Archive for the ‘Travels’ Category

Luxembourg 2005

Posted in Flashback Fridays, Luxembourg, Travels, tagged on Friday, 11 August, 2006| 3 Comments »

Shortly after moving to Würzburg in Germany, we left the unpacked boxes behind and headed out to Luxembourg City for the weekend. It was a whirlwind trip but we were able to cover the highlights. Throughout the city, there are lots of memorials, museums and monuments. French and German are the two official languages but we had no problem conversing with most people in English. Thankfully, we could count on our daughter who doubles as our German translator.

We took a trip to both the American Cemetery and the German Cemetery. Both cemeteries are impressive but especially the American one. The grounds are beautiful and so well-kept. It’s a fantastic and honorable way to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We took the “round the city” tour on a double-decker bus which is always a good way to get an overview of a city. Then, we went on a little train (could not have been more touristy) down to the old town and that was a little strange…there was a very stinky, ugly dog sitting right next to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love all animals but…

The shopping was superb and, as we walked along, we grabbed a bite at Chi-Chi Restaurant. It was pretty bad but that’s what we get for thinking we might get good Mexican food in Luxembourg City:

Thankfully, our other restaurant choices for the weekend were much better. It was a good way to spend a couple of days and I’m glad we made time for this short, but fun, getaway.

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Flashback Friday: Prague (July 2001)

Posted in Czech Republic, Flashback Fridays, Prague, Travels on Friday, 28 July, 2006| 3 Comments »

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In our five years in Germany, our only visit to Prague was in July 2001. You would have thought we’d have visited more often since we were only a 2 hour drive away but there was so much to see in Europe and we never made it back to Prague. Too bad because it’s a wonderful city with so much history. July is the busiest time of year and there were hoards of tourists out and about. We splurged and stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel. Much to our surprise, we were upgraded to a suite upon arrival. I love it when that happens. Problem was, we didn’t want to leave the comfy suite but we did and spent all our waking hours roaming the gorgeous sites of Prague.

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Flashback Friday: London 2003

Posted in Flashback Fridays, London, Travel, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged , , on Friday, 30 June, 2006| Leave a Comment »

Visiting London was a great way to spend the 4th of July weekend! We were experiencing the hottest and driest European summer in years so my memories of London will be one of hot and dry rather then the stereotypical cold, foggy and wet.

We crammed in as much sightseeing as we could in 3 days and with a 5 year old in tow. The highlights for me were:

* The Tower of London ~ the Beefeater tour guide, a former British Army soldier, was cheeky as could be and well worth the price of the tour.

* Boat Ride on the River Thames ~ again, a hilarious narration of the city’s history. I love British humor.

* The London Eye ~ it took the first half of the ride for me to stop hyperventilating, but then I enjoyed the fabulous views of London and wanted to go again.

* Trip to Greenwich ~ as in Greenwich Mean Time.

* “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang” ~ a play in the West End, fun for young and old alike.

* Hyde Park ~ FG was fascinated with water fountains at this time and loved the ones all over the city. This photo of FG is in Hyde Park:

We took the Tube everywhere we traveled and the only time I felt unsafe was our attempt to find a Lonely Planet recommended vegetarian restaurant in Notting Hill. As we left the Tube station, and ventured toward the address, the neighborhood got more than a little sketchy. Once we finally got to the door, we found it boarded up. Good thing we are early eaters and it was still light out. Lesson learned: we ALWAYS call a restaurant when going by a travel guide book, regardless of how new the book is.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

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Flashback Friday: Germany Volksmarching 2001-2005

Posted in Flashback Fridays, Germany, Travels, tagged , , , , on Friday, 23 June, 2006| 1 Comment »

We started going on Volksmarches soon after arriving in Germany. Every Thursday, the Stars and Stripes lists upcoming Volksmarches in the travel section. Since Logan was only three when we started, we would partake in the 5k walks and the dogs came with us. As years passed, FG could handle the 10k but the dogs were getting too old for such a long walk.

If you are living in Germany, I highly recommend participating in a Volksmarch whenever you can. I have to admit, I was a fair-weathered walker but I went as often as I could. The walks are very well organized. The start/finish area always has good food & beer awaiting you.

From the first walk with our good friends the Drakes in 2001, with the Lows in 2003 to the last one with the Sharp family in 2005, I have very fond memories of walking through the towns and wooded areas of Germany. It was always a good time!

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Germany: Sport on a Volksmarch in Bavaria

Posted in Dogs, Germany, Travels, tagged , , , , on Friday, 23 June, 2006| 2 Comments »

Favorite photo of Sport ~ enjoying a run during our Volksmarch.

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Flashback Friday: Venice, Italy June 2001

Posted in Flashback Fridays, Italy, Travels, tagged , , on Friday, 16 June, 2006| 3 Comments »

Logan and I moved to Germany in late May 2001. John had already been there a month, the car we shipped had arrived and John was itching to start exploring Europe. First long weekend trip: Venice, Italy. We drove from Germany to Venice on Father’s Day weekend. It took a little longer than expected due to a Friday afternoon stau. Stau is the German word for “I don’t know why but traffic has come to a complete stop on the autobahn.”

It was a whirlwind visit but I’m glad we started traveling soon after I arrived because, even after living in Germany for 5 years, there is still so much left to see and do in Germany, let alone the rest of Europe.

At the time, Italy was still on the lire (it was about $1.00 to 2, 189.84 Lire) and, since I am math-shy in public, John did all the calculations for us. Ah, back when the dollar was doing well and traveling Europe was ‘cheap’.

Nothing I can say here about Venice that hasn’t already been said a million times. Yes, it is lovely, crowded, has an interesting history and a sinking future but I do hope everyone has the chance to see it once in their lifetime as it is a place like no other.

We were too cheap to take the Gondola, or as Logan called them Banana Boats, so we took the water taxi which had a much more local feel to it:

venice-italy-on-a-water-taxi-june-2001.jpg on-rialto-bridge-in-venice-italy-june-2001.jpg

It’s easy to get turned around among the canals and I was so worried Logan would fall into the water. Good thing I could still carry her ~ barely.

I only went to Venice once but John somehow managed to visit two or three times ~ something about it being work-related. Interesting how that worked out.

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