tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41739891587644828542024-03-05T04:24:48.978-08:00Tod and Nancy's travelsnancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-18911482275897108302012-05-28T04:02:00.001-07:002012-05-28T15:55:19.291-07:00Frankfurt and friendsWe left Frankfurt yesterday after a wonderful visit with our German friends; Oliver and Sandra and their boys Lewis and Neils. They have a beautiful home just outside of Frankfurt in a quaint sleepy town.<br /><br />Tod spent a day hanging out with Oliver riding his very cool vintage motorcycles, while I got a relaxing day catching up with Sandra and the boys. I cant believe how the have grown the last few years. Lewis just graduated from high school, and Neils will be a freshman come fall. Their English is exceptional! It's a good thing...Oliver is being transferred to New York city for work. We don't know much about New York and couldn't give them any advise...other than we'll come visit them in NYC!<br /><br />We spent a beautiful day touring the wine country around the Rhine...and visited Bad Hamburg - a resort/spa town famous for it's mineral springs.<br /><br />A few more thoughts about our trip....Germany and Iceland have stop lights at home except the yellow light goes on after red and before green...got that? Germans are so efficient, they can get off the line faster....We also noticed a difference in road signs. At home we have towns listed and the mileage...ours always start with the closest town (Tacoma, Olympia, Portland if you are heading south on I-5) but, it's opposite here. The farthest away is listed first. Germany & Iceland also have gas stations on the freeways with their own exits. Like our rest stops, only shorter...zoom in, pay your $9.00 a gallon for gas, and zoom back on the freeway.<br /><br />Iceland is an interesting and very expensive country. The weather was beautiful (60 degrees) and bright sunshine. Speaking of sunshine, it doesn't seem to set...it's 10:30 at night, and bright as 3 pm. I now understand why our hotel room has heavy black curtains. Land of the midnight sun....we toured the island all day in our tiny rental car. We saw spectacular waterfalls and geysers as big as Old Faithful. There were steam vents coming out of mountain sides and gouges in the landscape. There is very little soil...just lots and lots of rocks...no trees and very little scrub brush. The lakes and the sea are clear and blue and the glaciers are eye popping white.<br /><br />Tomorrow we head home! We leave here at 5 pm and arrive at 5:45 pm....I just wish there wasn't a 7 hour time zone difference:-)<br /><br />See everyone soon!<br />Nancy<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721351901181058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ls6swKL1I_cMfnzAC5ap4AuR64pyqgVPhxc7SxZ3AkB7I2mSJATy1bPCx7d91KbiEJ5q6W80ZDF4aXc5zVwxkAv0FZaFR0OAaTJlqLq4eMcoMbfgP4Y7bclgNHhumZsuDLJiHWusJMvy/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oliver's vintage DKW<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721378405596994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIz7i3ZWJoz4k6xTSeZhy0CiekVA2n1VJgivdtsm577g_0HmFJ6JVdBMMjkCoRf1yTDzECnvfk97ThYDzWKfEffRjDaO6Rn1QRFKIgGfS-2hn87UssZzmCAt0DtmjruyH_H9d017o1c9T/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bad Hamburg park with Oliver and Sandra<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721412033979378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8oEpq3A0vQkFNs-RqoIVWTSImchldACEezAfM49AcOo4dV31jzyYdl8QdYjpso2CShnu2m5Vyrd5TVioHqIKWlG8Fm7QTn1RrpxdVbySb3lSW9Cn78kaTdQQtdQtSW6vuaMgsKJz6HbB/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waterfalls in Iceland<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721441424575874'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnrvjq2Q6DEnBvtzwhRWdUh9NIaHAQBqZ-p4Qnim3hNRT_7j7sFt8lIFn8DVjlcGMccHL8w11TCWhJkOf1JdL-2WGko5E1ZYbl5uYbj6vjFB3JiCttKDluVB8WvH616O_swhvakgsVjXi/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Gondola ride through the vinyards<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721468364619730'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-nFXd9IWcVbxGrNBa78ewuckwQJnBZLI1Tr_srWG7-8YAe_IJLCfTUEDv5Crlof7G05ekW8R58HNo_idyuBjLltGPik8zz3WsfXUC9xCWHhq82LmIJORSnyOmsnXMAI2wmGFuVzGlmXz/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rhine River valley<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721494070856850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNt2RRhKdWCdkjFN41zDrUAgP_uFlxKJrYj74eyQA9ug5xwuPJTYEu7OaPeYixQzq-pJ-2rTieq32SiykyndTLF8lzUnLDFbHlQg5Gn7LMz43hgMXwDJoqb6JPGt8ZFvJAHoN9Wvhyphenhyphenswk/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lewis and Neils had to get up early to have breakfast with us on our last day<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721527929426258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-6OQE-bx6kpztBF4ymZnPJteMIIUvnl3pkDhKI5QDyb6Sm-yEE6BUnEPp-1I4aoJGxOYpOvrD6ZqoBU9wDdZms1hT-1yMQobPMnNYGV1EtBHRy4uUIbskO6akVvdMIu7Ibb0On5PGTJj/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721554801106578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwdIB1N3Fm9S4H5JkNMmXXl-_HcrFIeeKhZ7lG5UvkIWbCWYalaASx3N5OSqdBB-E7_gRvDVKaiFy7sqV2srnNG7FB54-HjH4yzBhnd46c-q0fPH6LSOicTP1luFVMe8lB3B_BiuoMYpU/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />More sheep than people in Iceland<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5747721588250480770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-mEwqB4QiCJXdOBhmcd1VyleRgYKMxSsrFsL0KDtgFTD9AWYHoHcG5YRFssIzDXZnxbSR2T1eV0Vtc5-gN-NGcNj1nhkrwSlwH0BzRVMmC9ycvaP5ZW1nzPsckgL8J-0lTAslwRZYeM3/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bad Hamburg health spa<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Snorrabraut,,Iceland%4064.144324%2C-21.915790&z=10'>Snorrabraut,,Iceland</a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-26258478523451224942012-05-21T07:33:00.001-07:002012-05-21T10:31:33.340-07:00More on MunichIt's 4 pm on a beautiful Monday, our last day here in Munich. We're enjoying a wonderful cup of Pike Street blend at Starbucks:-)<br />It's been a tourist filled 6 days here. We spent a day at the beautiful English Gardens Park (better than Central Park...it has beer gardens and oompa-bands))<br />Yesterday we drove north of town to the Dachau Concentration Camp. I don't even know where to start...such atrocities happened here. It felt like a punch in the gut when I entered the crematorium. We walked through each room as if we were inmates...disrobe room and then "showers" the next room was body storage until ready for the ovens. We all learned about these camps in history class, and I thought I was prepared. But, the experience is overwhelming when you visit personally and listen to first-hand stories from some survivors. And learn about lives destroyed. It is a school requirement that school children experience the camp memorials...there is a plaque the Allies erected just past the gates...Never Again.