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Europe 2023
  • Kay's Travels
  • Kay's Travels

Europe 2023

A trip with friends and solo. Plans for Amsterdam, Geneva, wandering thru Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia. En savoir plus
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  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Ceiling in CastleThe Fool's Plate2'interesting" Body ArmourSchloss AmbrosOrnate CeilingCastle ChapelLots of Hiking in the area!Dinner. Sheep Cheese Salad & Pumpkin Soup

    Innsbruck to Stubai Valley Day 26

    21 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    A travel day, although not far. Leaving our lovely apartment outside of Innsbruck. Packed up and out by 10A. Our final destination is only about 15 miles away in the Stubai Valley south of Innsbruck

    Spent the better part of 3 hours at Schloss Ambras, a castle overlooking Innsbruck. The castle was built in the 1500’s and was a gift from Archduke Ferdinand II to his new wife, Philippine. I sort of thought I was “done” with castles a few European trips ago however this one was different and very interesting. Ferdinand was a collector of all things art and curiosities. This claims to be the first museum in history. His collection was extensive with all kinds of lovely Renaissance pieces. Not so much art as “things”. He was clearly a lover of beauty. The museum had lots of techs films, screens to check out and terrific grounds with big trees, benches, a pond with black swans and lots of fish. We enjoyed a very good lunch there in an outdoor cafe.

    On to the Stubai Valley. A friend of Carol’s had been here which is why we chose this location for hiking. It’s only 10-15 miles south of Innsbruck so a short ride. Outrage new apartment is in the small village of Mildred, right next to Neustift which is the “big” town in the area, population ~5,000. A great accommodation again, we have really chosen well, so far. On the 2nd floor (3rd in US) but lots of room, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, kitchen with dining area and 2 balconies. Beautiful views from every room and the decks. We are very happy.

    “Nested” (unpacked and figured out how everything works) and a glass of wine from our host, then out for a walk. The Stubai Valley is a wide valley about 20 miles long with the Alps rising steeply on both sides. It is spectacular! There are 30+ glaciers and 109 peaks around 9,000ft in the area. Lots of cable cars to take you up to hike at different areas. Trails everywhere. A hikers paradise. I feel “at home”. 😀. Dinner at a lovely little town square restaurant in Neustift and home for some downtime. No Netflix on TV. 😫.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Alpine Flower
    Cable Car Up the "Hill"2Our "Home" in Stubai Valley

    Stubai Valley, Austria Day 27

    22 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Out for our first hike in the Stubai Valley today. Good weather but more clouds and rain on the way the next 3 days. 😫. The coming weather influenced our decision to do the highest hike today and lower hikes in the next few days. With our apartment came a Stubai Super Card - a pass for the cable cars and other types of transportation. Really a nice perk as the cable car rides are 15-20 euros each. There is some hiking in the valley but most of the hiking is on the mountains. It is common to take a cable car up to a place on the mountain to start your hike. Which is what we did. There are 4-5 cable cars in the immediate area. Only 2 are running right now as the other 2 or 3 go higher and there is still snow up there. This area is between seasons right now - ski season is over and summer not quite here yet so they also do maintenance work on the cable cars.

    We took the Elferbahnen cable car from where we are at about 3400 ft to 5400 ft up,the mountain. Fun ride and paragliders everywhere! We walked around the area, taking in the huge wooden sundial, watched a lot of paragliders take off with their colorful chutes and raise with the air - so silent. Beautiful! Lots of trails take off from this location. We decided to take the one up to the Elferhutte, a building we could see from our restaurant at dinner last night. Quite the climb, but only about a mile. What great views and more paragliders. Took pictures, talked with some of the other people coming up the hill and walked a bit further up and then started our decent. Our quads got a real workout with the steep,part of the downhill. But we made it 👍 and we were very proud of ourselves.

    Back down the rest of the way via cable car, to the grocery store to get our provisions or this leg of the trip and home to put our feet up on our deck for awhile. And to wash out some clothes for reuse tomorrow. 😂. I went for a walk in the neighborhood before our nightly cocktail hour and pizza for dinner. Found Sky News on the TV tonight - only English speaking station I could find. No Netflix here.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Neustift Church Graveyard - Amazing!Neustif Church CeilingChurch OrganWooden Pews Stone Floor in ChurchToday's HikeShrineGrawa Waterfall

    Stubai Valley, Austria Day 28

    23 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Plan for today was to do a hike in the valley by the river that runs through it, waterfalls, etc. however Mother Nature decided we should not do that this morning for as we got to the starting area, (about 6 miles away) it started to rain and had no signs of stopping. So back to town, to walk the small center town of Neustift, much is closed as they are between seasons and businesses are taking a vacation or are closed on Tuesdays.

