After the cruise we took a 40 min bus ride into the Alps. To be honest, if you've ever traveled west you've seen snow on the mountains so in that respect it wasn't anything different. What made it special is that it is The Swiss Alps!!
We took a cable lift to 5000' then switched to a 2nd car that rotated as we climbed to 10,000'. OMG I was dizzy the entire time. Had soup & sprite to settle my stomach. In US$ it costs me $25-the Sprite was $6!! BTW, Gas is $9 gallon!!
I took the next cable car back down and it was picking up speed going downhill but the views are breathtaking.
Our guide had told us to prepare for cold but it turns out, I was overdressed. So many of them were not used to cold but hey it's nothing for a Michigander:). Since I came down early I got 45 min to enjoy the sun. It was wunderbar!
We had the rest of the day to ourselves so I went shopping. Two grandsons are getting Swiss Army knives. I wanted a Swiss watch but not at these prices LOL! Switzerland is very expensive.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Lucerne-Morning cruise
This morning after breakfast we took a cruise on Lake Lucerne. I was in 2 sweatshirts & comfortable but the others were bundled up like it was below zero. LOL It was a great boat ride...so scenic. Can't remember the mount in the background but isn't it pretty. 
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Lucerne Switzerland-Sunday
Arrived at hotel at dusk so haven't seen anything yet. Saw shadow of the Alps though. Some of the Aussies in our group have never seen snow. Can't imagine that.
I have to say they done a wonderful job choosing our hotels. They've all 3-4 star. This one is 7 stories and it's all glass.
Monday morn we are taking a cruise on Lake Lucerne. Then in afternoon we r going 10,000 ft up on Mt Titlus via cable car. Yahoo! Can't wait for that experience.
This whole trip has been such a great experience for me. I probably look silly as I am grinning all the time. I can't believe I'm seeing these places for real:)
More tomorrow!
I have to say they done a wonderful job choosing our hotels. They've all 3-4 star. This one is 7 stories and it's all glass.
Monday morn we are taking a cruise on Lake Lucerne. Then in afternoon we r going 10,000 ft up on Mt Titlus via cable car. Yahoo! Can't wait for that experience.
This whole trip has been such a great experience for me. I probably look silly as I am grinning all the time. I can't believe I'm seeing these places for real:)
More tomorrow!
Rhine River Cruise
My morning didn't start on the right foot! There was a time change & I apparently set my clock ahead TWICE so I was up an hr early so i took a nap on the 7 hr bus ride to Lucerne Switzerland today :)
Our first stop was Boppard Germany where we took a scenic 2 hr cruise down the Rhine to the village of St Goar. Beautiful! It was chilly up on deck. If I stayed below I couldn't get good pics and I also got nauseous. We saw several castles from the 11th-13th centuries.
I'm currently sitting in Starbucks on Heidelburg Germany. I didn't have wifi @ hotel last night so I'm taking advantage of this chance to post.
I hope u r enjoying these posts half as much as I'm enjoying this trip.
Our first stop was Boppard Germany where we took a scenic 2 hr cruise down the Rhine to the village of St Goar. Beautiful! It was chilly up on deck. If I stayed below I couldn't get good pics and I also got nauseous. We saw several castles from the 11th-13th centuries.
I'm currently sitting in Starbucks on Heidelburg Germany. I didn't have wifi @ hotel last night so I'm taking advantage of this chance to post.
I hope u r enjoying these posts half as much as I'm enjoying this trip.
Saturday evening in Bruehl Germany
At dusk, we arrived at Ramada, another 4 star hotel! The dinner was surprisingly more American-like. BBQ chicken or grilled fish, new potatoes, peas & carrots.
After dinner, the evening was ours. But we had an early wake-up 5:30 and we were losing an hour cuz of time change so most of us stayed @ hotel. There is really nothing special about Cologne, at least after dark.
It was a good time to visit w/ our traveling companions. Several are from Australia. There are 2 couples from China on their honeymoons. There's a couple from Vegas & me who are the only Americans.
Our bus ride on Sunday was nearly 700 miles. Granted there is no speed limit on the Autobahn but tour buses can't exceed 100 kph (62 mph).
