We have had one heck of a good time driving around the countries we visited. The driving wasn't as bad as we had been told, although I have started not to look at the other driver as I am merging into their traffic. Just raise your arms and honk!!!!
The castles, old towns, forts and museums have been worth visiting.
Some of the other things we saw off the road are the ladies selling their services to the drivers. At first we weren't sure what they were doing and then we noticed them in more numbers when we were in a couple of port cities as they came over to our car. When they realized a woman was driving, they gave us a second look and so then went to the back windowns to find the guys. Ha-ha
We have had great food. Although today when we got into Rome, we found a McDonald's and that is what we had for dinner.
I am still trying to get our pictures uploaded but it seems I am either too tired or just not able to get to the internet.
Tomorrow, we head out to the port city and get on the big boat. While we have enjoyed all of this touring, we are ready for our clothes to be in one place and have someone else do the driving for us on the tours. However, we will lose the freedom we have enjoyed of changing our minds when we want to go somewhere.
I have driving up and down some very scary streets and roads, cussing those boys in the back seat who Cathy and I now call "Laurel and Hardy". One back road Ron got us on, it was a darn good thing the cliff was on Cathy's side.
We didn't get a chance to get into Florence and/or Pisa. On our last part of the trip after the boat, we are thinking of heading down the coast on the Adriactic side of Italy.
I will post when I can after we do some cruising.
CIAO and we miss everyone. I am off to have a glass of wine and relax for our next adventure.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Siena and Tuscany
We had a change in plans after leaving the Lake area and ended up in Siena and the Tuscan area for about 5 days.
Had a great time visiting some wineries and the old town of Siena. Lots of people but we visited a great Museum. In fact at one of the wineries we went too, we invited the wine maker over to visit with us as he is planning on coming out to California and I was telling him about the great wineries over in our area of Northern CA instead of Napa. Have to tell you, we understand why the Tuscany area is known for their Chianti and Sangiovese, OMG, unbeleiveably great.
Having wine with dinner is cheaper than having a coke, so I am enjoying giving Ron a hard time that for once his drink bill is more than mine!!!!
After leaving Siena, we headed up to the town of San Giamino (spl) and stayed in this small villa. Another great visit of their old town and all.
We are now in Rome and are getting ready to get onto the ship on Tuesday.
Had a great time visiting some wineries and the old town of Siena. Lots of people but we visited a great Museum. In fact at one of the wineries we went too, we invited the wine maker over to visit with us as he is planning on coming out to California and I was telling him about the great wineries over in our area of Northern CA instead of Napa. Have to tell you, we understand why the Tuscany area is known for their Chianti and Sangiovese, OMG, unbeleiveably great.
Having wine with dinner is cheaper than having a coke, so I am enjoying giving Ron a hard time that for once his drink bill is more than mine!!!!
After leaving Siena, we headed up to the town of San Giamino (spl) and stayed in this small villa. Another great visit of their old town and all.
We are now in Rome and are getting ready to get onto the ship on Tuesday.
Monday, September 20, 2010
French-Geman Border and Switzerland
After we left Wurzburg, we then headed over towards the French/Germany border and drove through the wine area known as "Alsace" area. We found a neat little village town called St. Hippolyte. What a real little gem of a place this was. We found a nice little hotel and after getting settled in, Ron and I walked into the little town square. You defintely have to be careful walking through some of these small towns as the streets are not that wide and the drivers are defintely on their way to somewhere fast.
Found a cool little bakery and checked out their sweets and all. Then we crossed the street to a little wine bar and had a couple of glasses of wine sitting with the other local folks watching all of the action going on. It was just so nice to do this.
The next day we went up to this really neat old castle just a little bit out of town and then headed over to Switzerland. This was our longest drive so far and we had a little bit of trouble finding a place to stay in Lusanne. So we drove on a little further and stayed in this town, that right now I can't remember and just spent the night there. It was an ok place and have to honest, Switzerland didn't impress us like the other places we have been too.
Found a cool little bakery and checked out their sweets and all. Then we crossed the street to a little wine bar and had a couple of glasses of wine sitting with the other local folks watching all of the action going on. It was just so nice to do this.