<br />Germans are a people that strive for efficiency, comfort, convenience, technology, following rules....our kind of place except for the rules thing! Almost every German has a basic use of English and a sense of humor when I fall into role-playing to get my point/question across. A duck in Germany goes quack-quack, thank goodness!<br /><br />The weight of traveling! Well...when I boarded the cruise ship in Florida over 4 weeks ago, I wore a pair of cargo pants that with my pockets full, they fell dow n. that's not happening any more! Looks like the food all day and all night on the ship for 15 days, pasta and pizza in Italy and schnitzel with lots of beer have taken their toll. Of course Tod is still as thin as ever...it's just not fair. Luckily the YMCA is my second home....find me there by June 2!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1735.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1735.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1736.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1736.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was a tough room to visit<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1737.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1737.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Probably someone on Tod's family tree<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1738.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1738.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was easy to get lost with town names like this<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1739.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1739.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Maybe I'm still a kid...this makes me giggle every time...by the way, it means exit <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1740.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1740.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Strange little car at the museum<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1741.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1741.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Todd, these are for you. Great displays about blacksmithing<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/21/1742.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/21/s_1742.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tonight we pack and head north to Rothenburg in the morning. We will be traveling the Romantic Road - full of estates and castles.<br /><br />Ciao!<br />Nancy<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Munich%20&z=10'>Munich </a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-15565507620681710972012-05-20T01:31:00.001-07:002012-05-20T01:31:47.066-07:00Germany: the land of speed and efficiencyWe have been here in Munich 5 days now, and even though I'm comfortable with my surroundings (yes, must of the time I know which way to turn to get back to our hotel), I'm still at a loss for the German language. It seems that every word has six syllables, and I'm really butchering any attempt at pronunciation. I think my biggest problem is looking at the words from my Spanish background, and not looking at the words as English....german is closer to English any day of the week than Spanish...Oh well, I get a smile everytime I try, and that's what counts.<br /><br />Yesterday we drove through beautiful countryside to visit King Ludwig's Castle. It is said that Disney copied this castle for Snow White's Castle, and they weren't kidding. It was a long hike to the castle (yes, I cheated riding my scooter), but couldn't use in the castle. I walked 600 steps touring the castle, and was weel worth it. The castle is elaborately carved, furnished, and designed in the mid-evil style, yet it was built in the 1800's. Ludwig was all about comfort ("flushing toilet") and cutting-edge technology (first telephones).<br /><br />We got our first chance to drive the autobahn yesterday....so strange to not have any speed limit signs. I was frantically punching in numbers into my conversion program to figure out how fast we were "really" going. These guys drive comfortably at 120-130 miles per hour. Luckily the freeways are wide and smooth. Driving along at 105 and we would get pased by a "soccer Mom" like we were standing still!<br /><br />Here are some photos:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744529734189162866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h0n3fiSjARyqyc2qc3eE6TkjfBQOGHJw4IirBZNJshLkHrpuOPqhIPMwNKNJE5Z4QOHUt7X1v7doAyjE4B1qv7DlEFiZ3gV2afim8aXZW0FFzxyZKTBLI6RYPYfWVCBRaiWY6Q4roHC6/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />King Kudwig's Castle<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744529786965561458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW9SxKW7X1XeeOjKWIWE2vm8B9lIvXMg9NXeT2xx0hxoNq7V1FP2pDMXqUmk25Q8BBxYlQFoaO_5PF4Kf8JT1T8_4kU6l9FvXYrFdRCzi2dE_faObc6aCJJV3XrPkBrF7npVnEFyUkdwS/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Don't know what this means, but check out the name!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744529826639016610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3SUHl98naSXkbhYaR2tV8duH0fuHec42wgzDErfCVG7pH0mYHiHc6WoaGsW3AsGAbdW9XBfvhRuVhgE9xVyZX8p4cQ7FKUrwzLBc3-OOGlEYrzIx_6B0en7aLVJtSG7XDOPmHaXPiA7l/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Starbucks in downtown Munich was huge, clean and fast internet...loved that they served Pike Place coffee<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744529874929288466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRc4jwCEywvKVGXv48dT8tZmuAbAie1iN37MXDfMF8U4wxrcvaMt-Ld2gQ6osiK0ip-sYJtPUOpYJHdbAIMZBMvH52RaDHLUnQbuZSAnZ-unA-Q6JG463b2Ge_gH0iII_H13jJ5mJSY6ip/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Country side in way to castle<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744529951246643538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdxFZSD31kIy4uPAXfLvCkbYX2fsrELjhT4DLDw9siivxwtKxqgl0_n9xlwEu-QynKBo25jC63oMZIQm80o4zO5LwYwkfR9ewLGAxjRaa17cXBw7gSn7aCKvGyC0RCrY9Awimc-5xhFpf/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Passageway in the castle<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530017132327506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfARepy5leYWSGKQ1c3YhqbLs1FelefAqywsOzPV8PkZjLgHThseHBVJERNfpkWytTbxuQdm36RXHxGukXL_YUamIp1pnodEwLjDsO6GIa7M5t2AmHd0WrGtO89CUyr_JXKzpLSkKLceU/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A view from one of the windows at the castle<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530063746397458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMH3IEv5M-cj08ko9s3i2PajAu6-9TIYoNcmwZSET8W5GDIhyphenhyphenYMQxsYq6fDLAqdTIxy7Hj_CfZM5BV9z9KkzUx0tOWkUwezcNvMPauA6NA_GBRA_7Z0YVIuht8751rzLyiP8Hf3BV7tie/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Some of the beautiful crowns we saw at the Palace.