So now there I was back in the USA and the lease on my parents rental place was quickly coming to an end so the only natural thing to do would be drive to Florida... right? Well maybe only a crazy person would do that but work had to be found. So my mom and I packed up the Subaru and started our journey south. We had a serious itinerary planned with stops on our way south.
We started with a stop to see my grandmother in Massachusetts and stopping for the night in Connecticut. Next we were in New York City where we went to the Museum of Modern Art and then met my childhood friend Kara who lives and teaches in the city and then headed across town to have dinner with Fred and Adria, Club Med guests I met while working there. We then drove to just outside Philadelphia and the next day toured Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other historic sites in the Old Town. We had heard about the Longwood Gardens which are about 30 mile west of Philly so we got tickets and toured the 4 acres of indoor gardens and the outdoor fountains with music and lights shows. What a beautiful experience!
The next stop on our tour was Washington DC which included seeing the Phillips Collection Art museum, tours of the Capitol Building with tickets for Senate and House viewings, Supreme Court, and White House(which was fully decorated). We also had dinner with one of my former co-workers from Sea Base who is attending college in DC as well as an afternoon at the Smithsonian American History Museum.
We heard about all kinds of weather happening and decided to get as far south as we could so we made a quick stop in Richmond, VA to have lunch with one of my cousins, Laura, before heading on 95 to Fayetteville, NC. We awoke to reports of bad weather just north of us so we headed south in rain and slowly increasing temperatures to stop just north of Jacksonville. The next morning we drove to Kennedy Space Center and toured around for the day. Saturday we drove in torrential down pour for several hours to the Fort Lauderdale Miami area and went to the mall where I used to work to by a new suitcase for my mom. Sunday we visited Fairchild Gardens and toured the grounds before heading to Sunny Isles Beach to Fred and Adria's apartment for drinks and to meet their son and to watch the sunset. We then enjoyed dinner at a local Mexican restaurant before packing up our things. Then the final leg! Monday morning I brought my mom to the Miami airport for her flights to Phoenix and I continued south to the Keys and arrived at Sea Base before lunch.
A week and a half later I had arrived!
Pictures from the trip can be found here... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2117675&id=44801562&l=94038be142
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Espania!
So my last European adventure was to Spain again. I packed up my life again and mailed boxes home in preparation to return to the good ole US of A. I left Garmisch with the others I arrived with and as they went home I went to Madrid via Mallorca. When I arrived in Madrid I took the Metro to Hostal Lido near Sol only to find that everyone was asleep. You're probably wondering who "everyone" is! Well... My father(this would be our second time in Madrid together), one of his students Brittany, and two family friends Anne and Shawn. Due to the time change and the long flight they were all tired. I woke them up so we could walk around a little and then go to the English Speaking Group that meets every Friday night to practice their conversational English. We got some drinks and participated in the group activities and then moved to the bar area to continue to chat before walking back to our hostal with a pit stop for some pizza and beer.
The next morning we walked around some before heading to Mercado San Miguel for some tapas and drinks with some Spaniards my dad has met on previous trips to Spain. We then had to go across town for the reception for the English immersion program that we would be attending for the next 6 days. We met several of the other Anglos who we would be participating in the program with, had a drink and a snack before heading back to Lido to pack up and get some rest.
Sunday morning we were up early and in a taxi to the bus pick up point to begin our Vaughan Town English immersion experience. We made our way by coach bus to a small town about 3 hours west of Madrid. Once we were there we had lunch and did introductions. Through out the 6 days we spoke with Spaniards that were usually sponsored by their company to improve their English. The range of careers was interesting and all had atleast a bachelors degree, many with masters and more.
During our Vaughan week we did a range of activities and skits for entertainment(see video clips!) as well as one to one conversations and telephone sessions. At each meal we were also sitting at tables of 2 Anglos and 2 Spaniards, so the English never stopped!
It was a fun, interesting, and entertaining week, but it was also exhausting! I had several people ask me if I would do the program again and I said yes under two conditions… first I would like it a day shorter and second in a different country to experience another culture. I met some amazing people that I want to keep in touch with and also met some that I would be fine with never seeing again.
Once we returned to Madrid we went to the Friday night English group again and had dinner near Sol. Saturday Anne, Shawn and I took the high speed train to Toledo for the day to tour around and do some shopping. That night we went to Casa Patas for dinner and flamenco show. This is the same place we went to on my last trip but each week is a different dance group so it was a different experience. Sunday we went to an outdoor flea market with some of the other Anglos from Vaughan Town then had some paella in some LARGE pans before visiting the Thyssen Museum.
Monday we flew back to the USA which was a strange feeling after being gone for more than a year.
To view some pictures click...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What's Next?
That's a huge question. Sooo many people have asked what the next adventure I have in store. That is partly decided but also flexible. Some of you may know that a goal of mine is to live on every continent. I consider "living" to be about 6 months or more. The idea behind this is to get a more inside look at different cultures and lifestyles and to have a base from which to travel. Thus far I have North America, Australia, and Europe done. I have applied to a range of jobs from National Parks within the US to a research station in Antarctica to cruise ship jobs. We will have to wait and see what happens. I am excited about the idea of starting a new life somewhere. The specific location is still yet to be determined.
As of now my plan is to leave Germany on Nov 19th and spend 10 days in Spain. I'll then be in Vermont for a week or two before I drive south to the Florida Keys with my mom as co-pilot. Once in Florida I have a job for a few weeks at the camp I've worked at previously, then nothing for several weeks and then back to camp for the Spring season. If something else comes up we will see how things go.
What are your suggestions for places that I should work?
As of now my plan is to leave Germany on Nov 19th and spend 10 days in Spain. I'll then be in Vermont for a week or two before I drive south to the Florida Keys with my mom as co-pilot. Once in Florida I have a job for a few weeks at the camp I've worked at previously, then nothing for several weeks and then back to camp for the Spring season. If something else comes up we will see how things go.
What are your suggestions for places that I should work?
Monday, November 15, 2010
13 months later...
So last night was my last night of work at Edelweiss and I've had lots of people asking me what did I wish I knew before that I know now. So I've been thinking and here's what I've come up with...
1. Make a budget for yourself. Figure out how much to spend on food each month, how much you can spend on clothes, etc so that you can have enough money to travel.
2. Don't buy too many things because it is hard and expensive mailing home lots of boxes and suitcases.
3. Watch what you eat and drink... be careful shopping for yourself and of staff cafe. Exercise.
4. Buy things second hand to help save money. People are leaving all the time, talk to them and buy stuff off of them.
5. Use as many of the free resources as you can. Request movies from the library rather than paying to rent at the PX.
6. Research trips ahead of time and double check dates before you click confirm! And don't forget your passport! (Sorry Elizabeth!)
7. Enjoy Garmisch, it's a beautiful town with alot to offer... you just have to search sometimes.
Other notes and ideas...
Calling in sick when you aren't... isn't worth it. Someone will see you and tell and it will come back to bite you. Plus you are just screwing over your co-workers.
Get to know someone from every department because if you need help with something you have a person to contact. Know who the bosses are so you don't make yourself look like a fool.
Be careful what you post on Facebook! From pictures of you doing questionable things to negative comments about your boss or co-workers, just don't. It makes you look bad.
If you have an idea on how to make something better let your boss know. Not only will it make you look good, something might get done.
Be careful of what you say to people. Whether at work or in the Abrams. This place is a gossip mill and word will travel. Also guests can hear alot more than you think so if you're going to complain about them do it far enough away that they don't hear.
So in summary Edelweiss isn't perfect and it has it's issues. I have learned that first hand. But it is still a job that you can put on your resume and you should take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered. Your specific job may not be the most glamorous but guess what, that's life.
Travel, and learn from your experiences. Grow as a person. Mature into a worldly citizen. Appreciate the soldiers and remember that freedom isn't free.
1. Make a budget for yourself. Figure out how much to spend on food each month, how much you can spend on clothes, etc so that you can have enough money to travel.
2. Don't buy too many things because it is hard and expensive mailing home lots of boxes and suitcases.
3. Watch what you eat and drink... be careful shopping for yourself and of staff cafe. Exercise.
4. Buy things second hand to help save money. People are leaving all the time, talk to them and buy stuff off of them.
5. Use as many of the free resources as you can. Request movies from the library rather than paying to rent at the PX.
6. Research trips ahead of time and double check dates before you click confirm! And don't forget your passport! (Sorry Elizabeth!)
7. Enjoy Garmisch, it's a beautiful town with alot to offer... you just have to search sometimes.
Other notes and ideas...
Calling in sick when you aren't... isn't worth it. Someone will see you and tell and it will come back to bite you. Plus you are just screwing over your co-workers.
Get to know someone from every department because if you need help with something you have a person to contact. Know who the bosses are so you don't make yourself look like a fool.
Be careful what you post on Facebook! From pictures of you doing questionable things to negative comments about your boss or co-workers, just don't. It makes you look bad.
If you have an idea on how to make something better let your boss know. Not only will it make you look good, something might get done.
Be careful of what you say to people. Whether at work or in the Abrams. This place is a gossip mill and word will travel. Also guests can hear alot more than you think so if you're going to complain about them do it far enough away that they don't hear.
So in summary Edelweiss isn't perfect and it has it's issues. I have learned that first hand. But it is still a job that you can put on your resume and you should take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered. Your specific job may not be the most glamorous but guess what, that's life.
Travel, and learn from your experiences. Grow as a person. Mature into a worldly citizen. Appreciate the soldiers and remember that freedom isn't free.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Fest Season?
So I realized that I never posted about fest season! How could I!
So back in August the first fest was Garmischerfest located just around the corner from where I live. The experiences included lots of beer, umpa bands, and lots of friends. A new experience for me was witnessing people standing on tables and having everyone at your table lift you up and drink a beer...
I didn't try it because 1: I couldn't chug a liter of beer and 2: I was nervous about falling off the bench which was on the ground and the idea of standing on a table that's about 8 feet up in the air, no way!
There were a few nights where there was an entrance fee and many reserved tables. One of those I was able to go early and saved a table for friends that were working and had dinner before the band started playing. It's lots of fun when almost everyone in the giant tent is standing on a bench singing and jumping and dancing to the music.
Next was Partenkirchenfest which was in the other half of the city so a taxi ride each way was required. Similar events happened here but one exception was a stone lifting competition. It was an interesting spectacle! We had no idea that one of our co-workers, Joel from accounting, was participating. The competition was broken up into different weight classes. Joel put in his best effort but didn't win. From the name you'd think that they were lifting a large rock but this was actually a weight with a handle on it. Very interesting to say the least.
