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RTW 2022
  • Christie Mitchell
  • Christie Mitchell

RTW 2022

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (Winnie-the-Pooh) Leggi altro
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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Breakfast at Cafe Fútbal
    LOVE the streetsPlazas everywhereAlbaicin or Arab market - 3 or 4 streets like this one3Cathedral - massive pillars11Jordan hates selfies - me trying to convince her to take one with me!See, that wasnt that hard!Up that "street"?Yep, thats a streetOur view for dinner! Alhambra palace. Truly Unbelievable!Sitting waiting for the sunset2Tons of people gathering - fun atmosphereSierra Nevada mountain range11#nofilter THIS was a thing of beauty - pics dont do it justice.Palace starting to be lit upSunset during our walk back down to airbnb

    Granada

    30 maggio 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Miles: 4.44 Steps: 11054
    Flights stairs: 16

    Granada is beautiful - the streets are like a maze with little alleyways and hallways everywhere.

    We had a great breakfast, and had to try more hot chocolate and churros after. They are SO yummy! The churros are different then what I’ve always had in the US. There isn’t any sugar or cinnamon coating on them. Just deep fried dough. What’s magical is in many places in the city, all you can smell is cooking churros!

    We went to the Granada cathedral. It was unique in that there were massive columns all throughout the inside. Very beautiful. We usually sit down and hang out awhile in there - all the brick makes them nice and cool inside.

    After, we walked through Albaicin - or the Arab market. Narrow alleyways just wide enough for one or two people of just shops. Then we walked up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for dinner overlooking the Alhambra (a palace from 889 AD - we’ll be touring it tomorrow evening). Then found a spot on the wall and stayed for the sunset which may have been the best I’ve ever experienced.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    3Intricate detail all over the walls and ceiling1This is a ceilingBath houseView of where we watched the sunset the night before

    Last day in Granada

    31 maggio 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Miles: 5.11 Steps: 13210
    Flights stairs: 12

    We spent almost the entire day up at the Alhambra - a moorish palace and fortress originally built in 889. It had been built and rebuilt for hundreds of years. We’ve seen a few palaces now, and this one was unique. Gorgeous architecture and surrounded by a beautiful garden. It was extremely peaceful and serene walking around up on the hill.Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Love boarding this way
    2Parc de guel1Searing areas built in everywhere122

    Barcelona!

    1 giugno 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Miles: 5.66 Steps: 13158
    Flights stairs: 17

    Flew to Barcelona today - what a huge city! The flight in, seeing the entire coastline and city from the air was amazing.

    We got in later so only went to one thing - strolled the Parc Gúell. This park is dedicated to the architectural works of Antonio Gaudi. Very odd, but beautiful designs. Had a “Dr Seuss” meets “The Flinstones” vibe at times. This is all from the 1800’sLeggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Sagrada Familia from a distance
    Passion facade of Sagrada FamiliaNativity facadeInterior wntrance to Sagrada Familia1360° of cathedral1Crypt - Ghadi's burial place1Spiral staircase we took down thru one of the towersOn top of the Nativty facade towerCasa MilaInterior of Casa MilaCasa Mila atticPalau de la Musica concert hallStain glass sunlight in music hallTaking it app inThey were preparing for an evening concertBarcelona CathedralSaint Eulalia's tomb13 geese that live in the courtyard, one for each torture Saint Eulaila endured before her death

    Antonio Ghadi’s work

    2 giugno 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Miles: 8.60 Steps: 20023
    Flights stairs: 22

    We spent the day looking at the amazing works of Spanish architect Antonio Ghadi. We started with the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral that has been under construction since 1882. It was absolutely incredible. It is due to be finished in 2026, for the 100 yr anniversary of Ghadi’s death. Incredible building with incredible history. Loved it!