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530121060089218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq2zwMOVA9sLdgm21HOiwD7XYVXnpzOt2V-njkRyExFi6Yv-XGLFZvXCOzAFuE1cc2SIQGQNN1DGTYnkdppt1rj-d6OGS50EovTvlSvXCOE-8y7bq-XKZFf3uoPW2b23iDcbZ3cTmF8qP/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Banquet hall in the Palace<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530177894692978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xdywSFisH3KRCFQTj80-aY5jwapZfRI8wRiKcgbMlkj5-9jLeIiNu3aG-OSISbG0wW6Ld_x82uQi7ZTILGyviXP-H5bHcxr4vj7D2hmyRwgr-vUr_0fbsGF_b6aUStG01IzXHjByukmf/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Beautifully carved fireplace at the end of the banquet hall in the palace<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530232865062066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s3s5QUi55HdxQ9ZHzxu6fAd_hFV0G5woAtzCZGG86yFeCDtquFQJGGDJGujTCXehRP5oFVzmYpXran-IVCXwWKq7cCKnKVFZ0OO6AXQ_9mINJktwpjW-kF2pQwZqsByDVXtj8hKHqMde/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Waiting for our turn to tour the castle<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530299633915378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGw7nMfMVnQpgetQV0LCRokzWWP19xuZJ3XWQ9yMJm9WYWsCq2mmn3QBHrEJGqNb6HQIiV5DJn_VbdRipWH-TLRV0d41dtrVRXK51X-biQQwipMRQwpy6vQK4I5qp9OMEB86UT8o3IbK7/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5744530368584274866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YBf697CToY5HBag2BlGDTcQnFQCeI4-JrXpflkEgt-0QSnKr8C_dxK1QKYW_mg5yJRsAlx8WWNJlBudOH4U1-jIiVtgK3s0j6tA0IqrPjL2A3NE-mW2Wjt9FSL2uyC0S_CFWKi8M13i1/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The lazy man's transportation to the castle. No, we didn't ride - we hiked (well, scootered for me). I climbed 600 stairs throughout the castle!!<br /><br />Today is another beautiful day - expecting to be near 80. We are going a little north to visit the Daucha Concentration camp memorial and tomorrow to Salzburg, Austria.<br /><br />Ciao<br />Nancy<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Munich&z=10'>Munich</a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-88338884278448677592012-05-17T13:24:00.001-07:002012-05-17T13:24:58.611-07:00The Hills are Alive....We left Venice Tuesday morning and boarded the train to Munich. The trip was 6 hours of comfort and visual delight! We crossed sections of the Alps and the scenery was breathtaking. Bulzano, Italy is high in the mountains, and could easily pass as a quaint Swiss village. Along the way we saw castles perched on the top of mountain peaks. I wonder if the owners of these domains were (are) part mountain goat. We cruised through Austria, passing by the Olympic site in Insbruck....reminded me alot of Whistler, BC.<br /><br />After many long tunnels through mountains, we arrived in Munich. I remember saying several weeks ago how much I liked Barcelona....well, Munich is a place I could easily live the rest of my life. It is both cosmopoliton and yet has the old world charm. We like to think of Portland as a bike/pedestrian kind of town, but Munich is unbelievable. So much of the whole area is devoted to pedestrians and bikes only...And the bikers are everywhere! On their cute commuter bikes with their briefcases strapped to the back, or tonight's groceries. Every age rides...the little ones ride in Mom's buggy or ride their own and tiny little old ladies hop on their bikes after visiting with friends over a cappicino. I haven't seen a single fat German!<br /><br />Our first full day here we spent the day at the Descheutes Museum. It's the largest technical museum in the world, and absolutely facinating. We visited for 6 hours and got through the basement and ground floor...we still have 4 more floors we hope to see. Germany is very handicapped friendly and respectful. We were able to park right at the front door, and we both got in for half price. Oh, did I mention that they had the coolest, sleekest disabled bathroom I have ever seen? We have found abundant disabled Parking throughout the city....it's great.<br /><br />Today we went to the BMW museum and then to English Gardens Park. The park is the largest in Europe, and was great to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Boy, these guys know how to make a park...creeks, lakes, bike paths, riding paths and of course playgrounds, rose gardens, and beer gardens. In the center of the park is the main beer garden with a 4 story bandstand carved from local Bavarian wood. The band was playing all afternoon and were dressed in typical Bavarian costumes including the cute hats with a feather.<br /><br />Beer and food!!!! There were pretzels the size of a baby, roasted chicken that smelled heavenly and every kind of sausage and potatoes mixtures I have ever seen. Oh the smells....it was mouth watering.<br /><br />Tomorrow we will visit palaces and more of the museum. Saturday we venture out of town and see "Mad"King Ludwigs castles...the one that Disneyland's Snow White's castle is copied from...can't wait!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5743600662314850162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX-Vs22yTV0WRBc-Sb2IOaYM6ttzHeyVXLUdx44SpZNd5JeJV8E3NZ-02zD-1DfCvcYdi13t9rLv-xeQkj-d0fbzClk5uRNDqJNGFa0aV-q-OGsIpd-rWgIwgOBsvUBh41CONm3TSW9aj/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I loved this beer...and beer is (relatively) cheap here:-)<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5743600712810775154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKxETslPFE7y2WpxMc_0o5zJFS8n2kXf5S9vOAoYXYwHEyfRAB1-PPZQwTFdPaaQ2p02jtwwk_7Ki-s3eCFGooSTxw0EUk-wndpMN9FgLYJB9Qy50qGm1hWGw5hylONNTjU2_hnYM5ZW6/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now, this is established beer!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5743600790402425074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92QN77QiqEOrcaeKfOpVpUhLU4_ZVh6LbKN2C5vf0qO0BBRfm4bFh22-jsX2g8ZaaHQ_jWPFkWr_6fpZDFzvHLZ_farSABW3F2TEZjB3Mk2S3Z3ss-E-ejdyjZ-CCFhzE7cvQCOgyQWum/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5743600838698922850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmT0W8khzPml82bxTvIeRWn9UVI8BisBvU-_1dU3bBwEcXKXRXkYU4FXut2TgxvRZactLNVO8Bz57gzDvEQU0D4QJbvHTWJ79pkjxWe9usoZMAVM1YXR9NUPDXqeqkxzgcubz7FKtwH2h/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tod's dinner - a plank full of ribs and baked potato along with the best garlic bread he's ever had<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5743600903661302994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiAZJxRZ9lEUoPpf1Ij4N0FV9b6Tv-VB6m1Ry-tMQPF9NR6ceYZuqWgNEQjRu-Y_0mCc0xCmDDmBB3TtT4VFnbHhgvsv3D87ukrO7uDpWLirs46B_lHOs_k0DgZyUOCuOn35eFooWyX8P/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Heading into one of the beer gardens at the park<br /><br />Hope eveyone is enjoying the spring weather at home.