Ahh, the time in Germany has flown by and before we know it we will be on a TAP Portugal flight back to Lisbon tomorrow. And as usual, time with Cesar has flown by and weºve been busy with little time to share my adventures in my blog. It is late but Iºm awake so I decided to take time to record some of our highlights. I think it would take more than 3 days to write about the happenings of our trip, it would take so long to try to describe our experiences. How in words could I relate all that we have said and done and the senses it has touched.
I could write about the incredibly beautiful walk we took today among the beautiful fall colors in the Bavarian countryside as we walked to the famous Neuschwanstein castle. Looking up at the castle rising out of the autumn colors on a mountain top was a sight to behold. One which neither of us will ever forget! Hopefully we will forget the incredible hassle it took to get there, another story in itself. But the walk, an autumn experience to be written about and savored for years. The reds and oranges and yellows, with leaves floating down all around us as we walked to the castle in the overcast, cool afternoon, proved that fall is in the air. But it would be impossible to share the sounds and smells that were part of that other worldly experience. How lucky I feel to have shared this experience with a friend. The castle was beautiful inside too, but the stunning view from outside far exceeded what was inside in my opinion. And, oh my poor legs and feet! Even though we took a shuttle to a spot above the castle, part of the walk to arrive was uphill which was only made worse when we started the tour and climbed many stairs up a winding staircase to begin our tour on the 5th floor. I made it with quite a bit of effort, no way was I going to miss that sight! I am sure that the pain will remind of this accomplishment for days! Ahhh, but how worth it that was!
Yesterday was just as delightful as we explored the streets and sights of Salzburg, Austria. Neither of us had anticipated the quaint beauty of the city! Unfortunately we went later in the day than we should have and with all of the stores and sights closing at 6, we did miss a lot. A great destination for another trip! We saw Mozartºs birthplace but didnºt have time to go in, but we bought a darling musical note umbrella to use in our travels. Seems we always end up in places in the winter that are cold and rainy and now we will be prepared, with a memento of our trip to Austria. We had a true Bavarian lunch, I enjoyed it but Cesar isnºt fond of Bavarian cuisine we discovered. there was an incredible dessert that is named after Salzburg and that was a fun thing to try. Exploring in Europe is somewhat determined by the train schedule, Iºm actually becoming quite good at managing the train trips in a language I canºt read! Although being with Cesar is quite a security even though he knows no German and this is our first time to be where he is as clueless as I am about what is going on. But together we have managed. If you know me you know I donºt have a problem asking questions and the people here are so nice and helpful. We had a quite peculiar happening waiting to board our train. We were waiting on the platform where the train was supposed to arrive. We waited and waited and we were the only ones on the platform, and there was no sign of the train arriving. The info wasnºt posted on the sign, not a person was anywhere around. It was dark, cold and rather spooky being there all alone so we decided to leave and look for someone to ask about the train. We only found 3 workers who didnºt speak English and we tried to communicate to them the dilemma. One kind man tried to help us and pointed out the info on the schedule and we told him there was no sign of anything happening. We turned around and there were many, many people on the platform, and the sign was up and it was as though we had been in the twilight zone! Suddenly, without a sound, all the people had appeared and we were both in total shock. No idea how it all happened but at least being together, we both knew the total oddity of the moment. So on top of all the amazing events weºve had in Germany, we even spent a few minutes in the twilight zone together! On the train back to Munich from Salzburg we met a delightful girl who is a kindergarten teacher in a small town in Austria near the Italian border. She was so friendly and informative and we enjoyed being in her company on the long ride home.
Home, what memories we will have of this home away from home. Finding it was quite a nightmare when we arrived after midnight and wandered around the gigantic train station for at least an hour. We arrived at the airport and it was so empty and there were not many choices for transportation into town to our hotel, the Sofitel. It was just behind the train station we were told, but the journey to reach it after the midnight train ride to town was another story that wonºt make it to the blog. We did finally arrive a little before 2AM and the man who checked us in felt so sorry for us and gave us a room upgrade to a junior suite. WOW!! We were totally amazed when we walked in and saw our home for the next few days. The living room is quite modern, done in lime greens, and plums and black and white. there is a giant flat screen tv with speaker all around. There are stairs that lead up to a bedroom in a loft that is gorgeous and oh, so comfortable!! And the bathroom is incredible! We havenºt been able to spend nearly enough time in the room to enjoy the luxurious setting. Weºve decided to hang out here in the morning before going to the airport. The breakfast that comes with the room is delicious, many wonderful choices to make of foods from Germany and the US. A delight just to eat breakfast! The first morning I was ordering our eggs and mentioned that I was with my Portuguese friend. The sweet young girl cooking said that her colleague was from Portugal and I asked if she would have her come over and just start talking to Cesar in Portuguese. When I got to the table, Cesar knowing I always chat with everyone, asked if Iºd made any new friends and I told him I had. No more information. When the lady came up to our table and started talking in Portuguese, the look of surprise on his face was priceless! What fun that was for all of us.
Yes, Munich has been a delightful experience and now we will head back to Portugal for more adventures. We had a glich in our castle night plan, poor Cesar was given a double shift that day and he tried to get me to cancel our plans, but who knows if and when I will ever be back and even if I am, it isnºt easy to get the royal suite. So being we adjusted the plan and I will not get the part I pictured of us having a dinner outside in the beautiful walled village at sunset. Now we will be going at midnight when he gets off work and staying late the next day. It was the only way it could work out so it was better than nothing. I just couldnºt leave without this exciting part of the plan! Not what Iºd hoped for, but better than nothing!
