Tag Archives: family

Tuesday, May 26 — Moving Day

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We woke earlier than necessary (7:00) for our 8:45 taxi ride so I turned off my alarm and slept a bit more. I had already laid my clothes out last night, and managed to fit even the thicker things in my luggage so I knew it would go quickly this morning.

I finally rose at 7:30, and made my Nespresso coffee, got dressed, and packed. Still more time to spare. So I sat around a bit, checked email and Quicken — just killing time, really.

Finally it was time to head downstairs and check out. Our taxi driver was already waiting for us. Dan said, “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting long,” but he didn’t answer, so who knows? The drive took a while due to traffic and the distance. I don’t know why we had the idea initially that the airport was closer to the city, as it was definitely not! But still we arrived nice and what I think I’ll call “patty early”. We checked our luggage and raced through security. Here they have you take out laptops and iPads, but nothing else. Both Dan and I triggered the thing that means they have to check us out. For me it was my barrette and Dan had a shirt with a side zipper and that triggered it. They are pretty darn careful here. I actually appreciate that, as sometimes I’ve gotten through with all sorts of things I forgot to remove and they don’t catch them.

We made our way to a lounge to see if we were allowed in (the AerLingus lounge was closed due to renovations but I read that we’d be allowed in the other one here … maybe). Sure enough, we qualified, even without first class or anything. The lounge was pretty tiny, and we were allowed to stay for two hours only, but since our flight was boarding in about 1 1/2 hours that wasn’t any issue. The real reason we wanted to get in was to get free breakfast. We are cheap that way.

As you can see above, Dan had what they call the full English, or is it full Irish? Hm. I didn’t do the meat or tomato and even with what I chose it was a ton of food. As you can also see, sitting in a lounge is so exciting Dan can hardly contain himself. The other people in the lounge looked equally thrilled to be there. Killing time is a riveting experience.

We decided to amble to gate 6, where we were to board our flight. It didn’t take long to hear the announcement that Group 1 was boarding. Alas, we were Group 2. And then, horrors! — Group 3 gets to board with us. Now how distressing can that be?

Okay, it wasn’t at all distressing. So never mind.

We were in row 2 of the plane, with another passenger in the window seat while we were middle and aisle. The flight was completely uneventful. At least for us. One man had to console his crying infant for quite some time. As this photo shows, Dan wanted our pants to match. Or maybe it was an accident. You decide.



And then we landed. Hello again, London Heathrow! At least for a very short time. But oh my, was it hot out! Cork was too warm already. This is “too warmer”!

We weren’t sure what to expect since we were coming from the EU and entering the UK. I’d been told by someone on the Rick Steves group that we could expect nothing, and that person was correct. No passport control or anything. So after getting our luggage we made our way to Heathrow Express.

Into that train we went for our fifteen minute ride to London Paddington.

We were going to have no problem connecting to our next train so I even asked at the station if we could change the ticket to an earlier train but that would have cost something so instead we went to the Mad Bishop and Bear in the station and had some bites and drinks. I tried the non-alcoholic G&T and it was surprisingly tasty! I should have taken a photo of what they used because I’d try it at home. Too late now, though.

Our train departed precisely at 3:23. Our seats were in the “quiet car” — I had reserved them (for no cost) but clearly there were loads of available seats. Right before we departed the station a couple came in with their cat (in a crate) and proceeded to yak. And yak. And yak. I don’t know if they didn’t realize it was the quiet car or if they didn’t care, but no one pointed to the sign. Quite different than another trip we were on when a woman acted as the Noise Police. She needed to be on our train! They got off in Reading though, so silence was then enjoyed.

We had a five or six more stops. I don’t really count them carefully, but I did pay attention because I sure didn’t want to miss our stop! Sometimes I did take a quick station shot. Just because, as well as other rather shabby shots out the somewhat dirty window.

And then we arrived. Hello, Moreton-in-Marsh!

We begin tomorrow on a week-long walk. I would love to say this will be a very easy walk compared to some, but it’s so darn hot I think it will still be challenging. Still, I am looking forward to it.

We walked to our lodging, provided by Cotswolds Journeys since we used them for this walk, checked in, and made our way to our rather large room.