<br />Four more days in Munich area and then the Romantic Road to Rothenburg for a night. Frankfurt soon to see our German friends<br /><br />Ciao,<br />Nancy<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Munich%20Germany%4048.071973%2C11.605870&z=10'>Munich Germany</a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-2890595934544514882012-05-17T13:23:00.001-07:002012-05-17T13:23:34.095-07:00Reflections on ItalyI'm sitting here in the Venice train station waiting for our train to Munich to start the third leg of the trip, but thought I should write a little more about Italy.<br /><br />Italy is an assault on your senses!!!<br /><br />Smell deeply...pizza baking in a wood stove next to fabulous breads on every street corner. Roses blooming in any little spot of dirt...the musty smell of the ancient canals of Venice. The acrid smell of cigarettes - seems like every other Italian is lit up:-(<br /><br />Feel the ancientness of this country. Buildings everywhere that are thousands of years old. Hill towns with their walls that haven't been attacked in many many generations. Things don't change, they just get older.<br /><br />Visualize the colors! Women wear fabulous bright scarves...the colors of buildings, gondolier's bright striped shirts, red roof tops in the hill towns.<br />Bright mosaics, stained glass windows and frescos are in every town, big or small.<br /><br />Feel the spray of water on your face from the many unbelievable fountains in Rome. Feel the devoutness and history of the Catholic church not only in the Vatican, but throughout the entire population.<br /><br />Hear the horns blarring in Rome...what crazy drivers. Listen to gondoliers slip through canals singing to their passengers :-) Church bells ringing and ringing, and ringing! So many languages being spoken by travelers from all over the world.<br /><br />Italy was an experience!<br /><br />Ciao to Italy and time to get my German translation program fired up.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Venice%20train%20station&z=10'>Venice train station</a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-24524915366026291062012-05-12T08:58:00.001-07:002012-05-12T11:35:09.650-07:00Bonjourno Venice.We have been here in Venice for 3 full days. Our apartment is the biggest yet and overlooks the canal. It's great fun to watch gondolas quietly slip by day and night. During the day this canal is conjested with barge type boats that are as close to Home Depot deliveries as one could get. I've seen pallets of tile, bags of cement and mixers, even appliances. It must cost a fortune to do any repair work.<br />Most of this city was built in the 1300's with narrow alleyways and bridges over canal fingers everywhere. I've been caught in passageways scraping both sides of my scooter along ancient brick...you can't be claustraphobic in this town.<br />We've hopped on the water bus and visted St Marco's Square, Rialto Market and the beach on the island of Lido. Home again for the evening watching Italian TV (crazy stuff), catching up on our electronic devices, drink Lemoncello (yum) and re-energize for another day of being "Venitian"<br />Here are some photos<br /><br />Ciao<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741716875662253762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoR4L5qWxFw_Pctb2p3QMlL1XGgg9SJNKyfCa93Fte0hO3BNT9GHDpG9nrZFyyBnYarZm2-knrig7uGjKw02sfBA5skeVmRs36seRBBbr2-Ru9QnQ29BAhwwQkdFYtBw8c2w08apgF8DV/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You probably all know how much I love clowns...especially expensive Murano Glass clowns!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741716914604775154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCJbAJozFMyyVEmkTlM5V7ipQRCqizIKBUzxcmTj_KUD7F2vRnQQXhGcJCaHu0icBO31fvmgeSxtMmufkdAn_LxXJgqX6o0ZNoXqfDqXDDa1CRtcSYAqtdYcRCZ6Y0x4DSycmqBDpdHwU/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />San Marco Square<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741716943878134498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirestlQjlcqFzPSChIIGpzbYuh1ceD7dDNgam378X3opLg18GcJIU-Qdu4IyBjL16QQePCENEXfiiSW6lqQFYsNrnOkLt85zQtGwwm4mTEkRiCib3U82QCoDk8gfsrMgJcTeHWVEk93xs4/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rialto Bridge - view from the water bus<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741716975318010642'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk4UsSnZ2hbEl4fPnEImdHTRlh9og-L-Us36xOD0Xf8-GCt_-CjMUnxfPfNr_7CWBcyQy6HDpkSD5jmrLQMfwetKbDnx4sqpglFw22Qd-q3hw5ROqNy8c9Hstr-ifK23mxPXpnAqSSHBH/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717007940327826'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i6-GkyVQ-CwMMqzkSSfeJP5xPWIrkSCS-UnEuaZLKR__RYU7E1OdtHXe9wV6-OZYT-oHqFfQFPYwNPhmHf0qNfcByUh836UDgwAARrhBMNx_CAFhGwEd3nU7wn8MGsQUU-RWny1s6Oiq/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717039876268498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5luM9IQIx-6gmL7ZhMDwN7TvzOsAQ5fkEHEnVzfm_VM2Hzh9YeiyJWTwW-iwkarH8sHs3I1Sd2Gb6MbE3hNNuWGyzwjGedwhYv9FbxVNXbKA7dxo7wUjdI4RfCUJRprovtOxnPIzn7aC/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717070276464354'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_O_Vd1iybjgEqIvzz02rNEV47dShnhVe9nsTn7JTFbV0fx_fJ0LsgdbhT6wt6yC1hYcV-5z_zb4q3ECPHTB79CHDnSEG_w1Qv09ERP5rLf4KvH1s6TY9lb3XI03W8odlfEWFKwyaW3xSD/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On our water bus...a lady came with her dog and parked him right at Eric's feet....He wasn't too happy the rest of the ride<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717104149372050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-_mPkCKmGJ7QEC8nmIdW6DOATjVACBlwuIEt4z_Yi6ksPcCdvaFk_EbvH6T9E2tjOHAXiNcifNVejFmFQjOjiOO5CNrVi7sJzTCzkqh9ZgsAag9vdlI03YxB7tJjuxLGE2RyZjehT3v0/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717146926532258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqFZqlmhBKMXfg_DA4JFISieATF-zS2dJHUvSDzL5egH_kyqQObblRpHEXU4V_3Px3Udg0snUiO62pZ-GlKx9jFasCIkjjFTY6y_qjzKYHtKKZE8j7X3hxbFWnt_0XiszvhIyF4l_qlWU/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741717184692294578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSowPGMnR0BUvbQEi2RmVR6ahBsN6Y_hf1IKEj68PiIAXvycK73ICxjRlGwJW5_lxVPuk23_l6uMLFK6OWY26l0bF62jvzh4vwPwbO5342_eF2MwAg_8AtS8tbl06fwFouu6UFfdifrCO/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Venice is like Disneyland!<br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Venice,%20Italy&z=10'>Venice, Italy</a></p>nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-32210141488656116822012-05-11T05:53:00.001-07:002012-05-11T05:53:08.328-07:00Pictures added!Please look at the pictures we added to the old posts<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-31561244733057878872012-05-11T03:01:00.002-07:002012-05-11T03:01:49.243-07:00Italian Countryside (may 10)Tuscany was a relaxing break from the crowds of Rome. Our apartment in Siena had a large deck that looked out over vineyards and olive groves with the towers and walls of old Siena in the distance.
We took day trips to Pisa and Florence.
We also enjoyed the quaintness of San Giminiano (sp) with it's steep streets and walls. Took lots of photos of gorgeous scenery and enjoyed many bottles of their local white wine. Yum!
