Friday, September 30, 2011
Paradise Found
As if being in Mykonos wasn't heaven enough, being at the Grand Hotel makes the visit even better. My first hotel was elegant but there was a cold formality there. This is a five star hotel also, but here they think of everything and the people are warm and friendly. There they asked what you would like and would probably do whatever you ask, here they just do anything you could want before you even think of it! My visit here has been too short! And I regret that I've not been well enough to enjoy it to the fullest.
The morning started with breakfast, a wonderful array of choices greeted me when I walked in. Walking 'in' may not be the correct term to use, restaurants at the hotels are actually in the open, maybe a wall or two, and a ceiling. So the breezes of Mykonos keep the temps quite pleasant! No fan needed here after all! Breakfast was delicious, more choices than the other hotel had and it just tasted better. At breakfast the manager, Theodore, who had been so wonderful to me yesterday, came and sat with me. He is a delightful young man. Very hard working and professional. I asked what his training was and he spent his post high school years in Oxford for a prep class to get him ready for the premier hotel management school in Europe, which is in Switzerland. I've heard of it before. After four years there he interned. In several places before returning to his home of Mykonos. In Europe the hotel field is taken much more seriously than in the US. I know from Cesar that you need a license to even work in reception in some places in Europe.
I asked my new friend the manager about one of the cabanas and he said they don't reserve them but he would make an exception for me and when I got to the pool area mine was waiting for me. He finally mentioned that he knew I'd been at his biggest competitors before here and I wonder how much that had to do with my special treatment! It doesn't matter to me why, I have enjoyed every minute of being spoiled! I spent the day, well several hours, in my cabana by the pool, shaded by the sun but with the breeze blowing. I read. And I contemplated the complexities of life. And I decided once was not enough for this experience! About every hour and a half pool people came around with an offering. I wasn't there for the ice cream bar, but they had frozen scented wash cloths to cool you off, that was delightful! Then they came around and served orange slices. Yes, this is a life anyone could get used to!
I finally pulled myself away and came in and after a shower I had a nice short nap. I decided to take the first shuttle into town at 7pm rather than watch the sunset from my balcony again. When they take you to town they have to leave you off at an entrance and it is quite a little walk. I rushed and thought I would find the windmills but they were farther away than I thought but I got some lovely pictures in town of the sunset after all. The windmills...next time! Can't wait to see the pictures I took tonight. Then I wandered and eventually found the fish house I'd heard about for dinner. You had to choose your own fish but at least they were already dead. I chose a small sea bass and asked for them to please not serve it with the head on it. That was no problem. The dinner was simple, served with boiled potatoes. The fish was so moist and delicious! It was grilled on an outside grill that reminded me of the fish I had had at Cesar's home on my first visit to Portugal. That meal was delicious too, and I remember how hard it was for me to look at the fish with heads on them at the time. Seems so long ago. At the end of this meal I was served a cinnamon liquer that was absolutely delicious! I swear if there weren't such a strict bagage weight limit I would be bringing bottles of these liquors home! And I would take up drinking! But I only had a small glass and was on my way.
When I was here on my first cruise I met a young lady who owned a shop. I saw her on my next visit too. I'd written her a letter that I was going to be here but when I went by the shop she wasn't there. I talked to the lady in the shop who was her mother and she said she would be in at 4 today. I misunderstood and thought she meant she'd be in after that but when I arrived she had left so I guess I will see her on my next trip. What I had taken to mean she would be in at 4 to work for the rest of the day, had actually meant she would be there until 4. It turned out a nice visit with her mother though. I had found out that I can't sell my cards here, the ones they have that are similar are much cheaper than I could ever make them for. Her mother asked me about the cards I'd written her daughter about and I showed her what I had. She LOVED the one of the street scene with the white and blue highlighted with bouganvillas and knew the person who lived there so I gave her the few I had of that scene and some of the others. She was so grateful and kind. She had already given me a Mykonos pen that was quite unusual so it was nice to have a gift to give her. She asked when I might be back and I said I didn't know and she said that whenever it was, they would have me over to visit for coffee. I thanked her and she said she could tell what a good heart I have. A very nice way to end my trip here. After that visit I took a couple more photos and then got a taxi back to the hotel.
Now a bit more about my hotel. When I got to my room yesterday there were some candies and a liquor made from gum which the lady said was good at night for digestion. I decided not to try that. When I got back last night my room had been made up and there were 2chocolates by the bed with a little card that said good night in English and Greek with a nice quote on it. Tonight I got another card with a different quote on it and a gift, salt and pepper shakers that are two people hugging, one blue and one white, very sweet. I realized the quote was by Socrates and will check the other one when I get home, it is already packed. I am sure it was from a Greek philosopher too, but I didn't have glasses on and didn't see it. The Greek people are definitely generous, giving people! What a wonderful experience this whole trip has been!
This hotel is built on a mountainside and has an interesting arrangement. The reception area is the first you enter. There are a few buildings and each has only three levels. So from reception you take the elevator down a couple levels and then follow an outdoor winding path to the next building where there is another elevator. That one goes down 3 floors and then you walk on another lovely path to the next building and do the same. Needless to say I've been lost...and found a couple of times! And to think I've been around the world alone...well a few places anyway. I think I finally have this place figured out now!
Tomorrow morning I will once again have the delicious breakfast and will then head to the airport to become Nitzi again and fly to London.
And that has been the tale of this journey...to paradise!
The morning started with breakfast, a wonderful array of choices greeted me when I walked in. Walking 'in' may not be the correct term to use, restaurants at the hotels are actually in the open, maybe a wall or two, and a ceiling. So the breezes of Mykonos keep the temps quite pleasant! No fan needed here after all! Breakfast was delicious, more choices than the other hotel had and it just tasted better. At breakfast the manager, Theodore, who had been so wonderful to me yesterday, came and sat with me. He is a delightful young man. Very hard working and professional. I asked what his training was and he spent his post high school years in Oxford for a prep class to get him ready for the premier hotel management school in Europe, which is in Switzerland. I've heard of it before. After four years there he interned. In several places before returning to his home of Mykonos. In Europe the hotel field is taken much more seriously than in the US. I know from Cesar that you need a license to even work in reception in some places in Europe.
I asked my new friend the manager about one of the cabanas and he said they don't reserve them but he would make an exception for me and when I got to the pool area mine was waiting for me. He finally mentioned that he knew I'd been at his biggest competitors before here and I wonder how much that had to do with my special treatment! It doesn't matter to me why, I have enjoyed every minute of being spoiled! I spent the day, well several hours, in my cabana by the pool, shaded by the sun but with the breeze blowing. I read. And I contemplated the complexities of life. And I decided once was not enough for this experience! About every hour and a half pool people came around with an offering. I wasn't there for the ice cream bar, but they had frozen scented wash cloths to cool you off, that was delightful! Then they came around and served orange slices. Yes, this is a life anyone could get used to!
I finally pulled myself away and came in and after a shower I had a nice short nap. I decided to take the first shuttle into town at 7pm rather than watch the sunset from my balcony again. When they take you to town they have to leave you off at an entrance and it is quite a little walk. I rushed and thought I would find the windmills but they were farther away than I thought but I got some lovely pictures in town of the sunset after all. The windmills...next time! Can't wait to see the pictures I took tonight. Then I wandered and eventually found the fish house I'd heard about for dinner. You had to choose your own fish but at least they were already dead. I chose a small sea bass and asked for them to please not serve it with the head on it. That was no problem. The dinner was simple, served with boiled potatoes. The fish was so moist and delicious! It was grilled on an outside grill that reminded me of the fish I had had at Cesar's home on my first visit to Portugal. That meal was delicious too, and I remember how hard it was for me to look at the fish with heads on them at the time. Seems so long ago. At the end of this meal I was served a cinnamon liquer that was absolutely delicious! I swear if there weren't such a strict bagage weight limit I would be bringing bottles of these liquors home! And I would take up drinking! But I only had a small glass and was on my way.
