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 |   I have posted my response to MHWA Mental Health Challenge and other items to this journal. |
August 14-20, 2016 "August Backpacing Across Europe/Hostels: August 7-13"  August 14th "Backpacking Europe: Day 14" http://www.altstadt.at/en/ One of Austria's famous Design Hotels. Vienna is the capital of Austria, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists. http://www.austria.info/uk/where-to-go/cities/vienna Vienna Love and Desire in Vienna Stories about love and desire in Vienna are a universally intriguing and almost inexhaustible topic. Viennese have partaken in the pleasures of the flesh for centuries. The so-called “Hübschlerinnen” (prostitutes) of the Middle Ages and the courtesans of the famous Graben street of the baroque era were part of the Viennese way of life and love. This entertaining tour will give you insight into life inside those private dining rooms, and you will hear anecdotes about flirtatious encounters, but also about true love at the royal court. www.guides-in-vienna.at http://www.eisenstadt-tourismus.at/ Central Cemetery In 1874 Viennese citizen Jakob Zelzer was the first to be buried in the newly-opened Central Cemetery. Today this resting place with more than 3 million graves is the largest in Europe. Besides countless ordinary citizens, the cemetery has the largest number of celebrity graves. Musicians such as Beethoven, Schubert, Johann Strauss or Falco; actors such as Hans Moser, Theo Lingen or Curd Jürgens; painters, architects and sculptors and other luminaries are interred here next to Presidents of the Republic and mayors of the city. www.guides-in-vienna.at Dinner is at 7:00pm at Die Metzgerei https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g190454-d6691633-Reviews-Die_Metzg... Tell us about the music you heard in the cemetery, did you let it carry you to a haunted place or did you decide to crank some of your own and rattle the dead. "Backpacking Europe: Day 15" August 15thHistorical Costume Walking Tour Salzburg in the year 1765: The historical costume walking tour leads you through the Salzburg of Mozart with its varied aspects of music, dance, culinary art and entertainment at the Archbishop's court. www.saltomusicale.at http://www.saltomusicale.at/index.php?lang=en Eisenstadt Woman-Power in Eisenstadt Pursue the paths of the well-known women of Eisenstadt. In the Jewish district, you’ll hear the exciting story of Franziska Wolf and Ottilie Laschober. In the Haydn house, you’ll enjoy listening to anecdotes about Mrs. Haydn and her social circle. You'll also get an insight into the power of the noble ladies at Esterházy Palace. www.eisenstadt-tourismus.at Dinner is at 6pm at Mini https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g190454-d3485308-Reviews-Mini-Vien... Salzburg after Dark Get to know the secrets of Salzburg after Dark. On this guided walk you will hear chilling stories that took place hundreds of years ago and find out why we only get scared in the dark. www.tourguide-salzburg.com https://www.viator.com/salzburg-tours/d451-ttd?pref=02 Scare us too! "Backpacking Europe: Day 16" 4 hour train trip to Prague... breakfast on train We're staying in a hostel in the downtown area which you will have the opportunity to explore on your own or do the 3.5 hour tour. http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hostel-DownTown/Prague/21097 Get the most from one day in Prague with this 3.5-hour coach and walking tour of the Czech capital. With an experienced guide to explain the sights, ride a comfortable coach past landmarks such as Wenceslas Square, the State Opera and more. Stop at Prague Castle and stroll around its highlights such as St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane; and walk to the Old Town to admire the Old Town Square with its Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Ideal for first-time visitors or anyone short on time in the city. Highlights 3.5-hour sightseeing tour of Prague See top Prague attractions including the State Opera, National Museum, Charles Bridge and more Walk around Prague Castle's courtyards and explore the Old Town Choice of morning and afternoon tours Commentary in English and German Read more about Prague in One Day Sightseeing Tour - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Prague-in-One-Day-Sightseeing-Tour/d462-2190... Dine in style and admire the floodlit beauty of Prague on this 3-hour luxury cruise along the Vltava River. Step aboard a beautiful, small boat and glide by Prague’s landmarks as you savor a gourmet 3-course dinner accompanied by a half-bottle of wine and lilting, live piano music. Ogle floodlit Prague Castle, cruise under the Charles Bridge, and absorb magical views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the small boat, and if you wish, upgrade to dine in the bow area for the best, panoramic views. Highlights 3-hour luxury dinner and sightseeing intimate cruise on the Vltava River Savor a 3-course dinner and enjoy live piano music as you sail Experience magical views over Prague’s top attractions, all beautifully floodlit by night Glide past Prague Castle, the statue-lined Charles Bridge and other major landmarks Enjoy a complimentary aperitif and a half-bottle of wine with your meal Choose from an excellent drinks selection at the on-bo ard bar (own expense) Upgrade to dine in the boat’s bow area with panoramic views Read more about Prague Luxury Dinner Cruise on Vltava River - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Prague-Luxury-Dinner-Cruise-on-Vltava-River/... I've upgraded us for this evening's adventure. What part of today's adventure interested you the most? "Backpacking Europe: Day 17" August 17th PragueChoices are yours today, I'm offering options for you. Explore one