Flying home today.
We said our goodbyes to the Jaquet family and drove into Geneva- making a breakfast stop first, of course. We had to have our last pastries and use up some of the coins we had. We returned our rental car at the airport and did some last minute shopping for chocolate while we waited for our flight. I bought my last serving of Movenpick ice cream (Meringue and Gruyere Cream flavored) and enjoyed every delicious bite. I'm going to miss that ice cream so much.
I honestly don't remember much of the flight TO London, except that when we got there and needed to go through their customs again- it was rediculously packed. We were going to miss our flight if we didn't do something about it, so we talked to some of the workers and they let us out of the long line. Then we were RUSHING through security and DASHING down the halls. We still had to get on one of their metros to get to the other terminal. I remember repeating 'excuse me', 'pardon me' a million times as I passed by hundreds of people. Only one woman- some stewardess on an escalator- was rude. She literally didn't want to let us pass by her- even though there was plenty of space and she was just standing there. We don't even have luggage to accidently bumb people with. COME ON WOMAN!!! Our flight is in five minutes and we still need the metro. Hate might be a strong word- but I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't like her.
It was a test of endurance to get to our gate- literally at the very end of the LONG terminal. But we made it.
I had a wonderfully comfortable seat behind one of the dividing walls, so I had TONS of leg room. Flying is miserable for me if I don't have leg room. I'm not even an exceptionally tall person- I don't know how the rest of my family does it.
I slept a little. I got to pick any movies I wanted. I skimmed through Epic (which I had seen before), watched Great Gatsby for the first time, and started Iron Man 3 (already seen it) but had to turn it off when we landed.
And just like that, we were back in San Diego.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Day 27: Geneva
Our last full day of our trip. Sadness. But we saved the best city for last. Geneva. Mom and Dad had already seen a little yesterday, but today we would visit the things I love. But first- we had a very special treat scheduled at 10. We drove into Geneva and pulled into CERN- the European Organization for Nuclear Research, with the world's largest particle accelerators, including the Hadron Collider. If you're a geek- you probably know about it. If you've seen Angels and Demons you have seen some shots of it, but you have been hugely deceived. Rumors spread that the CERN is going to blow up the planet, the movie pretends that they have amassed antimatter which could destroy the world...etc. As they informed us- the only thing the movie got correct was the eye scanner. There IS an eye scanner and we got to go through it- but since we're not in the system we just used a special electronic key. Oh yeah- I guess I forgot to say: we GOT TO GO INSIDE. Our very close friend Alison has as friend that has been working there for years and he was happy to take us down. All other visitors are limited to their visiting centers/ museum- which is also good and fun- but as I say- its limited. Dad was over the moon that we got to go down. If you still have no idea what Cern is or what I'm talking about- go look it up. We got through the eye scanner and put on safety hard hats. Dad was practically bouncing up and down. We rode and elevator down 100 meters to go see one of the sections of the accelerator (which was obviously not in use at the moment- moment meaning months- their projects take years to orchestrate) which was opened up. It is enormous and very cool. Dad and the scientists lost me in most of their science jargon, but I was still able to follow much of it. It probably helps that I had visited their public centers twice before- so I had some previous basic science lessons.
I don't think I can say too much that dad was like a kid in a candy store. It was very fun and I am glad that we got to finish our trip with such an experience. I think all three of us, mom, dad and I, have had unforgettable experiences with things that just blew us away- and they were all different.
When we finished around lunch time we drove into the city and ate most of the stuff we still had in our car. Since it was our last day we needed to get rid of all the car snacks. We parked the car under Plain Palais. If you've lived in Geneva you'll know what I'm talking about. We walked from Plain Palais over to Place de Neuve and walked up the hill into the Vielle Ville (old town). We went to the Cathedral and went inside. Dad wanted to climb the tower. Mom didn't need to, and though I would have liked to, I was pretty tired at the moment and I knew there would still be lots more walking today. I had seen the view before, so I stayed with mom and we waited for dad.
When we left the Cathedral we walked down the other side of the hill, toward the lake. We walked down the street following the rivers that flow south from the lake and went to the Swatch museum which is on one of the bridges. There are many bridges in Geneva. We walked back along the other side of the rivers and crossed the big bridge that has all of the flags and the closest view of the Jet d'Eau (the fountain). We took pictures of the famous flower clock and walked through the Park Anglais over to the docks.