And then the real fun for today: we met up with Greg and Jan! (My brother and sister-in-law.) They are joining us for the walk. I just hope we don’t melt.

After we met up we headed to dinner at the Black Bear Inn. I thought I might be done with fish and chips, but nope … had ‘em again. Food was plentiful, but hey, we have a 7 mile walk tomorrow, so there’s that.

We finished and walked back to our lodging.

And then it was G&Ts. It was just too hot not to. Trust me. (I grabbed this photo below from Greg’s What’sApp post. I’ll try and get the actual photo later.)

After drinks we said our good nights and went to our rooms. I’m hoping we can manage to sleep, but we’ll see. At least I have a fan in my room! (I’m not talking about Dan.)

For now, though … ciao! (I wrote this even more quickly than usual so I hat to think about the typos.)

6,701 steps, 2.69 miles, 3 flights climbed

PS This final photo shows our hair as being somewhat gray or white. I’m sure it’s just a camera problem and I will try and fix that.

HAH!

So This Is It

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Yes, our last day in NYC, and our last full day of this trip. It flew by. It seems like we’ve been on it forever. Funny how that goes!

I didn’t wake up until 7:00! (Well, okay, I was up three other times, but that is sort of the norm for me.) We lazed around a bit (since Dan has a cold he’s taking it easy for sure, and I’m happy to be lazy as we wind things down), and eventually I went down to pick up some croissants for breakfast. Angelina Bakery has been our go-to for those. It was cloudy outside, and some people were holding umbrellas although I felt no drops. Some of the taller buildings were hidden by clouds, though. I dropped our yummy croissants off at our room and went up to floor 27 here at the hotel to get our coffees: decaf espresso for Dan, caffeinated cappuccino for me. Yes, you really do need to know these things: when we get home I just might write up a quiz called, “What did D&P do on their trip?” Please have your number 2 pencils ready.

We have a table in our room so we just ate there.

Then, while Dan did what Dan does (computer, shower, whatever) I started to search for a place to eat dinner. It’s a challenge when there may be six of us and some choices were out of the question. Contacting Brandon he suggested maybe we should try something different than the bar food we’ve been having so I found a Japanese restaurant. I suspect that will be quite refreshing after eating so many fries!

It was drizzling out (according to our often incorrect watches anyway) — we were in no rush to get outside. In addition, the last day of our trips tend to be rather slow. It’s as if we allow ourselves to finally let go of the required energy needed for travel, knowing the trip is nearly over. But eventually out we went.

For food. Because … well … it’s the last day to be indulgent!

And it was bagels.

Since the restaurant I’d reserved was very close to the bagel stop we walked by. Ummmm … wellllll … no ambience and I can’t figure out how they’d even seat the six of us! I guess we’d have three tables for two, the restaurant was so small and narrow. So we decided to walk back to the hotel and redo our evening plans. On the way I had to stop for a couple of photos because this blog entry is looking to be extremely boring unless I do that. No one needs to hear me (okay, read me) rattle on and on. You need New York photos! Right?

Back at the hotel I texted with Brandon and Jameson, and another restaurant was chosen (thanks for the suggestion, Brandon), and a reservation was made. While at the room a man came by to make sure all was well here — he wasn’t the housekeeping person so I’m not sure why he came. But it was handy because I could tell him all was fine except we needed more of the Nespresso coffee pods. Later on another man came by with a bag FULL of them. Maybe they will come in handy at another hotel sometime. We shall see.

We continued our lazing around for quite a while, but eventually we opted to go out for a casual walk, having no real agenda in mind. Dan did suggest, though, that we head toward Central Park. While heading across 45th we walked past the restaurant we chose for tonight after canceling the other. It’s a whopping seven minute walk.

And now I’ll just post the photos I took, as well as one video:

On our way back we picked up a couple of cannoli. Big yum, but I actually couldn’t finish mine so Dan kindly helped me out. As you can see, there was only health food in the case.

Eventually we met up with Jameson, since he was in the area earlier than our dinner reservation. We walked to a spot where he could get iced coffee … we sat and yakked and then it was time to get to the restaurant.

