Today started slowly. We needed to get rested up. Phylis had room service (Chuck and myself) bring her breakfast and coffee. After Gloria came over we started exploring her neighborhood.
She lives in a panelec---the name given those apartment buildings built by the Communist. They were called panelec because the walls are made with plastic panels. HGTV's International House Hunters had a show recently that showed the panelec apartments. They stand 4 to 16 stories tall with elevators. Each apartment has a small galley kitchen, a WC (small room with toilet only), bathroom with sink and shower/tub, bedrooms, living room. Most apartments have balconies ---nice to sit on, but essential for clothes drying. Most apartments have a small washer, but never a dryer. About 85% of the citizens live in a panelec. They are set up in communities which have their own grocery store, school, playground, etc. During the Communist years they were all painted grey. Now some of the buildings are painted different colors or have designs painted on them. The individual homes are constructed of reinforced concrete blocks and finished with stucco. They are painted a variety of colors---cream, yellow, gold, etc. We also visited a shopping center near there for coffee and carbs! Although we never hear English spoken, McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks, KFC are present.
The weather was in the 40's but grey and with a bit of a breeze. Went downtown and scouted out where we are going tomorrow. Ate at a quaint French creperie. It was below ground level and located in a section that has quite a few French residents. We each had crepes: blue cheese and bacon, egg and cheese, spinach and cheese, and blue cheese and ham. We had cider to drink and a bowl of olives to nibble on. Total bill was $25 for dinner for 4. On the way home we saw people coming home from skiing in the mountains. Today we were on the bus 3 times, the metro 3 times and the tram 5 times.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Cesky Krumlov
Today we were on otur own. Gloria had purchased our tickets, took us on the tram route, and took us to the meeting place so she trusted us. We rose early and had breakfast. This hotel has a breakfast room and every morning a breakfast is set out: coffee and tea, apple and orange juice, hard cooked eggs, two cereals, two kinds of sliced cheese, sliced ham and sausage, two kinds of yogurt, plain rolls, rye bread, pastries, butter, jam. If we are hungry it is our own fault.
Today's trip was to Cesky Krumlov--a Renaissance city from 1100 to 1700 located two hours south of here close to the Austrian border. We took the tram to the city center and met the tour van (8 passenger). There was only one more tourist. We had our own driver and guide. It was great to leave the city and see what the countryside looked like. There was snow cover. We could see some small animals. The guide said that they were reeboks--little bitty deer about the size of prong horn antelope. Saw probably six herds which varied in size from 4 to 24. If there had not been snow cover, we would never have spotted them. The guide said there were wild boar in the woods along the roads. The terrain was rolling with wide fields. We spotted bales of hay, winter wheat, and plowed fields. Arrived around 11:30am and started walking with the guide pointing out the upper and lower castle (closed this time of year), courtyards, St. Vitus church, a zillion souvenir shops, etc. Of course, there were more cobblestones, lots of steps, and steep inclines. A river runs through the town. Had lunch--more dumplings--both potato and bread ones--and sauerkraut. After shopping for a while, we headed back around 4:00 pm. Our driver had a death wish and could easily drive in Mexico. If he wanted to pass someone,at 140 kph, the oncoming car had better move over. Instead of delivering us to the spot where he picked us up, he took us to St. Wenselas square. We didn't have a clue where we were. Phylis frantically looked at the map to try to figure out our location. Chuck went into negotiating mode. They eventually took us back to our pickup point and we easily caught the tram from there. Back to the hotel and watching the Olympics---of course, we can't understand what the announcer is saying. Just happy that Phylis was able to figure out how to turn the televison on!
