This morning we headed up to Bremerhaven to visit the German emmigration museum. It was amazing. Visitors are given a passport when entering. Then we use the passport throughout the museum to hear about why so many people left Germany and what they went through to get to the US or another destination. it was very fascinating!
After the museum we hoped into our Opal car rental, lovingly nicknamed Derick Diesel, and headed down to Cologne. We're settled in for the night. Tomorrow we're heading down to Koblenz and the to our hotel in Beilstein. Don't know if we'll have Internet connection down there. So we may drop off the radar fora day or two. No worries ... Plenty of beer and wine in this area!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
5-1 On Our Way (Sue)
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the greatest mother, grandmother and great-grandmother in the world. She turns a blessed 85 today - and guess what's she's doing to celebrate?? Yup - she's at work at her beloved greenhouse, doing what she loves - playing with the dirt, flowers and vegetables. Enjoy your day Mom, we are thinking of you and love you more than anything in this world.
So I have to comment on yesterday - it was absolutely AWESOME! Definately one of the best party experiences of my life. What a way to celebrate Queen's Day. Deb's friends were wonderful, the boat was fantastic and the whole experience was awesome. What struck me the most was the fact that you had over 1 million people "celebrating", yet you never got the feeling that it was that crowded, or people were rushed, puking or obnoxiously drunk. Not to say that there wasn't drunkedness, but it wasn't as rude and threatening as you sometime see in the States. Oh yeah - another highlight - the men's outdoor, open-air urinals. Just walk up to the one your height and away they go. So I asked Paul why they accommodate the men only and he said the Dutch figured they've accommodated 1/2 of the people, and that's about as good as anyone can expect. Ha-ha.
So Betty & Deb are picking up the car and we are off for our sister-only adventure to Germany. First stop - Bremen. Unfortunately for Betty she will have to do all the driving as my WI driver's license also got stolen. The rain is stopping and I do believe the sun may shine soon. Onward to the homeland..........
So I have to comment on yesterday - it was absolutely AWESOME! Definately one of the best party experiences of my life. What a way to celebrate Queen's Day. Deb's friends were wonderful, the boat was fantastic and the whole experience was awesome. What struck me the most was the fact that you had over 1 million people "celebrating", yet you never got the feeling that it was that crowded, or people were rushed, puking or obnoxiously drunk. Not to say that there wasn't drunkedness, but it wasn't as rude and threatening as you sometime see in the States. Oh yeah - another highlight - the men's outdoor, open-air urinals. Just walk up to the one your height and away they go. So I asked Paul why they accommodate the men only and he said the Dutch figured they've accommodated 1/2 of the people, and that's about as good as anyone can expect. Ha-ha.
So Betty & Deb are picking up the car and we are off for our sister-only adventure to Germany. First stop - Bremen. Unfortunately for Betty she will have to do all the driving as my WI driver's license also got stolen. The rain is stopping and I do believe the sun may shine soon. Onward to the homeland..........
Monday, April 30, 2012
4-30 Queen's Day (Betty)
It's 7:30 pm and we survived our first Queens Day. And it was fantastic!
So Paul & Maya left the house around10 am to check out the street sales. On Queens Day flee markets, or rummage sales abound in the streets of Amsterdam. Elle, Deb, Sue & I stayed behind to prepare ourselves for the day's festivities. We were spending the day on a canal boat organized by the mothers of the British School where Elle and Maya attend school. All of Amsterdam is out on this day, dressed in orange, white or gold.
So we biked over to the neighborhod where we're catching the boat. We meet other families an hour before we're to get on the boat for a pre-party. Our hosts served a wonderful Indian lunch and at 1 pm we boarded the boat for our 4 hour cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. The food was plentiful and the beer was abundant and the experience was one in a lifetime! It's hard to describe, you just have to see the pictures!
The streets and the canals were packed. Music was blasting everywhere, everyone was dancing and just having a good time. The amazing thing was that everyone was partying, but we didn't see any disorderly conduct or aggressive behavior that often shadows these types of events in the States. I'm not saying they didn't happen, I'm just saying we didn't see any.
So the day was a success. We're were able to safely peddle back home. And, Paul is already in bed! God bless Queen Beatrix.
So Paul & Maya left the house around10 am to check out the street sales. On Queens Day flee markets, or rummage sales abound in the streets of Amsterdam. Elle, Deb, Sue & I stayed behind to prepare ourselves for the day's festivities. We were spending the day on a canal boat organized by the mothers of the British School where Elle and Maya attend school. All of Amsterdam is out on this day, dressed in orange, white or gold.
