I'm back on US soil for the holiday. John met me at the airport and we spent yesterday at a perfect beach. Tonight we are going to see the fireworks. The Huh family is doing great!!! More tomorrow..
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Beijing
I LOVE Beijing. Things started off great as I slept for 7 hours on the plane on the way. After landing and getting to the hotel in the early evening I took a walk and subway ride around the city. I stopped at Tianimen square at about 9pm to check that out. I was surprized tha they actually close the square (the world's biggest city square) at 8pm each night. I guess this helps people from spontaneous demonstrations. It is an eary feeling in the square, very majestic and beautiful, but obviously with a sorted history.
The next day i took a tour of the Forbidden City, Tianimen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, the Peoples Rebublic buildings, and the City Park. Great tour with a dutch family (I seem to attract tthe Dutch) and a wonderful tour guide named Jamie Wang. Near the end of the tour Jamie asked what I wanted to do over the next 3 days and agreed to be my private tour guide for 3 days. He is a very nice guy, born and raised in Beijing, studued language in colllege, and been doing tours for 7 years.
That night we went for Peking Duck and then off to a KungFu show. The show was spectacular. A high energy mix of dancing, Kung Fu, music and a great story line. Broadway would be proud.
The next day we went to the Beijing Zoo. We visited the Panda's. There were 14 Panda's playing around. They are so cute and playful. Pictures a little dark but look for the Panda sleeping in the tree above my head.
While at the zoo my phone rang. It was my Dutch friend Gilbert who asked what I was doing for dinner. As a great surprise he decided to join me in Beijing!!! After the zoo Jamie and I went to the Summer Palace. This is where the emporer (and his aunt) spent their summers. A very beautiful and relaxing area.
I then made my way back to the hotel and met up with Gilbert. We walked around the city that night and had a great meal.
The next day Jamie, Gilbert and I went to the Great Wall. The Wall was definately one of the great highlights of the trip. After a 90 minute car ride north of Beijing the wall snakes its way atop a mountain range. To get to the Wall we took a cable car to the top of the mountain range. You then ascend into the wall. We took a 3 hour hike along the Wall from tower 14 to tower 20. Anywhere you stop is a postcard setting. The stretch from tower 19 to tower 20 is 600+ steps up a very steep section. It was exhausting. Gilbert did a fantastic job hiking this distance. I was really impressed. It was very hot and we were greatful for the passing shower that hit us at Tower 20. After resting and taking many pictures we headed back to Tower 14 and our way back to Beijing.
Once we returned to Beijing we stopped at the Olympic center and visited the Water Cube and the Birdsnest. Both building are archicturally impressive. We went in the Water Cube and pretended to be Michael Phelps. Ok we were actually more prepared to be Mrs. Phelps, but pretending was fun none the less.
Gilbert and I had a great last meal at the hotel and got ready for our flights the next day. Enjoy the pictures, they are great.
Rome
Rome is split into 2 categories for me. First there are the cultural spots. This included the Collisium, Forum, Panthean, Vatican. These are all amazing. It fealt like I stepped into an old movie set. You really get the fealing of being transported back in time. Walking around the Collisium is an other-wordly experience.
My camera malfunctioned for a day, so I do not have pictures from the Vatican. Let me just state that St. Peters is HUGE and the Sistine Chapel is very beautiful.
The other side of Rome - the non-tourist areas, I found dissapointing. A whole lot of trash and graffitti. The driving is crazy and the people a bit pushy.
A few pics from Rome:
Catching up.....
On sleep, blogging, relaxing....
After a world-wind 2 weeks in Rome (bad internet connection, Beijing (no access to blogging sites) and now Hawaii, it's time to catch up. Enjoy the posts...
After a world-wind 2 weeks in Rome (bad internet connection, Beijing (no access to blogging sites) and now Hawaii, it's time to catch up. Enjoy the posts...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Florence
Florence is a stunning city, everywhere you rurn is a piece of history or art that is between 400-1000 years old. The pictures I have do not do it justice. I took a walking tour yesterday, a great way to learn about the history of the city, and its importance in world culture. Considering both Leonardo and Michaelangilo lived here, they have had more than their share of great artists.
The most impressive site is David. I went there this morning and was amazed on how beautiful it is. If it asn't stone, and if I wasn't engaged....
Other great sites I saw included the Duomo, pieces at the Uffizi museum, and Santa Croce.
I had some great meals (breakfast not included in that comment).
I do have to say that I have been struggling with being a little travelled out over the past few days. I am soooo over souvenier shops, pushy people, waiting in lines, and my clothes and luggage. So I actuallyy only have 3 more stops, and need to pack 3 more times.
I am now off to Rome, enjoy the pictures.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=767313002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
The most impressive site is David. I went there this morning and was amazed on how beautiful it is. If it asn't stone, and if I wasn't engaged....
Other great sites I saw included the Duomo, pieces at the Uffizi museum, and Santa Croce.
I had some great meals (breakfast not included in that comment).
I do have to say that I have been struggling with being a little travelled out over the past few days. I am soooo over souvenier shops, pushy people, waiting in lines, and my clothes and luggage. So I actuallyy only have 3 more stops, and need to pack 3 more times.
I am now off to Rome, enjoy the pictures.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=767313002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Monday, June 22, 2009
Greek Islands
Over the long weekend John and I visited Turkey, Crete, Patmos and Santorini. I'll try to do my best to recap...
Turkey - port of Kusadasi.
Never in my life have I been at a spot with pushier merchants. They really do not take no for an answer. It is all done in good fun, and bartering is a way of life here. The people, while pushy, are also VERY friendly. John and I started our day having coffee and walking through the fort of Kusadasi.
We then spent the next hour participating in the national pasttime - shopping. There were many deals to be had, and we spent more then we should have. We barterred our way through shoes stores, clothing stores and other odd shops.
A highlight was watching a demonstration on a woman making a Persian rug. I was amazed on what a long, time consuming process this is. The rugs are very intricate, and made with an assortment of materials. John and I were able to walk away without buying a rug, so it looks like I will have enough money to make it home.
Patmos - a quiet town. I made this journey alone as John was relaxing on the boat. Patmos is a cute sleepy town aboutt 50 km from Kusadasi. There is a beach in the center of town where many people went swimming. I have enough sun for a year, so I decided to enjoy a cappachino at a cafe. Nothing quite like a lazy afternoon, having coffee in an outside cafe in Greece.
Crete - Our morning in Crete was also very laid back. It was a Sunday morning, so most of the town was dead when we arrived. We walked past, and ducked into the main church. The church is both simple and ornate at the same time. The outside architecture a beautiful mixture of straight lines and curved ceilings. Inside the church, a very ornate alter. Interesting service, or which I did not understand a word (sorry, It's all Greek to me). We hten sauntered down to a cafe to have a great late breakfast. The pictures of the fishing boats are from this port. While fishing is a pretty dead business in the Aegean, it makes one think back to their way of life for the past 3000 years.
