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Europe 2023
  • Kay's Travels
4月 – 6月 2023

Europe 2023

A trip with friends and solo. Plans for Amsterdam, Geneva, wandering thru Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia. もっと詳しく
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  • 旅行の開始
    2023年4月25日
    Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    San Francisco to Amsterdam Days 1 & 2

    2023年4月26日, オランダ ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F

    Fast and easy overnight trip to Amsterdam. Left SFO a bit late but made up most of it during the night. Left SF around 4P and arrived Amsterdam around 11A their time. (9h ahead of CA time). A bit over 10 hour flight.

    Had reviewed the public transport in Amsterdam. Very robust with trains, trams,buses and ferries. Took a train from the airport to the Central Train Station into the heart of the City. Then a tram to the address to pick up the keys to my apartment and another tram to the address of the apartment.

    My place is about 1.5 miles from City Center, a 10-15 minute tram or bus ride. It’s in a residential area, lots of kids, strollers and dogs. 😀. When I rented the place I think I remember reading that it was on the 3rd floor. Totally forgot until I started to carry my 7 week suitcase and large back pack up the 60 stairs! 🤣. Yep, no elevator. However, always a silver lining - it’s on the top floor and has tons of windows and light.

    Spent the afternoon and early evening “nesting” i.e getting organized. Two lengthy walks around the neighborhood, one looking for lunch and the next for grocery stores. All necessary amenities nearby due to all the apartments and homes in the area. Canals all around, lots of people on the busy streets and the primary mode of transportation - the 🚴! They are everywhere!!!

    Working hard to stay awake to 9P tonight. The usual jet lag, will see how long it lasts. I slept about 5 hours on the airplane which is better than usual for me.

    Not much for pics today. Caught the little bit of sun there was today. Time to organize tomorrow.

    PS: Most expensive bottle of wine I could find at the grocery store was 6 Euros. ($6.62) US. Any port in a storm. 😂    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    11

    Amsterdam Keukenhof Gardens Day 3

    2023年4月27日, オランダ ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Woke up this AM to a day with bright sunshine! My primary reason for coming to Amsterdam was to visit Keukenhof Gardens at tulip time. I, purposely, did not make reservations from CA as I wanted to go on a sunny day. Rain and clouds expected the remainder of my stay so I got up, made on-line reservations, had breakfast, and off I went. A bus and ferry ride to the meeting place. The Gardens are about 35 minutes from Central Amsterdam, I bought a combo bus/entry ticket. Easy travel.

    Keukenhof Gardens are world renowned for their display of 🌷. They are only open 8 weeks a year; mid March to mid May. I had seen many pictures of lovely gardens but the reality is indescribably beautiful! Whatever superlatives I put in this blog, nothing will do the beauty justice. I spent 4 hours there!!! First of all it is huge, 7.5 acres. While this is a holiday weekend, beginning today in Holland, there were a lot of people there. (King Willem - Alexander’s Bday). The venue does an amazing job in being able to accommodate large crowds. Miles of meandering paths, water features abound, and unending amazing displays of flowers allow for spreading out the crowds. While tulips are are the predominant flower, many other Spring flowers; hyacinths, narcissus, bluebells, enhance the views around every corner.

    Restaurants of every cuisine, well-appointed gift stores and numerous indoor exhibits dot the landscape. No shortage of benches to relax and enjoy the views, in all it could not have been a better day. A “must see”for any flower-loving traveler. Retraced steps to return home. Got off the bus a stop early to check out the extended neighborhood. A stop at the grocery store for a frozen pizza and a beer for “dinner” .
    Note: the beer is better than the grocery store wine). 😂.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    11

    Amsterdam Day 4

    2023年4月28日, オランダ ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    A rainy, gray, chilly day in Amsterdam. And my mood for the day reflected the weather. 😟. Slept OK, still dealing with jet lag, lots of middle of the night tossing and turning. Had not done any planning for today, except for “a museum”. Amsterdam is replete with museums. The most well-known are the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseums. However access to either of those is non-existent. Early Spring is a popular time to visit Amsterdam due to the world famous tulips and a general increase in European tourism after COVID. I had a hard time getting a place to stay here and should have paid more attention to that. The 2 popular museums ONLY take on-line reservations and are sold out for most of the next 2 weeks. 😫. There are NO reservations for the entire week I am here. OK on the Van Gogh as I saw that last time I was here. However, there is a very special Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum that I really wanted to see. No way is that going to happen, it sold out in 2 days after the announcement about 6 months ago! (For any of you out there that may be traveling to Europe this Spring or summer and there is something you really want to see, make your reservations ahead of time!).

    So time for Plan B. Decided in the Stedelijk - the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. Since it was a dreary day but not raining, I decided to walk the 2+ miles to check out the scenery between here and “downtown” Amsterdam. Pictures from today are mostly from that walk. Tried to show the architecture and environment- canals, public transportation and, old course, the bicycles. 😂. A good walk but started to rain about 15 minutes shy of the museum.

    Museum was interesting. None of the real crazy contemporary art like we have in SF anf the Tate in London. But classic artists - Picasso, Mondrian, and Andy Warhol were all exhibited. A great lunch there as well.

    Tired so wended my way back home for a nap and some downtime. Out for a neighborhood walk and stop at the local grocery store before a late dinner. Still overcast tonight but tomorrow looking good. Sunset at 9:01P tonight. We forget how far North this is. Love the long days.