So we biked over to the neighborhod where we're catching the boat. We meet other families an hour before we're to get on the boat for a pre-party. Our hosts served a wonderful Indian lunch and at 1 pm we boarded the boat for our 4 hour cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. The food was plentiful and the beer was abundant and the experience was one in a lifetime! It's hard to describe, you just have to see the pictures!
The streets and the canals were packed. Music was blasting everywhere, everyone was dancing and just having a good time. The amazing thing was that everyone was partying, but we didn't see any disorderly conduct or aggressive behavior that often shadows these types of events in the States. I'm not saying they didn't happen, I'm just saying we didn't see any.
So the day was a success. We're were able to safely peddle back home. And, Paul is already in bed! God bless Queen Beatrix.
Greetings from Sue
I guess it's about time for me to put my 2 cents into this trip, and not just be the tagalong. Betty has done a wonderful job of describing our adventures so far, so I will fill you briefly in on my "pickpocketing trauma." last Friday. After a wonderful time in Brugge, we were ready to move on to Ghent. However, we still had not enjoyed a true Belgian waffle, so decided it was time to do that. This is the last time I knew I had my wallet. We enjoyed a nice walk to the train station, and made our way through a very busy station, entered a very full train amongst many not-so-always polite Europeans. Seating was very limited and we all took the first seat we found. Wouldn't you know it, I pick the seat next to the gypsy lady. I had my purse and backpack close to me at all times (but obviously not close enough), About 20 minutes into the trip, I suddenly had this feeling. The wallet was gone!!! So I went into my panic mode, and my wonderful sister and niece calmed me down and took over the situation. (I was a mess). We got off at our stop, turned around and went back to Brugge (15 minute) in hopes I left my wallet at the waffle shop. Deb took off running to the shop, we met her halfway back, but no such luck. We stopped at the train Police station and filled out a theft report. They were extremely helpful, friendly and some of the nicest policeman I have ever met. They told us that there are at least 10 pickpocket events reported daily, and that is just the reported ones. He said the chance of getting the cash (170 euro) back is 0% and the credit cards 5%. So all they got was the wallet, money, credit card, WI drivers license and a picture of my adorable grandchildren. When we arrived in Ghent we contacted my family to cancel my cards. Luckily Jen was online at school, she was able to get ahold of Randy, who efficiently cancelled all my cards. I had made a copy of everything, so it was easy (lesson for all). The luckiest part of this whole adventure is I decided to put my passport into a different pocket in my purse. Had they stolen that - it would have really put a damper on the adventure. We also were blessed with good connections on our chase, helpful Europeans and the fact that it was so easy to get ahold of the USA so they could do cancelling. So now it is time to move one, and continue to enjoy the wonderful adventure. I am very grateful that my sister is here and able to "front" the rest of my trip. There will be "reckoning" when we get home, but family is the biggest blessing of all.
It's Monday morning, April 30th - we are about to get dressed in our orange and celebrate QUEENS DAY.
It's Monday morning, April 30th - we are about to get dressed in our orange and celebrate QUEENS DAY.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
4-29 Biking through Amsterdam (Betty)
Another slow morning at the Dixon house. It feels good not to have any big plans today. We want to be rested up for Queens Day tomorrow, the celebration of Netherland's Queen Mothers birthday.
After breakfast we head out to do some biking. Deb and Elle stay home to catch up on some homework and housework. Paul and Maya jump on his bike, Sue & I hop the tram and we meet down at the Leidseplein to rent some bikes.
Amsterdam is made for biking. But if one doesn't know what they're doing it could be a bit dangerous. Paul gives a quck lesson on Amsterdam biking rules and we're off. What a great time. We stop for lunch on a canal in the Jordaan neighborhood, visit a cheese shop, and then head to Vondelpark to meet up with Deb & Elle.
The sky's are threatening to rain, so we decide to head back to Hotel Dixon. I need to return my rental tonight so I head back to the bike rental with Paul while Sue, Deb and the girls head home. Paul drops me off at the rental store and heads home. I plan to hop a tram home. But instead I walk. I know there will be more beer to walk off.
Tomorrow - Queens Day!!!
After breakfast we head out to do some biking. Deb and Elle stay home to catch up on some homework and housework. Paul and Maya jump on his bike, Sue & I hop the tram and we meet down at the Leidseplein to rent some bikes.
Amsterdam is made for biking. But if one doesn't know what they're doing it could be a bit dangerous. Paul gives a quck lesson on Amsterdam biking rules and we're off. What a great time. We stop for lunch on a canal in the Jordaan neighborhood, visit a cheese shop, and then head to Vondelpark to meet up with Deb & Elle.
The sky's are threatening to rain, so we decide to head back to Hotel Dixon. I need to return my rental tonight so I head back to the bike rental with Paul while Sue, Deb and the girls head home. Paul drops me off at the rental store and heads home. I plan to hop a tram home. But instead I walk. I know there will be more beer to walk off.