Santorini - One of the most magical places on Earth. The current landscape of Santorini was created by a volcano that ripped apart the town about almost 4000 years ago. It is the basis for Plato's writing about the lost continent of Atlantis. The cliffs soar out of the sea. Cliffs of marble and lava great you as you sail into this magical place. Resting on the tops of these huge cliffs sits a town of beautiful white and blue buildings. ( by the way, move to Greece and you only need 2 colors - all the houses are white and blue)
There are a few ways to ascend the cliffs. The most modern is the tram that takes you up. The oldest way would be climbing the 4000+ steps. The most interesting way is to take a donkey. More on the donkey later. John and I took the tram on the way up. Once you get to the top, the view is stunning. An interesting meteorological event takes place here. We had not seen a cloud for 7 days, but in Santorini, when the water meats the cliffs clouds are formed and come from below and rise up over the town. You literally look down at the clouds and see them coming back up at you.
After walking though the town and some light shopping, we found a great place for dinner. We ate a great meal of mussels, Greek salad, Kabobs and Mousaka. I will really miss the great food, and friendly and boisterous people.
After dinner I decided to ride the donkey down the mountain. It was a bit harrowing as my donkey likes to walk on the edge of the path with me looking down cliffs that fell 500 feet or so. The last picture is kind of dark, but you can decide who is the biggest ass in the shot.
John and returned to the boat and packed up. We had a wonderful 3 weeks together and now I'm back to traveling solo.
Enjoy the pictures, some of them are a amazing.
Turkey - port of Kusadasi.
Never in my life have I been at a spot with pushier merchants. They really do not take no for an answer. It is all done in good fun, and bartering is a way of life here. The people, while pushy, are also VERY friendly. John and I started our day having coffee and walking through the fort of Kusadasi.
We then spent the next hour participating in the national pasttime - shopping. There were many deals to be had, and we spent more then we should have. We barterred our way through shoes stores, clothing stores and other odd shops.
A highlight was watching a demonstration on a woman making a Persian rug. I was amazed on what a long, time consuming process this is. The rugs are very intricate, and made with an assortment of materials. John and I were able to walk away without buying a rug, so it looks like I will have enough money to make it home.
Patmos - a quiet town. I made this journey alone as John was relaxing on the boat. Patmos is a cute sleepy town aboutt 50 km from Kusadasi. There is a beach in the center of town where many people went swimming. I have enough sun for a year, so I decided to enjoy a cappachino at a cafe. Nothing quite like a lazy afternoon, having coffee in an outside cafe in Greece.
Crete - Our morning in Crete was also very laid back. It was a Sunday morning, so most of the town was dead when we arrived. We walked past, and ducked into the main church. The church is both simple and ornate at the same time. The outside architecture a beautiful mixture of straight lines and curved ceilings. Inside the church, a very ornate alter. Interesting service, or which I did not understand a word (sorry, It's all Greek to me). We hten sauntered down to a cafe to have a great late breakfast. The pictures of the fishing boats are from this port. While fishing is a pretty dead business in the Aegean, it makes one think back to their way of life for the past 3000 years.
Santorini - One of the most magical places on Earth. The current landscape of Santorini was created by a volcano that ripped apart the town about almost 4000 years ago. It is the basis for Plato's writing about the lost continent of Atlantis. The cliffs soar out of the sea. Cliffs of marble and lava great you as you sail into this magical place. Resting on the tops of these huge cliffs sits a town of beautiful white and blue buildings. ( by the way, move to Greece and you only need 2 colors - all the houses are white and blue)
There are a few ways to ascend the cliffs. The most modern is the tram that takes you up. The oldest way would be climbing the 4000+ steps. The most interesting way is to take a donkey. More on the donkey later. John and I took the tram on the way up. Once you get to the top, the view is stunning. An interesting meteorological event takes place here. We had not seen a cloud for 7 days, but in Santorini, when the water meats the cliffs clouds are formed and come from below and rise up over the town. You literally look down at the clouds and see them coming back up at you.
After walking though the town and some light shopping, we found a great place for dinner. We ate a great meal of mussels, Greek salad, Kabobs and Mousaka. I will really miss the great food, and friendly and boisterous people.
After dinner I decided to ride the donkey down the mountain. It was a bit harrowing as my donkey likes to walk on the edge of the path with me looking down cliffs that fell 500 feet or so. The last picture is kind of dark, but you can decide who is the biggest ass in the shot.
John and returned to the boat and packed up. We had a wonderful 3 weeks together and now I'm back to traveling solo.
Enjoy the pictures, some of them are a amazing.
Getting Married
After 16 years of dating John and I have committed ourselves to marriage. John asked me to marry him while at the windmills on Mykonos. I was honored to be asked, and gratefully accepted. It was a very romantic spot, and will always be a wonderful memory.
We had been talking about this for the past few months, and we appreciate what a wonderful life we have had together, and wanted to commit to each other for our futures.
I think it is really important to have the community recognize our commitment to one another. Relationships are so very rewarding, but also hard work. Without the support of the community, it makes it even harder.
For a long time in my life I did not understand what love was about. Then, for a while, I fealt I would never have the opportunity to share my life with someone. This relationship has taught me how great life can be when sharing it with someone that you love. We are very different people, but we have learned to appreciate the differences, and work with one another to get the most out of life.
I apologize for telling people in this kind of impersonal manner. If I had to call everyone it would cost me a fortune, and we have a wedding to pay for now.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Random Thoughts on a boat...
On the Blue Star Itaki on my way to Mykonos. Beautiful ferry ship. Sat out for an hour or so, now kicking back in the lounge.
Athens was great. The people are so friendly. I wonder what type of cultural differences drive our behaviors. In Greece if you walk pass someone with a map open they stop you and ask where you need to go. They then point you in the right direction. If they do not know where you are going, they take it on themselves to get you the correct directions. Sometimes this means that they get a whole group of people together to come up with the best directions. This gets quite comical as the next thing you know there are 3 or 4 Greeks yelling at one another on what is the best way to walk 4 or 5 blocks. After a consensus is reached, they give you the verdict, and you are on the way. In NY people basically ignore you if you ask for directions. Especially if they ask in another language. I promise to be more helpful in the future.
Again with the fruits and vegetables. I grew up thinking the US has the best produce. This is so far from the truth. I do not ever remember eating better produce in my life. All of the growth hormones and genetically engineered produce that the US has created is really awful. It may look good, but there is absolutely no taste to it. I haave not had a bad tomato in a month.
That being said, I miss the US beef. They do not understand how to create a steak or hamburger in Europe. I’m looking forward to a big juicy hamburger when I get home. After that it will need to be diet time. I have gained a ton or weight on the trip. Too many great meals and not enough running.
Speaking of coming home, I am definitely not ready yet. I need to figure out the next steps of life. Not having much luck. I am need of direction and purpose. Yesterday, while touring the Acropolis, I was thinking back to college when I took a Greek Philosophy course. I loved that class and thought back to all of the idealism I possessed. Maybe life sucks that away from you, but I need passion in my life again. The thought of going back to a job where I get yelled at by clients on a daily basis, all in an effort to make a large corporation more money is not doing it for me. We get one pass at this, I’d rather not have my obituary state that I made a lot of money for a large corporation….
