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 |  A little bit of spice to flavor the pot. |
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I've never really gone camping or otherwise gone out into the great outdoors. The only time that barely comes close is one time I went on a church Core trip. It wasn't even my regular church but it was the only one that fit with our schedule. They had some group stuff that was not overall bad. But it can be intimidating sometimes being part of a group who know each other when you don't know many yourself. It was a little teeny bit scary being away from home. Even it was just for a few days. I especially can remember when this girl Jennifer dressed up as big foot to scare everybody. That was memorable. I'm glad to say I went and got a bit closer to my spirituality. There's not too much I can say for the outdoors other than I really don't see myself as ever being the outdoors type. But I applaud people who are. I just can't say that will ever be me. |
| Does the Eiffel have stairs Lyn? I hope it has an elevator. I have every confidence as soon as I look down I'll freeze and someone will have to rescue me. I don't know if it's the height or stairs or both. I go slowly or avoid it when possible. Going up as a group isn't so bad. At least then if someone else reacts the same, I won't feel quite so bad. And there you have it. They say ''it's like riding a bike, you never forget.'' Except when reality comes crashing in and you remember that you can't ride a bike. How's that work out? Public transport anyone? Dost thou no nothing of European traffic? Insane. Not risking killing myself to get hit on the streets of Europe. Oh yeah, and let's revisit the place where royalty met their maker. That brings up all sorts of fun moments in history. Marie Antoinette was screwed over in that deal. Mom nor hubby was any help in the matter. If he'd been anyone else he could have been a great inventor. But instead, he got the axe. What do we know about her mother? A terror I'm sure. No hope for Marie there. So it was their fate to die. Really bad time to be clueless royals when the country's going down the crapper. Fun fact, I'm a small part French on dad's side. I'm possibly related to some crazies from around that era. Oh joy! On the brighter side of life, the hall of mirrors was really something up close and personal. Dinner was lovely I'm sure. The French are quite extravagant. They love their food and all that stuff that they've come to be known for. I really enjoyed Paris. Fear of heights not included. It's nice to just take it all in. ''If only in my dreams.'' Good night everybody! |
Aug. 23rd 3.5 hour train ride to Paris We're staying at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, I've been told this hotel is superb. I really twisted some arms to score us this one. http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/landing_3/?source=taparisblhotel We're beginning our 4 day-- stay in Paris with Louvre Museum. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=3731LOUVRE&d=188... Take a small group walking tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris and jump the queue by booking ahead. This skip the line tour helps you explore the collection of paintings, sculpture, and architecture with an expert local guide. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 people on this small group walking tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide. And by booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line! This tour was specifically designed to highlight the most famous works of the Louvre Museum. Entering the Louvre through the original Medieval structure from the 12th century, join your guide on a journey from one breathtaking gallery to the next as you travel through time visiting works from 450 BCE through to the 1800s. You have some down time if you want before the show this evening... take in a spa or enjoy the pool. This evening we are in for a huge treat. We've got VIP tickets for the Moulin Rouge experience with exclusive seating on a private balcony Receive skip-the-line access into the Moulin Rouge, sip on a tasting of Champagne before your 4-course French dinner, accompanied by wine. Watch the show from a private balcony with only 24 VIP seats. This evening they made an exception for our party of 30, so enjoy unobstructed views of the fabulous Moulin Rouge costumes, dancing and sets. Experience the ultimate night out in Paris with this Viator Exclusive! Macaron bag or chocolate box included https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=5022MOULINVIP&d=... In Paris, finally! You know France is one of the places I always hoped to travel to. Leave it to Lyn to find a fab place to stay at. I'm told Paris looks even more spectacular at night. The Louvre, was that the one that supposedly held the Mona Lisa? I thought so. It was something to go through the original entrance form the medieval age. There was a lot of great art to take in and marvel at. There were a few that really caught my attention. The Venus de Milo was one. Just something that speaks of beauty and all that romanticism. Also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The Etruscan artifacts also caught my attention. I'm not certain but I think it came up during my art class online. It's a lot more impacting to see something up close that you only ever read about before. A spa! One can always do with some relaxation. Bye peeps don't wait up! I'll try to remember to show up when food is involved. Dinner's here! So glad they didn't offer snails so I wouldn't have to offend the people of France. So many options I love it! I opted for the aged parmesan shavings I believe it was. Then for the main course, I got the creamy buratta steamed on abed of seaweed.