When I was here on my first cruise I met a young lady who owned a shop. I saw her on my next visit too. I'd written her a letter that I was going to be here but when I went by the shop she wasn't there. I talked to the lady in the shop who was her mother and she said she would be in at 4 today. I misunderstood and thought she meant she'd be in after that but when I arrived she had left so I guess I will see her on my next trip. What I had taken to mean she would be in at 4 to work for the rest of the day, had actually meant she would be there until 4. It turned out a nice visit with her mother though. I had found out that I can't sell my cards here, the ones they have that are similar are much cheaper than I could ever make them for. Her mother asked me about the cards I'd written her daughter about and I showed her what I had. She LOVED the one of the street scene with the white and blue highlighted with bouganvillas and knew the person who lived there so I gave her the few I had of that scene and some of the others. She was so grateful and kind. She had already given me a Mykonos pen that was quite unusual so it was nice to have a gift to give her. She asked when I might be back and I said I didn't know and she said that whenever it was, they would have me over to visit for coffee. I thanked her and she said she could tell what a good heart I have. A very nice way to end my trip here. After that visit I took a couple more photos and then got a taxi back to the hotel.
Now a bit more about my hotel. When I got to my room yesterday there were some candies and a liquor made from gum which the lady said was good at night for digestion. I decided not to try that. When I got back last night my room had been made up and there were 2chocolates by the bed with a little card that said good night in English and Greek with a nice quote on it. Tonight I got another card with a different quote on it and a gift, salt and pepper shakers that are two people hugging, one blue and one white, very sweet. I realized the quote was by Socrates and will check the other one when I get home, it is already packed. I am sure it was from a Greek philosopher too, but I didn't have glasses on and didn't see it. The Greek people are definitely generous, giving people! What a wonderful experience this whole trip has been!
This hotel is built on a mountainside and has an interesting arrangement. The reception area is the first you enter. There are a few buildings and each has only three levels. So from reception you take the elevator down a couple levels and then follow an outdoor winding path to the next building where there is another elevator. That one goes down 3 floors and then you walk on another lovely path to the next building and do the same. Needless to say I've been lost...and found a couple of times! And to think I've been around the world alone...well a few places anyway. I think I finally have this place figured out now!
Tomorrow morning I will once again have the delicious breakfast and will then head to the airport to become Nitzi again and fly to London.
And that has been the tale of this journey...to paradise!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Magical Mykonos
Mykonos is magical! The beauty and feel are amazing! Thank goodness I just woke up after sleeping an hour and then THREE hours! I've been so sick with a horrible cold and fever that I was only able to sleep less than 30 minutes at a time all last night. What a terrible way to spend my time in this paradise! I couldn't have thought of a more beautiful place to lie in bed though! I still am stuffy with a cough but it no longer keeps me awake.
Yesterday I moved hotels and left the elegant one behind. I'm still in a lovely one on another part of the island with service beyond compare! The nice part of this one is that there are no ships to mar the sunset view, and it was gorgeous, though not as colorful as the one in santorini. The couple I met on the way in to the other hotel invited me to join them at the pool at sunset and that was so kind of them. So there I was with honeymooners, which seem to be the majority of the visitors. The people are mostly young couples and gay couples and Asians and Germans. I hear a British accent from time to time. I appear to be one of the only solitary visitors here. I'm okay with that, better that than not being here at all.
My new hotel is further from town and they only offer shuttles in the evenings when people go out partying. They let you off outside the main area where only taxis are allowed. Mykonos Town is the center of activity. I am now 4 km from town and there is a beach. Unfortunately the beach is down a very steep drive and if I made it down I would never make it up! The pool is surrounded with the lovely beds I enjoyed so much at cesars hotel and it seems that most people don't venture to the beach at all. I walked around exploring and every employee of the hotel said hello and many asked if I just arrived today, they know all the visitors! One young man at the pool showed me the way to the beach and I said I would never make it up that steep walkway and he said no problem, he would drive me! Amazing service! So I got ready
and spent the most amazing hour at the beach, just enjoying the incredible blues and clearness of the water. I am sure that even though I was under the umbrella most of the time, that sea air helped heal me. At least the cough that has left me sore all over is almost gone, the fever gone and the stuffiness no longer preventing easy breathing. Maybe one more day of the ocean air will finish healing me, I hope so because I only have a day left! I do think this is a place that should be visited again and again!
I've had some amazing food and last night was the only disappointment. I was looking for a highly recommended restaurant and didn't find it so I settled for one that was filled with people. Not a good choice! I'm sure there were better choices on the menu but the saga Ali, fried cheese was quite bland and that I could compare to others. The one I had in Santorini was much better than even the one I had here 2 nights ago. I followed that with lobster pasta and it was so disappointing. And this was the most expensive place and they didn't even give you a gift of wine at the end. I'm used to receiving that little token of thanks at the end of the meal. The night before I had an incredible meal! It started with bread and a dip of olives, yogurt, feta cheese and cinnamon. They do charge for the bread here but as one restaurant told me, they charge a fee to eat there and the bread is free. That meal I ordered shrimp saganaki and it was shrimp sautéed with tomatoes olives, feta cheese and other fresh ingredients in ouzo. Absolutely delicious! I could have done with it not being served with the large shrimp heads in it though! I tried to make sure they all had both eyes when I pulled them out. When that meal was over they served me rose geranium wine made in house that was also delicious! Yes, I think I would become a drinker if I were here for long!
I am looking forward to my last day here and hope that I continue to heal and relax. I'm quite sure isn't a more beautiful place in the world the world to be!
Yesterday I moved hotels and left the elegant one behind. I'm still in a lovely one on another part of the island with service beyond compare! The nice part of this one is that there are no ships to mar the sunset view, and it was gorgeous, though not as colorful as the one in santorini. The couple I met on the way in to the other hotel invited me to join them at the pool at sunset and that was so kind of them. So there I was with honeymooners, which seem to be the majority of the visitors. The people are mostly young couples and gay couples and Asians and Germans. I hear a British accent from time to time. I appear to be one of the only solitary visitors here. I'm okay with that, better that than not being here at all.
My new hotel is further from town and they only offer shuttles in the evenings when people go out partying. They let you off outside the main area where only taxis are allowed. Mykonos Town is the center of activity. I am now 4 km from town and there is a beach. Unfortunately the beach is down a very steep drive and if I made it down I would never make it up! The pool is surrounded with the lovely beds I enjoyed so much at cesars hotel and it seems that most people don't venture to the beach at all. I walked around exploring and every employee of the hotel said hello and many asked if I just arrived today, they know all the visitors! One young man at the pool showed me the way to the beach and I said I would never make it up that steep walkway and he said no problem, he would drive me! Amazing service! So I got ready
and spent the most amazing hour at the beach, just enjoying the incredible blues and clearness of the water. I am sure that even though I was under the umbrella most of the time, that sea air helped heal me. At least the cough that has left me sore all over is almost gone, the fever gone and the stuffiness no longer preventing easy breathing. Maybe one more day of the ocean air will finish healing me, I hope so because I only have a day left! I do think this is a place that should be visited again and again!
I've had some amazing food and last night was the only disappointment. I was looking for a highly recommended restaurant and didn't find it so I settled for one that was filled with people. Not a good choice! I'm sure there were better choices on the menu but the saga Ali, fried cheese was quite bland and that I could compare to others. The one I had in Santorini was much better than even the one I had here 2 nights ago. I followed that with lobster pasta and it was so disappointing. And this was the most expensive place and they didn't even give you a gift of wine at the end. I'm used to receiving that little token of thanks at the end of the meal. The night before I had an incredible meal! It started with bread and a dip of olives, yogurt, feta cheese and cinnamon. They do charge for the bread here but as one restaurant told me, they charge a fee to eat there and the bread is free. That meal I ordered shrimp saganaki and it was shrimp sautéed with tomatoes olives, feta cheese and other fresh ingredients in ouzo. Absolutely delicious! I could have done with it not being served with the large shrimp heads in it though! I tried to make sure they all had both eyes when I pulled them out. When that meal was over they served me rose geranium wine made in house that was also delicious! Yes, I think I would become a drinker if I were here for long!
I am looking forward to my last day here and hope that I continue to heal and relax. I'm quite sure isn't a more beautiful place in the world the world to be!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Finally, Mykonos!