On our way to Venice, we stopped in Bologna and toured the Ducati factory. It was a nice tour. There was a couple from Sweden and a couple from New Zealand that both ride and were into Grand Prix racing. I guess that's a European thing along with futbol (soccer)
We are settled into our beautiful Venice apartment and will explore this great city for the next few days
Ciaonancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-54708712813526053202012-05-11T02:50:00.003-07:002012-05-11T05:24:17.913-07:00Siena (may 10)It has been one month today since we left home. Hard to believe the time ... We have seen and done a lot since getting off the ship. One very full week in Rome was overwhelming. The last four days here in Tuscany have been relaxing. We did several day trips including Pisa and Florence. <br />I really enjoyed Florence, a beautiful city with beautiful churches, buildings, bridges, cobblestone roads, and of course David. We visited many hill towns - all walled in, some even with moats. The countryside is beautiful - rolling green hills filled with vineyards and olive groves.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249809699245858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzEn8zF2sh5CIcweflZzEq0tG3UoeL8LPq4Y78txcHoKvv5ovmwTZx4z-sFY17bVYYzrLIDUrXwNTfvcXzrxm7-2LXuPAnZhL5A0OKimE0TT6EVtcTI3AkqduMfUq9-72h_RmMMBIR2oA/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Today we head to Venice. We stop in Bologna for a tour of the Ducati Factory, then say farewell to our car and hello to bridges and gondolas. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249841197185746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvZtKJinM3_sr77_Ocj4l02FdicwAdxWxjl5TWfbCx637Xl0R5lCEGbmrE1aaq3s_jqJ71jUlMTBECSVy7Uf37G-gMtV3DQgwdpCNbQ4I8J6tuHOEJwzPFgqblWqgC0gEIs3ZU9QX72Pz/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Florence chalk art<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249871610719666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQllzEJy9G90Ra4qNnW7c651H06xYiezsB9-X3VyqaspHvc5Uoh3Zn20LaaF8r4yalrye8At-gtEckmJxHCKfSZtZSkSJufSdVLJ7UN1ri0RPCZKV2zwdNbapDR8raz6CgKGrjCrO9cEaT/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Took a photo before I got caught<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249905388336226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAkOy1D_1t7rbcqACoS-f5nv9w_eSh-0EHlr3tNdNDqe1Bb9Yn6N9XEbyJyutI1nBCh6AWNVtPVaWfrujjeapeW8VKRMM9WkxwjjsUrsMglpdmeo_XX87a3qMlulnJCo_AaUP33bjed2n/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Exact replica of David outside. Heather tried to give him a "hug" in just the right spot, but alas; he's too tall:-(<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249937478998306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiySx6G-SGCRAMmOnSHxLxlfzrNvBU0J-Mz1ElhelBsH24zvTO3AK1yNY44gr3S2yuvcW1FG5q4rZQYVnlQsK_xmTotU8NninceT-2nQvDbwSbNM-NzNV1VWkjUedm7Pbejz7naKCPi6Dl/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Gelato store on the streets of Siena<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741249996613580466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaULWLuTj9BstzRo3j0nwU3cH4b88ta1vpFVynZAFLQOB2v8sJQ7SKHpl0WLVHGLoY4osvte6gKGVwIrWWYzax5H2ynuyN0FXw4HVQ8xWiP7d9RoRyZpi9VzTgii8-f4mLMdYaewZKW0GK/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />My new favorite white wine....<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741250038428908114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTfSSziOsmKzSZmb0FzE6RmHuOIfF_IVmqW3y-fshjC8G8GbHs-BN3Grt10HXOnJk_HLIbozVxqWkvKVJ4duwoyaB2Hmy09fK1Qu5iLNFBLXeeLfra4k-C2VYwAjC4ON-1UoRm-He3to4/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />View of old Siena from our apartment deck<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741250074656917778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eI9_vLgpcoBD8OxNY3VR0FPLaUNR1TJjP6Eh8n5yFc7oEYyQpNvzo8XR2gjjvhdpS9s35eoBf2ao-nLygXfc5_kddXplXhbeFbWCKHNUdWmWkWVFx6mH33f76sGSvj1i2f8jNyGoINgO/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />i couldn't believe how many scooter were parked on this block<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741250120482894002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wL1oz9qkOhcyNP3-KIMjomPBD2Sm6MQoj9VkYTJGi9cnD1UQUxl16CLgpLVZF8ujPCI1TvgQUuWcDyORbgaYNblws7u9esB3AL64vv0s4nkE-E4FYDR1Pkxli3p0dhbiCtcEaJpU97d-/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />At the Ducati factory tour and museum<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741250147631136210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfXrlf159SQJBwNIkIAa54zajiUKEUwJkGRPYEPYhB-HTBNKQGxmCKvRz_FXKgmeuTlRim9wseLDPueKr_EW0tQMCG75nSvEhjw-f12_uh_W00cW5Q70z_zWtjbAluBVe6Xxm696N58Pe/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-17802815133228376402012-05-11T02:48:00.001-07:002012-05-11T05:09:50.355-07:00Cia Roma (may 6)We leave Rome today after 6 days of touring all the major sights. And so many more sights we didn't get a chance or have the endurance to see.<br /><br />I was impressed with the Vatican - so many pieces of beautiful art, and St Peter's Basillica took my breath away. The immenseness of the Colliseum and Forum was unbelievable, just the engineering of such a site is unreal in modern times, let alone ancient times. Just imagine being able to exit 50,000 people in just 20 minutes. We'd never see that at Safeco field!<br /><br />All in all, I enjoyed Rome. Yes, it's crowded, I seldom got a photo without hordes of people in them, and the drivers!!! What can i say??? If there are two marked lanes, there will be 3 cars, 3 scooters, and a bus all taking the same path!