    Ghadi was commissioned to build multiple homes in Barcelona, which are now on display. We toured one, Casa Mila - his style was so unique it left us in awe. We then headed to Palau de La Musica - a gorgeous concert hall. Again … absolutely amazing. Lastly, we visited the Barcelona cathedral. It was very majestic. I was moved learning about the history of the building and the saint it honors - Saint Eulalia. (I’m not Catholic so am not familiar with much regarding that faith) but her tomb is in the cathedral. She was a 13 yr old who was martyred in 303ad - tortured in 13 ways, one for every year she had lived - until she was eventually beheaded. Very sad story.

    Overall though it was an amazing day. Barcelona is much different than the other three Spanish cities we’ve visited. So special seeing them all.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    La Rambla
    A street in the Gothic quarterGondola ride to the topOlympic vevnueOlympic venue, now a dog park!Museum on the hillFountainThe Magic fountainWalking back to hotel

    Last day in Barcelona!

    3 giugno 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Miles: 8.31 Steps: 20989
    Flights stairs:12

    We spent our last day in Barcelona wandering - La Rambla street, the gothic quarter, the waterfront, and took a funicular and then a gondola ride up to Montjuïc to see the stadium and grounds from the ‘92 Olympics. We finished off the evening seeing the “Magic Fountain” showing, something I assume was built for the Olympics. It was a beautiful fountain, set to all kinds music that plays every night for just an hour. Thousands of people gathered for it.Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Entertained as we made our way to the airport
    1Impressive ... considering we're moving, jerking, stopping and he plays without an issueNice!First views of the Mediterranean3Stoney beaches

    Travel day to Nice, France

    4 giugno 2022, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Miles: 6.24 Steps: 14478
    Flights stairs: 2

    We had a travel day today - flew to Nice, France on the French Riviera. It is absolutely beautiful here. I’m learning I love the smaller, more intimate European cities - I guess not counting Paris, which was huge, but I adored!

    There have been street performers everywhere on this trip. Singers, jugglers, dancers, tumblers … they’re everywhere. They set up right where you’re eating outside, are on every street, and are on the subway cars. Todays was magnificent though — playing the electric violin for our trip to the airport. Really classy, and beautiful how it echoed throughout the train.

    Once to Nice, we strolled thru the city and made it down to the beach before dinner. I was surprised to find the beaches are covered in less than comfortable stones. Will see how that works out tomorrow when we stay for the day. It was nice to go to the ocean and not have sand everywhere it shouldn’t be, and the sound of the waves hitting the stones is very unique. But it doesn’t make up for the absolute pain in the feet.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Didnt take this pic, but shows the bay we were swimming inGorgeous buildings everywhere

    Nice, France

    5 giugno 2022, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Miles: 5.9 Steps: 14056
    Flights stairs: 9

    We took a little side trip to Villefranche-sur-me today. A little coastal village a 15 min train ride away. Up till today, we literally have navigated this trip without even a hiccup (with the help of google maps obviously). But today it was a struggle. With every turn we couldn’t find anything we were looking for, couldn’t navigate the mass transit - you name it, it seemed to go wrong. Very frustrating. We had a harrowing bus ride along a cliff side, where we were packed in so tight you didn’t even have to hold on because the pressure up against everyone else held you in place. Crazy. But … we made it. 😃

    We walked along the sea in this gorgeous village that words can’t even describe and pics don’t show it. Then went for a very cold swim in the Mediterranean. Warmed up once you got it, but burrrr.

    Once back to town we headed to a local mall. It was amazing. Like 7 floors. And then ended the night going to see “Top Gun: Maverick”. If you were a fan of the first one, I recommend it. Plus just going to the movies in a different country is an experience. Theaters so different then ours.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Top of Castle Hill
    The ruins of the castle1Waterfall on Castle HillBeginning of coastal pathCoastal path2Awesome restaurantPath and steps just carved into the stoneSteps are EVERYWHERE -- they are my nemisis, but getting easier! Climb up from sea levelView from top of coastal pathOld town Villefrance-sur-merLove flowers growing on side of walls

    Last day on French Riviera

    6 giugno 2022, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Miles: 11.8 Steps: 28120
    Flights stairs: 43

    Today, after 76 days together, Jordan and I split up for a good portion of the day. I wanted to see more sites, and she wanted to lay on the beach … so we did just that. I found it fun adventuring on my own, and I’m sure Jordan enjoyed time alone from me to just do her own thing. We may do more of that as we move along.

