Jan 18

Sliding into New Year’s 2020 in Vienna

After spending Christmas with our family in The Netherlands, we flew to Vienna to spend a couple of weeks with Niki, his family and friends. New Years was just around the corner.

This was the first time seeing his new home outside of Vienna in a small quaint village called Mayerling,

Mayerling is a small village (pop. 200) in Lower Austria belonging to the municipality of Alland in the district of Baden. It is situated on the Schwechat river, in the Wienerwald (Vienna woods), 24 kilometres (15 mi) southwest of Vienna. From 1550, it was in the possession of the abbey of Heiligenkreuz.

Besides spending quality time together and catching up, we enjoyed having Niki as our tour guide, especially since there is a global history attached to the village.

We visited The Discalced Carmelites and the small but very informative museum they have before entering. It felt more like a castle than an abbey. There is so much history surrounding this abbey and some is quite tragic.

default

As it was late December in Austria, we practically had the place to ourselves, which made it so much more relaxing. At the end of our tour, I saw an incredibly small building where you could light a votive “prayer” candle for a loved one. As it has become my “thing” while traveling, I lit one for my mom in loving memory. I am not Catholic, however it gives me the good feels when doing this, so I continue on the tradition.

Our Niki enjoys many things, but good food is by far at the top of his list. We always know he has scouted out and found the best places and the restaurants never disappoint. From gourmet burgers the size of one’s head, to sushi on a conveyer, authentic shawarma and everything in between.

We went to a ginormous mall called “Westfield Shopping City”, which is the largest in Austria.

The Shopping City Süd is a shopping centre located in Vösendorf and Wiener Neudorf, south of Vienna, Austria. With a leasable area of 235,000 m², it is the biggest shopping mall in Austria. It contains over 330 shops and has around 5,000 employees. Wikipedia

Even has an IKEA, but that would have taken an entire day itself, so we did not venture in.

It was stunning with all the Christmas decorations still displayed. Han was a great sport because he will avoid mall shopping if at all possible, but he and Niki chatted away while Niki’s gal pal “Brit” and I walked and shopped to the point of exhaustion. Bought a few trinkets, pair of boots and a beautiful blue sparkly Swarovski pen at Swarovski Official | Jewelry, Watches and Crystal Decorations.

We all pretty much either took a full on nap or at least laid down to chill upon arriving back to home base.

One of our days all together, we went to Niki’s parent’s new home. Those two are some of the loveliest people you would ever want to meet. We always have a great time when visiting, and try to see them at lease a couple of times when in Austria.They moved into a beautiful penthouse apartment with a huge balcony surrounding it. It is quite something. The day was sunny and warm enough to sit outside with a glass of wine. Had a scrumptious dinner with the family. The little ones opened some presents. We visited for quite some time to catch up on the past year or so.

One thing that really made my heart melt, is his mom still has the patchwork quilted pillow I made her from many, many years ago, when Niki started visiting as a foreign exchange student. The first time he visited, he was 15. Many more visits after that, in which he quickly became what I like to call, “my heart-adopted son”. Now he is in his mid 40’s. 

On New Year’s Eve we enjoyed the magnificent sights of fireworks from Niki’s balcony, drinking champagne and shivering in below freezing temperatures. Of course kisses, hugs and well wishes were passed around at midnight, then off to bed because we had a full day planned for new year’s day.

New Year’s Day arrived with plenty of much needed coffee. Relaxed a bit, then began preparing for the party. There would be seven of us along with a sweet basset hound.

When everyone arrived we passed around tradition little good luck trinkets for the new years. First time for me and another first was experiencing a cool item called a “Raclette Party Grill”. It is like an inside barbecue grill. I am sure many of you have seen or used one before, but I found it quite unique. Placed it in the center of the table, passed around all the cut up meats, veggies, potatoes and began our individual cooking. It is a lot more involved to make your meal, but it helps to make the meal last longer, be memorable and have time for jokes, stories and lots of laughter. Obviously wine and more wine was on the menu. Snuggling up in front of the fireplace with wine and great friends…does it get any better?

Time flew as it always does and too soon, it was time to fly back to The Netherlands in search of new adventures..

Until next time… love to our sweet Austrian family.

