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Morris & Susan's Viking WC
  • Susan Abell
  • Morris Abell

Morris & Susan's Viking WC

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    Light HouseFirecrackers put into kiln for offeringsCashew Nut at bottom of flowerCashew flower with nut

    Phuket, Thailand

    March 21, 2024 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    Phuket and the beaches!! But first off to see the Promthep Cape, Brahma Elephant Shrine, and adjoining Lighthouse.

    The largest Buddist temple complex from the early 19th century is in Phuket. It holds three main buildings with Budda paintings, golden statues, and gardens all around. Lighting firecrackers (in brick kiln) as thanks and offerings.

    Our tour of a cashew factory was fascinating, and we could not believe how the cashew nut grows. Each cashew is attached to the bottom of the flower, which is hand harvested, boiled, roasted, and hand shelled. What an 11-step manual process!

     Headed to Patong beach after lunch. Patong is a tad bit on the tourist side. Next time, we will check out Karon Beach. Lovely finish to our day.    Read more

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    Lotus Flower TowerLooks like a mini USA White House.1Here comes the Thunder Storm

    Colombo, Sri Lanka Day 1

    March 24, 2024 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F

    The highlight of our City Tour in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today was the historic Gangaramaya Buddist Temple and Museum. It has the largest collection of Buddist statues and artifacts, as well as a library. What a fascinating collection of colorful images. We were fortunate that today was a holiday, and many families were there to prey and pay respects.

    The lowlight, however, was that a thunderstorm started, so it cut our city exploration short. C'est la Vie.    Read more

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    Colombo, Sri Lanka Day 2

    March 25, 2024 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F

    As opposed to the heavy rain we had yesterday, today is a bright sunny day, and we are ready to hit the town. Started out with a Tuk Tuk ride that quickly turned into a day of touring with "Kevin," our driver/guide.

    He took us to learn about tea, and we sampled 5 different teas. Being coffee drinkers, we learned so much about teas and how Sri Lanka became such an important tea hub to the world (and how it played into the Opium Wars in China).

    We then went to see a Buddist Temple, the Red Mosque, and Independence Square before stopping at a local Curry restaurant for lunch.

    Since today was a holiday, the Elephant Sanctuary that cares for Orphaned Asian Elephants had brought them to town for the celebration and had them at the local park for us to interact with. What a treat to see the elephants up close.

    Our final stop was to a very nice shopping mall to pick up flowers for Josh and Robin's anniversary dinner party tomorrow on the ship. What an adventure bringing them back w us on the TukTuk.

    BTW, in the group photo, we're wearing the shirts we had made in Vietnam!    Read more

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    1Cannon Tree1INDIA Transportation BusesMattencherry Palace RoomElephant "Howdar" for passengersCLOCK TOWER in Jew Town

    Cochin, India

    March 27, 2024 in India ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    After 11 wonderful weeks on board the Viking Neptune, today is our last day on the ship. As most people know, the situation going into the Red Sea is unsafe for all ship traffic. So Viking Cruises was required to go around the tip of South Africa in order to make it to London by the originally scheduled arrival date of May 9. Viking gave us the option of staying aboard or given ship credit for future cruises, and we decided to accept the credit.

    Our new plan is to fly to Rome and tour the major cities of Europe in order to finish our world adventure. Our last stop would be Paris, France 🇫🇷

    Cochin, India, was our last port of call, and we were warmly greeted in India by 2 women that placed flower petal dust on our foreheads as we cleared customs. The first stop on our tour was to St. Francis CSI Church. Cochin was first a trading port for the Portugese, then Dutch, then the English in 1809 till their Independence in 1947. You can certainly see the English influence in their architecture and language development. Their major spice export was Black Pepper.

    The Chinese Fishing Nets
    established on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD. are a sight to behold. They appear suspended in mid-air and work off a cantilevered system with rock weights as they are raised and lowered to catch the local fish.