I also got to go to one of the band nights at Partenkirchenfest as well which was lots of fun as well. I still don't understand why Germans love the song Country Roads so much.
Next was Oktoberfest which was held in Munich. I only was able to go once but it was a blast. It was a girls trip with Holly, Haley, and Morgan. We went on several rides and then enjoyed some beers both in the beirgartens outside and inside the tents.
We had a great time and made lots of great memories.
I have posted some pictures on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2116024&id=44801562&l=e7d6f56b03
The album also includes Morgan's going away party.
So back in August the first fest was Garmischerfest located just around the corner from where I live. The experiences included lots of beer, umpa bands, and lots of friends. A new experience for me was witnessing people standing on tables and having everyone at your table lift you up and drink a beer...
I didn't try it because 1: I couldn't chug a liter of beer and 2: I was nervous about falling off the bench which was on the ground and the idea of standing on a table that's about 8 feet up in the air, no way!There were a few nights where there was an entrance fee and many reserved tables. One of those I was able to go early and saved a table for friends that were working and had dinner before the band started playing. It's lots of fun when almost everyone in the giant tent is standing on a bench singing and jumping and dancing to the music.
Next was Partenkirchenfest which was in the other half of the city so a taxi ride each way was required. Similar events happened here but one exception was a stone lifting competition. It was an interesting spectacle! We had no idea that one of our co-workers, Joel from accounting, was participating. The competition was broken up into different weight classes. Joel put in his best effort but didn't win. From the name you'd think that they were lifting a large rock but this was actually a weight with a handle on it. Very interesting to say the least.
I also got to go to one of the band nights at Partenkirchenfest as well which was lots of fun as well. I still don't understand why Germans love the song Country Roads so much.
Next was Oktoberfest which was held in Munich. I only was able to go once but it was a blast. It was a girls trip with Holly, Haley, and Morgan. We went on several rides and then enjoyed some beers both in the beirgartens outside and inside the tents.
We had a great time and made lots of great memories.I have posted some pictures on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2116024&id=44801562&l=e7d6f56b03
The album also includes Morgan's going away party.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Egypt and Jordan Trip: Reactions
Overall I loved this trip and think it was the best trip I've ever been on. My feelings about Egypt were that the natural beauty was breath taking and the amazing history was mind boggling. The cities were very dirty in my opinion. Lots of garbage in the streets and in Dahab there was lots of rubble on the sides of the road. In comparison Jordan was very clean which we didn't expect at all. We always felt welcome and had no issues with language barriers.
The issue of safety that I'm sure many of you wondered about. We never really felt unsafe. Sometimes it was frustrating that our drivers were delayed but we never felt like targets. Our blond hair and light skin was often stared at and we had requests for pictures once.
Otherwise we all had an amazing time and made lots of great memories.
We had some tummy issues once we returned to Germany but those resolved themselves and we are back to normal.
In summary... great trip!!
The issue of safety that I'm sure many of you wondered about. We never really felt unsafe. Sometimes it was frustrating that our drivers were delayed but we never felt like targets. Our blond hair and light skin was often stared at and we had requests for pictures once.
Otherwise we all had an amazing time and made lots of great memories.
We had some tummy issues once we returned to Germany but those resolved themselves and we are back to normal.
In summary... great trip!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Egypt and Jordan Trip: Day 4, 5, 6, and 7
Day 4
We woke up and had breakfast sea side at the Penguin Restaurant which was AMAZING. For about 15 Egyptian Pounds we got pancakes(more like a crepe) eggs, toast, and fruit. After inhaling it all we got ready for the beach and our day exploring Dahab.
We set off in a Jeep that was older than almost all of us for the Blue Hole. We stopped to pick up the manager of the hotel, Emad, on his day off so that he could go with us for the day. We arrived at the Blue Hole and got our snorkeling gear. Mohammed and Emad were surprised to know that I am a scuba instructor so they told me where to go and let us go off on our own. Haley had never been snorkeling before and is terrified of sharks but she jumped right in and did great. We swam around for about 30 min and dried off before heading out on a 2 hour hike... in the sun... in Egypt...
We should have picked the camel option. We hiked next to the water with the sun beating down on us in flip flops for about 2 hours to get to the Abu Galum Protected Area. Once we arrived we had tea(surprise surprise!) and then found our hut. We went out for a snorkel just in front of our hut and then returned and had some lunch before chatting for a while about life in Germany and the US versus life in Egypt. It was an interesting afternoon.
We then went snorkeling again before packing up and getting a ride to the Bedouin camp area and the Lagoon with the sun setting in the distance. We had more tea and a quick photo opportunity before heading back to our hut and getting on camels to take us back to the Blue Hole under the stars. It was a beautiful night and an adventure! Kelly's previous camel experience made her a bit nervous, mine stood up and started walking away before everyone else was on their camel... it was a sight to see. For a minute or two the camels were walking in the water! We made it about 4/5ths of the way back but the last part was too dangerous for the camels to go in the dark so we walked by the light of the moon and a little flashlight. I ended up kicking a rock and scraping my toe which bled everywhere and making my foot slippery. (It's all healed now.) We then hung out and star gazed while we waited for our ride to come.
Day 5
After a very short night we awoke at about 3 am to get ready for our day trip to Luxor. Our ride arrived about 15 minutes late but we arrived at the Sharm el Sheik airport, got our tickets and boarded the plane for a quick 30ish minute flight. We met our tour guide for the day "John" and we were adopted into his "family" for the day.
We had an action packed day! From the Colossi of Memnon statues(the wind going through the rocks makes a "singing" noise) to the Valley of the Kings(no photos allowed) to Hatshepsut Temple and finishing at the Karnak Temple. We had stops for Alabaster shopping(and no dad we didn't buy anything!), lunch, and a ferry ride on the Nile River with a stop for some mini bananas and watermelon. After some more tea and a walk through some shops we headed back to the airport, got some dinner and boarded the plane for Sharm. Our driver was waiting for us when we arrived and we got back to the Penguin around 11pm. Back at the hotel we hung out on the upper level of the restaurant and had more tea. Mohamed and Haley danced for us. Haley was a it reluctant but shook her money maker!
Day 6
We got to sleep in finally to about 11am which was amazing. I think we would have started to get really cranky otherwise. We had breakfast at the hotel and then Kelly and I got fitted for our Scuba gear while Lisa and Haley got their snorkeling gear. We some how fit dive gear for 4 of us, snorkel gear for 2 plus 7 people in yet another old Jeep for the short drive to the Lighthouse Dive site access point. Kelly got her briefing and Mohamed and I set up our gear then we headed for the water! My first dive in the Red Sea! So excited for this.
Kelly did her skills and headed off with her instructor while Mohamed and I went to about 20 meters together. After about 45 minutes we surfaced again and took some pictures with the cheap little disposable waterproof camera before getting out and breaking down our gear. We loaded our stuff back in the Jeep but decided to take the trip back on foot which took about 15 minutes. After washing our gear we headed out for the afternoon to an area called the Lagoon where we relaxed while Mohamed and his "cousin" cooked us a feast. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed some music performed by Mohamed and his cousin before packing up and heading back to the hotel to wash up and pack up before our overnight van transfer back to Cairo. Mohamed heard us gush over the tea and how much we liked it and where could we get some that he went out and got us each a plastic shopping bag of the herbs! Thanks again Mohamed!
We had many more van-mates this time so we were even more uncomfortable and we had the same random stop in the middle of the night for the driver to eat breakfast...
Day 7
We arrived in Cairo at about 7 am. Checked in and checked my bag with our perfume packed inside. We had some breakfast and explored the airport while we waited for our flight. The flight home was uneventful and we were all exhausted. Lisa's boyfriend Hannes picked us up at the airport and drive us home.
We woke up and had breakfast sea side at the Penguin Restaurant which was AMAZING. For about 15 Egyptian Pounds we got pancakes(more like a crepe) eggs, toast, and fruit. After inhaling it all we got ready for the beach and our day exploring Dahab.
We set off in a Jeep that was older than almost all of us for the Blue Hole. We stopped to pick up the manager of the hotel, Emad, on his day off so that he could go with us for the day. We arrived at the Blue Hole and got our snorkeling gear. Mohammed and Emad were surprised to know that I am a scuba instructor so they told me where to go and let us go off on our own. Haley had never been snorkeling before and is terrified of sharks but she jumped right in and did great. We swam around for about 30 min and dried off before heading out on a 2 hour hike... in the sun... in Egypt...
We should have picked the camel option. We hiked next to the water with the sun beating down on us in flip flops for about 2 hours to get to the Abu Galum Protected Area. Once we arrived we had tea(surprise surprise!) and then found our hut. We went out for a snorkel just in front of our hut and then returned and had some lunch before chatting for a while about life in Germany and the US versus life in Egypt. It was an interesting afternoon.
We then went snorkeling again before packing up and getting a ride to the Bedouin camp area and the Lagoon with the sun setting in the distance. We had more tea and a quick photo opportunity before heading back to our hut and getting on camels to take us back to the Blue Hole under the stars. It was a beautiful night and an adventure! Kelly's previous camel experience made her a bit nervous, mine stood up and started walking away before everyone else was on their camel... it was a sight to see. For a minute or two the camels were walking in the water! We made it about 4/5ths of the way back but the last part was too dangerous for the camels to go in the dark so we walked by the light of the moon and a little flashlight. I ended up kicking a rock and scraping my toe which bled everywhere and making my foot slippery. (It's all healed now.) We then hung out and star gazed while we waited for our ride to come.
Day 5
After a very short night we awoke at about 3 am to get ready for our day trip to Luxor. Our ride arrived about 15 minutes late but we arrived at the Sharm el Sheik airport, got our tickets and boarded the plane for a quick 30ish minute flight. We met our tour guide for the day "John" and we were adopted into his "family" for the day.
We had an action packed day! From the Colossi of Memnon statues(the wind going through the rocks makes a "singing" noise) to the Valley of the Kings(no photos allowed) to Hatshepsut Temple and finishing at the Karnak Temple. We had stops for Alabaster shopping(and no dad we didn't buy anything!), lunch, and a ferry ride on the Nile River with a stop for some mini bananas and watermelon. After some more tea and a walk through some shops we headed back to the airport, got some dinner and boarded the plane for Sharm. Our driver was waiting for us when we arrived and we got back to the Penguin around 11pm. Back at the hotel we hung out on the upper level of the restaurant and had more tea. Mohamed and Haley danced for us. Haley was a it reluctant but shook her money maker!