    On the pics: Charging stations along the streets all over, this in my neighborhood. Cover pic today is the entrance to my apartment - after you climb 60 steps. 😅. The last picture, though not a good representation, was a large exhibit in the museum, done by an African artist with folded bottle caps !!1    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    1

    Amsterdam Day 5

    2023年4月29日, オランダ ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    A sunny and plans for a guided walking tour of central Amsterdam. I like to do walking tours in cities, a good way to get history, the tourist high points and usually some good recommendations for food and things to do. Met the guide, a Spaniard, at 10A close to the central train station, the hub for the city. Only 8 (2 from Chicago, 3 from Ireland, 2 from London via South Africa and me) in the group so a nice size and eclectic backgrounds.

    We walked and listened for >3 hours and >than 3 miles. Lots of new information, the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. (the Dutch East and West India companies influence and the Jewish quarter and their WWII history). interesting sites and fun facts. Fun fact: Population of Amsterdam is ~1Mil. There are more than 1Mil bicycles in Amsterdam! I saw one gal with 3 dogs in the front “cab” and one more in a cage on the back!

    First stop was the famous red light district. Prostitution was legalized in the Netherlands in 2,000. I remember when I was here ~25years ago, ladies in every window marketing” their wares. Today, only 1. The guide says that the city is slowing trying to close the area to phase out the prostitution, primarily because of all the crime (primarily trafficking) that comes with it. They are paying for housing for young adults - mostly artists and musicians - with the hope that they will soon take over the neighborhood. Interesting approach.

    Other sights os interest; the huge flow market; mostly tulips -what a surprise. Canals, bridges, home for down and our women, shopping malls, Dutch stock exchange, and many more. A really good guide and a “well worth it” tour. Would highly recommend.

    Following the tour, I was ready for lunch and wanted to check out the Jordaan area, advertised in tourist literature as a newer upscale section of Amsterdam with lots of canals, boutique shops and, and trendy eating places. Wandered in that direction, past the Anne Frank House (saw that last time) and found the much quieter area just as advertised. Sat on a bench and looked for a good restaurant and settled on Cafe Sonneberg. It was terrific and I had a window table looking out to the canal. A “don’t’ miss” if you are in Amsterdam. (See pick of my warm goat cheese sandwich)

    Wandered back home, a stop at the local grocery store and home to put my feet up! Some tourism planning, light dinner of left over pasta, a little TV and to bed. Long day tour tomorrow.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    Thatched Roofs of Geithoorn
    Windmills of Zaanse SchansDutch Waffles with Syrup & ChoclateCheeseFishing Village of VolendamCool bridgeEye (theater arts) Museum

    Amsterdam Day Trip Day 6

    2023年4月30日, オランダ ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    In looking at the weather,I had one more forecasted sunny day. (It rains an average of 134 days/year here). I decided a couple days ago to look for a day trip tour to see some of the local countryside. Chose the Geithoorn, (picturesque)Volendam, (fishing village) and Zaanse Schans. (Windmills). The tour was 10 hours, a bit longer than I wanted but you can always sleep on the bus.

    As it is Sunday, it was a large tour group, about 35. Interesting ethnic mix - 75% on the group either Asian, Middle Eastern or Indian. We set off from Central Amsterdam around 9AM. A short 25 minute ride to Zaanse Schans, a village featuring windmills. Holland, of course, is known for its windmills, however, in actuality, the wind turbines have replaced most of the windmills. Windmills are now primarily for the tourists. ZS was a picturesque, albeit very touristy, village with lots of walking paths, shops,places to eat and a demonstration on how the traditional wooden shoes are made. Lots of waterfowl in the canals that are everywhere throughout the Netherlands. One third of the country is below sea level. A complex system on dams and levies are essential for the country’s survival. Netherlanders are very proud of their forward thinking use of solar, electric water craft, and hydroponic agriculture.

    On to Volendam, a harbor on the North Sea, (North Atlantic) and another village with shops, numerous restaurants and street food. Local food here is fish - go figure - herring, cod, eel, and many others. I took a walk along the harbor and waterfront before enjoying a smoked salmon sandwich for lunch along the waterfront. From the vessels that I saw in the harbor, this is a VERY upscale fishing village. (Mostly yachts). 😂. This tour does a good job with free time. No touring with the bus folk, all on your own, so need to wait for 35 people to order and eat lunch. 👍

    Last stop was Geithoorn, a small town about 1.5 hours east of Amsterdam. A beautiful drive through the Dutch countryside! So much to see - abundant colorful flower fields of every color imaginable, mainly tulips - all in bloom. Every mile of the way there would be acres of multi colored flowers. The village of Geithoorn was founded in the 13C by people from Southern Europe looking for a relief from religious persecution where they could practice their religion freely. In the 16thC, the Mennonites also settled here for the same reason. There are no streets for cars in the village. All transportation is by boat. (To a central point outside of town, where people keep their cars). We did an hour boat tour through the town out into a large lake and back. We had a “professional” driver, but many others had rented boats and were not as skilled in maneuvering, it was quite the comical scene.

    Back on the bus and headed back to Amsterdam. Arrived a bit after 7:30P. It just does not seem that later since the sun is still shining brightly! Love the long days. Sunset tonight at 9:05P.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    1Rijksmuseum GardensRijksmuseum GardensGreen Tulips!

    Amsterdam Day 7

    2023年5月1日, オランダ ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    A gray, cool start to the day. I was able to find a source for tickets to the Rijksmuseum a few days ago through a 3rd party ticket agency. Happy about that. No luck on the Van Gogh. 😫. A leisurely morning, ticket was for 11AM. A walk and short tram tide to the museum on Museum Square where there are 3 other museums and a huge open green space that is always busy with sports and folk enjoying the outdoors.