After dinner, the evening was ours. But we had an early wake-up 5:30 and we were losing an hour cuz of time change so most of us stayed @ hotel. There is really nothing special about Cologne, at least after dark.
It was a good time to visit w/ our traveling companions. Several are from Australia. There are 2 couples from China on their honeymoons. There's a couple from Vegas & me who are the only Americans.
Our bus ride on Sunday was nearly 700 miles. Granted there is no speed limit on the Autobahn but tour buses can't exceed 100 kph (62 mph).
Amsterdam-Saturday
Started the day with a guided boat tour of the canals. Very interesting but I can't remember most of the trivia! The country is below sea level, hence the windmills. One windmill can drain a swimming pool in 2 minutes!
The canals are 9 ft deep. They say there is 3' of dirt, 3' of water & 3' of bicycles LOL!
There are over million bikes here & they have right of way. I'll have several pics to post later. Unbelievable the amount of traffic-wbikes, cars, trams and pedestrians-reminded me of NYC. So many ride bikes year around cuz the land is so flat.
It rains 200 days a year but sunny today, 60• So it was good for walking.
After the boat ride, we visited a diamond center. They explained the 4 C's of diamonds.
We then had 2 hrs to walk around. Guess where I went first---Red Light District! OMG is all I can say about that. Visited shops & souvenir stores, of course.
The Belgian waffle dipped in chocolate Yum! Bought some Dutch chocolate Yum again!
Next was 4 hr bus ride to Cologne Germany so I took 2 pain pills & a nap.
The canals are 9 ft deep. They say there is 3' of dirt, 3' of water & 3' of bicycles LOL!
There are over million bikes here & they have right of way. I'll have several pics to post later. Unbelievable the amount of traffic-wbikes, cars, trams and pedestrians-reminded me of NYC. So many ride bikes year around cuz the land is so flat.
It rains 200 days a year but sunny today, 60• So it was good for walking.
After the boat ride, we visited a diamond center. They explained the 4 C's of diamonds.
We then had 2 hrs to walk around. Guess where I went first---Red Light District! OMG is all I can say about that. Visited shops & souvenir stores, of course.
The Belgian waffle dipped in chocolate Yum! Bought some Dutch chocolate Yum again!
Next was 4 hr bus ride to Cologne Germany so I took 2 pain pills & a nap.
Heidelburg Germany
This is what I thought Germany would look like! It's so beautiful. My son said to see the Heidelberg Castle but there was no time to tour. I did see it sitting waaay up high on a hill. I couldn't get a very good pic w/phone so I'll have to share the ones on my camera later.
We had 1 1/2 hr here so I window shopped & had lunch. Of course, I bought souvenirs. It was a Sunday so several stores were closed but there were still a lot of places to spend money!
Next came the long 5 hr drive to Lucerne Switzerland. Every city gets more awesome! We arrived in Lucerne at dusk do only got a glimpse of the Alps. The medieval part of town is beautiful. Can't wait til tomorrow!
We had 1 1/2 hr here so I window shopped & had lunch. Of course, I bought souvenirs. It was a Sunday so several stores were closed but there were still a lot of places to spend money!
Next came the long 5 hr drive to Lucerne Switzerland. Every city gets more awesome! We arrived in Lucerne at dusk do only got a glimpse of the Alps. The medieval part of town is beautiful. Can't wait til tomorrow!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Amsterdam-Saturday
Leaving @ 8:30 for a boat ride down the canals, then visiting a diamond center & a walk thru Red Light District. That should be interesting! Hope to buy some tulip bulbs, too. Then on the afternoon we drive to Cologne Germany for the night.
Drive to Amsterdam-Friday
Our ferry reached Calais France about 2:30 pm. It was great watching this big ship dock and see dozens of tour busses drive off OMG there were so many kids! Must be doing a spring break trip to Calais.
Our motor coach was waiting for us & drove right onto the ship to get us & luggage loaded. We drove north through Belgium & arrived in Amsterdam about 9 pm.
At least they drive on the right of the road so I won't get hit. I nearly was in London cuz I looked right when I should've looked left!
Our tour director said there are usually 40 people in a group but we only have 29 so we have room to spread out on the bus.
