Last Day :(:(:(

Switzerland is beautiful but $$$$$$$$$$
A Coke 500ml $1.45....to....$5.80. depending if you went to a grocery store or bought along the way at a food vendor or fancy hotel.
2 wraps ..that's 1/2 a wrap each....a small bottle of water....$17.50....4( yes 4)..apple strudels $9.20...that's all converted to Canadian money.
Got to tell you about the elevator....wood paneling, mirrors, brass doors, brocade bench...the most beautiful elevator I have ever rode in!!!!

Now our trip up the mountain.
We got on the boat at 9:30am and after several stops and a cup of tea on the back deck we crossed Lake Lucerne, and made our way up to the cog rail car...the steepest cog railway in the world. Got to give the Swiss credit were credit is do...best gear makers in the world . It was a 40 minute ride up the side of the mountain, going thru 3 tunnels, around steep granite cliffs were you could look straight down to the bottom! We passed local farmer's homes and could hear the cowbells before we could see the cows. Amazing how many cows were up there. We could also see the hiking trail for all thous over energetic individuals who decided to walk up the hill and save alittle money!!!! That trail zig saved all the way up the mountain and was probably twice as far or more then if you went straight up. There was even people on mountain bikes( appropriate term) coming up the trail!!!! By the time they reached the top the bikes were being pushed and the walkers looked like they would be paying for a ride down!! Figured it would take half a day or longer to walk up.......the train ride was great :-)
The views of the surrounding area was breath taking we were now above the clouds, half the mountains were tall enough to still have snow on them. The clouds were breaking up on one side that gave way to beautiful panoramic veiws of the entire valley floor......OK ....it was great..So we were at the top of Mt. Pilatus.
There was a hotel there...It would have been great to have stayed there...but really no complaints about our hotel.
We boarded a large cable car with several other people and went half way down the , mountain and walked around round a Swiss nature park.... They had a summer toboggan run for kids that zig saved for over a mile and a little cable car to take you back up,
They also had zip lines, walking trails, trails for. Bikes , areas to camp or have picnic s. Would love to take all the kids young and old there for a holiday.... would be a blast.
We continued down the mountain in small  little cable cars and could see 360 degrees......then a short walk thru a residential area on a bus and home again. Took about 5 hours but you could stay as long as you wanted.
We got up to7000 feet at the top.
Great day, now off to supper with some friends we met on the boat. Then back to the hotel finish packing .....board the bus at 9:30 Swiss time, board the plane at12:55 am, and start the flight home.

So ends the blog...we may or may not go straight home...will be home Monday or Tuesday .....got to no clean clothes left

Love you all

Friday September 27..... Kate's Birthday :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Today we are in Switzerland... The room. OMG....to say it is nice would be an insult....I guess after the small cabin to be able to walk around the bed is really nice...
You can see the Alps from our double bay window--opened up both windows and got some great shots.
Walked around Lucerne every other store is either a Chocolate store...yes Jacob and Mayah...we got you some REAL
Swiss chocolate :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) packed it away I promise not to eat it. :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Just came back from the best meal I probably ever had :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) l had rack of lamb,potatoes a grauten ( with a cheese crust) green beans---kinda smoky flavour... had them suggest the wine....best wine I have ever had Pete had veal, Cristy potatoes and vegies. Pete had one of the local beers-----A1_____but switched to the wine so that he should have more than a sip:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
They would not tell Pete the recipes but they did write down the wine for us
Roers Armies Malvira----if anyone finds this in Canada please let us know and buy yourselves a bottle you will not be disappointed.
Tomorrow we take a trip up into the Alps.....will tell you about that tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Kate.   Been thinking of you all day.