    I hiked up Castle Hill, which strangely, didn’t have a castle on it any longer. Great views tho. Then I took a long walk along the “coastal path” which was literally a path carved out of the stones on the shore that went from Nice to the city we went to yesterday by train. I ended up walking 9 miles between the castle-less hill and the path. Felt great tho.

    I’m remembering back to the first hike in Mazatlan … El Faro, the lighthouse on the hill. I hardly made it up that day — and todays hike, which was much harder, I tackled with little difficulty. Nice to see the improvement physically.

    My entire life I have unhealthily weighed myself every morning, sometimes multiple times a day. I have been obsessed with being overweight since I was probably 15 yrs old. It’s been very freeing on this trip to not give a second thought to how much I weigh. To measure myself by my fitness level, by my strength, by my ability to climb a mountain, by how my clothes are feeling on me … instead of a number on a scale. A bonus I’m finding of this trip.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Walkeay thru a square on way to waterfront
    Love the cloudsPromenadeLove the colors of the water!!1Nice, from the planeNice has a reflecting mirror like Bordeaux!Sound of the waves on the rocks5Our "mini chalet" areaIts actually a campground!Simple but sufficient

    We’re (almost) in Venice!!!

    7 giugno 2022, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Miles: 4.01 Steps: 9047
    Flights stairs: 3

    We had a late flight out of Nice today, so spent the morning and early afternoon down on the beach soaking up some sun and swimming. The rock beaches can go, but I’ll keep everything else!

    The colors in the sea were amazing. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such bright turquoise waters before. So pretty. And I marvel at the sound the surf makes hitting the rock beach vs sand.

    We flew to Venice, Italy and will be here for 3-4 days. We’re staying at “Camping Rialto” - it’s literally a campground right outside of Venice with “mini chalets” or cabins. Even the hostels were out of my price range, so we felt fortunate to fall upon this place. So we’re staying 10 min outside of Venice.

    It’s actually pretty cute place. Just a tiny cabin with two twin beds and a giant shared bathroom/shower facility. There’s a pool that we’ll hopefully check out tomorrow and its in a beautiful area covered in trees and such. It’s right on the bus line so easy to go in and out of the city.

    We got in later so grabbed dinner and got settled in. Can’t wait to head to the actual city tomorrow!! Venice?!! Never thought I’d make it here.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    1Costa Rica ... red tree frog, which we saw. Its mucus will kill you in minutes!
    Tiny Eiffel tower for FranceSpain, obviouslyA Portuguese tileAn extra for Spain, cause Sagrada Familia was just too cool to not get its own2And Italy today!

    Souvenirs ??

    8 giugno 2022, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    It’s been hard on this trip not being able to collect any souvenirs. We just don’t have the ability to carry much of any size or breakable for this long. We’ve both gotten a few items of jewelry and a couple items of clothing, but that was about it.

    I’ve always had a tradition to buy a Christmas ornament for every place I visit - and I was bummed since I figured I couldn’t do that for all these places. Size and too breakable. Then I got the wild idea to collect key chains, and when I get home, I’ll take the ring off and put them on ribbons or hooks. They’re pretty unbreakable, take up a small amount of space, and at least I’ll have something. It’s been fun finding them as I’ve gone along.