Today's trip was to Cesky Krumlov--a Renaissance city from 1100 to 1700 located two hours south of here close to the Austrian border. We took the tram to the city center and met the tour van (8 passenger). There was only one more tourist. We had our own driver and guide. It was great to leave the city and see what the countryside looked like. There was snow cover. We could see some small animals. The guide said that they were reeboks--little bitty deer about the size of prong horn antelope. Saw probably six herds which varied in size from 4 to 24. If there had not been snow cover, we would never have spotted them. The guide said there were wild boar in the woods along the roads. The terrain was rolling with wide fields. We spotted bales of hay, winter wheat, and plowed fields. Arrived around 11:30am and started walking with the guide pointing out the upper and lower castle (closed this time of year), courtyards, St. Vitus church, a zillion souvenir shops, etc. Of course, there were more cobblestones, lots of steps, and steep inclines. A river runs through the town. Had lunch--more dumplings--both potato and bread ones--and sauerkraut. After shopping for a while, we headed back around 4:00 pm. Our driver had a death wish and could easily drive in Mexico. If he wanted to pass someone,at 140 kph, the oncoming car had better move over. Instead of delivering us to the spot where he picked us up, he took us to St. Wenselas square. We didn't have a clue where we were. Phylis frantically looked at the map to try to figure out our location. Chuck went into negotiating mode. They eventually took us back to our pickup point and we easily caught the tram from there. Back to the hotel and watching the Olympics---of course, we can't understand what the announcer is saying. Just happy that Phylis was able to figure out how to turn the televison on!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Blogging from Prague
What an adventure---but let's start from the beginning. We left Rockford on the 4pm bus on Tuesday the 23rd. Flew out of O'Hare at 8:30pm. Four hour layover in London. Arrived in Prague around 5pm on Wednesday ==we are seven hours ahead of Central Standard Time. Gloria met us at the airport. We each had a backpack and one piece of wheeled luggage. We changed money and purchased five day transportation (metro, bus, or tram) passes. We boarded the bus, transferred to the metro (underground subway), transferred to the tram (streetcar) , and walked straight up a hill for two blocks all the while dragging our luggage. The airport is located northwest of Prague and our hotel is in the southeast part of the city. We had spent an hour on public transportation. We were totally exhausted. Gloria was excited to finally have us here and starting telling us her plans. We could only think of sleep. We are staying at the Wolf Hotel --a family-owned small hotel located in a residential neighborhood. It is very clean and modest. The shower is hot, the bed is comfortable, and breakfast good.
On Thursday morning, the three of explored our neighborhood. Found a grocery store and bought some supplies (wine, water, bread, apples). Gloria came back around noon. Took the tram to central city - 35 minutes. Spent the afternoon exploring Old Town. All the cobblestones made for difficult walking for Phylis and myself. The weather was beautiful - high in the 40's and sunny. Walked the Old Kings' Way---the parade route for a new king to be received by the town, the workers, the military, etc. Had street food for lunch. Ate a rulicke (mutnik --Al and Sharon) long hot dog in a round bun. very good. Went to the National Public Library--former monastery. Wonderful barrel ceilings,, a porcelain stove two-stories high, very historical. Walked across the Charles bridge, back under bridge, saw modern sculptures of babies, saw yellow plastic penquins along the river , back across the bridge. By this time our feet were ready to drop off. Had a cup of coffee in a heated outdoor restaurant by the clock--an astronomical clock built several hundred years ago--a common meeting place for people. Saw the Jan Hus statue. We hobbled to the Imperial Cafe for dinner while Gloria went to Czeck class. It was a white table cloth place porcelain panels covered walls and ceilings. The faucets in the bathrooms were golden swans who spewed water out their mouth-pretty memorable. Phylis had salmon, Chuck had lamb shanks, and I had rabbit. We each had a glass of wine. Our dinners were less than $30 each. We went to a nearby shopping center in search of an adapter for the computer and telephone charger.(We each brought an electrical adapter, but neither worked). Finally found one. Gloria met us and we took the tram back to the hotel. We were exhausted again. A little medicinal wine helped our feet!
Phylis brought along a notebook computer. After finding the adapter, we needed to hook up to
WiFi. Found out that the computer had to be plugged in in order to get on WiFi. Then I could only get Czech on the blog and I didn't think you would appreciate that. Anyway, we got it together tonight.
