March 31 Wed
This a.m. in Lucerne we visited the famed Lion Monument which was dedicated to the Swiss guard who lost their lives in battle. Then on to the Covered Bridge that crosses Lake Lucerne.
The scenery is beautiful. It is sunny, but chilly; around 45. It is very expensive here. Robert says their economy is booming, because they are an independent, neutral state with many investors in their banks from all over. So everything is very expensive and they have not converted to Euros, but still use francs. If you give them Euros they give you francs in change.
Visited all the famous watch stores: Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer. That's about all I did was visit!!! Watches ranged from $5500.-32,000. Tonite is another dinner at this hotel, then off to Paris Thurs and Friday.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
March 30 Tuesday
Entering beautiful Switzerland via the “Alps. Had to trave through many tunnels, but the view is magnificent especially when we reached Lake Lucerne. The town of Lucerne(70,000) is built around this lake. It is very clean and surrounded by quaint swiss villages. Something I did not know(and I thought I knew everything. LOL), everyone else calls it “Switzerland” which is not the real name. It is the Confederation of Helvetia or CH. Suisse is only on part of the area of Helvetia. We went on a cruise of Lake Lucerne and it was so picturesque. Wine and beer on board so it got pretty rowdy. I can’t wait to see how some of these people will react to Paris! Ate with some Aussies last night. At dinner there was another Trafalgar group. Found out they are from Kent State U. on a Southern European tour.
The town is very clean and there are many upscale shops-no junky souvenirs. They only take francs and it very expensive. Today we are going to see the Lion Monument and some old bridge. Then some are going on cable cars across Mt. Pilatus. Not me. I am going to check out the watches(Omega, Rolex, etc) and other things they make here.
Entering beautiful Switzerland via the “Alps. Had to trave through many tunnels, but the view is magnificent especially when we reached Lake Lucerne. The town of Lucerne(70,000) is built around this lake. It is very clean and surrounded by quaint swiss villages. Something I did not know(and I thought I knew everything. LOL), everyone else calls it “Switzerland” which is not the real name. It is the Confederation of Helvetia or CH. Suisse is only on part of the area of Helvetia. We went on a cruise of Lake Lucerne and it was so picturesque. Wine and beer on board so it got pretty rowdy. I can’t wait to see how some of these people will react to Paris! Ate with some Aussies last night. At dinner there was another Trafalgar group. Found out they are from Kent State U. on a Southern European tour.
The town is very clean and there are many upscale shops-no junky souvenirs. They only take francs and it very expensive. Today we are going to see the Lion Monument and some old bridge. Then some are going on cable cars across Mt. Pilatus. Not me. I am going to check out the watches(Omega, Rolex, etc) and other things they make here.
March 30 Tuesday
Traveling from Northern Italy to Lucerne, Switzerland by way of Milan and the Italian Lakes, including Lake Como, where George C bought his villa a few years ago for 6 million. This must be where he picks up all those Italian babes he dates. Milan is the financial capital of Italy. Robert says if you want to make money you live and work in Milan. We passed by where Pavarotti had his villa in Modena and and where Ferraris are made. Enroute, we smelled a horrible gassy smell. The Aussies started laughing and that began a 1/2 hour wave of laughter on the bus. They are a fun bunch that is for sure. I may want to take a trip next year "down under."
Just left the last rest stop in Italy. The Italian rest stops are like Rulli’s. The selection is fabulous. Here are some pictures. Across the street is the Barilla pasta factory. I buy their pasta.
Near Milan there are many Factories and much industry –Reggio de Emilia. Robert compared it to the southern region of Reggio deCalabria, which is very poor. (This is where my grandparents came from) My grandmother used to make and carry bricks for my grandfather’s construction company. Later, he came to America and started his own company of Silvestri Iron and Metal and my father and his two brothers started Silvestri Bros. Construction Company which build roads and bridges in Y town and surrounding area. My grandfather could not write his name. He would sign a check with an “X”. It is also interesting how some of the Aussies ended up in Australia.
Robert just finished giving the history of the Mafia, but I didn’t have to listen. I already know everything from living in Y-town all my life.LOL
Joanne K: We are proud Italians!!!