    I bought a normal ornament for Mexico and sent it home with Adam, and I didn’t get the idea until Costa Rica so missed Panama, but we were only there 24 hrs so … this is what I’ve gotten so far …    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Just getting started
    Saint Marks squareSan Marco CamponileSaint Marks square1Basilica San Marco1Gondoliers1Doge's palace - Ceilings are incredible!24 hr clock in the palaceJordanIn the prisons of the palace4Jordan on the Bridge of SighsBridge of Sighs from the prison422They're saronading!Puente del Rialto3Selfie on Rialto bridgeTeatro la fenice (opera house)12High tide and its seaping over the edges

    Gorgeous day in Venice

    8 giugno 2022, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Miles: 7.0 Steps: 17013
    Flights stairs: 19

    Venice is amazing! We’ve seen a lot of old towns, but this is incredible. Perfect weather, not too crowded - couldn’t have asked for better.

    When we arrived at Piazzale Roma by bus, we decided to head off on foot to explore the city. We walked for 30 min or so through all these small streets and over canals until we got to Saint Mark’s square. We went into Doge’s palace, saw the prison and the bridge of sighs. Simply amazing. On our walk over we had to take a gondola ferry - it was only 2 euro and literally carried us across one canal. But it was nice to get on a gondola as we won’t be hiring one while we’re here - just too expensive. So it gave us a feel.

    We walked down to Ponte de Rialto, and then took a water taxi in the grand canal just for kicks. We also ended up touring the Teatro La Fenice (the opera house). Went to an open market and ate some awesome food and desserts.

    Overall it was the best day … saw so much, just soaked it all in.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    2Canal on Murano
    Utilizing my umbrella for the 2nd timeMaster glass blower at work2MuranoOn the Grand CanalBridge RialtoOne of the MANY stops at stores selling blown glass2Jordan making a bead122

    Venice

    9 giugno 2022, Italia ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    Miles: 8.4 Steps: 20060
    Flights stairs: 8

    We woke up to rain on the roof of our cabin. Bad weather has been a rarity on this trip. I believe we’ve only dealt with rain once in almost 80 days, so this was a surprise. It was stormy for most of the day, and it definitely took away from the magic of this magical city. But we made due as best we could, and were extra grateful for the spectacular weather yesterday!

    We took the water taxi out to a small island, Murano. They do glass blowing there, and we were able to watch a few demonstrations and tour some factories. Then we headed back to Venice, and got lost walking around in all the small streets. Actually blown glass is huge here and sold everywhere. You can’t walk ten feet without seeing a store full of blown glass. We must have looked at hundreds of items today as we walked. I really enjoyed taking the main water taxi thru the entire length of the grand canal - took almost an hour but was able to see so much of the city that way. We then did a glass bead making workshop. It was very fun molding our own glass beads. Can’t wait to see what we created tomorrow.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    2
    Bridge of sighsSt Mark's campanile (bell tower)View from the top2St Mark's Basilica1Relaxing by the pool4St Mark's square2Views from the Grand Canal

    Last day in Venice

    10 giugno 2022, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Miles: 6.66 Steps: 15239
    Flights stairs: 7

    Today was our last day in Venice. The weather was beautiful again, which was a nice way to end. We went up to Saint Mark’s Camponile - it’s the bell tower in Saint Mark’s square, and is the tallest building in Venice. It was built in the 1500’s, but collapsed in 1902. They rebuilt it in 1912. We didn’t have to climb it this time - they have an elevator now that gets you to the top.

    We also went to the St Mark’s Basilica - it was a bit disappointing in that you couldn’t sit down at all to fully enjoy it, and it was really crowded. Actually I found Venice strange in that there was little in the way of benches or anything to sit on. And if you found a place to sit, on steps for example, there were hired people walking around telling you to stand up. Made it tough.

    We headed back to our campground during the afternoon and swam a bit in the pool. Was a refreshing break. ! Then we get headed back to the city to see Venice in the night - very nice. Wandered the canals, saw St Marks square lit up and rode a water taxi one last time down the grand canal.