    The Rijksmuseum is the National museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch art and history. The building dates from 1885 and underwent a $373mil renovation completed in 2013. The inside of the building look very modern compared to the classical Dutch exterior. This is the museum that has the world famous Vermeer exhibit but that sold out in 2 days after the ticketing began 6 months ago. I tried everything that I knew to get in, no luck. Tried again today but you cannot get close to the entrance without someone checking your ticket. Signs all over saying Sold Out.
    I enjoyed the art of the museum, the works that I saw. Spent 2 1/2 hours and did not make a dent in the very large collection. Their audio information is great and all done via their App. The premier piece is Rembrandt’s Night Watch, a large work but lots of people around, hard to enjoy.
    After I finished, I walked the beautiful Rijksmuseum gardens - in the rain. Poked around the area for awhile but got tired of ducking raindrops and went home. Started planning for Geneva, my next stop. Leaving here Wednesday.

    Sun came out around 5P and I went out for an early dinner as I only had a blueberry muffin for lunch. Found a very good Thai restaurant nearby. My first dinner out in Amsterdam. After dinner, I walked to a park nearby across a canal. Lots of mom’s with strollers, kids and dogs, all enjoying the first sunshine of the day. An evening of more planning and the last episode of The Diplomat. Enjoyed the series.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    3

    Amsterdam Day 8

    2023年5月2日, オランダ ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Last day in Amsterdam and a couple things on the to do list. Off mid morning for the Fabrique des Lumieres. I had seen this advertised on my tram/bus route to home from downtown and checked out out on line to see what it was. And it was what I thought, one of those “Immersion” experiences where you are in a huge room/think warehouse and there are 3D moving pictures that appear on all surfaces of the rooms. The most popular around the US have been Van Gogh and Picasso. I have seen several in Europe before this one. This show was Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect and Salvadoran Dali, the Catalan artist. I love Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona and Dali is always entertaining with the weird stuff. And it was great! The venue was huge - the largest I have ever been in, lots of different rooms and structures, even images on the floor. There is so much going on, I stayed thru the Gaudi show twice to make sure I did not miss anything. If you have never been to one of these, they are fun and worth the effort to travel to.

    Went back to Cafe Sonneveld for another terrific lunch. I wish that restaurant was in Bodega Bay! Smoked beef carpaccio this time. Outstanding!

    A friend had recommended the Dutch Resistance Museum to me. (Thanks Roy). Spent an hour or so wandering around this small museum. All the information was done via audio stations and movies. Very interesting, I learned a lot about the Dutch issues and participation in WWII. Most interesting to me: The Netherlands was occupied early in the war, 1940. Most of the country aligned with the Allies however a good number aligned with the Nazis because they hated Stalin and wanted to help fight communism. There is still a Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam, like many other European cities.

    Home to pack and get ready to fly to Geneva tomorrow for the second week of travel.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    2

    Amsterdam to Geneva Day 9

    2023年5月3日, スイス ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    A travel day so not much in the way of pictures. Uneventful trip to Amsterdam airport and flight to Geneva. Great views of the Alps, my favorite mountains, on descent to Geneva. A bit of a problem finding the right tram to take to my new abode for the next week. Finally found my way from downtown Geneva and my new place is lovely! Beautifully decorated and every modern convince. Tram stop right across the street, about a 15 minute ride to downtown Geneva. And its warmer! In the mid 60’s with sun. A real difference from Amsterdam, no “breeze” from the North Sea. Low 70’s expected for the next few days.

    Got settled, and then out to find groceries. This, too, is a residential area, large condo/apartment buildings line the busy street. A 15 minute walk to a market for the essentials. Took the tram back as my grocery bag was breaking. 😂.

    Will spend the rest of the evening relaxing and planning for tomorrow. Pics are of the different architecture here and a park in downtown where I was waiting for the tram.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva Day 10

    2023年5月4日, スイス ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    A beautiful sunny day in Geneva. High of 74 today, Kay’s idea of perfect weather. A major change from Amsterdam! Decided to spend the day on the Old Town of Geneva. It is the area at the foot (South end) of Lake Geneva with the iconic symbol - Le Jet d’eau. Even with my rudimentary understanding of French - Jet of Water. And the English Garden with the Flower clock is at the entrance. And a Ferris wheel for a higher view of all. A very pretty area and not near as many tourists as in Amsterdam; a welcome break. Lake Geneva is 45 miles long and up to 8-9 miles wide, the largest lake in the Alps. The lake is amazingly clear, you can see to the bottom all along the shore. Lots of waterfowl, swans and ducks, all with their new babies. The Lake also spreads across 2 countries, is divided down the middle between Switzerland and France. I also found out tonight that I am ally 4 tram stops away from France! Lots of people here do their grocery shopping in France as it is less expensive than Switzerland.
    I wandered from the lake front to the heart of the old town, up and down cobblestone streets lined with lots of upscale shops and outdoor cafe eateries all over. All open and busy today with the warm, sunny weather. I headed for St. Peter’s church, the oldest church in Geneva dates back to. Church on this site in the 1100s. St. Peter’s is know as the Church of the Reformation as John Calvin was the preacher there for 25 years, after fleeing persecution in France. As was the style of Calvinist churches, there are has no adornments on the walls (art work or symbols) with the exception of the stained glass windows. Needless to say the interior is very dark.
    Next door to the church is a relatively new small museum dedicated to the history of the Reformation. The museum was very well done with interesting audio and covered Protests up to the current day.
    A wonderful late lunch on one of the Cafes watching the people strolling by. Tired today so quit “touristing” early and, after a quick grocery stop, home for the evening.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    Symbol of Peace and LandminesBeautiful Rock GardensCactus GardenAmazing WisteriaView from my lunch Cafe table1