My stay in santorini was short, but I made the most of it. It is truly an amazingly gorgeous place and I only saw a small part of the island, but that area was considered the most beautiful part, great choice of a place to stay. My hotel, which was a series of apartments and 'cave' homes was at the very end of the island. As the ferry left the island I was able to see the windmill outside my door which was nice.
The morning went by quickly and people started chatting on the veranda for breakfast and a nice conversation was going and I was sorry to have to leave for the ferry. There is definitely an advantage to being somewhere a long enough time to meet people. one Greek man said he has spent every summer for 25 years in the same little hotel room! He is a guard for important visitors and listed the people he has taken care of, from presidents to movie stars to musicians. He was a large bald man, looked like a good person to have protect you!
The same young man came to get my luggage and walk me down the road to get the taxi to the port. It was much nicer going downhill! He waited with me until the taxi came and then I was on my way. What a lovely 1/2 hour ride it was to the port. I remembered my bonine on the way and took it, knowing that after my horrible seasickness last year in Portugal I was not going back on the sea without trying it. Fabulous drug, that is! The ferry was late, which I guess is not unusual, and someone helped me get my luggage on. Thank goodness I'd been advised by an expert which ferry line to book, because the other one cancelled and when the people booked on it realized that, there was some craziness as they had to change their bookings to mine ferry. Good research Mitzi! I paid 3 euros more for a business class seat which was at the top and had a little table. A young lady sat down beside me, there were assigned seats and she was separated from her boyfriend but when we got going things changed around and she was able to join him. We had a short conversation and she is an actor, in tv and movies and was very sweet and said she and her boyfriend had never traveled like that with a mass of people. Wish I knew her name. She originally is from Sweden and grew up in Oman because of her parents work there. Poor thing, she got so seasick and I could remember how that felt like it was yesterday. We both agreed it was our last ferry ride here! It was horrible! We bounced and rocked from side to side and once hit so hard on the side that the windows were drenched! It was treacherous and I decided that bonine is my new best travel on water friend! I was fine and even got up and had a feta cheese pie to eat, it is feta cheese between many layers of phyllo (?) dough. Delicious! After a 2 1/2 hour ride we finally arrived in Mykonos.
The wind was, and still is, blowing something fierce and getting off the ferry was a challenge. One of the camera men from the luxury living show who I met the day before helped me with my luggage. That was so kind, they had so much of their own stuff to get off. The hotel shuttle was waiting for me and there was another couple too, and we were on our way. My room is so lovely and after being given a glass of good champagne with a blackberry in it, no bitter bite that the cheap stuff has, We were led to our rooms. Absolutely beautiful! White from floor to ceiling with a touch of blue. And the pool on my balcony was the first thing I tried. Cold, but so nice! After a short nap I watched the sunset from the balcony and then went to town and had a wonderful dinner. At the end of the meal I was served a plate of fruits drizzled with a brown sugar syrup, light and delicious and with the bill came a small glass of Mykonos dessert wine. A couple next to me told me it was a honey wine, yes with things this delicious I could learn to drink! I wandered around the town and it is as beautiful and charming as I remember! I came back and went right to sleep and now here I am, once again, wide awake in the middle of the night! The wind is still howling outside so I'm not sure there will be a break from it while I am here which would be too bad, but nothing to do about it. I woke up stuffy with a drippy nose so I'm afraid I'm going to be sick, not a good feeling with days left to enjoy my vacation. But I will make the best of it and enjoy!
The morning went by quickly and people started chatting on the veranda for breakfast and a nice conversation was going and I was sorry to have to leave for the ferry. There is definitely an advantage to being somewhere a long enough time to meet people. one Greek man said he has spent every summer for 25 years in the same little hotel room! He is a guard for important visitors and listed the people he has taken care of, from presidents to movie stars to musicians. He was a large bald man, looked like a good person to have protect you!
The same young man came to get my luggage and walk me down the road to get the taxi to the port. It was much nicer going downhill! He waited with me until the taxi came and then I was on my way. What a lovely 1/2 hour ride it was to the port. I remembered my bonine on the way and took it, knowing that after my horrible seasickness last year in Portugal I was not going back on the sea without trying it. Fabulous drug, that is! The ferry was late, which I guess is not unusual, and someone helped me get my luggage on. Thank goodness I'd been advised by an expert which ferry line to book, because the other one cancelled and when the people booked on it realized that, there was some craziness as they had to change their bookings to mine ferry. Good research Mitzi! I paid 3 euros more for a business class seat which was at the top and had a little table. A young lady sat down beside me, there were assigned seats and she was separated from her boyfriend but when we got going things changed around and she was able to join him. We had a short conversation and she is an actor, in tv and movies and was very sweet and said she and her boyfriend had never traveled like that with a mass of people. Wish I knew her name. She originally is from Sweden and grew up in Oman because of her parents work there. Poor thing, she got so seasick and I could remember how that felt like it was yesterday. We both agreed it was our last ferry ride here! It was horrible! We bounced and rocked from side to side and once hit so hard on the side that the windows were drenched! It was treacherous and I decided that bonine is my new best travel on water friend! I was fine and even got up and had a feta cheese pie to eat, it is feta cheese between many layers of phyllo (?) dough. Delicious! After a 2 1/2 hour ride we finally arrived in Mykonos.
The wind was, and still is, blowing something fierce and getting off the ferry was a challenge. One of the camera men from the luxury living show who I met the day before helped me with my luggage. That was so kind, they had so much of their own stuff to get off. The hotel shuttle was waiting for me and there was another couple too, and we were on our way. My room is so lovely and after being given a glass of good champagne with a blackberry in it, no bitter bite that the cheap stuff has, We were led to our rooms. Absolutely beautiful! White from floor to ceiling with a touch of blue. And the pool on my balcony was the first thing I tried. Cold, but so nice! After a short nap I watched the sunset from the balcony and then went to town and had a wonderful dinner. At the end of the meal I was served a plate of fruits drizzled with a brown sugar syrup, light and delicious and with the bill came a small glass of Mykonos dessert wine. A couple next to me told me it was a honey wine, yes with things this delicious I could learn to drink! I wandered around the town and it is as beautiful and charming as I remember! I came back and went right to sleep and now here I am, once again, wide awake in the middle of the night! The wind is still howling outside so I'm not sure there will be a break from it while I am here which would be too bad, but nothing to do about it. I woke up stuffy with a drippy nose so I'm afraid I'm going to be sick, not a good feeling with days left to enjoy my vacation. But I will make the best of it and enjoy!
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Day in Oia, Santorini, Greece
I have no idea how to label the photos, guess that learning is for another time! Thanks Murray, for telling me how to accomplish this much! At least I can share some pictures of my trip. I will also try to post some pictures of the sunset too. I was one of hundreds to be watching the famous event.
Cruise season is still in full swing here, 4 ships were here today, a small number they say, but the narrow cobblestone streets were packed with visitors speaking all languages so I can't imagine 6 more ships and all those passengers crowded into town. My hotel is at the far end of the town of Oia, considered the most beautiful on the island. A couple of the pictures you see are of classic scenes of Greece, or at least the Greek islands. I ate breakfast at the hotel and it was nothing impressive but it got me through the day. The view while eating out on the terrace was definitely the highlight of the meal. I ventured into town after breakfast, trying to beat the heat, but I felt like I was getting burned in the heat. I wandered on the path to the main 'street' and took some side streets to explore. I was thrilled when I, by chance, wandered to what had to be the most scenic spot in town, where the hillsides were familiar, they are in so many pictures! Most of the trip was uphill and exhausting and hard on my knee, but returning was a lovely stroll, mostly downhill. I got back and took a wonderful nap and was up and headed back into town, hoping for more good pictures as the sun was sinking in the sky. Cafes and bars were packed along the way, hundreds, probably thousands, of people waiting for the sunset. I made it back to the scenic spot I'd found earlier and there was a small video crew there filming. When they were finished I asked them what they were filming for. A lovely young lady who is the host explained that it was for a series on 'Wealth' tv. It's Lux journeys, or something like that and is on a cable channel and I told her I didn't have that one and one of the camera ladies said it was easy to get. I said this was the only trip I'd be taking like the wealthy took, so I probably didn't need it. Then I asked if someone would take my picture since they were experts and one of the men said he would be happy too. When you are alone it is hard to get pictures with me in them and no one along my day had been friendly enough to ask. So after he took some of me they asked me to take some of him and the lady so I would assume they are a couple. We are all going to be on the same ferry to Mykonos tomorrow so they were very sweet about seeing me and chatting more tomorrow.
