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Newly retired. Taking my first vacation without an end date. Leer más Austin, United States
  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Día 5

    Day 7 At Sea to Norway

    28 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Today is our first day at sea meaning no stops or land excursions. We have left Amsterdam and must be sailing along the coast of Norway though it is too far away to see land. We are headed to Bergen (pronounced "bear-gin (softer "g" sound like we local Texans say Elgin, not like the alcohol gin). My thing was to try and learn the local pronunciations, though somewhat difficult especially for Iceland.
    This morning after breakfast I decided to explore and learn the ship. As passengers we had access to Decks 4-18. I knew the nautical terms of Forward, Aft (back of ship), Starboard (right side), & Port (left side). Our stateroom was on Deck 16, Starboard mid ship. The a la cart 24 hour eatery, Surfside Café & Grill was on Deck 17 so quick access for us. We found most of the restaurants we wanted to eat at on Decks 6, 7 & 8. Deck 8 was where Ocean Blvd was. It was an outside walkway all the way around the ship. It had several sections of transparent flooring. A little spooky to walk on at first. We think that is why it was polka-dotted so people wouldn't freaked out.
    There was a Fitness section. I checked out the treadmill for 10 minutes (too early to get sweaty). It was in the Forward section of Deck 16, windows all around so you could see the ocean as we sailed. Alicia and I got enough exercise and steps each day so we never returned to that fitness room. There was also on Observation Lounge Forward on Deck 17 that provided great views especially when we left Bergen. I'll include them here.
    It was rainy, windy, foggy and cold so time outside was limited. Sometimes the walkway was closed due to inclement weather. It's daylight most of the day now. I really didn't see dark skies whenever I looked out in the middle of the night though I probably slept through whatever darkness there was.
    We did various activities provided on board, like a mobile photography class, dancing classes, found where they served ice cream sundaes, and meeting people we recognized from our group or excursions. We did try the Bingo. It was expensive and more drama than serious Bingo so we didn't go back on the next sea days. I guess the activities directors have to come up with something they think is exciting. Oh well.
    It was a challenge to get good photos of our ship but I finally managed one or two. It was a beautiful ship, NCL Prima.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Día 4

    Day 6 Amsterdam

    27 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Today our excursion was to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We chose to travel into the countryside and learn about windmills. Again, the countryside is lush and green. There are small channels of water bordering the roads and the fields. We toured a windmill that was used years ago to move water and gain farmable land. They needed to support the population. They now have more efficient ways to move water so have kept a few windmills as museums. People even lived in the first floor of the windmill. Small quarters with very small beds, at least that's what we saw. A video demonstrated how much human physical strength was needed to operate the windmills.
    Next stop was a "fairy-like" village. We walked through the small community.
    It appears that everyone owns a bicycle and a boat.
    After our tour ended near Old Town Amsterdam Alicia and I took a one hour canal cruise through the city. I understand there are even people living in houseboats on the canals. Grand old homes line the canals which have now been turned into places of business. We got a good feel for the city.
    Back on the ship for dinner we ate at one of our specialty restaurants, Los Lobos. It was good food and service.
    The ship left port and had to proceed through locks to get to the sea. We braved the windy, cold to stand on deck watching the progress. Our large cruise ship got safely into the lock and the water leveled but then we didn't go anywhere. They announced that something went awry with the gates so it would be awhile before we could leave. We went back inside and found evening entertainment. We were still in the locks when we went to bed. Thankfully, by morning we were underway.
    I've included a video of the Amsterdam port the morning we arrived.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Día 3

    Day 5 Brussels, Belgium

    26 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Our first port to visit was Zeebrugge, Belgium. It's a sea channel to Bruges. We wanted to visit Brussels so we loaded onto a bus with other NCL passengers and took a 2 1/2 hour ride through the Belgium countryside to Brussels. The countryside was lush and green. Our guide was native Belgium who spoke English with a Flemish accent. He probably also spoke French and German. It was hard for us to understand things he named or pointed out as we went by. I found I could figure out some of the signs due to knowing a little French. Of course, everyone speaks English. Our first stop was at a convenience store for a restroom break. Welcome to Europe and pay toilets and typical American fast food venues. LOL
    We drove around the Atomium, a structure erected for the 1958 Expo depicting an iron atom magnified 165 billion times. I could only get pictures from inside the bus and would have enjoyed exploring this museum. On we went to central Brussels.
    From the bus we saw the "Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula" and other famous landmarks. We walked to the Grand Place, a large open square enclosed by various old and important buildings, shops, and restaurants. Belgium is known for its Brussels waffles. I researched before the trip for Gluten free waffles in this area. There was a little place just off the square called The Sister which was totally gluten free. Had a good waffle there for lunch.
    We walked to the famous Manneken Pis and looked for Belgium chocolate. The weather was warm at 26-28 C. (78-82.4 F) and mostly sunny. Back at the harbor our guide points out all the new cars parked in lots. This is a major entry port for automobiles coming into Europe.
    We couldn't help snoozing on our bus ride back to the ship. The ship left port for Amsterdam. We found good food in the Commodore restaurant then enjoyed entertainment at the Penrose Atrium and bar. We have the Beverage package which means we can drink all the alcoholic and other beverages we want on board during the cruise. I found myself averaging 3 drinks a day with wine at dinner.
    At one point we look out our balcony and see a wind turbine farm in the sea! We had no idea which country owned them but it was a cool sight to see.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Día 2

