Spa...
Well, after all the flying I need some time at a spa. My friend, Kathy, and I are heading up for long weekend to a spa in West Virginia. We also plan on enjoying the apple butter festival and some outlet shopping.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Home...
I was dropped off at 0400 at the Marco Polo airport in Venice and everyone else continued on to Munich via Innsbruck. All my flights left as planned except for the Continental flight out of Newark. I finally made it home safe and sound a little before 2300. Flying Continental through Newark is about as much fun as getting a hot poker in the eye.
But the trip was a blast, would do it again!
I was dropped off at 0400 at the Marco Polo airport in Venice and everyone else continued on to Munich via Innsbruck. All my flights left as planned except for the Continental flight out of Newark. I finally made it home safe and sound a little before 2300. Flying Continental through Newark is about as much fun as getting a hot poker in the eye.
But the trip was a blast, would do it again!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Venice…
After getting an early start for many days in a row, we meet a little later. We then caught the city bus and headed to Venice. Once we arrived, we found a small bakery and bought some breakfast, which we ate overlooking the Grand Canal.
We then took the water bus (which is so cool), to Piazza San Marco. We rode the elevator up the Campanile and took some pictures of the square. We then proceeded to the Basilica di San Marco. Talk about amazing. The church is almost entirely inlaid with decorative tiles surrounded by gold. We also climbed to the roof of the basilica via the museum that was inside the church. The museum had the original four horses that used to be outside the church (now stand replicas), some old tapestries, some original inlaid artwork, and some beautifully detailed robes. We then grabbed a quick lunch to go.
We then headed to the Palazzo Ducale, the palace of the last prince of Venice. We toured the four floors – from the upper residence down to the Ponte dei Sospiri and the dungeon. We then meandered the street and alleyways of Venice to cross the island to catch a different water taxi to the island of Murano. Once we arrived, we visited a glass blowing factory and watched an artisan craft an original piece of work. Then it was time for some shopping!
We took the water taxi back to Venice and then headed to the Ponte di Rialto and grabbed a bite to eat. I had vegetarian pizza. Yummy. We then hopped in a gondola and went around the waterways. It was so much fun. From there we completed our journey back to the hotel via the shopping district and for the guys the Ponte de le Tette.
Then it was time to pack for the plane ride back home.
After getting an early start for many days in a row, we meet a little later. We then caught the city bus and headed to Venice. Once we arrived, we found a small bakery and bought some breakfast, which we ate overlooking the Grand Canal.
We then took the water bus (which is so cool), to Piazza San Marco. We rode the elevator up the Campanile and took some pictures of the square. We then proceeded to the Basilica di San Marco. Talk about amazing. The church is almost entirely inlaid with decorative tiles surrounded by gold. We also climbed to the roof of the basilica via the museum that was inside the church. The museum had the original four horses that used to be outside the church (now stand replicas), some old tapestries, some original inlaid artwork, and some beautifully detailed robes. We then grabbed a quick lunch to go.
We then headed to the Palazzo Ducale, the palace of the last prince of Venice. We toured the four floors – from the upper residence down to the Ponte dei Sospiri and the dungeon. We then meandered the street and alleyways of Venice to cross the island to catch a different water taxi to the island of Murano. Once we arrived, we visited a glass blowing factory and watched an artisan craft an original piece of work. Then it was time for some shopping!
We took the water taxi back to Venice and then headed to the Ponte di Rialto and grabbed a bite to eat. I had vegetarian pizza. Yummy. We then hopped in a gondola and went around the waterways. It was so much fun. From there we completed our journey back to the hotel via the shopping district and for the guys the Ponte de le Tette.
Then it was time to pack for the plane ride back home.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Florence, giorno due...
We woke up and checked out of the hotel and then ate breakfast and walked to the Uffizi Gallery where we meet Mike and Georg, who were holding a place in line. (Thanks guys!) We then strolled through the Uffizi for almost four hours, enjoying the art pieces. We viewed paintings by Botticcelli (The Birth of Venus), Michelangelo, and DaVinci (The Annunciation and The Adoration of the Magi). On the way back to the cars we stopped by Mr. Kebob for lunch. Love that place!
From Florence we took the back roads via the Tuscan countryside and drove to Venice where we checked into the Hotel Palladio. We then walked to a local restaurant where I had a porcini mushroom pasta to die for.