I got back to the hotel to enjoy seeing the sunset from my own veranda. They said it wouldn't be as beautiful because of the clouds, but I think they gave it an interesting look. If I am able to upload the pictures, you can decide for yourself. I decided to go back into town...a third time! I was getting hungry and wanted to try somewhere different for dinner and wanted to wander when the streets weren't packed with noisy cruise ship tourists! It was a quiet stroll on the narrow dark path, but another lovely experience.
And I must share about the food I've eaten! I haven't had the classic Greek food yet, I'll try that in Mykonos. Last night it was so late when I was checked in that I went to the closest restaurant, it was a winery. I had the bread, 2.95 euros, and it came with 3 side things, olives, sun dried tomatoes and the cucumber dip. My main dish was absolutely delicious! It was a stuffed chicken breast, stuffed with feta cheese, peppers, onions and garlic, and roasted with a delicious texture over parmesany pasta. When I was finished the server brought out a complimentary glass of wine which I drank and it certainly helped me sleep! Today in my wanderings I passed a small cafe and there were pastries in the front case so I ordered a piece of baklava to bring back to my room. I was terribly thirsty and asked if he had iced tea and as usual the choices were peach or lemon. As usual I chose peach. I was shocked when I watched him make it but was so thirsty I drank it. He put a few pieces into a cut with his bare hands, then he poured something from a bottle that was the flavoring and the poured in bottled waited, stirred it and there was my iced tea. The baklava was delicious, seemed not as sweet as what I've had before. I made it once many, many years ago and remember all the work of coating each layer of the filo dough with something. And indeed, you could tell many layers made up this piece too. The first place I stopped for dinner didn't have anything too interesting so I decided to have an appetizer there and I certainly made the right choice! I had fried cheese and I have to say I think it was better than what I've had at the Greek restaurant in Denver! Then I wandered into town and ordered a Greek salad...delicious! Unfortunately I was so full that the Greek sweet garlic spaghetti was just too much so I brought it back and ate some later. And that is the food I've eaten in santorini!
Past time for bed now. Tomorrow is a big day, I will have the 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to mykonos and am hoping to not repeat the sea sickness I experienced when on the boat in Portugal with Cesar. This time I have bonine and hope it works! Again, sweet dreams from Greece!
Cruise season is still in full swing here, 4 ships were here today, a small number they say, but the narrow cobblestone streets were packed with visitors speaking all languages so I can't imagine 6 more ships and all those passengers crowded into town. My hotel is at the far end of the town of Oia, considered the most beautiful on the island. A couple of the pictures you see are of classic scenes of Greece, or at least the Greek islands. I ate breakfast at the hotel and it was nothing impressive but it got me through the day. The view while eating out on the terrace was definitely the highlight of the meal. I ventured into town after breakfast, trying to beat the heat, but I felt like I was getting burned in the heat. I wandered on the path to the main 'street' and took some side streets to explore. I was thrilled when I, by chance, wandered to what had to be the most scenic spot in town, where the hillsides were familiar, they are in so many pictures! Most of the trip was uphill and exhausting and hard on my knee, but returning was a lovely stroll, mostly downhill. I got back and took a wonderful nap and was up and headed back into town, hoping for more good pictures as the sun was sinking in the sky. Cafes and bars were packed along the way, hundreds, probably thousands, of people waiting for the sunset. I made it back to the scenic spot I'd found earlier and there was a small video crew there filming. When they were finished I asked them what they were filming for. A lovely young lady who is the host explained that it was for a series on 'Wealth' tv. It's Lux journeys, or something like that and is on a cable channel and I told her I didn't have that one and one of the camera ladies said it was easy to get. I said this was the only trip I'd be taking like the wealthy took, so I probably didn't need it. Then I asked if someone would take my picture since they were experts and one of the men said he would be happy too. When you are alone it is hard to get pictures with me in them and no one along my day had been friendly enough to ask. So after he took some of me they asked me to take some of him and the lady so I would assume they are a couple. We are all going to be on the same ferry to Mykonos tomorrow so they were very sweet about seeing me and chatting more tomorrow.
I got back to the hotel to enjoy seeing the sunset from my own veranda. They said it wouldn't be as beautiful because of the clouds, but I think they gave it an interesting look. If I am able to upload the pictures, you can decide for yourself. I decided to go back into town...a third time! I was getting hungry and wanted to try somewhere different for dinner and wanted to wander when the streets weren't packed with noisy cruise ship tourists! It was a quiet stroll on the narrow dark path, but another lovely experience.
And I must share about the food I've eaten! I haven't had the classic Greek food yet, I'll try that in Mykonos. Last night it was so late when I was checked in that I went to the closest restaurant, it was a winery. I had the bread, 2.95 euros, and it came with 3 side things, olives, sun dried tomatoes and the cucumber dip. My main dish was absolutely delicious! It was a stuffed chicken breast, stuffed with feta cheese, peppers, onions and garlic, and roasted with a delicious texture over parmesany pasta. When I was finished the server brought out a complimentary glass of wine which I drank and it certainly helped me sleep! Today in my wanderings I passed a small cafe and there were pastries in the front case so I ordered a piece of baklava to bring back to my room. I was terribly thirsty and asked if he had iced tea and as usual the choices were peach or lemon. As usual I chose peach. I was shocked when I watched him make it but was so thirsty I drank it. He put a few pieces into a cut with his bare hands, then he poured something from a bottle that was the flavoring and the poured in bottled waited, stirred it and there was my iced tea. The baklava was delicious, seemed not as sweet as what I've had before. I made it once many, many years ago and remember all the work of coating each layer of the filo dough with something. And indeed, you could tell many layers made up this piece too. The first place I stopped for dinner didn't have anything too interesting so I decided to have an appetizer there and I certainly made the right choice! I had fried cheese and I have to say I think it was better than what I've had at the Greek restaurant in Denver! Then I wandered into town and ordered a Greek salad...delicious! Unfortunately I was so full that the Greek sweet garlic spaghetti was just too much so I brought it back and ate some later. And that is the food I've eaten in santorini!
Past time for bed now. Tomorrow is a big day, I will have the 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to mykonos and am hoping to not repeat the sea sickness I experienced when on the boat in Portugal with Cesar. This time I have bonine and hope it works! Again, sweet dreams from Greece!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Safe and Sound in Santorini!
Yes, I am safe and sound in santorini...even though I traveled under an alias as Nitzi, even though the plane was 2 hours late, even though the air traffic controllers ARE ON STRIKE, even though I was pushed through the airport at a flying speed in Athens because the connection from Athens to santorini was waiting for me, even though I had to walk onto the plane while everyone waited and was whispering, "who is she?" and "well I don't know", wondering who was important enough to hold a plane for (I was wondering the same thing!), even though I was tucked safely in a window seat because if you are transported in a wheelchair it is the company rule although I can walk and they ignored my own seat selection of an aisle seat thet I reserved online, even though I was taken to the outside of passport control when finally reaching santorini and dropped off and left there with no one to let me into the building so I was standing on the secure runway area like the time I was lost in Lisbon and was approached by a guard for being in an illegal area, and a baggage handler saw me and left and returned with a guard who could barely speak English to let me in, no passport check-good thing because I was still traveling with an alias!, even though barely a word was spoken in English the entire transport time, even though I was met outside the santorini airport with a sign as mrs. Mitzi-with the z backwards (at least the m was there!), even though the man holding the sign said he was holding the sign for someone else who walked away but finally came back and led me uphill to a van which I was told to get into, even though we went around mountain roads where I couldn't see a thing picking and dropping off other people for 1/2 an hour, even though he stopped on a dark mountain road and said to get out there now and someone would be there to get me, then a young man came and took my luggage and said to follow him and we walked quite a distance up a cobblestone walkway to a windmill where a man was waiting to greet me in perfect English and welcome me to santorini!! whew! Safe and sound in santorini!