{The sea part I was probably more like Alex, From ''Madagascar''. I'm really more a carnivore at heart.} I'm sure it's all fattening. But I'm on vacay, so who cares? Mayhap a smaller portion of the fillet of beef. And a smaller version of the Boulangères Potatoes as well. I don't mind being a little naughty with what I eat if it's a once in a life time event. And for dessert- Cocoa Streusel b/c why not? Chocolatey goodness. Yum. |
| Checking out Amsterdam. A very kind of old timey feel to it. It felt like going back in time. There's a certain vibe in the air as you tour around. I had a good time. We've been to a lot of museums on this trip and I have to check out the Van gouge museum. I forget the different artists but was he the on that cut off his ear and mailed it to his lover? {Supposedly.} The Begijnhof-A nice change of pace. I really enjoyed coming across this gem. Away from the crowds but also still taking part in what Amsterdam has to offer. I might have taken a light nap there as well. It was a wonderful respite from all the rushing around and noise that usually means big cities and lots of people. Eye film institute-A different option to take part in. I'm not really a film buff, but I enjoyed seeing this unique building and partaking in what it had to offer. It was neat to look around and take in the different genres it exhibited. I was glad to try something a little different. Canal riding in the evening. It's really nice being on the water and just being able to relax and enjoy the view. It feels like we rush around to see as much as we can see while we can before moving on. I like these lazy evenings to just breath and relax. It helps the body recuperate from a long day of sight seeing. Also giving the mind time to unwind and process everything that happened. A real peaceful way to end things. Or not. Who wants to watch Lyn bust a move? Leading the clubbing expenditure, I don't know if Lyn fully realizes what she's about to unleash. Good luck Lyn! I probably won't be out on the dance floor. Too many people, not enough personal space. You're actually lucky if I went at all. I might just be hiding out in the hotel. It is rather interesting to watch people break their freak out. As long as I don't have to testify to knowing them,rock on. It's more likely I'm off to the side judging all of you. Out of love of course. This will most assuredly be interesting come morning. |
| Dumplings! There's just so much to see and so much time to accomplish it all. I think I'm suffering from over stimulation of destinations. There were a lot of great places available to check out. I visited some of the hotels mentioned. Neuer Jungfernstieg - Hotel Four Seasons Seewartenstrasse - Hotel Hafen Hamburg Fonteney - Hotel Intercontinental They're really nice and I liked just walking around and taking in the variety. I didn't know just how elaborate some of these hotels could be. I visited a train station as well: Spitalerstrasse. It was neat seeing the trains coming and going. I also popped by St. Paul's Fish Market. A lot of action going on over there. Lots of people coming and going. Usually big crowds freak me out. But being outside I think helped alleviate that. What the heck? Cheese burger, medium fry, and M&M mcflurrie. I'm down for that Lyn! It was a little freaky at first, but I gave it a go. That one way out option. That had a kind of Halloween vibe to it. It was pretty fun actually. It was neat to try out something new. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring. |
| Hamburg. It has it's own unique wonders to offer. I was intrigued to explore it's Miniature Wonderland. I did feel a little like Alice did. It was really nice to look around and kind of imagine what the author would make of this rendition of his story. I'm sure Alice would have something to say as well. I looked for the Cheshire cat but didn't see him at all today. I'll take it as a sign. Some gifts are blessings in disguise. It's probably just as well he didn't appear. But it was a lovely break all the same. Meal time had me hungry for Mediterranean. Not usually one to rave over seafood but there is some that I don't mind indulging in. We are on vacation. To be honest, the red light district intrigues me but also freaks me out. I wouldn't want to tackle it solo. I saw something about a sex museum. I might brave it to see if it's worth the hype. Somehow I'd think Panda would fit in at the red light district. Anyone else get that vibe? I may just decided to hike back to where we were staying and watch trash TV and chow down on some snacks? Anyone want to join? Well, that was a new one for me Lyn. I'm sure there will be some interesting stories to tell after today. |
