What a fantastic day! The air is still cool & fresh. We decide to drive about an hour to a famous lipanzza stud farm in slovenia.
Because there were 5&6 hour backups on the autostrada, fortunately we took the coast road & the views of the adriatic are spectacular.
Just outside of Trieste, we come across Miramare castle. Mikki explains it's the home of a famous princess, Sisi. The story sounds familiar but I get confused by all those Hapsburgs. We stop for spritz & coffees before walking up the hill to the castle; the harbor is filled with beautiful boats. The castle grounds are beautiful & the views are magnificent. I read some of the signs & become confused - no mention of a Sisi but lots of talk about Maxmilliano & Carlotta - who I'm pretty sure were the emperor & empress of Mexico. (about them I know a lot) there's also mention of Elizabeth, empress of Hungary, again I know a lot & I'm more than a little suspicious about this Sisi person but mikki assures me Sisi refused to marry.
Leaving the castle we make a mistake & end up in the middle of Trieste, much to my delight & Mikki's dismay. In an effort to correct our course she tells Franco we have to get to the top of the hill. Oh what a hill! At one time the car is in the wrong gear & we are sliding backwards.
We cross into Slovenia - no border guards as they are part of the EU. As we enter the farm grounds we see a pasture full of beautiful white horses. There must have been 50 or more mares & some foals.
The grounds are lovely but I can't spot the lime trees Mikki mentioned. Something about lime trees planted for the horses. We watch a training demonstration - the horses are magnificent. Then head for a tour of the farm. The guide is explaining that the linden trees (my favorite) are planted in honor of the horses. My head is swiveling, trying to catch Mikki's eye - lime trees/linden trees?? It's not like they are the same.
More later
Monday, August 31, 2009
Days Go By
Friday & Saturday pass. Franco arrives & we continue to visit, eat, drink & visit more. Mikki & Franco are looking forward to Ben's visit. The last time they saw him was at Breckenridge & he was still a boy. That brings back lots of memories & laughs.
Franco still works about 5 hours away & only comes home for the weekends.
Heat continued to be brutal Friday but we woke up Saturday to rain, which finally broke the cycle of heat. By evening, we were grabbing jackets.
Kilian, Mikki, Morgan & I play Zoombie Flux.Kilian & I disagree about Keepers, which leads to a lively discussion.
Franco still works about 5 hours away & only comes home for the weekends.
Heat continued to be brutal Friday but we woke up Saturday to rain, which finally broke the cycle of heat. By evening, we were grabbing jackets.
Kilian, Mikki, Morgan & I play Zoombie Flux.Kilian & I disagree about Keepers, which leads to a lively discussion.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
We arrive Summago
Mikki looks terrific! Antje & Chris told me she was doing fine, but very tired. Still, before I could relax, I had to see for myself.
It's hot. Not Oklahoma hot; but close & much more humid.
Great to see Kilian again, Georgia came in & we met the boyfriend, then Morgan arrived. School starts in 2 weeks so the kids are enjoying the last days of summer vacation.Franco will be in tomorrow to begin his 2 weeks of vacation.
It's about 5:00am.the silly rooster(neighbors) has crowed for an hour!
Fortunately the air cooled off. Jackie is making her rounds checking on her people.
Getting to the blog is hit or miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
We had no trouble switching trains in maestre. Only difficulty was trying to reach Mikki. Texting wasn't working & the pay phones require a card. (note to Ben, either have a prepaid phone or buy an Italian phone card) finally, the young man at the concession helped me by calling Mikki on his phone.at last, we're here!
It's hot. Not Oklahoma hot; but close & much more humid.
Great to see Kilian again, Georgia came in & we met the boyfriend, then Morgan arrived. School starts in 2 weeks so the kids are enjoying the last days of summer vacation.Franco will be in tomorrow to begin his 2 weeks of vacation.
It's about 5:00am.the silly rooster(neighbors) has crowed for an hour!
Fortunately the air cooled off. Jackie is making her rounds checking on her people.
Getting to the blog is hit or miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
We had no trouble switching trains in maestre. Only difficulty was trying to reach Mikki. Texting wasn't working & the pay phones require a card. (note to Ben, either have a prepaid phone or buy an Italian phone card) finally, the young man at the concession helped me by calling Mikki on his phone.at last, we're here!