Well,once again I am off to bed. Ciao from Germany
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Greetings from Portugal
Yes, it is true, I am back in Portugal. Itºs been 3 months since I was here. I am in my hotel room with a balcony that overlooks Cesarºs hotel and behind that the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. As you can tell I am on a computer with a Portuguese keyboard so the apostrophe appears as the small circle that I can never find on the American keyboard when I want to use it for degrees of temps. Anyway, back to my reality, Portugal.
The trip here was exhausting, as always, although it does seem harder each time, but only until I see Cesar at the airport and then all is forgotten, except how worth it, it was to be back in beautiful Portugal with my friend!
The trip, while tiring, was quite nice! I used my air miles to purchase a first class ticket and the trip was luxurious to say the least! A seat that reclined totally and quite personal service. At 2AM, when all of my American friends were snug in their beds, I was gently awakened by a flight attendent telling me it was time for breakfast. We were just an hour out of Frankfurt and it was 10AM there. Then a 3 course breakfast was served. Something one could get quite used to, traveling first class! (not the getting up at 2am)
Arriving in Frankfurt was a bit exciting, I no longer panic at new experiences, well at least the safe ones. I knew I would find my way eventually to the next flight. Going through passport control was okay, I told the man it was my first time in Germany and he actually smiled at me. I had been told that my connection would be close to my arrival gate. That was a lie and when I stopped to ask directions I was told it was a very long walk, that was not a lie! Now that I am a more seasoned traveler, I spend more time observing than panicking. I saw two things at the airport that are unique to Germany, at least as far as my experience goes. In the bathroom, I found that the soap is released, not when you push down on the soap dispenser, but when you let go. Strange phenomenon to me. Yes, possibly I am easily intrigued. I pushed down and nothing came out so I pushed and pushed without totally releasing the handle, gave up, released it and all this soap came spewing out! Yes, easily intrigued! Just love those new experiences!! And then as I am strolling through the airport I notice someone go by on a bicycle! Yes a bicycle! The man appeared to be one of the maintenance men. A little later, a man in a suit went past me on a bicycle! Yes, apparently many of the airport workers have bikes! I passed a parking area for the bikes and they had little license plates on them too. very interesting concept, more places should do this for easy transportation inside the airport I think. No one seemed to mind and there wasnºt a problem for them to get around the people. Iºm interested to see if there are people on bikes in the Munich airport too. I purchased a couple of things on my walk through the airport and was amazed at how expensive it is! I did find a childrenºs book about a polar bear with polar bear finger puppet on it, in German!! What a wonderful addition to my polar bear collection that is! Who would have dreamed Iºd find anything polar bear in Germany!
The plane left on time and 3 hours later I was arriving at my old familiar hangout, the Lisbon airport! I waited a bit for Cesar and before I knew it we were off on our adventure. It was a quiet evening. we walked in the rain to an an Italian restaurant and then walked back to the hotel. I slept while he worked on his business and this morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then he walked across the street to work and I will take a nap after finishing this entry. Iºll shop this afternoon for souvenirs in the village of Cascais and then when he is off at 4 we head to the airport to fly to Munich, a fun 3 days ahead of us.
and so, ciao from Portugal! the bed is calling my name!
The trip here was exhausting, as always, although it does seem harder each time, but only until I see Cesar at the airport and then all is forgotten, except how worth it, it was to be back in beautiful Portugal with my friend!
The trip, while tiring, was quite nice! I used my air miles to purchase a first class ticket and the trip was luxurious to say the least! A seat that reclined totally and quite personal service. At 2AM, when all of my American friends were snug in their beds, I was gently awakened by a flight attendent telling me it was time for breakfast. We were just an hour out of Frankfurt and it was 10AM there. Then a 3 course breakfast was served. Something one could get quite used to, traveling first class! (not the getting up at 2am)
Arriving in Frankfurt was a bit exciting, I no longer panic at new experiences, well at least the safe ones. I knew I would find my way eventually to the next flight. Going through passport control was okay, I told the man it was my first time in Germany and he actually smiled at me. I had been told that my connection would be close to my arrival gate. That was a lie and when I stopped to ask directions I was told it was a very long walk, that was not a lie! Now that I am a more seasoned traveler, I spend more time observing than panicking. I saw two things at the airport that are unique to Germany, at least as far as my experience goes. In the bathroom, I found that the soap is released, not when you push down on the soap dispenser, but when you let go. Strange phenomenon to me. Yes, possibly I am easily intrigued. I pushed down and nothing came out so I pushed and pushed without totally releasing the handle, gave up, released it and all this soap came spewing out! Yes, easily intrigued! Just love those new experiences!! And then as I am strolling through the airport I notice someone go by on a bicycle! Yes a bicycle! The man appeared to be one of the maintenance men. A little later, a man in a suit went past me on a bicycle! Yes, apparently many of the airport workers have bikes! I passed a parking area for the bikes and they had little license plates on them too. very interesting concept, more places should do this for easy transportation inside the airport I think. No one seemed to mind and there wasnºt a problem for them to get around the people. Iºm interested to see if there are people on bikes in the Munich airport too. I purchased a couple of things on my walk through the airport and was amazed at how expensive it is! I did find a childrenºs book about a polar bear with polar bear finger puppet on it, in German!! What a wonderful addition to my polar bear collection that is! Who would have dreamed Iºd find anything polar bear in Germany!