| I do enjoy the churches/palaces/castles we seem to enjoy. I was thrilled to check out the Zinger Palace. It really can't justify by seeing it 2nd hand. It really is better to se it in person if at all possible. And I learn some of the language along the way. We also visited the semperoper {Semera opera}. Not something I'd usually experience so it was nice to actually finally see one. It makes me think of the ''cash now'' commercial that seems to use opera singers. I really admire the singers being able to pull it off. I'm sure there's lot of training and hard work to get where they are. The Hofkirche came up as well. A lovely sight. Ferstunzeg made it's way on my list as well. Frauenkirche {lady of our church} A marvelous display of German architecture in the church. All this Dresden has to offer. Really a wonderful time had overall, I expect the evening to go off just as well. We went to the Charleston palace for our evening meal and entertainment. Honestly, I probably not as knowledgeable about these men and their work all that much. Not that I can't appreciate it. Dinner was great as usual. I went with the potato-ginger soup with lemon oil and thinly sliced rosemary ham. It was delicious let me just say. For dessert-chocolate tart a la Sophie Charlotte with gold-sprinkled crème and spiced pears. Going for a little variety and exposing yourself to new things is part of life after all. We got to explore a little after all our meal. It was a very musical experience to say the least. |
| http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/af/81/21/af81217fd075f89b55d024ab5847614c... Now if this is anything like where we're staying at, I think it would be a neat change of pace. I don't know anyone that wants to work out on their vacay time. But I guess someone does. It won't be me though. I speed walked past that place b/c it looked like they were watching me with some interest. Which led me to the catwalk bar. A really nice looking place than what bar usually entails. I could get used to this. There's supposed to be an indoor pool here somewhere. I'll have to check it out later today. Got a busy schedule today. I think it's back on the subway today. I didn't fall over this time. Just leaned back in the beginning. Almost got hit when I went in the street. Just a little adrenaline rush to get you awake. I was very much so after that. And then we were off. It feels weird to go through a place that has seen so much history on a mini scooter. To me anyways. I'm pretty sure we would've been laughed at. We got a blast from the past when we came up to a section of the Berlin wall that still remains. It is something to see. I can only imagine how it tore up the people it divided. The relief they must have felt when it finally came down. I can't even imagine how that must have been. We segwayed past the last remaining watch tower near Potsdamer Platz. It was really weird seeing a remnant from the past in such modern times. Berlin also hosts a much larger library then anything I've known back home. Of course I had to check it out. Plus it has air conditioning, which is always a plus. We visited the Holocaust memorial. A very somber event. There was a bit of a line for it. Under the circumstances, I'd say it was an appropriate reminder of a past that hopefully shall not repeat. Hit up another museum again. Museum island I think. Made up of five different museums as it turns out. Needless to say, we spent quite some time there to see what it had to offer. Of course we had to visit Berlin Cathedral. I must say Europe has some of the finest cathedrals to offer. I really can not describe this marvel adequately enough. But I love this water color it sports and it's cross on the very top. Truly a marvel I am happy to experience. http://images.boomsbeat.com/data/images/full/40975/5-png.png Ah yes, dinner on the tower on the death. If you can stomach the height w/o being sick it truly is a fantastic view. Sitting down, it may not seem so bad. Dinner wise, I went with the sautéed salmon{I'm salmon girl} slice with spaghetti w/ chili and garlic sauce, w/ a nice leaf spinach. The spaghetti was really good. The spice wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I even went with the spinach option. I say I've become healthier since I've been on this expedition. As far as my other adventurers go, Megan I think is enjoying herself but I think she opted out of the tower dinner. I totally get that. Kitty and/or her cohorts seem to be very naughty of late. I think I'm better off leaving it at that. I do so enjoy Kitty's journal entries all the same.Apondia remains knowledgeable on the trip, Neva remains the poetic heart of the journey. Panda I've lost track of. Last time I heard from them was in Venice I think when they were arrested for feeding those dang pigeons. Next time around Panda, just pretend to be a stuffed animal and you can go as carry on luggage. So long as we're not seated near small children or dogs I think we might pull it off. |