Then walked out onto the jetty that takes you to by the Jet d'Eau. Mom didn't venture far because she didn't want to get wet. Dad protected his camera and then joined me on other end of the jetty- past the wet part where the fountain water splashes you. I love that big fountain. I love being out in the middle of the water, with Geneva surrounding me.
When we were done at the Jet d'Eau we walked back through the shopping area of Geneva and hopped on the very packed trams to take us into 'my' part of town. We stopped at a Migros- the grocery store that I frequented often and which had the selection of chocolate that I had been holding out for. I bought a ton of chocolate. I probably bought 3 kilos. Oh and I HAD to buy my Excellence yogurt. I hope one day you people will be able to discover it- the tastiest yogurt you'll ever have.
The woman working the checkout smiled at all the chocolate and I said that my parents and I were going home tomorrow- I was stocking up.
"that makes sense" she said, "you should take the cheese home too."
I told her that I wished I could take home some cheese and Gruyere cream, but they wouldn't do well with traveling. Maybe next time I'll do it anyway. Planes themselves have very cold cargo holds- I think its just the airport time that would be problematic.
After we were done shopping I wanted to pop over to a very cute part of town that I used to work in. My first companion in Geneva had introduced me to a lovely Gelateria that I wanted to go to. Luckily they were open and we got to enjoy that fantastic ice cream. It was delicious, as usual.
We hopped back on the tram and rode to Place de Neuve to sit in the park, where I ate my much-anticipated yogurt, while my mom took in the monuments built to honor the leaders of the Reformation. John Calvin is a major part of Geneva history.
I forgot to take them back up to the world's longest bench, which we had passed earlier on our way to the Cathedral. Dang it. I hope my dad snapped a picture the first time.
The sun was setting as we left Geneva, and though we would be flying out of the airport- I said my goodbyes (again) to the beautiful sights that I love so much. We drove back to Lausanne for the night.
I don't think I can say too much that dad was like a kid in a candy store. It was very fun and I am glad that we got to finish our trip with such an experience. I think all three of us, mom, dad and I, have had unforgettable experiences with things that just blew us away- and they were all different.
When we finished around lunch time we drove into the city and ate most of the stuff we still had in our car. Since it was our last day we needed to get rid of all the car snacks. We parked the car under Plain Palais. If you've lived in Geneva you'll know what I'm talking about. We walked from Plain Palais over to Place de Neuve and walked up the hill into the Vielle Ville (old town). We went to the Cathedral and went inside. Dad wanted to climb the tower. Mom didn't need to, and though I would have liked to, I was pretty tired at the moment and I knew there would still be lots more walking today. I had seen the view before, so I stayed with mom and we waited for dad.
When we left the Cathedral we walked down the other side of the hill, toward the lake. We walked down the street following the rivers that flow south from the lake and went to the Swatch museum which is on one of the bridges. There are many bridges in Geneva. We walked back along the other side of the rivers and crossed the big bridge that has all of the flags and the closest view of the Jet d'Eau (the fountain). We took pictures of the famous flower clock and walked through the Park Anglais over to the docks.
Then walked out onto the jetty that takes you to by the Jet d'Eau. Mom didn't venture far because she didn't want to get wet. Dad protected his camera and then joined me on other end of the jetty- past the wet part where the fountain water splashes you. I love that big fountain. I love being out in the middle of the water, with Geneva surrounding me.
When we were done at the Jet d'Eau we walked back through the shopping area of Geneva and hopped on the very packed trams to take us into 'my' part of town. We stopped at a Migros- the grocery store that I frequented often and which had the selection of chocolate that I had been holding out for. I bought a ton of chocolate. I probably bought 3 kilos. Oh and I HAD to buy my Excellence yogurt. I hope one day you people will be able to discover it- the tastiest yogurt you'll ever have.
The woman working the checkout smiled at all the chocolate and I said that my parents and I were going home tomorrow- I was stocking up.
"that makes sense" she said, "you should take the cheese home too."
I told her that I wished I could take home some cheese and Gruyere cream, but they wouldn't do well with traveling. Maybe next time I'll do it anyway. Planes themselves have very cold cargo holds- I think its just the airport time that would be problematic.