Tomorrow - Queens Day!!!
4-28 Ghent (Betty)
After a late night we sleep in. The weather is gloomy and we're in no hurry to get anywhere. We finally check out of the Ghent River hotel at 11ish and head out to find a coffee and something light for breakfast. We find a pastry shop that meets our needs and after refuling we head out on the streets of Ghent. The city has a different feel from Bruge. Instead of groups of tourists we see the locals tending to their Saturday shopping.
It's raining slight so we walk to the Ghent Castle. Deb has already been here and Sue and I opt to save our castle touring for Germany. Instead we check out the Saint Bavo Cathedral. It's a great break from the weather and we're in luck, there's a school choir concert going on. So we settle in for a bit to listen and then tour the rest of the church and the crypts beneath the alter.
Before we leave the city we stop at the Belgium Chocolate shop, then head to the train station. It's time to head home.
It's raining slight so we walk to the Ghent Castle. Deb has already been here and Sue and I opt to save our castle touring for Germany. Instead we check out the Saint Bavo Cathedral. It's a great break from the weather and we're in luck, there's a school choir concert going on. So we settle in for a bit to listen and then tour the rest of the church and the crypts beneath the alter.
Before we leave the city we stop at the Belgium Chocolate shop, then head to the train station. It's time to head home.
4-27 Brugge (Betty)
We started the day rather early today. We're up at five and out of the house by six to catch the 7 am train to Brugge, the Venice of the north. After 3 train transfers and 3.5 hours we arrive in Brugge. The sky is still cloudy, but the sun will peek out later during our visit.
We stroll into the old city center, walking along the river and canels our first stop is the Beguinage, a Catholic order of lay women who wished to serve God, but not enter the convent - oh I'm sure there's more to it! We also visited a similar settlement in Amsterdam.
Our second stop was at a little sidewalk cafe for a ham and cheese sandwich and some of the famous Belgian beer. We order out of our pilsner comfort zone and opt for some local favorites. We feel a few sprinkles of rain but wish it away.
After a great lunch and some good "girlie" conversation we continue on into the city. Many of the churches and historical building now charge to enter. Deb & I opt to climb the belfry tower while Sue sits with our back packs in the courtyard. 366 steps later we have a beautiful view of Bruge and the surrounding countryside. Now for the climb down. Ahh, much easier.
Our next stop was a 30 boat tour of the Canals. Our tour guide's name was Sean Connery - so he claimed. It was nice to see the canals from the water level. During the tour we spotted a canal side bar that had 3 empty bar stools calling our name. More local beer to sample.
After our beer it was time to head back to the train station. But we couldn't leave town before sampling a belgian waffle! Lucky we're walking our way through Europe otherwise we'd have to buy some larger pants!
This is where the day gets a bit rough. While on the 6 pm train, almost in Ghent where we're spending the night, Sue realized her wallet was missing. So we hop off the train and catch the return train to Brugge to return to the waffle shop. I'll let Sue fill you in on the rest of the story.
Finally, at 9 am we check into the Ghent River Hotel, exhausted! Tomorrow we plan to tour Ghent.
We stroll into the old city center, walking along the river and canels our first stop is the Beguinage, a Catholic order of lay women who wished to serve God, but not enter the convent - oh I'm sure there's more to it! We also visited a similar settlement in Amsterdam.
Our second stop was at a little sidewalk cafe for a ham and cheese sandwich and some of the famous Belgian beer. We order out of our pilsner comfort zone and opt for some local favorites. We feel a few sprinkles of rain but wish it away.
After a great lunch and some good "girlie" conversation we continue on into the city. Many of the churches and historical building now charge to enter. Deb & I opt to climb the belfry tower while Sue sits with our back packs in the courtyard. 366 steps later we have a beautiful view of Bruge and the surrounding countryside. Now for the climb down. Ahh, much easier.
Our next stop was a 30 boat tour of the Canals. Our tour guide's name was Sean Connery - so he claimed. It was nice to see the canals from the water level. During the tour we spotted a canal side bar that had 3 empty bar stools calling our name. More local beer to sample.
After our beer it was time to head back to the train station. But we couldn't leave town before sampling a belgian waffle! Lucky we're walking our way through Europe otherwise we'd have to buy some larger pants!
This is where the day gets a bit rough. While on the 6 pm train, almost in Ghent where we're spending the night, Sue realized her wallet was missing. So we hop off the train and catch the return train to Brugge to return to the waffle shop. I'll let Sue fill you in on the rest of the story.
Finally, at 9 am we check into the Ghent River Hotel, exhausted! Tomorrow we plan to tour Ghent.
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