Day 6
We got to sleep in finally to about 11am which was amazing. I think we would have started to get really cranky otherwise. We had breakfast at the hotel and then Kelly and I got fitted for our Scuba gear while Lisa and Haley got their snorkeling gear. We some how fit dive gear for 4 of us, snorkel gear for 2 plus 7 people in yet another old Jeep for the short drive to the Lighthouse Dive site access point. Kelly got her briefing and Mohamed and I set up our gear then we headed for the water! My first dive in the Red Sea! So excited for this.
Kelly did her skills and headed off with her instructor while Mohamed and I went to about 20 meters together. After about 45 minutes we surfaced again and took some pictures with the cheap little disposable waterproof camera before getting out and breaking down our gear. We loaded our stuff back in the Jeep but decided to take the trip back on foot which took about 15 minutes. After washing our gear we headed out for the afternoon to an area called the Lagoon where we relaxed while Mohamed and his "cousin" cooked us a feast. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed some music performed by Mohamed and his cousin before packing up and heading back to the hotel to wash up and pack up before our overnight van transfer back to Cairo. Mohamed heard us gush over the tea and how much we liked it and where could we get some that he went out and got us each a plastic shopping bag of the herbs! Thanks again Mohamed!
We had many more van-mates this time so we were even more uncomfortable and we had the same random stop in the middle of the night for the driver to eat breakfast...
Day 7
We arrived in Cairo at about 7 am. Checked in and checked my bag with our perfume packed inside. We had some breakfast and explored the airport while we waited for our flight. The flight home was uneventful and we were all exhausted. Lisa's boyfriend Hannes picked us up at the airport and drive us home.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Egypt and Jordan Trip: Day 1, 2, and 3
Day 1
We departed Garmisch via bus due to the construction to the train tracks then caught the train in Murnau and then the bahn to the airport. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived in Cairo after our direct flight from Munich. We were picked up by a guy named Farag who drove us through Cairo to the Museum View Hostel where we would stay for the night. Farag had learned some English from working with tourists, and somethings are lost in translation. One of his favorite quotes is "Life is Delicious!" which he yelled out several times during our ride. We found that traffic laws are alot more loose than we are used to in the US or Germany. For example, there were 3 lanes on most roads we were on and there were usually about 5 cars wide. Also honking is acceptable and flashing headlights. These practices are usually used to warn the car in front of you to get out of the way or for the car straddling the lines to move over so you can pass. When we asked "Why does everyone honk their horns?" Farag responded that it's how they power the cars. If you don't honk the car can't drive! We also experienced people just walking out into the road and holding up a hand to get people to stop so they can cross. As well whole families would ride a moped together... Dad, Mom, kids together. And yes I said kids, plural!
We arrived at the Museum View hostel and got our rooms with 2 beds in each. We got ready for bed and fell asleep(or tried) to the sound of the honking horns outside.
Day 2
We woke up and got our things together and had a breakfast of long skinny white bread rolls with some butter and some sort of cheese and tea. The first of many cups of tea during the trip.
Hanna was our tour guide for the day. We found out later that Farag and Hanna are married and have a 10 month old baby boy. Hanna showed us around old Cairo. We saw some burial grounds and some very old buildings and mosques and tried to visit a floating church but due to the 4 day feast after Ramadan there were prayers going on and things were closed for holiday.
We then went and got camels to take us around the 9 Pyramids in Giza. We each had our own camel and our guide was on a horse and we had a guy leading our camels which were all tied together in a line. We stopped to take pictures of us with the pyramids in the distance and our guide took some pictures but his timing wasn't the greatest. Some how the other 3 girls got individual photos but I didn't. We kept going and Kelly's camel had a freak out moment and tore the rope off it's nose and bucked up on his hind legs. It was quite the sight to see. We regrouped and continued on to the Sphinx and then back to the base camp. From there we stopped at a perfume shop for a lesson on how Egyptian perfume is made and of course made some purchases. We also stopped at a papyrus shop for another lesson but didn't buy anything. Hanna got us lunch of rice and noodles with some beans along the way. We were to then go to the Egyptian Museum but of course it closed early due to the feast. So we were back to the hostel until Farag picked us up for a Nile River Cruise that Mohammed arranged because our day had been so messed up. The cruise included a belly dancer(who turned out to be 52 years old) and 2 male spin dancers(one midget and one average sized man) and a buffet dinner. We ordered Egyptian beer and then found out that it was non-alcoholic... fail!
Next was a typical cab ride by Farag back to the hostel to wait for our driver for our overnight transfer. Typical for our trip... we waited for the driver to show up. He came around 11:30 and we were on our way. Horn honking and all. The ride was very bumpy and we didn't sleep much. We were awoken at about 2:30 in the morning when we picked up Mohammed's brother and sister-in-law who were just married. We were then dropped off in Taba at the ferry port to Aqaba, Jordan where we begin Day 3...
We found our tour guide for the day and went to our tour bus which was waiting a 5 minute walk away. Jordan is a beautiful country and much cleaner than what we experienced in Egypt. We drove about 2 hours to Petra where we had a guided tour through the gorge and carvings. The route of the tour was in and out the same way so we got commentary on the way in and at our leisure on the way out. I was in awe of the natural beauty of the stone and the abilities of the craftsmen of years and years ago to create such beauty. We took lots of pictures and tried to stay cool on the walk back out and to the bus. We then had lunch at the Marriott nearby and drove back to the port only to find out that the wind caused waves that the Ferry couldn't travel in so we waited not knowing when we would be able to leave. The tour guide gave us some time to walk around the city of Aqaba and stop for some sunset photos before boarding the ferry. On the ride back all coffee, soda, water and juice were free due to the delay in the ferry and it was a sight to see the people racing to get in line for their free drink(s). After arriving back in Egypt and going through security again we waited for our driver to pick us up and take us to Dahab. After about 2 hours we arrived in Dahab and met Mohammed, had some tea at the seaside restaurant at the Penguin Village, and then went to our rooms. Our names were spelled out with toilet paper and flowers on our beds which was a nice surprise... but really we just wanted to sleep!
To be continued.
We departed Garmisch via bus due to the construction to the train tracks then caught the train in Murnau and then the bahn to the airport. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived in Cairo after our direct flight from Munich. We were picked up by a guy named Farag who drove us through Cairo to the Museum View Hostel where we would stay for the night. Farag had learned some English from working with tourists, and somethings are lost in translation. One of his favorite quotes is "Life is Delicious!" which he yelled out several times during our ride. We found that traffic laws are alot more loose than we are used to in the US or Germany. For example, there were 3 lanes on most roads we were on and there were usually about 5 cars wide. Also honking is acceptable and flashing headlights. These practices are usually used to warn the car in front of you to get out of the way or for the car straddling the lines to move over so you can pass. When we asked "Why does everyone honk their horns?" Farag responded that it's how they power the cars. If you don't honk the car can't drive! We also experienced people just walking out into the road and holding up a hand to get people to stop so they can cross. As well whole families would ride a moped together... Dad, Mom, kids together. And yes I said kids, plural!
We arrived at the Museum View hostel and got our rooms with 2 beds in each. We got ready for bed and fell asleep(or tried) to the sound of the honking horns outside.
Day 2
We woke up and got our things together and had a breakfast of long skinny white bread rolls with some butter and some sort of cheese and tea. The first of many cups of tea during the trip.
Hanna was our tour guide for the day. We found out later that Farag and Hanna are married and have a 10 month old baby boy. Hanna showed us around old Cairo. We saw some burial grounds and some very old buildings and mosques and tried to visit a floating church but due to the 4 day feast after Ramadan there were prayers going on and things were closed for holiday.
We then went and got camels to take us around the 9 Pyramids in Giza. We each had our own camel and our guide was on a horse and we had a guy leading our camels which were all tied together in a line. We stopped to take pictures of us with the pyramids in the distance and our guide took some pictures but his timing wasn't the greatest. Some how the other 3 girls got individual photos but I didn't. We kept going and Kelly's camel had a freak out moment and tore the rope off it's nose and bucked up on his hind legs. It was quite the sight to see. We regrouped and continued on to the Sphinx and then back to the base camp. From there we stopped at a perfume shop for a lesson on how Egyptian perfume is made and of course made some purchases. We also stopped at a papyrus shop for another lesson but didn't buy anything. Hanna got us lunch of rice and noodles with some beans along the way. We were to then go to the Egyptian Museum but of course it closed early due to the feast. So we were back to the hostel until Farag picked us up for a Nile River Cruise that Mohammed arranged because our day had been so messed up. The cruise included a belly dancer(who turned out to be 52 years old) and 2 male spin dancers(one midget and one average sized man) and a buffet dinner. We ordered Egyptian beer and then found out that it was non-alcoholic... fail!
Next was a typical cab ride by Farag back to the hostel to wait for our driver for our overnight transfer. Typical for our trip... we waited for the driver to show up. He came around 11:30 and we were on our way. Horn honking and all. The ride was very bumpy and we didn't sleep much. We were awoken at about 2:30 in the morning when we picked up Mohammed's brother and sister-in-law who were just married. We were then dropped off in Taba at the ferry port to Aqaba, Jordan where we begin Day 3...
We found our tour guide for the day and went to our tour bus which was waiting a 5 minute walk away. Jordan is a beautiful country and much cleaner than what we experienced in Egypt. We drove about 2 hours to Petra where we had a guided tour through the gorge and carvings. The route of the tour was in and out the same way so we got commentary on the way in and at our leisure on the way out. I was in awe of the natural beauty of the stone and the abilities of the craftsmen of years and years ago to create such beauty. We took lots of pictures and tried to stay cool on the walk back out and to the bus. We then had lunch at the Marriott nearby and drove back to the port only to find out that the wind caused waves that the Ferry couldn't travel in so we waited not knowing when we would be able to leave. The tour guide gave us some time to walk around the city of Aqaba and stop for some sunset photos before boarding the ferry. On the ride back all coffee, soda, water and juice were free due to the delay in the ferry and it was a sight to see the people racing to get in line for their free drink(s). After arriving back in Egypt and going through security again we waited for our driver to pick us up and take us to Dahab. After about 2 hours we arrived in Dahab and met Mohammed, had some tea at the seaside restaurant at the Penguin Village, and then went to our rooms. Our names were spelled out with toilet paper and flowers on our beds which was a nice surprise... but really we just wanted to sleep!
To be continued.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Egypt Trip: Introduction
I'm back!! I think it is safe to say this was one of the best trips I've taken in my life. I went with my roommate, Lisa, and two friends, Kelly and Haley. We left on Saturday September 11th and returned Friday September 17th via Munich. We booked our week with a guy named Mohammed who lives in Dahab and has booked tours for almost everyone from the Abrams(my building) that has gone to Egypt in the last 3 years. We had some issues with the drivers being late, but otherwise we had a great time and learned alot about the Egyptian lifestyle and history with a brief day trip to Jordan to visit Petra.