After we were done shopping I wanted to pop over to a very cute part of town that I used to work in. My first companion in Geneva had introduced me to a lovely Gelateria that I wanted to go to. Luckily they were open and we got to enjoy that fantastic ice cream. It was delicious, as usual.
We hopped back on the tram and rode to Place de Neuve to sit in the park, where I ate my much-anticipated yogurt, while my mom took in the monuments built to honor the leaders of the Reformation. John Calvin is a major part of Geneva history.
I forgot to take them back up to the world's longest bench, which we had passed earlier on our way to the Cathedral. Dang it. I hope my dad snapped a picture the first time.
The sun was setting as we left Geneva, and though we would be flying out of the airport- I said my goodbyes (again) to the beautiful sights that I love so much. We drove back to Lausanne for the night.
Day 26: Sunday
I woke up early in the morning and showered. I was mostly dressed for church when Jeremie asked me to move the car so he could get his scooter out to go to church. After I moved the car I walked out of the drive way and ran into a very tall, blond man standing there. I was shocked...because I recognized him. It was one of the Assistants to the President from my mission. Mikael Mayer.
"Sister Read? What are you doing here?"
"I'm visiting with my parents, what are YOU doing here?"
"I live upstairs."
No way.
I had been staying with the Jaquet family for the past 3 days and I had no clue that he was living in the apartment up stairs. We was off to church and I still had to get ready. My parents and I were going to miss the first hour of church.
I was SO excited for today. I still remember my first Sunday when I bore my testimony and I barely understood what was being said in church. It felt like coming home to be there again among so many familiar faces. As we were looking for parking we passed some very familiar faces in a car and followed them to find where we could park. I was so excited as soon as I saw them. It was Fabio and Elodie Vigliotti. Fabio was my ward mission leader and Elodie was one of the first members I met on my first Sunday. I left Renens while they were expecting their first child. Then at the end of my mission there was a stake Relief Society conference where I was surprised to see them all, Elodie and their baby boy and even Fabio. But this time, there was one more member of their family. In August they had a baby girl. I could hardly keep myself from jumping out of my car to go greet them. It was weird to 'bise' Fabio. It is custom to kiss cheeks (3 times in Switzerland) as a greeting, but of course, as a missionary I wasn't allowed to bise the men. I'm not a missionary anymore. Elodie laughed at Fabio and said "did you just bise a sister missionary?"
My excitement levels didn't really drop for the next 2 hours as I got to participate and enjoy church. And then to make things AWESOME, it was the 3rd Sunday of the month, so it was the ward potluck after church. I couldn't have asked for a greater blessing. The food was delicious and the company was fantastic. I met the sister missionaries working in the ward now, and as it turns out- one of them was taught by Sister Scott (my MTC companion) when she was in the MTC, and the other one's second companion was my trainee, Sister Layton. Had to get a picture with them and post it on Facebook right away. I wish we could have stayed forever, but we needed to get to Geneva. I was anxious to do so because I was also going to get to go to my ward in Geneva. It was not a long drive and soon enough we were pulling into the driveway of that very familiar building. Home again. I have so many homes.
Mom and Dad didn't need to sit through another church block that they wouldn't understand so they went into the city to go see some things I've already seen. Namely the United Nations, the Red Cross museum and a very well known Russian Orthodox Church. They were sight seeing the city until they came back to ge time at the end of church.
I got there right in the middle of the first hour, which is Relief Society, so no one was in the hall ways. I wanted to poke my head around to see where people were and if I could tell which was the other ward meeting at the same time. I was hoping it was the Spanish ward, but I think it was actually the English ward at the same time as my French ward. This is a good thing, but I didn't see any of the Mongolians I wanted to see again. Still- as I was in the hallway, popping my head in the windows, suddenly someone said from behind, "hey Soeur Read!"
Olav is the son of a woman that I visited often as a missionary. He saw me pass by the window and came to get me. It was very sweet.