We met Lia at Sozai, and Brandon showed up shortly after. I have decided Lia is the Queen of Ordering and she magically remembered all the things we wanted. (Thanks, Lia!) The food was absolutely wonderful. I was sorry Meghan couldn’t be there with us, but she had so much work she said it just wasn’t possible. (Sorry Meghan … we missed you!) I took a few (bad) photos. It was really the best I could do as the light was low and some things weren’t easy to photograph. So it goes. Just trust me: everything was delicious!

We said goodbye to Lia and Brandon, and Jameson walked with us back to our place since his bus would be a bit further down the street. Then a quick hug to him, and back up to our room we went. I’m nearly packed (just need to get pjs and toiletries in the pack tomorrow morning), and odds are we’ll grab coffee upstairs and then get a car to Newark. (We’ve been informed that saying “EWR” is not the norm here so I am going to have to change my ways. Hah!) After the pain of taking New Jersey Transit in to Manhattan we’ve decided we’d prefer a Lyft back. Besides, we have money in our Lyft account so why not?

But now? Time to attempt to sleep. I’m better it will be a restless night what with tomorrow being a travel day, but I can dream, right? Or maybe I can’t dream since I might not sleep. Time will tell.

Ciao for now!

Final Full Day

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This morning it was the typical Hotel Belleclaire morning: wake, dress, go down and get coffees and the pastry of our choice (and going wild by adding orange juice to the mix). Then back upstairs for showers and sitting around until nearly noon. We just didn’t have the energy to do much at all.

Nearing noon we got ready to take the train up to Brandon and Lia’s. But first lunch at LPQ (do others call it that, or is that just Dan?), and a stop at the wine store to pick up some bubbly.

Our train ride was longer than expected. We sat for a while at a couple of stations and then quite a while longer at another. Thankfully our time was flexible. I don’t know how those who deal with the subway daily deal with delays like this if they have set schedules, but I am assuming they have to allow for incidents and leave earlier than is usually (?) necessary.

Finally we arrived at Brandon and Lia’s place. And the elevator wasn’t working. So up from L to floor 6 we went. (Even so my watch isn’t happy with what little I did today!)

We first dropped by the place where they are living, but then went to their own space and opened the champagne. I just really wanted to toast to new beginnings and all. There is so much to be done still, but if anyone had seen what it was like after the fire they’d notice a huge change for the better. Still, it’s going to take time.

This is the entrance and lobby … undamaged.

This is their place:

Eventually we went to an appliance store. Unfortunately we couldn’t go to the one that would have had more appliances and, even more importantly, more affordable and smaller appliances. But still, it was good to see things and for Lia and Brandon to get clearer ideas about what they want.

Back to their place we did more research on appliances. (Anyone know what a “speed oven” is?) Planning a kitchen in a small space can be fun but also a challenge.

Next up was a getting a car and going to a restaurant Brandon had read about. We arrived and as we started to go in Meghan and Jameson arrived as well. It was an Albanian restaurant, and the food was really great.

As I write this I’m thinking I might need to get new clothes … or start walking faster and for a longer time. I’m sure I’ve gained a lot of weight on this trip.

After dinner Dan and I said our goodbyes to all and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow we pack, hang for a while, and then go to EWR and head home. I’m sorry the trip has come to a close, but it’s time to go home. I guess. Maybe.

Christmas Day

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After we stood in quite the long line for our coffees and bread of choice (I think Dan had a croissant. I know I had a brioche.) we sat and enjoyed our treats. We get vouchers for each day we are here, but so does everyone else in the hotel. I’m not sure Mille Fuelle was prepared for the crowd that showed up nearly all at once.

After going back up to our room and dressing warmly we went out and the flexible goal was to get to Bryant Park, because I had read its Christmas market was open today, and it appeared all the others weren’t. So off we went, on a little over two mile walk.

And Lisa HIrsch, this one’s for you!:

At the same time, Brandon was on his way down from his place, and shortly after we arrived at the Christmas market he did as well.

As to the Christmas market: it just doesn’t have the magical feel that, for instance, the Nürnberg one did. Plus, as Dan pointed out, it’s so different when you can’t buy gluhwein and walk around with that.

But since Brandon connected with us we left that spot and aimed toward Grand Central Station, just to have a look-see. (Yes, we’ve been there before, but it’s still fun to see it.)

More walking as we were deciding where to get a bite.

We had a bit of food and drinks at PJ Clarks.

