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Coming back home is always great. After an uneventful hour flight to Munich and a packed 9 hour flight to Dulles, it was wonderful to sleep in my own bed.
Can hardly wait to see what the next adventure brings....
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Monday
Slept in late to catch up on sleep after the very late night, and then took the U-Bahn down to Potsdamer Platz, where I took the Top Tour Berlin bus around for a loop. Was able to see some areas I had seen on my last trip, but also drove by many of the embassies, the last remaining block with the wall still standing, the zoo with its two huge elephants at the entrance, and the concert hall.
I then got off at Checkpoint Charlie and revisited some areas, along with taking pictures with the wall and checking out the outdoor exhibits next to it.
After a quick lunch of bread, cheese, and some olives, I then walked to the the Stasi Museum. Although all the documents in the museum are in German some of the displays have been translated into English. So using the English guidebook I walked around. It was truly overwhelming what documentation was captured on citizens and the listenening devices and cameras were hid in such ingenious places.
I then took the U-Bahn to the shopping center of town, where I did some last minute shopping before heading back to the hotel room to pack.
Slept in late to catch up on sleep after the very late night, and then took the U-Bahn down to Potsdamer Platz, where I took the Top Tour Berlin bus around for a loop. Was able to see some areas I had seen on my last trip, but also drove by many of the embassies, the last remaining block with the wall still standing, the zoo with its two huge elephants at the entrance, and the concert hall.
I then got off at Checkpoint Charlie and revisited some areas, along with taking pictures with the wall and checking out the outdoor exhibits next to it.
After a quick lunch of bread, cheese, and some olives, I then walked to the the Stasi Museum. Although all the documents in the museum are in German some of the displays have been translated into English. So using the English guidebook I walked around. It was truly overwhelming what documentation was captured on citizens and the listenening devices and cameras were hid in such ingenious places.
I then took the U-Bahn to the shopping center of town, where I did some last minute shopping before heading back to the hotel room to pack.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Sunday
After spending a restless night in the hotel, it was off to the Brandenberg Gate. The German people celebrated their third place win with honking in the streets all night. Also found out the the 4-star hotel did not have air-conditioning and had to ask for a fan.
Arrived at Fan Fest Mile (Berlin) a little before noon and joined 300,000 other people awaiting the German soccer team's arrival. The frenzy was amazing as each player was announced and interviewed. It is a tradition of the German team to thank the fans after each World Cup.
After the teams departure, walked the entire mile from the Brandenberg Gate to the Großer Stern. The entire area was blocked off and a pedestrian only zone. Had some french fries, Thai noodles, and bought a couple of World Cup shirts. Then hung out in the "Tierpark" for a few hours waiting for the World Cup Final between France and Italy.
Watched the 120 minute game on the giant screen right next to the Brandenberg Gate. The crowd was loud, crazy, and a lot of fun. To the dismay of many of the French fans in the crowd, Italy won in penalty kicks. Then it was time for the Italians to celebrate. Although not as loud as the night before, there was still lots of cars honking.
After spending a restless night in the hotel, it was off to the Brandenberg Gate. The German people celebrated their third place win with honking in the streets all night. Also found out the the 4-star hotel did not have air-conditioning and had to ask for a fan.
Arrived at Fan Fest Mile (Berlin) a little before noon and joined 300,000 other people awaiting the German soccer team's arrival. The frenzy was amazing as each player was announced and interviewed. It is a tradition of the German team to thank the fans after each World Cup.
After the teams departure, walked the entire mile from the Brandenberg Gate to the Großer Stern. The entire area was blocked off and a pedestrian only zone. Had some french fries, Thai noodles, and bought a couple of World Cup shirts. Then hung out in the "Tierpark" for a few hours waiting for the World Cup Final between France and Italy.
Watched the 120 minute game on the giant screen right next to the Brandenberg Gate. The crowd was loud, crazy, and a lot of fun. To the dismay of many of the French fans in the crowd, Italy won in penalty kicks. Then it was time for the Italians to celebrate. Although not as loud as the night before, there was still lots of cars honking.
Saturday
Left Granada and drove south to Málaga. Had a quick lunch of bocadillos (sandwiches) at a rest stop along the way. Once in the city center, took the 1.5 hour double decker bus tour. Drove by the Mediterrean Sea, various churches, the Capital, the bull fighting rink, the old Muslim castle also know as the Gibralfaro, and Pablo Picasso's birthplace.
Then quickly drove to the airport, where I caught a flight to Berlin. Arrived in Berlin shortly before midnight.