Italian transportation
1st of all, what self-respecting food service cart serves Nescafe??? I wanted an espresso!
The bus ride to Como was as exciting going as it was coming. Bus was packed but everyone was friendly, giving up seats to older people, offering advise about which stop was upcoming, etc...most of the tourists appear to be german, rarely do we hear American & only occasionally English. My ear is getting used to Italian. I can pick out words & phrases.
Good thing as the Como train station announcements are mostly in Italian.
We changed trains in Milan - always an adventure with it's mass of humanity & pick pockets. I keep an eye on things while Philip goes to buy sandwiches.
I love to watch the Italian women; they can wear the most outrageous outfits & look so chic! Anything glittery is in!!
Would appear tights & long loose blouses with gorgeous belts are currently vogue. I feel particularly frumpy in my simple brown slacks, T-shirt & jacket. Where's my glitter?
Once the Venice train track is posted, there is a mass of people trying to manuver themselfs & suitcases down a 7' wide platform. Naturally, our coach is at the far end.
The Venice train is crowded. I hear some American, Japanese, Italian, English, & German. It's still holidays in much of Europe so people are in good spirits.
Since we don't know which train we'll be on to Portuguaro, we'll call Mikki after we arrive. Ciao!
The bus ride to Como was as exciting going as it was coming. Bus was packed but everyone was friendly, giving up seats to older people, offering advise about which stop was upcoming, etc...most of the tourists appear to be german, rarely do we hear American & only occasionally English. My ear is getting used to Italian. I can pick out words & phrases.
Good thing as the Como train station announcements are mostly in Italian.
We changed trains in Milan - always an adventure with it's mass of humanity & pick pockets. I keep an eye on things while Philip goes to buy sandwiches.
I love to watch the Italian women; they can wear the most outrageous outfits & look so chic! Anything glittery is in!!
Would appear tights & long loose blouses with gorgeous belts are currently vogue. I feel particularly frumpy in my simple brown slacks, T-shirt & jacket. Where's my glitter?
Once the Venice train track is posted, there is a mass of people trying to manuver themselfs & suitcases down a 7' wide platform. Naturally, our coach is at the far end.
The Venice train is crowded. I hear some American, Japanese, Italian, English, & German. It's still holidays in much of Europe so people are in good spirits.
Since we don't know which train we'll be on to Portuguaro, we'll call Mikki after we arrive. Ciao!
leaving lake como
We're not about to miss this bus! The hotel had an early breakfast for us, had an early check out; we hurry off with our suitcases & here we stand - 40 mins before the bus arrives! We're such dopes & if we're at the wrong stop - can't find a bus stop sign anywhere. Aah, I hear Philip asking a local, who says we're in the rigt place. Now if I can only figure out how to call Mikki but I have several hours to fret.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
a day on the lake
After a typical continental breakfast served at the hotel - 3 min eggs,cereal, pastry, rolls, meat, cheese & yogurt - with cappacinno; we decided to explore the lake by ferry. 1st stop was Veranna, a lovely town which seems to rise completely out of the water. How the houses & shops cling to the hillside is a mystery to me.I explored streets that climbed so high I couldn't see the top; while other paths ended in a breath taking view of the lake. I think one of the resons I so love Italy is the colors - the buildings of ochre, yellow shades of faded orange & red. After an hour or so, I rejoined Philip at the center. I'm so thankful my PT suggested buying walking sticks. They are perfect for these steep streets & help me keep my balance.
Next we took the ferry to bellagio where I spent more hours going up & down hills before meeting Philip for lunch. I wish I could forget the internet; as I read of senator Kennedy's death & that rocked my world. There are few Americans here & no one else seem to sense my sadness. I depended on his voice to represent me, even tho I never lived in his state. Night from como
Next we took the ferry to bellagio where I spent more hours going up & down hills before meeting Philip for lunch. I wish I could forget the internet; as I read of senator Kennedy's death & that rocked my world. There are few Americans here & no one else seem to sense my sadness. I depended on his voice to represent me, even tho I never lived in his state. Night from como
Mennagio at last!