The plane left on time and 3 hours later I was arriving at my old familiar hangout, the Lisbon airport! I waited a bit for Cesar and before I knew it we were off on our adventure. It was a quiet evening. we walked in the rain to an an Italian restaurant and then walked back to the hotel. I slept while he worked on his business and this morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then he walked across the street to work and I will take a nap after finishing this entry. Iºll shop this afternoon for souvenirs in the village of Cascais and then when he is off at 4 we head to the airport to fly to Munich, a fun 3 days ahead of us.
and so, ciao from Portugal! the bed is calling my name!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Three Phase Birthday
I believe it is over, my birthday that is. Technically it was only one day last week, but the celebrating has lasted a little extra this year. It wasn't a Switzerland birthday, but not much could come close to that extraordinary birthday. The 2 surprise birthday cakes in 2 different countries on my birthday, the Swiss fondue dinner in Switzerland and the walk in the Alps, well, what can one say? It was heavenly last year and now life is definitely back to earth.
But it has had a touch of heaven, when all is looked at as a whole.
PHASE 1: At the end of the British Isles cruise I stayed an extra day and flew over to Portugal for a day. Crazy, maybe, but I was too close not to visit César, so we made it work. I arrived there the evening of July 7, exactly 2 weeks before my birthday. It didn't seem like a birthday celebration, but it was a wonderful 24 hours. We checked into the hotel and then César rushed me to change and get ready for my 'birthday' dinner. In Portugal it is bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their birthday so he tried hard to not wish me one, but still make the visit special. My dinner was a wonderful surprise, he had booked reservations at a Fado restaurant. Fado is the traditional Portuguese music I love and we had talked about visiting a club, but had never done it. Not only was the candlelight dinner excellent at the little Portuguese restaurant, but there was a variety of entertainment including folk music and dance along with fado. A wonderful evening, actually very exciting! After dinner we got ice cream and sat on our balcony enjoying it as we enjoyed the full moon reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful Portuguese night, and so comfortable to be back with my friend. We talked until early the next morning, slept a little, and then had a nice breakfast at the hotel before he walked across the street to his hotel for work. I relaxed in the morning then went into Cascais and walked around the beautiful little town, I had lunch alone overlooking the ocean once again, you can't really avoid the ocean in Cascais. I didn't feel alone, César and I talked often that day. I walked back to his hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon curled up on a canopy lounging bed overlooking the ocean in the pool area of his fancy hotel. Finally I was cool! And lying there looking at the deep blue ocean and feeling the breeze over my body, I hoped that I would never forget that feeling, the ultimate in peace and relaxation! And I felt so safe with my friend inside watching out for me. When work was finished, we drove to a little local sandwich shop in Lisbon and ate some delicious food, nothing like our sandwiches here, just perfect, another unique taste of Portugal. I have to give César credit, we have eaten all over Europe and he always orders for me and I always love whatever he chooses! We had 2 pieces of a pastry like cake that had whipped cream filling and a caramel top for my birthday cake and he did what he had never done before in his life. He wished me a happy birthday early. We decided that since it was our only chance and since I'm not Portuguese it would be okay. After our rushed meal in the hot little corner cafe, we rushed to the airport and before I knew it I was telling him goodbye and on my way back to London. My first phase of my birthday celebration was over. And as always, seeing César was incredibly wonderful.
PHASE 2: I flew to Winnipeg the afternoon before my birthday to enjoy the day with my friend there, the man I met when I flew through Winnipeg to go to Churchill to see the polar bears. It seemed like it would be an exciting visit...until immigration decided it was strange that I was visiting for just 3 days (what would there be to do for more time I wondered, but didn't ask) and I was in for quite an experience being interrogated for an hour. I arrived feeling like an excited teacher ready for another new experience, but finally left the airport feeling as though I'd been treated like a criminal. It took a while to get over it and start enjoying the time with Mr. Perlman. We had fun, it was a nice, relaxing time, and there is so much of Winnipeg I didn't get to see yet. Maybe I'll go back for 2 days and see what immigration can do to me next time! I was alone most of my birthday and when I stopped to buy a cake, they decorated it and brought it to me and it had real pansies on the top. It looked so pretty, actually it looked better than it tasted. The pansies made me think of my mom, they were her favorite flowers, a birthday wish from my mom, perhaps? The Fringe festival was in Winnipeg so I enjoyed seeing some of the sights during the day and even went to one play. There were many, many plays all over town and it would have been fun to see others too. The one I saw sounded familiar when the people were telling me about it as I bought my ticket and I realized that I had heard that story very recently, when I was in Edinburgh. And that is where it took place. Evidently the best plays of this Fringe will then go to Edinburgh for the big Fringe festival that is there in August, when the Tattoo is also there. Such a coincidence. I flew home the next day, and Canada had no problems with my leaving, although I was a little sad, I'd had such a nice time. I arrived home in the late afternoon, picked up Bram from the kennel and got ready to start work, again, the next day.
PHASE 3: After 2 days of work and meetings, I flew to Oklahoma on Saturday to see my cousin's son, Jamie, in a big production of 'Jacob and the Technicolor Dreamcoat'. I've never gotten to see him perform and this was his biggest show and part ever, so it was a good one to see. Reba and Chuck picked me up at the airport and when I walked up to my hotel room door I was delightfully surprised! The door was decorated with a 'happy birthday' banner, balloons and streamers. I walked inside and the whole room was decorated! It looked beautiful! Finally someone had really planned a celebration for me! Now it felt like a real birthday. Reba knows how to do decorating! We laughed and enjoyed the afternoon as I opened the gifts they brought me. Later Jillian, Reba's daughter arrived from Dallas with a birthday cake she had made for me. They had planned a party after the show with some other cousins who live in the area. The funny thing is I have always loved the 'funfetti' cake mix and that is the one Jill made for me so it was even my favorite kind! We all went out for a big dinner and then to the show. Jamie was a star! I was so excited to see how incredible he was! And he's my cousin! He is at OU now in the music program, he acts, sings and dances! I am sure someday I will be flying to Broadway to see him! And he is a sweetheart too. I did some reiki while I was there, the first in a long time. We went back to the hotel, ate cake, I drank my first Cosmopolitan, and then the party and the final celebration of my birthday was over. Today I flew home.