To see all my pictures click on the link below...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2112342&id=44801562&l=426500752c
So far Kelly posted an album as well. Check my profile for the link to her album.
To see all my pictures click on the link below...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2112342&id=44801562&l=426500752c
So far Kelly posted an album as well. Check my profile for the link to her album.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I'm officially Bavarian now!
I just purchased my dirndl. For those of you who may not know, a dirndl is a traditional Bavarian and Austrian dress that women wear for special occasions. Generally it comes in 3 parts, the blouse, dress, and apron. I got a more traditional style, but there are shorter ones that are more common now. I got 2 aprons so I can mix it up. I plan to wear my purple Birkenstock sandals for the up coming fest season.
Pictures!! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098835&id=44801562&l=026a67cef7
Pictures!! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098835&id=44801562&l=026a67cef7
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Florence, Italy
On July 5th I headed off to Florence with Morgan and Elizabeth in our rental car. I had to work until 1130 but by 1230 we were on our way. At our first pit stop the cashier at the gas station cafe thought we were beautiful and wanted to know if we had babies. I think that really meant did we have families. Lol. It was interesting. We arrived in the city around 8pm got settled in our hotel and parked the car in a secure lot. We then explored the city and got some gelato because we were dying from the heat.
On Tuesday we walked around the city, did some shopping, ate some delicious pasta and risotto, and explored. Morgan and Elizabeth both got leather bags as well as some sandals and other gifts. I got some scarves and a leather belt as well as a painting. We went inside the Duomo and Elizabeth had to wear a blue smock type thing because she was "revealing" her shoulders.
We enjoyed some wine with dinner and sat outside at one of the squares and chatted.
Wednesday morning I forgot about the step in our room and kicked it super hard. I thought I broke a toe or two, but it turns out after a visit to the ER here in Garmisch on Thursday and 2 x-rays nothing is broken. We drove home in time for Morgan to work at 4 Wednesday afternoon.
It was a quick trip but fun.
Pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098548&id=44801562&l=c645461f04
On Tuesday we walked around the city, did some shopping, ate some delicious pasta and risotto, and explored. Morgan and Elizabeth both got leather bags as well as some sandals and other gifts. I got some scarves and a leather belt as well as a painting. We went inside the Duomo and Elizabeth had to wear a blue smock type thing because she was "revealing" her shoulders.
We enjoyed some wine with dinner and sat outside at one of the squares and chatted.
Wednesday morning I forgot about the step in our room and kicked it super hard. I thought I broke a toe or two, but it turns out after a visit to the ER here in Garmisch on Thursday and 2 x-rays nothing is broken. We drove home in time for Morgan to work at 4 Wednesday afternoon.
It was a quick trip but fun.
Pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098548&id=44801562&l=c645461f04
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Paris
So I just got back from almost a week in Paris for my birthday and had a great time exploring the city and seeing the sights. The weather was warm and sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky every day and beautiful sunsets every night.
Morgan and I flew out Monday morning and arrived in Paris around 12:30, took the train into the city and dropped our bags off at our hotel room. We then walked up to the Sacre-Coeur and walked around inside, then went down to the Moulin Rouge. After a quick trip on the Metro we arrived at the Centre George Pompidou to take some pictures and then went down to the Notre Dame, Berthillion Ice Cream Shop for a couple scoops of the famous glace. We then trekked down the Seine towards the Tour de Eiffel, had a snack under the tower and then met up with Cat and went across the river to Trecado Square. We spent the evening talking and watching the tower light up. The World Cup was going on so there was a big viewing screen in the square and after the game we were surrounded but yelling fans. We saw the tower sparkle at 11pm then caught the subway back to our hotel.
Tuesday was my actual birthday and to celebrate my parents got me a gift certificate for a Segway Tour which Morgan and I had prebooked. So we headed out to meet up at the South leg of the Eiffel Tower taking pictures and grabbing a bite to eat along the way. The Segway Tour was an interesting experience to say the least. It was the last day for our guide so we got his last tour. We practiced a bit in a small paved parking lot next to the tour office before heading out to see the sights. Along the way another person in our group had a little mishap. The mother-daughter pair were cruising along and had a small crash mid-crosswalk and the mom fell off her Segway. We weren't immune to the mishaps either... Morgan misjudged a small pillar and fell off her Segway as well. Other than a bruised egos both the mom and Morgan were fine. We had lunch at a cafe near the Louvre and I got a chocolate brownie with ice cream as my birthday cake. The Segway group sang to me as well as our waiter, but only in English. Once the tour was over we headed up to the L'Arc de Triumphe and walked down the Champs Elysee with stops in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Laudree, and then a park to enjoy our little sugary creations from Laudree. Then it was back to the Tuilleries Garden and we had some dinner in the park, then some ice cream before heading back to our hotel.
Wednesday Morgan and Cat flew home in time for work that evening and I kept on touring Paris. I started my day after locating a new place to sleep at the l'Orangerie Museum which is home to Monet's Waterlilies paintings. I then went to the Rodin Museum and enjoyed some lunch in the gardens at the museum, then did part of the d'Orsay Museum before taking a nap, grabbing a bite to eat and going to the late night opening of the Louvre. Found Mona Lisa who is smaller than I expected.
Thursday I went out to Versailles but was very disappointed that the buildings were all closed. It was mass confusion because the official word was that it would open in an hour, and then the next hour and so finally I rented a bike and rode around the gardens for a while. I then caught the train back into the city, took yet another nap, and headed to the d'Orsay for late night which happened to be canceled that night. So I headed to the Eiffel Tower and waited in line to buy my ticket and took the elevator up to the second level. Initially the top was closed due to congestion but then it reopened and there was another massive line so I just got some Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and watched the sunset. I watched the tower light up and then took the elevator down, purchase my mini Eiffel Tower and then went to my hostel.
Friday I packed in the rest of my to-see list starting at the Louvre seeing the Venus de Milo and several other sculptures, then to the Flower Market, Sainte Chapelle with the breath taking stained glass windows, touring the Notre Dame, then to the Deportation Memorial. The remainder of the afternoon I spent in the Luxembourg Gardens sitting in the green chairs with my feet up watching kids play with toy sail boats in the fountains and people walking by. I must've looked like a real Parisian because I was asked multiple times for directions and did my best to respond in French. I then went back to my hotel to pack my things and get ready to head home. The shower in my room had the hottest water ever and I couldn't physically handle it.
Saturday I got up early and headed to the metro to head to the airport. No major issues on the trip home, and then headed to work at 430.
It was an amazing trip that I'll never forget. I want to go back and enjoy the city more and eat some more amazing pastries. Overall one of my favorite trips.
As always check out my pictures at... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097655&id=44801562&l=991e9e5328
Morgan and I flew out Monday morning and arrived in Paris around 12:30, took the train into the city and dropped our bags off at our hotel room. We then walked up to the Sacre-Coeur and walked around inside, then went down to the Moulin Rouge. After a quick trip on the Metro we arrived at the Centre George Pompidou to take some pictures and then went down to the Notre Dame, Berthillion Ice Cream Shop for a couple scoops of the famous glace. We then trekked down the Seine towards the Tour de Eiffel, had a snack under the tower and then met up with Cat and went across the river to Trecado Square. We spent the evening talking and watching the tower light up. The World Cup was going on so there was a big viewing screen in the square and after the game we were surrounded but yelling fans. We saw the tower sparkle at 11pm then caught the subway back to our hotel.
Tuesday was my actual birthday and to celebrate my parents got me a gift certificate for a Segway Tour which Morgan and I had prebooked. So we headed out to meet up at the South leg of the Eiffel Tower taking pictures and grabbing a bite to eat along the way. The Segway Tour was an interesting experience to say the least. It was the last day for our guide so we got his last tour. We practiced a bit in a small paved parking lot next to the tour office before heading out to see the sights. Along the way another person in our group had a little mishap. The mother-daughter pair were cruising along and had a small crash mid-crosswalk and the mom fell off her Segway. We weren't immune to the mishaps either... Morgan misjudged a small pillar and fell off her Segway as well. Other than a bruised egos both the mom and Morgan were fine. We had lunch at a cafe near the Louvre and I got a chocolate brownie with ice cream as my birthday cake. The Segway group sang to me as well as our waiter, but only in English. Once the tour was over we headed up to the L'Arc de Triumphe and walked down the Champs Elysee with stops in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Laudree, and then a park to enjoy our little sugary creations from Laudree. Then it was back to the Tuilleries Garden and we had some dinner in the park, then some ice cream before heading back to our hotel.
Wednesday Morgan and Cat flew home in time for work that evening and I kept on touring Paris. I started my day after locating a new place to sleep at the l'Orangerie Museum which is home to Monet's Waterlilies paintings. I then went to the Rodin Museum and enjoyed some lunch in the gardens at the museum, then did part of the d'Orsay Museum before taking a nap, grabbing a bite to eat and going to the late night opening of the Louvre. Found Mona Lisa who is smaller than I expected.
Thursday I went out to Versailles but was very disappointed that the buildings were all closed. It was mass confusion because the official word was that it would open in an hour, and then the next hour and so finally I rented a bike and rode around the gardens for a while. I then caught the train back into the city, took yet another nap, and headed to the d'Orsay for late night which happened to be canceled that night. So I headed to the Eiffel Tower and waited in line to buy my ticket and took the elevator up to the second level. Initially the top was closed due to congestion but then it reopened and there was another massive line so I just got some Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and watched the sunset. I watched the tower light up and then took the elevator down, purchase my mini Eiffel Tower and then went to my hostel.
Friday I packed in the rest of my to-see list starting at the Louvre seeing the Venus de Milo and several other sculptures, then to the Flower Market, Sainte Chapelle with the breath taking stained glass windows, touring the Notre Dame, then to the Deportation Memorial. The remainder of the afternoon I spent in the Luxembourg Gardens sitting in the green chairs with my feet up watching kids play with toy sail boats in the fountains and people walking by. I must've looked like a real Parisian because I was asked multiple times for directions and did my best to respond in French. I then went back to my hotel to pack my things and get ready to head home. The shower in my room had the hottest water ever and I couldn't physically handle it.
Saturday I got up early and headed to the metro to head to the airport. No major issues on the trip home, and then headed to work at 430.
It was an amazing trip that I'll never forget. I want to go back and enjoy the city more and eat some more amazing pastries. Overall one of my favorite trips.