Thursday Sept. 26

The Black Forest....... A very hilly and well treed area....all second /third growth as the original trees were all cut down a long time ago. It was misty and rained a little, a lot of mist in the trees, reminded me of the smoky mountains in Kentucky. Easy day, bus ride into the mountains, a lot of traditional homes/ farm homes and beautiful landscapes.
Went to a store that makes Coco clocks---Pete was impressed :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)  and a glass blower. The rest of the day we did a  short stroll around town and are now packed and finishing off things so we are ready for check out tomorrow. Bags outside our doors by 7:30 am  , and off the ship by 9am.
We will be in Basal Switzerland and will be bused up to Lucerne, settle in the hotel and buy tour tickets for the ride up the mountain.......and do a walk about in the city.
Saw Storks today...big birds...always though they were all white...they have beautiful black wing tips...pretty impressive. Found out they deliver all the babies over here. All you have to do is leave a sugar cube on your window sill . now the Stork may not find it right away but when he does he takes it and puts you on the delivery list...it takes about 9 months... but seems to be working really well over here.
Been invited to the Captain's table tonight.....should prove interesting.
Still really warm ..we need to buy some short sleeve shirts.....and I packed long sleeve sweaters and jackets.

Wednesday 25

Kiel Germany ...really just docked here Strasbourg France is across the bridge and we spent all morning over there. Our tour guide spent 3 years at university before she could get this job...think she majored in history. Anyways she knew her stuff...won't remember most of what the guides told us, but some will stick.
Really warm today, had not planned on it being this warm...23~25..... I have a lot of sweaters and jackets but no sandals or shorts. Happy it is warm and not raining.
I expected the area to be hilly, but it is quiet flat....another movie myth ...Sound of Music got it wrong!!!!!
Walked our feet off again saw another beautiful cathedral ,and many period homes, small streets and cobble stone roads and walkways. No one wears narrow high heels... but everyone wears boots... seen some of the most beautiful boots over here, and everyone wears scarfs .  Hali you would make a mint with your scarfs....you could set up shop with no problem.:-) :-)
If you have been wondering the food on board has been very good, expect my blood levels to be up..... Known my weight is:(:(
But since we were in France and out on our walk...we had real French onion soup with local white wine.. In front of the cathedral in an open air cafe ...excellent :-) :-) :-)

The rest of the day is a kick back..goof off with a cooking class mid afternoon. Plan on sitting up on the top deck tonight if the sky is clear and do a little star watching. Could see the Big Dipper last night but there is so much light from the cities it is hard to see a lot....better view at home.....but the weather is great here could not ask for anything better.

Chocolate

Sorry guys had to a quality control to make sure what we bought you would like........I am happy to tell you it past :-) :-) :-)

Chocolate

Sorry guys had to a quality control to make sure what we bought you would like........I am happy to tell you it past :-) :-) :-)

Heidelberg September 24

Just got back from spending all morning and most of the afternoon in Heidelberg. We visited the castle and had a really good tour guide--- a young man who in 2 months will do his final exams for a medical doctor..and then start his 6 year residence as an ear,nose, throat. Dr.-----think this is his beer money..gave us the best recommendations on there to go to eat and drink.
The castle was partially rebuild.  A lot of damage from the 2 world wars....even in the towns a lot was rebuilt in the old style but still rebuilt to look old. Seen pictures of what the towns looked liked after the war...pretty bad in a lot of places.
The ship moved on to Speyer while we were in town as the river is very twisted and what was a short bus ride for us took the ship all morning.

We are still in what they call the middle Rhine, very hilly, sound of music type hills and valleys.
In a few hours we'll go into Speyer to the historic town centre.......great buildings, lovely country sides...same souvenirs. Would like to see some real stores. We have been able yo go into 2 food stores as they call them...interesting and very expensive considering everything is on euros.
Saw a gasoline tanker and on the side it said " Auto  Food". thought that was neat.
We also past one restaurant   with a sign that stated.......  Fast Food..... The next restaurant's sign said " Slow Food", .

Pete. Is getting the bartender to make our Lemon Drop Martini tonight------ we should sleep well.