    Geneva Day 11

    2023年5月5日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Up and out today, good night’s sleep and feel much better! Chose 2 spots on the other side of the lake (the newer side) as they were both on my To Do list and close together. First stop: The United Nations Geneva. Geneva is the headquarters for the EU United Nations. (Like NYC is for North America). This was also the site of the “original United Nations” - the League of Nations founded after WWI. I had tried to get tour tickets when in Amsterdam but they were booked into July! Their tours are limited right now due to renovation inside the building. So saw what I could from the outside. Impressive buildings and huge plaza for big events. The Broken Chair sculpture (see pic below) symbolizes both fragility and strength, imbalance and stability, violence, and dignity. More specifically, it symbolizes opposition to land mines and cluster bombs as a reminder to the politicians and diplomats visiting Geneva UN. The sculpture is 39 feet tall and was commissioned by Humanity and Inclusion (previously known as Handicap International). It shows that even wounded victims of war are still standing tall, with dignity.

    Just a short walk away, was the entrance to the Botanical Gardens of Geneva. Any garden in Europe in May is a treat. A wonderful, peaceful several hours roaming the grounds and greenhouses. A beautiful place. Will let the pics do the explaining. Late lunch at the Cafe in the gardens with wonderful views in all directions.

    Wended my way back home, with several “detours”. The Geneva App for public transport is not nearly as good as Amsterdam! Feet up, as I am going out tonight!

    Classical music in Europe always seems special. I look for some anywhere I travel and usually not too hard to find. The Venus in Geneva is Victoria Hall, one of those beautiful old neoclassical style concert halls. (See last pic below). The concert was great and featured Michael Barenboim, violinist, the son of Daniel Barenboim, the well-known conductor. A very enjoyable evening.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva Day 12

    2023年5月6日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    A minimal tourism day. I leave Geneva on Wednesday and do not yet have any plans for what I am doing or where I am staying for a week before I pick up Carol in Milan. Spent some of the morning giving that some research and thought. Will work on it more tonight.

    Off to the other side of town to take in the home of the International Red Cross. Actually it is right across the street from the United Nations where I was yesterday. You can see the impressive building from the street. (Cover pic). Had a fascinating several hours exploring the very well-organized and interesting museum. As some of you may know, the International Red Cross (IRC) is a product of the Geneva Convention following WWI. The official name is the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is the International oversight for world wars, famines, major weather responses, etc. our American Red Cross is the National Red Cross and first responders to US disasters. Other countries are called Red Cross agencies and some are called Red Crescent Societies. I do not think there is a tie into the National and International organizations. Still trying to figure that out.

    The museum is divided into 3 sections which are the mission of the IRC: Defending Human Dignity, Restoring Family Links, and Reducing Natural Risks. I really learned a lot about the work of the organization. I tended to think of them as responses to an emergencies and natural disasters. They do that work but MUCH more. Prevention work for disasters, reuniting families during and after wars, enabling communications for unite relatives during a disaster of any sort. The picts below are only a few representative samples of communications, (see the photos) pictures of children separated from parent in the Rwanda war. The file one is the files that still exist on missing people during WWI and are still used for research today! All hand written cards. An enjoyable couple hours.

    Wandered back into town, a busy Saturday with lots of people out shopping. The downtown area has any store you want from H & M to Prada. For the “girls” reading this, fashion has been interesting. Lots of dresses - more mid length to maxi (still some mini but nor as many as I used to see) and lot’s of wide leg pants, especially the Asian girls - who are all skinny and they look great on them.

    Late lunch was an aubergine panini from a street vendor cart - very good. A stop for a bottle of wine and a poke bowl for dinner. Home to watch the post coronation broadcast (Found CNN in English on the TV 😂👍) , figure out the washing machine and planning next week.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva Day 13

    2023年5月7日, スイス ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    A gray, rain in the air, morning, Rain expected this afternoon. Off to see how close I can get to see the finish of the marathon in downtown Geneva. The half marathon went off at 8A and the full marathon at 9A. Nice for the runners to have the overcast skies and not too warm. The runners were finishing up the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 km).when I got there. Got a spot by the rail about 100 yds from the finish line. Lots of fun to watch the later finishers with the determination on their faces to finish. My favorite was a gal who finished wearing 3” pink high heels! In the pics below here is a video of the men’s winner on 2:09:40 - Emmanuel Gisamoda a Tanzanian. Also a pic of the women’s winner, Meseret Dinke from Ethiopia. Hard work for little remuneration.

    On to the museum for the day Musee Ariana: a museum to glass and ceramics. A lovely showcase of old ceramics mostly from Europe. A feature temporary exhibit was a Japanese fellow - spectacular pieces of modern fused glass. The setting was also exceptional; a previous home of the founder. The beautiful starry vaulted ceiling, pale pink columns around the upper level and spacious rooms were perfect for galleries. Quite the setting.

    I walked from downtown to the museum,again going past the UN. On the plaza people were setting up a small stage with audio. I asked a gal at the information booth what was going on. She told me that they were getting ready for a March for Life (a protest against antisemitism) later in the afternoon. After the museum, I walked back that way and a increasingly large group was forming with flags and waiting for the speakers to start. I listened for awhile, all in French, so not long. And it was raining. They were going to march downtown after the speeches. Appropriate place to address a world wide issue.