We woke up and checked out of the hotel and then ate breakfast and walked to the Uffizi Gallery where we meet Mike and Georg, who were holding a place in line. (Thanks guys!) We then strolled through the Uffizi for almost four hours, enjoying the art pieces. We viewed paintings by Botticcelli (The Birth of Venus), Michelangelo, and DaVinci (The Annunciation and The Adoration of the Magi). On the way back to the cars we stopped by Mr. Kebob for lunch. Love that place!
From Florence we took the back roads via the Tuscan countryside and drove to Venice where we checked into the Hotel Palladio. We then walked to a local restaurant where I had a porcini mushroom pasta to die for.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Florence...
Again we woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel. When then walked down to the Santa Maria Novella train station and caught the CitySightseeing Firenze bus tour. We then caught line A and rode the loop. Amoung other things we saw the Porta Romana and the Plaza Michelangelo. Which although outside the walls, looks over the entire city.
From there we continued on to Via de Tornabuoni, the high end shopping street, and got off the bus. We then walked to Ponte Vecchio and walked across the bridge and checked out all the gold vendors. From there we continued on to the Ufizi square, but could not get in due to the long lines.
We then strolled the shopping streets in the area and continued onto the Santa Croce church and got onto the CitySightseeing bus tour line B. We took it about eight stops through the non-tourist part of town and got off at the Theatro Verdi where we found a panini shop, grabbed lunch, and then popped a squat in the middle of the square to eat. Such great people watching (both the Italians and the tourists).
We then headed out and were able to enter the Duomo proper. From there we went back outside and re-entered the side entrance to climb up to the top of the Cupola of the Duomo (Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore). We then hoofed up 463 steps to the top. Although very winded, the view from the top was amazing. We then climbed back down. From there we had a quick water and gelato stop and then climbed up the 414 steps of the Campanile. Wow!
Once finally back on terra firma we strolled back to the Fiume Arno (Arno River). Along the way we stopped at a flea market for some shopping and then checked out the bootleg purses. Afterwards we stopped for dinner. I had gnocchi, zucchini, and a side salad.
We then headed to the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata to watch the Festival of Paper Lanterns. We watched the procession into the plaza of the different bands with each being followed by kids carrying paper lanterns. There were also lots of kids with blow guns shooting putty at the lanterns. It was a lot fun. The area had the feel of a carnival complete with white cotton candy, hot dogs, french fries, candies, roasted nuts, and cookies. Watching the machine make the cookies was very entertaining. We then hoofed it back to the hotel and called it a night.
Again we woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel. When then walked down to the Santa Maria Novella train station and caught the CitySightseeing Firenze bus tour. We then caught line A and rode the loop. Amoung other things we saw the Porta Romana and the Plaza Michelangelo. Which although outside the walls, looks over the entire city.
From there we continued on to Via de Tornabuoni, the high end shopping street, and got off the bus. We then walked to Ponte Vecchio and walked across the bridge and checked out all the gold vendors. From there we continued on to the Ufizi square, but could not get in due to the long lines.
We then strolled the shopping streets in the area and continued onto the Santa Croce church and got onto the CitySightseeing bus tour line B. We took it about eight stops through the non-tourist part of town and got off at the Theatro Verdi where we found a panini shop, grabbed lunch, and then popped a squat in the middle of the square to eat. Such great people watching (both the Italians and the tourists).
We then headed out and were able to enter the Duomo proper. From there we went back outside and re-entered the side entrance to climb up to the top of the Cupola of the Duomo (Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore). We then hoofed up 463 steps to the top. Although very winded, the view from the top was amazing. We then climbed back down. From there we had a quick water and gelato stop and then climbed up the 414 steps of the Campanile. Wow!
Once finally back on terra firma we strolled back to the Fiume Arno (Arno River). Along the way we stopped at a flea market for some shopping and then checked out the bootleg purses. Afterwards we stopped for dinner. I had gnocchi, zucchini, and a side salad.
We then headed to the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata to watch the Festival of Paper Lanterns. We watched the procession into the plaza of the different bands with each being followed by kids carrying paper lanterns. There were also lots of kids with blow guns shooting putty at the lanterns. It was a lot fun. The area had the feel of a carnival complete with white cotton candy, hot dogs, french fries, candies, roasted nuts, and cookies. Watching the machine make the cookies was very entertaining. We then hoofed it back to the hotel and called it a night.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Milan…
Woke up early again today and all of us meet downstairs for the hotel breakfast buffet. After a quick bite, we headed out toward downtown where we parked the cars and walked to the Duomo. We walked around the church and took pictures. We then walked up the stairs to the top of the church and enjoyed the intricate carvings up close.