Traveling from Northern Italy to Lucerne, Switzerland by way of Milan and the Italian Lakes, including Lake Como, where George C bought his villa a few years ago for 6 million. This must be where he picks up all those Italian babes he dates. Milan is the financial capital of Italy. Robert says if you want to make money you live and work in Milan. We passed by where Pavarotti had his villa in Modena and and where Ferraris are made. Enroute, we smelled a horrible gassy smell. The Aussies started laughing and that began a 1/2 hour wave of laughter on the bus. They are a fun bunch that is for sure. I may want to take a trip next year "down under."
Just left the last rest stop in Italy. The Italian rest stops are like Rulli’s. The selection is fabulous. Here are some pictures. Across the street is the Barilla pasta factory. I buy their pasta.
Near Milan there are many Factories and much industry –Reggio de Emilia. Robert compared it to the southern region of Reggio deCalabria, which is very poor. (This is where my grandparents came from) My grandmother used to make and carry bricks for my grandfather’s construction company. Later, he came to America and started his own company of Silvestri Iron and Metal and my father and his two brothers started Silvestri Bros. Construction Company which build roads and bridges in Y town and surrounding area. My grandfather could not write his name. He would sign a check with an “X”. It is also interesting how some of the Aussies ended up in Australia.
Robert just finished giving the history of the Mafia, but I didn’t have to listen. I already know everything from living in Y-town all my life.LOL
Joanne K: We are proud Italians!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Beautiful Florence!
This morning after going back to St. Peter's to enter the Basilica(less crowded than Sun) we headed thru Tuscany to Florence. Gorgeous scenery. Florence is a beautiful city full of shopping, restaurants, etc. Later tonite, we were treated to a dinner at an Italian restaurant on the Piazza. The group has
now become very familiar and certain people have "teamed" up for partying. .
Yesterday, I had breakfast with two Indian pharmacists from So. Africa and lunch with a couple from Ft. Lauderdale. So far I have taken 300 pictures and there are
still 4 more days left. I want to make them into a movie or presentation with narration and background
now become very familiar and certain people have "teamed" up for partying. .
Yesterday, I had breakfast with two Indian pharmacists from So. Africa and lunch with a couple from Ft. Lauderdale. So far I have taken 300 pictures and there are
music of the country. Anyone have any ideas as to how I should do this??? Tomorrow, after breakfast, we will drive to Lucerne, Switzerland, arriving in the afternoon. Tomorrow evening-a cruise on Lake Lucerne. The weather has been mild all week-mostly 60s. and sunny except in Venice.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Arriverderci, Roma
Monday March 29
Chose not to join the group for a 7 course dinner at an Italian rest. Instead, went to a neighborhood
restaurant. Most waiters do not speak English and it is frustrating to both of us. I tried to explain where I wanted to sit etc. and he gestured and said, "Go sit down!" The Italians are very impatient (I see where I get that from). Our bus driver had a shouting match with a woman about parking. This a.m. we are off to St. Peter's for a more in depth tour. Our Italian guide has been Carlo.He is just as good if not better than Robert. Neither one reads a thing. How do they remember all the names, dates, facts...?It's amazing. Off to Florence at noon.
Chose not to join the group for a 7 course dinner at an Italian rest. Instead, went to a neighborhood
restaurant. Most waiters do not speak English and it is frustrating to both of us. I tried to explain where I wanted to sit etc. and he gestured and said, "Go sit down!" The Italians are very impatient (I see where I get that from). Our bus driver had a shouting match with a woman about parking. This a.m. we are off to St. Peter's for a more in depth tour. Our Italian guide has been Carlo.He is just as good if not better than Robert. Neither one reads a thing. How do they remember all the names, dates, facts...?It's amazing. Off to Florence at noon.
Oops, I did it again!
I went into the men's room again this a.m. This is getting to be a habit. Maybe it's something psychological, I don't know, but the doors are NOT clearly marked! I apologized to the two guys entering, but they said it was fine. Later, I found out I was not the only one who had done this.