    We then advanced to the Mattancherry Palace History Museum, a 16th-century Dutch building now housing a Hindu Temple. Intrigued with the various Howdar carriers we saw that were used on elephants to carry people.

    A short walk from there led us into a narrow street surrounded by colonial era buildings where we were surprised to see a sign board on the entry that read “Jew Street”, followed by a few more that pointed in the direction of Jew Town. The streets are lined with antique, textile, and handicraft shops. At the end of the street is Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in India, built in 1568.

    Cochin Jews are the oldest group of Jews in India, with roots that are claimed to date back to the time of King Solomon. As per some accounts, the first Jews arrived at the Malabar Coast around the 1st century BCE as sailors on King Solomon’s boats. They were welcomed by the then king and, over time, were provided everything from land rights and exemption from taxes to religious freedom and special ceremonial privileges.

    Returned to ship for luggage and to say our goodbyes to all our ship friends. Off to the Cochin Hotel to start the next phase of our journey.    Read more

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    Cochin, India Day 2

    March 28, 2024 in India ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F

    Well...on our own now. Much of our luggage was shipped back home and we are now down to 2 small bags each

    Staying at a hotel near the airport as we head to Rome tomorrow. Currently in the middle of Ramadan, so most are fasting till after sunset, and the hotel cafe was empty.

    We had breakfast and learned about "Appams: Indian Rice Pancakes"....Light, thin, delicious. Oh, how we missed good Indian food.

    Headed out to Lulu shopping mall to try and get Morris's cracked tablet screen fixed, and what a mall it turned out to be!! Couldn't get his tablet fixed, but in walking around, we came across a bridal shop selling traditional Indian attire. Inside, we discovered 3 men sitting at a large floor loom hand sewing all the bead work that goes into the fabric!!!! What a beautiful yet tedious process. Such a treat to watch them work as they created beautiful works of art for a bride and groom to wear.

    As we took the cab back to the hotel, we were reminded of a lecture we heard before we got off the ship. The speaker talked about the Indian head shaking. No can mean yes, yes can mean no, and shaking head from side to side means kinda yes or maybe. Getting to see this in action from our taxi driver was actually fun to watch while we were trying to interpret what he meant.

    Had a lovely swim in the tile inlaid pool before dinner. Fun relaxing day.    Read more

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    "Dosa" w Curry before Flight!!Chocolate Waffle

    Off to Rome

    March 29, 2024 in Qatar ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Headed to Rome today via Qatar Airlines ... and, well, this certainly is the way to travel. Individual pods for sleeping, top-notch service, home cooked meals (yes, a chef on the plane to prepare meals!!).

    After a 4 hour flight, we had a layover at the beautiful Qatar Airport. Since we had a 3 hour layover, we checked out the airport, and needless to say, there was a lot to see!!!! And a LOT of money here. The shopping at the airport is like Beverly Hills on steroids.

    Gold everywhere, high-end fashion, sports cars, interior gardens.....and our favorite, an Oreo Bakery Cafe that serves only Oreos made into elaborate desserts that have gold dusted on each cookie!!!! Everything was over the top.

    Landed in Rome after a 6 hour flight and headed to the seaside town of Ostia, Italy 🇮🇹    Read more

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    Walk to Trastevere
    View from our Ostia Hotel2

    Ostia, Italy

    April 2, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    We found ourselves slowing down, R&R ing, and enjoying several days at the seaside town of Ostia, which is just outside of Rome. Beautiful ocean views.

    After regrouping, we took the metro into Rome and spent a day exploring the neighborhood of Trastevere. It's a colorful, funky bohemian area of Rome where you can still feel its centuries-old working-class homes.

    Also, we have to give a shout-out to the Nuns in line ahead of us at the Gelatto shop. It was a sure sign that this Gelato was ... heavenly.