    However we did check out the church which was amazing! The church is the centerpiece of the town but it was the cemetery that caught out eye. There are probably around 150-200 graves - ALL had fresh flowers, growing plants and in designed floral beds All the plots were the same size and the “headstones” were decorative metal sculptures. I have never seen anything like it. The inside of the church was just as pleasing and lovely. Spectacular ceiling, all white walls, airy and light pastel,colors. So very modern looking. Even the organ was modern. The pews were all light roughly hewn wood and the stone floor was complimentary to all. A beautiful place. The first chapel on that site was in the early 1500’s, built by Maximillian I, they have had many renovations and clearly a recent one. A great find.

    Weather starting to clear, so we had lunch the one restaurant in town that was open and decided to do,the hike we had planned for the morning. The hike was great. Not too difficult, in the valley so not too much elevation. 5 miles round trip with waterfalls everywhere and the snow covered mountains always rising above all. It is truly beautiful here. The chairs that we are sitting on is the cover photo today are on a platform the spans the river right at the big waterfall. You can lie there and enjoy the wonderful view of the waterfall with the Alps above.

    Weather started to turn while at the platform and shortly after we started back the rain returned. Needless to say we got back much faster than we did going! 😂. Cocktail hour (good German white wine) and dinner at home tonight, pasta again.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Stubai Valley, Austria Day 29

    24 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    And the rains came! An all day rain expected today and so to Plan B. My “go to” traveling rainy day is always a museum. Carol agreed. So back to Innsbruck today via train. Fun to take the train and leave the car behind. We could catch the local valley train to Innsbruck about 5 miles from here. About 10 miles and took the better part of n hour. Beautiful countryside but very wet today.

    Raining in Innsbruck as well but we quickly found the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum. And with the same ticket also came entry to the Hofkirche, a church built in the 1500’s by Maximillian I as the church for his burial tomb. And it’s all there. An immense tomb in the middle of the church. In addition there were 28 of the original 40 life size statues of people ion Maximillian’s life and other figures important to him. E.g. King Arthur. Good audio on their app.

    On to the Folk Art Museum. Several floors with an extensive display of objects from early Tyrolean arts, culture and daily living. An enjoyable couple hours, taking in both sites. Beck in old town Innsbruck and raining significantly so we dashed into the closest restaurant we could find. Good lunch of typical Austrian food. Cheese dumplings with salad for me and ??? For Carol.

    A long walk to find the right train station and the right train. Had a wait so took in another church across the street, a Basilica. Another good example of Renaissance art and architecture. Home, with a stop,at the grocery store and dinner in tonight. Still raining. Should be better for our last day here tomorrow. 🤞    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    1

    Stubai Valley, Austria Day 30

    25 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    And the day dawned beautiful! Rain and grey clouds are gone replaced with blue skies and sunshine on the fantastic mountains! A great setting for our last day here in this quiet town with spectacular scenery.

    Off before !0 for the hike we had planned. Cable car up the mountain to the starting point. The goal was to hike to a monastery hidden in the Alps. Fun time, not a difficult hike, gravel path all the way. It is a popular trail for day hikers. Lots to see and do around the beginning as well. A slide for “kids” - that would be us. See video. Mountains all around -360. See 2nd video. Took our time, taking pictures and playing with our new app that identifies all the beautiful small Alpine flowers. Arrived at the monastery a bit after noon. Checked out the chapel, souvenir shop and lunch outside looking at the mountains. Took a different way back to the cable car and Carol found the first geocache for the trip! Very exciting. Then we had to do the slide as well. A great day in the mountains.

    Back home to relax a bit before going out to dinner. Many restaurants closed right now as they are in between seasons. Tried the Italian one on the plaza good , not great. Home to watch one more episode of The Tailor and pack.

    Off for Slovenia and Lake Bled tomorrow.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    1

    Austria to Lake Bled, Slovenia Day 31

    26 mai 2023, Slovénie ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    A travel day. Left our lovely quiet home in Stubai Valley for Lake Bled, Slovenia. A scenic trip through Austria, Italy, Austria again and Slovenia - all in less than 5 hours, excluding the lunch stop. The Alps always around us but we left the taller, snow covered ones for smaller heavily forested ones. A really lovely drive through the Austrian and Italian countryside.