The next week should be a lot of fun. 3 days at the beach and then a 4 day cruise. I’ll try and keep in touch.
Athens was great. The people are so friendly. I wonder what type of cultural differences drive our behaviors. In Greece if you walk pass someone with a map open they stop you and ask where you need to go. They then point you in the right direction. If they do not know where you are going, they take it on themselves to get you the correct directions. Sometimes this means that they get a whole group of people together to come up with the best directions. This gets quite comical as the next thing you know there are 3 or 4 Greeks yelling at one another on what is the best way to walk 4 or 5 blocks. After a consensus is reached, they give you the verdict, and you are on the way. In NY people basically ignore you if you ask for directions. Especially if they ask in another language. I promise to be more helpful in the future.
Again with the fruits and vegetables. I grew up thinking the US has the best produce. This is so far from the truth. I do not ever remember eating better produce in my life. All of the growth hormones and genetically engineered produce that the US has created is really awful. It may look good, but there is absolutely no taste to it. I haave not had a bad tomato in a month.
That being said, I miss the US beef. They do not understand how to create a steak or hamburger in Europe. I’m looking forward to a big juicy hamburger when I get home. After that it will need to be diet time. I have gained a ton or weight on the trip. Too many great meals and not enough running.
Speaking of coming home, I am definitely not ready yet. I need to figure out the next steps of life. Not having much luck. I am need of direction and purpose. Yesterday, while touring the Acropolis, I was thinking back to college when I took a Greek Philosophy course. I loved that class and thought back to all of the idealism I possessed. Maybe life sucks that away from you, but I need passion in my life again. The thought of going back to a job where I get yelled at by clients on a daily basis, all in an effort to make a large corporation more money is not doing it for me. We get one pass at this, I’d rather not have my obituary state that I made a lot of money for a large corporation….
The next week should be a lot of fun. 3 days at the beach and then a 4 day cruise. I’ll try and keep in touch.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wonderful Mykonos Pictures posted
Mykonos was a very magical and romantic place. John and I had a wonderful time. We spent 4 days in Mykonos, rented an ATV to get around town with, spending most of the days at the beach or the pool. The food in Mykonos is amazing, very fresh and full of flavor.
Unfortunately internet connection has been a challenge the last few days.
We are now on a cruise of the Greek Islands where there is no real connection. The pictures of Mykonos and the islands will have to wait until I get a good connection. Hard to believe it, but John returns home in 48 hours.
I'll post more when I have time.
Pictures below:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=750975002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Unfortunately internet connection has been a challenge the last few days.
We are now on a cruise of the Greek Islands where there is no real connection. The pictures of Mykonos and the islands will have to wait until I get a good connection. Hard to believe it, but John returns home in 48 hours.
I'll post more when I have time.
Pictures below:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=750975002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Monday, June 15, 2009
Athens and the Acropolis
By far this is the oldest stuff I have ever seen. We spent the day touring around Athens. The ruins are inspiring. We started off seeing the original Olympic stadium built in marble. So much marble that Stephen Tracy would be proud. The finished the first ever competitive marathon at this spot, and also concluded the mens and womens marathon for the 2004 Olympics at this stadium as well. It has put the bug in me to run a marathon here if they finish in the stadium. Anyone want to join me???
After the stadium we went to the Zues temple, followed by the Acropolis. There is no way I can do justice to the beauty, and grandeur of these places. It is a shame that war has destroyed a good portion of these temples. They are no doing reconstruction and re-fortification of the Acropolis. You can see this from all the construction stuff in the below pictures. While is may be under construction it did not take away from the experience.
Our hotel looks right out at the Acropolis. By far, the nicest hotel to date. Too bad it is only one more night here.
John and I haave been feasting on mousaka, souvlaki, ka-bobs, gyros, and tonight is probably pasticio. The people here are beyond friendly. They are warm, and always willing to assist with directions and ideas on things to do.
I spent an hour at the pool, which also overlooks the Acropolice.
We are off to dinner. Enjoy the pictures.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Old Prague
An amazing city built in 800. The architecture is sooooo old. Lots of different styles. John and I had a great 5 hour tour with Mareck, our private guide. Visited the Castle, the old town square, the site of the uprising in 1990, the Jewish Ghetto, and many other sites. The people here are so friendly and very beautiful.
Saturday--We spent a great day at the city park laying out and getting sun. I got yelled at by a park ranger for walking around barefoot. Hmmmm...
We ate at the old city square while the sun went down. During the meal all the lights in the square went on. It was magical.
Pictures:
Pictures:
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Music City, Vienna is classical
Vienna is a beautiful city. The architecture, palaces, music, and people are wonderful. John and I have had a great few days here. Not enough time to really get to know the city, but I love it. Just like one of their most famous recent celebrities, "I'll be back"
We arrived Sunday evening after a nice train ride from Budapest. We met a really interesting woman named Shockdi that lives in Texas. The really interesting part is that she lived in Hamden for 12 years about 1 mile from our house. She and her partner now run a guest house in Austin. Who knew there were gay people in Texas.
After dinner on Sunday we walked to the Opera house. They actually broadcast what is going on in the Opera House right outside the Opera House. We sat and watched for a while. I find it funny when people tell me they do not like Rock and Roll because it is too load and you can't understand what they are saying. I feel the same way about Opera.
Monday we took a tram ride around the city center and scoped out all of the architecture. The city center makes you fell like you are back about 200 years ago with Mozart, Shubert, and Strauss. Later on Monday we went to the Freud Museum. A very interesting place where he did most of his writing. Freud left his house do to the Nazi's in 1937. There are many original works that have been returned to the museum. Unfortunately the couch is not there, so I remain as carazy as always. Notice from the pictures that he only saw patients for an hour each day. Nice office hours.
Today we spent the morning at the Hotberg Palace. This is where the Hapsburgs ruled for 600 years. The last main residents were the incomperable Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi). The Austrians just love Sisi. She was assassinated back in 1909? and she became world famous from the tragedy. Her life story, and her husbands are extraordinary. After romping through their palace we made our way back to the hotel. The hotel is right in the heart of the city by St. Stephen's Cathedral.
The weather has been spectacular, so I spent a few hours at their main city park. There are statues of all the famous composers in the park. Burned my back, and then back to the hotel. John and I then went to Mozarts House where he composed The Marriage of Figgarro. Small museum, but very interesting. After over eating (a train that is becoming all too common) and ice cream, it is now time to turn in.
Off to Czech Republic in the morning.
The pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=672258002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
We arrived Sunday evening after a nice train ride from Budapest. We met a really interesting woman named Shockdi that lives in Texas. The really interesting part is that she lived in Hamden for 12 years about 1 mile from our house. She and her partner now run a guest house in Austin. Who knew there were gay people in Texas.
After dinner on Sunday we walked to the Opera house. They actually broadcast what is going on in the Opera House right outside the Opera House. We sat and watched for a while. I find it funny when people tell me they do not like Rock and Roll because it is too load and you can't understand what they are saying. I feel the same way about Opera.