Today was a better day. Bright, sunny Rome! After breakfast we headed to the Vatican, waited 1 1/2
hours in a line to get in, but it was worth it. It was quite chilly, but got up to 66 later in the day. Got to
see the pope on 4 widescreen tv's in St. Peter's Square. He also said mass outside and we could get a glimpse of him.This was very special. It's Palm Sunday and we are at Mass at the Vatican. The choir sounded like angels and the bells made me feel like, maybe, I was in heaven.LOL However, they were
selling psalms and olive branches all around the outside of the Vatican. I had a problem with that. I tried to buy some, however. The boy said, "10 dollar." I said,"No." He said,"5 dollar." I said, "No", He
said, "3 dollar." I said, "Two" and walked away. He said, "ok, madam." Robert, the tour guide, was walking in front of me and turned around and said,"Boy, you are good."I still can believe they were SELLING psalms!
Today was a better day. Bright, sunny Rome! After breakfast we headed to the Vatican, waited 1 1/2
hours in a line to get in, but it was worth it. It was quite chilly, but got up to 66 later in the day. Got to
selling psalms and olive branches all around the outside of the Vatican. I had a problem with that. I tried to buy some, however. The boy said, "10 dollar." I said,"No." He said,"5 dollar." I said, "No", He
said, "3 dollar." I said, "Two" and walked away. He said, "ok, madam." Robert, the tour guide, was walking in front of me and turned around and said,"Boy, you are good."I still can believe they were SELLING psalms!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Fri, March 26 Venice- On the coach from Innsbruch to Venice was very scenic. Snow-topped mountains and villages with miles and miles of vineyards. Our first stop in Italy-free restrooms. Since London, there has been a 50 cent charge to use the restrooms except in hotel rooms. The Itallians are so"generous".
The sign at the entrance to the facilities says: Save your tips; just give our facilities respect"-and if you don't...well, you've seen what happened in The Godfather!
Venice----I hate it The day was dreary, cold and overcast. We boarded a water taxi to transport our group from the lagoon to the canals. Upon arriving in San Marco Square, there were tons of cheesy souvenir stands and thousands of tourists. We had a tour of Murano glass blowing plant which was
interesting. Some went on gondola rides, I didn't. The day seemed rather wasted. At 6 we boarded the taxi back to the mainland and to the Antony Hotel for dinner.
I hate this espresso and all their coffee here. I just want a normal cup of American coffee, which was 5 bucks in Venice. Even their idea of cafe Americano is bad. It consists of black, black coffee with boiled milk at the top that quickly sinks to the bottom and then becomes espresso(mud, poison....)
Needless to say, Fri. was not a good day for me. Leaving Sat. a.m. for Rome. It is a 5 hour drive, which I am not looking forward to.
The sign at the entrance to the facilities says: Save your tips; just give our facilities respect"-and if you don't...well, you've seen what happened in The Godfather!
Venice----I hate it The day was dreary, cold and overcast. We boarded a water taxi to transport our group from the lagoon to the canals. Upon arriving in San Marco Square, there were tons of cheesy souvenir stands and thousands of tourists. We had a tour of Murano glass blowing plant which was
interesting. Some went on gondola rides, I didn't. The day seemed rather wasted. At 6 we boarded the taxi back to the mainland and to the Antony Hotel for dinner.
I hate this espresso and all their coffee here. I just want a normal cup of American coffee, which was 5 bucks in Venice. Even their idea of cafe Americano is bad. It consists of black, black coffee with boiled milk at the top that quickly sinks to the bottom and then becomes espresso(mud, poison....)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 26 Friday
Some random thoughts......
It's 4:30 a.m. in Innsbruck. Getting ready to pack for a 6 hour drive to Venice. I am looking forward to some Italian food. I tried fish and chips, salmon, bratwurst, kraut and schnitzel, but
no desserts. The German pastries are beautiful, but I have to stick to the old saying of "Look before you leap" for eating and shopping. Speaking of eating, I wish I had the metabolism of the
young Chinese couple from Portland, Oregon. They have the metabolisms of a freight train.
Met some nice people like
Johann and Carolena from So. Africa, Dale and Bob from Toronto, Jo from Queensland, Australia and Lucy and Michelle from San Francisco.
Some random thoughts......
It's 4:30 a.m. in Innsbruck. Getting ready to pack for a 6 hour drive to Venice. I am looking forward to some Italian food. I tried fish and chips, salmon, bratwurst, kraut and schnitzel, but
no desserts. The German pastries are beautiful, but I have to stick to the old saying of "Look before you leap" for eating and shopping. Speaking of eating, I wish I had the metabolism of the
young Chinese couple from Portland, Oregon. They have the metabolisms of a freight train.