    Arrived here around 4P, found our new home for the next 3 nights. Weather finally warmer. Broke out the short pants and sandals for the first time on the trip. Got settled in, talked with our new “neighbors” from Austria as we have adjoining patios. It is a long weekend for them as Monday is a holiday here too. They are traveling with another couple and between them, I think we counted 4 kids. 😂. Did some planning for the next 2 days, found a grocery store, and to the Lake for dinner. We are about a mile from the Lake and quieter here.

    Bled is a tourist town know for its idyllic setting, a small lake with an island in the middle with a church, and a castle overlooking all. I have been here before but Carol has not, We found a place to park and a restaurant overlooking the lake. Great setting, food was just OK. Walked a bit along the lake and home for an episode of The Tailor and to bed.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Isola pn Lake Bled
    1Lake Bled CastlePlenta on the way to the islandOur "Captain"Ringing the Church BellPendulum ClockPlentas. (Type of boat)2023 European Olympic Trials Rowing CompetitionItaly First; Ukraine Second; Germany ThirdAlmost to the Castle!Robot Delivering Food

    Lake Bled, Slovenia Day 32

    27 mai 2023, Slovénie ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    A beautiful warm, sunny day and we are off to walk around the lake. (~3-4 miles). There is a wide gravel path all the way around. Lots of people walking and biking as it’s a Saturday. The dominant feature of the lake is a small island with a church taking up most of the island. We took a Plenta (type of “man-propelled” boat) over to the island, walked up,the long set of stairs to go into the church. The draw to this church is the long, heavy rope in the middle in front of the altar. You can pull on it and make the church bells ring. See pic of the little girls. We both got the bells to ring as well. 😌. Then back on the boat and to shore to continue our walk.

    As we discovered yesterday, this weekend is the European Olympic 2023 Rowing Competition on the lake. Lots of TV trucks and grandstand set up at the finish line. We spent some time on out walk watch/ing parts of various races. We stopped for lunch at a cafe near all the set for the finish of the races. Lots of booths selling gear and loud speakers calling the races. As we went around the backside and up a hill we could see the platform for the winners, just like the Olympics. Quite the scene. Later we found the area where all the boats were being kept - hundreds of expensive long boats.

    Our plan was to hike up to the castle when we got to that side of the lake. Hike descriptions said - moderate to strenuous - I was dubious but when we saw the sign, up we went. Quite a few others (all younger). A very long story short - we climbed all the way till we were even with the castle and the stairs to get across a narrow gorge between us and the castle were closed for maintenance! Could not get there from where we were. No sign for that at the bottom. 🤬. Lots of others did the same thing. Back down, VERY carefully we went and gave up on the castle idea for today as we already at 7 miles on our GPS. Finished out short walk around the lake, stopped for a beer and a charcuterie board and home for the evening.

    Finished The Tailor (a Turkish series, would not watch the next season) and started Anatomy of a Scandal.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Lake Bled, Slovenia Day 33

    28 mai 2023, Slovénie ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Last day of real tourism with Carol. There is a gorge near Bled that we set off for this morning. Another beautiful weather day, temp around 70 and sunshine with white clouds. The gorge is only a 15 minute drive on the other side of Bled from where we are staying. Arrived around 10A and started the gorge walk. Amazing views in all directions. The river running through the gorge is the Radova. Clear rushing water, high canyon sides, and wildflowers and green feens and plants all seemingly growing out of the rock. A beautiful walk on a boardwalk, many other people there but not too crowded. We took pictures (way too many). And slowly enjoyed the walk, about a mile, along the rock side and the numerous bridges.

    Then the real hike began, I visited this gorge about 6-7 years ago and when we finished we just turned around and went back. You cannot do that anymore. Instead you walk/hike back on one of two trails. We chose the longer “prettier “one and it was beautiful. First a long, gradual uphill along a lovely forested path. When we reached the top, there was a church, cafe and benches to sit and look at the beautiful view across a wide valley. The trail took off through pastures, on a gentle downhill for another couple miles. A really fun hike that we did not plan. Had a great lunch back at the entrance to the gorge - smoked trout with horseradish sauce salad! Carol tried the Aperol Spritzer which it seems everyone drinks here. They look so pretty - and orangish-red color, with Prosecco and Aperol - a kind of herbal mixture.