Then it was time to get back to the hotel to gather up some things before going to the Bronx. Our walk back included a bit of Central Park.

Brandon suggested getting a car to get to Jameson and Meghan’s and I was quite fine with that. Yes, it costs more, but sometime it’s just the easiest thing to do.

Jameson and Meghan had food set out when we arrived, and we sat for a good amount of time eating and drinking. Oh … and watching (sort of) White Christmas.

Eventually Trivial Pursuit came out. I’m really not great at that game — especially anything in sports or geography. And I didn’t win. Hats off to Lia!

Then it was another car home. The roads are fairly empty and the drive both ways was so much faster than it frequently is. So now we are back in our room, and we plan on a very slow and easy morning because later on we have much to do. It will be the final full day for this trip. Sad, but true.

And now … goodnight!

The Rest of the Story

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Sooo … now that I’m awake it’s time to write about last night before I forget!

We took the subway (the 1 and the Q in case you are curious — and even if you aren’t) to get to Timothy and Margaret’s. Really about the easiest bit of train use ever as the timing was pretty good. A wee bit of confusion at one point, but only because there were signs in different places for the Q. But we arrived at their lovely house in Brooklyn safe and as sound as we are capable of being.

What a spread those two put out! We ate so very well. We met two new friends as well: Aron (Aaron?) is from Turkey and studying here and I’m absolutely amazed (and humbled) by his English, as he didn’t speak English when he arrived. We also met a friend of Brandon and Lia’s, Mathilda. (I could be misspelling her name as well.) I think, if I heard correctly, she is from Italy. So the table was full. So was my heart. It had been a while since I’d seen my brother and sister-in-law.

Oh the food! They made salmon in what I would describe as a loaf, but I don’t know if that’s really how it’s described. Soooo yummy!

After dinner we sat in the living room (or do they call it a parlor?) and exchanged gifts. That, too, was great fun.

And just like that it was after midnight. Meghan, Jameson, Dan, and I shared a Lyft. We were dropped off first, and then they headed up to the Bronx.

Today Dan and I will do some wandering before we go up to Meghan and Jameson’s to meet with them, Lia and Brandon.

December 24 in NYC

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We managed to stay in bed until 7:00, although Dan didn’t sleep well. I think I’m adjusting to the time quicker than he is.

I was happy to see white stuff falling from the sky when we went downstairs to get our croissants and coffee. What a nice day before Christmas treat to see snow!

While there we also picked up little boxes of macarons for tonight, along with some lovely looking bread.

After breakfast we made a quick trip to the wine store (you can’t buy wine at grocery stores in New York) to get bottles for both tonight and tomorrow. And yes, we chose California wines.

Then it was back to the hotel to drop those off, and prepare for a walk to Central Park.

By the time we were out and about the snow had stopped. There was a lot of slush and spots with ice so we did have to be more cautious. No way do I want to take a spill!

Pictured below: snow covered Christmas blow up decorations and plants. Just because SNOW!

The park was lovely. Trees dusted with now. Water looking icy. And lots of people out and about enjoying it. Dogs, too. The dog I’ll post below had little booties on, and I saw one other who did that, while others were “barefoot”. Maybe dogs don’t care about cold feet?

We wandered quite a bit, and Dan did a good amount of photography. I, as always, used my iPhone.

After the park we walked south past stores beyond our budget. And again, just did a lot of walking.

I was so hoping to find a sweater at a less costly store somewhere that would work for tonight and tomorrow — I didn’t think so much about dressing for Christmas. But, well, it just never happened. (I do have a red turtleneck, but I have to wear more layers so it’s barely seen. Oh well.)

Lunch was at a diner-type place, was too much food, and overpriced. But hey, it’s New York!

Walking back to the hotel we saw crowds, but never like we saw in Madrid (or even Munich and Nürnberg). And we saw one big tree and Kennedy LINCOLN (thanks, Lisa, although Dan says, “You could say they were both the right presidents. The upcoming one is the wrong president”!) Center, both from a distance.

Then it was shower time for me and nap time for Dan.

**It is now 1:23 AM. We are just home from Timothy and Margaret’s. What a wonderful time! But I am so tired I dare not try to write about the evening. I will write again tomorrow morning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Goodbye Europe, Hello NYC!

