Well 24 hours after I woke up on the Royal Caribbean Brilliance, I am back in the USA! What a trip! I think it is easy to forget the effort traveling takes, not to mention the patience. It has literally been 24 hours since I woke up and started my day. My flights have been great and on time, the waiting has been comfortable since I am able to take advantage of the lounges, but 24 hours is a long time no matter how you look at it!
I did sleep about 3 hours on the plane from Frankfurt so that has helped. But when I arrived and waited almost an hour for baggage at Dulles that never arrived I thought my patience was gone. I stood in line at the counter to find out it was delivered to another terminal, the best scenario I could have hoped for I guess, so that was another 1/2 hour of waiting for it to appear. Finally it did and i decided to just check it through to Denver rather than drag it to the hotel and back in the morning.
I took a taxi to the hotel, a little luxury, well deserved at this point, rather than waiting for the shuttle. And now I am calling it a night and heading to some much needed rest. Luckily the weather is beautiful here so once again my luck has prevailed.
My arrival home is with mixed emotions. As happy as I am to have this long journey almost over, it is hard to face going home and being alone now. The trip was such an adventure, and as always there is a let down and that will now be combined with my holiday blues. Oh well, I will focus on the pictures of the trip!
Happy Holidays to all of my readers! May your new year be filled with joy and adventure! Here's to a great 2010!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Hola de espana
Here I sit at the Barcelona airport waiting to board my Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt, then I'll wait patiently the 5 hours for my over the ocean flight to Dulles. All my winter travel has worked out well so I am sure this trip will be the same. And before I know it I will be home snuggled up with Bram and new little Bryci.
It is hard to believe that the pyramids are now part of my experiences! I hope to never cruise on Royal Caribbean again! Each day I got up with the mind set I would not complain, and each day they made that impossible. But I am off the ship and headed home so all looks brighter.
I've loved being away during the holiday festivities since this is a hard time for me, but now am looking forward to home. I'll write more from there.
Feliz navidad y prospero nuevo ano mi amigos!
It is hard to believe that the pyramids are now part of my experiences! I hope to never cruise on Royal Caribbean again! Each day I got up with the mind set I would not complain, and each day they made that impossible. But I am off the ship and headed home so all looks brighter.
I've loved being away during the holiday festivities since this is a hard time for me, but now am looking forward to home. I'll write more from there.
Feliz navidad y prospero nuevo ano mi amigos!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Speechless in Egypt
What can one say about a day like today? One that started with my setting foot on my 7th and last continent, Africa? That being followed by sitting on a camel in front of the great pyramids of Giza, 'kissing' the Sphinx, having lunch on the Nile and experiencing/surviving the traffic of Cairo...
Any suggestion? I truly am speechless and in awe of my day. So, so many incredible experiences in a one day tour.
The armed guard sat in the front of our bus the whole time and definitely made me feel so safe! He was very sweet to me and hung around me and I was so happy to have a man with a lot of guns in that setting! He only spoke Arabic, a slight problem but we smiled a lot and he took some great pics of me in these famous places. I was scared a lot, it was not a comfortable place for me to be but I am safely back on board the ship and met new friends and loved the day.
Traffic in Cairo is just like you see on tv and in the movies. Our outstanding guide told us you only need 3 things to drive in Egypt...a good horn, good brakes and good luck! That was an experience I would not care to ever repeat in my lifetime!
And now, surviving the incredible day in North Africa, I am off to bed for sweet, sweet dreams of ancient Egypt! Or maybe of the man with the guns next to me!
Any suggestion? I truly am speechless and in awe of my day. So, so many incredible experiences in a one day tour.
The armed guard sat in the front of our bus the whole time and definitely made me feel so safe! He was very sweet to me and hung around me and I was so happy to have a man with a lot of guns in that setting! He only spoke Arabic, a slight problem but we smiled a lot and he took some great pics of me in these famous places. I was scared a lot, it was not a comfortable place for me to be but I am safely back on board the ship and met new friends and loved the day.
