I hope you haven't forgotten us. I am,sorry we haven't been writing ... We have been all over and our internet connections have been nonexistent. In small, out-of-the-way places the connection are difficult to find and we hadn't the time anyway to write, believe it or not...
We left Munich early a couple days ago, and we spend a day on the train, stayed in the medieval city of Rothenburg. This is where my friend, Bill Huisenga, played american football in Germany. It is a beautiful setting and city... Then we stayed the night at a small pension which was wonderful... Two rooms (one double and one single) were cheaper than a triple! We ate way too much for Breakfast and we needed it because of the long day before and after it!
Yesterday we left Rothenburg and headed south towards the Alps and Switzerland. Our destination was Gimmelwald and we stayed high in the Alps where they had just received 2 feet of snow recently. The room was an authentic Alpine house and we slept with down pillows, a comforter and a horse blanket and the sound of the mountain terrain hummed in the background. The place had one toilet, metered showers (we didn't shower) and a grumpy old man for the hotelier...
Today we left Gimmelwald and we took a couple of trains to get here in Florence -- the home of the Renaissance. We reserved a hotel room for the night, dropped our bags off and walked the city. It was easy and cool and the crowds were small because we did it so late in the day.
What's tomorrow bring... Our last full day in Europe... We are heading the Rome early and touring the coliseum, Forum and then Vatican city and St Peter's. We decided to take the nigth train towards Frankfurt and we shouold arrive at the Frankfurt Flukhaven at 12PM for our 3:30PM flight out to Chicago...
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Arrival Munich
Grandma and Grandpa Arrived in Munich yesterday ... Th y were understandably tired and a little bewildered by the trip. It's a long day for anyone beingseries of planes and then touching down and not knowing what time it is at all.
I lef them sleeping in the hotel. They were thoroughly impressed by the first hotel althought it was a little expensive at 100€. we changed hotels this morning to a cheaper one was hopefully as good of a breakfast.
My parents want to get in touch with everyone and they wish everyone well. I guess we#ll contacft each other through emails and the blog comments!
qwe went the Deusches Museum today... German#s Smithsonian! It was great and we pciked a great time in the morning to get there before all the crowds converged on the place. Today, like the US, it is a holiday and nothing, I mean nothing, is going on. Nothing is open and everyone is not working....
I lef them sleeping in the hotel. They were thoroughly impressed by the first hotel althought it was a little expensive at 100€. we changed hotels this morning to a cheaper one was hopefully as good of a breakfast.
My parents want to get in touch with everyone and they wish everyone well. I guess we#ll contacft each other through emails and the blog comments!
qwe went the Deusches Museum today... German#s Smithsonian! It was great and we pciked a great time in the morning to get there before all the crowds converged on the place. Today, like the US, it is a holiday and nothing, I mean nothing, is going on. Nothing is open and everyone is not working....
Saturday, May 26, 2007
waiting
Grandma and Grandpa are on teir way. I just checked the flight tracker and they are currently over estern Canada. hey will arrive 4:30PM local time and I am certain they will be tired. I will meet them at the airport, feed them somewhere and tuck them in for a a good sleep. I hope everything ig going well for them and that they sleep somewhat soundly on the flight.
How I am looking forward to seeing them.
Yesterday was kind of a laid-back day. I roamed around, did some shopping (razors, hairspray and food) and also went to bed early for a Saturday (roughly 10PM).
I am pnodering what we shall do for the rest of the trip,. The things I need to plan are destinations, timelines and, most importantly, reservations. That is the tough parat because without them, we will pay much more. I don't feel, however, we'll be shut out anywhere but I could be wrong.
I haven't forgotten everyone and I wan tot give Jordan a call to today.
I wonder how the dog's doing!
travel can make you feel small sometimes. oday, for some reason, I feel small and isolated... I know my folks are on the way. Perhaps, I haven't connected to Jordan or Sturm or anyone for a time. Also, this is supposed to be Jordan's weekend withme and I miss her. I will make the time up on vacation and we'll see alot of each other. I cannot wait to feel big again.
When one travels everyone is a stranger. Everyone is a people to be viewed with a certain amount of suscipion and caution. I am certain those people feel the same about me too. No harbor is your home when one vetures about the continent unless one makes a true and dedicated attempt to assimilate and ground oneself's into the culture and habits... I have made those attempts and was not unsuccessful in those pursuits.
Traveling fosters self-learning, introspection (as if I need more of this), suspicion, delight, exercise of freedom and mediation. One finds oneself more in touch with feeelings, thoughts, sights, sounds, passing glances and strange occurrances. I think travel heightens your perceptions of everything. I think that is why many great writers were explorers, venturers, wanderers to foreign and far places; they wander to become aware, perceptive and they become intoxicated with foreignest and differnences... I believe I do when it comes down to the gist of the matter. I become all of those things... the good and awful elements of my psyche emerge... my light and dark sides in all the nakedness and in all the unfortunate or fortunate respects. My views, my habits, my senses are attuned to the good, bad and indifferent of the world. Is this different than how I emerge in Dubuque?