    The next day, we went to Ostia Antica. It is an archaeological site that was once the ancient Roman port city of Ostia, located at the mouth of the Tiber River. We had been to plenty of archaeological sites before, but we really enjoyed this one because this site told the full story of how people lived here.

    Ostia served as Rome's main port during the 7th century BCE. It was founded for trade and also served as a military base.

    The city of 100,000 was located on the banks of the river Tiber, and the name ‘Ostia’ was derived from the Latin ostium, meaning mouth.
    The site has remarkable ruins of streets, squares, residences, bars, bathhouses, theaters, and temples. It was quite a puzzle to reconstruct.    Read more

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    Restoration Workers on Marble Floor

    Caserta, Italy

    April 4, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Set off today for the Amalfi Coast, but first, a stop at the RoyaI Caserta Royal Palace and Park. (Italy's Palace of Versailles).

    As we arrived, we were amazed at the granduer and scale of the Palace. It has influences of Versailles, Rome, and Tuscany and was designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century.

    The grounds were so impressive as we walked out the back of the Palace, and fun to explore. A series of cascading waterfalls (first 7 represent days of the week, next 12 the months) were built in line and continued until it reached the natural waterfall set into the hillside.

    The grounds have been the set for major films such as Star Wars and Mission Impossible.

    What beautiful grandeur!    Read more

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    Workers hand setting each stone1View from Castle

    Salerno/Ravello/Priano (Amalfi Coast)

    April 5, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    From Caserta Palace, we drove south and spent the night in Salerno, the start of the Amalfi Coast.

    After exploring the town and its castle on the hill, we drove west to Ravello because we were advised that it's a great place for lunch. WHAT an understatement!

    Excelent lunch and billion dollar view

    We then drove further west to check into our hotel in Priano. That sounds so ho-hum, BUT did I mention that this is the Amalfi Coast?

    Please allow me to break that sentence down. "We then drove" - our first rookie mistake. Driving on the Amalfi Coast is an act of danger and adventure at the same time. I could call the streets narrow, but a better way to put it is that I've readjusted my definition of a close call from a few inches to a few centimeters. On a road that can barely support one lane of cars, there are large vans and busses driving towards you, double parkers everywhere, Italians driving scooters zipping everywhere, and people crossing the street around blind curves. My knuckles were white.

    "Checked into our hotel in Priano." To check into a hotel sounds simple, but there are multiple steps required. First, you need to find the hotel, and we drove through town twice because there was no way to stop or make a U turn. Then you have to park, find the hotel lobby, and check in. We double parked (like a true Italian), and Morris finally found the hotel hidden down 200 stairs on the "hill" while Susan watched the car and luggage. Heck of an experience, but what a gorgeous view.

    The stairs definitely gave us a workout, but that won't stop us from returning to this beautiful place ... but without the car 🚗.    Read more

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    Covered Lemon GrovesVariety of Limoncello!!WATER PULP that you pull into screen

    City of Amalfi

    April 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    Ahhhh, the Almafi Coast! As we drove along to the city of Amalfi, we couldn't help but admire all the terraced lemon groves nestled in the terraced hillsides. This is why this area is home to limoncello liqueur production.

    As we entered the town of Almalfi today, we, of course, had to have a lemon slushy that is served in the lemon itself andcthese lemons are massive. It was very refreshing and delicious!

    We continued through town as we headed to the Amalfi Paper Museum that is housed in an old paper mill dating back to the 13th century. We were given a tour as we admired the centuries-old machines used in the production of handmade paper, a process learned from the Chinese.
    that the Arabs later replaced
    with fabric.
    The mill used wooden hammers, which, driven by a hydraulic wheel (water from the local river), would shred and beat the cotton rags that were collected from the houses into a watery pulp that could be screen and pressed into handmade paper.
    At one point, Almalfi had 18 paper mills and supplied paper worldwide. Bank of America (Bank of Italy, originally) had its paper printed here when it was first formed.