Met some nice people like
Johann and Carolena from So. Africa, Dale and Bob from Toronto, Jo from Queensland, Australia and Lucy and Michelle from San Francisco.
Getting caught up
March 25
Two things I hate: Not able to get to the gym for whatever reason and no internet access.
Well, the latter was the case the last couple days. No internet or wifi access since Mon. in Amsterdam and Germany. Now, in Innsbruck, Austria, I finally can connect. This is a beautiful skiing town. Very
quaint with lots of small, cozy German restaurants and shops. Just got off skype with my son and he is
going to get back on with my grandson after he picks him up from daycare. I keep forgetting there is a
five hour difference. It's 9:45 here. Lunch today in Munich, Germany before getting here. What a great
town with a huge market place full of beergartens and shopping. I am typing this in the hotel lobby listening to all these young skier "studs" talking to their girlfriends and trying to impress them.No English in
Germany. All the menus are in German, so I just pointed to anything. I did go in the right restroom today--
It said "Dame" I figured that was me. Off to "Venice on Friday. It's hard to believe I've been here
almost a week already.
Two things I hate: Not able to get to the gym for whatever reason and no internet access.
Well, the latter was the case the last couple days. No internet or wifi access since Mon. in Amsterdam and Germany. Now, in Innsbruck, Austria, I finally can connect. This is a beautiful skiing town. Very
quaint with lots of small, cozy German restaurants and shops. Just got off skype with my son and he is
going to get back on with my grandson after he picks him up from daycare. I keep forgetting there is a
five hour difference. It's 9:45 here. Lunch today in Munich, Germany before getting here. What a great
town with a huge market place full of beergartens and shopping. I am typing this in the hotel lobby listening to all these young skier "studs" talking to their girlfriends and trying to impress them.No English in
Germany. All the menus are in German, so I just pointed to anything. I did go in the right restroom today--
It said "Dame" I figured that was me. Off to "Venice on Friday. It's hard to believe I've been here
almost a week already.
March 23-Tuesday aboard a French ship
Early rise to board the bus and travel an hour from London-Canterbury-Dover to board a large ship ready to cross the English Channel into Calais, France. Robert, the tour guide, filled us in on the history of the bishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett and how Henry VIII ordered him to be killed. There is dense fog; however, I could clearly see the white cliffs of Dover and get some good pictures. A remarkable, memorable site, for sure. Having taught English literature (Canterbury Tales and A Tale of Two Cities), this is especially meaningful to me.
The ship is moving now and I am about to drink this awful coffee they serve. Extremely strong with frothy milk on top. Belgium in a couple of hours. Oh, yes, something eventful did happen today, I walked
Into the men’s room on the ship. That’s what they get for not having them labeled clearly. Mmm....
Early rise to board the bus and travel an hour from London-Canterbury-Dover to board a large ship ready to cross the English Channel into Calais, France. Robert, the tour guide, filled us in on the history of the bishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett and how Henry VIII ordered him to be killed. There is dense fog; however, I could clearly see the white cliffs of Dover and get some good pictures. A remarkable, memorable site, for sure. Having taught English literature (Canterbury Tales and A Tale of Two Cities), this is especially meaningful to me.
The ship is moving now and I am about to drink this awful coffee they serve. Extremely strong with frothy milk on top. Belgium in a couple of hours. Oh, yes, something eventful did happen today, I walked
Into the men’s room on the ship. That’s what they get for not having them labeled clearly. Mmm....
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saw a lot of London-Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Sq. Our tour guide, Maggie, was very well-
versed in British history. Her accent, did however, get on my nerves after awhile. Took a lot of good
pictures.
Interesting dinner tonite-Pan-Asian food. All I can say is if you have sinus problems like I do, this
food will definitely open them up!(Linda)!
Got a chance to workout in the hotel fitness center. It was great.
Heading to Brussels and Amsterdam in the early morning.
Good night, friends!
MON. MARCH 22 The Riverbank Park Plaza on -the -River Thames
The breakfast buffet resembled a wedding reception buffet. I was rather surprised by some
of the food: Baked beans, baked tomatoes, fresh mashed raspberries, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, and
sunflower seeds, fresh figs as well as all kinds of luncheon meats and cheeses. This was in addition
to the standard fare of scrambled eggs, sausages, cereals, fruits, etc.