So I stepped into Relief Society and got to participate and surprise a few people. It was wonderful. When RS was over and some of the brethren came in for Sunday school I was immensely pleased to see that Brother Junod was still the teacher. He was the bishop when I first came to the area, but in the middle of my time there he was released and became the Gospel Doctrine teacher- the best one I've ever heard. As you can imagine, it was incredible to see people again. As I sat down in sacrament meeting, which was actually the sunday of the Primary Program, I saw a woman sitting up in the choir seats with her primary class. It was Rachel, a woman that I taught here in Geneva. She was baptized in the lake. Honestly I worried about her conviction and if she would be a strong member of the church. But I knew that she was doing the right thing by being baptized and it would bless her and her family. Her sister also lives in the ward and was up on the stand sitting in front of Rachel. When I saw them I almost started crying. I didn't expect to see her actively fulfilling her calling- I should have had more faith in her. When the meeting was over I had to rush to see Sister Spirig, Olav's mom, who also rushed to see me (and that just makes my heart swell with joy). My parents arrived right as the meeting was ending so they got to meet these people too. Rachel was happy to see me, as was her sister Tabitha. I made sure to take pictures with most of those wonderful people before we left Geneva.
We needed to get back to Lausanne because the Jaquet family invited us to dinner with the missionaries- like I used to do every Sunday that I was in Renens- only this time I wasn't a missionary. Dinner was wonderful- and the dessert was amazing- I don't know how to describe it other than it being a thick custard-like cake with plumbs. Or were they prunes. Dang, I don't remember. It was so good it was hard to stop eating it. Even my mom just wanted to keep eating it.
The evening couldn't have been more perfect. Laughing together and making new memories while all my old memories that I hold so dear were resurfacing. It warmed my heart.
Today was one of my favorite days, of course. I hope every missionary gets a chance to revisit their mission- to see the people they served and loved so much. I am jealous of those who can drive to their missions and I encourage them to do so often- you don't know how lucky you are.
I know someday I will be back again. I just can't stay away.
"Sister Read? What are you doing here?"
"I'm visiting with my parents, what are YOU doing here?"
"I live upstairs."
No way.
I had been staying with the Jaquet family for the past 3 days and I had no clue that he was living in the apartment up stairs. We was off to church and I still had to get ready. My parents and I were going to miss the first hour of church.
I was SO excited for today. I still remember my first Sunday when I bore my testimony and I barely understood what was being said in church. It felt like coming home to be there again among so many familiar faces. As we were looking for parking we passed some very familiar faces in a car and followed them to find where we could park. I was so excited as soon as I saw them. It was Fabio and Elodie Vigliotti. Fabio was my ward mission leader and Elodie was one of the first members I met on my first Sunday. I left Renens while they were expecting their first child. Then at the end of my mission there was a stake Relief Society conference where I was surprised to see them all, Elodie and their baby boy and even Fabio. But this time, there was one more member of their family. In August they had a baby girl. I could hardly keep myself from jumping out of my car to go greet them. It was weird to 'bise' Fabio. It is custom to kiss cheeks (3 times in Switzerland) as a greeting, but of course, as a missionary I wasn't allowed to bise the men. I'm not a missionary anymore. Elodie laughed at Fabio and said "did you just bise a sister missionary?"
My excitement levels didn't really drop for the next 2 hours as I got to participate and enjoy church. And then to make things AWESOME, it was the 3rd Sunday of the month, so it was the ward potluck after church. I couldn't have asked for a greater blessing. The food was delicious and the company was fantastic. I met the sister missionaries working in the ward now, and as it turns out- one of them was taught by Sister Scott (my MTC companion) when she was in the MTC, and the other one's second companion was my trainee, Sister Layton. Had to get a picture with them and post it on Facebook right away. I wish we could have stayed forever, but we needed to get to Geneva. I was anxious to do so because I was also going to get to go to my ward in Geneva. It was not a long drive and soon enough we were pulling into the driveway of that very familiar building. Home again. I have so many homes.
Mom and Dad didn't need to sit through another church block that they wouldn't understand so they went into the city to go see some things I've already seen. Namely the United Nations, the Red Cross museum and a very well known Russian Orthodox Church. They were sight seeing the city until they came back to ge time at the end of church.
I got there right in the middle of the first hour, which is Relief Society, so no one was in the hall ways. I wanted to poke my head around to see where people were and if I could tell which was the other ward meeting at the same time. I was hoping it was the Spanish ward, but I think it was actually the English ward at the same time as my French ward. This is a good thing, but I didn't see any of the Mongolians I wanted to see again. Still- as I was in the hallway, popping my head in the windows, suddenly someone said from behind, "hey Soeur Read!"