Monday we took a tram ride around the city center and scoped out all of the architecture. The city center makes you fell like you are back about 200 years ago with Mozart, Shubert, and Strauss. Later on Monday we went to the Freud Museum. A very interesting place where he did most of his writing. Freud left his house do to the Nazi's in 1937. There are many original works that have been returned to the museum. Unfortunately the couch is not there, so I remain as carazy as always. Notice from the pictures that he only saw patients for an hour each day. Nice office hours.
Today we spent the morning at the Hotberg Palace. This is where the Hapsburgs ruled for 600 years. The last main residents were the incomperable Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi). The Austrians just love Sisi. She was assassinated back in 1909? and she became world famous from the tragedy. Her life story, and her husbands are extraordinary. After romping through their palace we made our way back to the hotel. The hotel is right in the heart of the city by St. Stephen's Cathedral.
The weather has been spectacular, so I spent a few hours at their main city park. There are statues of all the famous composers in the park. Burned my back, and then back to the hotel. John and I then went to Mozarts House where he composed The Marriage of Figgarro. Small museum, but very interesting. After over eating (a train that is becoming all too common) and ice cream, it is now time to turn in.
Off to Czech Republic in the morning.
The pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=672258002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
My run:
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Beautiful Budapest
John arrived on Thursday after a very nice flight and landed about 5 minutes before I arrived from Krakow. After a nice ride into the city we arrived at the Gellert Hotel. This is a very famous hotel with the best Thermal Baths in Hungary. There are about 10 diffrent thermal pools, a wave pool, sauna's and steam rooms. Going to the Baths is a way of life for people from Hungary. We spent a lazy day at the hotel, Jos and Gilbert arrived the same day and we had a great 5 course dinner.
Friday we went to the Marketplace and did some shopping for gifts. We then went to The Royal Palace and Fisherman's Castle.
Today we spent the morning catching some sun at the pools and then did a great 5 hour tour seeing all the sites. This is such an old city, with buildings back to the 1200's. They have a terrible history with siding with losing empires. The city is very unique do to all the different folks who have conquered Budapest.
Most importantly, today was John's birthday. He wanted me to thank the well wishers who sent emails. Gilbert and Jos treated us to a fabulous dinner. We are now tired and off to bed.
We leave for Vienna tomorrow afternoon.
The pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=652356002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Friday we went to the Marketplace and did some shopping for gifts. We then went to The Royal Palace and Fisherman's Castle.
Today we spent the morning catching some sun at the pools and then did a great 5 hour tour seeing all the sites. This is such an old city, with buildings back to the 1200's. They have a terrible history with siding with losing empires. The city is very unique do to all the different folks who have conquered Budapest.
Most importantly, today was John's birthday. He wanted me to thank the well wishers who sent emails. Gilbert and Jos treated us to a fabulous dinner. We are now tired and off to bed.
We leave for Vienna tomorrow afternoon.
The pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=652356002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A city celebrates, and I visit the saddest place on earth
I am stuck in the middle of some really powerful stuff here. I am in Krakow which is celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Soviet rule. At the same time I spent the day at the saddest place on earth Auschwitz. I will write about Krakow later, a great city that does need to be separated from the devastation and inhumane treatment of mankind that I exhibited today.
What can one say about a place the size of about 6 football fields that 1,500,000 people were killed at? How can I put into words the total devastation that I felt. I can not. I can tell you some random thoughts though.
What can one say about a place the size of about 6 football fields that 1,500,000 people were killed at? How can I put into words the total devastation that I felt. I can not. I can tell you some random thoughts though.
- First of all we all have a duty to make sure that something like this never happens again.
- The museum did an excellent job on the exhibits and their guided tours
- The torture and living conditions are beyond comprehension.
- While not Jewish my father, brother , sister and I would have been killed immediately. My mother and other sister would have probably lasted 40 days, the average life expectancy for victims.
- Most of all of my friends would also have been immediately killed.
- There were over 250,000 children below the age of 15 that were killed within 30 minutes of arriving at camp. They show a room filled with baby and child shoes that brought a tear to my eye. They also have a room filled with human hair that was shaved off of all victims before the bodies were burned.
- To walk into a gas chamber and then the crematorium made me physically sick.
- All Polish children are required to visit the camps prior to their 14th birthday. If it was possible, I think all children should need to do this.
I could go on and on, but I need to stop that thought process so I can go to bed. I would like to let everyone know what a beautiful city Krakow is. It is very old and has the largest public square in Europe. It is surrounded by spectacular churches and towers. The square is alive 24 hours a day. On the hour, every hour, a fireman plays a beautiful revelie on a trumpet. He does this 4 times as he switches windows to play the melody in each direction. It is wonderful.
Enjoy the pictures, the early ones are of Krakow, followed by the ones from Auschwitz.
Off to Budapest in the morning. More importantly John will be there where I arrive!!!
Getting lost in Krakow
I went for a run this morning and got lost. While being a bit nerve racking as no one spoke English on that side of town I got to see a part of Krakow that most do not. You can check out my run and see where I stopped running in a circle.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Ftrail.motionbased.com%2Ftrail%2Fkml%2Fepisode.kml%3FepisodePkValues%3D8367679&ie=UTF8&ll=50.057139,19.95203&spn=0.012895,0.037422&z=14
Krakow is a great city with a beautiful old city square that is lively 24 hours a day. The square is surrounded by many churches. I also went to Pope John Paul II church. I'm off to Auschvits in about an hour.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Ftrail.motionbased.com%2Ftrail%2Fkml%2Fepisode.kml%3FepisodePkValues%3D8367679&ie=UTF8&ll=50.057139,19.95203&spn=0.012895,0.037422&z=14
Krakow is a great city with a beautiful old city square that is lively 24 hours a day. The square is surrounded by many churches. I also went to Pope John Paul II church. I'm off to Auschvits in about an hour.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Flying at Neuschwanstein Castle
Pretty butch picture huh? I could not resist posting this one. Today I flew off of a perfectly good mountain. What do I mean? I went Paragliding. This is where you are attached to an instructor and you soar off a mountain and go gliding in a parachute 2000 feet in the air. We did this at Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. This castle, as you can see from the pictures was built by Ludwig II, and is the basis for the Cinderella castle from Walt Disney.Paragliding was amazing. I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I am so glad I did. There is nothing I have ever done that felt the same way. First you take a tram to the top of this huge mountain. You then get the chute all set up, get in my suit and harnness and practice takeoff. Before you know it you are ready to go. The first several pictures of today are me flying. My instrucure was Tiger, and he has flown over 5000 times. My knees were shaking so bad when it was time for us to run off the side of the mountain. Before I knew it we were sailing in the air and climbing up higher. We flew over the castle and around the mountains for about 20 minutes. We even did some acrobatics on the way down. Landed safely, and din't even fall to the ground. Just amazing.
The rest of the day was fantastic as well. I went down an alpine slide, hiked up a waterfall, and then visited Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is amazing, built by a crazy gay monarch - Richard Wagner's lover -- back in the 1860's. It cost about a billion dollars to build.