Finally we get off at the correct station - can be tricky in Como as there are 2 stations. Naturally we miss the
Mennagio bus by minutes & wait 30 mins. No ATM at the station - must remember that for future trips.
The C10 bus is a local; takes about an hour on the scariest road imaginable - lots of honks & cars backing up to give way. I mostly keep my eyes shut.
Anyway, we arrive in mennagio & after a short walk to the center, we stop at a cafe to have a spritz before going to the Hotel Garni. I've stayed here several times. This time we're in the same enormous room as last time - perfect for viewing the action in the plaza. Cost is 70€-cheap for the area.
We rest then walk around the center, get a gelato & go sit by the lake, watching the promonaders. It's fun. So many people are locals & stop to greet one another & visit.dinner is outdoors; by the lake. This is the land of 8:00-10:00 suppers, takes a little getting used to. Fortunately there's no need to gnaw the fingers what with so many bars & gelato shops. You get a mini-meal with every Spritz - peanuts, chips, olives, bread sticks, etc
We eat at the hotel corona. I started with goat cheese & trout. Then had raviolli & finished with salvisis. The latter I'm not having again!a lit match anywhere near me & I'd have been a human bonfire.
Mennagio bus by minutes & wait 30 mins. No ATM at the station - must remember that for future trips.
The C10 bus is a local; takes about an hour on the scariest road imaginable - lots of honks & cars backing up to give way. I mostly keep my eyes shut.
Anyway, we arrive in mennagio & after a short walk to the center, we stop at a cafe to have a spritz before going to the Hotel Garni. I've stayed here several times. This time we're in the same enormous room as last time - perfect for viewing the action in the plaza. Cost is 70€-cheap for the area.
We rest then walk around the center, get a gelato & go sit by the lake, watching the promonaders. It's fun. So many people are locals & stop to greet one another & visit.dinner is outdoors; by the lake. This is the land of 8:00-10:00 suppers, takes a little getting used to. Fortunately there's no need to gnaw the fingers what with so many bars & gelato shops. You get a mini-meal with every Spritz - peanuts, chips, olives, bread sticks, etc
We eat at the hotel corona. I started with goat cheese & trout. Then had raviolli & finished with salvisis. The latter I'm not having again!a lit match anywhere near me & I'd have been a human bonfire.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
days 5 & 6 - heading to Como
Well our train record remains intact - manage to get off at the wrong Zurich station. I mean, how difficult is this? The train runs between 7 stations with one end being the main station. That's all it does all day long, back & forth.so instead of stepping off one train & gettng on another; we're like pack mules winding thru the Zurich streets. It's drizzly & my hair-do is getting frazzled & Philip's sweating thru his shirt. Lovely!
Gwen completed her dreaded french oral yesterday. She thinks she passed, which is all she cares about.today she has German, English & math orals & then she's done.
We're on the train to Como.it's a lovely 3 hour trip thru the alps. More later.
Gwen completed her dreaded french oral yesterday. She thinks she passed, which is all she cares about.today she has German, English & math orals & then she's done.
We're on the train to Como.it's a lovely 3 hour trip thru the alps. More later.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day 4 - Sunday at the Saintes
Most of the way, chris continued to grumble that it took his cousin coming here before he, who's lived here 50+ years, finally comes to the Saintes ... and she's been here before. To be fair, I didn't take the cable car to the top, 18 years ago, and I'm telling you; the view is spectacular. I can't post any pictures until I get to Mikkis - this Mac is too ancient .
From the top (8000') 6 countries are visable and practically every major alpine peak. We were at the top 3-4 hours. along with 1/2 of Switerland & Germany. Even the crowds couldn't deter the magnificence of the views.
From the top (8000') 6 countries are visable and practically every major alpine peak. We were at the top 3-4 hours. along with 1/2 of Switerland & Germany. Even the crowds couldn't deter the magnificence of the views.
3rd Day - Afternoon & Evening
Antje & Chris came back from inspecting the house. They love it but are about $200,000 short as the house is a perfect size but needs repairs. You could tell they were disappointed as not many houses are on the market & this one is in the next community so the kids could remain in the community where they grew up. They took us back to look at the house and it is in lovely neighborhood - with mostly single homes.