<br /><br />All Roads lead to Rome, and everyone should visit it's magnificence at least once<br /><br />Off to the countryside of Siena<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246551468066658'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL16KlUij2CRCOchu7El77DHFiLs_Ygv2iH55Ca1dSt8pIlndlRPeYuhnWmttLN2CXWBZ-SAIQ1rgoJARp1JnU5l2rmPM-9FwJ6LpeUoIlAfXjNsVRFvaNCV9Pcah4Qin8RnlH91n4bMx/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Coliseum<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246592863297458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7z87XHq22e_4vDQdfGnnlUlvk2gQg59kYnnccIkAMvyNJ9iIK1cN9O7iakV3YMC17qxdSdl2j7Hq-huclhEIH-UvnMFo5_jy4czxt14DBQuTr2hyphenhyphenaSTG0ovzKIMGYW5sZkDAmLTX_PdR3/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Inside the Coliseum<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246653156733810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIEpt5koAn2bENV9WIhdhfmgJTrUCdM_D4x5t471Fxfc4jBmGqfslu4KdL-75JejJiV0E65uPQsMyN7LqcevMjc8zOk2BQ4VtTmJ2UQuRM0gzqbX9ObGhnb4L6KsFrl1pI2NMKEImVZLM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pompeii courtyard<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246688971466290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkSU6lM52a2ZPOlcuBCK7CVxdSdiRk_E_EqPRYcZG2jMUPxzXgUjIRGKkThsOEdllV8AWgnnM02LvUWuZZQAni8uSL-TEaqzJIAdLLYoUEnLBZaNzgcCNnzjIBlmeBkpOzL5Uj-PdI4CD/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Time for another bierre<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246719877774274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkkEAqSuEZHXo6OGekI3k7lRnwWzMi4QWa2VpGsTE4zgXuNsbmfx3UHd7UsvcxP7T6-oipZoolIgDZfgMWp-Qr4ZfBWf7aJs3q8E1SkMQDWm1xbI-a5EBWQP07KcCzXw0yHl5ITn3HHXB/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pompeii victim<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246752852570930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hbJxbunFgfJfuwLJi_wbjGxBd5etSyDsWzg3FWgCRyOfomtwzOHap9jYlMXXB2X0FTd8x6iS4h-wt6feI7cAxHPufBWLaKKwP72lepwJoAA2Xbiy4ebiEixnf5R-lnMX6PT0hqkHh4SN/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Too many people!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741246792439523426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6ZrdE7fCsH0rkm0T1vsAsTftfBZC-pEPUFuMob7J9kwo7ThrVITOHGWAMEEu7IrNa5ymXikOBunCccHC-LxsGT1QJ6oj-gypBK4Yyv3H01PJ5m9lvanAXqeViYLNCZouoJFwdGJKR5KX/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our tour guide of the Coliseum, Pantheon and Forum (heather trying to get out of the shot!)<br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-70623780083318571532012-05-02T12:29:00.002-07:002012-05-02T12:29:04.774-07:00May 2nd - RomeYesterday we planned to visit the Pantheon, but it was closed for May Day holiday. We visited fountains and statues and walked among the masses
Today we toured the Vatican and had a great guide. The buildings were packed and was difficult to move or see...I overheard a Dutch family that they thought it was so crowded because most countries had spring break...it figures. Sigh
We got through the museum and Sistine Chapel and went out to see St Peter's Basillica...the line was two blocks long! In the sun:-(
We searched for the handicapped entrance and were able to get in reasonably fast...it pays to travel with the handicapped. I felt relieved after spending so much energy going up and down high curbs every couple hundred feet
The church was jaw dropping... I participated in a short part of a mass and found the Statue of St Andrew, the patron Saint of the parish I grew up in Sumner. I bought rosaries at the gift shop, and wish Mom was still alive to tell her how much it all meant to me.
Tomorrow we have a very early day on a tour to Pompeii. Can't wait
Ciao!nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-59621475268106239752012-05-02T12:26:00.002-07:002012-05-11T05:00:54.792-07:00May 1st - Rome 2nd dayYesterday was our first full day in Rome. Beautiful weather lots of people. I tried to take photos of the Spanish Steps, but all I got were layer upon layer of people. Oh well....the sidewalks are crowded and difficult to maneuver in my scooter, but if is all worth it<br />The carvings on the buildings alone are incredible. We took a tour through the Catacombs and several churches. Including the Church of Bones....both incredible yet horrorific at the same time.<br />Today we are heading out to the Pantheon<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244249599931810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ROA9GE8XBIfnUeAkcoQkqDyoIeFSE1Sv1by8qf7yX9oRzg9pAgrKWBKYSkha_ptq2FwsGuVVHkFvbVXWzfyNZ3On-kE7TsVAET0Ge0WtC1pgDZPF_UGkntTPNAY-cid_SVOV7dSRp0l2/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our first home meal in Rome<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244289596740722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Si8Vepx4W2dqa__L4ZyPAfWZbbLdehVxm3AEVLuyvGwJNiYuDhlTAmZWiztCngQo594Iy5QLJDQpr0WWn2BGFJp-L2mPu9-lOu9FLxyoxPGuLietwlUHrrN3xlkyUO0NYlEavNtPEVg_/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Trevi Fountain<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244329995697426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydkgj-aam7czgLnu9CJ3y0iFi_UfiLnnwRHXfBScoRJzM9fYKnlW06dnP_w5-d9orpwO9PiewGBC0ddbG6B63m-FNVrS3u-FJA2X9iCMUmKZWPzyc6Lz-z46bLYBp0kz-hsWg2-AJB0I9/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just pasta!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244382523150066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wIKjVHN7wC_VbiljFcq7rVvtzqYL2cBnqA-z3sr7ykO5GNNBfm1Ji_QvTbb6t2AgE6JD2owPNZGi7oaN9nSY4eUJ_dhVTCld_bfGvSHR-6WGvKWrqKinMm2TYwydHae8bBoy6271m0sO/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just like Tod's car in the shop<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244414590894194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES3HGi37hseKwsrLdllHD8jtSandgSnzB05sj257HZ2lvUWRFJg8Vo6NqhBX5jp7eoQQNr_MDutXsjrBfzvbqpRar-fX30ED1RIUUeRUlLC2Z6zdhCzf4CStETbaN8FkNm92ySHDzBUkS/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Can't get enough of this stuff<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741244498370818050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc33CjDv3ucWYydTSYl9EW89UiU9i2zvzTr6YFUMmtWiiRqMcMMbRr6iT6Y3_25WUbn73gFaazhAOvA_n7lorr-nak5mA1AUYHwQFnUMWMlw7nTbsvGWwgHGl4AqOi6IPtupQdLyn9KHk/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Gelato in front of yet another fabulous fountain<br /><br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-54756767316872894312012-05-02T12:23:00.002-07:002012-05-02T12:23:51.561-07:00April 30th - RomeWe are officially on European vacation!
Getting off the ship yesterday was amazingly easy...no Italy customs, and not passport stamps
After an arduous trip from the train station, we finally found our apartment.
We wandered up and down steep hills looking for our new home. Luckily a lady was looking out her window and must of felt sorry for four obviously lost Americans. She shouted down to us in Italian and hand gestures. I yelled back in Spanish saying I didn't speak Italian, but speak Spanish. The two are similar enough, that we both got our point across.