Today we started out around 11am. We took the tram to the Castle--a major landmark in Prague. The Castle stands high on the hill above Prague. It was there when the Roman legions marched into town over 2000 years ago. It is a group buildings that houses the Czech government. St. Vitus cathedral is the centerpiece of the castle with large stained glass windows, etc. Today was much colder than yesterday with a breeze and mist. We walked down the very steep and long hill---stopping often to admire the scenery. Took the tram to the literary coffee house (where the politicians meet) for coffee and dessert. Visited the Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary the Victorious. The Holy Infant of Prague is located there in a glass case. It is a wax sculpture, smaller than life size, presented to the Carmelites in 1628. The sisters dress the statue in elaborate costumes made of ermine and silk velvet. Went to a concert of Czech music in the Church in the wall built in 1178--built before the city walls were built. Should have been suspicious when the posters advertising the concert emphasized that the building was heated. The music was wonderful. Two violins, one viola,and one cello--excellent musicians, but it was cold and just got colder as we sat there. Had dinner at a Czech restaurant-goulash, sausages, cabbage and dumplings---delicious. Took the tram back to our hotel. Stay tuned.
Now that we had the adapter, the next step was hooking up to Wifi. Finally got that done and could get on the internet
On Thursday morning, the three of explored our neighborhood. Found a grocery store and bought some supplies (wine, water, bread, apples). Gloria came back around noon. Took the tram to central city - 35 minutes. Spent the afternoon exploring Old Town. All the cobblestones made for difficult walking for Phylis and myself. The weather was beautiful - high in the 40's and sunny. Walked the Old Kings' Way---the parade route for a new king to be received by the town, the workers, the military, etc. Had street food for lunch. Ate a rulicke (mutnik --Al and Sharon) long hot dog in a round bun. very good. Went to the National Public Library--former monastery. Wonderful barrel ceilings,, a porcelain stove two-stories high, very historical. Walked across the Charles bridge, back under bridge, saw modern sculptures of babies, saw yellow plastic penquins along the river , back across the bridge. By this time our feet were ready to drop off. Had a cup of coffee in a heated outdoor restaurant by the clock--an astronomical clock built several hundred years ago--a common meeting place for people. Saw the Jan Hus statue. We hobbled to the Imperial Cafe for dinner while Gloria went to Czeck class. It was a white table cloth place porcelain panels covered walls and ceilings. The faucets in the bathrooms were golden swans who spewed water out their mouth-pretty memorable. Phylis had salmon, Chuck had lamb shanks, and I had rabbit. We each had a glass of wine. Our dinners were less than $30 each. We went to a nearby shopping center in search of an adapter for the computer and telephone charger.(We each brought an electrical adapter, but neither worked). Finally found one. Gloria met us and we took the tram back to the hotel. We were exhausted again. A little medicinal wine helped our feet!
Phylis brought along a notebook computer. After finding the adapter, we needed to hook up to
WiFi. Found out that the computer had to be plugged in in order to get on WiFi. Then I could only get Czech on the blog and I didn't think you would appreciate that. Anyway, we got it together tonight.
Today we started out around 11am. We took the tram to the Castle--a major landmark in Prague. The Castle stands high on the hill above Prague. It was there when the Roman legions marched into town over 2000 years ago. It is a group buildings that houses the Czech government. St. Vitus cathedral is the centerpiece of the castle with large stained glass windows, etc. Today was much colder than yesterday with a breeze and mist. We walked down the very steep and long hill---stopping often to admire the scenery. Took the tram to the literary coffee house (where the politicians meet) for coffee and dessert. Visited the Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary the Victorious. The Holy Infant of Prague is located there in a glass case. It is a wax sculpture, smaller than life size, presented to the Carmelites in 1628. The sisters dress the statue in elaborate costumes made of ermine and silk velvet. Went to a concert of Czech music in the Church in the wall built in 1178--built before the city walls were built. Should have been suspicious when the posters advertising the concert emphasized that the building was heated. The music was wonderful. Two violins, one viola,and one cello--excellent musicians, but it was cold and just got colder as we sat there. Had dinner at a Czech restaurant-goulash, sausages, cabbage and dumplings---delicious. Took the tram back to our hotel. Stay tuned.