How I am looking forward to seeing them.
Yesterday was kind of a laid-back day. I roamed around, did some shopping (razors, hairspray and food) and also went to bed early for a Saturday (roughly 10PM).
I am pnodering what we shall do for the rest of the trip,. The things I need to plan are destinations, timelines and, most importantly, reservations. That is the tough parat because without them, we will pay much more. I don't feel, however, we'll be shut out anywhere but I could be wrong.
I haven't forgotten everyone and I wan tot give Jordan a call to today.
I wonder how the dog's doing!
travel can make you feel small sometimes. oday, for some reason, I feel small and isolated... I know my folks are on the way. Perhaps, I haven't connected to Jordan or Sturm or anyone for a time. Also, this is supposed to be Jordan's weekend withme and I miss her. I will make the time up on vacation and we'll see alot of each other. I cannot wait to feel big again.
When one travels everyone is a stranger. Everyone is a people to be viewed with a certain amount of suscipion and caution. I am certain those people feel the same about me too. No harbor is your home when one vetures about the continent unless one makes a true and dedicated attempt to assimilate and ground oneself's into the culture and habits... I have made those attempts and was not unsuccessful in those pursuits.
Traveling fosters self-learning, introspection (as if I need more of this), suspicion, delight, exercise of freedom and mediation. One finds oneself more in touch with feeelings, thoughts, sights, sounds, passing glances and strange occurrances. I think travel heightens your perceptions of everything. I think that is why many great writers were explorers, venturers, wanderers to foreign and far places; they wander to become aware, perceptive and they become intoxicated with foreignest and differnences... I believe I do when it comes down to the gist of the matter. I become all of those things... the good and awful elements of my psyche emerge... my light and dark sides in all the nakedness and in all the unfortunate or fortunate respects. My views, my habits, my senses are attuned to the good, bad and indifferent of the world. Is this different than how I emerge in Dubuque?
Munich
I arrived here yesterday late on the night train. It was an hour and a half late but I really didn't care for I had reservations and all I needed to do was check it which went smoothly.
The room is quite close to the Beer Garden and the rest of downtown Munich it 39€ and I am hoping to reduce the price on the triple for Sunday night. I will talk to him today.
After I unpacked, I went for a 'Welcome to Munich' run. It was quite envigorating and the weather was warm and felt treemendous after the cold of the north. I ran for 40 minutes (wish Sturm were here) and wanted to continue but I needed to go to the bathroom so I hustled back ASAP. Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the beer garden area . I got into to some memorable conversations (or is that forgettable?) with drucken Germans. They are all too happy to talk to Americans... One of the Germans ran and got me a great city map. Another bought me a 1L, 6.30€ ($8.50) beer. They were very engaging, spoke reasonable English. We clicked glasses in salutation many times.
I was tired and went to sleep early and guess what I woke up and ran again towards Munich's Centeral Park called the English Garden. It was great again but I almost got lost (that's OK too) and eventually followed my nose back to the general area of the hotel and found it right where I left it!
The breakfast was awesome. I was quite hungry and I left after eating the traditional german breakfast: meat, bread, juices, eggs, pastries, cereal, milk, cheese... I ate waq too much but I probably won#t eat the rest of the day so...
The room is quite close to the Beer Garden and the rest of downtown Munich it 39€ and I am hoping to reduce the price on the triple for Sunday night. I will talk to him today.
After I unpacked, I went for a 'Welcome to Munich' run. It was quite envigorating and the weather was warm and felt treemendous after the cold of the north. I ran for 40 minutes (wish Sturm were here) and wanted to continue but I needed to go to the bathroom so I hustled back ASAP. Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the beer garden area . I got into to some memorable conversations (or is that forgettable?) with drucken Germans. They are all too happy to talk to Americans... One of the Germans ran and got me a great city map. Another bought me a 1L, 6.30€ ($8.50) beer. They were very engaging, spoke reasonable English. We clicked glasses in salutation many times.
I was tired and went to sleep early and guess what I woke up and ran again towards Munich's Centeral Park called the English Garden. It was great again but I almost got lost (that's OK too) and eventually followed my nose back to the general area of the hotel and found it right where I left it!
The breakfast was awesome. I was quite hungry and I left after eating the traditional german breakfast: meat, bread, juices, eggs, pastries, cereal, milk, cheese... I ate waq too much but I probably won#t eat the rest of the day so...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
BIke ride
Copenhagen has an intersting loaner bike system. Visitors can use free bike to travel about. Here's how it works. Certain bike (with advertizing of course) are locked at bike racks and if you want one, you put a 20k (4 dollar) coin in. You can ride around wherever and then simply lock your free bike back into one of the various racks spread throughout the citty. Your coin pops out and voila you just rented a free bike.
I put my coin in and got a great (though heavy) bike. I rode it all over the city. I stopped at Turkish market on a sidestreet and bought fruits veggies, meat, bread and 2L water. The owners was extremely nice, and I think I was the first American that he had ever talked to... It was a rare slice of untouristy, untouched Copenhagen.