Antje and I went to a gallery opening - paintings by students of the deaf school. One of the painters was Dario, an 8 year old patient of Antje's. His little face lit up when he saw her. In addition to being deaf, Dario has celebral palasy. 2 of his painting sold the 1st daz.
In the evening we headed down to the park by the lake. During the month of August, on week ends, various theatre groups put on plays and restaurants set up booths. There are lots and lots of street entertainers - from all over Europe. It's sort of like Taste of Chicago meets Shakespeare in the Park. Highly amused to noticed the food for the evening was Oklahoma Barbeque - say what? That produced lots of chuckling.
Antje and I went to a gallery opening - paintings by students of the deaf school. One of the painters was Dario, an 8 year old patient of Antje's. His little face lit up when he saw her. In addition to being deaf, Dario has celebral palasy. 2 of his painting sold the 1st daz.
In the evening we headed down to the park by the lake. During the month of August, on week ends, various theatre groups put on plays and restaurants set up booths. There are lots and lots of street entertainers - from all over Europe. It's sort of like Taste of Chicago meets Shakespeare in the Park. Highly amused to noticed the food for the evening was Oklahoma Barbeque - say what? That produced lots of chuckling.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
3rd Day - Morning
After a lot of discussion about how I like to get up early; horrified to look at the clock, as I prepared coffee, it was 9:00!!! About 5 mins later, the thundering Schnorfs came down the stairs. (when there are 3 teen-agers in a house with wooden stairs, "thundering" is an apt description)
If I thought 1 half-awake teenager sitting across the table from me, this summer, was alarming; imagine my reaction to look up & see 3!!!! I'm not so sure I'm in favor of the communal breakfast time.
Chris & Antje are looking for a house to buy...as their cooperative is due to be torn down in 4 years. A house, in the area where they want to live, is on the market ... but it may require lots of remodeling; which would put it out of their price range...a house in Zurich area would be roughly 1 million £. So her father is going along to give them an idea of how much repair work would be needed. It's doubtful this house will meet their needs but houses on the market are few and far between & they need to look at each one.
Later today, Antje's sister is coming by so for the 1st time, all in one day, we meet the entire Wolf family.
If I thought 1 half-awake teenager sitting across the table from me, this summer, was alarming; imagine my reaction to look up & see 3!!!! I'm not so sure I'm in favor of the communal breakfast time.
Chris & Antje are looking for a house to buy...as their cooperative is due to be torn down in 4 years. A house, in the area where they want to live, is on the market ... but it may require lots of remodeling; which would put it out of their price range...a house in Zurich area would be roughly 1 million £. So her father is going along to give them an idea of how much repair work would be needed. It's doubtful this house will meet their needs but houses on the market are few and far between & they need to look at each one.
Later today, Antje's sister is coming by so for the 1st time, all in one day, we meet the entire Wolf family.
2nd Day
Everyone is at work or school today. Philip and I went to the train station to validate our Eurorail passes & get a reservation for Tuesday travel to Lake Como. We then walked down the Baunhoffstrasse, window shopping and people watching - Philip was good for about 5 blocks then he wanted to hop on a tram and go to the lake to ride the boat to Rapperswill.
Zurich started the Decorated Cow Craze many years ago; most of the cities in the world followed suite - with pigs, cows, horses, lions, etc.... Zurich's experiments since are all down hill. The Teddy bears of a few years ago were a real bust. This year it's huge plant urns & the urns are decorated. (eventually, I'll get some pictures added to this blog)
Anyway, we picked up a ferry and spent the midday going up and down the lake, drinking wine & eating pommes frittes.
Returned to the house about 2:00, picked up our books & went outside, trying not to disturb Gwen, who's studying for her exams. Her exams are Monday & Tuesday. They are her Matura exams & all the exams are oral. She's confident she'll do well in everything but French. The french exam involves discussing 20 books by french philosophers. Graduation is Sept 4th at the Grössmunster. She has a month off before starting work at an Orthopedic Hospital. That's where she hopes to earn the money for her trip to the states.