It was then time for a quite gelato break and then we rode the Milan Citysightseeing Tours bus for a wonderful overview of the city. We saw some of the old portos, or gates, that still exist. It was then time for some quick souvenir shopping and a quick lunch of panini sandwiches.
We then left Milan and headed toward Florence. Along the way we stopped and spent a few hours at the Fidenza Village Outlet Mall in Fidenza, Italy. It was fun browsing, along I found plenty to buy. Maybe my next adventure should be outlet mall shopping in Europe! But Georg said he is unwilling to be the coordinator. (Exact quote would be "Not just no, but hell no")
After arriving in Florence and checking into the Hotel Leonardo DaVinci, we headed down to a great Middle Eastern restaurant Mr. Kebab. Had a falafel, hummus, and babaganush for dinner. Afterwards we strolled the streets before heading back to the rooms.
Woke up early again today and all of us meet downstairs for the hotel breakfast buffet. After a quick bite, we headed out toward downtown where we parked the cars and walked to the Duomo. We walked around the church and took pictures. We then walked up the stairs to the top of the church and enjoyed the intricate carvings up close.
It was then time for a quite gelato break and then we rode the Milan Citysightseeing Tours bus for a wonderful overview of the city. We saw some of the old portos, or gates, that still exist. It was then time for some quick souvenir shopping and a quick lunch of panini sandwiches.
We then left Milan and headed toward Florence. Along the way we stopped and spent a few hours at the Fidenza Village Outlet Mall in Fidenza, Italy. It was fun browsing, along I found plenty to buy. Maybe my next adventure should be outlet mall shopping in Europe! But Georg said he is unwilling to be the coordinator. (Exact quote would be "Not just no, but hell no")
After arriving in Florence and checking into the Hotel Leonardo DaVinci, we headed down to a great Middle Eastern restaurant Mr. Kebab. Had a falafel, hummus, and babaganush for dinner. Afterwards we strolled the streets before heading back to the rooms.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
St. Moritz and Milan...
After waking up and eating breakfast at the hotel, we piled into the two cars and drove to St. Moritz, Switzerland and parked at the train station. From the train station we took a city bus to the center of town, where we bought a ticket up to Piz Nair. To get to Piz Nair we took two mountain trains and a suspended gondola on the Engain railway system. Talk about amazing views. Piz Nair is at 3000m. Plenty of pictures were taken. We then grabbed a drink and did some souvenior shopping. After spending about 1 hour up with very little oxygen we took the train system back down the mountain. We then walked to the car via the grocery store and a stroll around the lake.
From St. Moritz we drove to Milan, Italy. On the way we drove down the Alps via some tight switchbacks and then through at least 14 mountain tunnels with the longest being 4kms.
Once we arrived in safely at the Monopole Hotel in Milan, after many close calls in the city traffic. We walked under the train station down to a shopping district. The females proceed to do some clothes and shoe shopping, while the guys just followed behind. Afterwards we headed back to the hotel and stopped off for some pizza at the Ristorante Pizzeria Da Luca. I had a caprese salad, an aspargus pizza, and an orange Fanta.
We then ended in Theresa and my room playing cards and chatting until we just needed to catch some shut eye. No gelato yet. Will make that a priority tomorrow (or today as the case may be).
After waking up and eating breakfast at the hotel, we piled into the two cars and drove to St. Moritz, Switzerland and parked at the train station. From the train station we took a city bus to the center of town, where we bought a ticket up to Piz Nair. To get to Piz Nair we took two mountain trains and a suspended gondola on the Engain railway system. Talk about amazing views. Piz Nair is at 3000m. Plenty of pictures were taken. We then grabbed a drink and did some souvenior shopping. After spending about 1 hour up with very little oxygen we took the train system back down the mountain. We then walked to the car via the grocery store and a stroll around the lake.
From St. Moritz we drove to Milan, Italy. On the way we drove down the Alps via some tight switchbacks and then through at least 14 mountain tunnels with the longest being 4kms.
Once we arrived in safely at the Monopole Hotel in Milan, after many close calls in the city traffic. We walked under the train station down to a shopping district. The females proceed to do some clothes and shoe shopping, while the guys just followed behind. Afterwards we headed back to the hotel and stopped off for some pizza at the Ristorante Pizzeria Da Luca. I had a caprese salad, an aspargus pizza, and an orange Fanta.
We then ended in Theresa and my room playing cards and chatting until we just needed to catch some shut eye. No gelato yet. Will make that a priority tomorrow (or today as the case may be).
Monday, September 04, 2006
Celerina..
Our adventures continued as we drove up the Alps. The views were amazing and some of the hairpin turns with cars bearing down were quite exciting. On the drive we encountered a herd of cows on one of the turns.