    Venice was amazing - so unique and definitely a bucket list item checked off.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    We finally found our bus!!!
    From the train window - just the beginning!11The fortress at sunset

    Travel day to Salzburg, Austria

    11 giugno 2022, Austria ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Miles: 5.5 Steps: 13056
    Flights stairs: 10

    It was a tough travel day today - we struggled, a lot. Our tickets were in German, struggled translating them, no one in Venice could help us read them … turned out what I thought was a 7 hr train trip, was really a 3.5 hr bus and then a 3.5 hr train. Figured that out as we were sitting at the train station. Long story short … we made it, but not without some tears and fears. But I’ll say, boy was it worth all the hassles!! The train trip, once we got on it, was MAGNIFICENT, and it’s not even the scenic trip I paid for yet. It was just a normal trip. I haven’t seen much of Salzburg yet as we got in after 7:00pm, but what we have seen is amazing. Beautiful, quiet, peaceful, awesome!

    As a side note … was it just me who had no idea Austria’s official language is German?!? I learned a lot about their history today as we traveled — especially as it relates to Germany — Sound of Music makes sooo much more sense now.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    So many stairs! Went to top of Kapuzinburg mt/hill
    View from the topThe bells wrang FOREVERWhat goes up, must go downMirabell gardensLive band in mirabell gardensWinkler TerraceWe took an elevatot to the top, but walked downLots of kitties on this tripBuildings built right into the stonesHorse baths fountainFrancis cathedralReal chess board, it was hugeMozartHorse statue from Sound of MusicOld townBeer garden

    Salzburg!

    12 giugno 2022, Austria ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Miles: 8.39 Steps: 20507
    Flights stairs: 21

    We spent the day on our own little “waking tour” of the city. The Sound of Music was set entirely in Salzburg, and it is also the birthplace of Mozart, so many sites revolve around those two things.

    Salzburg is SO quiet - you could hear a pin drop it’s very peaceful and nice to walk around the city.

    We eventually wandered our way into a beer garden and I finally joined Jordan in a beer - poured from a wooden barrel into rock mugs! I figured if I was going to have one, now would be the time! 😂 lolI think my last beer may have been in high school - just not a fan of the taste.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    All suited up in our coveralls for the tour!
    1We rode this little train that we all straddled with just enough clearanceThis was an actual slide the miners used to take to get down to the work sitesIt was really fun and fast - just wish it was longer!This was made completely of different saltsThis is an underground brine lake. What we see here is the reflection from the ceiling.The little train we straddledSome parts felt like we were at Disneyland. 😃The fortressThe furnicular track we rode to get up to it1Musical "machine" that was playing motzart"The hills are alive ...." 🎶1Salzburg from aboveLove locks bridges are in every city here it seemsBeautiful evening

    Day trip to Germany!

    13 giugno 2022, Germania ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    Miles: 6.97 Steps: 16137
    Flights stairs: 17

    We took a day trip out to an underground salt mine (Berchtesgaden Salt Mine) in the alps. We ended up actually crossing into Germany! It was fascinating taking the trip 165 meters underground to see how they mined in the past and are mining currently. It was also a new experience to be the only two English speaking people in the tour of 50! We had translating devices for the produced information, but when the guide spoke he did so in German, and then would run over to us and repeat himself in English. A few times before he did that, he would say something and the whole crowd would crack up laughing - we may have been unknowingly the butt of a joke or two.

    In the evening we went up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. It was first built in 357 AD - and was altered and expanded on for hundreds of years. It also has the distinction of being a fortress that in all of history had never been conquered. Reaching it in the funicular you could see why - it was on such sheer cliffs and so high. During one battle the enemy had them pinned down for so long they almost ran out of food - they were down to a single cow. So they would paint the cow nightly different colors and parade it the next day where the enemy could see. They were fooled into thinking they had more food then they actually did, and gave up the fight and left.

    I learned today that in WW2 over 46% of Salzburg was destroyed - coming from the US where modern wars haven’t been fought on our soil it’s hard to imagine losing so much.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    The mountain we went to the top of
    Ride to the top1Once past the tower, it swung pretty forcefully ... thus my reactionBuilding a rock towerJordan loves her benches21Absolutely stunning1311The trip back down was VERY steepHellsbrunn trick fountains1140 figures all powered by water - built in the 1600's"16 goong on 17" gazebo from the Sound of Music 🎶2Austrian alps - a thing of beauty

    I LOVE the mountains!

