No, I have no idea what 'dult' means, but it is like a spring octoberfest. There are rides and games, food (many pretzels with emmental cheese) and a row of booths selling everything from clothes to jewelry, brushes and lots of socks. But the focus of this event is drinking -- beer mostly. There are 2 huge beer halls with entertainment (mostly music) and a number of lesser beergardens and booths. Oh, the other unusual thing about this fair is that about half of all the people are in 'tracht' costumes -- that means leather knickers, or shorts for men with a checked shirt and a vest, and a dirndl for females -- of all ages. Some of the women are in lederhosen as well. Most of the leather pants have no zip but rather a large flap front and some lovely flowers painted on the leather. Also, it appears it is an event for young people -- us older visitors were in the small minority.
First thing this morning we scouted out some of the city we had not seen yesterday -- the Dom and the market in the Dom platz. Yes, we bought the dandelion flower cough syrup. Then it was on to the Glass Museum. I have NEVER seen such a variety of glass work and glass. There were pieces from the early 1800s to about 1940. Evidently glass ingredients were plentiful in Bavaria because it became a centre for glass production and innovation for many years. Stunning pieces, amazing colours, collections (like the sets of glasses of Empress Sissy all with gold and the imperial crest) are on about 4 flours in a thousand year old building on the Danube waterfront.
We stopped in an outdoor wirtshaus for lunch. Ian had a pork roast and dumplings, me, the southern german version of mac and cheese -- with spatzle. Ultimate comfort food from two cultures!
We are all set for tomorrow's transfer to the boat -- have a van booked to move us and Richard Jennie and the girls (plus all the luggage) to the boat at 3 pm. They have arrived in Germany but are spending the night near the Munich airport to make the trip easier for the girls.
Looking forward to the next week!
my pictures are not automatically being loaded from my phone to the google cloud so I will just post them on facebook separately.
Saturday, 30 April 2016
Friday, 29 April 2016
Starting Out
I used to try and sleep on the trans-atlantic flights. It was hardly ever successful, even on those few occasions where I had 3 seats to myself and could 'stretch out'. There was always a seat belt in the wrong spot or a seat undulation which just would not let me get into those lovely deep sleeps that I usually have. So I would toss and turn and try every imaginable position, sometimes hanging appendages out into the aisle, without success.
About a year ago, I guess, I stopped trying. Now I watch movies from the time they turn the entertainment on before we leave Toronto, to the time we have touched down, taxied to the gate and shut off the engines. Today I managed all of "Concussion" (excellent Will Smith), Hunger Games, Mocking Jay part II which I had already seen and enjoyed, Minions (poor), and half of the latest Star Wars. When we stopped in Munich it didn't feel like I had travelled or spent 7:40 in my chair with plugs in my ears. That's the way to tackle the long flights!
I must put in a plug for German signage: getting to the bus area at the airport was no problem, nor was finding the correct bus stop. The driver sold us the tickets and we were in Freising in about 20 minutes, dropped off right at the main train station. The regional train took about 1:50 to get to Passau. Even though it was in the middle of the day, there was considerable traffic on the train, but the electric train set runs so smoothly that you need to look out to make sure you are moving at all.
Once in Passau, it was easy to find the hotel and get up to our room. It was too early to crash so we walked down to the Danube and along the river to where it meets the other two rivers. After two unsuccessful attempts, I found a phone company that would sell me an 'all of Europe' sim and got myself online. An early supper was enjoyed with local bread cheese and beer and then an early bed.
Sorry, today's pictures have not yet uploaded from the phone and I can't keep my eyes open.
About a year ago, I guess, I stopped trying. Now I watch movies from the time they turn the entertainment on before we leave Toronto, to the time we have touched down, taxied to the gate and shut off the engines. Today I managed all of "Concussion" (excellent Will Smith), Hunger Games, Mocking Jay part II which I had already seen and enjoyed, Minions (poor), and half of the latest Star Wars. When we stopped in Munich it didn't feel like I had travelled or spent 7:40 in my chair with plugs in my ears. That's the way to tackle the long flights!
I must put in a plug for German signage: getting to the bus area at the airport was no problem, nor was finding the correct bus stop. The driver sold us the tickets and we were in Freising in about 20 minutes, dropped off right at the main train station. The regional train took about 1:50 to get to Passau. Even though it was in the middle of the day, there was considerable traffic on the train, but the electric train set runs so smoothly that you need to look out to make sure you are moving at all.
Once in Passau, it was easy to find the hotel and get up to our room. It was too early to crash so we walked down to the Danube and along the river to where it meets the other two rivers. After two unsuccessful attempts, I found a phone company that would sell me an 'all of Europe' sim and got myself online. An early supper was enjoyed with local bread cheese and beer and then an early bed.
Sorry, today's pictures have not yet uploaded from the phone and I can't keep my eyes open.