We ended up in the quaint little town of Celerina where we checked into the Chesa Rosatsch. Theresa and I are sharing a room on the first floor (2nd in US), with a balcony view of the mountains.
We then went to dinner at the Hotel Restaurant Saluver. I had a great homemade pasta with green beans, potatoes, Swiss cheese, and sage. I then topped it off with plum ice cream with whipped cream.
Now it is time to actually try to get some sleep, although I do not know how it would not be possible due to the fact I have only has 7 hours of sleep in the last two days.
Our adventures continued as we drove up the Alps. The views were amazing and some of the hairpin turns with cars bearing down were quite exciting. On the drive we encountered a herd of cows on one of the turns.
We ended up in the quaint little town of Celerina where we checked into the Chesa Rosatsch. Theresa and I are sharing a room on the first floor (2nd in US), with a balcony view of the mountains.
We then went to dinner at the Hotel Restaurant Saluver. I had a great homemade pasta with green beans, potatoes, Swiss cheese, and sage. I then topped it off with plum ice cream with whipped cream.
Now it is time to actually try to get some sleep, although I do not know how it would not be possible due to the fact I have only has 7 hours of sleep in the last two days.
Giger Bar in Chur...
Before I begin today's post I must wish a Happy Birthday to my very special nephew.
*****************************
* HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JONAH!*
*****************************
After lots of time on the road, I finally made it Munich. Meet my five other traveling companions and we hopped into the two rentals cars. We drove to the Giger Bar in Chur, Switzerland via Austria.
The decorations in the bar were very cool and the bar chairs were Harkonen chairs from the movie Dune. In the bar we had a couple of drinks and some snacks and are now headed to St. Moritz, Switerland.
Before I begin today's post I must wish a Happy Birthday to my very special nephew.
*****************************
* HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JONAH!*
*****************************
After lots of time on the road, I finally made it Munich. Meet my five other traveling companions and we hopped into the two rentals cars. We drove to the Giger Bar in Chur, Switzerland via Austria.
The decorations in the bar were very cool and the bar chairs were Harkonen chairs from the movie Dune. In the bar we had a couple of drinks and some snacks and are now headed to St. Moritz, Switerland.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Newark, Newark, Newark...
24 hours into my vacation and all I have seen is the Newark Airport. After missing my flight last night I called all the hotels with airport shuttles, but found there were no rooms available. So I did the best I could and found a quiet corner in the airport and tried to catch some ZZZs on the ground. I have eaten dinner, breakfast, and lunch at the same food court and and very happy that my flight is now on the board and showing on time. Although a second night without a bed or a shower is not too exciting.....
24 hours into my vacation and all I have seen is the Newark Airport. After missing my flight last night I called all the hotels with airport shuttles, but found there were no rooms available. So I did the best I could and found a quiet corner in the airport and tried to catch some ZZZs on the ground. I have eaten dinner, breakfast, and lunch at the same food court and and very happy that my flight is now on the board and showing on time. Although a second night without a bed or a shower is not too exciting.....
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Munich... I wish
Well today was very interesting. I awoke and there was no electricity or water due to Ernesto. Took a shower the base gym and then got to Dulles. My flight to Newark was delayed by weather and we waited on the tarmac for over 3 hours. Therefore I missed my connections and could not be rebooked until the next day. Continental was unwilling to give me hotel or food voucher, but I am going to find a quiet location in the concourse.
Ojala that tomorrow will bring better travel adventures.
Well today was very interesting. I awoke and there was no electricity or water due to Ernesto. Took a shower the base gym and then got to Dulles. My flight to Newark was delayed by weather and we waited on the tarmac for over 3 hours. Therefore I missed my connections and could not be rebooked until the next day. Continental was unwilling to give me hotel or food voucher, but I am going to find a quiet location in the concourse.
Ojala that tomorrow will bring better travel adventures.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Packed and Ready To Go...
Well, I am packed, except for a few remaining items. And definitely ready to go. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and not delay any of my flights tomorrow.
Due to the fact that I am using frequent flier miles my flight is kind of like a "milk run". I fly from Washington D.C. to Newark, Newark to Amsterdam, and then 8 hours later Amsterdam to Munich.
Well, I am packed, except for a few remaining items. And definitely ready to go. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and not delay any of my flights tomorrow.
Due to the fact that I am using frequent flier miles my flight is kind of like a "milk run". I fly from Washington D.C. to Newark, Newark to Amsterdam, and then 8 hours later Amsterdam to Munich.
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