The next day we went up to this really neat old castle just a little bit out of town and then headed over to Switzerland. This was our longest drive so far and we had a little bit of trouble finding a place to stay in Lusanne. So we drove on a little further and stayed in this town, that right now I can't remember and just spent the night there. It was an ok place and have to honest, Switzerland didn't impress us like the other places we have been too.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
OK, I have to go there "The Toilet's"
Well if you don't want to read about toilets then don't read this one. What a riot some of these have been.
First, in some places you have to pay to use the facilities at the gas stations. Others, you share a room with the males. Good thing Dennis and I are good friends and we did have a wall separating us.
Then there are the ones, where the toilet, or what they call a toilet is on the floor. Yep, you have to stradle with your legs apart and figure it out. I saw my first one and decided, nope not trying this one out.
Lastly there are the ones with the spring loaded seats that you must first hold down to sit on. Then as you rise up, you get a little spray of perfumed air. That was a little shocking if I must say so myself.
And I just about forgot there are the second toilet, well it is really not a toilet but is called a "bidet", think that is how you spell it. They work pretty good,you just want to make sure you have the one with the hot/cold water that works. Tried that and can't figure out why we don't have these over in the US.
Also, these toilets have the best blushing mechanism I have ever seen. Swoosh and it is all gone!!!
First, in some places you have to pay to use the facilities at the gas stations. Others, you share a room with the males. Good thing Dennis and I are good friends and we did have a wall separating us.
Then there are the ones, where the toilet, or what they call a toilet is on the floor. Yep, you have to stradle with your legs apart and figure it out. I saw my first one and decided, nope not trying this one out.
Lastly there are the ones with the spring loaded seats that you must first hold down to sit on. Then as you rise up, you get a little spray of perfumed air. That was a little shocking if I must say so myself.
And I just about forgot there are the second toilet, well it is really not a toilet but is called a "bidet", think that is how you spell it. They work pretty good,you just want to make sure you have the one with the hot/cold water that works. Tried that and can't figure out why we don't have these over in the US.
Also, these toilets have the best blushing mechanism I have ever seen. Swoosh and it is all gone!!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wurzburg
We got into Wurzburg and hit our first hurdle of not being able to find a room. So we decided to drive a little out of town and see what we could find. Stopped at a gas station and they recomended a guesthouse for us. When we got there, we found out they were shooting the moving for another "Three Muskateer's" and they had taken up all the rooms around Wurzburg. However, the owner recommended another guesthouse about 12km outside of Wurzburg. He called for us and they had rooms. We thank him so much and headed over to our new digs. What another great little find. We then decided to stay a couple of days, 3 actually and tour around the area.
The 1st day, we went into old Wurzburg and toured the Palace, WOW, what a huge residence for the old family of Wurzburg. Had lunch in town, another great meal (no pizza!!!) and then headed back to our place.
The 2nd day we visited the Fort and took lots of pictures and did some wine tasting in town. We found out that the term "wine in a box" is not like we American would think but rather the shape of the wine. It is a stout bottle shaped oval and is only done in the area of Wurzburg and surrounding areas.
The owners at the guest house, the husband is the chef. He made pumpkin soup and it was so good. I totally understand now what Micah and Noelle talk about in Germany, pork, pork, pork. We talked with owners and found out the husband was born and raised in the small town where we were staying. He met his wife when they were working for a high end hotel in Munich. He trained for his culinary in Heidelburg and Munch. He is a great cook.
The last day, we drove outside of area and visited a quaint little winery. The owner's wife spoke a little English as she used to date an American. She was very gracious and let us sample
I am still driving and sometimes would like 3 muzzles to keep certain people quiet while driving. And we still have Laurel and Hardy in the back seat figuring out where we going and which way. You know, who is on 1st and 2nd and where do I go next.
The 1st day, we went into old Wurzburg and toured the Palace, WOW, what a huge residence for the old family of Wurzburg. Had lunch in town, another great meal (no pizza!!!) and then headed back to our place.