    Home finish up the planning for the next week of travel. Plan is to tram/train to Annecy, France (only 25 miles away), and pick up car for the remainder of the trip. Spend 2 nights in Annecy and then to an area NE of Lausanne. Found an Airbnb in Val de Charmey - near Gruyeres. All of this thanks to the gal who owns the condo I am staying in. She is a traveler and has given me all kinds of information about this area - and I have never been there, so happy for some new territory to explore.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva Day 14

    2023年5月8日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    A beautiful, sunny day after yesterday’s gray. Decided to walk some new areas today. Have restaurant recommendations from the gal who owns the condo where I am staying. Walked the “other” side of the lake today, so glad I did as it is a beautiful promenade the goes for a long ways. On my way to have lunch at one of her recommendations - a restaurant at Bains de Paquis. (Baths at Paquis, on the “beach”). Turns out that I was not the only one looking to eat there today! 😂. I was able to enjoy the walk out to the baths and see all the people enjoying the beautiful weather - even some swimming in the lake. However, the lines were very long and I passed on lunch there due to the crowds.

    I took the “long way” home, wandering thru parks, the European cities have so many of these nice spots around every turn. They almost always have some interesting sculptures and, of course, flowers. The monument below (2nd pic) is actually a mausoleum, built in honor of Charles II the Duke of Brunswick. He left 24 million francs to the City of Geneva upon his death in the late 1800’s and requested his mausoleum be built in a place of honor in Geneva. They picked a great spot with beautiful views of the Lake and the Jet de Eau.

    Wandered some more and then home for a nap. Out early evening to get some final things that I am running out of and sushi for dinner. Home to CNN and a catch up evening. Leaving here Wednesday.

    .    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva Day 15

    2023年5月9日, スイス ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    A busy last day in Geneva. The good news is that I successfully completed a 2 day project and mailed some clothes home! I will not bore you with the details, however from getting a box, hours on line trying to complete forms I could not print, dealing with Swiss post, FedEx and UPS (UPS is “opus” in French should you ever need to know) and after a 2 tram and a bus jaunt across town this morning, and a VERY wonderful Swiss UPS fellow who did all the forms for me, I mailed the package!!! (for $93). 😂😂😂. My suitcase is now more manageable and all the colder weather clothes are on their way to Bodega Bay, I hope.

    Feeling very proud of myself, I headed back to town and the last museum that was on my list - The Art and History Museum. Agin the museum was in a beautiful old building however a museum that needs technology updating. They had a lot of wonderful art but the displays were lacking. A lot of old post Renaissance painting, which are way pretty dark, we’re in ill-lit rooms, making them darker. Very little English except for a panel in each room explaining contents. No audio, which to me any more, is essential. However their collection of Impressionists was impressive - Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Cezanne filled one entire gallery. An array of Swiss artists over the same period and lots os art of the mountains in the area, especially Mount Blanc. They say on the website they are soon renovating, will take awhile, but the building as beautiful.

    Off then to explore another area of the City I had not yet been to the Carouge. An upscale restaurant and shop district. My condo owner had given me several restaurant recommendations there. Found a great outdoor cafe and had the MOST WONDERFUL lunch. Carpaccio with terrific French bread and salad. Best carpaccio I have ever had!

    Off to get my condo owner some Swiss chocolate that she said she loves and home to wind down and pack for leaving tomorrow. And to beat the rain home.

    PS. The last pic below I’d the Jet de Eau on a, not so sunny, day.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Geneva to Annecy, France Day 16

    2023年5月10日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    A travel day, time to move on. An array of transportation and destination, Annecy,France was only we miles away. Tram/train and lots of 🚶‍♂️. Weather not so great today. Overcast, dark clouds and just waiting to rain. Arrived Annecy around 11A. Car rental place was very close to train station. Had chosen to rent here as much less expensive than Geneva. I am renting for a month so every $100 counts.

    Drove off in my Mini Cooper Clubman, had never heard of the Clubman. Like the car but it is going back tomorrow- last inhabitant was a smoker and the oder not going away. Called them tonight, May not get as nice a car but at least I won’t have a headache. Headed towards the lake, the “draw” for Annecy. And then the rain started. Sat in the car until the worst was over, then out for a walk. Walked thru the old town and found a restaurant for lunch. The town is truly a picturesque scene. 90% all pedestrian, shops, bars, restaurants and the “river runs through it”. Lots of wine,cheese and salami types of meat delis, will not go hungry here.

    Checked into my apartment after several calls and asking directions. 😫. Finally found it in the old town pedestrian section over a shop. Last 2 pics are my front door and “terrace”. Nice place. Just here 2 nights. Got settled (that means got the wifi working}. Then out for a walk and to look for dinner. Wandered the cobblestone streets, lots of people out in the cafes and bars. The French so love the outdoor cafes, it is their social life and fun to see. Walked all through town and saw at the other end that the Lake was not much farther and the sun was coming out.

    A stunning rainbow came out from the Alps on one side, all across the sky and into the lake at the other end. The pics or video do not do it justice, it was breathtakingly beautiful. What a bit of good luck on the timing. Dinner, pasta, at a cafe - good not great and back “home” for the almost final episodes of Better Call Saul’s final season.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Annecy, France Day 17

    2023年5月11日, フランス ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Spent the morning exchanging the car. I am a much happier camper now - a Toyota Yaris with about 2500 miles on it. I even got my GPS to work in English already!

    Decided to spend the afternoon in the countryside. Have been in a city for 2.5 weeks and ready for some green. And the French countryside in this area did not disappoint. Headed for a gorge that I read about, only 6-7 miles from Annecy. A walk thru a very deep,gorge where the Fier river necks down through a very deep gorge. The video below shows the height that the river has reached in this gorge in various years. Interesting. As I neared the gorge driving in, I saw this huge, what I thought was a castle. I did not think much more about until I saw the signs for Chateau des Chemin.