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We woke early today and, miracle of miracles, we both woke before our alarms went off. (More of a surprise with me than with Dan.)

Packing was quick. Deciding to check luggage after all was rather speedy as well. Roller bags are just not as pleasant to deal with in the overhead bins, and it also meant I didn’t have to consolidate my purse with my Cabin Max bag. I do, however, feel a bit of a failure when I do checked luggage. Go figure.

Our drive to the airport was easy, but communicating to our driver wasn’t. She initially thought we were going to terminal four, even though we said one a number of times. She then dropped us off at the far end of terminal one and we had a bit of a walk. It wasn’t really a problem, being as we were there much earlier than necessary. We were so early, in fact, that they hadn’t opened the luggage check area yet. That opened only a few minutes later, though, and we were second in line so that was quite speedy. Then it was a walk to the the A gates.

Not speedy was finding the lounge! We had mixed messages when we looked online. One suggested the lounge I thought we should go to was closed for renovation. Dan’s info said we should go to B6, but we couldn’t even find B6! Eventually we saw a sign and, sure enough, “my” lounge was where we were to go. It was quite nice, and I loved that we could go outside. Had the weather been warmer we would have sat out there.

After a few hours (that, for me anyway, seemed to speed by) we saw on the board that we should go to our gate. So off we went.

I’m sure we could have left the lounge 10 or 15 minutes later, but I do like getting to the gate on the early side.

This plane’s seating is different than we’ve experienced before. We can’t sit together, as no Polaris seats are in pairs. Because of this we chose window seats. Dan is in 7L and I’m in 9L (8L didn’t have a window). It’s rather fun to look outside — something we’ve not done on an international flight since we moved to Polaris. (I like to have the map on the screen so I can see where we are.)

(The final image is probably over Porto.)

One reason to get Polaris is, of course, so we can put the seats back and actually sleep, but first … dinner. Or what they call lunch. Seemed more like dinner to me, and it was actually quite tasty.

Soon after eating I decided to try and sleep, and I think I slept for over an hour — perhaps even two hours. Then it was the typical just hang, do whatever … and look out the window when we finally saw land again. First it was Canada, and later Massachusetts.

The landing was maybe the smoothest I’ve ever experienced. After landing we saw a lot of emergency vehicles. Hmm. We figured some plane must have had an issue. And, indeed, one did. Ours! We were informed that a tire had some sort of a problem and we were stuck for a while as they had to decide if the plane could proceed to the terminal or if it needed to be towed. Finally we moved again (no towing), and arrived. Going through passport control was SO easy, because we have Global Entry. Gotta love it. Luggage was retrieved and we opted to use Lyft rather than take the train.

Maybe that wasn’t a wise choice. Traffic was ghastly. But so it goes. We finally arrived at the Hotel Belleclaire. It’s rather funny that this is the smallest room we’ve had on this trip. Maneuvering around is a challenge. I am somewhat convinced that I get smaller rooms here when I book through Expedia. I had written to the Belleclaire to see if they would match Expedia’s price, though, and they never replied. (Their site says that they will match a price. Hm.) But we arrived safe and sound and I won’t complain. We unpacked, rested a bit, and then went out to meet family.

And it was COLD. Funny that this is probably the coldest weather on the trip. Who knew?

Next up: meeting with Brandon, and later Jameson, Meghan, and Lia. We ended up eating at Amsterdam Ale House, which is sort of a go-to place when we stay at the Belleclaire. Only one photo, shot by Dan., and it’s not exactly his masterpiece, but how wonderful to be with these four tonight!

At this point it is 3:48 AM in Spain. I think I’m handling the time change fairly well, but tomorrow will tell the real story!

G’night!

November 30 … & Thanksgiving!

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We woke to a windy and cold day: it’s 0° if you are here. (32° if you are in the states.) That’s cold, but the sky is clear so no snow will be seen.

Dan immediately got to work on his super Brussels sprouts. The bread that he made yesterday (and didn’t finish until rather late) looks wonderful. His sweet potatoes went back in the oven. Greg headed out in the freezing cold to pick up breakfast.

More prep work occurred, and eventually Greg and I walked across the street to get some coffee. It was easier than trying to work around all the food prep. Then we sat down for breakfast.