    On to our next stop about 45 minutes away, a Russian Chapel in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Before we got there we mistakenly visited Kranska-Gora, a pretty ski village at the base of the mountains. There is a Russian Church there that I thought was the Russian Chapel we were looking for. 😫. However a cute town and very good frozen yogurt and ice cream! 😂. Fortunately the chapel was not far from there up the very windy mountain road. This is a beautiful wooden chapel built in the woods in a tranquil, lovely setting. (See cover photo). During WW I this area was. POW camp for Russian prisoners. They built the road that winds though these mountains. While building there was an avalanche that killed many of the prisoners. This chapel was built by the remaining in their memory. The pyramidal stone I the picture is a grave for many of the soldiers. Just such a peaceful place.

    Back home for cocktail hour, dinner (pasta again) - all,outside on our deck as it is a lovely evening. Another episode of Anatomy of a Scandal, a little pre-packing as we leave here for Vienna tomorrow.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Lake Bled to Vienna, Austria Day 34

    29 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    A travel,day and not much to write. Left Bled around 10, filled up,with gas and on the way to Vienna. BTW: Gas has been around $6 a gallon. Sometime a little more, sometimes a little less. Actually with all we have read about the “no oil from Russia” for the Europeans, I thought it was going to be more. I have paid more than that most of the other times I have driven in Europe perviously. The drive to Vienna was about 4.5 hours, pretty much due East from Bled. ]We took our time, while still doing 80 to go with the flow of traffic on the autobahns. 😂. A portion of the route took us through very pretty agricultural Austrian countryside. The rest was freeway. Today is a holiday -again- Whit Sunday (celebrated on Monday - go figure). That is the good news and bad news; the good news, no trucks on the road; the bad news, nothing is open - lunch from a gas station. 😂. Carol,found a park along the way and we relaxed there for about an hour eating lunch and checking out the surroundings.

    Arrived at airport hotel around 3:30P. Settled in and walked across the street to the airport to do a “trial run” for Carol as she has to be at the airport by 5AM. Very convenient hotel for her. Back for cocktail hour in the lounge and dinner in the hotel restaurant. Started planning for tomorrow and the days following in Vienna. Early to bed.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Vienna, Austria Day 35

    30 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Carol up and out by 5AM for her 7AM flight. I happily said good-by and, as soon as she was out the door, went back to bed! 😂. Had a leisurely morning, a little BBC news, long shower and breakfast at the hotel. I have been trying off and on to get my nails done for 2 weeks. Today is the day. Found a nail salon at the train station where I was picking up MaryLou and Robert (ML & R) this afternoon. Arrived at the train station around 11 AM, found the studio, had to wait awhile and I feel so much better with nails that are not 5 weeks old! The main train station in Vienna is huge - pretty much like a shopping mall. I needed some more hand lotions and toothpaste, found that, found a bank for more money, had lunch at a Subway - a very productive morning.

    My friends from Sebastopol, ML & R, arrived around 3 from Prague. They have been traveling for a couple weeks in Europe already. I will stay with them here in Vienna until Saturday then they are leaving for Budapest and I will keep moving east to Bratislava, Slovakia.

    Loaded the car with their gear and found our “home” for the next 4 days, right in the middle of the Ring circle. Amazingly traffic was not too bad and found a place to park to unload. Apartment is on the 5th floor but there is an elevator! I stayed with the car as it was parked in a no parking zone. 😂. Then Robert and I took the car to a Park and Ride outside of City Center where it will stay for the duration of this part of the trip. (parking in the City was $45/day! Just like San Francisco). Took the subway back and found our way home. Found a grocery store a couple blocks away and stocked up for the 4 days.

    Wine and cheese and out for dinner nearby for Light Japanese, ceviche. Went for a walk after dinner looking at all the huge buildings and heated an announcer and crowd cheering in a nearby park. Come to find out the European FIBA World Championship basketball games were being held in a set up outdoor stadium. Turns out that this basketball is 3x3 - 3 players on each team and half court size - different rules. Big screen set up outside, tents with beer and food. Quite the happening. Admission was free so we went in and watched one game - games are 10 minutes long. Brazil beat France 19 to 16. This is both men’s and women’s tournament. Fun thing to stumble on to.

    Meandered back home, perfect weather but getting warmer. Out after 9PM tonight!!! 😂.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Vienna, Austria Day 36

    31 mai 2023, Autriche ⋅ 🌙 70 °F

    Off for our first day of Vienna tourism. Decided to do Schonbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Hapsburgs. The usual problems in a new city, finding tube stops, figuring out which way to go, etc but we finally arrived there around 11 A. It is huge complex with several large building and enormous courtyard. We took pics and found the ticket building only to find out that we would have to wait 2.5 hours to get in. 😫. We did not want to do that so we went on line and made reservations for tomorrow morning, Hard to believe that on May 31 there is this kind of issue. Cannot imagine it will be in July and August! A recommendation to summer travelers: if there is something you really want to see, make reservations early!