I just woke up and it is the middle of the night, it was no dream...and I'm really here! I'm in a darling little apartment right next to a windmill, the real kind, not the modern wind turbine things. If you would like to see where I am I believe that you can go to www.goldensunsetvillas.com. If that isn't the website just google these apartments. I had a delicious dinner at the closest restaurant and came to bed. It is 9 hours later here than in Colorado and I woke up and I opened the shutter and the lacy curtain and looked out the little window in the door to my own veranda and even though it is the middle of the night so I can't see the caldera, I was met by the most beautiful sight, the little outside light is on and the windmill is a few feet to the right and bouganvillas are next to the window. Yes, I am safe and sound in Santorini!
Back to sleep now and my sweet Greek dreams are no longer a dream, I'm really here...safe and sound!
I just woke up and it is the middle of the night, it was no dream...and I'm really here! I'm in a darling little apartment right next to a windmill, the real kind, not the modern wind turbine things. If you would like to see where I am I believe that you can go to www.goldensunsetvillas.com. If that isn't the website just google these apartments. I had a delicious dinner at the closest restaurant and came to bed. It is 9 hours later here than in Colorado and I woke up and I opened the shutter and the lacy curtain and looked out the little window in the door to my own veranda and even though it is the middle of the night so I can't see the caldera, I was met by the most beautiful sight, the little outside light is on and the windmill is a few feet to the right and bouganvillas are next to the window. Yes, I am safe and sound in Santorini!
Back to sleep now and my sweet Greek dreams are no longer a dream, I'm really here...safe and sound!
Bye, Bye Britain...
Maybe...
My flight is late so I'm not sure that I will be flying to my next destination. That test of patience...I'm still failing!
I slept as usual most of my day and when I woke up I decided to just take it easy and rest all afternoon. I pulled out my ipad and started looking up things and went to the website of the market that had been recommended to me as a nice place to visit for taking pictures. Since this is a 'business' trip, I started looking at great pictures so decided to head that way. What a journey that turned out to be! I had directions that a local person had given me so I was ready for the 3 different tube lines I had to take to arrive there. I checked it out with the concierge and he was quite helpful. Actually the new hotel was wonderful and I won't be going back to the one where I've always stayed. The people make the difference for me and the concierge staff has all been wonderful at this hotel so they get me back! The free bus is right outside the hotel so it was convenient.
What an experience, I went out to the bus stop and asked the older teenagers, if they were in line. They said no and when my bus came they said I had to flag it down to stop. So stupid me did that and there were many other people in line and the bus stopped and the kids laughed. I asked if they were just playing with me and they said yes. I smiled, knowing someday someone would make them look like fools too, and got on the bus. After the embarrassment of what I said to Kenny Rogers a couple of weeks ago, that was nothing! And yes, it was the real Kenny Rogers, but that is another story!
So I climbed on the bus with the other people and asked the driver if he would tell me the stop I wanted and he said yes and then a man standing next to me said he was getting off there and would show me. He and I started talking. He is in town for business and said he was just out wandering and asked where I was going. I explained it was a small market that lended itself to good pictures. He said he would go along with me and check it out too. Again, another fascinating companion! His story...he said he worked very hard very young and was very lucky and was retired by the time he turned 30! He is from Australia originally but 20 years ago moved to the US and lives in DC now. He is here on business and as we got to know each other he explained that he is making connections to buy minerals and gold from African countries. When we got to the right stop we went to the train station and he got a call he'd been waiting for from a man he had followed to 4 different countries! The man is a diplomat and hard to catch...so it would seem. He said he had to take the call and would try to rejoin me before the train left and as soon as the train pulled up he came rushing down the stairs and over to where I was. What an interesting hour and 15 minute trip that was! He spent his 20+ years of not working, taking classes and exploring the metaphysical world. He didn't seem interested in reiki when I mentioned it so I just listened to what he had to say. So much to learn in our world! He was such a positive thinker and it really was perfect timing for me, to be with someone so positive about life and the universe and what he said made sense. We changed trains 2 times and finally reached the market as the vendors were closing up. Oh well, I got a feel for it and can tell it is a small, but charming place. Dave was quite the inspiration and a very pleasant travel partner, when we reached the market he said he was going to return the business calls he'd received and we said goodbye and good luck to each other. A very interesting exchange to say the least! And a great positive thinking experience which was well timed in my life right now, no question that meeting him for my private motivational session was the reason I ended up heading to the market at the last minute. I did have fish and chips at a stand and the chips, or fries as we call them, were very good! Not like the ones in Belgium, but not like ours and they were very nice! The cod was good too and I picked up a couple of salted caramel chocolates at a store that advertised a cacao plantation in Argentina I think it was, where their award winning chocolate comes from. A nice experience too.
I wandered alone and enjoyed the sights that were there. Pubs were getting filled and the people were spilling onto the streets and quite a sight. There was the girl with all colors of hair, the man dressed up like a caveman and then the one with a white wig like the old days. Yes, this would be the place to wander and watch! And that was all at one pub! I decided to head back to the hotel at the airport since it would be getting dark and it was quite a journey. I was standing at the stairs contemplating which entrance to use and a very kind elderly British man asked if I needed help. I explained that I wasn't sure which way to go down to get to the westbound train and he explained you go down anywhere and then follow the signs. I told him I knew where I was going and had the directions in my hand. Luckily he asked to see them and told me that there was construction on part of it and the tube was closed so I couldn't get back the same way I'd gotten there...again a gliche in my perfectly laid out plan! So he took me to the map and showed me the way to make connections avoiding the work zones and saved me a lot of time and stress I am sure! It took almost an hour to get back to the hotel and then there was the walk to the bus stop and the wait for the right bus and finally I was back at the hotel! Exhausting but nice evening!
I fell asleep easily but unfortunately woke up early and was unable to go back to sleep on the plane in a couple of hours. It is a long flight but as of now, the plane was not too full so hopefully there will be room to relax.
Some of my friends know exactly where I am headed and some do not. Any ideas? Well, the truth is I am going to the last place on my 'bucket list'. I am flying from London to Athens and on to Santorini for a day and 2 nights basically. Then I am taking a ferry to Mykonos where I will spend 4 days and nights just enjoying the beauty from my balcony! I'm splurging, not a first, but probably a last! Not a last trip but a last splurge like this! I will be staying at the fabulous hotel on the mountain side that I saw on my first trip to Mykonos on the ship. Fabulous, from the way I remember it looking from the road, and my room with a balcony overlooking the sea has it's own private pool! Yes a splurge to be sure!
In Santorini I have a small apartment with a verandah view of the caldera and sunset. However today the flight to Athens is late so I'm not sure I will make it to Santorini at all with the connection, but if so, I will probably miss the sunset, which by many accounts is the most beautiful place in the world to see the sun set. Well, hopefully I will have at least one tomorrow night to see. In Mykonos I will be staying at 2 different hotels on different parts of the island. Again I hope to get many pictures to turn into cards. I am taking cards and post cards made from pictures from my previous visits so possibly I will find places who might want to carry them, wouldn't that be exciting! I don't think I would mind traveling to Greece on business once or twice a year!
However sitting here after the morning I've had, after little sleep, I am not sure I will be traveling far again. What a challenge this has been! It started when I made my reservations a couple of weeks ago. I never got the confirmation from the airlines. After a few days I made another international call to tell them that and then shortly after the call the reservation came and as I checked it, I saw they had the wrong name...Nitzi. I immediately called again and told them and they said it was impossible to change my ticket, not to worry. I explained I was worried because with security I didn't think i could board a plane with the wrong name that didn't match my passport. They said don't worry that I could take care of it at the airport. So I did worry and got here quite early to take care of it. Well the plane was delayed by an hour and there was no one at the check in counter, they only come 2 hours before the flight. So I sat and waited. Finally it was time to check in and I told the lady about the name mistake and she said don't worry, N is close to M so no one would care, it wasn't as if it said Ritzi or Bitzi, then there would be a problem. I am laughing now just thinking of how serious she was, when I thought it had to be a joke! I told her I would not try to get on the plane with the wrong name that didn't match my passport! She kept insisting it was only Nitzi, not a BIG deal! Finally she called a supervisor over who said I needed a new print otu with the right name so I had to go wait in the ticket counter line for quite a while and then the lady called the supervisor and said I needed to PURCHASE a new ticket with the correct name!!! HERE we go again! I said I WOULD NOT buy another ticket because they made a mistake on the name! Exhausting really! Incompetence everywhere! So we called over the supervisor again and she said to just do a print out of the flight details, but again it would have to say Nitzi if I didn't want to buy a new ticket! Yep, failing the patience test!!! So now I have a print out that says Nitzi too. I still can't believe this! I got through security and now the next major step I will face as Nitzi is when I get to Athens, there might be a 'slight' problem continuing on my journey! I thought I had a sense of humor, but it is long gone at this point! Although I do have to smile when I think of my new name! I do not want to be stranded in Athens so I will hope that no one notices the N instead of the M and I will try to be thankful it doesn't say Ritzi or Bitzi as pointed out by the agent at check in!