The 2nd day we visited the Fort and took lots of pictures and did some wine tasting in town. We found out that the term "wine in a box" is not like we American would think but rather the shape of the wine. It is a stout bottle shaped oval and is only done in the area of Wurzburg and surrounding areas.
The owners at the guest house, the husband is the chef. He made pumpkin soup and it was so good. I totally understand now what Micah and Noelle talk about in Germany, pork, pork, pork. We talked with owners and found out the husband was born and raised in the small town where we were staying. He met his wife when they were working for a high end hotel in Munich. He trained for his culinary in Heidelburg and Munch. He is a great cook.
The last day, we drove outside of area and visited a quaint little winery. The owner's wife spoke a little English as she used to date an American. She was very gracious and let us sample
I am still driving and sometimes would like 3 muzzles to keep certain people quiet while driving. And we still have Laurel and Hardy in the back seat figuring out where we going and which way. You know, who is on 1st and 2nd and where do I go next.
Friday, September 17, 2010
After Munich
We left Munich after visiting Dachua and stayed in a wonderful little place in the town of Danuworth. We so lucked out with finding this great little hotel. The owner was a character and very accomodating. There were some Russian pilots staying there as they were doing some training at a Helicopter company. They wanted to to know what brought some American's to the small town where they were staying. We told them, well we just needed a place for the evening and always went off the beaten path.
After dinner, we came back to the hotel and the owner sat with us and told us about his place and shared an after dinner drink with us. He had owned the property for about 35 years and previous to that was in the recycling businnes. He decided to sell his recyling business and then put some money into remodeling the hotel, bar and restaurant. He even had a camping site along the river. He gave us a brochure along with a DVD. We all decided if we were back in that area we would stay there again.
Wonderful little town where you walk with no cars and/or bikes.
After dinner, we came back to the hotel and the owner sat with us and told us about his place and shared an after dinner drink with us. He had owned the property for about 35 years and previous to that was in the recycling businnes. He decided to sell his recyling business and then put some money into remodeling the hotel, bar and restaurant. He even had a camping site along the river. He gave us a brochure along with a DVD. We all decided if we were back in that area we would stay there again.
Wonderful little town where you walk with no cars and/or bikes.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Oh the Autobahn and Munich
Well I am still driving and oh boy what fun. As we got into Germany and closer to Munich, Ron realized there was no longer any speed limitation. Boy, oh boy, I got up to about 155km in the auto and I have to tell you, I was sure wishing I was driving our 540I on the autobahn. It is such a neat experience, the road and how it is built you just can't explain it. But I do have to say, I was passed by many other Beemers and Benz drivers who left me standing at 155. I defintely paid attention to the rule you can drive in the fast lane but when you see someone coming move your butt over as they just zip by you so fast.
We made a change in plans and instead of staying a couple of days in Munich we only did 1 visit. They are getting ready for Octoberfest and they already were putting up barricades on various streets.
So what we did was visit Dachau. You read that this concentration camp is considered the "pretty one", well, not sure how you can say that but it was something we all wanted to visit and considering what happened there it was worth the trip to visit.
We then drove on out of Munich and again got on the autobahn (yippee) and ended up staying in a "pensioner" in the town of Donawurth. Oh, what a great find. The rooms were great and we had a great visit with the owner who shared a couple of after dinner drinks with us after we came back from town and dinner. The owner used to own a "reclying busines" and has owned this property for 35 years. Decided to sell his business and do the inn thing. They completely remodeled the hotel, bar and restaurant. He even has a camping site for campers as his property is right next to the river. He was quite a character. He gave us his brochure along with a dvd for this place.
We do have to say that we are so glad we have our gps lady as she has really helped us find places along the way, also has helped us to find out where we are going.
We made a change in plans and instead of staying a couple of days in Munich we only did 1 visit. They are getting ready for Octoberfest and they already were putting up barricades on various streets.
So what we did was visit Dachau. You read that this concentration camp is considered the "pretty one", well, not sure how you can say that but it was something we all wanted to visit and considering what happened there it was worth the trip to visit.