    Back to town center with a stop for a sandwich and beer. The area around St Stephen’s cathedral is a long, wide pedestrian space with shops and cafes in all directions. The cathedral is the head of the Catholic Church in Vienna and home of the archbishop. The landmark symbol of the church is the multicolored tile roof. There has been a church on this site since at least 1000AD, probably earlier. Next stop, the Kuntshistorichesmuseum. (Art history museum). A new area of the city to explore - lots os museums in this area. We spent a couple hours enjoying the art and a coffee stop at the lovely Viennese coffee bar in the museum. While the art was wonderful, the building itself is magnificent! All the baroque detail and painted ceilings - beauty everywhere you looked.

    Home for a bit of “feet up” time and wine before dinner out tonight. Robert found a Viennese restaurant only one tube stop away. Fun dinner outside and all of us tried different types of Viennese cuisine: veal schnitzel, veal goulash, and boiled beef - a specialty of the restaurant. I had the goulash with spaetzel, it was very good. However, we all decided we have had enough meat for awhile. A good and very busy day..    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Vienna, Austria Day 37

    1 juin 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Back to Schonbrunn Palace again. An early start to the day, our timed tickets for 8:45. Good time to go, not many people here when we started. The palace was the summer home of the Hapsburg’s for many years. Many generations lived there. The buildings are immense! The tour takes you through about 40 rooms used for various purposes and elegantly decorated. The preservation of the furniture, materials, and art is amazing. There is audio for each room with some detail. After the palace, we took a break for coffee and water. Weather is getting warmer - will be 80 today. 😝. Then we tackled the grounds. They go on forever, you can walk for miles! Beautiful shade trees, fountains, large sculptures, and an uphill walk about a mile from the palace where you reach the Panorama with a view all over Vienna. Roses in bloom and a rose garden with flowers of every color. We walked almost 5 miles until we got home! 😂

    Back home, we snacked on some leftovers for lunch. Robert found a pool on line and went for a swim. ML and I went to a nearby tea shop and the grocery store to replenish provisions. Then we tackled the washing machine, “Dry” run first time, water was not turned on. 😂.

    Dinner at the Japanese place next door and out for an evening of Classical music, one of the things I love about Vienna. There are classical music venues all over the city. And most perform almost every night. Yes, it’s very “touristy’ but the music is very good. Not big orchestras, but small groups. Our concert was in a home where Mozart once lived which is now a monastery. The musicians consisted of a cellist, pianist and a violinist. All 3 played together at the beginning and end and soloists or dues in between. The music is mostly the popular 18th C composers ; Mozart, Hayden, Beethoven, Strauss, List, Bach, etc - a really lovely evening. Walked back to our home amidst the lively cafes buzzing with conversations.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Vienna, Austria Day 38

    2 juin 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    We decided to go out for breakfast this AM. Found a cafe, one of the dozens nearby, and had a good breakfast that we did not make ourselves. I think that is only the second time on this trip that I had breakfast out. No dishes to do! 😂.

    Next to find the Hop On Hop Off bus stop. The task proved to be a bit of a challenge but we “won” in the end. 😂. Spent the next 2-3 hours riding around Vienna, seeing the sites, and listening to a commentary on the history/fun facts about the city. Highlights for me: the Danube river with the river cruise boats, the old wooden Ferris wheel built in 1897, the number and size of parks on the outskirts of the city, and the seemingly endless street cafes with people enjoying coffee and conversation. A short stop at a cafe for some liquids and planning.

    Off to the Leopoldo museum which was close by. An art museum dedicated to the art of Austrians with a focus on the the Secession movement in the 1890’s, the emergence of Vienna as a major cultural city in Europe. A very good permanent collection with emphasis on Gustav Klimt and other prominent Austrian artists. Their special exhibition was also excellent. Two floors dedicated to 200 pieces of the Wurth collection - a wealthy art collector from Austria.

    A walk back home for “feet up” time before going out to dinner! Beer garden is in fine format tonight - really bad music but, if you drink enough, you probably don’t care! Out to dinner at an Italian place not far away. Good, not great, A slow walk back home enjoying the beautiful weather (around 72) and all the people having such a good time on a Friday night. Another good day!    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Hundertwassee House
    Lake NeisiedlerView from my Lunch Lounge ChairInviting Cafe SeatingView of Bratislava from my DeckBratislava, Slovakia6 Miles of Promenade by the DanubeBridge over the DanubeUnderground Parking ExitsSunset over Bratislava.

    Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia Day 39

    3 juin 2023, Slovaquie ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Another travel day. Retrieved my car from the car park ($18 for 4 days!) and then back to get ML & R and take them to the train station for their next stop - Budapest. I am on my way to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, only an hour east of Vienna. Had a few things to do before leaving Vienna, get gas, go back,to,the hotel I stayed at the first night here and pick up my electric toothbrush that I left there, and one more tourist stop in Vienna - the Hundertwasser House. (Really an apartment building). I had visited this delightfully amusing site on my last trip to Vienna many years ago. The building was built by Hundertwasser, an artist/architect in the 1980’s and incorporates his thinking on how architecture and nature can coexist. The building has almost no straight lines and 250 trees and bushes incorporated in the terraces, It currently houses 53 apartments and 4 offices. It’s hard to get a good picture, the video is better.

    I had some time to kill before I could check in to my apartment. Had looked at a map, saw a large lake only about 20 miles out of the way and headed there - Neusiedler am See. It was the perfect tranquil, peaceful lake setting, a few cafes, small hotel and comfortable seating around for all. I picked up some lunch and just and relaxed and decompressed after 2 and a half weeks of traveling with others and a very busy travel schedule.

    On to my new home for the next 3 nights, a beautiful apartment on the 27th floor of a modern high rise building in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia - a new country for me! Spent some time to settle in and the out for a walk. The Danube river runs through Bratislava as well as Vienna on its way to its end in the Black Sea running thru 10 countries and 1,770 miles. And it’s a 5 minute walk from my back door. A fun walk along the river with all of the families enjoying a beautiful Saturday afternoon. A 6 mile path with lots of open space, trees and grass, playgrounds for kids and cafes lining the route. Home for dinner tonight, pasta, as usual, and Netflix in English! 😂    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Shop Window in Old Town
    Happy Homeless ManNo one in Particular 😂Slovakia's National TheaterSlovakian PoetMemorial to the Jews of SlovakiaOnly Remaining City GateMichael's GateCommunist Built Suburb of Bratislava

    Bratislovia, Slovakia Day 40

    4 juin 2023, Slovaquie ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    An abrupt change in the weather, much cooler and gray today with showers forecasted. No bight sunny day pictures today. I had scheduled a walking tour of historic Bratislava today while in Vienna. Met all at the starting point about a mile from where I am staying. The tour was well done, Dominica was intelligent and did not hesitate to answer difficult questions. I knew almost nothing about the history of Slovakia, now I know a bit more.

    For those of you who are interested, a very simplistic overview. For those not - skip,to the pictures. 😂. Recent Slovakia history: after 1000 years of Hungarian rule, they merged with the Czechs to become the Czecho-Slovak Republic. (Czechoslovakia) During WW II Czechoslovakia was under Nazi rule and “saved” by Soviet troops at the end of the war, leading to Czechoslovakia then under Communist rule following the war. In 1989, the Velvet Revolution brought about essential political changes and paved the way for democracy. Slovakia became an independent country in 1993 and joined the EU in 2004.
    The tour started at 10A in the Old Town. We spent over an hour in the 2 main plazas and adjoining areas. It is a pleasant area, many large shade trees, cafes and many tour groups, different companies. Many shops and restaurants open, unusual for Europe on a Sunday.

    The 2nd half of the tour was the story of the Jewish quarter during WW II and then Communism. A sad story an the impressive sculpture and area around it pay respect to the tragedy. Next we climbed the hill and stairs to the castle. The castle was built purely for defensive purposes and it’s not as “attractive” as many European castles. Renovations began in 2013 and took almost 10,years to bring the fortress to its current state. Extensive gardens were also added. Slovakia is working very hard to add itself to the list of major tourist destinations in Europe. Bratislava is very popular with German and Austrian tourists. A very interesting several hours.