Olav is the son of a woman that I visited often as a missionary. He saw me pass by the window and came to get me. It was very sweet.
So I stepped into Relief Society and got to participate and surprise a few people. It was wonderful. When RS was over and some of the brethren came in for Sunday school I was immensely pleased to see that Brother Junod was still the teacher. He was the bishop when I first came to the area, but in the middle of my time there he was released and became the Gospel Doctrine teacher- the best one I've ever heard. As you can imagine, it was incredible to see people again. As I sat down in sacrament meeting, which was actually the sunday of the Primary Program, I saw a woman sitting up in the choir seats with her primary class. It was Rachel, a woman that I taught here in Geneva. She was baptized in the lake. Honestly I worried about her conviction and if she would be a strong member of the church. But I knew that she was doing the right thing by being baptized and it would bless her and her family. Her sister also lives in the ward and was up on the stand sitting in front of Rachel. When I saw them I almost started crying. I didn't expect to see her actively fulfilling her calling- I should have had more faith in her. When the meeting was over I had to rush to see Sister Spirig, Olav's mom, who also rushed to see me (and that just makes my heart swell with joy). My parents arrived right as the meeting was ending so they got to meet these people too. Rachel was happy to see me, as was her sister Tabitha. I made sure to take pictures with most of those wonderful people before we left Geneva.
We needed to get back to Lausanne because the Jaquet family invited us to dinner with the missionaries- like I used to do every Sunday that I was in Renens- only this time I wasn't a missionary. Dinner was wonderful- and the dessert was amazing- I don't know how to describe it other than it being a thick custard-like cake with plumbs. Or were they prunes. Dang, I don't remember. It was so good it was hard to stop eating it. Even my mom just wanted to keep eating it.
The evening couldn't have been more perfect. Laughing together and making new memories while all my old memories that I hold so dear were resurfacing. It warmed my heart.
Today was one of my favorite days, of course. I hope every missionary gets a chance to revisit their mission- to see the people they served and loved so much. I am jealous of those who can drive to their missions and I encourage them to do so often- you don't know how lucky you are.
I know someday I will be back again. I just can't stay away.
Day 25: Switzerland
We got up early and drove north, stopping in Yverdon for breakfast. I have been to Yverdon numerous times before. In the beginning of my mission we were teaching a Portugese woman in Yverdon. I have a few fond memories in Yverdon. We drove through the center of town and found a bakery for breakfast. Then we drove out of Yverdon and up to Sainte Croix, a quaint little town with a museum about music boxes and automatons. Our tour was small, just us and one other man, who was kind enough to agree to a tour in English. It was fascinating to see the progression and ingenuity behind the mechanics of a music box- which also led to automatons and self-playing instruments. We wanted to buy a music box, but their selection was very limited, so someday we'll order one online.
We drove to another small town called Le Locle and my parents visited a watch museum.
Before driving back to Lausanne we drove through more of the gorgeous Swiss countryside around Neuchatel and up to a common viewpoint of the Swiss Alps, Vue-des-Alps. We were lucky it was a clear day so we could see those impressive peaks that stretch all across the horizon- including Mont Blanc.
There was randomly a Toboggan on the mountain and dad and I thought, "what the heck? why not?" So mom took pictures and I dad and I rode down the slope.
When we got back to Lausanne in the afternoon we went down to Ouchy- the lakefront part of town, which is just beautiful. Lausanne may not be a place that everyone has heard of, but it is a more significant town than you might guess. Lausanne holds the headquarters of the Olympics, and, of course, they have an Olympic museum. I got to visit it while I was on my mission, but unfortunately they started doing some renovation after I left, so they moved some of their items onto a boat to become a temporary floating museum. Even though they only brought a portion of their museum, they brought the coolest stuff: every torch and every medal from the Olympic games. Here's the good thing: when I came a couple years ago, I wasn't aloud to take pictures, but on the boat, we could! Yay!
Dad wanted to find the headquarters of the Volleyball Federation, but there was only a sign showing where the property is, surrounded by a large hedge, so he couldn't get any closer- though he tried.