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Good February
In 2015, due to poor planning on my part, I spent all of February at home. Now, I am very happy with my home, but February was a very difficult month. It was approximately 10 degrees C colder than usual (not a single day above freezing), with lots of snow shovelling. Even Gavle in Sweden had a much milder month. At the end of it, I decided that I did not want to repeat that for 2016. So, when the deal to Madeira and the Azores (Feb. 19 to March 2) came up in August, we booked it. And a few days later when Richard's surgery was scheduled for February 12 and he asked that I come, I booked that -- Feb. 5 to 17.
Richard's surgery went well and he is recovering right on schedule. Having me there made it a bit easier for Jennie to have a few more hands to do some of the things that all fell on her shoulders. She is a remarkable lady and a fabulous Mom to Tova and Rowan. My time there was a joy!
Madeira turned out to be a real tourist place. I dislike street hustlers for tours and restaurants and to sell you pictures of yourself. I feel very badly for the people who must earn their living this way and it diminishes the delight of a place for me. I much prefer exploring the places where the locals live, blending into the fabric of a place whereever possible.
Sao Miguel, this island, is the country cousin of Madeira. The mountains are not as high, but there are spectacular views. The roads are not as impressive with the tunnels, but certainly good roads, and in most cases at least 2 types to get you from one place to another. The people speak less English, but enough to get yourself understood in most cases. There are not huge Volvo tour buses everywhere. The entrance to the hot springs area yesterday at Furnas was 50 cents. A great plate of grilled squid at the little food area by the big supermarket costs 7 euros. And a beer from the kiosk on the waterfront allows you to sit and watch the boats in absolute peace. When tourism is not the central focus, the locals go about their business.
We fly home today to the end of the storm of the season, according to the weather network. Thanks to a friend who will clear the driveway and who has looked after our cat.
Good February!
Richard's surgery went well and he is recovering right on schedule. Having me there made it a bit easier for Jennie to have a few more hands to do some of the things that all fell on her shoulders. She is a remarkable lady and a fabulous Mom to Tova and Rowan. My time there was a joy!
Madeira turned out to be a real tourist place. I dislike street hustlers for tours and restaurants and to sell you pictures of yourself. I feel very badly for the people who must earn their living this way and it diminishes the delight of a place for me. I much prefer exploring the places where the locals live, blending into the fabric of a place whereever possible.
Sao Miguel, this island, is the country cousin of Madeira. The mountains are not as high, but there are spectacular views. The roads are not as impressive with the tunnels, but certainly good roads, and in most cases at least 2 types to get you from one place to another. The people speak less English, but enough to get yourself understood in most cases. There are not huge Volvo tour buses everywhere. The entrance to the hot springs area yesterday at Furnas was 50 cents. A great plate of grilled squid at the little food area by the big supermarket costs 7 euros. And a beer from the kiosk on the waterfront allows you to sit and watch the boats in absolute peace. When tourism is not the central focus, the locals go about their business.
Good February!
Monday, 29 February 2016
Exploring
Flexibility -- got to have it. This morning the breakfast room was so crowded (German bus tour) that we walked down to the dock and checked out the boats in the harbour. When we got back, just about 9 and basically had the place to ourselves. See, be flexible, be happy.
Today was an exploring day -- to see if this place would make a nice cycling holiday. We went across the island -- about 8 km if you go directly north of Ponta Delgada. There are a number of different grades of roads. The Via Rapida don't allow tractors, bicycles or cows, so there would be no cycling there. The 'red' road (colour on our map) is called a main road. It allows the aforementioned items and we met all except the bicycles. The tractors really move, and the cows, well, no bells but a fit, fifty-year old in shorts chasing them along the road. Reminds me of the sheep in New Zealand.
We stopped along some of the little villages which perch on the cliffs and at the mouths of the rivers which come out of the mountains to the sea. Fishermen were working on lines, boats were out in the harbour, guys were sweeping the streets. Normal life. Stop in at a cafe and grab a coffee (espresso) in about 3.5 minutes at the counter. Normal life. Pilgrims walking along the street. Normal life.
We got all the way to Nordeste. Every place has a local church in the classic black and white motif. They are not ridiculously ornate, but seem fitting to the towns. In most places you can hear village kids out on recess and cows mooing. Cows, very important residents here. They have fabulously green pastures and overpasses to connect pastures divided by the Via Rapida.
Goreanna is one of only two remaining tea plantations here on Sao Miguel. They make an orange pekoe and a green tea. Ian and I both preferred the latter. Nice tasting room after we wandered through the production area -- currently shut down as tea harvest season doesn't start till Mid March. It goes till mid October.
Today was an exploring day -- to see if this place would make a nice cycling holiday. We went across the island -- about 8 km if you go directly north of Ponta Delgada. There are a number of different grades of roads. The Via Rapida don't allow tractors, bicycles or cows, so there would be no cycling there. The 'red' road (colour on our map) is called a main road. It allows the aforementioned items and we met all except the bicycles. The tractors really move, and the cows, well, no bells but a fit, fifty-year old in shorts chasing them along the road. Reminds me of the sheep in New Zealand.