    Took the rest of the day off from tourism. 😂. Grabbed a bad sandwich and a coke for lunch but had some “to die for” Belgian chocolate gelato for dessert that more than made up for the sandwich. Spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with some sleep, communications and planning for the final phase of this trip. Had no reservations after I leave here. Decided to first revisit a place in Austria neat Salzburg as the first stop wending my way west to Geneva for my flight home on the 13th.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Blue Church
    Doesn't want to play with the other kids. 😂Mega Modern Shopping CenterCruise Ship on the DanubeMy Favorite Bridge across the DanubeCruise Ship Docked for the Day in Bratislava

    Bratislava, Slovakia Day 41

    5 juin 2023, Slovaquie ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    A lazy day for tourism. Day dawned gray, rainy and a cool wind. Had planned to do another walking tour at 10 but decided against it as it was still kind of ugly at 9:30. Weather started to improve some around 10:30 so,out to see the one last thing I wanted to see in Bratislava - the Blue Church. And it is really very blue. 😀. It is a Catholic with no special significance that I could fine except it’s color and architecture. (Hungarian Art Nouveau). The guide yesterday said it is used a lot for weddings. Did another walk around some different parts of old Town and headed home. Picked up a salad for lunch in a grocery store next to my apartment building. Salads are hard to come by in this meat-eating part of the world. I was craving “green stuff”! 😂.

    Tired today. Rested for awhile catching up on email and this blog. Then out for a last walk along the river. Not as many people out today, the weather still very overcast and the weekend is over. Walked a bit farther and got to the spot where all the Cruise ships that are in Bratislava for the day dock. Back home, watched a movie on Netflix this evening - A Beautiful Life, (OK good not great, a love story) so nice to have Netflix in English. Threatening rain again around dinner time so got sushi from grocery store. A quiet day. Leaving Bratislava tomorrow to begin wending my way back to Geneva for flight home in a week.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Bratislava-St Wolfgang, Austria Day 42

    6 juin 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Another travel day. I am wending my way back to Geneva. It’s about 12 hours driving from Bratislava and am planning on breaking the trip up into three 4-5 hour driving days. Today from Bratislava to St. Wolfgang See (Lake), Austria. Arrived here around 2PM and my room was ready. Will use hotels from now on. Great place here - first floor room with a deck looking out on the lake. Back in the Alps again so wonderful mountains all around. Had only planned to stay here 2 nights but have asked them if they have the room for another night. I have been in this area before but not at this lake. It’s the Austrian Lake District about 25 miles from Salzburg. Think “Sound of Music scenery. (It was filmed in this area).

    After I got settled, I walked downtown, found the grocery store to pick up breakfast stuff as there is a small kitchen in my room. Also stopped at the tourist office for some hiking information. Came back to do some planning for tomorrow, I want to hike ib these beautiful hills. Tomorrow is only day that showers are not expected.

    Went for another walk by the lake before dinner. Lots of boats, paddle boards, and kayaks. The village has lots of shops and cafes. Cute town. Went to dinner at the hotel next door and it was very good. First time I have been out for dinner in awhile - had an excellent steak, and then a walk down the street for ice cream! 😂    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Destination MoosalmSchwarzensee ReflectionsMeadows Filled with Wildflowers!Moosalm

    St Wolfgang, Austria Day 43

    7 juin 2023, Autriche ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    A very good day. Wonderful weather - high of 72 and sunny- perfect for me. Came to this area to hike so off this AM for one of the hikes on the tourist information brochure. Drove to a mountain lake up in these “little” Alps and planned to walk around the lake - Schwarzensee - a bit less than 3 miles. A beautiful spot, not many people; peaceful and serene. Only walked about 30 minutes and there is a cafe! Just there for the hikers and bikers. Lots of people on bikes- the trails go everywhere- from very easy to very hard. The pics today are mostly of the scenery on the hike. About 2 miles around the was a path going the opposite direction and the sign said Moosalm - 20 minutes. Hiking signs here are in time not mileage. What a great detour. Meadows filled with wildflowers of every color. The Alpine wildflowers are small so they do not show up well on a picture as there is so much green around them. Then a bit through the woods and soon arrived at Moosalm - and another cafe. No road anywhere in site.

    Back to the car with a plan to drive around the lake. Stopped for lunch at one of the other small towns on the lake. A couple with their dog joined me and they spoke some English - a lot more than my German. So I had lunch companions. He was an MD in Germany and she worked for BBC. Then found out on my “drive around the lake” - the road goes not go around the lake. 😂. There is this giant sheer-face rock/mountain coming out of the lake that gets in the way. Retraced my route and back home for some planning time. Still need a couple places to stay after I leave here Friday.