I am beyond exhausted, still need to eat dinner and pack. I'm up at 4 tomorrow.
The pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=615690002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
To see a great video on what paragliding is like, click on this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFI9qyiRHvY&NR=1
Sunday, May 31, 2009
How visiting Dachau can change your life
I spent the day at Dachau concentration camp today, and to call it a moving experience would be a great understatement. The camp is now a museum to show the atrocities of genocide.It is a place that you see the worst behaviors of human kind, and understand that we continue to have the possibility of this in the present and in the future. It is too easy to state that this could not happen again. Instead it takes place today. Over the past 15 years we have had ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, Rawanda, and still today in Darfur. As we did 60 years ago, the majority of our population turns our back on this until we can no longer deny and save face without contributing to ending the atrocity.
The practice of indoctrinating young impressionable youth that do not have other opportunities was put into place by the National Socialist party (Nazi). They did this better then most and trained the elite at Dachau to stip the prisoners of their identities, possessions and their dignity. Fortunately dignity is not something others can control. Many prisoners showed the utmost dignity for their fellow prisoners. Many gave their lives for others. The SS gourds were trained at Dachau and then sent off to open up additional camps. This was the main teaching place for the extermination of over 6,000,000 jews and another 1,500,000 non Jews. (Including over 150,000 gays, but I will get to that later) Today this practice takes place by terrorists, gangs, Somalian pirates and many others. Were there are oppressed despaarte folks, there will be others who will look to take advantage of them for the wrong reasons.
To understand the scope of the camp there were 250,000 prisoners that came through Dachau. 45,000 were killed at Dachau and burned at the crematorium. Most of the rest were sent on to other camps and killed there. Only about 4% survived. This included the 14,000 prisoners liberated in 1945 by US troops. Unfortunatly, even after liberation another 3,000 died due to malnourishment and disease within the first 6 weeks of being free again.
To see the gas chambers, the torcher rooms, the barracks and the crematorium is devastating. The barracks were designed for 200 prisoners each. By 1944 there were over 2000 people in each barrack. During the last few months Germany ran out of coal. This was needed to fire the crematoriums. When the US liberated the camp there was a pile of human bodies as high as the building. The building is about 20 feet high. In addition there was a train car fuill of dead prisoners as well. This constituted 4000 bodies, dead but not cremated that the US found. This was one of the first camps liberated and uncovered the extent of the atrocities of the Nazi party.
Right before I left I unfortunately experienced something that has me truly rageful and despondent on human nature. In 1968 there was a three part monument erected to promote tolerance. One of the pieces is an abstract of all the different badges that the prisoners had to wear. The artist included all badges. The Board of Directors, comprised of former prisoners, German officials and camp preservationists, instructed the artist to remove the pink triangles and the black triangles as homosexuals and criminals should not be represented. So, the people who should promoting tolerance discriminated against gays and criminals. A big "GO TO HELL" from me to them on this one. It just goes to show how much work is still left to be done.
There are a few pictures from this trip. The most important is the sign built into the front gate that states that "Work will set you free" This was obviously not the case here at Dachau. It is now my hope that the continued efforts by those who work at this camp, and those who visit this camp, will work to ensure that this type of atrocity will not take place in the future, and that this work will set us free from genocide.
More pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=610782002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/Salzburg
The Hills are Alive!!!
I went to the home of Mozart and the Sound of Music---Salzburg Austria. It was a rainy day, but Salzburg still proved to be a beatiful place and an artists dream. Salburg's favorite son, Mozart rules the city. I saw his birthplace where they have a nice museum on him and his family. I also went to his home later in life after he had made some money. He was a crazy man, one with God given mastery. It was so nice to see so many people interested in him. I took the train from Munich listening to his piano quartets (Thanks Joe!!!) on my iPod. Great train and great music.
There are a few pictures from the abbey where Maria came from (true story) and pictures of the house they used in the movie(Not their real house). I even sang the music at the top of my lungs with a few folks that had been imbibing a little too much on the local necture.
My favorite part of the trip was climbing to the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This fortress was constructed in the 1100's and improved over time until the start of WWI. It was quite a hike up, but well worth it. I have not run in a few days so it was good to get the workout. The view of Salzburg from there is amazing. A very old town with great buildings nestled right in the Alps. I could still see snow covered mountains in the distance.
Due to the rain I headed back into Munich an hour early and enjoyed a great Goulash dinner with Spatzel.
Most of my pictures may need explanations, but alas, it's dinner time, so that will have to wait.
The link:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=607447002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
I went to the home of Mozart and the Sound of Music---Salzburg Austria. It was a rainy day, but Salzburg still proved to be a beatiful place and an artists dream. Salburg's favorite son, Mozart rules the city. I saw his birthplace where they have a nice museum on him and his family. I also went to his home later in life after he had made some money. He was a crazy man, one with God given mastery. It was so nice to see so many people interested in him. I took the train from Munich listening to his piano quartets (Thanks Joe!!!) on my iPod. Great train and great music.
There are a few pictures from the abbey where Maria came from (true story) and pictures of the house they used in the movie(Not their real house). I even sang the music at the top of my lungs with a few folks that had been imbibing a little too much on the local necture.
My favorite part of the trip was climbing to the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This fortress was constructed in the 1100's and improved over time until the start of WWI. It was quite a hike up, but well worth it. I have not run in a few days so it was good to get the workout. The view of Salzburg from there is amazing. A very old town with great buildings nestled right in the Alps. I could still see snow covered mountains in the distance.
Due to the rain I headed back into Munich an hour early and enjoyed a great Goulash dinner with Spatzel.
Most of my pictures may need explanations, but alas, it's dinner time, so that will have to wait.
The link:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=607447002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Saturday, May 30, 2009
General Observations about Europe and US
A few random thoughts:
Dear Europe:
Dear Europe:
- We invented something about 60 years ago, it's called an ice machine, you should invest in one. I'm not sure why it takes an Act of God to get ice in a drink.
- You could increase productivity by 25% by learning how to jaywalk. It's really not a sign of disrespect, it's a sign that you are busy and have things to do.
- People in Germany drink way too much beer. Maybe that is why everyone smokes here.
- Britain did not understand that everyone should have voted for Susan Boyle. She does have talent, but the british don't have a clue if they voted her second.
Dear America:
- The fruits and vegetables in Europe kick ass. They are tasty and real. The US needs to stop putting hormones in our food and get back to basics.
- Fix the train system. The train system in Europe rocks. It is reliable, comfortable, quick and reasonable. It beats airplain travel any day of the week.
- No matter what we do, we will never be able to match the history and beauty of the 1500-1700 architecture in Europe.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Greetings from Munich
Arrived here last night. I took the train into the city saving myself about $60. Hotel is right by the traiin station.
Nothing will make you feel more like a long trek traveler than haiving to do laundry on your trip. I went down the street this morning and just did my own wash. The hotel was going to charge 50 Euro, I did it myself for 5 euro.
I'm off site-seeing this afternoon. I'll bring the camera and post pictures later. Munich is a huge city, I'll have to see what I run into......