We then drove on out of Munich and again got on the autobahn (yippee) and ended up staying in a "pensioner" in the town of Donawurth. Oh, what a great find. The rooms were great and we had a great visit with the owner who shared a couple of after dinner drinks with us after we came back from town and dinner. The owner used to own a "reclying busines" and has owned this property for 35 years. Decided to sell his business and do the inn thing. They completely remodeled the hotel, bar and restaurant. He even has a camping site for campers as his property is right next to the river. He was quite a character. He gave us his brochure along with a dvd for this place.
We do have to say that we are so glad we have our gps lady as she has really helped us find places along the way, also has helped us to find out where we are going.
Internet and Salzburg
Ok, we have had limited internet access after we left Italy and Austria. So I will do a couple of posts so you can know what we have been up too.
We stayed in Salzburg for an evening and then headed over to view and visit "Eagle's Nest". This is the house that Hitler was supposed to of lived and visted if you believe all of the movie stuff. However, we found out and realized, there are no bedrooms up at Eagle Nest and Hitler only visited this place 14 times. Rather it was used for dignitaries and show. He actually lived down below the Eagle Nest location. We had a great tour guide who explained to us how all of the local people were asked to move out of their homes so the bad guys (Nazi's) could occupy their homes and all. It was a great visit and they had a wonderful museum there. We spent most of the day there and then headed out that late afternoon.
Driving through this area, I swear you would think you were in Northern CA and all sometimes. We found a great little place where after much sign language and laughing we found our room. We ended up sharing an apartment with Dennis and Cathy. We walked in to the village and had a great meal and beer.
Then we headed up towards Munich the next day.
We stayed in Salzburg for an evening and then headed over to view and visit "Eagle's Nest". This is the house that Hitler was supposed to of lived and visted if you believe all of the movie stuff. However, we found out and realized, there are no bedrooms up at Eagle Nest and Hitler only visited this place 14 times. Rather it was used for dignitaries and show. He actually lived down below the Eagle Nest location. We had a great tour guide who explained to us how all of the local people were asked to move out of their homes so the bad guys (Nazi's) could occupy their homes and all. It was a great visit and they had a wonderful museum there. We spent most of the day there and then headed out that late afternoon.
Driving through this area, I swear you would think you were in Northern CA and all sometimes. We found a great little place where after much sign language and laughing we found our room. We ended up sharing an apartment with Dennis and Cathy. We walked in to the village and had a great meal and beer.
Then we headed up towards Munich the next day.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Trieste and Udine
We left Venice yesterday and drove over to Trieste. It is a bustling city along the Adriactic coast and it was our first challengning moment of dealing with our gps lady. We found ourselves in the middle of city traffic and then trying to figure out how to get out of town. One back seat driver said turn this way and the other back seat driver said turn this a way and Cathy and I deciding to follow the gps lady. Well that was an interesting little trip. After a couple of turns and all, we ended up on this street that reminded of Lombardo Streeet in SF, cobblestones and all, except instead of being 1 way it was a 2 way street. We had 2 occasions where first I was not sure if the guy coming down and me going up were going to be able to pass each other. Then when the garbage truck came down, I decided to back up and let him pass me by. However, we made it up the hill and decided that was not a route we wanted to try again. It was one steep mother of a hill!!!!!
After Trieste, we headed North and went into a little town called Gorzio (spl). Visited this very old castle and walked around a little bit of the town and enjoyed some gelato and sitting out on the sidewalk.
We are now in the town of Udine. It is just a stop for us as we are heading up towards Salzburg this morning. Again, we got another great local restuarant recommedation. Truly believe we were the only English speaking customer's but we had a great meal. Wine with dinner is so cheap, we just cannot believe that part. And our meals, $4 to $6 for a litre of vino and the food prices have been good as well.
I am hoping to have some pictures downloaded in the next day or so.
After Trieste, we headed North and went into a little town called Gorzio (spl). Visited this very old castle and walked around a little bit of the town and enjoyed some gelato and sitting out on the sidewalk.
We are now in the town of Udine. It is just a stop for us as we are heading up towards Salzburg this morning. Again, we got another great local restuarant recommedation. Truly believe we were the only English speaking customer's but we had a great meal. Wine with dinner is so cheap, we just cannot believe that part. And our meals, $4 to $6 for a litre of vino and the food prices have been good as well.