Getting ready to see the sites of LONDON with the tour guide. Tues\: OFF to Belgium and AMERSTERDAM at 6 a.m.!
The breakfast buffet resembled a wedding reception buffet. I was rather surprised by some
of the food: Baked beans, baked tomatoes, fresh mashed raspberries, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, and
sunflower seeds, fresh figs as well as all kinds of luncheon meats and cheeses. This was in addition
to the standard fare of scrambled eggs, sausages, cereals, fruits, etc.
Getting ready to see the sites of LONDON with the tour guide. Tues\: OFF to Belgium and AMERSTERDAM at 6 a.m.!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sun. 3/21
The airport van took about an hour to get to the Riverbank Park Plaza hotel, a beautiful hotel situated on the
Thames River. You can see the Parliament bldg. and the "wheel" from the hotel.
Had mackerel, egg and potato cakes with grilled leeks in a light cream sauce for dinner.
Thank God this hotel has
a great fitness suite with the same treadmills, ellipticals and other equipment as Creekside. I spent some time
in there this afternoon. Tomorrow, looking forward to a 1/2day tour of London(Parliament, etc). Then some
shopping and eating at some pubs.The Londoners are very friendly and helpful, but the city is old and very
congested, IMO!
Thames River. You can see the Parliament bldg. and the "wheel" from the hotel.
Had mackerel, egg and potato cakes with grilled leeks in a light cream sauce for dinner.
Thank God this hotel has
a great fitness suite with the same treadmills, ellipticals and other equipment as Creekside. I spent some time
in there this afternoon. Tomorrow, looking forward to a 1/2day tour of London(Parliament, etc). Then some
shopping and eating at some pubs.The Londoners are very friendly and helpful, but the city is old and very
congested, IMO!
Sat. March 20/Sun March 21
A one hour flight to JFK and 1/2 hour to de-plane. But there is nothing like a night flight into NYC. It's a magical city. Now a delayed flight to London. I think the fun is just beginning. I wish I could jog around the airport to get ready for this 8 hours of sitting. I already feel a "spread" from the one hour flight. Hopefully, they'll show a decent flick aboard-supposed to be either The Blind Side or Crazy Heart. It's 11 pm and another delay on the ground. Pilot promised a 6 hr flight.
They served dinner at midnight- chicken that looked like the Mighty Dog chicken chunks
I feed Eclipse. Finally, think I slept a total of 2 hours and got the movie to change from Swedish to English so I could watch
The Blind Side.
I think I slept about 2 hours total. It's 3:30 our time and I am now watching Up in the Air with
George Clooney. I guess I can handle watching him at this hour. Arriving in London in 2 hours.
That is 9:30 London time.
A one hour flight to JFK and 1/2 hour to de-plane. But there is nothing like a night flight into NYC. It's a magical city. Now a delayed flight to London. I think the fun is just beginning. I wish I could jog around the airport to get ready for this 8 hours of sitting. I already feel a "spread" from the one hour flight. Hopefully, they'll show a decent flick aboard-supposed to be either The Blind Side or Crazy Heart. It's 11 pm and another delay on the ground. Pilot promised a 6 hr flight.
They served dinner at midnight- chicken that looked like the Mighty Dog chicken chunks
I feed Eclipse. Finally, think I slept a total of 2 hours and got the movie to change from Swedish to English so I could watch
The Blind Side.
I think I slept about 2 hours total. It's 3:30 our time and I am now watching Up in the Air with
George Clooney. I guess I can handle watching him at this hour. Arriving in London in 2 hours.
That is 9:30 London time.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Europe 2010
Hi friends,
This is my first blog attempt. I want to share my experiences with everyone, but it also is to keep me
busy while traveling on the bus, boat, plane, etc. between countries. I would love to hear from all of
you. I will be leaving the US sat. nite and arriving in London early Sunday. Hopefully, I will have some
interesting stories to share. Stay tuned.
Maddie
This is my first blog attempt. I want to share my experiences with everyone, but it also is to keep me
busy while traveling on the bus, boat, plane, etc. between countries. I would love to hear from all of
you. I will be leaving the US sat. nite and arriving in London early Sunday. Hopefully, I will have some
interesting stories to share. Stay tuned.
Maddie
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