    Had dinner in the Byzantine Church Square and met 2 young couples from San Diego who had just attended a friend's wedding in Rome. We loved watching the Wonder in their eyes.    Read more

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    Courtyard at Hotel EdenPositanoOverhead Trellises covered w/ Wisteria in Positano.1Taxi on Capri Island!!Walk through Sorrento

    Positano/ Sorrento (2 Days)

    April 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Off to Positano, but along the way came across the Ceramiche Casola ( recommended by Morris's cousin Davina). They do the most beautiful handpainted tables, chairs, dishes, etc. So, of course, we ended up getting a custom 20" Lazy Susan (w/lemons, of course) for an outdoor table. Can't wait to see the artist's design.

    Town of Positano is carved even closer into the hillside with cute lanes and steep steps everywhere. The road is one way through town so don't miss your destination 😉 Enjoyed an afternoon in the town overlooking the views and beaches.

    Later that afternoon, we arrived in Sorrento, a larger town on the west side of the Almafi Coast, to our lovely Hotel Eden. In the courtyard of lemon trees, we were greeted by "Michael" the GM of the hotel . When we asked where we could dine and listen to music at night, he graciously offered his home for a homemade dinner and to meet his family. We joined another couple from Ireland and had an amazing evening as Michael showed us his underground winemaking, olives, and garden. His wife prepared a delicious meal of sphagetti w vegetables and sauce made from their garden. The bread was from a home bakery down the street. We ended up spending over 4 hours there as the time flew. Simply wonderful evening!!

    In the morning, we took a ferry to the Island of Capri, then Boat Tour around the island to see the Light House, white grotto, green grotto, blue grotto. Quaint island that gets a lot of tourists. Enjoyed the town and local beach, a little too cold for a dip. After a full day there, it was back to Sorrento.    Read more

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    Mt. Vesuvius
    Bar serving drinks

    Pompeii, Italy

    April 9, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    It was surreal to see Mt. Vesuvius looming large before us as we drove to Pompeii this morning to visit the ruins. Such an iconic landmark due to the cataclysmic eruption that consumed the city and the people of Pompeii in AD 79.

    When we entered the ruins, we were overwhelmed by the shear size of the city (over 15,000 people) and what happened here. To see
    it uncovered is quite remarkable as you walk about and imagine what life was like back then and how tragic that day must have been for the community.

    The details of the architecture, carvings, and fresco paintings that were preserved due to being covered are amazing and can be seen in the structures we saw including the Basilica, Temple of Apollo, Roman Forum, Bars, Theaters, Bath Houses, Shops, Homes, Government Buildings. It's definitely a walk through history.

    Had lunch at the ruins and loved that the restaurant had a variety of tomotoe vines and lemon trees planted around it to use for its dishes or to sell. Gave you a feeling that life goes on.

    After a full day, we headed to Naples and arrived into a bustling city. Even though we were in the older section of town, the hotel turned out to be quite nice, so we buckled up for what tomorrow would bring.    Read more

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    Ova CastleBasillica.....SquareKnoght guarding the Royal PalaceGalleria Umberto: Open Shopping Mall1ROYAL Box Seats in TheaterBox Seats

    Naples

    April 10, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    We stated our day walking along the waterfront towards the Ova Castle, which was closed for restoration, so grabbed a coffee nearby and enjoyed the views of the shoreline.

    Came across the "Venus of the Rugs" Monument Art by Michalego Pistoletto. The artist expresses a tribute to ancient statuary vs. an innovative reflection of our consumer culture. Gives you pause for thought!

    Continued walking towards Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola Square (Say that 3 times quickly 😀). Much like St. Marks Sq in Venice but smaller. Napoleon's brother-in-law was King of Naples at the time and had it built for the Emporer. The Royal Palace faces opposite it.