While I was waiting for the line to open I was chatting with a girl from Poland who works at the airport and she was so sweet and she told me she moved here to be with her boyfriend and when she said that her whole face lit up, such a sweet thing to see! She liked that I explained that part of my heritage and was as sweet as she could be. Nice people are such a gift along the way! I know my frustrations come out and I always try to apologize to the people I'm working with because most of the time it is not their fault.
Things in Europe are different and I didn't realize it my first couple of trips until Cesar explained the way things work. The people at the ticket counters and check in counters are not employed by certain airlines, they work for the airport and service them all. It means there really isn't a pride that goes with the job and it seems they are less concerned about you. That might be a mistake, just my observation...noted by Nitzi, not Bitzi or Ritzi, mind you! Most are kind, but it is just different here. The same at the gates, the person who checked you in at the main terminal might be there to take your boarding pass as you board the plane. I hope that I don't see the "you're fine since it doesn't say bitzi or ritzi" girl again, once was enough for her!
Well, boarding starts soon so I will finish this post and if all goes well I'll be writing from Santorini, Greece next! Ciao from London!
My flight is late so I'm not sure that I will be flying to my next destination. That test of patience...I'm still failing!
I slept as usual most of my day and when I woke up I decided to just take it easy and rest all afternoon. I pulled out my ipad and started looking up things and went to the website of the market that had been recommended to me as a nice place to visit for taking pictures. Since this is a 'business' trip, I started looking at great pictures so decided to head that way. What a journey that turned out to be! I had directions that a local person had given me so I was ready for the 3 different tube lines I had to take to arrive there. I checked it out with the concierge and he was quite helpful. Actually the new hotel was wonderful and I won't be going back to the one where I've always stayed. The people make the difference for me and the concierge staff has all been wonderful at this hotel so they get me back! The free bus is right outside the hotel so it was convenient.
What an experience, I went out to the bus stop and asked the older teenagers, if they were in line. They said no and when my bus came they said I had to flag it down to stop. So stupid me did that and there were many other people in line and the bus stopped and the kids laughed. I asked if they were just playing with me and they said yes. I smiled, knowing someday someone would make them look like fools too, and got on the bus. After the embarrassment of what I said to Kenny Rogers a couple of weeks ago, that was nothing! And yes, it was the real Kenny Rogers, but that is another story!
So I climbed on the bus with the other people and asked the driver if he would tell me the stop I wanted and he said yes and then a man standing next to me said he was getting off there and would show me. He and I started talking. He is in town for business and said he was just out wandering and asked where I was going. I explained it was a small market that lended itself to good pictures. He said he would go along with me and check it out too. Again, another fascinating companion! His story...he said he worked very hard very young and was very lucky and was retired by the time he turned 30! He is from Australia originally but 20 years ago moved to the US and lives in DC now. He is here on business and as we got to know each other he explained that he is making connections to buy minerals and gold from African countries. When we got to the right stop we went to the train station and he got a call he'd been waiting for from a man he had followed to 4 different countries! The man is a diplomat and hard to catch...so it would seem. He said he had to take the call and would try to rejoin me before the train left and as soon as the train pulled up he came rushing down the stairs and over to where I was. What an interesting hour and 15 minute trip that was! He spent his 20+ years of not working, taking classes and exploring the metaphysical world. He didn't seem interested in reiki when I mentioned it so I just listened to what he had to say. So much to learn in our world! He was such a positive thinker and it really was perfect timing for me, to be with someone so positive about life and the universe and what he said made sense. We changed trains 2 times and finally reached the market as the vendors were closing up. Oh well, I got a feel for it and can tell it is a small, but charming place. Dave was quite the inspiration and a very pleasant travel partner, when we reached the market he said he was going to return the business calls he'd received and we said goodbye and good luck to each other. A very interesting exchange to say the least! And a great positive thinking experience which was well timed in my life right now, no question that meeting him for my private motivational session was the reason I ended up heading to the market at the last minute. I did have fish and chips at a stand and the chips, or fries as we call them, were very good! Not like the ones in Belgium, but not like ours and they were very nice! The cod was good too and I picked up a couple of salted caramel chocolates at a store that advertised a cacao plantation in Argentina I think it was, where their award winning chocolate comes from. A nice experience too.
I wandered alone and enjoyed the sights that were there. Pubs were getting filled and the people were spilling onto the streets and quite a sight. There was the girl with all colors of hair, the man dressed up like a caveman and then the one with a white wig like the old days. Yes, this would be the place to wander and watch! And that was all at one pub! I decided to head back to the hotel at the airport since it would be getting dark and it was quite a journey. I was standing at the stairs contemplating which entrance to use and a very kind elderly British man asked if I needed help. I explained that I wasn't sure which way to go down to get to the westbound train and he explained you go down anywhere and then follow the signs. I told him I knew where I was going and had the directions in my hand. Luckily he asked to see them and told me that there was construction on part of it and the tube was closed so I couldn't get back the same way I'd gotten there...again a gliche in my perfectly laid out plan! So he took me to the map and showed me the way to make connections avoiding the work zones and saved me a lot of time and stress I am sure! It took almost an hour to get back to the hotel and then there was the walk to the bus stop and the wait for the right bus and finally I was back at the hotel! Exhausting but nice evening!
I fell asleep easily but unfortunately woke up early and was unable to go back to sleep on the plane in a couple of hours. It is a long flight but as of now, the plane was not too full so hopefully there will be room to relax.
Some of my friends know exactly where I am headed and some do not. Any ideas? Well, the truth is I am going to the last place on my 'bucket list'. I am flying from London to Athens and on to Santorini for a day and 2 nights basically. Then I am taking a ferry to Mykonos where I will spend 4 days and nights just enjoying the beauty from my balcony! I'm splurging, not a first, but probably a last! Not a last trip but a last splurge like this! I will be staying at the fabulous hotel on the mountain side that I saw on my first trip to Mykonos on the ship. Fabulous, from the way I remember it looking from the road, and my room with a balcony overlooking the sea has it's own private pool! Yes a splurge to be sure!
In Santorini I have a small apartment with a verandah view of the caldera and sunset. However today the flight to Athens is late so I'm not sure I will make it to Santorini at all with the connection, but if so, I will probably miss the sunset, which by many accounts is the most beautiful place in the world to see the sun set. Well, hopefully I will have at least one tomorrow night to see. In Mykonos I will be staying at 2 different hotels on different parts of the island. Again I hope to get many pictures to turn into cards. I am taking cards and post cards made from pictures from my previous visits so possibly I will find places who might want to carry them, wouldn't that be exciting! I don't think I would mind traveling to Greece on business once or twice a year!