    14 giugno 2022, Austria ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Miles: 8.1 Steps: 18188
    Flights stairs: 56!

    We spent the day hiking up in the Austrian alps … took a cable car 🚠 1853 meters to the top of Untersberg Mt. It was the most extreme one I’ve been on yet. Took my breath away at times.

    Once to the top we hiked another 45 minutes to the next summit over rock trails and steps cut into the hillside. It was worth it though as it gave us a 360° panoramic view. It was absolutely stunning. There are no words to describe how beautiful this was — I cried thinking how much Rodney would have loved experiencing this.

    Once down we headed to Hellbrunn Palace & Gardens. It was built in the early 1600’s and the highlight was the “trick fountains”. The archbishop at the time had quite a sense of humor and made these fountains that would pop on at the most unlikely times and spray you as you walk thru enjoying the gardens. Pretty funny. They also house the gazebo there from the “16 going on 17” scene in the sound of music.

    Quote of the day: “I was looking for the antlers. But it was a doe. A deer. A female deer.” 🎶    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell

    Travel day to Budapest

    15 giugno 2022, Ungheria ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Miles; 5.1 Steps: 11894
    Flights stairs: 6

    We took off from Salzburg early this morning and jumped on a train headed for Budapest … had a stop over in Vienna but the train station wasn’t really near the city so we didn’t see much.

    We’re pretty tired today, so just wandered the streets a bit and grabbed a bite to eat and called it an early day. Actually, no pics really taken cause we didn’t see anything. We’ll get out and really explore tomorrow.

    The one thing I did find interesting is the naming of the city. There’s a river that runs thru it — on one side is the “Buda” district and on the other, the “Pest” district. They refer to the city that way - you are either in Buda, or you’re in Pest. Had no idea.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Trams we take everywhere
    Gellert Thermal bathsInside the 50° cold tubGreat market hallView from lunch - love all the outdoor dining4Thr STEEPEST LONGEST escalators ever. Even more than DCShoes on the Danube bank5Musical fountain on Margaret islandParliament house at nightBuda castle at nightFishermans bastion at night

    Budapest

    16 giugno 2022, Ungheria ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Miles: 10.1 Steps: 24873
    Flights stairs: 31

    Budapest is famous for their thermal baths, so we went to Gellert thermal baths - built in 1918. It was gorgeous. Very unique in that they not only had varying temperatures of warm/hot pools from 96° ranging up to 104° (which is actually uncomfortably hot) - they also had ice cold baths along side them from 50-65°! It was exhilarating moving from one pool to the next. We had a VERY relaxing time laying out in the sun for 4 or 5 hours and dipping in the different pools to either warm up or cool down.

    We then hit the Great market hall - a massive shopping center built in 1897 that the locals still use for meats and produce. Really neat to walk around and see how people shop here.

    Everywhere we go in Europe there are remembrances and memorials to WW2 - the one we saw today was heart breaking. In Budapest in 1944-1945, the Arrow Cross militiamen executed nearly 20,000 Jews at the Danube river. They lined them up in rows and had them remove their shoes, which were valuable and could be sold - and then shot them, having their bodies fall into the river. An artist in 2005 made a monument - “Shoes on the Danube bank” - sculpting period appropriate shoes out of iron. It was very moving to see these lined up on the promenade, especially the child’s shoes. As I sat there I could almost see the history play out before me.

    After that we headed to Margaret Island - it’s literally an island right near the city. There’s running, walking, biking trails everywhere - game fields - just a great space. And of course they had a fountain set to music - I seem to be drawn to them!! Watched it for at least an hour.