As always check out my pictures at... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097655&id=44801562&l=991e9e5328
White Water Rafting in Austria
Wow! It's been a while since I last posted and I'm a little behind.
So on June 8th I went white water rafting as part of a staff appreciation type activity. For the amazing price of $10 we got a packed lunch of pasta salad, fruit salad, wrap sandwich, brownie, juice and water, plus the bus ride to and from Austria, the rafting trip, and bbq after the rafting. It was a great adventure. Having been rafting twice before in my life it wasn't as exciting as the previous runs I've done but it was still fun.
After rafting, showers and dry clothes we went to the new base camp of the rafting company and enjoyed a relaxing bbq. They had a trampoline, slack line, hammocks and a nice porch with chairs to sit back and enjoy.
It was a relaxing day with a little excitement on the water!!
And some pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097658&id=44801562&l=39f3e924c0
So on June 8th I went white water rafting as part of a staff appreciation type activity. For the amazing price of $10 we got a packed lunch of pasta salad, fruit salad, wrap sandwich, brownie, juice and water, plus the bus ride to and from Austria, the rafting trip, and bbq after the rafting. It was a great adventure. Having been rafting twice before in my life it wasn't as exciting as the previous runs I've done but it was still fun.
After rafting, showers and dry clothes we went to the new base camp of the rafting company and enjoyed a relaxing bbq. They had a trampoline, slack line, hammocks and a nice porch with chairs to sit back and enjoy.
It was a relaxing day with a little excitement on the water!!
And some pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097658&id=44801562&l=39f3e924c0
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Soldier Awareness Training
This past Tuesday I was honored to be part of a group of Edelweiss employees that traveled to Hohenfels, Germany to the Joint Multinational Training Center to learn about the training that American, NATO, and troop contributing nations receive before heading down range.
A group of about 30 Edelweiss employees and I made the three and a half hour drive north to the training area. The training area is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world at about five by seven kilometers. After our police escort to the headquarters building we got a welcome from a civilian and several Army leaders which included history of the bases in Europe and their locations based on the wars but to the development of the training center. We then got back on the bus and headed to the IED School where soldiers learn about different technology that is used to make these bombs and the military tools to detect and disarm them. We got to set off 4 IEDs using different types of triggers as well as viewing a suicide bomb vest and small car bombs. The training center has several small "cities" that are used to simulate conditions down range. We visited a building that is used to train soldiers how to clear a residence and again got to make things go boom. When I say we set off these bombs a charge when off, but nothing got blown up. We then got to climb in some tactical vehicles to see what they are like then it was time for lunch at the chow hall. There were more options than Market Station and the consensus was that it was better than Market Station as well. After stuffing ourselves we went to the computer simulator facility where we were broken up into teams of 3 and assigned to a vehicle for our "mission" of a presence patrol through the computer rendition of one of the "cities" in the training center. Lets just say we needed some more practice! We then toured the actual buildings that make up this city as well as one of the camps where the soldiers live for their 3 weeks of training that is almost identical to what they will find down range.
The whole experience was very eye opening and interesting and I am even more grateful for what all the soldiers endure during their tour.
Pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2094991&id=44801562&l=7bafb40124
A group of about 30 Edelweiss employees and I made the three and a half hour drive north to the training area. The training area is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world at about five by seven kilometers. After our police escort to the headquarters building we got a welcome from a civilian and several Army leaders which included history of the bases in Europe and their locations based on the wars but to the development of the training center. We then got back on the bus and headed to the IED School where soldiers learn about different technology that is used to make these bombs and the military tools to detect and disarm them. We got to set off 4 IEDs using different types of triggers as well as viewing a suicide bomb vest and small car bombs. The training center has several small "cities" that are used to simulate conditions down range. We visited a building that is used to train soldiers how to clear a residence and again got to make things go boom. When I say we set off these bombs a charge when off, but nothing got blown up. We then got to climb in some tactical vehicles to see what they are like then it was time for lunch at the chow hall. There were more options than Market Station and the consensus was that it was better than Market Station as well. After stuffing ourselves we went to the computer simulator facility where we were broken up into teams of 3 and assigned to a vehicle for our "mission" of a presence patrol through the computer rendition of one of the "cities" in the training center. Lets just say we needed some more practice! We then toured the actual buildings that make up this city as well as one of the camps where the soldiers live for their 3 weeks of training that is almost identical to what they will find down range.
The whole experience was very eye opening and interesting and I am even more grateful for what all the soldiers endure during their tour.
Pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2094991&id=44801562&l=7bafb40124
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Ware Geriatric Traveling Circus visits Europe
So another adventure with the family began on April 28th as my mom and brother finally arrived in Garmisch after delays from the Icelandic Volcano and we walked around Garmisch and then had dinner at Zum Wild Schutz before a quick tour of my building and new room and then bed time.
Thursday morning we went to the Kronner for breakfast which was yummy as usual and then headed out to Zurich, Switzerland. We arrived at the hotel my dad had gotten us 2 rooms at and met up with him then took the train into the city. We got some sandwiches for lunch and sat out by the river to eat them. We then took this low riding ferry type boat on a little tour around the river and lake. Then it was off to the Swiss National Museum for some history. We then walked around until we found a good place for dinner and Dad and I each got a fondue. Yum! Dad also managed to talk to some other people eating at the restaurant that are from Barcelona and got some seafood restaurant suggestions. After dinner we headed back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
Friday we set off for Cinque Terre. We intended to stop at Lake Como on the way but time did not allow it. When we stopped for lunch at a gas station/restaurant I saw a 5 kg tub of Nutella!! Heaven!! It was 66 Euros so I didn't get it but Hey a girl can dream! We arrived in town #2 of the Cinque, Manarola only to find out that the main street(aka all of town) was closing in 15 minutes and we had to get our stuff down and unloaded and the car back up to the parking area. We made it and got settled into our cute apartment that you had to climb about 100 stairs to get to. Bellies were hungry so we headed out to Rick Steve's suggestion that was at the bottom of about 75 stairs and enjoyed some seafood antipasto, risotto, local wine, and a few desserts.
Saturday we spent the day hiking between towns 1 and 3 and got some food at a little store and made some dinner in our apartment. Some delicious pasta with pesto and a nice salad.
Sunday it was raining and raining some more. We walked around some but the wet cat look wasn't my style so I got a few souvenirs that I wanted and headed back to dry off at the apartment. Mom and Ben walked up into the hills through some tall grass to find the olive oil factory/farm all closed up. Ben gave mom his thank you/ Mothers Day present, a new iPod Nano which she spent the afternoon learning about and playing with. It was another dinner in the apartment, and packing and cleaning up.
Monday we lugged our bags up to the car in the parking lot above the city before heading to Nice.We stopped at a botanical garden in Italy just before the border and saw some amazing flowers and plants. We drove by Monaco and found our hotel in Nice that was a block away from the waterfront. We found another Rick Steve's suggestion for dinner followed by more dessert.
Tuesday and Wednesday we spent the day walking around the town watching a freak storm form that destroyed all the restaurants on the beach and closed the promenade. As well we visited the Chagall and Matisse Museums and explored the remains of the sea side hill top castle. And of course oogled the yachts in the marina and got Ben a bike jersey from a local shop.
Thursday morning we went to the flower market and had breakfast which was highlighted by our waiter spilling orange juice all over me. Good thing I was wearing my rain coat.
We then made our way to the airport and I caught my two flights back to Munich and then the train home to Garmisch.
It was a great week off from work and I was really glad to be able to spend it with my family.
The new Volvo is beautiful and Mom and Dad are now back in the States safely and the car will be delivered in a few weeks.
Thanks again for everything Mom, Dad, and Ben!
Pictures on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2094332&id=44801562&l=adcc1ef5c0
Thursday morning we went to the Kronner for breakfast which was yummy as usual and then headed out to Zurich, Switzerland. We arrived at the hotel my dad had gotten us 2 rooms at and met up with him then took the train into the city. We got some sandwiches for lunch and sat out by the river to eat them. We then took this low riding ferry type boat on a little tour around the river and lake. Then it was off to the Swiss National Museum for some history. We then walked around until we found a good place for dinner and Dad and I each got a fondue. Yum! Dad also managed to talk to some other people eating at the restaurant that are from Barcelona and got some seafood restaurant suggestions. After dinner we headed back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
Friday we set off for Cinque Terre. We intended to stop at Lake Como on the way but time did not allow it. When we stopped for lunch at a gas station/restaurant I saw a 5 kg tub of Nutella!! Heaven!! It was 66 Euros so I didn't get it but Hey a girl can dream! We arrived in town #2 of the Cinque, Manarola only to find out that the main street(aka all of town) was closing in 15 minutes and we had to get our stuff down and unloaded and the car back up to the parking area. We made it and got settled into our cute apartment that you had to climb about 100 stairs to get to. Bellies were hungry so we headed out to Rick Steve's suggestion that was at the bottom of about 75 stairs and enjoyed some seafood antipasto, risotto, local wine, and a few desserts.
Saturday we spent the day hiking between towns 1 and 3 and got some food at a little store and made some dinner in our apartment. Some delicious pasta with pesto and a nice salad.
Sunday it was raining and raining some more. We walked around some but the wet cat look wasn't my style so I got a few souvenirs that I wanted and headed back to dry off at the apartment. Mom and Ben walked up into the hills through some tall grass to find the olive oil factory/farm all closed up. Ben gave mom his thank you/ Mothers Day present, a new iPod Nano which she spent the afternoon learning about and playing with. It was another dinner in the apartment, and packing and cleaning up.
Monday we lugged our bags up to the car in the parking lot above the city before heading to Nice.We stopped at a botanical garden in Italy just before the border and saw some amazing flowers and plants. We drove by Monaco and found our hotel in Nice that was a block away from the waterfront. We found another Rick Steve's suggestion for dinner followed by more dessert.
Tuesday and Wednesday we spent the day walking around the town watching a freak storm form that destroyed all the restaurants on the beach and closed the promenade. As well we visited the Chagall and Matisse Museums and explored the remains of the sea side hill top castle. And of course oogled the yachts in the marina and got Ben a bike jersey from a local shop.
Thursday morning we went to the flower market and had breakfast which was highlighted by our waiter spilling orange juice all over me. Good thing I was wearing my rain coat.
We then made our way to the airport and I caught my two flights back to Munich and then the train home to Garmisch.
It was a great week off from work and I was really glad to be able to spend it with my family.
The new Volvo is beautiful and Mom and Dad are now back in the States safely and the car will be delivered in a few weeks.
Thanks again for everything Mom, Dad, and Ben!
Pictures on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2094332&id=44801562&l=adcc1ef5c0
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cirque Du Soleil Verakai
I had seen an ad on the side of a bus or train last week that Cirque Du Soleil was in Munich.