By the way two things...John and my anniverary yesterday (16 years) and Jim Zagres birthday today (I think he's 62, just kidding.) Happy birthday Jim, and John I can't wait to celebrate next Thursday night.
Nothing will make you feel more like a long trek traveler than haiving to do laundry on your trip. I went down the street this morning and just did my own wash. The hotel was going to charge 50 Euro, I did it myself for 5 euro.
I'm off site-seeing this afternoon. I'll bring the camera and post pictures later. Munich is a huge city, I'll have to see what I run into......
By the way two things...John and my anniverary yesterday (16 years) and Jim Zagres birthday today (I think he's 62, just kidding.) Happy birthday Jim, and John I can't wait to celebrate next Thursday night.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Berlin Follies
I have spent a very education couple of days in Berlin. I learned a lot about Germany, how it was unified, what lead to WWI and WWII and post WWII life in Berlin. This city has an amazing history.
Most of the city is new, as an overwelming amount of building were lost in the battle of Berlin. The architecture over the past 50 years has been relatively drab. I expected this in East Berlin, but really both sides were not too different in architecture. The older buildings that survived are amazing. The Nazi army had also build a few remarkable buildings, but these were all destroyed by bombings, or were taken down by the Soviets after the war.
Some fantastice pictures from last night of a beautiful rainbow over Brandenburg Gate. Also went to the Reichstag (the German Parliament) as well as the Monument to the 6,000,000 Jews and the monument for the Gay persecution by the Nazi's. Both monuments were very thought provoking.
Today I went on a 4.5 hour walking tour. We hit all the main sites to see, lead by a very knowledgable Chicago native who has now lived in Berlin for 5 years.
I'm kind of tired, so I may write more later.
The pics:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=579291002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Most of the city is new, as an overwelming amount of building were lost in the battle of Berlin. The architecture over the past 50 years has been relatively drab. I expected this in East Berlin, but really both sides were not too different in architecture. The older buildings that survived are amazing. The Nazi army had also build a few remarkable buildings, but these were all destroyed by bombings, or were taken down by the Soviets after the war.
Some fantastice pictures from last night of a beautiful rainbow over Brandenburg Gate. Also went to the Reichstag (the German Parliament) as well as the Monument to the 6,000,000 Jews and the monument for the Gay persecution by the Nazi's. Both monuments were very thought provoking.
Today I went on a 4.5 hour walking tour. We hit all the main sites to see, lead by a very knowledgable Chicago native who has now lived in Berlin for 5 years.
I'm kind of tired, so I may write more later.
The pics:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=579291002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mussels in Brussels
With all due respect to Jean-Claude VanDamme...
Spent a great day in Brussels. Who knew what an amazing city this was/is? Checked in early at a great hotel; Manos Premier. Upgraded me to a suite with its own private balcony. This must be a 5 star hotel. The only downside is that it is a brisk 20 minute walk to get downtown. But there are many sites along the way.
First stop was the church (Notre-Dame). Church was started 600 years ago, but finshed 300 years ago. We think we have it bad for the Big Dig, try 300 years of construction.
Next stop was Grand Place. One of those places that stop you dead in your tracks. It a a wonderful old square built 500 years ago, and rebuilt after the french destroyed it in the 1700's.
Next, I had my obligatory Mussels in Brussels. Moulet Freites (Muscles and Fries) is the best known dish here in Brussels. It was great. I snapped a picture of the next set of victims. After lunch I made my way to the St. Hubert Shopping gallery. Very high end expensinve stuff. Sorry John, I didn't get anything.
Brussels has a fun side to it. There are large billboard size cartoon spread around the city. They just LOVE cartoons. Another quirky item is Manneken-Pis. This is a statue of a boy taking a piss and for some reason, this has become the symbol of Brussels.
Next, I headed back to the hotel, power nap, and then off to the far end of the city. Sorry this part was without camera. I saw the Royal Gardens and Royal Palace, as well as the new Arts theater.
Nice run this Tuesday morning in the rain. Ran to the royal gardens and the royal palace. Map of my run:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:%2F%2Ftrail.motionbased.com%2Ftrail%2Fkml%2Fepisode.kml%3FepisodePkValues%3D8309776&ie=UTF8&z=14
I went out to dinner by the Grand Place, at a place that Jacques recommended. A very good dinner and fun place at La Roue d'Or.Spent a good time at dinner talking with a NYC couple that is returning from 2 months in India. He was very early 20's Johnnie Depp looking. Very easy on the eyes. Damn I missed the camera again.
After dinner (and a double scoop ice cream cone) I went back to Grand Place to see the buildings at night. All the building are lit up, words can not do it justice. Suffice it to say...there were 1000 people laying down in the square looking up at the buildings. So I joined them. Right next to me two guys were making out pretty seriously, and I wanted to note thet BELGIUM was the first country to allow gay marriage. Very gay friendly here. I stopped by a bar called Homo Erectus for a coke. Funny guys at the bar. Nice walk home, and posting before I go to bed.
The pictures I did take:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=566223002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Saturday, May 23, 2009
In Bruges
I could not help myself from the Title above. If you have not seen the movie "In Bruges" please rent it now. It is funny, full of action, and the main reason why I decided to spend 2 days in Bruges, Belgium. Bruges is alsoo spelled Brugge and Brugges. Not sure why it gets so many spellings...
This was the capital of the world several centuries ago. Today they specialize in chocolate, lace and beer. I'll stick to the chocolate.
The city is a lot like Venice with canals everywhere. I spent a good deal of time wealking around the city and then took a canal ride. Everwhere you turn is a postcard setting.
Very interesting museum, the Church of the Holy Blood. This has a container that was fought for in the Middle Ages. The container supposedly has two drops of Christ's blood. As many people have died for this chalise, I personally think a DNA test is in order. There is a priest whos job it is is to wipe down and polish the container as each person touches it and says a prayer. He must have to polish it 4000-5000 times a day. That is more polishing than I would do in a lifetime. OK, 300 lifetimes..
Sunday morning I ws the first to climb to the top of the Belfry in the clock tower. My hotel room looks out at the tower, and I was inspired to climb it. Only about 500 stairs. You use the same stair case on the way down as up. The main part of the building is 600 years old. On my way down everyone was asking if this was the only staircase.... Not so bright... So I told them they were allowed to take the elevator on the way down. About 50% of the people thought I was serious. Sarah's flag was placed in the Belfry.
There is a Madonna by Michelangelo here as well. One of his few works that is outside of Italy.
Link to Bruges pictures:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=551587002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Friday, May 22, 2009
Amsterdam
I woke up early this morning and went for a nice run. This is the first of Sarah's flags. I took this picture and then planted the flag by the windmill.
After my run, Gillbert and I took the train into Amsterdam. This is such an amazing city. It is amazingly liberal, maybe even too liberal???
Spent a great afternoon at my favorite museum, the Van Gogh museum. The musuem does justice to its amazing namesake. Sorry, I forgot my camera on this part of the day, so you will just have to go visit the museum yourself.
Nice dinner at an Italian restaurant across the street from the hotel.
