Whew!! What a tour so far! Sorry for the long pause in between posts but even on vacation (a working one, no less) life and unexpected situations arise.

We left Brussels, Belgium on August 23 heading for our next assignment in Italy. A long drive, we divided up the trip to be there on Monday, August 26. We spent Friday night in Zurich, Switzerland and got up continue our trip onward to Innsbruck, Austria before heading to Italy. 

The day started out great--a little gray but okay. We stopped briefly to admire Lake Zurich at the local yacht marina. Locking our doors to our hatchback rental we felt we were safe enough in a public parking area with other cars and people milling about. We took pictures and stayed for approximately fifteen minutes down on the docks. We came back to our car and noticed the back, driver side window shattered and a large black scrape down the door. 

Panic struck! Since there is no actual 'trunk' our belongings were in the hatch and we had to lower some of the back seats for storage. Our big suitcase was missing (with our extra clothes/shoes/etc.), my travel purse (the one I used to take to critique meetings that carried every necessity needed) was gone. It had my Verizon cell phone that was not compatible in Europe, my Kindle, my two pairs of glasses, and various items as needed for travel. Thank God I was carrying my shoulder strap purse from AAA with my ID/Passport and wallet.

But what really threw us for a loop was they took my husband's laptop bag which contained his personal laptop and work laptop along with his passport, business papers, etc. Everything else was expendable--but that was sooo important!!

We spent the rest of the morning in the Zurich police station being helped by a very nice officer who spoke English quite well. He took down all our information, wrote out a report and even contacted the car rental place for us to go get a new car for the rest of our trip. He tried to call the consulate for us so my husband could get a new passport but they have really odd working hours--we won't get into that. Memo to anyone traveling overseas--Pray to God you don't need the consulate or embassy!! Don't lose your passport, don't get into any kind of incident...just saying.

By three o'clock that afternoon we were back on our way to Innsbruck, Austria. Thank God for a new car with windows. It rained the whole way there. Four hours of rain, tunnels, traffic and mulling over the tragedy we were looking forward to crashing at the hotel and having a good couple of strong drinks with dinner.

We decided the next morning that there was nothing more we could do. We did what we had to do, started the process of reports and paperwork, contacted all the pertinent people who needed to be informed and tried to move on from there. When an incident like this happens you can either become despondent and glum or informed, more cautious of everything and move on. If you become terrified and despondent--the criminals have won--they've ruined the rest of your trip, life, whatever. Move on--learn, do what you can, and realize the world still rotates.

So without further ado--we began to enjoy the rest of our trip. Innsbruck was such a fantastic trip! A beautiful town nestled in the Austrian Alps. It was a Sunday--most places are closed on Sunday in Europe. The Old Town of Innsbruck was open to the tourists and there was one Apothekary (Pharmacy) open that my husband could get some replacements for some of his needed medications. (There are still wonders that abound. :)  )

Once we took care of what we needed to we walked around the town, admired the stores with their Austrian wares. There was even a wonderful store with multi-colored bottles of liquors and Schnapps on the wall. We tested and tried a few before purchasing some wonderful flavors. We were excited to learn they ship to the US.  But the wonderful thing was enjoying a couple of cups of warm cappuccino at an outdoor cafe and watching the stress roll off my husband's strong, broad shoulders from the day before. The weather was cool but sunny (a delightful 62 degrees), our surroundings, so beautiful! We talked about retiring in a chalet he saw up on the mountain while we were enjoying our cups.

It was a day well needed.  We even enjoyed a meat and cheese dinner with a glass of wine at a local tavern. It was perfect!

The following morning we continued on our journey to Vincenza, Italy, on the eastern side of the country. I would have liked to have stayed longer, enjoyed more of the town and area but hubby and his team of computer specialists had many issues and struggles in which work took much of the attention and hours away from our two day stay. Then we had to move on to Livornio, Italy--a seaside town on the Mediterranean Sea. It was a warm and beautiful place and our hotel was right on the beach with it's own beachfront property. What was so great was the clear water and the Italian Alps off in the distance. We enjoyed meals served from 7pm-11pm or later and wine out on our patio. There was a shopping bazaar right in front of our hotel with beautiful wares.

We stayed there for three days, also taking the Saturday to head over to nearby Pisa to tour the famous Leaning Tower. There is no describing the beauty of the walled in plaza and the cathedral with its famous bell tower. We even stopped in the Baptisary and had the joy of listening to one of the tour guides do a beautiful chant that echoed through the ancient domed building. (See pictures and things below.)

One would think a day in Pisa couldn't be topped. Not by much. On our way back to Germany on Labor Day Weekend we drove back through Switzerland, hoping this time would be much better than last. Our GPS alerted us to some major traffic delays on our highway route to Lucerne where we were to stay for the night. It gave us an alternate route--through the Alps!! It was OMG beautiful! There was even a small cafe and store at the top of our destination. We got out and took pictures of us standing out on the point, looking down into the valley. 