Traffic in Cairo is just like you see on tv and in the movies. Our outstanding guide told us you only need 3 things to drive in Egypt...a good horn, good brakes and good luck! That was an experience I would not care to ever repeat in my lifetime!
And now, surviving the incredible day in North Africa, I am off to bed for sweet, sweet dreams of ancient Egypt! Or maybe of the man with the guns next to me!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Greece
Experiencing a taste of ancient Greece is quite a treat. Since I've been to Athens twice before I opted to take the tour there yesterday to the National Archealogical Museum and walked around in awe among statues and various other items that are dated back to 3000BC!! Absolutely unbelievable! The urge to touch things was hard to resist, I wanted to feel what ancient times were like. There were rooms and rooms of treasures and some were in quite good shape for their age! I have pictures and more pictures, so stunning to believe. Even though I've been to Pompeii, Ephesus and Kamiros, I still find it incredible to be among anything so old. An experience to remember!
It is also interesting to see the difference in tour guides. I've had 3 now and the one yesterday didn't really share a lot of interesting information, the man I had last year was captivating. Somewhere I have his name and email and would like to write and tell him he was the best guide!
After seeing the Tango Buenos Aires show last night I went to the Greek music and dancing show. Definitely an international evening. The tango show reminded me of Nestor in BA and on the Antarctica cruise. Now he was the performer! But the show was good and colorful and filled with dancing and singing, a typical shipboard show. It was good and worth seeing. I ended up eating at the late seating with Terry and Peter and dinner was nice and then it was off to bed for me.
This morning I woke up and looked out and we were approaching Rhodes. I felt thrilled to look at the scenery as we pulled into port. I love the excitement I feel when I am actually in these amazing places around the world. I know it is a childlike excitement but I can't seem to help the smiles that come out when I realize I am somewhere else exciting and exotic. I toured here last year so I walked around the old town and enjoyed every minute. It is cool and sunny, a perfect day for me! I ran into a lady I know from the ship so we shopped some and then sat at an outdoor cafe for a drink before going our separate ways. I had a coke and noticed the coke can had the ingredients written in Greek. The man told me that is how you can tell if it is legal. If it is in English it is imported from another country and that is not what they are supposed to do in the EU. I wandered and found some musical instruments and bought some souvenirs, the authentic ones were too expensive. Yes, I am coming home with more stuff!
Tomorrow we will get to Cyprus and I think I will enjoy the tour I have booked. It is churches but I chose it because it goes far into the countryside to old villages and that is what I like seeing. I will probably shop there when the tour is in the churches. And then Saturday is Egypt, finally!
Ciao from Greece!
It is also interesting to see the difference in tour guides. I've had 3 now and the one yesterday didn't really share a lot of interesting information, the man I had last year was captivating. Somewhere I have his name and email and would like to write and tell him he was the best guide!
After seeing the Tango Buenos Aires show last night I went to the Greek music and dancing show. Definitely an international evening. The tango show reminded me of Nestor in BA and on the Antarctica cruise. Now he was the performer! But the show was good and colorful and filled with dancing and singing, a typical shipboard show. It was good and worth seeing. I ended up eating at the late seating with Terry and Peter and dinner was nice and then it was off to bed for me.
This morning I woke up and looked out and we were approaching Rhodes. I felt thrilled to look at the scenery as we pulled into port. I love the excitement I feel when I am actually in these amazing places around the world. I know it is a childlike excitement but I can't seem to help the smiles that come out when I realize I am somewhere else exciting and exotic. I toured here last year so I walked around the old town and enjoyed every minute. It is cool and sunny, a perfect day for me! I ran into a lady I know from the ship so we shopped some and then sat at an outdoor cafe for a drink before going our separate ways. I had a coke and noticed the coke can had the ingredients written in Greek. The man told me that is how you can tell if it is legal. If it is in English it is imported from another country and that is not what they are supposed to do in the EU. I wandered and found some musical instruments and bought some souvenirs, the authentic ones were too expensive. Yes, I am coming home with more stuff!