I am hoping to have some pictures downloaded in the next day or so.
Venice
We made it to Venice on Tuesday and spent about a day and a half there. As we got into Venice late into the afternoon, we just kind of vegged and unwound from the driving. Still getting those smiles and looks as they see a female driving with the guys sitting in the back. However, those guys need to be quicker on the dime with their directions. And talk about back seat drivers, you would think that I had not been driving for 35+ or more years. So you know demure me, yep right, told them "just stick to telling me when to turn and make sure we are going in the right direction".
Along their highways they have what we would call "fast food" places located on the grounds where they sell gasoline. Let me tell you their fast food is fresh and very, very good. We decided that we like "Chef Express" the best. Great pandini,pastries and other things.
We ventured out in a local neighborhood from our hotel and went to a local restuarant recommended by the person behind the desk. He told us it was about 5 minutes from the hotel, 45 minutes later we found the place. Cathy and I asked for help and sign language sure works pretty good. The food was fantastics and we got to talking with the owners in our limited Italian and their limited English. We met a couple of guys from New York city.
On Wednesday,it was pouring down rain, Cathy and Ron were starting to come down with colds and Dennis needed a poncho to cover his sling. So they went shopping and I tagged along with the guys from NY and visited old Venice with them. Went to a wondeful museum and St. Mark's chapel there in San Marco square. As it had rained really hard that morning and high tide the square was flooded. It was fun to watch how people were walking through the water either with water shoes, plastic wrapped around their legs and/or barefoot. I followed the crowd and we walked along a high spot where the water was not so deep. You know, when in Italy, do as the locals are doing.
The rest of the gang came into old town Venice later in the afternoon and we hooked up. After walking around and seeing some stuff we decided instead of waiting for the hotel shuttle to pick us up that we would take the local bus back to the hotel. That was an experience. The bus driver nodded yes this is the one, we get on and after a little while and a couple of turns, I told them, this is not the right bus. So we got off and tried figuring out where the hell we were. Again, some local people helped us (have to tell you, this guy thing of not asking is killing Cathy and I) and we got ourseves on the right bus. We went back to the restuarant and had another great meal.
Venice has lots of little wine bars and the early evening there are lots of people out in the neighborhoods drinking coffee, wine, reading their books, papers or just visiting with each other. It is pretty cool to be experiencing all of this in these smaller neighborhoods.
And yes, we have tried Gelato, mmmmmm good.
Along their highways they have what we would call "fast food" places located on the grounds where they sell gasoline. Let me tell you their fast food is fresh and very, very good. We decided that we like "Chef Express" the best. Great pandini,pastries and other things.
We ventured out in a local neighborhood from our hotel and went to a local restuarant recommended by the person behind the desk. He told us it was about 5 minutes from the hotel, 45 minutes later we found the place. Cathy and I asked for help and sign language sure works pretty good. The food was fantastics and we got to talking with the owners in our limited Italian and their limited English. We met a couple of guys from New York city.
On Wednesday,it was pouring down rain, Cathy and Ron were starting to come down with colds and Dennis needed a poncho to cover his sling. So they went shopping and I tagged along with the guys from NY and visited old Venice with them. Went to a wondeful museum and St. Mark's chapel there in San Marco square. As it had rained really hard that morning and high tide the square was flooded. It was fun to watch how people were walking through the water either with water shoes, plastic wrapped around their legs and/or barefoot. I followed the crowd and we walked along a high spot where the water was not so deep. You know, when in Italy, do as the locals are doing.
The rest of the gang came into old town Venice later in the afternoon and we hooked up. After walking around and seeing some stuff we decided instead of waiting for the hotel shuttle to pick us up that we would take the local bus back to the hotel. That was an experience. The bus driver nodded yes this is the one, we get on and after a little while and a couple of turns, I told them, this is not the right bus. So we got off and tried figuring out where the hell we were. Again, some local people helped us (have to tell you, this guy thing of not asking is killing Cathy and I) and we got ourseves on the right bus. We went back to the restuarant and had another great meal.