As we drove back up through town we passed by some apartments and I told my dad we needed to stop. There was someone I needed to see if she was still there, though I knew it was likely she no longer lived there. I had to try. So he dropped me off and then went to find parking. The woman I hoped to see no longer lived there, but I took a walk down memory lane and I prayed that where ever she is, she is happy and healthy. Just a few doors down the complex lived a family from the church that I love very much. Sister Ruz did laundry for the sisters years. But I had seen on facebook recently that they were planning on moving, so I was hoping that hadn't happened yet. I went to their door, which still had their name- but you can't always trust that- and I rang the bell. I had no need to worry. It was Lindsey at the door. My parents walked up just after and they invited us inside. It felt so good to be with them again. Language-wise it was a complicated conversation; between Spanish and French, and translating for my mom- it was very fuddled. Dad was very happy to talk to people from Chile and they suggested that we should go to a Chilean restaurant in Lausanne, Creacion del Tata, which is owned by a member. I had heard of it on my mission and always wanted to go, but we never found it. Now we had the address from the Ruz family and we needed somewhere to go for dinner. Sounds like a plan to me. Off we went. Boy were we glad we went there. We walked inside and met Sister Nunez and her son who works with her. Dinner was amazing. You'll have to ask my dad for the names of all the foods we ate. I can tell you the empenadas are amazing, but I'm not sure I spelled that correctly.
We decided to leave her with our family picture and a postcard for San Diego (like we did with all the people we stayed with) so I went out to the car to get them. Mom didn't like the idea of me walking around alone but I assured her I'd be fine. Its my city and I know how to deal with people. The car wasn't far anyways, but I did have to walk through a group of Africans who, as expected, smile and flatter as you go by. But they are harmless. On the way back to the restaurant I passed one man walking up the street and he said hello. I returned the greeting and he took that to mean I wanted to talk. He asked if we could get a drink and he could get to know me. I politely refused and explained that my parents were waiting for me. I guess my mom has good reason to worry when I go off alone, and if I hadn't been a missionary, I wouldn't know how to react- but I got this- and its just hilarious.
After we left the restaurant we went up to the Cathedral and discovered that something big was going on. There had been signs all around the city that we had seen and not paid attention to: they were for a night of museums. If we had looked closely we would have known that most of the museums were open until 2 am and all you had to do was buy a bandanna to get into all of them. Unfortunately we couldn't go into the Cathedral, even though they were taking special tours up into the tours, carrying candle lanterns. That would have been SO fun. But maybe we'll come back someday and have an equally awesome opportunity. I love the Lausanne Cathedral and I will be back again in the future.
We did get to hear the town crier. They still have a man who shouts from the tours every hour after nine to announce the time. It was late when we decided to head home. But first I wanted my parents to experience the Lausanne metro. It is special because at each stop they play a little sound when it announces the station. I wanted to record some of them since I never did on my mission and I am a very nostalgic person. That meant that we actually rode back and forth a couple of times, but I loved it. We got home late and went to bed.
We drove to another small town called Le Locle and my parents visited a watch museum.
Before driving back to Lausanne we drove through more of the gorgeous Swiss countryside around Neuchatel and up to a common viewpoint of the Swiss Alps, Vue-des-Alps. We were lucky it was a clear day so we could see those impressive peaks that stretch all across the horizon- including Mont Blanc.
There was randomly a Toboggan on the mountain and dad and I thought, "what the heck? why not?" So mom took pictures and I dad and I rode down the slope.
When we got back to Lausanne in the afternoon we went down to Ouchy- the lakefront part of town, which is just beautiful. Lausanne may not be a place that everyone has heard of, but it is a more significant town than you might guess. Lausanne holds the headquarters of the Olympics, and, of course, they have an Olympic museum. I got to visit it while I was on my mission, but unfortunately they started doing some renovation after I left, so they moved some of their items onto a boat to become a temporary floating museum. Even though they only brought a portion of their museum, they brought the coolest stuff: every torch and every medal from the Olympic games. Here's the good thing: when I came a couple years ago, I wasn't aloud to take pictures, but on the boat, we could! Yay!
Dad wanted to find the headquarters of the Volleyball Federation, but there was only a sign showing where the property is, surrounded by a large hedge, so he couldn't get any closer- though he tried.