Horst, Limburg and Germany’s Eifel Mountains for the Holidays

Staying in Horst, Limburg & Eifel Mountains of Germany

Ten days into our trip we moved from Han’s younger brother Jos to older brother Eef and his wife Marlies who live in the quaint village of Horst about 50 miles to the north. Just driving through the country sides you quickly realize that there is so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Every city, town and village has its own wondrous attractions, pedestrian friendly town centers with tons of small stores, markets, cozy pubs and restaurants and friendly people.

When we arrived in Horst we unpacked the car and went to see Eef in the hospital from where he was released a couple of days later. He is doing much better.

Their home, close to the center of the village, is so comfortable and welcoming. A five  minute, easy walk takes us to shopping, have coffee at our favorite restaurant and get groceries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst,_Limburg

If you are ever in the area, don’t forget to drink from the dog statue water fountain. Water comes out of his nether region and the verse on the statue explains in a local dialect that if you ever visit the town to make sure you catch a drink at the fountain. Kind of like the world famous “Manneken Pis” in Brussels. The kids were having a great time. Continue reading

Jan 06

Christmas Markets of Western Europe

The Christmas markets of Western Europe are something I have never experienced before, and quite the experience they are. Even if you are not a shopper, the decorations are magnificent to see in person. The pictures are definitely not like seeing it in person, but for the most part I will have to let them do the writing for me. We visited five in total.

We began at Kerstmarket Gemeentegrot Valkenburg Netherlands. The market is held in underground Roman caves and admission is 7.50 Euro per person and well worth.

Be mindful where you walk because you can twist an ankle if not careful. This market had the best variety and prices. I wish I had bought more while we were there. The decorations were very bright, but most were flat LED lighted panels. The decor I enjoyed the most were the “Christmas Wish Trees”. They lined the entire length of the tunnels and you could purchase a one euro clear ball ornament, write a wish on a piece of red paper and hang on any tree of your choice. They were simply magical looking and many wishes, by others, ladened the trees down, making them all the more festive. No, I didn’t hang one, since I already had my wish by simply being there with Han. It can get quite crowded, but everyone was in the spirit of the season and very nice. Once again, I suggest you purchasing your gifts at this particular market.

Continue reading

Dec 12

Our First Full Day in Kerkrade

On our day of arrival in Kerkrade to Jos and Ria’s home (Han’s younger brother and sis-in-law) we had a (quite) a bit of wine, enjoyed a lovely late dinner and “attempted” to finally sleep. Sleep eluded us. Ugh! But, before I forget, we have in the meantime learned that Melatonin is your friend for combatting jet lag. It was practically miraculous. Just wish we had taken it upon boarding the plane.

Our first full day in Kerkrade had a slow start. Coffee was high on my list of needs, and Jos makes a perfect cup of coffee and plenty of it.

After we started floating on a sea of coffee, we all got dressed to take an invigorating walk into town. Majority of folks living here in the towncenter are very senior. Do we fit in? Nah, much too young! At least that is how it made me feel.

We went to a very thought provoking library (HuB.Bibliotheek Kerkrade), which had coalmine shaft elevator cars converted into little reading nooks, an inspiring dedicated children’s area and beautiful art work. Located upstairs is a full blown theater where plays are performed. https://www.bibliotheekkerkrade.nl

Note: Kerkrade was once, about 900 years ago, a suburb of today’s German city of Herzogenrath and today, lies directly on the border with Germany. The Monks of the local Rolduc Abby, started mining coal here in 1113 AD and Kerkrade became the first major coal mining town in Europe, which lasted until the 1970s. Continue reading

Dec 11

From Orlando to Amsterdam

Christmas in Orlando International

Jet lag is kicking both our behinds. I feel like a cranky baby in having my days and nights mixed up, or probably more like the cranky parent who has to deal with said child.
I am forcing myself to start writing or I will get farther and farther behind.
Our trip from Florida to the Netherlands was a bit eventful.
We began our trip in Lake City FL, where our friend Rory drove us to Orlando International, to catch the 9:28 pm Delta Airlines flight to Amsterdam. The plane was a bit late in departing, due to having to be throughly cleaned.
Even though Han bought me a comfy pillow to try and induce sleep, it was of zero help. I was in the middle seat, between Han and a very nice young military boy from the Netherlands, who was quite tall, all arms and legs, and I felt a bit squished. Next time I’ll reserve a window seat, so the pillow may work.