Our motor coach was waiting for us & drove right onto the ship to get us & luggage loaded. We drove north through Belgium & arrived in Amsterdam about 9 pm.
At least they drive on the right of the road so I won't get hit. I nearly was in London cuz I looked right when I should've looked left!
Our tour director said there are usually 40 people in a group but we only have 29 so we have room to spread out on the bus.
Crossing English Channel-Friday
We left our hotel @ 8:30 for a 2 hr bus ride to Dover England where we boarded this huge ferry. There are semis and busses in the belly of it! I hope I can get a picture of it after we land on Calais France. Here is a pic of the famous white cliffs of Dover. 
Piccadilly Circus-Thursday
Well I can tell you it is a circus! So much traffic and it goes off in several directions like spokes. It reminded me of Times Square with the jumbo-trons. I didn't get a pic with my phone so I'll upload them when I get home.
Buckingham Palace-Thursday
Whew! I walked from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace which was at least a mile Changing of the guards isn't until 2moro:(. From Palace I walked to Trafalgar Square-about 3/4 mile. So much traffic!
Westminster Abbey-Thursday
Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside but I managed to sneak one. I don't know why we can't take picture of something so beautiful. I didn't realize how many royalty are buried here, dating back centuries. I'm glad they allowed us to sit in pews as my back was breaking after walking from London Eye. It was several blocks. I bought a cup of tea & took pain pills. 
London Eye-Thursday
This morning I bought a pass so I can ride buses or subway until tomorrow
4 a.m. I boarded the Underground (subway) & went to Westminster. When I reached street level the first thing I saw was Big Ben! I was so surprised that it took my breath away! I wasn't expecting it to be so near nor so huge. Next stop the London Eye. It's like a giant ferris wheel that moves very slowly & provides wonderful views of London.
4 a.m. I boarded the Underground (subway) & went to Westminster. When I reached street level the first thing I saw was Big Ben! I was so surprised that it took my breath away! I wasn't expecting it to be so near nor so huge. Next stop the London Eye. It's like a giant ferris wheel that moves very slowly & provides wonderful views of London.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
LONDON
OMG! I'm finally here. If the entire trip goes as smooth as the flight over, this will be a great experience. I got 5 hrs sleep on the plane thanks to meds but adrenaline has kicked in + 2 cups tea just before landing. Within minutes of getting baggage, the driver met me. I'm glad I am in an English speaking country as it helps me to get acclimated to a foreign country-especially where cars are on opposite side of the road!
Hyde Park is directly across from the hotel and a stone's throw to Kensington Palace. My luck it is closed. It's being refurnished for William & Kate. So I walked on across Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens to see Princess Di Fountain. That was disappointing. Now I'm back at hotel for a shower and dinner. It's after 4p.m. & I've not eaten much of anything since 2 p.m yesterday in Detroit.
Not eating+walking=skinny? LOL!
Hyde Park is directly across from the hotel and a stone's throw to Kensington Palace. My luck it is closed. It's being refurnished for William & Kate. So I walked on across Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens to see Princess Di Fountain. That was disappointing. Now I'm back at hotel for a shower and dinner. It's after 4p.m. & I've not eaten much of anything since 2 p.m yesterday in Detroit.
Not eating+walking=skinny? LOL!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Taking Off
Left DTW on time on a little 30 seat prop called a Bombadier Dash! Now in Toronto. I must've walked a mile from gate to main terminal. Now it's a 4 hr layover till I board for London. Ugh! This is a huge airport and busier than DTW.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Off I Go!
My plan is to write daily and post pictures as I go from country to country. Of course, my days may be so full and I'll be too tired to write daily but I'll try! My travel starts Tuesday, March 20 so stay tuned!
NOTE When you go to MyTravelBlog, you will be asked to sign up for a Google account. However, you can sign in as a guest for 30 days. Since my trip is 25 days, you can view my blog without an account, if you so choose:) However, if you sign in as a guest, I don't believe you have the option of writing comments on my blog.
NOTE When you go to MyTravelBlog, you will be asked to sign up for a Google account. However, you can sign in as a guest for 30 days. Since my trip is 25 days, you can view my blog without an account, if you so choose:) However, if you sign in as a guest, I don't believe you have the option of writing comments on my blog.
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