Tomorrow we will get to Cyprus and I think I will enjoy the tour I have booked. It is churches but I chose it because it goes far into the countryside to old villages and that is what I like seeing. I will probably shop there when the tour is in the churches. And then Saturday is Egypt, finally!
Ciao from Greece!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Malta
So, since the stop in Tunisia was abandoned, Malta was added a 2nd time. I'm not sure why we didn't stop at another port since we are still scheduled to stop in Malta on the way back, but I am quite sure it is about money. Seems the things on this ship are all about money, they charge for things that are standard on Princess and that takes some getting used to. But the ship is beautiful, the most beautiful I have been on and the cabins are also wonderful. It's great to be with Terry and Peter too. Dinner is interesting, so many different kinds of people in our world! And a good cross sample of them are on this ship.
I wasn't sure what to expect in Malta but the captain said sailing in was like sailing into Venice. I couldn't imagine that, but I have to agree, it was a beautiful arrival! Cloudy skies, but that is okay with me, it means cool temps too. This island is quite fascinating! So much history and we even passed ancient monoliths, that were built before Stonehenge! It is called prehistory because it was before any written records were kept. So many countries have been here and we had a great guide that shared interesting information. The cities are built in walled areas, walls that are 20 meters thick!! Something to see! We stopped for photo stops and had time to wander through a fishing village. Unfortunately it was so cold that there were stores or craft stands open. That was a shame but as I walked around I did have the opportunity to talk to some local people. It seemed many spoke English, even the older ones. I think my pictures will be great and show the interesting things. All buildings are built with Malta limestone. The large domes are painted with a red paint that protects the frescos that are painted inside because the weather would ruin them otherwise. We went to a church that has the 3rd largest dome in Europe. The largest is St. Sophia Mosque in Istanbul and the 2nd is the Vatican. Another accomplishment now that I have seen the 3 largest domes in Europe. Who'd have ever thought that?
I was saddened to see two dogs wandering around the fishing village so I asked about them. Their 38 year old owner died and no one wants the dogs because they are big. That broke my heart! They just wander around and it was so cold, poor little orphans! I had a cheese sandwich and tried to give it to one of the dogs but she just wanted to be petted instead. Yes I would have brought them both home if I could. I hope that someone will take them in for the cold winter, but no one seemed to care. At least they said the shop owners help feed them, but no shops were even open today.
On another positive note, I learned about the Maltese Cross, and yes the maltese dogs do come from here, but I didn't see any of them. We saw the beautiful blue grotto and the caves that the first people lived in, the ones who built the massive 'temples'.
Tomorrow we are at sea and Wednesday we arrive in Athens. We are expecting winds of over 50 knots an hour and the captain hopes to get past the 20 ft waves soon and be ahead of the storm. We have to go quickly part of the way so hopefully I will sleep during the most rocky part.
And that, my friends, was my day in Malta!
I wasn't sure what to expect in Malta but the captain said sailing in was like sailing into Venice. I couldn't imagine that, but I have to agree, it was a beautiful arrival! Cloudy skies, but that is okay with me, it means cool temps too. This island is quite fascinating! So much history and we even passed ancient monoliths, that were built before Stonehenge! It is called prehistory because it was before any written records were kept. So many countries have been here and we had a great guide that shared interesting information. The cities are built in walled areas, walls that are 20 meters thick!! Something to see! We stopped for photo stops and had time to wander through a fishing village. Unfortunately it was so cold that there were stores or craft stands open. That was a shame but as I walked around I did have the opportunity to talk to some local people. It seemed many spoke English, even the older ones. I think my pictures will be great and show the interesting things. All buildings are built with Malta limestone. The large domes are painted with a red paint that protects the frescos that are painted inside because the weather would ruin them otherwise. We went to a church that has the 3rd largest dome in Europe. The largest is St. Sophia Mosque in Istanbul and the 2nd is the Vatican. Another accomplishment now that I have seen the 3 largest domes in Europe. Who'd have ever thought that?