I purposely rode until I got lost and then I asked directions to see how friendly or unfriendly folks were... Answer..."Friendly... Very" It was a joy to do. I eventually returned to the center of the city and locked the bike in place in the hopes it would still be there after I made a call to Mom. No luck ... it's a popular model!
I put my coin in and got a great (though heavy) bike. I rode it all over the city. I stopped at Turkish market on a sidestreet and bought fruits veggies, meat, bread and 2L water. The owners was extremely nice, and I think I was the first American that he had ever talked to... It was a rare slice of untouristy, untouched Copenhagen.
I purposely rode until I got lost and then I asked directions to see how friendly or unfriendly folks were... Answer..."Friendly... Very" It was a joy to do. I eventually returned to the center of the city and locked the bike in place in the hopes it would still be there after I made a call to Mom. No luck ... it's a popular model!
Off the ship
I am off the ship and it went well to get from the harbor to the train station ... just a short walk.
I just reserved my train for tonight. I couldn't get my accustommed 6-person couchette so I had to pay 20 dollars extra for a four-person sleeper with a basin and full bed. Of well, I didn't want ot spend extra but it might be a welcomed change of pace for me! The train leaves at 6:30PM or so. Therefore, I have some time in Copenhagen to wander and since I have been here once, I know the place (I didn't need a map to get from the harbor to the station). I will be in Munich tomorrow at 9AM with my hotel ready and waiting for me!
I must get in touch with my parents and make sure everything is sound for them tomorrow... I hope to call here soon and make sure they are squared away on everything. I made a list for them and sent in to them via email and I need to think of some more things too.
I just reserved my train for tonight. I couldn't get my accustommed 6-person couchette so I had to pay 20 dollars extra for a four-person sleeper with a basin and full bed. Of well, I didn't want ot spend extra but it might be a welcomed change of pace for me! The train leaves at 6:30PM or so. Therefore, I have some time in Copenhagen to wander and since I have been here once, I know the place (I didn't need a map to get from the harbor to the station). I will be in Munich tomorrow at 9AM with my hotel ready and waiting for me!
I must get in touch with my parents and make sure everything is sound for them tomorrow... I hope to call here soon and make sure they are squared away on everything. I made a list for them and sent in to them via email and I need to think of some more things too.
Slept well
I slept very well. I was so tried after getting up at 4AM and leaving the hostel as to not disturb the other seven folks in my small room. Having a private room after two nights of sleeping around others (night train and hostel), one welcomes a night boat and pure comfort and safety.
The waters are calm this morning but last night after left the fjord area, the waves were big and licking against the sides of the ship and there was a tremendous abound of rolling and lifting and ups-and.downs. I was surprised that the ship is influenced so much by the sea!
What shall I do today. I will probably take the night train to Munich and then see the museum sights I missed in Copenhagen (Monday all museums were closed). I am looking at the train time tables and if appears if I just headed off I wouldn't make the greater part of Germany until 9PM tonight and then have to find lodging! Yes, that is what I will do. Then I can see things and not have to be in such a huge rush and hurried disposition!
I am sipping coffee and looking out the window at the far shore. Last night I put on my two coats, cki hat and bound myself to go onto the top deck (I was the only hearty soul who went out there becasue of the weather) and watched as we passed out of the fjord area which must have been the width of 10 miles marked by a lonely lighthouse and a faint yellow light in the the dim pre-sunset lighting. It was wonderful and validated my packing of the ski hat (for Scand.) and the waterproof jacket. It hard to believe I have never been on a sea-worthy ship before, I can't hink of a time where I have had the opportunity.
I feel much better after a good sleep and stiff coffee. The day is ahead and I will atttempt to make the most of my newly found time in Copenhagen...
The waters are calm this morning but last night after left the fjord area, the waves were big and licking against the sides of the ship and there was a tremendous abound of rolling and lifting and ups-and.downs. I was surprised that the ship is influenced so much by the sea!
What shall I do today. I will probably take the night train to Munich and then see the museum sights I missed in Copenhagen (Monday all museums were closed). I am looking at the train time tables and if appears if I just headed off I wouldn't make the greater part of Germany until 9PM tonight and then have to find lodging! Yes, that is what I will do. Then I can see things and not have to be in such a huge rush and hurried disposition!
I am sipping coffee and looking out the window at the far shore. Last night I put on my two coats, cki hat and bound myself to go onto the top deck (I was the only hearty soul who went out there becasue of the weather) and watched as we passed out of the fjord area which must have been the width of 10 miles marked by a lonely lighthouse and a faint yellow light in the the dim pre-sunset lighting. It was wonderful and validated my packing of the ski hat (for Scand.) and the waterproof jacket. It hard to believe I have never been on a sea-worthy ship before, I can't hink of a time where I have had the opportunity.
I feel much better after a good sleep and stiff coffee. The day is ahead and I will atttempt to make the most of my newly found time in Copenhagen...
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