| So possibly against my better judgment, I went on the beer tour. It was hit and miss honestly. I had the smallest size I could fins w/o developing a drinking problem in the future. So first, our tour guide Stan was really hot and just had he most awesome voice. I think I zoned out what he was saying in awe of him. I don't know how I made through the tour. Quite a few members of our group hit on him. He just took it in stride. The pickled sausage wasn't as bad as it would sound. I'm not really a pickle girl but this was an exception. I think some guy tried to chat me up but I was totally oblivious in my fascination with Stan. I happy I went. I really hope I won't end up paying for it in the morning. Did Lyn really say Cat walk bar? I might have to check it out later. Right now I don't feel so hot! |
| Prague was a nice change of pace. A very quaint place to visit and take in the sites. The astronomical clock was very attention catching. Seeing it and all it's glory in person was really something. I was glad to see if for myself. Prague is also a good place for checking out cathedrals and also the castle in Prague. Who doesn't love a good castle? The cathedral in Prague is also imposing with its size and intricate detailing. St. Vitus Cathedral was also another stop to admire cathedrals. The detail and sheer size of them are something that can only be realized when viewed in person. After taking in Prague's wonders I was plenty glad to take up dinner with a view on the water. I tend to eat ''light' to avoid making myself sick. It was nice to sit and eat and just take in the sights. Prague at night on the water is truly one of the delights of Europe. For dinner, I went with the smoked trout and had to choose another side b/c I'm not so fond of veggies. It was a nice deviation from my usual tuna/salmon choice. It also had the nice smoky touch. Making it all the more delicious. I wasn't sure what puree was but you can't really go wrong with mashed potatoes. So, I went with poached halibut with olive oil and potato puree. the olive oil was a nice touch. Olive oil's supposed to be good for you. That's an added bonus. I had the strawberry-less {not a fruit/berry fan} w/mint leaves{also good for you} and lemon sorbet. Light,fruit and delicious. A very good time spent in Prague. |
Today we took part in a historical costume walking tour. It was a very neat and informative experience. It was obvious our guide was very passionate about their country. It really helped illustrate the history and imprint it on our minds. We also learned about some important women of the time. The part they played in shaping the country. Women tend to get left out in history so it was nice to hear about them and the impact they had. We also made some stops on our tour. There was a thing or two that stood out for me. In Eisenstadt, these gems spoke to me. Esterhazy Palace: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8... A very impressive thing of architecture. It was really impressive to see in person. the inside was as grand as the outside. I really enjoyed going through and just taking it all in. Haydn church- a pilgrim church based off of the Presbyterian style. Made in the 1700's I want to say. Outside perspective- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8... Truly a site worth checking out. https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/6e/4f/b2/photo1jpg.jpg Just something that looked good and seemed like I might actually eat. And what better way to send the day off then to end it with a ghsot story. Thanks, Lyn!I have a few ghost books back home, but I'm not as familiar with the ones abroad. One of the ones I heard from our guide Sonia was this. Fifty years ago in the very town we're standing in there was a man and his wife that lived in the very house in front of us. At first, they were very happy. But then as the years passed, they grew distant and their marriage began to deteriorate. Eventually, Elleios, the wife, got fed up and up and left in the night. In those days, it was still improper for a woman to be divocred and it could turn very ugly. So the young wife slipped away into the night never to be heard or seen from again. The husband, Pedro woke the next morning finding his wife gone. He was angry and set about trying to find her. Time passed and he realized she'd abandoned hiM. He grew angry and sullen and took up drinking. It was in this downwrad spiral that he began to lose his mind. One night a neighbor was sititng outside watching the starts and was attacked. He was found the next morning and fear spread. A few more attacks occurred before they were able to find the culprit. The towns people decided this couldn't go on and if he didn't stop, they'd have to se to it themselves. They went to his house and prepared to do what was needed. They went inside and were stunned by the sight. Old man Pedro had been his own undoing. The evidence of his crimes was not too far from where he sat in the old rocking chair. Still glistening with blood that dripped to the floor. They buried him not long after. It is sworn in that town to this day, that his spirit wanders calling out for the wife that left him. It is greatly advised to not stay out late after dark. Lest you fall prey to unsettled spirits. Sleep tight. |
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