    Day 4 Southampton to begin our Cruise

    25 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    Today we begin our cruise. We gathered with others from the Traveling Texans over 50 to board 3 shuttles and travel to Southampton where the Norwegian Prima is docked. We have been told the group of Texans is 168 people.
    The trip is 2 1/2 hours to the port. Lots of city before we saw countryside. I'm seeing mostly cars and lorries with only 3 pickup trucks on the road.
    Drop off bags, go through Security and official passport inspection then on to board the ship. Luckily, our stateroom is ready and our luggage arrives there shortly. Time to explore the ship. We are riding Lifts, not elevators, with a female British accent announcing the Lift's direction. "the Lift is going Up."
    Met up with the Traveling Texans at the Hudson Dining Room for dinner. Under way to Belgium around 5 pm.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Día 1

    Day 3 Total London Experience

    24 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    Our only full day in London began early. We had scoped out the tour meetup location the previous afternoon. We walked to Westminster Station and traveled the train two stops to Victoria Station. When we exited the underground we discovered we were in a totally different exit and did not know which way to go! It took us a bit to figure out which direction to take but finally we arrived at the location we had scouted out the day before only to be directed to yet another location. Finally we were with the group for the tour.
    First stop Buckingham Palace. The King was not in. He was at the Ascot Horse Races. The famous balcony was in sight and there were a couple red-coated guards as well as horses being moved to another location.
    Second stop St. Paul's Cathedral. This place does impress! Lots of beautiful designs, high cathedral ceilings, glittering gold, and those little lamps I've seen on TV in the pews of the honored guests. The crypt is the lower level with, you guessed it, tombs. Also, a museum, a chapel, and of course the Gift Shop.
    Third stop London Eye for a ride. I had been waiting for this ride and enjoyed it thoroughly. They put twenty or so people into one car which is mostly clear and send it up like a ferris wheel. Nice 360 views of the Thames and the City of London.
    Fourth stop Ferry Ride on the Thames. This boat was to take us downstream. There was a snafu, to put it politely, which left us standing on the ramp for an hour and a half! Finally, we were boarded and taken to the Tower of London. Here was our Fifth and final stop of this tour. We were able to get a long-past-due quick lunch before entering the Tower area. It's really a fortress built in the 11th century and since expanded and re-purposed. An exhibit of the Crown Jewels (no photos allowed), an armory of armor and weapons with an exhibit of King Henry VIII's horse and armor, and the Bloody Tower. Unfortunately, due to the long wait at the boat dock by the time Alicia and I got to the Bloody Tower they had closed so we didn't get to see the place where Anne Boleyn and others were executed.
    The day was a hot one for London. We enjoyed having longer daylight hours. Found a famous red telephone booth with a working phone. Just use a card to make a call. I got proficient at using my phone's wallet with the cashless systems to pay for everything including train rides and toilets.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise

    Day 2 London

    23 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Arrived in London around 7 am. The flight was good. I got a very hot GF meatball & polenta meal. The best meal I had for any flight. Little did I know wooden utensils are the thing now. I don't much care for them but I suppose they are more environmentally friendly.
    Didn't get much sleep even with a 1/2 Xanax, ear plugs and eye mask. Just too much activity from other passengers. Had a nice monitor and earbuds for watching movies or TV series. I watched "The Whale" on the AUS-MSP leg and started the sitcom "The Ghosts" on the MSP-LHR leg. Now I want to watch the whole series. LOL.
    We moved through customs at Heathrow quickly then headed for the Tube station to figure out how to get to our hotel. We did get on a train headed the wrong way initially. However, we are not shy and asked for help then reached the right train to take us to the Waterloo Station near our hotel. I've discovered I can't connect to Google maps or the tube station apps we downloaded before flying. Alicia has a SIM card and is getting better connectivity. Note to self: Research how to get internet and WiFi for international travel. T-Mobile disappointed.
    It was too early to check in to our hotel room (it's around 10 am) but they stored our baggage. We switched to our Daypacks and started exploring.
    Our hotel, Premier Inn London County Hall, is right behind the London Eye. Westminster Bridge is a short walk away. Across the bridge is Westminster Station. We had a London tour scheduled for early Saturday morning so used our time to scope out the meeting place. We had two different Bus Stop addresses and had to scout out another. A tour employee then guided us to a fourth place. Whew! Glad we checked ahead of time. OK, we got this, go to the bus terminal across from Victoria Station in the morning.
    Westminster Bridge is a highly trafficked roadway. Lots of tourists and vendors on the bridge but we see Big Ben, the House of Parliament, London Eye, Thames River and so much more.
    Later we settled into our hotel room. It's new to me but now we have a slot to insert our room key card into so the lights come on. Alicia was wise to this. Later, it was the same on our cruise ship. There is no air conditioning, just adjust the heat/temperature down. It was comfortable enough.
    We had early dinner in the hotel bar then retired for the night. We followed the advice of not going to bed before 6 pm. Went to sleep around 8 PM.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2023 Northern Europe Cruise

    Day 1 to London

    22 de junio de 2023, Estados Unidos ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Day of Travel Part 1
    This is a retrospective log of Alicia and my trip to London and our NCL cruise of Northern Europe. There was not enough internet minutes on the cruise ship and we kept busy enough to not have time to make notes. This is not real-time even though I'm using the actual dates of our travel.