Tomorrow I start working full time for a while and then it will be part time. My job is seeming like it will be wonderful! The philosophy of this school is a perfect match for me so it should be a great fit. I have a lot of responsibility and independence, and already appreciation! And so my new year begins with settling down to reality. My 2 year fairy tale ended when I left Winnipeg I think. I know I can't complain, that was quite the 'grand finale'. Although César wants me to visit in the fall and spend time at the castle that you can stay in, I'm not sure I'll make the trip. It's a long way to go. And I feel like the polar bears of Churchill are calling my name, so I might head back up to Hudson Bay in the fall. I'm afraid that reality might take over and all my traveling will cease. Only time will tell. I'm going to try to hold on to bits of the fantasy life I created.
And so now, I do feel a year older...and a little wiser too!
But it has had a touch of heaven, when all is looked at as a whole.
PHASE 1: At the end of the British Isles cruise I stayed an extra day and flew over to Portugal for a day. Crazy, maybe, but I was too close not to visit César, so we made it work. I arrived there the evening of July 7, exactly 2 weeks before my birthday. It didn't seem like a birthday celebration, but it was a wonderful 24 hours. We checked into the hotel and then César rushed me to change and get ready for my 'birthday' dinner. In Portugal it is bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their birthday so he tried hard to not wish me one, but still make the visit special. My dinner was a wonderful surprise, he had booked reservations at a Fado restaurant. Fado is the traditional Portuguese music I love and we had talked about visiting a club, but had never done it. Not only was the candlelight dinner excellent at the little Portuguese restaurant, but there was a variety of entertainment including folk music and dance along with fado. A wonderful evening, actually very exciting! After dinner we got ice cream and sat on our balcony enjoying it as we enjoyed the full moon reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful Portuguese night, and so comfortable to be back with my friend. We talked until early the next morning, slept a little, and then had a nice breakfast at the hotel before he walked across the street to his hotel for work. I relaxed in the morning then went into Cascais and walked around the beautiful little town, I had lunch alone overlooking the ocean once again, you can't really avoid the ocean in Cascais. I didn't feel alone, César and I talked often that day. I walked back to his hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon curled up on a canopy lounging bed overlooking the ocean in the pool area of his fancy hotel. Finally I was cool! And lying there looking at the deep blue ocean and feeling the breeze over my body, I hoped that I would never forget that feeling, the ultimate in peace and relaxation! And I felt so safe with my friend inside watching out for me. When work was finished, we drove to a little local sandwich shop in Lisbon and ate some delicious food, nothing like our sandwiches here, just perfect, another unique taste of Portugal. I have to give César credit, we have eaten all over Europe and he always orders for me and I always love whatever he chooses! We had 2 pieces of a pastry like cake that had whipped cream filling and a caramel top for my birthday cake and he did what he had never done before in his life. He wished me a happy birthday early. We decided that since it was our only chance and since I'm not Portuguese it would be okay. After our rushed meal in the hot little corner cafe, we rushed to the airport and before I knew it I was telling him goodbye and on my way back to London. My first phase of my birthday celebration was over. And as always, seeing César was incredibly wonderful.
PHASE 2: I flew to Winnipeg the afternoon before my birthday to enjoy the day with my friend there, the man I met when I flew through Winnipeg to go to Churchill to see the polar bears. It seemed like it would be an exciting visit...until immigration decided it was strange that I was visiting for just 3 days (what would there be to do for more time I wondered, but didn't ask) and I was in for quite an experience being interrogated for an hour. I arrived feeling like an excited teacher ready for another new experience, but finally left the airport feeling as though I'd been treated like a criminal. It took a while to get over it and start enjoying the time with Mr. Perlman. We had fun, it was a nice, relaxing time, and there is so much of Winnipeg I didn't get to see yet. Maybe I'll go back for 2 days and see what immigration can do to me next time! I was alone most of my birthday and when I stopped to buy a cake, they decorated it and brought it to me and it had real pansies on the top. It looked so pretty, actually it looked better than it tasted. The pansies made me think of my mom, they were her favorite flowers, a birthday wish from my mom, perhaps? The Fringe festival was in Winnipeg so I enjoyed seeing some of the sights during the day and even went to one play. There were many, many plays all over town and it would have been fun to see others too. The one I saw sounded familiar when the people were telling me about it as I bought my ticket and I realized that I had heard that story very recently, when I was in Edinburgh. And that is where it took place. Evidently the best plays of this Fringe will then go to Edinburgh for the big Fringe festival that is there in August, when the Tattoo is also there. Such a coincidence. I flew home the next day, and Canada had no problems with my leaving, although I was a little sad, I'd had such a nice time. I arrived home in the late afternoon, picked up Bram from the kennel and got ready to start work, again, the next day.
PHASE 3: After 2 days of work and meetings, I flew to Oklahoma on Saturday to see my cousin's son, Jamie, in a big production of 'Jacob and the Technicolor Dreamcoat'. I've never gotten to see him perform and this was his biggest show and part ever, so it was a good one to see. Reba and Chuck picked me up at the airport and when I walked up to my hotel room door I was delightfully surprised! The door was decorated with a 'happy birthday' banner, balloons and streamers. I walked inside and the whole room was decorated! It looked beautiful! Finally someone had really planned a celebration for me! Now it felt like a real birthday. Reba knows how to do decorating! We laughed and enjoyed the afternoon as I opened the gifts they brought me. Later Jillian, Reba's daughter arrived from Dallas with a birthday cake she had made for me. They had planned a party after the show with some other cousins who live in the area. The funny thing is I have always loved the 'funfetti' cake mix and that is the one Jill made for me so it was even my favorite kind! We all went out for a big dinner and then to the show. Jamie was a star! I was so excited to see how incredible he was! And he's my cousin! He is at OU now in the music program, he acts, sings and dances! I am sure someday I will be flying to Broadway to see him! And he is a sweetheart too. I did some reiki while I was there, the first in a long time. We went back to the hotel, ate cake, I drank my first Cosmopolitan, and then the party and the final celebration of my birthday was over. Today I flew home.