I've always wanted to see them live since I was a kid watching them on Canadian TV. So I had been toying with the idea, looking at ticket prices, trying to find other people to go with me... and then my day off came and Lisa convinced me to go by myself. I found out about a special offer for 60% off the best seats so I grabbed my stuff, printed out my e-ticket, got a ride from Hannes to the bahnhof, and was on my way.
After jockeying with school kids to get a seat on the train I made the hour and a half trip to Munich and then took the U-Bahn up to the Olympic Park.
I got there early and got an ice cream bar at the ridiculous price of 4 euro(should have read the sign first!) and looked at all the stuff for sale in the gift shop area. 
Then once they opened the main tent I found my seat in the 5th row(Thanks to the 60% off offer for that) and waited for the show to start. The show was a total of 2 hours long with a half hour intermission in between. I found Youtube videos for some of my favorite acts...
These guys were amazing!
The Russian Swings were my favorite part. I was in awe!
It was totally worth it and I'm so happy I went. It was a dream come true!!
Another show is going to be in Munich again in September and I might have to go then too! :-D
I've always wanted to see them live since I was a kid watching them on Canadian TV. So I had been toying with the idea, looking at ticket prices, trying to find other people to go with me... and then my day off came and Lisa convinced me to go by myself. I found out about a special offer for 60% off the best seats so I grabbed my stuff, printed out my e-ticket, got a ride from Hannes to the bahnhof, and was on my way.After jockeying with school kids to get a seat on the train I made the hour and a half trip to Munich and then took the U-Bahn up to the Olympic Park.
I got there early and got an ice cream bar at the ridiculous price of 4 euro(should have read the sign first!) and looked at all the stuff for sale in the gift shop area. 
Then once they opened the main tent I found my seat in the 5th row(Thanks to the 60% off offer for that) and waited for the show to start. The show was a total of 2 hours long with a half hour intermission in between. I found Youtube videos for some of my favorite acts...These guys were amazing!
The Russian Swings were my favorite part. I was in awe!
It was totally worth it and I'm so happy I went. It was a dream come true!!
Another show is going to be in Munich again in September and I might have to go then too! :-D
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Volatile Volcano
So I've been getting some questions about how the Iceland Volcano has been impacting my life. So far personally I haven't had any issues. The air is fresh, the sky(other than the rain) is clear, nothing is gray. My roommate and friend went on a trip last week to Scotland and have been stuck there for a week and counting. My mom and brother were supposed to fly to Sweden on Saturday but are still in the States. So people around me have had their plans disrupted. The restaurant that I work at is closing for dinner for a few nights because the occupancy rates have dropped because so many people can't get here. This doesn't really impact me because I usually only work mornings. The only other thing I can think of is that our mail is flown in so we haven't gotten anything new. So that's about that. Life goes on.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
New Room!
So I moved yesterday to my new room with Lisa. We now are about 30 steps from the bathroom rather than 3 miles and we have a sink in our room and a balcony! Sweet! We're still arranging things and decorating. Pictures to come soon. So excited! :-)
ok so now that we've made it to Ikea and back, assembled and rearranged the room it's ready. It took me a while to get the pictures up but here they are... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097658&id=44801562&l=39f3e924c0
ok so now that we've made it to Ikea and back, assembled and rearranged the room it's ready. It took me a while to get the pictures up but here they are... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2097658&id=44801562&l=39f3e924c0
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hola Madrid!
Alright, more adventures!! This time to Madrid, Spain. On Friday the 26th I worked from about 6-1130 and then did a couple quick errands before heading back to my room to finish packing and changing clothes, then it was the 3pm train to Munchen and then the bahn to the airport. It turns out because of the air traffic controllers strike in France that our plan had been delayed getting to Munich because they couldn't fly through French air space. So the 5 of us girls(Lisa, Marissa, Melissa, Elizabeth, and myself) enjoyed some dinner and window shopping, well and we actually purchased some chocolate while waiting for our plane. We boarded around 9:15 for our 7 something pm flight. Now, I'd never flown on Iberia Airlines, let alone heard of them before this trip. They have the least amount of leg room I've ever seen even on a little 4 seater plane! So not only was I tired from having been up at 5 am and at work for the morning, but I had to sit straight up with my knees literally molded into the woman's seat back in front of me. Then to add to it the flight was completely full and the air wasn't on so I was sweating and crammed into my seat. I managed to sleep for about 20 minutes I think. We landed around midnight I think and then had to wait about an hour for our bags to come up on the carousel. So at about 1:15am(now Saturday morning) I got to see my dad and Terry and Marissa got to see her high school friend Nick who lives in Madrid. So since the subway stops running at 1:30am we had to take a cab to our hostal and I was in bed by about 2 am.
Ok, so the rest of Saturday... I got up and unpacked, showered and felt like a real person again, had a little breakfast and was ready to go by about noon. Dad brought me a hot chocolate(thanks so much!) to my room and I reviewed my Spanish phrase book while he and Terry finished getting ready. We walked through Plaza Mayor to Mercado San Miguel and met several former Pueblo Ingles and Vaughntown Spaniard participants that my dad knew. We had tapas and wine and spoke English for several hours before heading to a mojito bar for more drinks. I then got a call from the girls and Nick and met them and brought them to the bar and I then went to meet Justin at the hotel as he had just arrived from the airport. We had a siesta and then had dinner reservations for 10pm and then a flamenco show at midnight at Casa Patas which was literally just around the corner from our hostal. The food was yummy(and wine as well) and the show was great. We had a table that was touching the stage so we were right in the action.
Sunday we got a walking tour from Tour Guide Tom Ware of several plazas and sights and then went to the Prado Museum during their free admission time that evening. Terry and Dad were thoroughly engrossed in the paintings and both purchased books about the paintings housed at the museum.
Monday Terry, Justin and I got tickets for the hop on hop off tour bus around the city and saw lots of sights, walked in Ritero Park, then met dad and Inma, a Spaniard that was in the Pueblo Ingles week that Terry and Dad had just finished on Friday. She took us to a little place and we shared about 6 dishes and several bottles of wine. Justin and I then made our way to the Real Madrid Football(Soccer) stadium for a self guided tour, then the metro back to our hostal. Then the four of us went to a cafeteria a block away from our hostal for an early dinner. We then happened to see the girls outside on the sidewalk and Justin joined them for a movie in english at a theater just next to our hostal and the cafe. Terry, Dad and I enjoyed some ice cream and talked about life and met an American couple visiting their daughter who was studying nursing in Madrid. We then went back and I packed up my stuff and headed to bed.
Tuesday we checked out and went to the Real(Royal) Palace for a self guided tour and then some lunch, a stop to purchase a paella pan, before picking up our bags and taking the metro to the airport for our flights home. I got a manicure at the airport spa before some dinner and then met the girls at our gate for our flight back to Germany. I got an exit row seat this time and none of us checked our bags so the flight was a little better and we were able to catch the bahn to the main train station, grabbed a snack, and then caught the train to Garmisch, arriving at 1 am to snow falling. Then it was up at 5 am to work 6-2:30. Ahh the life of a jet setter! :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed being able to see my dad and Terry as well as exploring Madrid. It was a great break from the grind. Thanks again Terry and Dad for everything.
Pictures on Facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2090174&id=44801562&l=604cb5e02e
Ok, so the rest of Saturday... I got up and unpacked, showered and felt like a real person again, had a little breakfast and was ready to go by about noon. Dad brought me a hot chocolate(thanks so much!) to my room and I reviewed my Spanish phrase book while he and Terry finished getting ready. We walked through Plaza Mayor to Mercado San Miguel and met several former Pueblo Ingles and Vaughntown Spaniard participants that my dad knew. We had tapas and wine and spoke English for several hours before heading to a mojito bar for more drinks. I then got a call from the girls and Nick and met them and brought them to the bar and I then went to meet Justin at the hotel as he had just arrived from the airport. We had a siesta and then had dinner reservations for 10pm and then a flamenco show at midnight at Casa Patas which was literally just around the corner from our hostal. The food was yummy(and wine as well) and the show was great. We had a table that was touching the stage so we were right in the action.
Sunday we got a walking tour from Tour Guide Tom Ware of several plazas and sights and then went to the Prado Museum during their free admission time that evening. Terry and Dad were thoroughly engrossed in the paintings and both purchased books about the paintings housed at the museum.
Monday Terry, Justin and I got tickets for the hop on hop off tour bus around the city and saw lots of sights, walked in Ritero Park, then met dad and Inma, a Spaniard that was in the Pueblo Ingles week that Terry and Dad had just finished on Friday. She took us to a little place and we shared about 6 dishes and several bottles of wine. Justin and I then made our way to the Real Madrid Football(Soccer) stadium for a self guided tour, then the metro back to our hostal. Then the four of us went to a cafeteria a block away from our hostal for an early dinner. We then happened to see the girls outside on the sidewalk and Justin joined them for a movie in english at a theater just next to our hostal and the cafe. Terry, Dad and I enjoyed some ice cream and talked about life and met an American couple visiting their daughter who was studying nursing in Madrid. We then went back and I packed up my stuff and headed to bed.
Tuesday we checked out and went to the Real(Royal) Palace for a self guided tour and then some lunch, a stop to purchase a paella pan, before picking up our bags and taking the metro to the airport for our flights home. I got a manicure at the airport spa before some dinner and then met the girls at our gate for our flight back to Germany. I got an exit row seat this time and none of us checked our bags so the flight was a little better and we were able to catch the bahn to the main train station, grabbed a snack, and then caught the train to Garmisch, arriving at 1 am to snow falling. Then it was up at 5 am to work 6-2:30. Ahh the life of a jet setter! :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed being able to see my dad and Terry as well as exploring Madrid. It was a great break from the grind. Thanks again Terry and Dad for everything.
Pictures on Facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2090174&id=44801562&l=604cb5e02e
Ben and Martha's Visit Part 2- Germany
Once we were back in Germany the adventures didn't end. Tuesday morning I worked from 6-11 and then met Ben and Martha and went on the Bavarian Brotzeit and Ettal Tour. This included us going to a cheese making factory to learn about the process and sampled 5 of the 15 or so varieties of cheese that are made there. We shared 2 cheese plates between the 3 of us as well as a couple sausages, and some amazing cheese soup. Then for dessert, cheesecake! Yum! We then had the opportunity to buy some cheese which I did as well as some yogurt. We then walked next door to the Ettal Monastery and got a tour and some history, then more shopping, at the shop across from the Monastery and then to a local wood carver where I purchased a cutting board, bowl, and spoon. We then went back to my building and gave the 50 cent tour to Ben and Martha before we walked to the resort for our evening Griesbrau Brewery Tour. I had already done this tour once with Lisa just after we got here 4 months ago so I knew what to expect. We got the info and our samples and enjoyed some good food, and of course, dessert. One of my co-workers, Haley, was on the tour with her parents who were visiting, so we chatted with them. We got our certificates for passing the written test, and of course a visit to the store.