Left Granada and drove south to Málaga. Had a quick lunch of bocadillos (sandwiches) at a rest stop along the way. Once in the city center, took the 1.5 hour double decker bus tour. Drove by the Mediterrean Sea, various churches, the Capital, the bull fighting rink, the old Muslim castle also know as the Gibralfaro, and Pablo Picasso's birthplace.
Then quickly drove to the airport, where I caught a flight to Berlin. Arrived in Berlin shortly before midnight.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
The Science Park and the Alhambra.
Friday, after a quick breakfast, headed out to the Parque de las Ciencias or the Science Park. Was able to view and play with many indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Also took the elevator up the observation tower to the viewing deck at 35 meters (115 feet) high. The view of the city and surrounding areas was incredible. Then I walked back down the tower via the outside stairs. Not something to attempt if afraid of heights.
Lunch was a triple decker sandwich of asparagus, egg, and tomato. I then checked out the Neptune shopping center, but found nothing of interest. After a quick rest in the hotel, I headed out to meet up for a private night tour of the Alhambra. Even at 7p.m. it was still 97 degrees F.
The bus drove us up the hill, where we got off and hiked the rest of the way to the Alhambra. Our guide then walked us by the Catholic Church and Charles V´s ornate castle. We then went inside the three Moorish castles that remain. At one time there were seven. Although not much to look at on the outside, inside they are amazing. The ceilings are constructed of Lebanese cedar with many different designs. The wood is original and has remained intact for over 800 years. The walls are mostly stucco and paint with ornate designs. The writing on the walls are either in cursive or block Arabic. The bottom portion of the walls are ceramic designs. Most of the walls have had to be reconstructed. Very little of the original handiwork remains. The courtyards inside had different shaped pools and fountains to reflect the duality of life.
Then it was dinnertime. At 10:30pm it had cooled down to 88 degrees F. Dinner was a leisurely affair of salad, pasta, and flan on the Plaza Nueva at the bottom of the hill that leads to the Alhambra.
Friday, after a quick breakfast, headed out to the Parque de las Ciencias or the Science Park. Was able to view and play with many indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Also took the elevator up the observation tower to the viewing deck at 35 meters (115 feet) high. The view of the city and surrounding areas was incredible. Then I walked back down the tower via the outside stairs. Not something to attempt if afraid of heights.
Lunch was a triple decker sandwich of asparagus, egg, and tomato. I then checked out the Neptune shopping center, but found nothing of interest. After a quick rest in the hotel, I headed out to meet up for a private night tour of the Alhambra. Even at 7p.m. it was still 97 degrees F.
The bus drove us up the hill, where we got off and hiked the rest of the way to the Alhambra. Our guide then walked us by the Catholic Church and Charles V´s ornate castle. We then went inside the three Moorish castles that remain. At one time there were seven. Although not much to look at on the outside, inside they are amazing. The ceilings are constructed of Lebanese cedar with many different designs. The wood is original and has remained intact for over 800 years. The walls are mostly stucco and paint with ornate designs. The writing on the walls are either in cursive or block Arabic. The bottom portion of the walls are ceramic designs. Most of the walls have had to be reconstructed. Very little of the original handiwork remains. The courtyards inside had different shaped pools and fountains to reflect the duality of life.
Then it was dinnertime. At 10:30pm it had cooled down to 88 degrees F. Dinner was a leisurely affair of salad, pasta, and flan on the Plaza Nueva at the bottom of the hill that leads to the Alhambra.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Touring the city.
Today I was the consumate tourist. I got up early, headed out to one of the many bakeries that line the streets and had a pastry for breakfast. I then took the official Citysightseeing Granada tour. I sat on the top level of a double decker bus and took in all the sights. They explained the sights, but drove so fast it was hard to take pictures. Still had a great time. I did the tour in English and in Spanish. It was my one occasion to be bad, break the rules, and use English. I have only been using Spanish since I landed in Madrid.
For lunch I stopped off at a small bar and had diet Coke and tapas. The tapas consisted of toasted bread with olive oil, green olives, and a potato "tortilla". In Spain, tortillas are equivalent to a fritatta.
I then finished up my souvenir shopping. After a quick rest, it was off to dinner at the Hotel Alhambra Palace. Dinner consisted of tomato gaspacho, white asparagus, cheese ravioli with a cream sauce, and for dessert; pistachio ice cream and espuma de crema Catalana. The espuma was very close to a creme bruleé, but much lighter and fluffier.