Monday--The Middle Rhine

Today was a day of castles. We started with a walking  tour of Marksburg Castle. Only castle not conquer  ,bombed, or messed up. Totally cool....the kids would of enjoyed it...everything you would expect and more.
We then spent the entire afternoon up on the sun deck sailing thru the Rhine Valley. We passed 17castles, some restored into fancy hotels and a couple as weekend "cottages" . All really fantastic took all afternoon.
Soon we'll be in Rudesheim  then go for a nice walk about, Buy some local white wine....the area is known for it's Resling,
Then off to a train ride and dinner in town......sounds a little touristy expect to find everyone in costume and Pete will be sampling the local beers.
A great day

Cologne Sept 22

We toured the Dom today no words can describe the grandeur, the size, the craftsmanship....... awesome.

We visited a chocolate factory...and yes bought some chocolate..might even make it home :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Stopped and had some local beer...at least Pete did , wish I drank the stuff would have liked to enjoy one with Pete.
Saw one Roman ruins and walked our feet off. B
Being Sunday most of the stores are closed :(:(:(

Great day

Sunday September 22

Well I thought I was brilliant yesterday... I figured out how to set the time on our tablet and I was able to set the alarm clock.
Brilliant!!!! So at 6:45 as planned the alarm went off:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)  really loudly...... Was not able to turn it off:(:(:(:(
But was able to change the settings so it only rang for 5 min.

Learning curve is very big!!!!!!!!!!

Today we sail into Cologne and spent the whole day there.

September 21

Nice kick back sailing along the Rhine River day.
Saw some windmills today--- a working site of 90 Old style windmills and the newer else tic ones.

Met a lot of nice people. This trip is nicer then the big cruise we were a few years ago, only 200 people no rush here and there join in if you want or do your own thing

If anyone is reading this please comment. Or just say Hi,   just wondering.

On Board the Alta

We are unpacked had the welcome talk, and will be setting sail at 11:30pm tonight.
Tomorrow we tour the windmills at Kinderdijk  which an UNESCO site and by lunch we are sailing again.
Our room fits the queen size bed and room to move around....but... The balcony is GREAT.. 2 chairs a little table and I can see us sitting out there a lot as the temperature is starting to warm up and the day of rain has pasted.
Had a great last day walking the city having tea and cookies at canal side restaurant, and just looking and walking.
Lunch was a shared plater of meats,cheeses and lovely breads.
So far 455 pictures......recharging the camera battery ready to go again tomorrow.

Cheese

OMG. Aged goat cheese......voted the best cheese in the world 2011!...........best cheese we have ever eaten.
Returning to the store first thing tomorrow to buy more!!!!  Clerk told us we could take 20kilo back with us can't afford that much but can get another block that might last long enough to share with at least one person back home.....no guarantees.
Found it at the Cheese museum.

Today finally came

We're packed ,showder and  had breakfast. The airport taxi is picking us up at 11 ,and we for out at 1:45pm----and then we sit....14 hours...should be a really long day....and it is raining in Amsterdam but suppose to clear by Thursday.

Chicago

First leg of the journey done----now we sit for 3 hours till we board the next plane. They say our bags will follow us across that Atlantic------I sure hope they do...........

Second Day in Amsterdam

They might be calling for rain but by 9:30am we're on our way. We bought a 48 hour tram pass and got a free map of the city and all the tram routes.
First stop the Van Gogh Museum, on the way we were given free passes to Anne Frank's House. So off we go and had a great time at both....although there were a lot of steep stairs at the Frank's house and  4 floors at the museum---Pete wore his knee brace and did all right.
Found a "food store" and bought lunch and crackers to go with the cheese we bought at the Cheese Museum!!! Just got to buy the wine now.
Finished off the museum tour with Rembrandt---then back on the tram...walked thru the Red Light District and back to the hotel to get ready for supper.
Which I will tell you about later.
Lots of walking and took lots of pictures and mailed off some post cards. Over all a great day 2.