    When I finished with the gorge and a Coke at the cafe, I started searching for the Chateau. Nearby I saw a sign for a trail to the Chateau which I took. Lots of uphill but finally got to the top and saw the Chateau. Walked all around but did not go in. Instead rood a path through the meadow with the cows - a wonderful walking path (cover pic) that are so easy to find all over Europe. Did some walking - so good to be out of the cities and in the beautiful outdoors again. Back to Annecy for a ‘feet up” couple hours and then out for a walk to the Lake before finding a great cafe, very. Near to my apartment, had a wonderful dinner - salmon tartar with fruit! Different combination- the presentation was terrific. Along with a glass of Viognier, my favorite French white wine, a great day. Back to Switzerland tomorrow.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    Yard art in Switzerland
    Small area to grow grapes.My view from lunch.Warm Goat Cheese SaladView from "my" terraceVal de Charmey1Hiking trails everywhere

    Val de Charmey, Switzerland Day 18

    2023年5月12日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Left Annecy, France this AM via auto on my way to Val de Charmey, Switzerland. Only about 75 miles away, but some stops along the way. First one was unexpected. Crossing the border between France and Switzerland, I was signaled to pull over. Come to find out, you need to pay $45 for the privilege of driving in Switzerland! 😂. I, purposely, rented in France as it was about $1K less than renting in Switzerland, so they just got $45 back!

    On to Val de Charmey, a mountain village at around 3,000ft in the Alps. On the way I stopped at Lavaux, a grape growing and wine making area of Switzerland, near Lausanne on Lake Geneva. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beauty and surroundings. The vineyards are all on steep terraced hills rising out of the lake. There are tons of walking/hiking trails to wander thru the vineyards which stretch for many miles Truly beautiful. Their vines are a bit behind our, had some leaves it in another month those hillsides will be covered with green. I parked in the small hillside village of St-Saphorin and walked thur the vineyards to the next small village of Rivaz and back to car. Only a couple miles rt, however. A lot of up and down! Lunch at a restaurant by the lake in Cully nearby.

    On to Charmey. Found the new apartment easily, it’s fine but not as nice as I have had to date. However the surroundings make up for it and the view from the terrace is stunning. A stop at the grocery store to stock up for 4 days and them out for a long walk. Hiking and biking in Switzerland are a national sport. Cannot describe how wonderful it is to be back in all this beauty. Back for my wine on the deck and pasta for dinner.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Val de Charmey Day 19

    2023年5月13日, スイス ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    No sunny idyllic Swiss countryside scenes today. Overcast and rainy. Managed to get in one good tourist visit between rain drops. Off to Gruyères, home of the cheese for Quiche Lorraine and fondue. First stop the obligatory,and highly advertised, cheese making self -guided tour. A busy place and interesting audio on the cheese making process, done from the cows point of view. 😂. And a very good gift shop.

    Then up to Gruyeres, a totally pedestrian village, so you park at the bottom and walk up. On the ascent you are acutely aware of the cows around - all have large bells. See pic below (the real cow one). Crowned at the top of the hill by the Chateau de Gruyeres, the town is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. Not very big, but cobblestone streets and lots of tourists from all over the world made for a lovely afternoon.

    I had made up my mind that today was the day I was going to have fondue, I have seen peoples eating it at every restaurant I have visited in Switzerland. I don’t remember ever having it since it was popular back in the 60’s and 70’s. Found the restaurant I had read had “the best” and had a seat, thankfully, as it had just started raining harder. A real splurge - both on calories and expense but it was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed every morsel I could eat. It is served with small baked potatoes, cocktail onions, cornichons, and bread. While I was waiting for lunch, I was reading on line the etiquette of eating fondue. 😂. A real treat and I topped it off with the chochatiest chocolate ice cream I have ever seen down the street at a chocolate store. (And REALLY good). I am done for the day!
    Back to the car to plan where to go next for a walk when the rains came in earnest. So home it was for the evening. A break came around 6P & I went out for a walk - found a path to follow along a rushing river and added a few more pics for the day. Tomorrow looks better for weather.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Val de Charmey Day 20

    2023年5月14日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    Off today for Fribourg, a city of ~40K about 45 minutes from Charmey, the capital of this canton of Switzerland and a university city. The old town, medieval city was built along the Shrine river and it now the center of the tourism for the city. The “new” city is just uphill and houses the residential, business and shopping district and some of the museums. It’s all walkable but there is also a funicular that takes you up and down if you don’t feel like walking. Fribourg is known as the “border” between French and German speaking Switzerland. Signs are in both languages. (see pic with wisteria). I am much more comfortable with German than French so, suddenly, I can actually read menus and signs, without Google Translate. (2 yrs of high school German and lots of traveling in German speaking areas).

    First stop on my list was the Berne Bridge, the cover pic today. A quiet, beautiful area with church bells ringing, a park to stroll by the river, and folk fishing. Not many tourists around and, it’s Sunday, so many of the shops are closed. On to find Chapelle de Lorette on a hill, 300 ft up from the old city. Quite the climb, but lovely old stone steps and cobblestone paths lead to the top and the small chapel, that overlooks the city. Great views of the new and old cities all the way up. Built in the 16thC, the exterior is adorned with statues of saints and evangelists, while the interior is very plain.