However sitting here after the morning I've had, after little sleep, I am not sure I will be traveling far again. What a challenge this has been! It started when I made my reservations a couple of weeks ago. I never got the confirmation from the airlines. After a few days I made another international call to tell them that and then shortly after the call the reservation came and as I checked it, I saw they had the wrong name...Nitzi. I immediately called again and told them and they said it was impossible to change my ticket, not to worry. I explained I was worried because with security I didn't think i could board a plane with the wrong name that didn't match my passport. They said don't worry that I could take care of it at the airport. So I did worry and got here quite early to take care of it. Well the plane was delayed by an hour and there was no one at the check in counter, they only come 2 hours before the flight. So I sat and waited. Finally it was time to check in and I told the lady about the name mistake and she said don't worry, N is close to M so no one would care, it wasn't as if it said Ritzi or Bitzi, then there would be a problem. I am laughing now just thinking of how serious she was, when I thought it had to be a joke! I told her I would not try to get on the plane with the wrong name that didn't match my passport! She kept insisting it was only Nitzi, not a BIG deal! Finally she called a supervisor over who said I needed a new print otu with the right name so I had to go wait in the ticket counter line for quite a while and then the lady called the supervisor and said I needed to PURCHASE a new ticket with the correct name!!! HERE we go again! I said I WOULD NOT buy another ticket because they made a mistake on the name! Exhausting really! Incompetence everywhere! So we called over the supervisor again and she said to just do a print out of the flight details, but again it would have to say Nitzi if I didn't want to buy a new ticket! Yep, failing the patience test!!! So now I have a print out that says Nitzi too. I still can't believe this! I got through security and now the next major step I will face as Nitzi is when I get to Athens, there might be a 'slight' problem continuing on my journey! I thought I had a sense of humor, but it is long gone at this point! Although I do have to smile when I think of my new name! I do not want to be stranded in Athens so I will hope that no one notices the N instead of the M and I will try to be thankful it doesn't say Ritzi or Bitzi as pointed out by the agent at check in!
While I was waiting for the line to open I was chatting with a girl from Poland who works at the airport and she was so sweet and she told me she moved here to be with her boyfriend and when she said that her whole face lit up, such a sweet thing to see! She liked that I explained that part of my heritage and was as sweet as she could be. Nice people are such a gift along the way! I know my frustrations come out and I always try to apologize to the people I'm working with because most of the time it is not their fault.
Things in Europe are different and I didn't realize it my first couple of trips until Cesar explained the way things work. The people at the ticket counters and check in counters are not employed by certain airlines, they work for the airport and service them all. It means there really isn't a pride that goes with the job and it seems they are less concerned about you. That might be a mistake, just my observation...noted by Nitzi, not Bitzi or Ritzi, mind you! Most are kind, but it is just different here. The same at the gates, the person who checked you in at the main terminal might be there to take your boarding pass as you board the plane. I hope that I don't see the "you're fine since it doesn't say bitzi or ritzi" girl again, once was enough for her!
Well, boarding starts soon so I will finish this post and if all goes well I'll be writing from Santorini, Greece next! Ciao from London!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Across the Ocean
I'm losing track of time but a short nap will help that. Yesterday, while still at the hotel at Dulles, I got a ride to the local Kohls. Along with not having a fan now as I head to my destination that was 100 degrees 2 weeks ago, my watch stopped working. That was a big thing to me. Three years ago Cesar gave me the Swiss watch for my birthday as we ate Swiss fondue for my birthday in Switzerland. One of the most touching gifts I've ever received. I'm afraid it is symbolic of something more important in my life stopping, but will hope that is not the case. I'm sure that a new battery will be all the watch needs, the other issue, maybe not so easily fixed. I never wear a watch except when I travel and can't be without it when I do. So the trip to Kohls was to purchase something to have for this trip. No fans at Kohls. I Medes to get a taxi back to the hotel because the shuttle wouldn't be back there for hours.
I called the taxi and waited about 15 minutes. I got in and the man was immediately kind. We started talking and I told him where I was heading and he said it wasn't a very good time to be going there! Not the first time I've heard that! I hope all is fine. We started talking about travel and he told me that the countries that are in the Mediterranean are the most beautiful in the world. I asked if he had been there and he said he had been to 104 countries! that is amazing! I was so impressed and asked him how he did that. He told me that he had been in the diplomatic corps for his country and that he traveled with the king! He told me a couple of stories of his past life and it was fascinating! I was sorry the ride was so short to the hotel, fascinating man. With all he has done and he said now he is just a taxi driver in this country. I thanked him for sharing his story and we talked about how everyone has a story. I feel like I am so lucky to get to hear such interesting stories from such interesting diverse people! Maybe when my international traveling ends I will travel around America gathering stories from people who lived lives so different from those I'm familiar with, a thought. I never cease to be amazed at how different lives are for others. And that was just a taxi ride!
And now I've arrived in London and sleep is calling my name! It's cool and rainy and I love it! If I wake up at a decent time I will wander into London and enjoy the day before I fly on tomorrow to my next stop, one of my final destinations. Travel is getting more challenging for me now. I arrived and got into a taxi at the airport for my hotel. Every time I do that I feel like I'm in a movie! When I arrived at my hotel, the one I've stayed at every time I've been here I found out I'd booked a different hotel. I know all the concierge gentlemen so I got a nice greeting there but my favorite one is on vacation this week. I did not like the way I was hustled at the reception desk when we figured I'd reserved a room at the wrong hotel and I was so disgusted with his behavior that I decided to leave and try a new hotel. So here I am and it isn't so bad being in a different place. I guess I can have a new home away from home now. I guess this is definitely a trip of new beginnings! And sad goodbyes too. Everything changes, and endings are always hard for me. Even the airlines aren't serving the same food and the service is so much less than it was even the short time ago when I started this traveling. No one does what they say Anne disappointments seem more prevalent. I was supposed to be on a plane with the totally reclining seats and when I walked on, it was one of the old planes with regular seats. No one seemed to mind that the reason so many of us booked that flight was to have the beds. The flight attendant just said in small print it says they can change the aircraft if necessary. I seem to be constantly dealing with things that are not as I was told they would be. Disappointments are becoming a bigger part of life...
And with that, I will try to catch up on my sleep! Sweet British dreams to come!
I called the taxi and waited about 15 minutes. I got in and the man was immediately kind. We started talking and I told him where I was heading and he said it wasn't a very good time to be going there! Not the first time I've heard that! I hope all is fine. We started talking about travel and he told me that the countries that are in the Mediterranean are the most beautiful in the world. I asked if he had been there and he said he had been to 104 countries! that is amazing! I was so impressed and asked him how he did that. He told me that he had been in the diplomatic corps for his country and that he traveled with the king! He told me a couple of stories of his past life and it was fascinating! I was sorry the ride was so short to the hotel, fascinating man. With all he has done and he said now he is just a taxi driver in this country. I thanked him for sharing his story and we talked about how everyone has a story. I feel like I am so lucky to get to hear such interesting stories from such interesting diverse people! Maybe when my international traveling ends I will travel around America gathering stories from people who lived lives so different from those I'm familiar with, a thought. I never cease to be amazed at how different lives are for others. And that was just a taxi ride!
And now I've arrived in London and sleep is calling my name! It's cool and rainy and I love it! If I wake up at a decent time I will wander into London and enjoy the day before I fly on tomorrow to my next stop, one of my final destinations. Travel is getting more challenging for me now. I arrived and got into a taxi at the airport for my hotel. Every time I do that I feel like I'm in a movie! When I arrived at my hotel, the one I've stayed at every time I've been here I found out I'd booked a different hotel. I know all the concierge gentlemen so I got a nice greeting there but my favorite one is on vacation this week. I did not like the way I was hustled at the reception desk when we figured I'd reserved a room at the wrong hotel and I was so disgusted with his behavior that I decided to leave and try a new hotel. So here I am and it isn't so bad being in a different place. I guess I can have a new home away from home now. I guess this is definitely a trip of new beginnings! And sad goodbyes too. Everything changes, and endings are always hard for me. Even the airlines aren't serving the same food and the service is so much less than it was even the short time ago when I started this traveling. No one does what they say Anne disappointments seem more prevalent. I was supposed to be on a plane with the totally reclining seats and when I walked on, it was one of the old planes with regular seats. No one seemed to mind that the reason so many of us booked that flight was to have the beds. The flight attendant just said in small print it says they can change the aircraft if necessary. I seem to be constantly dealing with things that are not as I was told they would be. Disappointments are becoming a bigger part of life...
And with that, I will try to catch up on my sleep! Sweet British dreams to come!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Interesting World of Washington D.C.