Early to Brugge tomorrow, so I am not staying out late. Not many pictures today but enjoy:
If you are curious where I ran today, check out this map:
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A day at the beach and a great Dutch dinner
Jos, Gilbert and I went to Texel today. This is in the North West part of the country. It is a rather small island reached by Ferry. The island is known for sheep and cheese. While I did not try the cheese i spent a good part of the day dodging sheep while I bicycled around the island. After a few morning clouds the day turned fantastic. It was a little chilly, but I my face got burned.
We probably biked about 40K throughout the day. The beach was great, as well as the scenery along the way. Had a great lunch down by the water.
We then went to Alex and Jenneke's for a traditional Dutch dinner. The food was FANTASTIC, all cooked by Jenneke. The dinner is traditioanlly cooked in the winter, so Jenneke had to find some ingrediants that were out of season. Everything was great. I guess I can't give my Dutch frineds as much grief now forr their culoinary skills.
Back at Jos and Gilbert's for the night and off to Amsterdam tomorrow.
Pictures here:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=542858002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
We probably biked about 40K throughout the day. The beach was great, as well as the scenery along the way. Had a great lunch down by the water.
We then went to Alex and Jenneke's for a traditional Dutch dinner. The food was FANTASTIC, all cooked by Jenneke. The dinner is traditioanlly cooked in the winter, so Jenneke had to find some ingrediants that were out of season. Everything was great. I guess I can't give my Dutch frineds as much grief now forr their culoinary skills.
Back at Jos and Gilbert's for the night and off to Amsterdam tomorrow.
Pictures here:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=542858002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Blokker, Hoorn, and Peking Duck
I spent a glorious day with Gilbert today in Blokker and Hoorn. I went for a 2 mile run in the morning past the local windmill. Gilbert and I then rode into Blokker on bicycles. I almost pushed him into a bush as I was re-learning how to handle my bike. The weather was perfect. Gilbert and I spent the day laughing and walking around town.
Some highlights... The Westfries Museum, a nice lunch with a Goat Cheese and Honey sandwich, and a fantastic Peking Duck dinner with Jos and Gilbert. We spent a good amount of time walking by the water. Everything here is so green.
I have missed Holland over the past 5 years.
See the pictures here:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=537441002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Some highlights... The Westfries Museum, a nice lunch with a Goat Cheese and Honey sandwich, and a fantastic Peking Duck dinner with Jos and Gilbert. We spent a good amount of time walking by the water. Everything here is so green.
I have missed Holland over the past 5 years.
See the pictures here:
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=537441002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
Day 1 - a great departure
Upgraded to 1st Class. What an amazing plane. I had my own cubicle, large flat screen TV, choice of 30 movies, 50 TV shows, music, documentories... My recliner chair tuens into a totally flat bed with the push of a button. Oh, and why does it seem that I get free drinlks offerred to me all the time since I don't drink!!!!
The food was fantastic. Duck and Crab appetizer, Mahi Mahi dinner and ice cream sundae (caramel topping, whip cream and nuts).
Finishing my movie and about to recline the seat to my totally flat bed. See my pictures here.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=535015002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
The older gentleman named George gave me a ride to the airport. Last picture is of Gilbert, who met me at the airport.
Couldn't sleep so I thought I would write a bit more. I was thinking, what is this all about. Why take 2 months off and travel around the world. Yes, part of it is trying to find myself, part of it is trying to lose myself. I think the biggest part is to try and find some new direction in my life. I need to clear my head, have some fun, and get insprired. Work is so unins[iring for me at the moment. It is too bad, because thhey treat me very well.
Tomorrow I get to run in Holland. At least I won't have to deal with hills.
I had so much fun last weekend, surrounded by friends and family. I was very much in the moment. That is something I need to try and stay with for the next 7 weeks.
So my 1st stop is the only place I have been to before. A few days with 2 of my best friends Jos and Gilbert, to get my head on straight. Well, not straight, but you know what I mean. I am also having a traditional Dutch meal on Thursday at another set of friend's house, Alex and Janneka. Friday I head into Amsterdam for a day at the Van Gogh museum, a meeting, and then a fun club.
Time to try and sleep again.
The food was fantastic. Duck and Crab appetizer, Mahi Mahi dinner and ice cream sundae (caramel topping, whip cream and nuts).
Finishing my movie and about to recline the seat to my totally flat bed. See my pictures here.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=535015002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
The older gentleman named George gave me a ride to the airport. Last picture is of Gilbert, who met me at the airport.
Couldn't sleep so I thought I would write a bit more. I was thinking, what is this all about. Why take 2 months off and travel around the world. Yes, part of it is trying to find myself, part of it is trying to lose myself. I think the biggest part is to try and find some new direction in my life. I need to clear my head, have some fun, and get insprired. Work is so unins[iring for me at the moment. It is too bad, because thhey treat me very well.
Tomorrow I get to run in Holland. At least I won't have to deal with hills.
I had so much fun last weekend, surrounded by friends and family. I was very much in the moment. That is something I need to try and stay with for the next 7 weeks.
So my 1st stop is the only place I have been to before. A few days with 2 of my best friends Jos and Gilbert, to get my head on straight. Well, not straight, but you know what I mean. I am also having a traditional Dutch meal on Thursday at another set of friend's house, Alex and Janneka. Friday I head into Amsterdam for a day at the Van Gogh museum, a meeting, and then a fun club.
Time to try and sleep again.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Fantastic Birthday Party
It was just a wonderful party last night. 30 of my closest friends and family. John did a wonderful job arranging everything, and Jennifer, Andrea, my Mother, Jos, Gilbert, Bruce and many others pitched in. I was surprised by the tent that John rented for the party, but thank God he did. It kept the lite ,mist away from us, and we embraced the somewhat chilly May night.
The food was great with a theme of food from the different countries that I will be traveling to. Mark did a great job, along with Mom and her meatballs. Jen and Andrea did a great salad and the appetizers.
I'd like to say a special thanks to Mom and Dad for venturing down to Hamden. It was very special to be able to celebrate this day with them. My long lost cousin Dierdre added a lot of spice to the party, as my Dad began reminiscing about his MedSchool days.
Sarah Thomas brought me a great gift along with a great idea. She hand painted all 11 flags for the countries I am visiting. The flags were in great display. I have the flags now packed and I will take a picture of each flag in its country of origin. I will leave the flag in its respective country. This will be known as the Sarah Flag Project!!!
There were so many great friends at the party. I love my friends, and cherish the positive impact they have in my life. Most of them are crazy though!!!
Take a look at the pictures from this link;
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=518590002/a=21881784_21881784/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/
2 days to go. I'm beyond excited and have a lot to do. I'll try to post one more before I leave.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
10 Days and counting
I am down to 10 days before my trip and I am fully packed and pretty ready to go. John is home now for the past 4 days and starting to recover from his surgery.
Before the trip I have a pretty big birthday party next Saturday. Mom and Dad have decided to come, so I'm pretty excited for the weekend.
I am amazed that I only have one week left of work. It has been so nice to start to turn the work brain off. I'm getting a bit concerned that I do not want to turn it back on. Lets see how I feel on July 4th.