Wednesday I had to work, but Ben and Martha went up the Zugspitze in the morning and then did the Partnach Gorge Tour in the afternoon. That evening Justin and I met up with Ben and Martha in the Marienplatz and went out to dinner. Of course, more dessert!
Thursday we went on the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour which included a few stops along the way at a more touristy wood carver and souvenir shop, then a church, cafe, and then to the Castle. The walk up was picturesque and the tour was shorter than I had hoped, but seeing that it was never finished because King Ludwig II died first I can understand. We ate at a restaurant at the base of the hill and made our way back to the resort and I then worked from 5-10 that night.
Friday morning I worked 6-1130 and then went to base so Ben and Martha could mail some things home and we then walked to the Marienplatz and ate at a great little place with a confectionery shop attached so our desserts were amazing. Ben then went off in search of a Garmisch bike jersey and Martha and I window shopped before heading to the bahnhof for our train to Munich. We dropped our bags at their hotel and then headed to the Hofbrau Haus for dinner and BEER! I was exhausted and took the train home to rest for the day on Saturday while B&M went to Nurnberg for the day. Sunday I took the train to Munich and we toured the Munich Residence and Treasury before lunch at the Ratskeller Restaurant. I then took the train back Garmisch to get ready for work Monday morning. Ben and Martha toured the Deutsches Museum and went to the Weisses Brauhaus, both of which they enjoyed and would recommend. And finally on Tuesday they made their way to the airport for their journey back to the States.
It was great to get to see them both and spend time together touring some amazing sights and enjoying some delicious food and drink. It was a pleasure to show you my life here and be able to share in the adventures of traveling Europe.
Much love to you both.
As usual the pictures can be found on Facebook. See the link in my Part 1 post.
Wednesday I had to work, but Ben and Martha went up the Zugspitze in the morning and then did the Partnach Gorge Tour in the afternoon. That evening Justin and I met up with Ben and Martha in the Marienplatz and went out to dinner. Of course, more dessert!
Thursday we went on the Neuschwanstein Castle Tour which included a few stops along the way at a more touristy wood carver and souvenir shop, then a church, cafe, and then to the Castle. The walk up was picturesque and the tour was shorter than I had hoped, but seeing that it was never finished because King Ludwig II died first I can understand. We ate at a restaurant at the base of the hill and made our way back to the resort and I then worked from 5-10 that night.
Friday morning I worked 6-1130 and then went to base so Ben and Martha could mail some things home and we then walked to the Marienplatz and ate at a great little place with a confectionery shop attached so our desserts were amazing. Ben then went off in search of a Garmisch bike jersey and Martha and I window shopped before heading to the bahnhof for our train to Munich. We dropped our bags at their hotel and then headed to the Hofbrau Haus for dinner and BEER! I was exhausted and took the train home to rest for the day on Saturday while B&M went to Nurnberg for the day. Sunday I took the train to Munich and we toured the Munich Residence and Treasury before lunch at the Ratskeller Restaurant. I then took the train back Garmisch to get ready for work Monday morning. Ben and Martha toured the Deutsches Museum and went to the Weisses Brauhaus, both of which they enjoyed and would recommend. And finally on Tuesday they made their way to the airport for their journey back to the States.
It was great to get to see them both and spend time together touring some amazing sights and enjoying some delicious food and drink. It was a pleasure to show you my life here and be able to share in the adventures of traveling Europe.
Much love to you both.
As usual the pictures can be found on Facebook. See the link in my Part 1 post.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ben and Martha's Visit Part 1- Vienna and Innsbruck
So this is much overdue but here it is as best as I can remember!
The snow storms in the Eastern US, their flight schedule was pushed back a day so the story starts on Friday February 12th. I got up and took the 8:04 train from Garmisch to Munich anticipating meeting Ben and Martha by the florist at around 9:30am. Well, there was some delays and phone issues, but they arrived and we went for some lunch at the Augustiner Haus and planned our route for the next few days. We had a hard time with the phone and language barrier, but with some remote assistance from "Travel Agent" Tom Ware we got a place to stay booked in Vienna and caught the train(which was quite a nice clean, smooth ride) to the Vienna Westbahnhof and made our way to the Schweizer Pension to drop off our bags. We then went down the street for some dinner and then back to the room for some rest.
Saturday we got up and following Rick Steve's book we got on the tram and did a little self guided tour around the ring loop. The weather wasn't the greatest and we were all a little cold so we made our way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We saw lots of coins, paintings, and an exhibit on Vermeer and the Art of Painting. We then visited the cafe at the museum and had a bite to eat before venturing out to walk around and figure out tour times and take some pictures around the city. We went to dinner at a place recommended by Rick Steves. We had yummy things that we shared, as usual, but for dessert Martha ordered some peach schnapps. It turns out that its made by a local man who is somewhat famous for his schnapps. Well, the guy recently died and fell into a vat of the schnapps, so what Martha had was probably some of the last.
Sunday morning we made our way to the State Opera House for the 10am tour in English. The Opera House had been closed for a few days because of a ball that was held there once a year and they explained how the main hall was set up for the ball as well as the intermission rooms, and the normal shows. After that we walked over to the Hofburg Palace and toured the Treasury and then walked up to the St Stephans Cathedral in the center of the old city. After a short rest in the room we went to another Rick Steves recommended cafe, the best in the city, just across from the Rathaus(city hall). We thoroughly enjoyed dinner, dessert, and warm drinks and then headed back to pack and get some sleep
Monday morning we got up early and made our way to the train station and took the train to Innsbruck. We arrived around lunch time and again Rick guided us to another wonderful meal at a place just next to the Golden Roof. After a few(ahem, dozen!) photos of the Golden Roof we made our way up the Stadtturm(Old City Watch Tower) for a beautiful view of the city and surroundings and then to the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum and Court Church with the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. We then walked to the Triumphpforte(Triumphal Arch) for some more photos then some train station food and the train ride to Garmisch. Ben and Martha got checked in to their hotel near the Marienplatz and off to bed!
Pictures of their whole visit can be found at...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2089586&id=44801562&l=9e492122bf
The snow storms in the Eastern US, their flight schedule was pushed back a day so the story starts on Friday February 12th. I got up and took the 8:04 train from Garmisch to Munich anticipating meeting Ben and Martha by the florist at around 9:30am. Well, there was some delays and phone issues, but they arrived and we went for some lunch at the Augustiner Haus and planned our route for the next few days. We had a hard time with the phone and language barrier, but with some remote assistance from "Travel Agent" Tom Ware we got a place to stay booked in Vienna and caught the train(which was quite a nice clean, smooth ride) to the Vienna Westbahnhof and made our way to the Schweizer Pension to drop off our bags. We then went down the street for some dinner and then back to the room for some rest.
Saturday we got up and following Rick Steve's book we got on the tram and did a little self guided tour around the ring loop. The weather wasn't the greatest and we were all a little cold so we made our way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We saw lots of coins, paintings, and an exhibit on Vermeer and the Art of Painting. We then visited the cafe at the museum and had a bite to eat before venturing out to walk around and figure out tour times and take some pictures around the city. We went to dinner at a place recommended by Rick Steves. We had yummy things that we shared, as usual, but for dessert Martha ordered some peach schnapps. It turns out that its made by a local man who is somewhat famous for his schnapps. Well, the guy recently died and fell into a vat of the schnapps, so what Martha had was probably some of the last.
Sunday morning we made our way to the State Opera House for the 10am tour in English. The Opera House had been closed for a few days because of a ball that was held there once a year and they explained how the main hall was set up for the ball as well as the intermission rooms, and the normal shows. After that we walked over to the Hofburg Palace and toured the Treasury and then walked up to the St Stephans Cathedral in the center of the old city. After a short rest in the room we went to another Rick Steves recommended cafe, the best in the city, just across from the Rathaus(city hall). We thoroughly enjoyed dinner, dessert, and warm drinks and then headed back to pack and get some sleep
Monday morning we got up early and made our way to the train station and took the train to Innsbruck. We arrived around lunch time and again Rick guided us to another wonderful meal at a place just next to the Golden Roof. After a few(ahem, dozen!) photos of the Golden Roof we made our way up the Stadtturm(Old City Watch Tower) for a beautiful view of the city and surroundings and then to the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum and Court Church with the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. We then walked to the Triumphpforte(Triumphal Arch) for some more photos then some train station food and the train ride to Garmisch. Ben and Martha got checked in to their hotel near the Marienplatz and off to bed!
Pictures of their whole visit can be found at...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2089586&id=44801562&l=9e492122bf
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Some things to smile about
Justin and I have each had some exciting things happen in the past week.
Justin has been training after work since he arrived and took the Level One final exam on Wednesday for his ski instructor certification. Congrats! So proud of you!
For myself, I have been working hard at work with several co-workers injured and home sick we've been short staffed. On one occasion we were short and had to stay late and thanks to the help of the cooks and dishwashers we were able to serve over 300 guests. We were given coins to recognize our hard work called "you've been caught doing something good" coins. The deal is you then are recognized at the next Staff Salute(recognition party held monthly) and given a pin to put on your uniform. I had my invitation to the party thinking that was it... but I was also nominated as employee of the month from Market Station. I was not selected, but as a nominee I get a $200 bonus on my next pay check, 10 tickets to our staff cafeteria, and 2 tickets for dinner at the Pullman Place restaurant in the hotel. I was very surprised and happy to have my work acknowledged. I'd also like to say thanks to my co-workers for working together as a team so we can serve those who are serving our country.
Justin has been training after work since he arrived and took the Level One final exam on Wednesday for his ski instructor certification. Congrats! So proud of you!