See this photo I’m thinking I sure do need to learn to sit up straight. Hah!

Then it was more food prep. Jan was starting her turkey. Out of vegetables. SO cute! Greg worked on his dressing. Dan finished his Brussels sprouts. And I figured out what I would bring for our next, somewhat short trip tomorrow. (Stay tuned for the destination!)

Oh … and Dan started some laundry. That’s one of the any advantages of staying with family!

No matter how much one plans, the made rush at the end is always there. So it was with this. But it’s not like a concert, right? No one will fire us if we arrive a bit on the late side with all the food!

But, really, we weren’t “late-late” as I might put it, and no matter if we were: we were the first to arrive.

What fun to see Vanessa, Avni, Levin, Maya, and Hannah … and how the kids have grown since we last saw them in the summer of ‘23. Levin gave me a tour of the house, which was so darn sweet, and proudly showed me his English vocabulary books. Hooray for Levin!



After Lydia and Peter arrived we went to see Hannah’s kindergarten’s Christmas tree, then enjoyed gluhwein at their Christmas market, and headed to the Schwetzingen Palace to walk around the grounds. We were last here in 2013 in the heat of summer, so this was quite different!

Then back to the house we went, and let the food prep begin. When Anna, Hendrik, and Lillith arrived we had a toast and started with some tasty bites.

Finally on to so many different selections of food I didn’t even get to them all. The turkey had ended its cooking time on the grill and it was just perfect. Everything from start to finish was amazingly delicious. And I now feel like a stuffed turkey.

Back home I packed up for our next excursion: we catch the streetcar at 8:15 AM or so and I want to be ready!

We ended with a glass of port before bed. Quite the fine day!

Side note: as of today I’ve worn every bit of clothing (not counting my rain jacket since we’ve not hit significant rain yet) I’ve brought, and some I’ve worn quite a bit. I’ve also worn both pair of shoes. It always makes me happy to know nothing should have been left at home..



November 27

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Today was a rather slow day. We woke and after coffee went to the local market (the outdoor sort) to purchase things for Thanksgiving which, for us, will take place Saturday.

We also picked up a few sweet things for breakfast.

After eating breakfast we went to get some flour so Dan can make bread for Saturday, and Jan picked up the flowers Greg had ordered for the house. (He always has flowers in the house and I just love it!)

After getting back home I eventually started to make my ginger carrot soup, with Jan helping (thanks, Jan!). I got it partially done and now it will sit until closer to our feast day.

I worked on some other things via my iPad and for some reason that caused me to get a headache so it was rest time for me. Greg was out doing errands, and Dan was on a walk. Jan was here at the house doing whatever she was doing and putting up with tired old me!

Upon Greg’s return we all walked down to the Christmas markets.

We had kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake) with applesauce for Dan and me and garlic sauce for Jan and Greg, so we aren’t talking to them any more. (KIDDING!) Oh, and we also had gluhwein. All was yummy.


Walking home … and yes, there are lots of cyclists here, even at night.

Finally back home we went (dropping in to some places for various things on the way). Bread, gluhwein ingredients … important stuff!

For dinner we had cheese, bread, salami, and some wine from our neck ‘o the woods that we had brought here. Then it was dessert. I did a rather stupid thing and bought an Alsacian treat that included nut and fruits but I have no idea what it’s called. I DO know it costs a monumental amount and I foolishly didn’t ask before buying. But so it goes … it’ll last a very long time on this trip, I’m sure. In any case, we had some of that, some jellies, and chocolates we purchased as well.


How much weight will I gain, I wonder?!

And then we all sat in the living room having lovely conversation. Or … um … maybe we were a bit tired for that! Hah! (It’s a crazy wide angle shot, I know, but it’s how I could get the dynamic three in the photo.)



The Rest of the Day

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This’ll be quick since I wrote a lot and then managed to lose it. But after we arrived in Heidelberg we took brief naps and then walked to the Altstadt where Greg and Jan treated me to a birthday treat. It was lovely!

We then walked back to the house and enjoyed each other’s company, had a lovely dinner, and managed to stay up rather late.

Now we see if we can sleep. I’d write more, but … well … someone here is hitting the hay and the lights need to go off!