Now that we had the adapter, the next step was hooking up to Wifi. Finally got that done and could get on the internet
Monday, February 22, 2010
Packing for Prague
Traveling to Prague has been on our radar for quite some time. Our friend, Phylis, has a friend, Gloria, who lives in Prague part-time. Gloria has been encouraging Phylis to come for a visit for several years. Late last fall we started making plans and met with Gloria in early January. She has helped us plan a busy and exciting 10 day trip.
Several people have asked if we are going to Czechoslovakia. In 1993, the country of Czechoslovakia dissolved. Two countries replaced it: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The two countries had been joined together as Czechoslovakia since 1918. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. (If you knew all that, just skip the paragraph.)
The Czech Republic is bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. The temperatures appear to be just a little warmer than Rockford. For instance, the 7 day forecast on the Internet has highs in the low 40s and lows in the 30s.
Chuck is looking forward to being in Eastern Europe, the layers of history, and the food. I am looking forward to the music, seeing the countryside, and the food.
Tomorrow will be a day of travel by car, bus, two air flights, and tram to our hotel. Stay tuned for the adventures of the Illinois travelers.
Several people have asked if we are going to Czechoslovakia. In 1993, the country of Czechoslovakia dissolved. Two countries replaced it: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The two countries had been joined together as Czechoslovakia since 1918. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. (If you knew all that, just skip the paragraph.)
The Czech Republic is bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. The temperatures appear to be just a little warmer than Rockford. For instance, the 7 day forecast on the Internet has highs in the low 40s and lows in the 30s.
Chuck is looking forward to being in Eastern Europe, the layers of history, and the food. I am looking forward to the music, seeing the countryside, and the food.
Tomorrow will be a day of travel by car, bus, two air flights, and tram to our hotel. Stay tuned for the adventures of the Illinois travelers.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sightseeing in Southern CA
Saturday was another cool and cloudy day. I must mention that Uncle Dale had wonderful tangerines and grapefruit which we enjoyed in abundance. After breakfast UD conducted a general tour of the area. That means that Larry was the driver and Uncle Dale was the navigator. Our destination was the Getty Museum, but we took a rather circuitous route getting there. Drove through the campuses of California Lutheran and Pepperdine University. Continued along the Pacific Ocean, through Malibu and Santa Monica. The hillsides were green due to recent rains and we could see where mud had 'slid' across the road in places. Getty Museum is a spectacular architectural treat perched high on a hill. Parking is far below the museum. Then you board the tram that takes you to the Museum --five separate buildings surrounded by gardens. We split up for our tours. Small world --Nancy ran into someone who had been on the cruise with us. Chuck met Butch Hasz from Lanark, former General Manager of Carroll Service Company. By 4:00pm we left and headed for Lawry's Prime Rib --one of Uncle Dale's favorite places. Dinner was a special treat followed by free dessert, compliments of the manager who is one of Uncle Dale's friends from Rotary. On the way back home we went by Groman's Chinese Theater (with all the stars on the sidewalk), the Disney Concert Hall, and many other Hollywood sights.
Today we attended church at Ascension Lutheran in Thousand Oaks. Chuck enjoyed a walk with Uncle Dale. Now we will watch the Super Bowl. Tomorrow morning we leave for home.
Two weeks from now we leave for Prague so check the blog and travel with us.
Today we attended church at Ascension Lutheran in Thousand Oaks. Chuck enjoyed a walk with Uncle Dale. Now we will watch the Super Bowl. Tomorrow morning we leave for home.