Venice has lots of little wine bars and the early evening there are lots of people out in the neighborhoods drinking coffee, wine, reading their books, papers or just visiting with each other. It is pretty cool to be experiencing all of this in these smaller neighborhoods.
And yes, we have tried Gelato, mmmmmm good.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Rome --- We Arrived
Ok, I have no idea what language this will show up as, but we arrived in Monday, 9-6-10, ready and rearing to go, yeah right. Very long flight but we all made it through.
You all have been wondering about the luggage, well guess what, it didn't fit so we had to get a bigger car. Dennis and I let Cathy and Ron negotiate the upgraded car for us and we ended up with an upgrade with a very small charge. Everyone was happy!!!
Now Dennis can't drive, so yeah you are right, Lizzie is the driver. Let me tell you, I have now been designated as the "Kamikazee Round About Drive Queen", even Dennis was impressed. It is so funny watching the Italian men, when they see 2 females in the front and 2 guys in the back seat and one of the female is driving. Have had lots of comments about "the English girl" and lots of smiles. Hey Adrienne, no pitches yet, but a big "thumbs up" when they saw me getting behind the wheel. From what I hear, pinches are in order!!!!
Now, with me driving, the 2 guys are having to learn to not be back seat driver, but rather be good navigators. OMG, I have got 2 of them giving me 2 different set of directions. So after about 1 hour of listening to all of this differing opinions, we had a "pow wow", I asked them to make sure I was going in the right direction and at least be somewhat together with the directions.
Ok, I will have something for my friend Lyse in the next day or so. Lyse be forewarned, do not have coffee in your mouth in reading the next blog or two.
I'll post some pics of the luggage as well.
The first day we drove from Rome to Ravenna
All in all, they have been great.
We
You all have been wondering about the luggage, well guess what, it didn't fit so we had to get a bigger car. Dennis and I let Cathy and Ron negotiate the upgraded car for us and we ended up with an upgrade with a very small charge. Everyone was happy!!!
Now Dennis can't drive, so yeah you are right, Lizzie is the driver. Let me tell you, I have now been designated as the "Kamikazee Round About Drive Queen", even Dennis was impressed. It is so funny watching the Italian men, when they see 2 females in the front and 2 guys in the back seat and one of the female is driving. Have had lots of comments about "the English girl" and lots of smiles. Hey Adrienne, no pitches yet, but a big "thumbs up" when they saw me getting behind the wheel. From what I hear, pinches are in order!!!!
Now, with me driving, the 2 guys are having to learn to not be back seat driver, but rather be good navigators. OMG, I have got 2 of them giving me 2 different set of directions. So after about 1 hour of listening to all of this differing opinions, we had a "pow wow", I asked them to make sure I was going in the right direction and at least be somewhat together with the directions.
Ok, I will have something for my friend Lyse in the next day or so. Lyse be forewarned, do not have coffee in your mouth in reading the next blog or two.
I'll post some pics of the luggage as well.
The first day we drove from Rome to Ravenna
All in all, they have been great.
We
Friday, September 3, 2010
Ready or Not We are on the Move
Well the final days are here. Come Sunday morning, we will be on a jet plane heading over to Italy and other countries.
The time has come for us to finally realize it is here and if it isn't packed, well what the heck we'll just get it when we get overseas. Plus it would make our bags a little lighter. This 50-lb weight restriction can creep up on you sooner than you think.
Tonight I am opening us up a very nice bottle of Zindfandel wine from Luchessi Winery who is located up here in the Sierra Foothills. We just need to have a relaxing evening as Saturday will be full steam forward, no prisoners taken!!!!
So wish us a good flight and I'll check back in after we get over there.
The time has come for us to finally realize it is here and if it isn't packed, well what the heck we'll just get it when we get overseas. Plus it would make our bags a little lighter. This 50-lb weight restriction can creep up on you sooner than you think.
Tonight I am opening us up a very nice bottle of Zindfandel wine from Luchessi Winery who is located up here in the Sierra Foothills. We just need to have a relaxing evening as Saturday will be full steam forward, no prisoners taken!!!!
So wish us a good flight and I'll check back in after we get over there.
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