For myself, I have been working hard at work with several co-workers injured and home sick we've been short staffed. On one occasion we were short and had to stay late and thanks to the help of the cooks and dishwashers we were able to serve over 300 guests. We were given coins to recognize our hard work called "you've been caught doing something good" coins. The deal is you then are recognized at the next Staff Salute(recognition party held monthly) and given a pin to put on your uniform. I had my invitation to the party thinking that was it... but I was also nominated as employee of the month from Market Station. I was not selected, but as a nominee I get a $200 bonus on my next pay check, 10 tickets to our staff cafeteria, and 2 tickets for dinner at the Pullman Place restaurant in the hotel. I was very surprised and happy to have my work acknowledged. I'd also like to say thanks to my co-workers for working together as a team so we can serve those who are serving our country.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bayerische Motoren Werke Welt aka BMW World
Yesterday Justin and I took the train to Munich and then the subway up to the Olympic Park and the BMW World. We took a tour of the Welt(World) building which had a show room like area, 3 restaurants, a learning/technology section, a teen area, and the delivery area. We got a chance to see a brief motorcycle demonstration which included one driver going up and down the stairs and along the catwalk suspended overhead. The only area that we got to access as part of our tour that wasn't open to the general public was down one level where we watched a video of some of the cars and motorcycles driving around and then an animation of what the delivery process entails and then a view of the holding area which has an oxygen level of 14% to reduce risk of fire due to all the cars having full tanks of gas. We then went into the double cone section and ended our tour. Justin and I then walked around for a few min and then headed across the street to the Museum. The building is nicknamed the salad bowl because of the shape which we decided it's appropriate. After several hours looking at cars and motorcycles I'd had enough and we headed back via subways to the main train station and got a bite to eat before the train back to Garmisch.
As usual, some pictures...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2088294&id=44801562&l=a010cf4860
As usual, some pictures...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2088294&id=44801562&l=a010cf4860
The Faces of Edelweiss Lodge and Resort
As a thank you to the employees the management of the resort put on an appreciation party for us right here in our building. The buffet was Bavarian style foods and there was a slide show through out dinner with quotes from guests thanking us and snapshots of employees making funny faces. There was a short presentation of the Employee of the Year award and then it was time to dance. The DJ played a mix of songs and we danced until they closed down just before 11pm.
Holly and I hiked up to the Halfway House on our day off and had some lunch at the restaurant before making our way back down. On the way up we were so warm we took off our jackets and had on t-shirts. The Germans were looking at us funny as they were hiking with their sleds all bundled up. The way back down we were freezing though.
Then we went out to celebrate a birthday and to have some fun. The owners of the restaurant that the birthday was at gave us some free shots and beer in glasses that are shaped like a knee high boot and almost big enough to wear.
Some pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2088293&id=44801562&l=5768bb15a1
Holly and I hiked up to the Halfway House on our day off and had some lunch at the restaurant before making our way back down. On the way up we were so warm we took off our jackets and had on t-shirts. The Germans were looking at us funny as they were hiking with their sleds all bundled up. The way back down we were freezing though.
Then we went out to celebrate a birthday and to have some fun. The owners of the restaurant that the birthday was at gave us some free shots and beer in glasses that are shaped like a knee high boot and almost big enough to wear.
Some pictures... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2088293&id=44801562&l=5768bb15a1
Monday, January 18, 2010
24 hours in Innsbruck
On Saturday I worked from 7-noon and then Justin and I packed up and headed to the train station. We caught the 2:04 train to Innsbruck, and an hour and 20 min later we were there. We found a tourist info stand and the guy booked us a hotel room, and bought two Innsbruck Cards which got us free access to almost every tourist attraction and public transport. We headed out to the ski jump as the sun was setting. The lift from the base of the viewing area up to the jump tower was having issues so we were taken by taxi on a wild ride up the back hills. We looked around and took some pictures and looked down in awe of the height of the jump. We then took the taxi back down the hill and went in the stadium viewing area. We just barely missed the bus so we had to wait about 35 min for the next one. We walked around for a little and caught the next bus that took us back to town, then walked across the bride over the River Inn or Innsbruck. Our hotel was off this little single lane street just off the bridge. We had a little room on the first floor(American 2nd floor) dropped off our things, stopped by the movie theater two doors down from our hotel and found out Avatar was playing in 3D and in English that night so we got tickets and then went out to Magic Pizza for a bite to eat. We walked down to the Golden Roof which is one of the most photographed sights in Innsbruck and went back to the hotel for a 2 hour nap so we could stay awake for Avatar. The movie was good, we both enjoyed it and then went back to our room and slept. We got up and ate breakfast at the hotel and then checked out and walked across the bridge and got pictures of the Golden Roof and City Tower during day light, stopped at the St Jakob Church and then up to the Congress House train/cable car station and went up to the top of Hafelekar Mountain which is at 2256 meters. The stops along the way were breath taking rising up above the clouds. Once at the top we watched a group of people climb over the wall and make their own trail down the mountain. We rode down to the Alpine Zoo and again used our Innsbruck cards for free entry. We walked around and looked at the bear and lots of birds and the fish, as well as many others and then took the train back down to the Congress Center. We walked through town making a stop at the Triumphal Arch and then to the train station, grabbed a bite to eat and made it to the train for the ride home.
Slightly chilly but a great trip.
Check out some pictures at...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2087488&id=44801562&l=5eab7592e8
Slightly chilly but a great trip.
Check out some pictures at...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2087488&id=44801562&l=5eab7592e8
Saturday, January 9, 2010
SC Riessersee Ice Hockey Game vs Munich
Last night Justin and I went to the Olympia Eissport Zentrum here in Garmisch for the local hockey team's game against rival Munich. We joined about 6000 others in the arena and found some seats in section Q in the second row. The game started with introductions with lots of lights and flame and many of the local fans lighting sparklers.
We had been told that there wasn't much contact in the German style of ice hockey but it seemed pretty similar to what we've seen in the States. There was a section to our right behind the goal that was filled with standing Munich fans and their drums and flags and at the opposite end of the ice was a section of Garmisch fans and their flags and drums as well. Due to our proximity to the Munich fans they seemed louder but I'm sure our Garmisch supporters were equally as loud if not louder. The score was 2 to 4 with Munich winning and Justin and I decided that with 4 min left in the game we were cold and the score most likely wouldn't change. The arena wasn't heated and we weren't prepared for it to be as cold as it was so a sausage as a snack and some jumping during the breaks warmed us some but not enough. We walked to the taxi stand at the Mc Donalds and paid the 5 euros to get us home the rest of the way. Fun but cold night. Next time we'll dress warmer.
Pictures of course....
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086824&id=44801562&l=3a957cca54
Pictures of course....
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086824&id=44801562&l=3a957cca54
Monday, January 4, 2010
2,962m
This past Sunday Justin and I woke up to a beautiful day and decided to make the trip up to the top of the Zugspitze. We got ourselves together and had a quick breakfast and walked to the train station. We found out that I had to get my ticket at the Zugspitze Bahn Station which is separate from the regular train station. So we walked under the tracks to the Zugpsitze Bahn and talked to the ticket lady, paid my 37 euro and got my ticket. We got on the 12:15 train and worked our way along the tracks at the base of the mountains. We had to switch trains once along the way and we snaked our way up and through the Zugspitze in a dark tunnel up to 2600m and the Zugspitzplatt. We walked around outside the Zugspitzplatt area and walked up to the highest church in Germany. Justin picked up a postcard of it for his grandmother. We then went back inside and waited for the cable car up to the top. We elbowed our way in and I got a spot next to the window for some pictures as the car worked its way up the last ~360m to the top. We walked around inside the lodge at the top which has a little history museum area and a restaurant and cafe. We then went up to the outside viewing area which is basically the roof of the building. The view was amazing! We took pictures and tried to stay warm. There is a walkway over the border with Austria which we went through and I took some pictures of the mountains to Italy and Switzerland. So pretty. We then went back inside and had a hot drink and snack at the cafe and then caught the Eibsee-Seilbahn cable car down the mountain which took only 10 minutes. We then waited for the next train(we missed the 3:15 one by about 30 seconds) and made our way back to the Hausberg stop where Justin works and walked home from there. Beautiful day with a spectacular view.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086451&id=44801562&l=f37a327eff
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086451&id=44801562&l=f37a327eff
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Prosit Neujahr! Happy New Year!
New Years Eve Justin and I both had to work, he during the day on the slopes and at the resort for the kids night out program, and I just for the evening at Market Station. We both finished at about the same time and we biked into town together while dodging the locals' fireworks and crackers they were shooting off in their driveways and on the sidewalks. I'd been warned about how intense it would be with everyone shooting fireworks everywhere, but wow. We met up with other Edelweiss people, had our drinks at midnight, then went into the fenced area where people were dancing to a DJ for a couple hours of fun times. We danced the night away.
Good times with great friends and an exciting way to ring in 2010.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086159&id=44801562&l=b8ec67a4f7
Good times with great friends and an exciting way to ring in 2010.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086159&id=44801562&l=b8ec67a4f7
The Russische Nationalballett
Justin and I both had Sunday off and I had seen signs around for the Russian National Ballet for that night. It's been a while since I'd seen a ballet, let alone been in one so I was excited to go. Justin had never been to a ballet I think so he wasn't as excited but still it was something to do and how many chances would we get to see the Russian National Ballet in Garmisch? So we walked down to the Kongress Hall which is a facility with several conference/show rooms. We were 45 min early for the ticket sales so we walked around the Marienplatz for a while and then returned and got in line for the tickets. We realized when we were second in line that the tickets weren't 10 euro like we thought and the cheapest ones were 26 euro each. This meant we were 2 euros short. We happened to see Tom and Anna(Ski and Snow board instr that work with Justin) in like behind us. Justin went to talk to them, got two Euro, and gave them the heads up on the price because they didn't have enough either so Anna ran to the atm. Once all of our tickets were purchased we walked to the gleuwein stand and had a drink while we waited for the show to start as it was still another 45 min. The show was great. I hoped there would be a theme like The Nutcracker or something but I couldn't figure it out if their was one. There were some really cute local girls and one little boy that danced too. It was a great night.
On Wednesday afternoon the Jura City Biathalon was happening in the Marienplatz. After work I went to base to get some groceries then walked to town and watched for about a half hour as the racers warmed up. I brought the food home and then went back into town for the evening. I met up with Justin and several of his coworkers and we watched the races and then some ATVs race at the end. We went to the after party for a little while before going to Rambutan, a local asian place, for dinner. Interesting decor inside the restaurant. Lots of fun and very interesting couple of days!
Check out the pictures...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086160&id=44801562&l=f51bd6c500
On Wednesday afternoon the Jura City Biathalon was happening in the Marienplatz. After work I went to base to get some groceries then walked to town and watched for about a half hour as the racers warmed up. I brought the food home and then went back into town for the evening. I met up with Justin and several of his coworkers and we watched the races and then some ATVs race at the end. We went to the after party for a little while before going to Rambutan, a local asian place, for dinner. Interesting decor inside the restaurant. Lots of fun and very interesting couple of days!
Check out the pictures...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2086160&id=44801562&l=f51bd6c500
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