps, but it certainly did! Stalking planes, trains, trams all day to get us to our final flight out of the U.S. of A. made for a long, hard day!
We had time to make a stop in Manhatten to have lunch with our beautiful Niece, Andrea Williams, inside Penn Station. Priceless!
Catching a train over to Newark took us inside the air terminal for International flights. We soon met up with our good friends, Ron and Nancy Pinkerton, from NW Arkansas. They have been life-long friends for many years. We love traveling with them and have had many adventures together. Although they are younger, you wouldn't know it by looking. π
We made it through Security without a hitch or a glitch... somewhat out of the ordinary for us! Only thing was that my perfectly packed carry-on entered the ominous scanner but never exited. The conveyor belt continued to convey but wouldn't spit out my bag. It seems as if ATF or FBI, TSA or whoever, pulled it wanting to explore it's contents and swipe it for explosives residue. I guess that's what an electronics loving half blind guy gets for hauling in charging cords, transformers, adaptors, two flashlights and a box of batteries.
Lufthansa was running late and we feared connecting with our next leg out of Munich to Copenhagen, as there was only a 20-minute window to change planes. Good thing the pilot put the pedal to the metal! We shall see. We did land on time. Our connecting gate however, was a MILE POINT 2 away from where we landed...not to mention a Passport security checkpoint in between! There were still a few people in the boarding line as we panted from our 35 minute workout, resulting in much heavy breathing through the turnstile. The kids I'm traveling with were worn out!
We managed to actually find our way to our hotel in Copenhagen. Our reservations were a little messed up and and we ended up in a dormatory style hotel room. Our tiny room has .... get this.....BUNK BEDS! (NTS: Use caution when making online reservations....even at $120 a night). ππ But now, a hot shower, clean up and a quick nap before dinner.
Dinner was good. About a half block away is a HUGE indoor, multilevel shopping mall, with a very large food court, sporting restaurants and several American food places like KFC, Burger King and others. But no Cracker Barrel or Chic FIL A or anything really good like that.
Back to the Cabinn Metro Hotel to crash and burn. After 16 hours of traveling through two nights and 6 or 7 time zones, we are ready to hibernate
.....even on bunk beds!
Mike
You might not think that an overnight plane ride to NYC with a short stop in Boston, then making connections for an International flight out of Newark could rack up over 6500 steps, but it certainly did! Stalking planes, trains, trams all day to get us to our final flight out of the U.S. of A. made for a long, hard day!
We had time to make a stop in Manhatten to have lunch with our beautiful Niece, Andrea Williams, inside Penn Station. Priceless!
Catching a train over to Newark took us inside the air terminal for International flights. We soon met up with our good friends, Ron and Nancy Pinkerton, from NW Arkansas. They have been life-long friends for many years. We love traveling with them and have had many adventures together. Although they are younger, you wouldn't know it by looking. π
We made it through Security without a hitch or a glitch... somewhat out of the ordinary for us! Only thing was that my perfectly packed carry-on entered the ominous scanner but never exited. The conveyor belt continued to convey but wouldn't spit out my bag. It seems as if ATF or FBI, TSA or whoever, pulled it wanting to explore it's contents and swipe it for explosives residue. I guess that's what an electronics loving half blind guy gets for hauling in charging cords, transformers, adaptors, two flashlights and a box of batteries.
Lufthansa was running late and we feared connecting with our next leg out of Munich to Copenhagen, as there was only a 20-minute window to change planes. Good thing the pilot put the pedal to the metal! We shall see. We did land on time. Our connecting gate however, was a MILE POINT 2 away from where we landed...not to mention a Passport security checkpoint in between! There were still a few people in the boarding line as we panted from our 35 minute workout, resulting in much heavy breathing through the turnstile. The kids I'm traveling with were worn out!
We managed to actually find our way to our hotel in Copenhagen. Our reservations were a little messed up and and we ended up in a dormatory style hotel room. Our tiny room has .... get this.....BUNK BEDS! (NTS: Use caution when making online reservations....even at $120 a night). ππ But now, a hot shower, clean up and a quick nap before dinner.
Dinner was good. About a half block away is a HUGE indoor, multilevel shopping mall, with a very large food court, sporting restaurants and several American food places like KFC, Burger King and others. But no Cracker Barrel or Chic FIL A or anything really good like that.
Back to the Cabinn Metro Hotel to crash and burn. After 16 hours of traveling through two nights and 6 or 7 time zones, we are ready to hibernate
.....even on bunk beds!
Mike
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