Today I was the consumate tourist. I got up early, headed out to one of the many bakeries that line the streets and had a pastry for breakfast. I then took the official Citysightseeing Granada tour. I sat on the top level of a double decker bus and took in all the sights. They explained the sights, but drove so fast it was hard to take pictures. Still had a great time. I did the tour in English and in Spanish. It was my one occasion to be bad, break the rules, and use English. I have only been using Spanish since I landed in Madrid.
For lunch I stopped off at a small bar and had diet Coke and tapas. The tapas consisted of toasted bread with olive oil, green olives, and a potato "tortilla". In Spain, tortillas are equivalent to a fritatta.
I then finished up my souvenir shopping. After a quick rest, it was off to dinner at the Hotel Alhambra Palace. Dinner consisted of tomato gaspacho, white asparagus, cheese ravioli with a cream sauce, and for dessert; pistachio ice cream and espuma de crema Catalana. The espuma was very close to a creme bruleé, but much lighter and fluffier.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping...
My first full day in Granada consisted of walking, shopping, more walking, and more shopping. Headed out first via the covered shopping street to the 4 story department store "El Corte Inglés". Did some browsing through the floors. Afterwards walked back to the outdoor bazaar. There was handiworks from India, Brazil, Mexico, Morrocco, and Africa.
I also found the outdoor flowers, vegetable, fruit, and fish market. Had a lot of fun strolling the aisles with the local ladies shopping for food. I then visited a couple of churches. In my wanderings I ran some small side alleyways that had leather goods and textiles.
After a quick pineapple gelato. I was walked to the Alhambra and around the top of the city. After huffing and puffing my way up, I slowly walked down, periodically stepping into doorways to allow trucks to pass. I walked past some gorgeous churches, a couple of convents, and the Elvira door.
The city and its people are a blast to watch. They are so animated in their conversations, that sometimes I just had to sit down and people watch.
Tonight it is falafel for dinner.
My first full day in Granada consisted of walking, shopping, more walking, and more shopping. Headed out first via the covered shopping street to the 4 story department store "El Corte Inglés". Did some browsing through the floors. Afterwards walked back to the outdoor bazaar. There was handiworks from India, Brazil, Mexico, Morrocco, and Africa.
I also found the outdoor flowers, vegetable, fruit, and fish market. Had a lot of fun strolling the aisles with the local ladies shopping for food. I then visited a couple of churches. In my wanderings I ran some small side alleyways that had leather goods and textiles.
After a quick pineapple gelato. I was walked to the Alhambra and around the top of the city. After huffing and puffing my way up, I slowly walked down, periodically stepping into doorways to allow trucks to pass. I walked past some gorgeous churches, a couple of convents, and the Elvira door.
The city and its people are a blast to watch. They are so animated in their conversations, that sometimes I just had to sit down and people watch.
Tonight it is falafel for dinner.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
"Llegé a España"
Left Washington D.C. at 4:25 pm on Monday July, 3rd. Flew on Lufthansa Airlines. Although they had free alcohol, the seats are uncomfortable even for a short person such as I. Arrived in Frankfurt at 6am on Tuesday July 4th. Went throught customs, and caught my connection flight to Madrid and arrived there 20 minutes late. Once the luggage came off the belt, picked up the rental car from Avis. It is a BMW 7 series!
On the drive down to Granada, stopped and had lunch at a fast food paella restaurant. I had the vegetarian paella. Quite tasty. Once in Granada, had to navigate around some closed streets to find the hotel and check in. Staying on the top floor and have a spectacular view! After unpacking, I walked the streets to get my bearings, take a few pictures, and find supper. Decided on Chinese. Time to watch the Germany vs. Italy soccer game.
Left Washington D.C. at 4:25 pm on Monday July, 3rd. Flew on Lufthansa Airlines. Although they had free alcohol, the seats are uncomfortable even for a short person such as I. Arrived in Frankfurt at 6am on Tuesday July 4th. Went throught customs, and caught my connection flight to Madrid and arrived there 20 minutes late. Once the luggage came off the belt, picked up the rental car from Avis. It is a BMW 7 series!
On the drive down to Granada, stopped and had lunch at a fast food paella restaurant. I had the vegetarian paella. Quite tasty. Once in Granada, had to navigate around some closed streets to find the hotel and check in. Staying on the top floor and have a spectacular view! After unpacking, I walked the streets to get my bearings, take a few pictures, and find supper. Decided on Chinese. Time to watch the Germany vs. Italy soccer game.
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