    Took a tour of the Teatro di San Carlos and saw the Opera "La Gioconda" from the box seats that night. Acoustics and performance were fabulous. The opera house, built in 1732, was gorgeous, and one thing we found fascinating was that every booth had a mirror in it facing the royal booth in the back. The reason we discovered is that no one could applaud until the king does.

    Great way to end our night!. Back to Rome tomorrow....    Read more

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    Chariot used for racingMedici Villa

    Rome

    April 14, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Returned our car and explored Rome over the next 5 days. Enjoyed all that it has to offer at a leisurely pace, utilizing the wonderful metro system until we started the Rick Steves Group group tour. It's impossible to describe it all so here is a short summary of the highlights.

    Churches, Statues, Archeticture, Pasta (love seeing 150 year old resturants making pasta in the windows), wine!!.....what's not to love.
    The best part is people watching here. People talking, waving their hands about with emotion, laughing, lingering over good food and wine. Italians have such a passion for life, and it's infectious.

    Wondered into a workshop where they were restoring marble. Met Andrea, a young architect apprentice that was learning the old world craft of restoration from the older gentleman that has been working w marble and plaster for 40+ years. What a treat to talk with them to see a craft that might soon be lost.

    Went to the Capitoline Museum and The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, built between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, 

    Went to Piazza del Popola, where Police were celebrating their anniversary and utilizing it for recruiting. Showing off motorcycles. police cars, helicopters, and a Lamborghini Police car!!! (Don't think that would fly in the U.S.).
    Took in the Leonardo DiVinci Museum. Toured the underground of the Colossuem (fascinating), and attended a Musical Concert w the 3 Tenors in a Church for Susan's Birthday.

    Toured the Villa Medici House and Gardens. In Naploean's time, France took over the house, and now, every year, 16 Art Students are selected by France to study here and master the art of marble carving.

    One night, we even met up w Nora and Phillip that now live in Rome and Nadia. (What are the odds that she would be visiting her daughter while we are here). Fun night at dinner catching up.    Read more

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    At the VaticanSistine Chapel

    Rome w Rick Steves

    Apr 15–20, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Our Rick Steves (RS) Tour starts. We have been following RS since Susan traveled to Europe in 1984. A RS Tour means being on the go, traveling light, and having great local guides. This RS Tour called Best of Europe is going to take us to 5 countries in 14 days, starting in Rome and ending in Paris.
    So we downsized again and are ready to quicken the pace.

    April 15
    Met the Rick Steves Tour family today. Great group of 28 from all parts of the U.S. and Canada.

    Started with a lovely orientation walk around Rome hitting the highlights with an insiders narrative that added so much more depth and history. Walked past the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, which were jam-packed with tourists.

    Ending the evening over a lovely group dinner and a few bottles of wine.

    April 16
    Got an early start to see Vatican City and Tour St. Peter's Basilica before the crowds arrived. Our local guide explained the history of why the Pope still uses Swiss Guards and how Vatican City operates independently of Rome, recognized as its own country.

    St. Peter's Basilica is vast but magnificent. Michalangelos' famous Pietra is behind glass now due to vandalism in the past but has been restored. The center alter is covered at the moment in preparation for the Vatican Jubilee in 2025. Morris climbed the steps to the top of St. Peter's dome and enjoyed a grand view. Took in the Vatican Museum in the afternoon and Michelangelo 's painting in the Sistine Chapel.

    April 17
    This morning, we headed to the Colosseum and Forum Ruins to meet up w Francisca, our local guide. Let's just say that she brought the forum ruins to life with her stories, passion, and love of Rome. As she reminded us, Rome is a lot to take in as a whole until you look at it like the many layers in a lasagna. 2800 years of history with a mindset of building things to last (no planned obsolescence), but as time wore on re-using of old materials (like building foundations) to rebuild on top of the old.

    As we walked past his burial site, she explained the Ides of March, the infamous day Julies Caesar was assassinated. She pointed out that we were walking on the world's oldest surviving road, The Appian Way, which was Rome's vital lifeline, serving as both a military and economic artery. She ended our tour by saying, "Your footsteps are now with the footsteps of the Ceasars."