I get excited for so many of the destinations throughout the day. Today I'm really excited for Italy and Rome in particular. Anyone been to Rome and want to make suggestions????
Before the trip I have a pretty big birthday party next Saturday. Mom and Dad have decided to come, so I'm pretty excited for the weekend.
I am amazed that I only have one week left of work. It has been so nice to start to turn the work brain off. I'm getting a bit concerned that I do not want to turn it back on. Lets see how I feel on July 4th.
I get excited for so many of the destinations throughout the day. Today I'm really excited for Italy and Rome in particular. Anyone been to Rome and want to make suggestions????
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mom, Berkshires and John
International Phone
Here is all the info you need for my international phone.
The phone is a British based phone and the number is:
011 447924455509 (calling from a cell phone - drop the 011 and start with +)
If your phone plan is not a good one (Meaning cell phones or a bad international rate), or if you are just cheap, you can call an 800 number. That is:
866-305-6462
you will then be prompted to put in my number which is:
447924455509
The phone will not be on until May 20th, just trying to stay on top of things.
The phone is a British based phone and the number is:
011 447924455509 (calling from a cell phone - drop the 011 and start with +)
If your phone plan is not a good one (Meaning cell phones or a bad international rate), or if you are just cheap, you can call an 800 number. That is:
866-305-6462
you will then be prompted to put in my number which is:
447924455509
The phone will not be on until May 20th, just trying to stay on top of things.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Austria, Budapest and my Mom and Dad
I am up on the Cape tonight, Mom is having surgery tomorrow, so send prayers and thoughts her way. I'm spending a nice evening with my Dad and we talked a lot about music. I'm copying a few CD's now from his collection. He is very excited that I am going to Bela Bartok museum, as well as see the graves of Beethoven, Brahms and Shubert.
Practicing adding pictures, for those of you that have not had the pleasure...here is Dad...
I also wanted to say a special thanks to Jacques. He took time out of his day to give me some great ideas for Brussels. His information is only surpassed by his wit....
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Planning, planning, planning
Most mornings I'm busy doing planning for the trip. Now that the flights, trains and hotels are all decided (except Austria---hurry up John) and where I'm staying in Hawaii, I'm working on Day Tours.
I've found some great tours for Salzburg, Rome, and Beijing. It is the Beijing tour that is prompting me to post today. I have 3 options to see the wall and am looking for input.
Option 1 - Standard Day tour, 1/2 day at wall with trip to see the emperors tombs and a Jade Factory.
Option 2 - Full day 6 hour hike of wall. Much more remote, but I love hiking and this could be a great treat.
Option 3 - 2 day hike of wall where you SLEEP on The Wall!!! Tour provides sleeping bags and matts and you sleep on the wall looking at the stars.
So folks, let me know your thoughts.
I've found some great tours for Salzburg, Rome, and Beijing. It is the Beijing tour that is prompting me to post today. I have 3 options to see the wall and am looking for input.
Option 1 - Standard Day tour, 1/2 day at wall with trip to see the emperors tombs and a Jade Factory.
Option 2 - Full day 6 hour hike of wall. Much more remote, but I love hiking and this could be a great treat.
Option 3 - 2 day hike of wall where you SLEEP on The Wall!!! Tour provides sleeping bags and matts and you sleep on the wall looking at the stars.
So folks, let me know your thoughts.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter, bought my Train Tickets
Testing the site to see if I can put a link to my run today. Thought this would be a cool thing to check out.
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/dashboard.mb?episodePk.pkValue=7983215
Bought my train tickets yesterday. Found out that they are really smart regarding the Eurail pass. Unless you are doing ALL your travel by train, it is cheaper to buy station to station.
Fittingly, after planning a day trip to Salzburg Austria yesterday "The Sound of Music" was on last night!!! The hills are alive. John and I also watched "The Counterfitters". Very poignant, since I will be going to Aushvits (sp)
Hope everyone is having a good Easter.
Stephen
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/dashboard.mb?episodePk.pkValue=7983215
Bought my train tickets yesterday. Found out that they are really smart regarding the Eurail pass. Unless you are doing ALL your travel by train, it is cheaper to buy station to station.
Fittingly, after planning a day trip to Salzburg Austria yesterday "The Sound of Music" was on last night!!! The hills are alive. John and I also watched "The Counterfitters". Very poignant, since I will be going to Aushvits (sp)
Hope everyone is having a good Easter.
Stephen
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Trip is a GO!!! Updates below!!!
My employer (Aon Corporation) has given me the official ok. I am very fortunate to have a boss and a company that will let me take 7 weeks and travel around the world. Although, if they did not, I probably would have quit, so I guess we each get something out of the deal.
I have spent a great deal of time arranging all my flights and most hotels. Here is the current Itinerary: Netherlands (Blokker and Amsterdam) , Belgium (Brugge and Brussels), Germany (Berlin and Munich - with day trip to Salzburg Austria), Poland (Krakow with day trip to Aushvitz), Hungary (Budapest), Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic (Prague), Greece (Athens, Mykonos and 3 day cruise that also stops in Turkey, Italy (Florence and Rome), China (Beijing), and Hawaii
Everyday I make more plans and get more excited. Today I'm focused on going tandem paragliding in Austria. See this link, scroll all the way to the bottom:
The next thing I'll be working on will be setting up links so that you can see where I've been running and where you can see all my pictures. Talk to you soon!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How to deal with your first mid life crisis
As I approach my 40th birthday I have decided how to deal with my first mid-life crisis. Some people buy cars, some buy new mates, some just go crazy. I have decided to take a trip around the world. I am waiting for work to give me the final approval this week, but here is what it looks like:
48 days to go from US - Europe - Asia - Hawaii and back home.
The first question that people ask me is how the hell can you do this. Well, I have been very fortunate with work, but I have also worked my tail off. I find it funny that my employer is still deciding if they can let me, they actually created this situation. I work hard, too hard in fact. Most people that know me, from my boss to my parents, know this is true. Work established a new policy that I can no longer carry over time from one year to the next. Fortunately I have 8 weeks of vacation which I need to take from now until the end of the year.
So world, here I come.
I'm looking for this trip to open my eyes to the world. I hope to see its beauty and its charm, but also its inequity and its coldness. I want to learn from this, and understand how alike we all are, as well as see many places that I have dreamed about.
48 days to go from US - Europe - Asia - Hawaii and back home.
The first question that people ask me is how the hell can you do this. Well, I have been very fortunate with work, but I have also worked my tail off. I find it funny that my employer is still deciding if they can let me, they actually created this situation. I work hard, too hard in fact. Most people that know me, from my boss to my parents, know this is true. Work established a new policy that I can no longer carry over time from one year to the next. Fortunately I have 8 weeks of vacation which I need to take from now until the end of the year.
So world, here I come.
I'm looking for this trip to open my eyes to the world. I hope to see its beauty and its charm, but also its inequity and its coldness. I want to learn from this, and understand how alike we all are, as well as see many places that I have dreamed about.
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