I just have a short time so this has to be quick. In the hot hotel room last night I decided to pull out the little fan I bought to travel with so I can stay cool enough to sleep at night. Everywhere I go claims to have air conditioning but I sure don't get much benefit from what they have so I decided to take my own. Great idea and when I pulled it out of my suitcase, the cord and plug were missing! Uh oh, I realized that the cord I left lying on the sofa that I didnt recognize from my cord bag was the fan cord. My own fault which makes me so angry at me. Murray said he always labels cords with white labels. Good idea so I went out and bought the labels but never got around to labeling the cords, I wouldn't forget what the important ones are...ha! I unpacked the entire suitcase hoping I was mistaken, but there was no cord, it is home safe and sound! Next move, call the front desk to tell them it was too hot in the room. This is close to 3AM by then. The man says did you turn the thermostat down all at one time, well, yes I did as a matter of fact. Well, he tells me, that turns on the heat! Now I'm not sure how I would have known that, but he said to turn it back up and turn it down a degree at a time. Yes, at 3 AM I became a specialist. It worked and the air came on, it wasn't cold but much better and I was able to sleep.
Tried to find a store today but no one had any small fans left, guess I will hope that my hotels are cool.
Time to catch my next flight...more info from my next stop on the other side of the ocean!
Tried to find a store today but no one had any small fans left, guess I will hope that my hotels are cool.
Time to catch my next flight...more info from my next stop on the other side of the ocean!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
My New Adventure Begins
Life can be overwhelming and we all cope with it in different ways. I take trips. But it is getting harder and harder to travel, it's a challenge at the best of times. Patience is required, as is tolerance. Not sure how much longer I will take off on these adventures. But for now I have this one to accomplish.
The good news is that I had a plane ticket this time, so I was off to a good start. I'm in Washington DC, well actually at the Marriott near Dulles. I always stay here on the way to Europe but the last time I had a terrible teeny bathroom and told the reception manager I wouldn't be back because of that. She said she would be sure I got a nicer room the next time I came. So I decided to give it one more chance and I will NOT be back! The room is larger but the air conditioner isn't working well and the room is hot. The bathroom is ridiculously small and the price outrageous. My little voice said to go to the hyatt, but I thought I should give this one a chance, next time I listen to that voice!
However, I am sitting in the bar lounge area which is the only place there is wifi and I have never seen it so crowded! There are probably over 100 black people wandering around and visiting. I hear accents and another language or two or three. My curiousity got the best of me and I went to the reception desk to ask what is going on. Well my hotel is filled with people from all over the US and from Tanzania here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of tanzanias independence! The president of Tanzania arrives tomorrow! What a thrill this is! For quite a while I just sat and listened and watched. People are constantly walking in and finding friends and there is a lot of smiles and hugging. There is a man in a green jacket covered with medals and I'm wondering if he is the president, but I'm going to control myself and not go ask who he is. It is all just fascinating. I talked to a man and lady I was sitting next to and asked what language they were speaking and they said they speak Swahili so I got to practice the two words I know...jambo means hello and moja means one. Those are the name of two books i always read to the kids when I taught about Africa. They taught me Asante which means thank you. And that is the limit of my Swahili!
I was sitting next to an American man so I asked if he knew what was going on and he said he had seen tanzanias flag so was guessing it had something to do with them. I was impressed, I wouldn't know their flag! Turns out he was a navy pilot and has been to over 80 countries. We started talking and he now is working for Boeing and told me about a rocket class he teaches at local schools in the Seattle area. Wow, a rocket scientist too! He gave me his card and i am sure i will email him, he offered to help find someone to teach a rocket class at my school if anyone there is interested. Here I am again, collecting people, as Christina says. A lot for just a couple hours into my trip!
The crowd is thinning out now and my eyes are closing, so I think the night is over and the adventure has begun!
Here we go again! Welcome to my new adventure!
Well, I had a surprise in store for me. Four Tanzinian men sat down by me as I was finishing up and we started talking. They asked if I was with the group, I felt honored and said no, I was an outsider enjoying the whole experience. Well, it turns out one of them is the president of the group and we talked about the places he has chosen to meet and I asked if he had considered Denver and he said he would if I would promise to attend if they met there. I said of course I would and maybe we could have them speak at my school if they came. They were all so kind and we had a great conversation, very interesting men! Next thing I knew he took out his business card and said to write him. And he got my email too. Then one of the men said there was a lady there I had to meet and took me over to introduce me to the other only white person in the room. She was a college teacher, took a group of students to Tanzania and fell in love with it and came back and quit her job and she lives over there part of the year working in a small village. They were trying to convince me to go visit and said that I would have more friends than I could imagine, the people are so very kind there. Well they were sure kind here! I'm so impressed with them, what a delightful surprise experience this was! And this is the joy of travel for me! Meeting fascinating people around the world...maybe this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Maybe my next trip is supposed to be Tan zan eee(accent) ah. Maybe not, but now I'm tired and really going to bed. Maybe I'll see my Tanzanian friends again tomorrow.
Sweet African dreams...
The good news is that I had a plane ticket this time, so I was off to a good start. I'm in Washington DC, well actually at the Marriott near Dulles. I always stay here on the way to Europe but the last time I had a terrible teeny bathroom and told the reception manager I wouldn't be back because of that. She said she would be sure I got a nicer room the next time I came. So I decided to give it one more chance and I will NOT be back! The room is larger but the air conditioner isn't working well and the room is hot. The bathroom is ridiculously small and the price outrageous. My little voice said to go to the hyatt, but I thought I should give this one a chance, next time I listen to that voice!
However, I am sitting in the bar lounge area which is the only place there is wifi and I have never seen it so crowded! There are probably over 100 black people wandering around and visiting. I hear accents and another language or two or three. My curiousity got the best of me and I went to the reception desk to ask what is going on. Well my hotel is filled with people from all over the US and from Tanzania here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of tanzanias independence! The president of Tanzania arrives tomorrow! What a thrill this is! For quite a while I just sat and listened and watched. People are constantly walking in and finding friends and there is a lot of smiles and hugging. There is a man in a green jacket covered with medals and I'm wondering if he is the president, but I'm going to control myself and not go ask who he is. It is all just fascinating. I talked to a man and lady I was sitting next to and asked what language they were speaking and they said they speak Swahili so I got to practice the two words I know...jambo means hello and moja means one. Those are the name of two books i always read to the kids when I taught about Africa. They taught me Asante which means thank you. And that is the limit of my Swahili!
I was sitting next to an American man so I asked if he knew what was going on and he said he had seen tanzanias flag so was guessing it had something to do with them. I was impressed, I wouldn't know their flag! Turns out he was a navy pilot and has been to over 80 countries. We started talking and he now is working for Boeing and told me about a rocket class he teaches at local schools in the Seattle area. Wow, a rocket scientist too! He gave me his card and i am sure i will email him, he offered to help find someone to teach a rocket class at my school if anyone there is interested. Here I am again, collecting people, as Christina says. A lot for just a couple hours into my trip!
The crowd is thinning out now and my eyes are closing, so I think the night is over and the adventure has begun!
Here we go again! Welcome to my new adventure!
Well, I had a surprise in store for me. Four Tanzinian men sat down by me as I was finishing up and we started talking. They asked if I was with the group, I felt honored and said no, I was an outsider enjoying the whole experience. Well, it turns out one of them is the president of the group and we talked about the places he has chosen to meet and I asked if he had considered Denver and he said he would if I would promise to attend if they met there. I said of course I would and maybe we could have them speak at my school if they came. They were all so kind and we had a great conversation, very interesting men! Next thing I knew he took out his business card and said to write him. And he got my email too. Then one of the men said there was a lady there I had to meet and took me over to introduce me to the other only white person in the room. She was a college teacher, took a group of students to Tanzania and fell in love with it and came back and quit her job and she lives over there part of the year working in a small village. They were trying to convince me to go visit and said that I would have more friends than I could imagine, the people are so very kind there. Well they were sure kind here! I'm so impressed with them, what a delightful surprise experience this was! And this is the joy of travel for me! Meeting fascinating people around the world...maybe this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Maybe my next trip is supposed to be Tan zan eee(accent) ah. Maybe not, but now I'm tired and really going to bed. Maybe I'll see my Tanzanian friends again tomorrow.
Sweet African dreams...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
If Life Gives You Lemons...
...take a trip!
More exciting details to follow! Finally, I am smiling again!
More exciting details to follow! Finally, I am smiling again!
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