Tomorrow I start working full time for a while and then it will be part time. My job is seeming like it will be wonderful! The philosophy of this school is a perfect match for me so it should be a great fit. I have a lot of responsibility and independence, and already appreciation! And so my new year begins with settling down to reality. My 2 year fairy tale ended when I left Winnipeg I think. I know I can't complain, that was quite the 'grand finale'. Although César wants me to visit in the fall and spend time at the castle that you can stay in, I'm not sure I'll make the trip. It's a long way to go. And I feel like the polar bears of Churchill are calling my name, so I might head back up to Hudson Bay in the fall. I'm afraid that reality might take over and all my traveling will cease. Only time will tell. I'm going to try to hold on to bits of the fantasy life I created.
And so now, I do feel a year older...and a little wiser too!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Winnipeg Ponderings
If someone gives you a gift and there is a $25,000 fine to have it, is it still considered a gift? :-)
If Winnie the Pooh was really named after Winnipeg, then where is Pooh Corner?
Might it be in the corner of Canadian immigration where interrogations go on hour after hour and innocent, teacher type people are pulled into it?
Or might it be in the corner executive suite of a high rise hotel where wonderful, memorable birthday events go on?
Might it be on the corner where the liquor mart is that has a variety of liquor bottles with polar bears on them?
Or perhaps on the corner where the sandwich shop is that gives you donuts with your sandwiches rather than chips and pickles?
Hmmmm...where might Pooh corner be?
If you meet someone with the same name are you really cousins?
If you 'write a novel' at various times of the night, will it sell?
If you eat a pansy, are you a flower child?
What did she really do to 'wash that man right out of her hair' in "South Pacific"?
If you fly away for an unknown adventure, will it always be a nice experience?
Can you find a new friend and then walk away for good?
And exactly what things are newsworthy on a blog of a birthday trip?
I wonder......
If Winnie the Pooh was really named after Winnipeg, then where is Pooh Corner?
Might it be in the corner of Canadian immigration where interrogations go on hour after hour and innocent, teacher type people are pulled into it?
Or might it be in the corner executive suite of a high rise hotel where wonderful, memorable birthday events go on?
Might it be on the corner where the liquor mart is that has a variety of liquor bottles with polar bears on them?
Or perhaps on the corner where the sandwich shop is that gives you donuts with your sandwiches rather than chips and pickles?
Hmmmm...where might Pooh corner be?
If you meet someone with the same name are you really cousins?
If you 'write a novel' at various times of the night, will it sell?
If you eat a pansy, are you a flower child?
What did she really do to 'wash that man right out of her hair' in "South Pacific"?
If you fly away for an unknown adventure, will it always be a nice experience?
Can you find a new friend and then walk away for good?
And exactly what things are newsworthy on a blog of a birthday trip?
I wonder......
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Independence Day - Edinburgh, Scotland
July 4th, and the first time I wasn't in Colorado to celebrate. A strange feeling to be across the world on our independence day. The ship had a grand display in the atrium, but unfortunately it was taken down by late that night when I went to take a picture. There was a very tall statue of liberty surrounded by red, white and blue balloons. There was a table laid out with red, white and blue decorations and a cake or two. I don't think they cut and served the cakes, but I wasn't around at all, so they might have in the evening. It was a massive and quite impressive display and the only reminder that it was our independence day.
Diana, Alec and I went to shore together, it was a tender port. It was always nice to be with them, having friends on a cruise was so much more fun! I am afraid I am spoiled now, having friends to see, talk to and have dinner with. And I already miss hearing their British accents, but I am sure I have picked up some of their sayings, even if it isn't the same coming out of my mouth. When something is good, it is brilliant, and a young man is a chap or bloke and I like those terms. We were surprised that there weren't more British on the ship, it was mainly Americans, with a large group of Asians too.
And so the three of us decided to take a shuttle into Edinburgh from S. Queensferry, where we docked. That was a good choice. I decided to take a tour that afternoon rather than spending the whole day in Edinburgh. By that time my feet were so painful I knew I couldn't walk to all the places I would want to see in that beautiful city so I would have to go back someday anyway to see more. Maybe it will be a destination for César and I, he loves the city too. When we arrived in Edinburgh, Diana and Alec were off on their walk to explore the city and I was off to find the hop on/off bus. It was just a few blocks away from where the shuttle dropped us off, but with the road construction there was a little walking detour. The bus driver assured me the ride around the city was only an hour and that would give me time to get back to the shuttle, to get back to the ship for my afternoon tour, so I boarded the bus for an overview of the city. I'd been before and took the half day tour and the traffic was so terrible I wasn't looking forward to that again, but loved seeing the city! I love Edinburgh! With the beautiful castle up on the hill, it is a gorgeous sight for a city. On my last trip to Edinburgh two years ago in August I also went to the castle for the Scottish Tattoo so the memory of that was fresh in my mind. That was an absolutely incredible night. The kind of experience that is a once in a lifetime event. As one of the other passengers and I said as we left, there really were not words to describe the intense emotions that night evoked. No words at all to describe the deep way we were touched from everything from the castle, the sunset, the music and the lone bagpiper on the castle walls playing a tune for all the soldiers in battle. Moving beyond description. An interesting thing about that night was that it was the night the BBC filmed it for the video. I have since ordered the video and it shows all that we saw, but it does not have the deep effect being there in person had.