    The last site visited was the Pantheon, a truly amazing site. It's the only ancient Roman building that has remained intact through the centuries. Its columns are over 1900 years old and are single pieces of marble that came from a quary 62 miles from the Nile River in Egypt. The inside is even more spectacular and still studied by students today.

    Rome is such a warm, beautiful city, and we'll be back one day soon ❤️

    After lunch, we hopped on the bus for Tuscany!!    Read more

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    RS Group waiting for Water TaxiAhhhh, VeniceVenitain Mask ArtistClothes for CarnivalSt. Mark's Square

    Venice, Italy

    April 19, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    April 19
    Aaahhhh, what is it about Venice that makes the heart sing? We don't know if it is Morano glass, gondolas, or winged lions, but we do know that Venice is a special place that makes us happy. We took a boat taxi to our hotel by the Rialto Bridge and settled in before our Gondalo Ride in the Canals.

    Couldn't help but notice how much cleaner the water and the city were since the last time we were here. We were told of the cities' stricter rules and improved utilization of pull carts as they walk the alleyways ringing doorbells to collect the trash. Nice improvements and making a hugh difference in the city.

    April 20
    We are in for a treat as we met our eccentric Venitian artist mask maker in his workshop to learn all about the art of mask making. Once the basic clay face shape is made, he creates a plaster negative mold in which to shape the mask using a paper mache technique of glue and a wool blend paper. Several layers later, after drying and sanding, it is coated with a white tempura paint, and the artist is ready to paint and decorate.

    We all had fun when the artist put different masks on the guys as he told us the history of each type of mask. For example, the mask w the long nose was used in the Middle Ages by physicians during the Black Plague, and they would put herbs inside to nose to hide the bad smell of death.

    Women, by contrast, wore Button Masks. The mask was held in place by putting the button located behind the mask in their mouth. Since they could not talk, they had to flirt to get a man's attention at the ball. If they like you, they ask you to reveal yourself. If they then ask that you put the mask back on....., oh ohh.

    We then went to St. Mark's Square, Basilica, and Doge's Palace. Love the Venitian clock in the Square. Its hands are set to relate to sunrise and sunset and correspond closer to the lunar Jewish calendar. Napolean didn't like it and chose the French clock time, which we all still use today.

    Our guide also told us that Venice was more free spirited, and unlike Rome, maintained separation of church and state. The first republic was where the Doge (leader) was elected. Thomas Jefferson was said to have traveled Europe to look at all types of government and chose Venice as a role model for the U.S. elections, and separation of church and state.

    While walking the bridges, canals and fun shops, we saw a pair of shoes from the 1400's. Venice is known to flood, and these shoes were built on platforms so that women could walk through muddy water and not get their feet wet or dress dirty.

    That night, we had a wonderful canalside dinner table as we watched the Gondalo's go by before going to an enchanting Vivaldi concert.    Read more

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    1German Beer Hall
    Market Square May PoleWhite Asparagus SeasonMetal Work Bavarian StylePersonal Beer Mug Lockers!!Jazz Night out in GermanyDachau

    Munich, Germany

    April 22, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F

    We got an early start to Munich from Venice. The Dolomite mountains (NE Alps) are covered w snow today, and it's sunny but cold. Good thing we bought hats and mittens in Venice. Beautiful drive through snow-capped mountains and glacial river flows.

    Arrived in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, and home to Beer Festivals, Pretzels, and Bavarian traditions. So, of course, it's off to the Bavarian Beer Hall we go for dinner. Especially liked the personal Beer Stein lockers in the Bars. Did we mention big, soft, warm pretzels!?! BTW, it's also the start of the White Asparagus season.