Hey what can I say...Fate leads you to where you need to be! Enjoy the pictures--they probably don't even do the actual sights justice but I hope you enjoy them anyway.

Hugs!

Loni

A three hour trip just up the autobahn and into another country. The landscape was as unique as the history. Every few miles either a vineyard growing almost straight up a mountainside or fields of solar panels or even wind turbines carpeted the land. One never knew what they would find around the next bend in the road.

Eager to explore a new country we settled into our hotel for the weekend and went in search of the sights. Brussels, Belgium is compriable to driving in Washington D.C. but without any marked routes. A bit of chaos but thankfully my husband seemed to have a bead on the lay of the traffic patterns. It was quite shocking to see the metro trains riding right beside you on the roads as people stepped out into on coming cars. Just a word of warning if you want to drive--or walk in Brussels--be aware of your surroundings, trains, autos and other people. (Try and find crosswalks if at all possible.)


Our hotel was in the "Louise" area of Brussels. The shopping was a bit of a surprise to this mild mannered shopper of bargin hunting and sales. Think Rodeo Drive--Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Hugo, Ralph Lauren to my Wal-Mart pocket book. My husband blew out his sneakers while we were there but I don't think the 450 Euro pair of Italian loafers would be prudent--not with My Hubby! (He's a bit rough on his clothes... but I love him!)  Still, I love to window shop and walked the streets to see what the city had to offer.

Brussels Belgium is the commerical center of the country and is also the seat of the European Union and international instituations such as NATO. With its one million people, it is the world's third leading conference city.

There is so much to see and do but most of what I was able to enjoy was within my walking capabilities due to my husband's work schedule. But we did manage a trip out to a unique town of Ypres (Ipers), Belgium. Those of you who are familiar with World War I history might remember hearing about the Trench Wars fought in Belgium. There is a beautiful but sad poem written by John McCrae, called "In Flanders Fields". My husband and I, having served our country, but even more so--honoring the men and women who fought in battles throughout our history, knew we had to visit this great place. The In Flanders Fields Museum is a modern day tribute to the Great War and the men who sacrificed so much. Housed on the second floor of the Cloth Hall with its bell tower (that we climbed).

While hubby had to work, I was thankful to have one of the wives of my husband's co-workers to share in the adventures that we could. Taking in no less than 10,000 steps a day (pediometers don't lie--neither do sore feet) we walked to sights that we could within our time frame.  We took in the Palace of Justice (the Law Courts) just down the street from our hotel. Though it was under reconstruction we were able to get some great pictures. The buidling is an archetectual wonder with  a number of styles--Greek, Roman and even Egyptian techniques. It was officially opened by King Leopold II. 

Heading down the Rue de la Regency, we wandered towards Le Palais Royal where we were stopped by the breath taking sights of Le petit Sablon, gardens dedicated to the great historical figures in Belgium, Counts of Egmont and Hornes. The square/park is also surrounded by a wrought iron balustrade with 48 bronze statues representing the trades and their symbols. Behind the gardens sits the Palais d'Egmont (Egmont Palace) which now serves as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Across the street from the  front of Le petit Sablon was the magestic Notre Dame du Sablon. It was enlarged in 1421 because it had become an important pilgrimage site. It later became a symbol of ogival architecture with it's Gothic style. 

Traveling a bit further we stopped at the Museum of Ancient Art. Built by Leopold II's archetecture it represents the triumph of teaching art. Also, well known for its collection of early Flemish masters. What I enjoyed was the opportunity to get to view (and bring back some postcards) for my "Art Major" daughter by one of her favorite, surrealist artists, Rene Magritte.

We stopped for a bite to eat at a cafe before venturing forth. Le Palais Royal was the next great adventure. Since the royal family was on holiday during the month, visitors are allowed to tour for free (I like free). It's not the official residence but more of the social palace. Still, so beautiful!

I didn't get to see everything or do everything on my list of sights to see but there are only so many days I was going to be there. It was a great experience and one more 'places I've been' I can add to my list.

Monday, August 5th the hubby and I traveled to the country of Luxembourg to see the city of the same name. This is a city of great history and European importance in the coal and steel community. The rail system and airport are major hubs into Europe itself.

The city of Luxembourg has been the official residence of the Grand Dukes since 1839 when William II, King of Holland and Grand Duke of Luxembourg lived there.

The beautiful Petrusse Valley is fortified with beautiful parks, terraced gardens and promenades where just under them, fortifications dating back to 1644 and the Spanish era still remain. Out of the 180 hectares back then, 20 km of the underground dugouts are still accessible.

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial


Morning sun shines down on the 5,076 American military men and one woman, an Army nurse, who lost their lives in service to their country during the German counteroffensive from December 16, 1944-March 21, 1945.