Anyway, this trip to Edinburgh was still enjoyable, even if not followed by the Tattoo. The bus went to the most historic places and we were back in time for me to walk the few blocks to the shuttle. Other people were there who were going back to the ship for the afternoon tour to Braveheart country and the Stirling Castle. Braveheart, now I know so much more about that part of Scottish history. I don't like watching violence or torture, but I might have to watch the movie again now that I am familiar with the people and places in it. William Wallace fought and was killed, I won't go into what being 'drawn and quartered' means since as I remember it the movie is quite explicit. Robert the Bruce was also a famous historic figure in that time and he was fighting for the independence of Scotland after William Wallace and did become king of the people. I was a little confused by the difference, he was not king of Scotland, but king of the people. We actually walked on the battlefield of the 14th century war and saw a huge monument to Robert the Bruce. I believe it was my first battlefield I've walked on, but it wasn't to be my last this trip. We then went to Stirling Castle and again it was a bit of a walk up, but nothing like I'd already done, so I knew I would make it. This castle was quite famous too, however I don't remember the details. By that time I'd seen so many castles and heard so many stories and my feet hurt so badly, I was doing good just to get around to see everything. I sat for a while on one of the walls at the top of the castle, not a bad way to spend my independence day, in the lands where another revolt had ended in another country's independence. I liked the connection with that.
The tour took us through beautiful countryside and little villages and I look forward to returning to Scotland someday to enjoy that beauty again! There was a long line to get back on the tenders and I didn't mind, it was a time to chat with people and I was in no hurry to leave Scotland. But once we got to the ship, I was happy to know that a sea day followed and I could rest and pack. On the sea day I ate lunch at the grill, decided the hot dog would be as close to a 4th barbeque as I would get this year, and that was fine with me!
Diana, Alec and I went to shore together, it was a tender port. It was always nice to be with them, having friends on a cruise was so much more fun! I am afraid I am spoiled now, having friends to see, talk to and have dinner with. And I already miss hearing their British accents, but I am sure I have picked up some of their sayings, even if it isn't the same coming out of my mouth. When something is good, it is brilliant, and a young man is a chap or bloke and I like those terms. We were surprised that there weren't more British on the ship, it was mainly Americans, with a large group of Asians too.
And so the three of us decided to take a shuttle into Edinburgh from S. Queensferry, where we docked. That was a good choice. I decided to take a tour that afternoon rather than spending the whole day in Edinburgh. By that time my feet were so painful I knew I couldn't walk to all the places I would want to see in that beautiful city so I would have to go back someday anyway to see more. Maybe it will be a destination for César and I, he loves the city too. When we arrived in Edinburgh, Diana and Alec were off on their walk to explore the city and I was off to find the hop on/off bus. It was just a few blocks away from where the shuttle dropped us off, but with the road construction there was a little walking detour. The bus driver assured me the ride around the city was only an hour and that would give me time to get back to the shuttle, to get back to the ship for my afternoon tour, so I boarded the bus for an overview of the city. I'd been before and took the half day tour and the traffic was so terrible I wasn't looking forward to that again, but loved seeing the city! I love Edinburgh! With the beautiful castle up on the hill, it is a gorgeous sight for a city. On my last trip to Edinburgh two years ago in August I also went to the castle for the Scottish Tattoo so the memory of that was fresh in my mind. That was an absolutely incredible night. The kind of experience that is a once in a lifetime event. As one of the other passengers and I said as we left, there really were not words to describe the intense emotions that night evoked. No words at all to describe the deep way we were touched from everything from the castle, the sunset, the music and the lone bagpiper on the castle walls playing a tune for all the soldiers in battle. Moving beyond description. An interesting thing about that night was that it was the night the BBC filmed it for the video. I have since ordered the video and it shows all that we saw, but it does not have the deep effect being there in person had.
Anyway, this trip to Edinburgh was still enjoyable, even if not followed by the Tattoo. The bus went to the most historic places and we were back in time for me to walk the few blocks to the shuttle. Other people were there who were going back to the ship for the afternoon tour to Braveheart country and the Stirling Castle. Braveheart, now I know so much more about that part of Scottish history. I don't like watching violence or torture, but I might have to watch the movie again now that I am familiar with the people and places in it. William Wallace fought and was killed, I won't go into what being 'drawn and quartered' means since as I remember it the movie is quite explicit. Robert the Bruce was also a famous historic figure in that time and he was fighting for the independence of Scotland after William Wallace and did become king of the people. I was a little confused by the difference, he was not king of Scotland, but king of the people. We actually walked on the battlefield of the 14th century war and saw a huge monument to Robert the Bruce. I believe it was my first battlefield I've walked on, but it wasn't to be my last this trip. We then went to Stirling Castle and again it was a bit of a walk up, but nothing like I'd already done, so I knew I would make it. This castle was quite famous too, however I don't remember the details. By that time I'd seen so many castles and heard so many stories and my feet hurt so badly, I was doing good just to get around to see everything. I sat for a while on one of the walls at the top of the castle, not a bad way to spend my independence day, in the lands where another revolt had ended in another country's independence. I liked the connection with that.
The tour took us through beautiful countryside and little villages and I look forward to returning to Scotland someday to enjoy that beauty again! There was a long line to get back on the tenders and I didn't mind, it was a time to chat with people and I was in no hurry to leave Scotland. But once we got to the ship, I was happy to know that a sea day followed and I could rest and pack. On the sea day I ate lunch at the grill, decided the hot dog would be as close to a 4th barbeque as I would get this year, and that was fine with me!