    Out for dinner in the main plaza in town - had great fish tacos! The fish come out of the lake, the menu calls it salmon trout, assuming like our steelhead. A light chili dance and guacamole. Really good. After dinner frozen yogurt, of course. (My 2nd of the day). 😩. There is going to be a rude awakening when I hit the scales at home. 🥹

    And the mail event for the day; local band concert at 8:30P. Sat on a bench with a couple who turned out to be from England. Had a great conversation with them before, during and after the concert. The band was fun, they marched down the Main Street in town - lots of brass and percussion- some flutes, clarinets, and French horns thrown in for balance. The music was traditional, lots of marches, some modern and all in the Austrian. A very fun evening. Walk the mile home with my new best friends from England as they were staying at the hotel next to mine.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    1Apple Strudel1

    St. Wolfgang, Austria Day 44

    8 juin 2023, Autriche ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Another great weather day in the Austrian Lake District. I had decided yesterday to take the cog railway train to the top of the mountain right behind where I am staying. It is the steepest train 🚂 in Austria and goes up almost 6,000 feet in less than 4 miles! That is VERY steep. The station is only a couple blocks away from my home and arrived there around 11A. Train left on time and it is a 34 to 40 minute ride to the top. A spectacular ride. I had a window seat. At the top there is a hotel and several cafes. I wanted to hike a bit, and did, but it was a challenge as it is steep down and I knew I had to get back up. 😂. If I had someone else with me I would have hiked down to the middle train station , there were lots of other hikers, but common sense prevailed and I enjoyed the bit I did and then went to check out the rest on the area and, of course, have lunch.

    There are 2 pics below (12 and 13) that show the clouds coming in on a narrow ridge line with a sheer rock face. If you blow them up you can see hikers on that narrow ridge! That was NOT me. Amazing! Great lunch with Apple Strudel for desert. No need for dinner tonight.

    Back home for a “lie down” and then out for a walk along the lake before cocktail hour. Love the long days at this time of year, boaters everywhere - all kinds of water craft and lots of wildflowers. So lovely. A “get organized “ evening, leaving here tomorrow for a couple nights on another lake in Germany 🇩🇪 (8th country on this trip) on my way back to Geneva.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur

    Wolfgangsee to Bodensee, Germany Day 45

    9 juin 2023, Allemagne ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    A travel day. Left my lovely place by the Wolfgangsee, Austria and drove 4+ hours to another large lake, Bodensee in Germany very close to the Swiss border. Mostly freeway driving today so pretty boring. Drove in Northern Austria, by Salzburg and then into southern Germany through Munich and then here. It’s a weekend so places to stay at the last minute (that I liked 😂) were not plentiful. It’s a hotel at a large marina and hundreds of large expensive sailboats and yachts. There is a sailing school here as well as sailboats for rent. Took a short walk before cocktail hour and lots of people swimming in the lake as well the a short drive in the closest town - Kressbronn. Not much going on there, took the road closest to the water home. Lots of vineyards in the area.

    Dinner on the water at the hotel. Great salad with good fish from the lake. A great “pour” of local wine - the smallest you can order is 1/4 liter - 1/4th of a bottle. 😂. Only needed 1 tonight. Actually the local wine was quite good. Germany makes some good whites.    En savoir plus

  • Kay's TravelsEurope 2023Voyageur
    Bodensee
    Castle in LangenargenSiberian IrisAnd she Played Beautifully!Headed to LangenargenRoses EverywhereNo Babies Yet - But SoonLast Castle this Trip!Town Center1Different Colors on the Same BushSaturday Lending Library on the StreetAnyone for German National Geographics?Geocache FoundYard ArtYellow IrisBicycles to the Boat - No Locks in SiteEverything Here is Boating!

    Bodensee, Germany Day 46

    10 juin 2023, Allemagne ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Last day of real vacationing. Tomorrow starts the series of transportation to home. Went for a wonderful lengthy walk this morning and early afternoon. There are many interconnected walking and bike paths all around here. Walked first all along the water in the yacht harbor here. Lots of trees and wildflowers, shaded paths and LOT’S of bicycles. I think everyone not on a boat is on a bicycle. 😂. And check the bike picture, some of them take the bikes to the boat! And have not seen a locked bike yet!

    After checking out the scenery nearby, I saw a sign for a village only 2km away - Langenargen. Decided to walk that way. What a good decision. A lovely town with a huge park on the water. Flowers, cafes, playgrounds, and even a castle make for a wonderful Saturday walk. Stopped for a coke in a waterfront cafe and sat there for an hour just watching the water, the very pregnant swan, and the people. Did some geocaching on the way back. Only one successful. (See pic). Weather is perfect and life is good. Walked back to hotel and spent the afternoon organizing suitcase and backpacks for the journey home. Dinner at the lovely outdoor restaurant at the hotel. Food is good, fish from the lake and very generous wine pours. 😂👍. Think I am the only English speaking person I have heard here. (Except for check in people). A very German/Austrian holiday place.    En savoir plus

  • Fin du voyage
    13 juin 2023