    April 22
    Munich is a very walkable town full of old charm where, yes, people still walk about in Bavarian clothes on special occasions. Found several high-end shops selling lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. It's a traditional dress with a structured bodice, tightly tied and decoratively embroidered. Sexy for men is judged by calf size, so we all smiled when we saw pushup calf warmers for sale.

    Everyone knows about the Nazi past of Munich, and how it became the center of WW II. So what impressed us was how the City has come to terms with its past, how it has taken responsibility for it and what steps it took to make sure that the lessons are taught to kids so that the horrors never happen again.

    As we toured the city, our guide shared stories of Munich and its recovery after WWII. The city was reduced to rubble by Allied bombs during World War II. However, thanks to an unlikely combination of progressive politics, respect for Old World architecture, and the Marshall Plan, the city was able to make an impressive recovery.

    That afternoon, we decided to check out Springfest (a mini Octoberfest), and we really enjoyed the big tents where everyone sits together, the large pretzels and, of course, the Beer.
    Then headed back to the shopping street in search of hiking boots as we are headed for the Alps tomorrow.

    That night, we went to a Jazz club and heard a fabulous 18-piece big band playing the classics.

    April 23
    Early morning as we set out for a much more somber experience - a visit to the Dauchau Concentration Camp. A quiet reflection as we head towards Switerland.    Read more

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    Lauterbrunnen, view from hotelTrain trip planning to the topTrains work w gear track.How the train takes supplies to topReasearch station at topOverview picture of the Reasearch Tower where we were, from above.Back to visit after 40 years!1Dream House in the Swiss Alps

    Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

    April 24, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F

    Awoke to large snowflakes falling gently this morning as we looked out our balcony overlooking the Bernese Swiss Alps. Change of plans today due to snow avalanche risk at some of the mountain areas nearby, so our scheduled hike was canceled. We decided to go over to the next valley above Interlaken and get to the top of Jungfrau via the highest train station in Europe. So we planned out the route via trains and off we went to explore.

    The train wove through small villages as we climbed the mountain. It was still snowing and cloudy as we changed trains for the last leg of the journey through a long tunnel to the top. Luckily, as we emerged outside, we were not disappointed as we were above the clouds. The view was spectacular with the summit of Mt. Jungfrau at 13,642 feet elevation standing right in front of us.

    On the Reasearch observation platform, you could see the glacier valley to your right. We went out on Glacier's point, but by the time we reached it, the clouds had moved in, and the temp was -2F....Burr.

    Before leaving, we explored the newest attraction, an ice cave lined with ice sculptures, and had lunch up top. (Who knew fresh salmon could taste so good at 12,000 feet). One of our stops on the way back was the small town of Grindelwald, where Susan had visited 40 years ago, for a fun trip down memory lane.

    Returned to Lauterbrunnen around 6 pm and set off for a walk on the valley floor to see the cascading waterfalls along the cliffs. Along the way, we found Susan's perfect dream house. Finished the evening at a local pub for dinner.

    Switzerland is such a peaceful idyllic setting of nature at its best.    Read more

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    2Tools used for the wine barrels1Hospice de Beaunne courtyardNurses!!Hospital kitchen run by NunsMedicine RoomAnesthesia Mask 1914Pharmacy, prepared by Nuns

    Beaune, France

    April 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    If nearby Dijon is the French capital city of mustard, then Beaune is undoubtedly the French capital city of wine. As we entered town, the grapevines were even planted in the roundabouts!

    Beaune is a beautiful walled medieval town built between the 13th and 15th centuries with timber framed buildings and cobblestones steets that make you feel like you stepped back in time.

    We stopped at Bouchard Aine & Fils Winery, a 1750 Château for a wonderful tour and wine tasting. They took us through the 5 senses of a wine experience: Hearing, Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch with each room allowing us an experience and better understanding of wine tasting. Our favorite was the smell room (:, where we smelled different aromas and compared to the wine we were drinking.