Two weeks from now we leave for Prague so check the blog and travel with us.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sightseeing in LosAngeles
Friday was our day of disembarkation at the SanPedro pier. By 9:30am we had had breakfast, finished packing, met in the Provenance Dining room, left the ship, went through customs, and claimed our luggage. Then we boarded a bus and headed towards LAX and a rental car. Drove one hour north to Moorpark, CA and Larry's Uncle Dale who is a retired Lutheran Pastor. Uncle Dale is 91 years old and a world traveler. He enjoys having company and sharing his travel experiences. After lunch we drove up to Reagan's Presidential Library which you can see from Uncle Dale's house. It was a rainy, cool (51 degrees) day with a brisk breeze. Hey, we've been in the tropics so it felt cool! The unfortunate part was that visibility was very low so we couldn't enjoy the beautiful scenery which is usually visible from the Libary. We always visit Presidential Libraries when possible so this was one more. When we returned to Uncle Dale's, he had set the dining room table with his new tablecloth from St. Thomas, Waterford crystal, and his finest silver and china. We enjoyed Filet Mignon (grilled by Larry and Chuck) and Champagne. Nancy and I are the kitchen crew. After we cleaned up, we called it a day.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Last port: CaboSanLucas
This morning we opened our balcony door and could hear the seals barking. It was still dark but we knew that we were near Cabo. Around 6:30 you could see the rock formations that are identified with Cabo and the lights of Cabo against the mountain/big hill background. At 7:45 we took a tender (actually our lifeboats) to the shore. We walked around this vacation area that is a haven for Californians and listened to all the hawkers wanting us to go on glass-bottom boat rides, or scuba diving or swim off Lovers Beach or see the whales, etc. Pelicans perched on many of the small fishing boats that were tied to the dock. Every once in a while they would swoop down and scoop up a mouthful of fish. Around 10:00 we went back to the pier and boarded a boat for Whale Watching. By the big rocks we could see the seals playing in the water. When we got a little further out we could see a baby Hump Back Whale (born a week ago with the birth weight of one and a half tons) and its mother. There was the classic spurt of water in the air and then the whales surfaced to take in air. They did not arc high like the National Geographic pictures you see, but we could clearly see them within 15 or 20 yards. We (along with about half a dozen smaller boats) followed them for an hour or so. The narrator on our boat was a marine biologist whose specialty was deep sea mammals. Then we came back in and boarded a tender back to our ship. By 1:30 we were moving out of the bay and on our way. Tonight at dinner the chef and his kitchen crew paraded around the dining room. The food has been outstanding. Dave, we had Beef Wellington tonight and thought of you. Sheryl, we had lobster - again- and thought of you. Tomorrow is at sea along with packing our bags. We will disembark on Friday morning.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Greetings from Acapulco
Saturday night right after we blogged, there was an announcement that we had a medical emergency. Instead of a leisurely trip to our next port, we were going full speed ahead and into a strong wind. It turned out to be a pretty rocky ride through the night. We arrived at Huatulco at 8.00 am instead of 1 pm. NOTE: we are onshore in Acapulco which means that the computer really wants to write in Spanish and keeps reverting to that and the keyboard is just enough different to be very confusing. Back to the story: the ambulance came and went. We went to church, walked to town, had lunch and then a tour. We are in HUATULCO. It is a created village. Mexico saw what a success Cancun has been and purchased land on the west side of Mexico and proceeded to build a fishing village for cruise ships since 2004 also hotels. The effect is a sanitized version of a Mexican village. The tour was rather disappointing. Of course there wasn't much to see in the first place. Today we are in Acapulco where we have been many times. We decided to skip the tours and get our own taxi....the driver kept calling it 'my truck.' I had visions of the four of us riding in the back of a pickup ...pretty picture, but he did show up with a Suburban. We did the usual silver factory, market, views, and Johnny Weismuller's (the original Tarzan) home. Back to the ship for lunch. Do you get the feeling we eat all the time ?...well, that's about right. Please excuse my typing. This afternoon we are seeing Mexican dancers. I'm sure they have margaritas. Tomorrow we are at sea.
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