I was saddened to see two dogs wandering around the fishing village so I asked about them. Their 38 year old owner died and no one wants the dogs because they are big. That broke my heart! They just wander around and it was so cold, poor little orphans! I had a cheese sandwich and tried to give it to one of the dogs but she just wanted to be petted instead. Yes I would have brought them both home if I could. I hope that someone will take them in for the cold winter, but no one seemed to care. At least they said the shop owners help feed them, but no shops were even open today.
On another positive note, I learned about the Maltese Cross, and yes the maltese dogs do come from here, but I didn't see any of them. We saw the beautiful blue grotto and the caves that the first people lived in, the ones who built the massive 'temples'.
Tomorrow we are at sea and Wednesday we arrive in Athens. We are expecting winds of over 50 knots an hour and the captain hopes to get past the 20 ft waves soon and be ahead of the storm. We have to go quickly part of the way so hopefully I will sleep during the most rocky part.
And that, my friends, was my day in Malta!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Gale Force Winds
Well, I am sailing on the sea, and finally it is calm. We had to take a different route to miss the bad storms and sped through gale force winds last night, and 10 ft. high waves. The first stop in Tunis was cancelled so we could try to beat the storm out of that area, and we did. So now we stop twice in Malta and my setting foot on my 7th and last continent is now postponed until Egypt. Being safe is what matters in the long run, but for now I'm disappointed on that change.
Expensive and very slow internet so this is short. Malta is our destination tomorrow and again on the way home. Oh well! I am in the Med!
Expensive and very slow internet so this is short. Malta is our destination tomorrow and again on the way home. Oh well! I am in the Med!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Enchanting!
As brave Mitzi was riding back to the hotel from the Christmas Market on the Sbahn 8, I was thinking that I needed a word to describe the amazing visit to the Christmas Market. Thank you Tim for giving me the perfect descriptive word...enchanting! I was like a child, smiling in wonder at all of the delights for the senses! The beauty of the night filled with lights and carousels and delicious scents of new foods and carolers and the massive lit tree in the square and...and...and! Yes this side trip to Frankfurt for a day at the famous Christmas Market was worth it!
If only I could have eaten more, so many delectable foods I wanted to try! I guess there just has to be a next time! And I won't be eating a big German hotel breakfast first! My favorites, actually the only things I tasted, were the marshmallow cream çupcake looking things, and the best by far was the stack of delicious potato pancakes! I've not had anything so much like my mom's that I grew up on, for the 20 years since she has died! Absolutely incredible! And I tried 2 dipping sauces and it would be hard to pick my favorite. There was a garlic one that had a delicious 'bite' to it and an herbed one that the owner told me was a local Frankfurt one, both delicious!
And now with a couple of polar bear souvenirs from this visit and a couple of sweet treats to share with Terry and Peter on the ship tomorrow, I am repacking for my trip onward to Barcelona in the morning. Tunisia and stepping on my final continent is only a couple of days away! Ciao for now! (I'd say auweid...., but have no idea how to spell it!
If only I could have eaten more, so many delectable foods I wanted to try! I guess there just has to be a next time! And I won't be eating a big German hotel breakfast first! My favorites, actually the only things I tasted, were the marshmallow cream çupcake looking things, and the best by far was the stack of delicious potato pancakes! I've not had anything so much like my mom's that I grew up on, for the 20 years since she has died! Absolutely incredible! And I tried 2 dipping sauces and it would be hard to pick my favorite. There was a garlic one that had a delicious 'bite' to it and an herbed one that the owner told me was a local Frankfurt one, both delicious!