    Today we began our flight to London. We will arrive Friday morning. We flew Delta Airlines from Austin to Minneapolis (MSP) then boarded a direct Delta flight to London. All flights were on time and we lost no baggage. Always a relief!
    The cool thing about boarding the plane to London was the gate agent didn't want to see our boarding passes. She only wanted our passport and used facial recognition to confirm who we were. Smile for the camera!    Leer más

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  • Viajero2022 Trip to SD & MN
    Día 15

    Reconnections

    28 de junio de 2022, Estados Unidos ⋅ 🌙 75 °F

    I've decided the theme for this trip has been Reconnections. Reconnected with high school classmates then with family at the Pfeifer family reunion.
    I rode with my sister and brother-in-law to the South Dakota Badlands KOA campground for the family reunion last weekend. We had a nice time reconnecting, visiting and eating with the relatives many of whom we haven't seen in awhile. The weather was nice but very windy at 25 mph. Wore us out after fighting against it all day. I rented a tipi for the night. I had a queen size futon to sleep on which was comfortable. There was no lights in the tipi so I was glad I had brought along my headlamp. It came in handy. My sister freaked out when I told her there had been a field mouse in the tipi when I first checked out the tipi. He was cute. LOL. He took off and never bothered me. My Slumberjack camping blanket was the best at keeping me warm in the cool 50 degree night. The birds did wake me at 4am and again at 6am.
    I am now en route home. Spending tonight in Salina, KS. I'm at the same hotel and even in the same room as I had on June 14 when I started this trip.
    Looking forward to being home tomorrow.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2022 Trip to SD & MN
    Día 9

    Activities in Mpls

    22 de junio de 2022, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Since I'm staying in one place I've settled into a normal routine. Walk every morning exploring different local city parks, spending time with Mom, evenings with my sister seeing her grandchildren in their activities. The grands are all under 11 years old so lots of fun things happening.
    This weekend I travel with my sister and bro-in-law to the Badlands of SD for a family reunion. Lots more miles to travel.    Leer más

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  • Viajero2022 Trip to SD & MN
    Día 6

    Class Reunion, etc

    19 de junio de 2022, Estados Unidos ⋅ 🌙 84 °F

    I've been too busy to keep up with this blog so here goes for happenings of the past several days. Thursday was my day in Pierre with an evening of fun for my high school class reunion. For the day's activities I tried to get my steps making up for two long days of driving and very little walking. I took my camera and walked to the South Dakota State Capitol. It was a one mile walk one way. Even though not as hot as Texas it was still hot so I stayed on the shaded side of the street. I toured the grounds then did a self guided tour inside the Capitol. Those buildings are always so grand with marble staircases, statues, and stained glass, etc.
    After lunch I walked two blocks to the Missouri River and explored the park and bike path. By the end of the day I had >20,000 steps!
    For our 50+1 year HS Class reunion we met in a conference room at an Italian restaurant. My room was at a hotel across the parking lot from the restaurant - very convenient. Our graduating class was 54 kids (there is some discrepancy around that but close enough to 54) We know 5 have passed on. Twenty were able to attend our reunion. It was fun to reconnect and catch up. Appearances really haven't changed for some while others were harder to quickly recognize. I was very thankful for Name Tags. We talked long into the night (11 pm for some of us who are no longer teenagers) and met for coffee/breakfast the next morning. It was hard to pull away, so much yet to be discovered.
    I left Pierre Friday morning and drove across the glacier flattened plains to my hometown of Highmore. I just wanted to drive through for old times sake. It's a small community with not enough lodging accommodations or meeting places for this reunion. I headed past my old home and down familiar highways, reconnecting with the geography. The scenic route along the Missouri is always a favorite drive of mine.
    My brothers and I were able to meet for lunch in Mitchell then I drove on to Sioux Falls to see my girlfriends. We had a lovely dinner and evening together visiting and catching up.
    On toward Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Gassing up at Sam's Club is still the best option. Gas prices are 20-30¢ cheaper than other stations.
    I stopped at Blue Mound State Park in Minnesota. Hiked a couple trails. Saw bison in the far distance but didn't walk closer to get any good pictures. It was hot, sunny with only one trail in the shade of the trees. Saw the native prairie grasses and Sioux Quartzite stone.
    Finally made it to Minneapolis. Checked in with my mom. She is back in her apartment after about 7 weeks in the rehab center. She is doing well though becoming more frail and has mobility issues. Her mind is still pretty clear.
    Today was a pool party to celebrate Father's Day at my sister's. Yes, it was hot but nice to be in a pool. Enjoyed good food and visiting with family.    Leer más

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