The flight ----first day

No problem boarding the plane in Pittsburgh, arrived in Chicago about 2:30 ,and waited till 5:30pm to board the next plane:(.
All went well and we took off with no problems and on time.
I got to see Lake Erie in it's entirely!! Saw Point Pelee and Pelee Island, also saw Long Point were we use to camp in the summer. Really great to see it from the air. It did get dark really quickly and clouded over for awhile. We flew right over our house but didn't figure that out until the clouds cleared enough to see Montreal all lit up. Could even see Mount Royal and the St. Lawrence River.
We got to see the Gaspe Peninsular and PEI . I really wanted to see the eastern coast of Canada and when we flew over Newfoundland I got to see the southern shore and the far eastern shore line--Really Great!!:-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
The cloud cover came in and with only the Atlantic Ocean below not much to see.........except right out my window there was the Big Dipper the only constellation I can pick out.....something to work on now I am retired!!
So in total we traveled 6630 km averaged an air speed of 1000km/hr with an altitude of 34,000 ft.
When the shores of Wales came into sight it was wonderful.. 6 hours sitting with 1 1/2 left. We flew over England not seeing much because of the clouds, and landed in the Netherlands on time and even better our luggage arrived with us!!
So first day of holidays over and happy about that...not looking forwarded to the flight home.
We dropped our luggage at the hotel and walked around the city--lots of old buildings and cobbled stoned streets.
Bicycles all over the place and roadways just for bikes.
Krysta we found your cookies and have them safety stored away for you.:-) :-) :-) :-)
Came back to the hotel and crashed for a few hours. We booked a dinner cruise tonight so we'll cruise the canals for 2 hours and have supper so that will be the end of day 1 in the Netherlands.

Trying to post a picture

Day 1 of our holidays

Left home at 0830 am and drove down to Grove City Pennsylvania. Good drive no problems.
Did some outlet shopping and kicking back in our room.
Tomorrow we go shopping for a few things on our US shopping list and bum around.
We are only an hour drive to the airport from here so one more sleep and we  board the plane and will be on our way

September 12

My birthday great day, just got back from supper. Just 2 more days..hard to believe. A little more packing and we are ready to go.

Tuesday

6 days to go!

Tonight the girls are having a retirement party for me - should be a good night.
Eating everything in the frig - can see the back! Will have a big shopping spree at the food store when we get back!

1 week today

Not a lot to do--- need to do a few things outside and pack the suitcases.
My retirement party is on Tuesday, will be nice to see everyone

Where we should be and how to get in touch with us...

First since BJ got the tablet working 100% we can get all e-mails to our normal address thru gmail.
You can also post on the blog.

We leave Sept 15 and start to drive down to Pittsburgh Penn.
We will not get there until the 17th so lots of time to hit the outlet mall and finish off shopping for Pete.
Me I have been shopping ever since we booked the trip a year ago - any excuse to shop.....

SO we are flying with Lufthansa - Swiss International Air Lines leaving Pittsburgh at 1:43 pm
Arriving in Amsterdam at 8:15 am on Sept 18

We will be staying at the Moevenpick Hotel in Amsterdam for 2 nights.
We board the Viking Atla on Sept 20 we will be in Stateroom 217.

On Sept 27 we'll be in Switzerland staying at the Schweizerhof Hotel in Lucerne for 2 nights.

We fly out at 12:55 pm and arrive back into Pittsburgh at 9:05 pm.


for BJ and Kate only - in the event of an emergency and you need to get in touch with usthe 24hr Emergency Assistance number - international - 1-715-295-5452


So I will post every night and try to take a picture with the tablet  - no promises on the quality - but promise to share all my pictures to anyone once we get back.

Day 1 of my posts

Thanks to BJ I can now post. Seems I set up a blog on a site that was not compatible with our tablet.
So the suitcases are up stairs and we have started to review what we are taking and what stays.
9 days until we leave.