Back in Time - Invergordon, July 3, 2009
Before going on this British Isles cruise I read some books to learn about the places I was going. They were realistic fiction, the kind I enjoy learning history from. I began the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon. It is a 'back in time' novel series which became interesting to me when I saw that in Inverness, Scotland, there was a Diana Gabaldon Outlander tour. The heroine, Claire, walks into a stone circle in the Scottish highlands and is taken back 200 years in time to the revolution of Culloden. So I read 3 of the series before leaving. I didn't take the tour, it was only offered at certain times or certain days, but I signed up for tours that would show me the area. When the ship arrived in Inverness I was thrilled to be in that part of Scotland. Both because it was the setting for the first 2 of the series, and because I was going to see Loch Ness!
I wasn't able to be on the tour I'd requested that visited Culloden, but I saw incredible sights! When you are on the tours, ship's or otherwise, you never know what kind of tour guide you will get. This day I had the two extremes. The morning started with the outstanding guide, he appeared in full highland dress and was fascinating to look at! I talked to his friend who was another tour guide, also dressed in tradional costume and he told me he had taken Diana Gabaldon around Scotland to see the places where her novel was set and he was sure that the handsome, brave Jamie Fraser was based on him! Ahh, but the hair color was different! Everything is so exciting to me when I travel and I thought this was a great coincidence, meeting the man who spent time with the author. Well Ian, who has also been in local films made of the great battles of Scotland and has been the model for greeting cards, was an outstanding guide! We learned so much about that area and although I missed getting to see the great battlefield at Culloden he made everything so interesting. We arrived at Uraquat. not spelled correctly, and I was a bit alarmed at the long walk downhill to see the castle ruins. This castle was very important in the Scottish history, it began as a stone age fort and was turned into a castle sometime in the following centuries. Many different families in history lived there and it was finally burned out to keep it from enemy hands. It sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking the ocean. I did make it down to the castle and back up again, thankfully! It was a bit of a climb for me, actually much more than a 'bit', and I felt proud that they didn't have to send the motorized wheel chair down to get me, which was the solution Ian had when I asked what would happen if I couldn't make it back up. It wasn't like the Giant's Causeway that had a shuttle up and down. The castle overlooked the large Loch Ness and it is said in legend that Nessie, the Loch Ness monster lives far beneath the castle. I didn't have the chance to see her, I guess you don't get everything. It was interesting that a scientist from America is now living there and owns the little museum and store, which we didn't get to go into, and his equipment has determined that there is an area of a different energy, perhaps the real Nessie. I would have liked more information about that.
Ian told us about the Rowan tree, which had also been discussed on the previous tour. The Rowan tree is planted in each yard because it keeps the witches away. This is a very strong superstitious belief in Scotland. He said he knows his mother in law isn't a witch because she passes it every time she visits, but his wife is starting to enter the house from the back so he is wondering about her, a cute story I thought. I was sad to see this tour end, it was so informative and entertaining as Ian is an entertainer too. He gave me his website so I could be in touch with him if I have any more questions.
The afternoon was a tour to a different part of the highlands. I went southeast on the first tour into the highlands and the afternoon one was to the northwest. Such beautiful countryside! It reminded me of Antarctica which is said to have a million different shades of blue, because Scotland had a million different shades of green. I would have to say the highlight of the tour was seeing the highland cattle. They have long shaggy fur and are beautiful! One guide said they aren't as popular as the other cattle, they are for meat and take a long time to grow, so they become more like pets. A later tour guide said that wasn't true, they are raised for the meat and the taste is surpassed by no other animal. I don't plan to ever taste one to decide for myself! The beautiful cow stopped eating and looked at us and I hope that my picture does turn out well, but if not I bought a postcard or two. We went to Shin Falls, a beautiful waterfall where the salmon were jumping out of the water on their uphill swim. I was looking forward to this view and when the tour guide told us it was 50 steps down to see the falls, I thought it would be impossible to make it the 50 steps back up, especially after the long trek I'd had that morning. But the part of me that still surprises me, was determined not to miss a sight and I knew I had to make it down to see that, which meant I had to make it back up. So off I headed down the 50 steps. What the guide did not tell us was that between each 10 or so steps was a long downhill path! What a walk! I was so thankful that the path led through the trees and there was a cool breeze, not sure I would have made it back up in the oppressive heat that met us at each port. British Isles, cool and cloudy? I didn't see that at all! I believe it must be a lie to keep outsiders from moving to the beautiful countries! So down I went and unfortunately the people were in mass at the rail and I just got a quick peek and didn't see any salmon at all, a sad fact, but I did see the falls and did make it back up, so it was a good trip. Unfortunately we had a tour guide who was on her first tour, with us and the bus driver knew and shared more than she did. Quite a disappointment after the wonderful morning guide. Thank goodness the bus driver was such a delight though, I enjoyed him and his stories. The people in Ireland and Scotland are so friendly! He explained that the Atlantic salmon are different than the Pacific, much, much larger and they don't die after their first spawning. I liked that news, I was so sad seeing the dead salmon along the river banks in Alaska.
On the tours we drove through Inverness which looked like a lovely city, and this became one of the ports that I would like to return to, although I would love to return to all the ports, this trip was amazing. And as we walked to the ship when we arrived back in Invergordon, a bagpipe band was performing for the ship, and it appeared to be a high school band! They were incredible and such a joy to hear as we boarded the ship to sail away from Scotland. I was happy that it was not our last stop in Scotland, we had Edinburgh to look forward to!