The sacred, 50.5 acres are beautifully kept under the American Battle Monuments Commission. There is a peacefulness in the surroundings knowing those who fought to keep us free are remembered and taken care of by those who tour the site and those who dedicate themselves to keeping their final resting place so pristine.

There are 4,958 Latin Crosses, 118 Stars of David, 371 Missing in Action, 101 Unknowns, 22 Sets of Brothers all laying to rest here...and overseeing all of them is one of the greatest soldiers in history, General George S. Patton, Jr. commander of the Third U.S. Army.  He lies with a similar Latin Cross marker as his men, between two flag poles in front of the Memorial.

It was an honor to be here and pay my silent respect to those whom I've never met but gave me the freedom to pursue my life and my liberties afforded to me by their sacrifice.

I made it to Germany!

After a seven hour flight from Baltimore to Frankfurt, Germany I was met by my husband at the early hour of 1020 (Germany time) which was six hours ahead of my normal time. Though I did manage to get a couple of winks in on the overnight flight, I was exhausted during the drive from Frankfurt to Landstuhl which is approximately an hour and a half drive south.  Believe it or not, I slept on and off while my husband drove about 120mph on the Autobahn!  ( And that was in the slow lane!)

We arrived at the wonderful Hotel Rosenhof  in which he'd been staying in for a week already and I was greeted warmly by the owner, Sue, Andy and Oscar, the dog and general greeting and security presence. A lovely European style bed (close to the floor, memory foam-type mattress with a duvet cover nearly had me asleep again before dinner. But hubby had me unload my luggage, took me on the tour of the quaint town of Landstuhl, got me hooked up with a cell phone that I can use here in Europe, and then we returned for dinner at the hotel.

Now, here is my real issue lately, I was recently (as in three weeks ago) diagnosed with Celiac Disease which, though more and more common, I'm still getting used to.  I have been instructed to go on a strict Gluten-Free diet for the rest of my life to heal and prevent more issues in the near future.  This means no wheat, barley, rye or other wheat forms of foods. The one good thing, I was never really a bread and pasta person (I know--weird) but it's amazing how many foods are made with wheat gluten or prepared around wheat gluten.  I have to be very careful in not cross contamination also. 

But I've also noticed how many things I've eaten in the past ARE gluten-free all ready. (Cheese Curls!!!) So I'm not too worse for wear.  Also, eating whole foods like, meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables is very satisfying and easy to do.  Especially here.  The menu and morning buffet is a wonderful variety of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and creamy yogurts. I'm learning I can fill up just as much on them as I could eating waffles/pancakes and pastries. So, Friday night I had a wonderful steak cooked to perfection with garlic butter and pesto sauce and pan seared potatoes.

My hubby had a large beer--but since I couldn't have beer (hops/wheat) I opted for a drink (I'll have to get the name again) but it was a combination of wine/champagne fresh mint and a hint of lemon. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the night as it cooled down to a comfortable 83 degrees. I felt mellow by my second glass finished off with a wonderful sorbet and fresh fruit dessert. Ahhh, what a life!!

Went in to shower and get ready for bed but the brisk exfoliation of the free-flowing shower rejuvenated my senses enough to enjoy the evening with hubby's friends and co-workers, Todd and Mary. They had been kind enough to think of me on their trip to a chocolatier's to pick me up gluten-free dark, stone-ground chocolate which is delicious!! (Yes, I've been savoring it in pieces--but I did share.)  They also introduced me to a wonderful appertif of fig vodka! I am not a vodka drinker in general but we toast the end of the night with a shot that you SIP--it's so smooth and refreshing.

Needless to say, I slept well my first night in Germany! :)

Day 2


I awoke on Saturday morning refreshed and ready to go exploring! After an amazing breakfast of fried egg, sliced meats, creamy brie, fresh fruit and yogurt I was ready for anything!  Hubby and I drove up to Burg Frankenstein (Castle Frankenstein) which was the inspiration for Mary Shelley's famous novel, Frankenstein.  It was actually the 'ruins' but it was so beautiful and quite a way up in the hillside.  From the top turret we could see all the way from Darmsted to Frankfurt. I could only imagine how the soldiers of old could see the enemy coming for miles before they even got close to the base of the hill. (The pictures above are from Burg Frankenstein.) We viewed a wedding there (which we were informed there are many) and enjoyed a light lunch at the restaurant over-looking the Hessan valley.

We also explored the countryside, the small villages which in this region are loaded with vineyards and wineries and Castle Starkenburg (see home page picture) which was a bit of a hike but so worth it (the view was spectacular). It was built in 1060's and is now partial ruins and part youth hostel. 

So far, I'm really enjoying myself (I don't know how I couldn't) but when the hubby starts his work week again, so will I. Most of my day (while he is working) will be spent writing, catching up on my reading and blogging about my experience every few days.

I hope you join me in sharing the fun and excitement as I explore ancient cities, castles and lore. Make sure you stop in and view my photos page to see new photos as they are uploaded.  I would love to hear from you all!

Until next time!