We stopped along some of the little villages which perch on the cliffs and at the mouths of the rivers which come out of the mountains to the sea. Fishermen were working on lines, boats were out in the harbour, guys were sweeping the streets. Normal life. Stop in at a cafe and grab a coffee (espresso) in about 3.5 minutes at the counter. Normal life. Pilgrims walking along the street. Normal life.
We got all the way to Nordeste. Every place has a local church in the classic black and white motif. They are not ridiculously ornate, but seem fitting to the towns. In most places you can hear village kids out on recess and cows mooing. Cows, very important residents here. They have fabulously green pastures and overpasses to connect pastures divided by the Via Rapida.
Goreanna is one of only two remaining tea plantations here on Sao Miguel. They make an orange pekoe and a green tea. Ian and I both preferred the latter. Nice tasting room after we wandered through the production area -- currently shut down as tea harvest season doesn't start till Mid March. It goes till mid October.
Nice exploring!
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Ponta hasn't changed
I wrote yesterday that it felt like coming home, being back in this hotel in this city. There is something comforting about that, one compares the present to the past and remembers the unique items.
We walked over the north part of town today, to Decathlon and to the big mall. Got some good bargains, but also noticed the changes, or maybe just noticed things that we didn't 1.5 years ago. The last time we were here it was October, and now the spring flowers are out. Yes, in one garden we saw daffodils, magnolia blossoms, azaleas, camellias, birds of paradise. Hoping that my little sago palm gets inspired by the picture. Would be so nice to be able to grow that in my garden!
One of the things we like about this place is that it feels much more 'real' rather than touristy like Medeira. We sat in the cafeteria at the supermarket with our cafe and Nata (coffee and custard tart), just like the other people on a Sunday afternoon. We were looking at gardens along with the locals, checking out the places for sale.
Nice to wander and enjoy the city.
We walked over the north part of town today, to Decathlon and to the big mall. Got some good bargains, but also noticed the changes, or maybe just noticed things that we didn't 1.5 years ago. The last time we were here it was October, and now the spring flowers are out. Yes, in one garden we saw daffodils, magnolia blossoms, azaleas, camellias, birds of paradise. Hoping that my little sago palm gets inspired by the picture. Would be so nice to be able to grow that in my garden!
One of the things we like about this place is that it feels much more 'real' rather than touristy like Medeira. We sat in the cafeteria at the supermarket with our cafe and Nata (coffee and custard tart), just like the other people on a Sunday afternoon. We were looking at gardens along with the locals, checking out the places for sale.
Nice to wander and enjoy the city.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Venue change
Well, today was the 'move to another island' day.
Ian was feeling better (good thing) and we drove out to the east side of the island. We had a nice coffee by the harbour in Machico and then went north to a little town called St. Jorge. Just on the whim, we stopped where there was a spot to park and followed a restaurant sign to an old farm with thatched buildings. It turned out to be a great restaurant where we had marinated pork chunks -- more than we could eat. There was a german shepherd dog running around on the roof and a cherimoya tree with fruit in the yard.
Returning the rental car -- somehow the mirror got scratched -- not while we were in the car. Expensive mirror! Flight on time and arrived in Ponta Delgada. Much nicer driving here. We arrived nicely. Almost felt like coming home.
Ian was feeling better (good thing) and we drove out to the east side of the island. We had a nice coffee by the harbour in Machico and then went north to a little town called St. Jorge. Just on the whim, we stopped where there was a spot to park and followed a restaurant sign to an old farm with thatched buildings. It turned out to be a great restaurant where we had marinated pork chunks -- more than we could eat. There was a german shepherd dog running around on the roof and a cherimoya tree with fruit in the yard.
Returning the rental car -- somehow the mirror got scratched -- not while we were in the car. Expensive mirror! Flight on time and arrived in Ponta Delgada. Much nicer driving here. We arrived nicely. Almost felt like coming home.
Friday, 26 February 2016
Unexpected
The saying goes "if life gives you lemons, make lemonade". And if your travelling companion gets sick, go out anyways.
Well, Ian did end up with some kind of tummy upset which kept him in the room all day -- most of it sleeping. And so, the plan to drive to the north end of the island again and east this time, did not happen. But, I was out most of the day -- walking west to the 'angel' -- a statue in a roundabout, and then back. Checked out the mall again, but there was really nothing of interest.
We appreciate the views!
Well, Ian did end up with some kind of tummy upset which kept him in the room all day -- most of it sleeping. And so, the plan to drive to the north end of the island again and east this time, did not happen. But, I was out most of the day -- walking west to the 'angel' -- a statue in a roundabout, and then back. Checked out the mall again, but there was really nothing of interest.
I guess most people who come here for an extended vacation -- the British and the Germans -- spend their day much the same way -- walking everywhere to enjoy the flowers (fabulous) and the ocean.
We go to cafes for a treat and then walk some more. One's legs get much stronger and the hills are not as daunting. We learn which grocery store has the specialty items we want. We check in on the folks at home -- both in the hotel and via the internet. We enjoy a simple supper and a glass or two of wine (starting at about 2 euros a bottle, not a hardship). We go to bed early and just have a totally different day than the ones at home.
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