    The highlight of Beaune, besides wine, was The Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu). Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, Guigone de Salins, founded it in 1443. The Hundred Years’ War was ending, and Burgundy was reeling from plague. This hospital served everyone in the region, regardless of their financial means, from 1443 through the 1960s. Its flamboyant Gothic-style architecture and bright multicolored patterned roofs are a sight to see. In the group we are traveling with, there are 6 nurses, so it was a treat to experience the medevial hospital together.

    The Nuns were carefully selected to take care of both spiritual and physical needs. They took care of the sick and performed all the functions within the hospital. Various rooms had beds, chapel, pharmacy, kitchen, and laundry. Unbelievable setup for medieval times.

    Finished off the day with dinner of the famous Beef Bourguignon.    Read more

  • Morris & Susan's Viking WC
    Sainte ChapelleNotre Dame FacadePhoto bomber with a smile... too cute.

    PARIS

    April 27, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Paris - city of love and Morris' birthplace.

    4.26
    After being on a bus for the last 2 weeks, we arrive in Paris and sadly say goodbyes to our Belgium Bus Driver, Hilda. The Hotel Tourism was a great find by Rick Steves. Wonderful breakfast and, oh la la, the warmed toliet seat with all the high-tech buttons is a plus.

    Headed out to Rue Cler Street for lunch, where we took in the Paris vibe. Quite the change from the liveliness and hand talking of Italy to the quiet lovely civility of France. Interesting to note the chairs of the cafes facing outward so they can people watch as they sip and enjoy their coffee.

    Afternoon walking tour with our local guide past the Parliment building as she explained the history of Paris. As we continued along the Seine River, you can feel the buzz in the air as Paris is getting ready to host the Summer Olympics 2024. Lots of preparation around town can be seen.

     Continued to the Royal Palace, where Marie Antoinette was held during the French Revolution until her execution in 1792. The Palace also houses Sainte Chapelle built in the 13th century to house the relic of Christ: Crown of Throns. The massive 15 stain glass panes relate scenes from the Old and New Testament. From the outside, the panes look black, but inside with the light coming through, you see them in full color. It was truly spectacular to see.

    4.27
    Early start on the Metro this morning as we are off to the national art museum of Paris, The Louvre. The palace is home to some of the world's most iconic pieces, paintings, and sculptures, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. So much to see!

    One of our favorite surprises was watching as an art student in The Louvre was painting a duplicate of a masterpiece.

    Later, we took a riverboat down the Seine as we went past that Effial Tower and Notre Dame. (The front facade has been cleaned and restored, and the back that was burned down still under restoration with completion scheduled for the end of this year.

    This was our last night with our tour group. We had a night walk through Paris and a lovely group dinner as we sadly said our goodbyes.

    4. 28
    Roy and Monika (friends we made from Canada) and Morris went out today to explore the Arc de Triumph (climbing to the top for a fantastic view) and Montmartre,
    with its cobbled streets, stunning white Basilica on the hill, artists, bistros ... Montmartre is full of charm! Also saw the square bldg. What a contrast between old and new.

    Packed up to head home after enjoying a lovely dinner evening.    Read more

  • Morris & Susan's Viking WC
    Viking CrewSnapshot of Our Trip2

    Heading Home !

    April 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Heading back to California after an amazing 4 months of travel adventures covering 16 countries!!

    It has been such a wonderful trip and opportunity to experience so many places, especially those that we never dreamed we'd visit, the cultures, traditions, history and mother nature in all her splendor.

    Thanks to the Viking Staff for a fantastic cruise. You exceeded our expectations and spoiled us daily. Thanks to all the entertainers, art and crafters, and guest lecturers that made our daily journey a treat.

    Thanks also to the Rick Steves team for an amazing trip thru Europe.

    The best part was the wonderful people we met along the way and new friends who have become a part of our lives.

    Thanks for going along with us as we shared our trip.
    On to the next chapter where ever that leads us.......    Read more

    Trip end
    May 9, 2024
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