    Jordan ended up leaving me there to meet up with a friend from high school, and I stayed and hung out at the island. All of a sudden a GIANT storm blew in SO fast. I had no idea what hit me. And on top of that my SIM card quit working and I lost all cell reception. I didn’t know what metro to take back, no one to call even if I could … and lightning everywhere. Definitely an experience. And it was 10:30 at night. So I walked — almost 4 miles, in the dark, in the pouring rain, lighting exploding - towards the area I thought the hostel was in. I eventually made it to a McDonald’s with free wifi and was able to pull up my google maps to get myself back, but it was pretty scary for an hour or so. The excitement of traveling to places I’m completely unfamiliar with!

    Quote of the day: “You and I remember Budapest very differently”. (Marvel, referring to Jordan and My evenings)    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    3Mathias church
    3Fisherman's BastionFisherman's bastion2So many stairs ...And more stairsPart of Buda castle1Parliament building

    Last day in Budapest

    17 giugno 2022, Ungheria ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Miles: 7.6 Steps: 19326
    Flights stairs: 50

    I began having issues with my cell phone today - I buy a different SIM card in the different countries I go to, and right now I’m using one that roams all thru Europe. Well last night it started misbehaving and stopped roaming. So made it a bit harder to get around - slowed us down some.

    We went to the Buda side of the river today - Mathias church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and Gellert Hill. The bastion was really unique - almost looked fake, like it was produced for Disneyland or something - but it was authentic from ages ago.

    Everything and everywhere continues to throw stairs at us — was a big day today having to walk up to the castle and then up Gellert hill - 50 flights. It almost makes us cry at this point when we see a massive stairway to go up, but … just keep going.

    Quote of the day: “The bathroom up there is good. It has a seat and everything!”    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    All i have for today - just the tracks and the workd going past.

    Travel day …

    18 giugno 2022, Repubblica Ceca ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    Miles: 3.1 Steps: 7101
    Flights stairs: 8 (rare “easy” day)

    Today was a travel day, which is still very much an adventure in Europe. We took a 9 hour electric train ride from Budapest to Prague!! Travel days can be fairly exhausting both physically and mentally - physically because we’re carrying 35 lbs each and mentally just working out the logistics, usually in a language we don’t know and then always being around people speaking other languages, everywhere. Believe it or not, It’s tiring after too many hours of hearing sounds you don’t understand.

    We made it to our hostel and collapsed. We seem to be out in the suburbs some, if there are those here. Didn’t see much between the train station and here because we took the underground subway, so not quite sure what’s out there yet.

    It’s a very odd experience moving from one city to the next as we’re doing. The places can be SO different from each other, that it’s almost shocking. One day we’re hiking in the mountains, the next we’re at the ocean, the next we’re in a castle on a hill. Very odd and unique situation. I’m grateful for every moment. ❤️    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    These escalators continue to amaze me. This is soooo steep
    A square i walked thru on the way to the mallOld town towerPallidium mall!!2Wouldnt know we are actually in Prague1Burger King, KFC, McDonalds and Pizza Hut -- really?!?! Kind of sad to see American food everywhere

    Prague … kind of

    19 giugno 2022, Repubblica Ceca ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F

    Miles: 5.5 Steps: 14503
    Flights stairs: 13

    Our first official day in Prague and it hit 100° out of the blue. The next three days we’re here should be normal temp, so we decided to change up plans and go somewhere nice and cool instead of sightsee in this heat — so we went to the mall!

    After 3 months on the road we needed a few things, plus it’s just fun to see the “normal” side of a city like this. We’ve been to a couple malls now in Europe and they’re HUGE. This one was 5 stories tall.