The rest of of the family began to appear about 4-5:00. The afternoon was warm & sunny; we all drifted back and forth between the house & garden, continuing to visit & discuss plans for the week end. Kevin & Gwen are scout leaders & will be busy tomorrow. Antje & Chris are going with Antje's parents to look at house. Ginny is meeting up with friends. Sunday, we're going to the Appenswill area & to the top of the Santis - Chris & Antje have never been. Chris was annoyed to learn this will be my 2nd trip!
It'll be a busy week end.
Zurich started the Decorated Cow Craze many years ago; most of the cities in the world followed suite - with pigs, cows, horses, lions, etc.... Zurich's experiments since are all down hill. The Teddy bears of a few years ago were a real bust. This year it's huge plant urns & the urns are decorated. (eventually, I'll get some pictures added to this blog)
Anyway, we picked up a ferry and spent the midday going up and down the lake, drinking wine & eating pommes frittes.
Returned to the house about 2:00, picked up our books & went outside, trying not to disturb Gwen, who's studying for her exams. Her exams are Monday & Tuesday. They are her Matura exams & all the exams are oral. She's confident she'll do well in everything but French. The french exam involves discussing 20 books by french philosophers. Graduation is Sept 4th at the Grössmunster. She has a month off before starting work at an Orthopedic Hospital. That's where she hopes to earn the money for her trip to the states.
The rest of of the family began to appear about 4-5:00. The afternoon was warm & sunny; we all drifted back and forth between the house & garden, continuing to visit & discuss plans for the week end. Kevin & Gwen are scout leaders & will be busy tomorrow. Antje & Chris are going with Antje's parents to look at house. Ginny is meeting up with friends. Sunday, we're going to the Appenswill area & to the top of the Santis - Chris & Antje have never been. Chris was annoyed to learn this will be my 2nd trip!
It'll be a busy week end.
Friday, August 21, 2009
1st day
Lovely! Antje & I spent the day getting got caught up over coffee, rolls, cheese, & jams; while Philip napped; Ginny came home for lunch; Gwen stopped in between studies; Kevin arrived from school; Chris came home from work. We only stopped because Antje left for a meeting. By then Philip was fully awake & fixing spritz's & everyone's trying to talk.after supper we drifted to the yard & talked into the evening.
Kevin's projects are awesome! Hard to belive someone with only a year's apprenticeship is all ready producing such quality work. Gwen is planning her trip to the states - April & May.she's traveling with 3 or 5 friends; depending on how everyone's tests & work comes together in the next 6 months.
Anyone who comes across a clunker car the girls can buy & use for their 2 months of travel - keep Gwen in mind!that's assuming one of them has a driver's license be then!
Kevin's projects are awesome! Hard to belive someone with only a year's apprenticeship is all ready producing such quality work. Gwen is planning her trip to the states - April & May.she's traveling with 3 or 5 friends; depending on how everyone's tests & work comes together in the next 6 months.
Anyone who comes across a clunker car the girls can buy & use for their 2 months of travel - keep Gwen in mind!that's assuming one of them has a driver's license be then!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Arrived Zurich
Flight was uneventful other than a crying baby.
Breezed thru customs & headed for the train station where we had our usual difficulty purchasing train tickets from the kiosk. With the help of a young man, we got our tickets & hopped onto the train; hopping off at the WRoNG STATiON!
That was the pits! After about 15 trips to Zurich & we don't realize we weren't at the baun hauas! Correction made & now we're on way. Arrived at the Manegg station & waiting for the bus to take us up the hill. 1st stop is Antje & Chris's. Here at last!!
Breezed thru customs & headed for the train station where we had our usual difficulty purchasing train tickets from the kiosk. With the help of a young man, we got our tickets & hopped onto the train; hopping off at the WRoNG STATiON!
That was the pits! After about 15 trips to Zurich & we don't realize we weren't at the baun hauas! Correction made & now we're on way. Arrived at the Manegg station & waiting for the bus to take us up the hill. 1st stop is Antje & Chris's. Here at last!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2009 Off We Go!
Sitting in the Atlanta airport enjoying my favorite pasttime - people watching. Cute little boy but I do hope he's on the opposite end of the plane from me. Whoops! Time to board.
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