of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful fortress-palaces on this 4-hour trip to Konopiste Castle from Prague. Travel through central Bohemia by coach and tour the chateau-like building, used as a private residence by Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1917 led to World War I. Discover how the original 13th-century fortress was rebuilt several times; admire the collections of weaponry, tapestries and art; learn about the lives of the Archduke and his family, and finish with a stroll around the glorious, statue-dotted gardens. Highlights Visit the beautiful Konopiste Castle on a half-day trip from Prague Discover the castle’s history and rich artistic heritage with your professional guide Walk through the romantic garden area and see the beautiful rose garden Travel in a comfortable coach and enjoy Bohemia's picturesque landscape Read more about Konopiste Castle Half-Day Trip from Prague - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Konopiste-Castle-Half-Day-Trip-from-Prague/d... History Buffs Take a humbling lesson in the horrors of World War II on this day trip to Terezin from Prague by rail. Traveling with a professional guide, follow part of a rail line used to transport Jewish prisoners to the former Nazi deportation camp, a converted 18th-century fortress where many thousands died at the hands of the Nazis. Tour the barracks and compound of the Main Fortress; visit the museum, cemetery and columbarium; and learn how the Nazis presented the camp as a lively Jewish community to dupe official Red Cross observers. Highlights Day trip to Terezin concentration camp by rail from Prague, with a guide Tour the haunting Main Fortress camp, where thousands of Jewish people were held during WWII Travel on the same train tracks used to transport prisoners to Terezin from Prague Explore the museum and see the former barracks, cells and SS offices Visit the poignant Jewish cemetery, crematorium and columbarium Learn how the Nazis presented Terezin as a thriving community to WWII Red Cross monitors Stop at Bohušovice rail station from where many Jews were taken on to Terezin Read more about Terezin Concentration Camp Day Trip from Prague by Train - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Terezin-Concentration-Camp-Day-Trip-from-Pra... Take your taste buds on a journey around some of Prague’s best drinking haunts on this 5-hour evening Prague beer tour. With a local guide, visit five iconic bars and pubs, including a microbrewery, as you learn about Prague’s long-held passion for beer. Head into the trendy Žižkov district and Prague Old Town and team your tastings with classic Czech ‘tapas’ such as hearty pork chili and pickled sausage. Get insider tips on the top brews to try, and hear fascinating stories about Czech culture from your knowledgeable guide. Highlights 5-hour Prague evening beer tour Enjoy Prague’s thriving bar scene as you explore the city by foot and metro Taste different beer styles from highly acclaimed Czech microbreweries Try a variety of favorite local brews paired with typical Czech beer snacks Hear stories about Prague’s culture and history from your guide Read more about Prague Beer and Czech Tapas Evening Walking Tour - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Prague-Beer-and-Czech-Tapas-Evening-Walking-... We're leaving at one am and doing the last sleeping passenger train out of Prague. We'll be on the train for 5 hours, we'll have time to crash once we arrive if you need more sleep, swim or hit the Catwalk Fashion Bar. August 18, 2016 Berlin "Backpacking Europe: Day 18" We'll staying at the Marriott. Potsdamer Platz location in Berlin, Germany's city centre. Our 370 guest rooms and 9 deluxe suites are each outfitted with in-room entertainment, stone bathrooms with walk-in showers, and fashionable decor. No matter your reason for visiting Berlin, we can help you feel at home with quality amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor pool. Dine-in and enjoy delicious steak and seafood from our Midtown Grill, or savor a specialty cocktail from our trendy CATWALK fashion bar. Our well-situated hotel places you near many of Berlin's most notable attractions, including Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bermc-berlin-marriott-hotel/ After lunch at the hotel, we'll be going on another Segway tour Experience Berlin like never before on this guided, educational and entertaining, 3-hour small-group Segway tour. Berlin is Germany’s capital and cultural centerpiece. Cruise to all its main sites — like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island, Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt and many more — stopping frequently to hear fascinating stories, take pictures and discuss Berlin’s history. Guided Segway training, plus a helmet and poncho (in case of inclement weather) are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes. Highlights Segway tour of Berlin See more of the city than you would on a walking tour Cruise by major attractions like the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate Read more about Berlin Segway Tour - Berlin | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Berlin-Segway-Tour/d488-3933BERSEGWAY?pub=vc... We're skipping the line for this once in a lifetime experience by celebrating our visit to Berlin with a sky-high meal in the clouds during this VIP dinner 679 feet (207 meters) above the city in the revolving restaurant of the Berlin TV Tower. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the tallest building in Berlin, sitting down for a VIP dinner at Sphere, the revolving eatery located at the tower’s apex. Savor a delicious 2-course dinner at a guaranteed window-seat table, accompanied by three wines and soak up the incredible vistas of nearby Berlin landmarks like Charlottenburg Palace and Checkpoint Charlie. Highlights Skip-the-line VIP dinner atop the famous Berlin TV Tower Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at the top of the highest building in Berlin Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to Sphere, a revolving restaurant at a soaring 679 feet Dine in the elegant atmosphere and admire incredible 360-degree views of Berlin from your table Choose from four dif ferent dinner menus to suit your taste and savor three glasses of wine. Read more about Skip the Line: Dinner Atop the Berlin TV Tower - Berlin | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Skip-the-Line-Dinner-atop-the-Berlin-TV-Towe... Did you check in with your fellow backpackers lately? How are they doing with all this traveling? "Backpacking Europe: Day 19" August 19th Berlin We'll meet up at 8 am for our adventure in Dresden Absorb the wealth of culture and elegant architecture found in Dresden, longstanding hub of German arts, during this 10-hour day trip from Berlin. Begin with a guided tour of the city center on foot, learning about its history as you explore the Zwinger palace, Semperoper (Semper Opera) and Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady). Then spend the afternoon independently, wandering through the city’s lush parks, baroque architecture or lovely riverbanks along the Elbe, offering skyline views. This Berlin to Dresden visit also includes transport by air-conditioned coach. Highlights Full-day trip to Dresden from Berlin Take a guided walking tour of Dresden and learn about the city’s fascinating history See top Dresden attractions, such as the Semperoper, the Frauenkirche and the Zwinger Stroll along the river Elbe and enjoy beautiful views of the city Enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure Transport by comfortable, modern, air-conditioned minivan Dinner is at 7:30pm Spend a night out at one of the most famous sites in Berlin with “An Evening at Charlottenburg Palace,” a dinner and concert experience with the Berlin Residence Orchestra, plus a tour of the palace. Enjoy a 3-course candlelight dinner in the Palace Orangery. Then take in the classical sounds of the Berlin Residence Orchestra, performing selections from Bach, Handel, Mozart and more. Choose from four ticket categories. At intermission, VIP seat holders receive a glass of champagne. This event regularly sells out weeks in advance, so book early. Highlights Berlin Residence Orchestra concert at Charlottenburg Palace Panoramic view of Berlin's main highlights as Bellevue Palace, the Government, District and the Reichstag 3-course dinner before the concert at Charlottenburg Palace Orangery Enjoy a self-guided tour of the palace, the largest in Berlin Listen to renowned Berlin musicians playing Bach, Mozart and more. Read more about 'An Evening at Charlottenburg Palace' Palace Tour, Dinner andConcert by the Berlin Residence Orchestra - Berlin | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/An-Evening-at-Charlottenburg-Palace-Palace-T... Read more about Dresden Day Trip from Berlin - Berlin | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Dresden-Day-Trip-from-Berlin/d488-5560DRESDE... "Backpacking Europe: Day 20" August 20th Hamburg It's only 2 hours on the train. We're back to a hostel in Hamburg http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Pyjama-Park-Schanzenviertel/Hamburg... We're dumping our stuff and we're off to a day of exploring you choose, its a hop on, hop off bus. I got you the skip the lines option. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=3880HAM01&d=1962624&... Hop On Off Tour Stops - Departure Main Train Station Main train station - Kirchenallee Ferdinandstor Holzdamm - Hotel Atlantik Fonteney - Hotel Intercontinental Hallerstrasse Rothenbaumchaussee Johnsallee Moorweidenstrasse - Hotel Elysee Marseiller Strabe - Hotel SAS Plaza Bei den Kirchenhofen Sievekingplatz Gansemarkt Dammtorstrasse - Hotel Oper Esplanade - Hotel Baseler Hof Neuer Jungfernstieg - Hotel Four Seasons Town hall square Rodingsmarkt - Hotel Steigenberger St Michaelis Church Seewartenstrasse - Hotel Hafen Hamburg Reeperbahn St. Pauli Fishmarket Port landing piers 1-2 (departure harbor cruise) Auf dem Sande Shanghaiallee Tube Steinstrasse Main train station - Spitalerstrasse we'll meet up at 6pm for a short sailing experience on Lake Alster before dining at Restaurant Hala at Beselerplatz 11, 22607 Hamburg, Germany https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187331-d8052433-Reviews-Barca_BOA... Enjoy a 1-hour small-group sunset cruise on a traditional sailing boat in the middle of Hamburg. Set the sails and enjoy the panoramic views of Hamburg's city from a beautiful two master. No sailing experience from you is required! Your skipper will guide your tour on the Alster lake. Enjoy a cool drink (beer, bubbles, soft drink - one drink included in ticket) on board. Relax and escape from the hazzle of the city. Before we head out for game night I've got a huge surprise for you, I overheard Fivesixer  and Kit of House Lannister  talking about McDonald's. I haven't had a chicken nugget in such a long time either. That's my junk food toxin occasionally with hot mustard sauce.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187331-d5510442-Reviews-McDonald_... After dinner we're going to do game night Hamburg style. These places got rave reviews. I'm sure one of them will appeal. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187331-d8045977-Reviews-One_Way_O... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187331-d9605450-Reviews-TwistedRo... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187331-d7591283-Reviews-Hidden_in... if not we can continue our pillow wars. That Kittee and Norb are up to something, I can feel it. |
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