Being on a Keto diet, we had pre-ordered a diabetic meal (no sugar is essential on Keto) which was preceded by a delicious Peach Bellini Welcome drink. After dinner it was lights out and trying to catch some sleep.
At approximately 3:00am, our time, Han was just beginning to dose off and the young man beside me was in a deep sleep, when an older German gentlemen (73 years) got up to use the restroom, and at the exact moment he was beside our row of seats, he fainted and went down very hard.

While falling, he bumped into the young man sitting beside me, who awoke with an extreme start with legs and arms flailing, which I had to avoid being hit. Continue reading

May 06

En Route to Warmer Climes

After we left Traverse City, Michigan en route to warmer climes, we visited with my youngest daughter and her sweet little family.  I had a lot pent up energy, so I cleaned and organized the barn, then taught Liam how to “zen out” by raking. The fire pit never looked so good.

There is always something to do on the “Rice Farm”. Han and I were also gifted a precious letter from Elena who just turned six, the week before. The grand kids were so happy that I dressed up for Halloween and joined in on the melée of trick-or-treating. I shook an older gentlemen up a bit when I told him I could not move my arms, and could he please slip the candy into my back pocket. Of course my daughter rolled her eyes at this antic, which always makes my day.

Time flies when having fun, and our next stop was to visit a friend and her wife in Indiana. They were married at our B&B. The visit unfortunately did not go as planned because Sharon broke her arm the day before we were supposed to get there and even though she said we could still come by, we chose an airbnb instead. I could tell she really was not up to having company and I know when I am not feeling well, I surely do not want people around. It all turned out fine and we stayed with a very hospitable woman and her cute pets. The airbnb was spotless and comfy. The three of us sat outside and visited until it was time for bed. That is my favorite part of airbnb’s…meeting a variety of people. Here is a link, if you are ever in Columbus IN, you have our stamp of approval. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7264372?guests=1&adults=1&source_impression_id=p3_1557073844_BLhE7T4LcWEM5%2FTK

Continue reading

Apr 30

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City Sidewalk CafésTraverse City, Michigan, we had heard a lot about the Cherry Capital of the world from the Chereskins, our former neighbors in Fernandina Beach, Florida and were very much looking forward to visiting and exploring this city and its surroundings on Lake Michigan.
Sometimes we do and go so much that it makes my head spin, and the writing of our adventures becomes so extensive, that to sit down and actually write is a little daunting, but it is way past time to update my blog. So here goes…

To begin the story, we sold most of our belongings (again) and left Georgia to travel to our next stop of Michigan. Our friends threw us a lovely going away party and the next day in early August, we hit the road. Spent time with the grands and daughter for a couple of weeks. It is always a lovely adventure being with the grand kids. They keep you young and make you feel old, simultaneously.  LOL. Stored most of our items in my daughter’s new home and took off to Traverse City. Traverse is one of the busiest vacation spots in all of Michigan. I personally found it too busy for my taste, however it does have beautiful beaches, many places and nearby towns to explore, interesting history, adorable homes, fantastic restaurants and lots of outdoor activities.

I will give you the cons first because honestly, the pros far out-weigh the cons.

Cons: Where we were located ‘on the Main drag called Front Street, ambulances were constantly being dispatched to emergencies. I mean, I know this is a good thing to have available, but my goodness I have never heard SO many ambulances ever, nor as loud. It sometimes felt like Tokyo and New York on a Crossroad. It doesn’t help that even the roads are atrocious. The winter weather really beats them up and there is only a short time span (due to snow) that they can be repaired, and unfortunately that is during the busiest summer tourist months. And then the drivers….the drivers are scarier Chicago. I assure you that you had best take a good look before passing through YOUR green light because there is always someone running THEIR “very” red lights. Cutting you off in traffic is another fun game, IF you enjoy playing Mario Cart. Sadly there is a large population of homeless and drug issues. Not that they go hand in hand, but just something you cannot help but notice.