And now with a couple of polar bear souvenirs from this visit and a couple of sweet treats to share with Terry and Peter on the ship tomorrow, I am repacking for my trip onward to Barcelona in the morning. Tunisia and stepping on my final continent is only a couple of days away! Ciao for now! (I'd say auweid...., but have no idea how to spell it!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I Know My Number
Have you seen the tv commercials that ask, "Do you know your number?" It is advertising the sleep number bed. Well in my "Ibis" like hotel I had the unique opportunity to discover my number! A remote I mistakingly took for the tv remote for a short time, helped me discover this important fact. As with me and all technology, it takes a while to figure things out. I kept pushing the right button key because I was on the right side of the bed and nothing happened. Silly me, finally I figured out the remote isn't based on the bed when you are in it, it must be when you are facing it. So that discovered, I moved on to finding out my number. I'm not sure I did too well because my back is sore this morning. I discovered something interesting about the bed that isn't on tv. There is some kind of frame around the mattress that doesn't change and believe me, it can be quite painful when you attempt to get out of bed and find you have to basically have to climb out over that! Life is filled with unexpected experiences! An after all that I'm not even sure what my number is! But I am sure I don't want one of those beds now!
I'm in the business class lounge waiting to board the plane to Frankfurt and it interesting how many business men stop and talk to me about my little eee pc. Even as long as I've had it and as many similar ones that have come out it appears it is still an attention getter. It is a cute, convenient little thing!
A very quiet group of children just walked by and they were on a field trip. That reminded me of the field trip I took my class on when DIA first opened. What a great idea that would be for my new school!
That is all of the latest news as I wait to fly away for my big adventure! Au revoir until Frankfurt...
I'm in the business class lounge waiting to board the plane to Frankfurt and it interesting how many business men stop and talk to me about my little eee pc. Even as long as I've had it and as many similar ones that have come out it appears it is still an attention getter. It is a cute, convenient little thing!
A very quiet group of children just walked by and they were on a field trip. That reminded me of the field trip I took my class on when DIA first opened. What a great idea that would be for my new school!
That is all of the latest news as I wait to fly away for my big adventure! Au revoir until Frankfurt...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Destination:???
And so it begins again...Mitzi on another adventure. Yes for some reason I decided to venture far, far away once again. Winter travel is not my thing, too much stress, this time when I heard 200 flights to Chicago were cancelled the day before I was headed here. But all went well and I arrived safely and almost on time. Everyone here is making a big deal about 13F temps! After what we have been through in Denver, this is almost balmy!
A new lesson learned...always keep a written record of where I have stayed in the past. I stayed at a nice hotel here in Chicago just a couple of months ago and made reservations this time at the same hotel...I thought! I'm in a taxi at 11PM and he drives a bit further than I remembered but I waited patiently. Finally we pull up to a not so nice hotel in a not so nice area. And yes, I verify it is the same hotel on my confirmation sheet. I walk in hauling all my luggage past 2 bellboys who offer no help. The girl at the desk is kind and I ask for a room near the elevator since I'm hauling my own luggage. I'm a little nervous here but head to my room knowing after I get ice I'll not leave my room anyway until I return to the airport tomorrow so I should be fine. I decide I must have thought I was at the Radisson last time but must have been at the Renaissance instead. Yep, at my age it will pay to write things down! I get off the elevator and walk and walk to my room at the end off the hall. Now I don't think that girl was nice at all! Oh well, too late to change hotels and so I am nestled in for the night!
Good night from the Radisson. Hopefully I will have better luck in Frankfurt!
A new lesson learned...always keep a written record of where I have stayed in the past. I stayed at a nice hotel here in Chicago just a couple of months ago and made reservations this time at the same hotel...I thought! I'm in a taxi at 11PM and he drives a bit further than I remembered but I waited patiently. Finally we pull up to a not so nice hotel in a not so nice area. And yes, I verify it is the same hotel on my confirmation sheet. I walk in hauling all my luggage past 2 bellboys who offer no help. The girl at the desk is kind and I ask for a room near the elevator since I'm hauling my own luggage. I'm a little nervous here but head to my room knowing after I get ice I'll not leave my room anyway until I return to the airport tomorrow so I should be fine. I decide I must have thought I was at the Radisson last time but must have been at the Renaissance instead. Yep, at my age it will pay to write things down! I get off the elevator and walk and walk to my room at the end off the hall. Now I don't think that girl was nice at all! Oh well, too late to change hotels and so I am nestled in for the night!
Good night from the Radisson. Hopefully I will have better luck in Frankfurt!
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