Our apartment is beautiful and roomy with a huge wrap around deck. We can see the Basillica from our deck and it's lovely lit up at night
Today we venture out and will tour the catacombs and fountains
Ciaonancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-54758343100139010032012-04-29T08:37:00.001-07:002012-04-29T08:37:06.285-07:00Toulon, France. April 28Toulon is our last stop before arriving to Rome. This is a quiet harbor town and we went on a short tour that didn't give us any time to shop or explore. The ship was delayed getting through it's paperwork, so our tour was basically cut in half and we had a whirlind tour of a church and had a few minutes to shop ....So, I'm unable to give much input about Toulon other than we had a lousy tour
Sorry.....one more night, and on to Romenancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-19145230746796950012012-04-29T07:55:00.000-07:002012-05-12T08:32:50.757-07:00Barcelona. April 26I am officially in love with the city of barcelona! What a beautiful town. The weather is about 74 and sunny. The center of town is a hub of restaurants, shops, museums, disos, churches, fountains, and a huge open market that was many blocks wide and everything you could desire for tonights dinner.<br /><br />There was fish and meats I oouldn't recognize and some things that I swear were not from this world.....fantastico!<br /><br />We drove through the Olympic Village and stopped for photos of the church that was started 100 years ago, and still und construction. That church is to Barcelona like the Opera House is to Sydney.<br /><br />We're back on the ship getting ready to sail on to toulon France for tomorrow's stop.<br /><br />I'm sure I've gained 10 pounds so far...<br /><br />Here are some photos of Barcelona<br /><br />Ciao!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741669940736001906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZT99GPP815P1XJKRHnK1E6Qi6TpPpXwRHDph8dPEoxi7DOs3ZH-P6GzEL2Oqqg3dftCpfymvDK4Fxk7VY84IhmqaxLN2JjJGtDVNZN-xYoYllLcbQ2kTgetmXFDbVn82e7BUE0LPlqMU/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741670056306554706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0nnwHyG6ZbqVR4eHXb-5haszHGmRLTh3vWoYrOXjBm0CXqr1wynuLY4yAFcSbVRErVZYwYpz1jingE8dy3tCqVy9TkOworpHye7_RobE9cSPvx7Eo6BXbnDlgEaf71tnmM2RJklkn_n2/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741670122731518050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HAICQpt0VzGh1GFYDe1gHZ_W5ovN3-0x00ROnfjOLyLho6FkG0GRshZ8Tyu0Hm3pkQaoE5YinRT1v6sKoxqMd7PLnvWUVQWHvKAGRwhCS2-WW1hVQtgNriFls5QLLTA80u38B-dywowC/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The market here was HUGE and amazing<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741670190492341842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgahFTGjUwz3QBi2N5Zh_qWtSGCD-6N7Izi6Huonn7OYm4r25AadcsZrXkmoPhv3mjXXNiPtcPXIHlAdFfvDevT16XFBZkmRMwl_U1RaiDpPmYddF-cf8TAIr7wjL_O68Or1skUzh5BTS/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-4402415352413206322012-04-26T02:47:00.002-07:002012-04-29T08:46:35.024-07:00Toulon April 28thToulon is our last stop before arriving to Rome. This is a quiet harbor town and we went on a short tour that didn't give us any time to shop or explore. The ship was delayed getting through it's paperwork, so our tour was basically cut in half and we had a whirlind tour of a church and had a few minutes to shop ....So, I'm unable to give much input about Toulon other than we had a lousy tour
Sorry.....one more night, and on to Romenancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-24628799959510530602012-04-26T02:46:00.000-07:002012-05-12T08:40:03.695-07:00This morning the water has been smooth and the sun is shining! A perfect day to pass through the Straits. It was. very cool to see Spain on the port side and Africa on the starboard side.<br /><br />Our first stop after eight days at sea was the Canary Islands. We rented a car and explored one side of the island. Spent the afternoon at the Pyramids...well preserved with great walk-ways and easy access for me. They even had disabled parking!<br /><br />Another full day at sea today and we visit Mallorca tomorrow. Maybe we'll get lucky and see Nadl practicing! For those of you who don't know - Raphael Nadl #1 tennis player, and quite a cutey in my opinion is from Mallorca:-)<br /><br />Today we get a lecture about Pompeii...yeah, I'm getting ready to get my land legs back...4 more days in the Mediterranean and then Italy.<br /><br />Ciao!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741671890570124130'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCErwMlqNyd9mGjZ0gpPQfebBFaXKm2ioXj8fo1I4HHi48TtpafLBkgFBfz5UznD4699DINpQMRCQxwynVEriDT5sbyux-eiiwEDPhY8_qIzJlXNygKHeU2AlVCz-S69gyHfYQ6RB6k3v/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741671915022068114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE-c3NSYqu3xkElWOCOOkZ6swNehV-cArGqunMR7l0g2yWIthyphenhyphen6agRvf3btCSw2okNt52rzpJanwVJIQUmDZ6KTitocaD-qUAOWyXjjkTOjXd9K59pzUwwsRYpbxWUM8qrOvUgkHn7ipz/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tod and his regular multiple desserts<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741671957310165890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Sscd9GSLPL1pLcn0Ij_Vct83LP9jxHuTMf-zKdX9J2KSu3VTLIWq9hIQJf23ABYp460gIwIU6ScXbWObVsC5PSJX_sqC9SzjDs2Yng5U7X5wFdvgvOxsqotfGC-CIJefqK_5lfLGnur/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pyramids on Canary Islands<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741672001276207954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JUfw4vk_zCBQpV13xESN-DwL_d0z-8_W1ankMX0aDN9HIPrGodPkPH1X2Lbd9ySkMwHsmi3Jr76V_WgU6GgEfdumj83CCXOBd7WVlyhoDhVcJFsHBMrqAbdDJtma-08EoxR43xyoBOva/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741672039387091362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK54FG4C6AOKeTiunHqQNzBkBAjF4GEtKIhtV1CW09gSdujONgLYtoCih3J-_8BNKW4WW-OfQQ1AFS9LCdS3zwfiE1DwCR7YmfsS1s1NUjUTmdjDXpRrfLMb7rQxkte4lrUNGhWwX2gL49/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pizza and beer after trekking through the Pyramids<br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-3356890522070260282012-04-26T02:42:00.002-07:002012-05-11T04:50:41.317-07:00We are officially half way across the ocean! It's day 5...10 more days to go.<br /><br />The food has been good and the service is excellent. I'm amazed how full the ship is...who would think so many people would want to spend 15 days eating and sleeping?<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241825851647922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tsyCNikANb3QtiY36rC5iTbfW_J90dBMiAF9QGo3jTUcVMBe2HRZtxpM_qrPhOQbOe7RUli2RWzVRhGkR1JWzemld6Lceh8H8uLMgsrqQoRudZRrb77dc5URpztgLAwcEUs02AegcCad/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Formal night one. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241864580673426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgyuRy43GYvrd34xBFZlJA_dOfbPcH1q1IT1_7btVr5sh6jykxJTe1V9z4mlhcKcZ8z4xo7cOPeIuycYoJngOydotRh7NdbKeEaai6Uqc7icq4aGvtSo5oQaPleUcMhoCxFRpKttbqAae/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Self photo with my phone. Someday i'll figure out where to look<br /><br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-51554678233858892902012-04-26T02:41:00.002-07:002012-05-11T04:47:42.495-07:00We boarded the ship yesterday afternoon and spent the rest of the evening exploring and getting lost at everywhere passageway intersection.