    The tower of the Saint-Nicholas cathedral dominates the skyline of the new and old cities and is notable for its stained glass windows. This was the next stop on my one day, self-guided, tour of Fribourg. An immense Gothic architecture cathedral, built in the 1300s, and the center of the Catholic Church for Geneva, Lausanne, Bern and all areas in between. The stained glass is very impressive- lots of vivid color telling the stories of the Bible for the people who could not read at the time. A worthwhile visit.

    Great lunch at a funky place in old town, partially in the rain. Last stop was a small museum, Espace Jean Tinguely-Niki de Saint Phalle, husband and wife sculptors and painters of art for children. A thoroughly enjoyable hour watching children enjoy the unique sculptures that all moved with a step on a large red button on the floor. (See video).

    Back to Charmey area and decided to drive to a town in the opposite direction, Juan, about 6-8 miles away. Found hiking paths everywhere and the first waterfall of the trip. Lovely spot but shortened due to rain shower and a ‘“race” uphill to the car. Quiet evening at “home” catching up on news and final episode of Better Call Saul, a very well done series.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    Today's Hiking Trail
    These ladies are on my trail!

    Val de Charmey Day 21

    2023年5月15日, スイス ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    First hike in the Alps today.! While I have been doing a lot of walking, today I broke out hiking shoes and poles. I found a fellow yesterday at the mountain cable car in Charmey that spoke very good English! First real conversation I have had in weeks! 😂. I wanted to take the cable car up the mountain and asked him if there was any easy to moderate hiking there. Unfortunately, they are closed today but he recommended a hike out of Charmey to a monastery about 3 miles away. Said it was “mostly” flat.

    Turns out that the Swiss’s understanding of “mostly flat” is very different from mine. 😂. However it was a terrific walk through a valley of farms, streams and rivers. A pretty easy trail and a wonderful first hike (this trip) in the Alps. I left from the village where I am staying, Charmey; destination, La Valsainte. La Valsainte is a “working “ monastery and the only remaining extant Carthusian monastery in Switzerland, founded in 1295. I could only walk around it, apparently there are tours but Google Translate was unclear about the details of how. 😂. The weather was sun, clouds and the constant imminent chance of rain. Had one shower on the way and I found “refuge” in a farmers wood shed along the trail. Threatening again on the way back so I picked up the pace and did not stop for pictures. Total out and back; 5.7 miles.

    Planned on going out for dinner tonight however, it’s Monday, and the 2 main restaurants were closed. Went to the Coop, bought a piece of salmon and a lemon, along with left over pasta - dinner. Washing out clothes tonight, hike was a bit muddy. Last night here, heading toward Italy tomorrow, picking up Carol in Milan on Wednesday.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    1

    Charmey, Sw to Lake Orta, Italy Day 22

    2023年5月16日, イタリア ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Made it to Italy! A spectacular drive South in Switzerland towards Italy. The magnificent, majestic snow-covered Alps on both sides! Not a lot of sun, mostly overcast, but when they showed thru the clouds, it was stunning. I was merrily cruising down the GPS path, when I got a surprise. The GPS gal said to me, turn right and take the “auto train” to Italy. And there I am I front of a train station with a drive through buy your ticket place. Seems that I now was taking an auto train ferry for the next 13 miles to Italy! I had never seen one of these. Gal at the ticket selling place spoke very good English and explained that, yes, I could take my car on the next ferry in about an hour. I asked here if I could drive, she said sure and gave me directions. I decided to take the ferry as I had never seen or been on one of these. Quite the experience. And I was first in line! It’s just a long flat surface between 2 engines that you drive our car on There we’re probably 25-30 cars, and, right on time, off we went, through a 12-13 mile long tunnel and 18 minutes later I am in Italy! Amazing and fun.

    Spent the afternoon reminiscing and enjoying a beautiful spot in the world, Lake Orta. Alice, Jan and I were here in 2005 (we think) and stayed at a Airbnb along the lake. After I checked into my hotel, I headed for the Sacri Mount and the old town. Wow, what a difference in 18 years! The Sacri Mount is a group of small chapels built in the woods on a high hill looking over Lake Orta built in the 16th and 17th centuries. They are designed to blend in with the natural and scenic environment. Each of the chapels are dedicated to different aspects of Christian faith through sculptures and paintings. They re amazing! When I was here previously, I remember taking a dirt path up the mountain and finding these chapels with the wonderful art work. Today it is a huge park and now an UNSCO World Heritage site! It’s still amazing.

    I then wandered down the hill to the old town and lots more changes. Lake Orta is the westernmost lake I. The Italian Lake District. It is not as well know as Como, Garda and Maggiore. The ‘downtown” is now a beautiful open plaza with cafes, shops and restaurants. The focus of all is the island in the middle of the lake, Bella Isola. (Cover photo). Last time I was here we went to a classical music concert on that island which I have never forgotten. Then spent some time looking for the place we stayed, think I found it, took a video, sent it to Jan and Alice and they agree. A glass of Italian white on the plaza, life is good.

    Dinner at the hotel, disappointing pasta, 😫 and the rest of the evening coordinating with Carol for pick up,tomorrow. She was about to leave Jackson.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Lake Orta to Domaso, Italy Day 23

    2023年5月17日, イタリア ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Carol is here! Picked her up at the Milan airport around noon today. Plane was a little late but by that time I had the Milan airport traffic patterns figured out. 😂. A drive there from Orta mostly in the rain.