    Hopefully the weather report will be right for tomorrow and the heat is going to break .. so I’ll have some awesome experiences & pics of the city.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    2Dancing house
    2Head of Franz KafkaSunset as storm was clearingThis relection is in a puddle!! Thank you to Jordan for pointing it out to meStorms bring beautiful sunsets

    Prague’s weather causing issues

    20 giugno 2022, Repubblica Ceca ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Miles: 3.73 Steps: 9702
    Flights stairs: 9

    This is the first town where we have been seriously hampered by the weather. Pretty good considering we’re going on 90 days of travel. Yesterday it was stifling hot - 100° in the shade! So we didn’t do much but shop in the mall. Today we tried to go out, but a giant storm blew in, took the temps down to 50-60’s with severe rain, thunder and lighting, so we gave up and went back to our hostel mid day knowing the forecast was much better the next few days. crossing our fingers.

    We did go to a few things before heading “home”. We saw the Dancing house - they also call it “Fred and Ginger” here. It’s a building that is meant to look like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing. It was pretty neat.

    Then we headed to the “Head of Franz Kafka” - a sculpture of a German famous writer. It was not running because of the weather, but it was supposed to change forms and spin. We’re going to try to see it again before we leave and see if it’s working.

    We went out in the evening after the storm passed and went to Letna Park, which is close to where we’re staying. Gave us a nice view of the sunset and of the city below.

    During this trip in some cities I add in a few extra days here and there to “rest”, do laundry, get shopping done, plan the next countries, things like that. Luckily that was the case here in Prague so we had a few extra days to give. It was nice to just sit and relax and take it easy. And we have a private room at the hostel, so even better!!    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    St Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle
    St Vitus Cathedral- maybe the "tallest" weve seen yet short of Sagrada Familia2St George's CathedralDont understand the use of childrens armor - we've seen it in every old cityOld bridge towerStreets of PragueOld town square - astronomical clock on the leftA house in the underground tourView from the top of the astronomical clock towerStairway leading down from the astronomical clock towerBeautiful stone work on side of the buildingsOn the canal tour - Jordan not a huge fan, but she humors meCharles Bridge from the boatCharles Bridge at sunsetCathedral and CastleCharles Bridge, cathedral and castle

    Prague, finally!!

    21 giugno 2022, Repubblica Ceca ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Miles: 7.45 Steps: 17644
    Flights stairs: 15

    We finally had great weather and went out and enjoyed Prague! It was beautiful. We went to the Prague castle and St Vitus Cathedral as well as St George’s cathedral on the hill. It was really pretty cool.

    Then we headed down to the river and went across the Charles Bridge and into the old town. We took a tour of the famous astronomical clock. Didn’t get to see any workings of the clock but did have an interesting tour of the underground city that lies underneath the one we see above. We also took a small boat ride (size, not time) down the river and into the canals of “little Venice” - which, really wasn’t much like Venice now that I’ve been there.

    The highlight of the evening was going back at night to see the town lit up. Truly beautiful.    Leggi altro

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  • Christie MitchellRTW 2022Christie Mitchell
    Funicular ride
    Mirror mazePetrin TowerRose gardensHead of Franz Kafka, again2Head finally moving, kind of2One if the many Starbucks, blending in to the old villageBest transit system yet!

    Last day in Prague

    22 giugno 2022, Repubblica Ceca ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    Miles: 4.2 Steps: 10329
    Flights stairs: 9

    Today was our last day in Prague and we had a nice relaxing time. We headed up to Petrin Hill on a funicular and went to the Mirror maze - it was cute. Wish it would have been harder, but still fun. Then we stopped at the Petrin Tower, Prague’s attempt to duplicate the Eiffel Tower. Built slightly differently and MUCH smaller, but neat to see. We also toured the beautiful rose gardens and then took the funicular back down.

    After that we headed back to the Head of Franz Kafka to see if it was working today, and found it was - kind of. There are 42 moving plates, and sadly 2 of them didn’t rotate. Still saw the gist of it, but the broken pieces didn’t allow it to do all it was supposed to do. If you google it you can see it working correctly.

    Then we headed thru the city for one last look. Everywhere we go we see Starbucks - it’s amazing how they are different in each old city and morph right in with the surroundings.

    Prague is definitely a beautiful place - and their public transportation system is the best we’ve seen yet. The US has a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world it seems.    Leggi altro

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