The city is known as the Caribbean of Michigan, and the most visited town in Michigan. The lake is clear, pure and there are a multitude of water sports to enjoy. Sailing, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, hunting for fossilized rocks (called Petoskey stones), sunning, swimming, kayaking and just taking in the scenery. Another popular outdoor activity is bicycling. The city boast some of the most beautiful and well maintained bike paths and parks to explore. If you don’t feel like hauling your bike with you, there are many rental companies to choose from. Continue reading

Aug 19

A Full Week of Fun, Family and Friends

david, jeabet and the kidsWe had a Full Week of Fun, Family and Friends planned around the birthday of my youngest one.
Thursday: July 27th
Early this morning we started our trek towards Michigan to visit with my youngest daughter and her sweet family.
Our first stop though was Nashville, to visit with our best friends and spend the night. We have a tendency to act like teenagers, who get all excited to visit with friends, then proceed to party too much. My good intentions of only partaking in one glass of wine went right out the window seconds upon arrival. After the first glass, then second and third……. after that, who’s counting or can??? LOL We finally all went to bed, I got the extreme giddy giggles and don’t really remember going to sleep, but I sure do remember waking up. Oh goodness, do I ever. Slow moving and a bit miserable. Our buddies slept in, we had some coffee, left them a thank you note and got on the road. Han drove, it was safer that way for sure.
Friday: July 28th
The trip from Kingsland to Nashville, the day before, had been uneventful and pleasant. However, the trip heading from Brentwood towards Michigan was complete misery. Very busy traffic, horrible fatal accidents, horrible truck driver behavior, more construction than we have experienced before, windy rain and with my numerous potty breaks, it became a very, very long day. At 5:00pm, I started feeling like a normal person and was beyond grateful. Han and I went to our favorite French Bakery and purchased two loaves of delicious warm french bread and drinks. I took over driving, as Han was getting dang tired and he really enjoyed his coffee and bread.
We rolled into Whitehall Michigan at 8:20pm and with so many hugs and kisses, I started feeling even better. We unloaded the car, visited some, set up our temporary bedroom in the basement and just relaxed with the grand kids until it was time for bed. Han and I were both so ready.
Saturday: July 29th

Continue reading

May 03

Crewing at a Horse Endurance Race in Hodges Alabama

April 20th, Thursday
Woke up bright and early, in enough time to gather my items, and waited for my daughter to pick me up to take me to Hodges Alabama, where she was going to compete in a horse endurance race. She does quite a few of those every year and this one was the season closer for her called “Hodges Hootenanny” and held at “Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park”. 

Friend Donna got an early start, as she was going all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. I drank probably the worst coffee in my life, but it woke me up.
My daughter “Maranda” pulled in around 8:30am (she was running a little behind) in her huge truck with the even larger 5th wheel horse trailer/camper combo. That girl of mine is something else! In the dictionary under the description of “kick ass chick”, should be a photo of her.
We loaded up and I finally got to meet the newest canine member of our family. His name is Gizmo and he is a cute energetic pill. LOL

We rolled into camp and I knew immediately that I was out of my element. See I am not overly fond of dealing with horses. Mind you they are beautiful, but they scare the crap out of me. Horses EVERYWHERE! These are not your average stable horses, they are strong and fast and sometimes overly spirited, so I figured I would need eyes in the back of my head to avoid being trampled. Continue reading

Apr 20

A Visit to Elvis Presley’s Birthplace in Tupelo Mississippi

Easter Sunday April 16th – Donna and I left for Tupelo Mississippi for a visit to Elvis Presley’s birthplace and safely arrived at our hotel. If you want to stay somewhere close to everything, but feel safe and secure, this is the place. Very nice Comfort Inn, staff and rooms.
We had a restful evening and night, grabbed some breakfast, then off to see Elvis’s Birthplace. The reason for visiting Tupelo in the first place. Last year Han and I visited Graceland in Memphis, so I was excited to see where it all started. I was definitely NOT disappointed. The home, church and area had such a peaceful serene feeling. It is absolutely worth the visit. Saw his home, the room where he was born, the car that carried the family from Tupelo to Graceland, wonderful memorabilia, lovely little museum, the church where he began his singing career and so much more. I was seriously impressed and touched by all.
They even have TV’s in the bathrooms playing Elvis videos and movies.

Continue reading

Load more