    Our plan was to,stay on the NE coast of Lake Como tonight. We wended our way all the way up the west side of Lake Como, stopping at Menaggio for lunch by the Lake. Rain had stopped and it is warmer so it felt good to be outside and enjoying the views of Bellagio and environs. Illene and I stayed in Menaggio 5 years ago and loved this area. Arrived at our hotel for tonight , Hotel Vischi, almost at the end of Lake Como. Not nearly as crowded as most everything else in this very popular tourist area. (George Clooney;s home, etc).

    Very nice hotel, checked in and out for a walk. Long lovely path by the lake, Carol doing amazingly well with minimal sleep in a day and a half. (She had 2 stops from Jackson.) Weather got better as the day went on and we even had a bit of sun around 6-7P. Sat on a bench by the lake for a long time and got “caught up”. Dinner at a cafe by the water. Carol to bed early and Kay trying to keep quiet!

    See the pic of the guy on the paddle board? Some kids playing volleyball by the lake, volleyball into the water, this nice fellow retrieved it for them. 😇    もっと詳しく

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  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Italy to Innsbruck, Austria Day 23

    2023年5月18日, オーストリア ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    Up and over the Alps today! Carol slept well and off we headed for Innsbruck after breakfast. Had a wonderful morning and early afternoon enjoying the best of nature. We had some sun and every turn we made brought new amazing vistas. It was a spectacular drive, and so nice to have someone to share it with. I have driven over the Alps one time previously, and that was along time ago. Quite the driving experience from Italy, through Switzerland and into Austria. Our first stop was a beautiful waterfall right by the roadside. We walked around the small park and enjoyed taking pictures from different spots.

    Then the long, slow, zig-zag drive up to a pass at about 6,000 ft. Amazing views round every corner. Then a long more gentle downhill for many miles. On the downhill side was St. Moritz of skiing fame. (cloudier there - the pic with the lodge at the end of then lake). We started looking for a lunch place around 1P. Checked out a few small villages and could not find an open grocery store for a picnic lunch. Finally went into another hillside village and way down at the bottom found a little restaurant where people were eating outside. Turned out to a a delightful vegetarian restaurant with excellent food! (See my quiche pic). The owner our server both spoke very good English anf were delightful. The gal who waited on us, was A Mexican Pilates instructor living in Switzerland. Her mom lives in Seattle! Finally looked up why so many things are closed and May 18th is Ascension Thursday and a holiday throughout Europe. Who knew.

    Onwards towards Innsbruck and arrived at our new Airbnb around 5P. A great place just a couple miles out of downtown. Brand new, lovely decor and very comfortable. We are very happy with this choice. Off to try to get to Tourist information before 6 - found it - closed. 😫. Walked around the pretty quiet town for awhile and with groceries stores closed, found a really nice pizza place for dinner. Back “home” for unpacking, wine, planning for tomorrow and relaxation. A fun day!    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者
    11

    Innsbruck, Austria Day 24

    2023年5月19日, オーストリア ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Breakfast at our lovely apartment a couple miles outside of Innsbruck. There a great mini mart about a 3 minute walk from out place which is great for our minimal grocery shopping needs. Off today for the Swarovski Crystal World. Swarovski crystal,is world renowned as very high quality crystal and is headquartered in Innsbruck, Austria. I had not read a lot about what to expect and was not prepared for the amazing display of crystal in theater, music, and art. We spent almost 5 hours there.

    It’s an exhibit that is hard to describe. There were 17 rooms that you walk through with various themes called the Chamber of Wonder. E.g. one room had a crystal tree surrounded by a winter scene and real snow falling inside (See our pic). Another had a Hollywood scene featuring clothes made with crystals that famous people have worn, think Elton John, Simone Biles, Katie Perry, Cher etc. Huge crystals and amazing experiences with crystals, light and color. A great experience. Also had a great lunch there then tackled the outside which also has a lot to do. Rode the carousel, enjoyed all of the sculptures and huge outdoor exhibits including the “Clouds”. (Pic before the rainbow). Those “clouds” all sparkle with the light hitch I could not capture with the camera. A really. Interesting and fun day.

    Stopped at the Tourist Information center to pick up other ideas for this area. Then home after a stop at the mini mart and out for a walk to check out the neighborhood. Our host told us about a 7 minute walk (all uphill) to the train station which we checked out and saw all the hiking paths going off in every direction from the top of our hill. Train came by filled with hikers ending their day with a train ride back to town. -asta for dinner, planning for tomorrow and another rainbow.    もっと詳しく

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023旅行者

    Innsbruck, Austria Day 25

    2023年5月20日, オーストリア ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    A leisurely morning at “home” and off to “town”. Plan was to check out old town, see the Golden Roof and the Olympic village and, if time, the castle. Found our way through the cobblestone streets to the Golden Roof, the city’s most famous landmark. The roof was completed in 1500 for the wedding of Emperor Maximillian I. The roof consists of 2500+ fire-gilded copper tiles. Today it serves as offices for an Alpine organization dedicated to the sustainability of the Alps. Clearly it also serves as a local venue for weddings as we saw several wedding parties emerge from its doors.

    Then, a real treat, we saw a, orchestra setting up and we enjoyed an hour of music sipping our cappuccino and coke at one of the many cafes, listening to Tyrollean music. Fun and entertaining. We strolled the old town for awhile, checking out shops, people watching and enjoying some sunshine. Warmer today, around 70.

    Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. 😂. Then out to find the Olympic area. Found some of it but not the part to walk around. The Olympics were held here in 1964 and 1976 and the ski jump can be seen from the downtown. We were tired anyway so decided to go home and put our feet up for awhile. I went for a walk around the neighborhood late afternoon, dinner at home - salmon. Watched two episodes of The Tailor on Netflix in English!!!    もっと詳しく

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