I wasn't able to be on the tour I'd requested that visited Culloden, but I saw incredible sights! When you are on the tours, ship's or otherwise, you never know what kind of tour guide you will get. This day I had the two extremes. The morning started with the outstanding guide, he appeared in full highland dress and was fascinating to look at! I talked to his friend who was another tour guide, also dressed in tradional costume and he told me he had taken Diana Gabaldon around Scotland to see the places where her novel was set and he was sure that the handsome, brave Jamie Fraser was based on him! Ahh, but the hair color was different! Everything is so exciting to me when I travel and I thought this was a great coincidence, meeting the man who spent time with the author. Well Ian, who has also been in local films made of the great battles of Scotland and has been the model for greeting cards, was an outstanding guide! We learned so much about that area and although I missed getting to see the great battlefield at Culloden he made everything so interesting. We arrived at Uraquat. not spelled correctly, and I was a bit alarmed at the long walk downhill to see the castle ruins. This castle was very important in the Scottish history, it began as a stone age fort and was turned into a castle sometime in the following centuries. Many different families in history lived there and it was finally burned out to keep it from enemy hands. It sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking the ocean. I did make it down to the castle and back up again, thankfully! It was a bit of a climb for me, actually much more than a 'bit', and I felt proud that they didn't have to send the motorized wheel chair down to get me, which was the solution Ian had when I asked what would happen if I couldn't make it back up. It wasn't like the Giant's Causeway that had a shuttle up and down. The castle overlooked the large Loch Ness and it is said in legend that Nessie, the Loch Ness monster lives far beneath the castle. I didn't have the chance to see her, I guess you don't get everything. It was interesting that a scientist from America is now living there and owns the little museum and store, which we didn't get to go into, and his equipment has determined that there is an area of a different energy, perhaps the real Nessie. I would have liked more information about that.
Ian told us about the Rowan tree, which had also been discussed on the previous tour. The Rowan tree is planted in each yard because it keeps the witches away. This is a very strong superstitious belief in Scotland. He said he knows his mother in law isn't a witch because she passes it every time she visits, but his wife is starting to enter the house from the back so he is wondering about her, a cute story I thought. I was sad to see this tour end, it was so informative and entertaining as Ian is an entertainer too. He gave me his website so I could be in touch with him if I have any more questions.
The afternoon was a tour to a different part of the highlands. I went southeast on the first tour into the highlands and the afternoon one was to the northwest. Such beautiful countryside! It reminded me of Antarctica which is said to have a million different shades of blue, because Scotland had a million different shades of green. I would have to say the highlight of the tour was seeing the highland cattle. They have long shaggy fur and are beautiful! One guide said they aren't as popular as the other cattle, they are for meat and take a long time to grow, so they become more like pets. A later tour guide said that wasn't true, they are raised for the meat and the taste is surpassed by no other animal. I don't plan to ever taste one to decide for myself! The beautiful cow stopped eating and looked at us and I hope that my picture does turn out well, but if not I bought a postcard or two. We went to Shin Falls, a beautiful waterfall where the salmon were jumping out of the water on their uphill swim. I was looking forward to this view and when the tour guide told us it was 50 steps down to see the falls, I thought it would be impossible to make it the 50 steps back up, especially after the long trek I'd had that morning. But the part of me that still surprises me, was determined not to miss a sight and I knew I had to make it down to see that, which meant I had to make it back up. So off I headed down the 50 steps. What the guide did not tell us was that between each 10 or so steps was a long downhill path! What a walk! I was so thankful that the path led through the trees and there was a cool breeze, not sure I would have made it back up in the oppressive heat that met us at each port. British Isles, cool and cloudy? I didn't see that at all! I believe it must be a lie to keep outsiders from moving to the beautiful countries! So down I went and unfortunately the people were in mass at the rail and I just got a quick peek and didn't see any salmon at all, a sad fact, but I did see the falls and did make it back up, so it was a good trip. Unfortunately we had a tour guide who was on her first tour, with us and the bus driver knew and shared more than she did. Quite a disappointment after the wonderful morning guide. Thank goodness the bus driver was such a delight though, I enjoyed him and his stories. The people in Ireland and Scotland are so friendly! He explained that the Atlantic salmon are different than the Pacific, much, much larger and they don't die after their first spawning. I liked that news, I was so sad seeing the dead salmon along the river banks in Alaska.
On the tours we drove through Inverness which looked like a lovely city, and this became one of the ports that I would like to return to, although I would love to return to all the ports, this trip was amazing. And as we walked to the ship when we arrived back in Invergordon, a bagpipe band was performing for the ship, and it appeared to be a high school band! They were incredible and such a joy to hear as we boarded the ship to sail away from Scotland. I was happy that it was not our last stop in Scotland, we had Edinburgh to look forward to!
Thoughts from Home
I'm home. As I've said before, that statement has so many aspects to it. I am grateful as always to return home safely. But my homecoming has been dampened by an unavoidable reality. My last entry was before I got the bad news from home that my 16 year old kitty was going downhill quickly and it was a day to day drama about what to do. I was very clear about my instructions to euthanize her immediately when she began to suffer. However everything started happening on the 4th of July weekend, when everyone but the emergency clinics are closed, and her caretakers were changing from the girl who she comes out for to a very sweet girl that she hides from. Unfortunately she hid and no one had any idea how badly she had gotten and when I arrived home she looked like a different cat, so my first responsibility when I arrived was to have her euthanized. A very difficult homecoming. I found out a very dear friend, my "2nd mother" in Houston also died yesterday. And so, now, as well as the end of my trip, other thoughts and decisions took my time and focus.
But the trip never wavered from being extraordinary! And with the desire to focus on that right now rather than my deep sadness, I'm going to write about the final days of my incredible journey. They are well worth noting in print. And so I will go back in time...
But the trip never wavered from being extraordinary! And with the desire to focus on that right now rather than my deep sadness, I'm going to write about the final days of my incredible journey. They are well worth noting in print. And so I will go back in time...
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