<br />This is a beautiful ship - lots of open space including a 3 story tall market place that has many nice shops.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241005281265106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58JKleKh9ZV1HwHbVOKEorLpzDgEs9eld0JRdATSKBj_nQSfZQwyt9k4rPxyFhc-fOyb0BO0HOPygqg-_I8_QzloAQc9XukewjxFWn59JZXj9caexIh2PhfE441EYxJ3kgnM2H6TPe93H/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There is a 4 story plaza with shopping, bars and cafes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241038990418034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqHc7vhibc4GIzCoTGV3ncpRAyR8d9oZf5Kg8nBYRLH6VHXABP_CrBrx8nF6h5Mx8J_RRClezwYXgKw6YPwkMisaRSxmkREGCoynQB_aaObo6UFB_3BvU6vwjFy74ZtpixFFQiGqyzifj/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The boys at dinner<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241067455651586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKkEm1pIglFUjSA0CWByIzIBtBOiHeNcBf8lUoGcdUCOCGqYZeb2wXvsyqxvG4cr0PYFD779twexweM4VeEKVgkxF4N0xHgIZbjrXe0cNVhx-UZnRDe3AhKes-mUodp9afnGtY-468DkL/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tod and Eric ice skating<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741241099319885170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xwENEB9SlAMuQZADvXOoD3bPLli4wopRvlUKF9OyQSiq1iG4Vsq3F0KRS_8oJnrzzsOTgtxkaVjrON_UMAMwU3uhKeACRds_aKwjzLmb9I_cQFjARypf8ZAk38752ps_yfPNdTj_wmGS/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just one of the many yummy desserts we ate<br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-7803122962323848992012-04-14T09:46:00.000-07:002012-05-11T04:37:43.820-07:00Bye-Bye FloridaThis will be my last post on land for 16 days...it's hard to imagine floating in a big "can" for two weeks. Tod brought his own ping-ping paddle, so he should be entertained!<br />Florida was a lot of fun. We snorkled one day in beautiful clear warm water. I was swimming around the "Christ of the Abyss" statue, and a beautiful mermaid swam by...I thought I swallowed too much salt water!<br />Yesterday we went on a Segueway (no idea how to spell it)and I took to it like <br />a duck to water! I even got busted for going too fast..it was a lot of fun!<br />Ciao!<br />Nancy<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741238467548669026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_3etRzhr8lGkQLo56j6G4eG-gOM5DUsuEZrLLjnzu8jxSxqWBJU7LO1J5nTymfFVYF0Tt_PdZShSe_0wRBRPQ4LhBGpl0V6C4U1NZ4GmDUTD7UidlxALTZfgi8KfMsjm2z6NWFDfUD4l/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is our "doorman at the motel"<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741238497626903490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9DoDty0krecSBv0jR8ZcwbqiaPSqAJ2QXbCx7oOgbIeJdEyTKV8p_xOq0CKDpW2uOLfq4vfD-bNX-GlnG1EKn2LvqoamkUJRbGSv7nb5dfWzzKevN0Vc9KJozSDsgzIG828jrmBqPoIb/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Christ of the Abyss. Yes, that's Eric holding up the painting of the statue we saw when snorkling and the mermaid swam by....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104084723232474231610/TodAndNancySTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCOTKj_yUoJnS4QE#5741238521783410210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKPl031C_7M_1IF2ZnlX9dQwWw5J-qhDNpzZiHzTFwjgQZ7yXAdX7ybZ5irgWDGCbnBlcNypTn_X3L1fUgMcLe40XAmQLrMgR3rn62u0mhAE8PxAVOCBrivRAc8tF3oiIOvRbxn69_u95/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Enjoying the beach ... Last time on solid ground for 15 days<br /><br />nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-90674683220131516232012-04-10T15:07:00.000-07:002012-04-10T15:07:39.606-07:00Welcome to DenverWell, we just completed the first leg...Denver "mile high city, land of the Broncos. We have a lay-over here for 3 hours and we are lucky enough to leave from the same gate we arrived in. When we gate-checked my scooter at Seattle, Frontier Air checked it through to Florida...handy yes; but that means no running around Stapleton for me. Oh well<br />
Tod reminds me that now I have time to start the blog. I'd attach photos, but come on...it's an airport!<br />
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More again soon<br />
Ciao. Nancynancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-64193670903757897632012-04-08T20:53:00.002-07:002012-04-08T20:53:14.463-07:00Europe 2012Yes, it's finally getting close! We leave April 10 for Florida for a few days before the long voyage to Rome. Who am I kidding....it won't feel long, just imagine 15 days of eating!<br />
Speaking of eating, I'm still trying to pare down 10 pounds and increase my strength and endurance in preparation for this trip. I'm a regular at the Y riding the bike and water aerobics. In fact, I'm doing the Lazy Man triathalon and so far doing pretty wellnancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-36770098062800878252012-04-08T20:50:00.001-07:002012-05-11T01:34:36.831-07:00Europe 2012Yes, it's finally getting close! We leave April 10 for Florida for a few days before the long voyage to Rome. Who am I kidding....it won't feel long, just imagine 15 days of eating!<br />
Speaking of eating, I'm still trying to pare down 10 pounds and increase my strength and endurance in preparation for this trip. I'm a regular at the Y riding the bike and water aerobics. In fact, I'm doing the Lazy Man triathalon and so far doing pretty wellnancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-73703437077945411442010-11-04T12:02:00.000-07:002010-11-04T12:02:55.173-07:00Texas, a really, really big stateWe entered the state rather uneventfully through Louisiana. I really shouldn't say uneventfully, because it rained here at the border harder than anywhere else on this trip so far. We stopped at the rest stop/travel center to gather my horde of tourist pamphlets. I braved the downpour to get into the building...I had about 50 feet from my door to their door...I tried to count the rain as if it was waves, hoping that I could go after a rogue wave of water. It was all rogue rain, so I "ran" (really just the biggest steps I could muster and still continue forward) and was so drenched by the time I found sanctuary, my hair and face were so wet, that my glasses wouldn't stay up, and I was squeaking from all the water in my shoes.<br />
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I felt like I entered a library - this state is so big, it's broken down into 6 geographical areas....that meant aisles and aisles of brochures, maps, books..overwhelming. As I stood there dripping at the front door a nice lady offered me tissues for my face and glasses, and directed me over to the observation window to look at an alligator lying in the back "yard" looking as wet and miserable as me. Yay, I wasn't alone.<br />
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We stayed that night at a state park that claimed to be the alligator Capitol of the world. Never connected with any alligators, though. Th ranger said they don't like thunder, lightening and rain so they hunker down in the mud. I know how they must feel.nancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173989158764482854.post-14550395335005670402010-11-04T11:22:00.001-07:002012-05-11T01:34:36.823-07:00Texas really does do it bignancy dresselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471432669913160071noreply@blogger.com0