As we drove back up through town we passed by some apartments and I told my dad we needed to stop. There was someone I needed to see if she was still there, though I knew it was likely she no longer lived there. I had to try. So he dropped me off and then went to find parking. The woman I hoped to see no longer lived there, but I took a walk down memory lane and I prayed that where ever she is, she is happy and healthy. Just a few doors down the complex lived a family from the church that I love very much. Sister Ruz did laundry for the sisters years. But I had seen on facebook recently that they were planning on moving, so I was hoping that hadn't happened yet. I went to their door, which still had their name- but you can't always trust that- and I rang the bell. I had no need to worry. It was Lindsey at the door. My parents walked up just after and they invited us inside. It felt so good to be with them again. Language-wise it was a complicated conversation; between Spanish and French, and translating for my mom- it was very fuddled. Dad was very happy to talk to people from Chile and they suggested that we should go to a Chilean restaurant in Lausanne, Creacion del Tata, which is owned by a member. I had heard of it on my mission and always wanted to go, but we never found it. Now we had the address from the Ruz family and we needed somewhere to go for dinner. Sounds like a plan to me. Off we went. Boy were we glad we went there. We walked inside and met Sister Nunez and her son who works with her. Dinner was amazing. You'll have to ask my dad for the names of all the foods we ate. I can tell you the empenadas are amazing, but I'm not sure I spelled that correctly.
We decided to leave her with our family picture and a postcard for San Diego (like we did with all the people we stayed with) so I went out to the car to get them. Mom didn't like the idea of me walking around alone but I assured her I'd be fine. Its my city and I know how to deal with people. The car wasn't far anyways, but I did have to walk through a group of Africans who, as expected, smile and flatter as you go by. But they are harmless. On the way back to the restaurant I passed one man walking up the street and he said hello. I returned the greeting and he took that to mean I wanted to talk. He asked if we could get a drink and he could get to know me. I politely refused and explained that my parents were waiting for me. I guess my mom has good reason to worry when I go off alone, and if I hadn't been a missionary, I wouldn't know how to react- but I got this- and its just hilarious.
After we left the restaurant we went up to the Cathedral and discovered that something big was going on. There had been signs all around the city that we had seen and not paid attention to: they were for a night of museums. If we had looked closely we would have known that most of the museums were open until 2 am and all you had to do was buy a bandanna to get into all of them. Unfortunately we couldn't go into the Cathedral, even though they were taking special tours up into the tours, carrying candle lanterns. That would have been SO fun. But maybe we'll come back someday and have an equally awesome opportunity. I love the Lausanne Cathedral and I will be back again in the future.
We did get to hear the town crier. They still have a man who shouts from the tours every hour after nine to announce the time. It was late when we decided to head home. But first I wanted my parents to experience the Lausanne metro. It is special because at each stop they play a little sound when it announces the station. I wanted to record some of them since I never did on my mission and I am a very nostalgic person. That meant that we actually rode back and forth a couple of times, but I loved it. We got home late and went to bed.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Day 24: Switzerland
We left early in the morning to drive up to Bern. I finally got to see the Swiss Temple. It was incredible to see how international it is. The workers there come from so many different countries. We heard French, German, Spanish, Italian. It is a beautiful temple.
We got out in Bern to see the bear park and as we were driving out of the city we found an incredible view of the whole city with the river bend.
After Bern we went into Fribourg and saw the Gutenberg museum- where the printing press was invented.
We did a lot of driving through the Swiss country side- a lot of cities in one day.
Our next stop was in Broc for the Maison Cailler, a chocolate museum. Yep, you read me right. Chocolate Museum.
We could smell chocolate from outside. And inside you buy your tickets for a tour in the right language and then you wait in their shop for your group to be called. When I say shop, I mean large chocolate store- with a large wall loaded with bars and a little cafe.
When our tour got started we were in a room with Mayan stone decor. The recording started up and said that we would be starting on a journey through the history of chocolate in the world and how it came to Switzerland. Then the floor started descending. It was so Disneyland. The floor dropped about five feet until it was now at the right level for a different door at our side could open up and when we walked through we were in a jungle- still smelling of chocolate. The tour continued to be very fun and a little cheesy at times. But it did a REALLY good job of making you want chocolate at the end. They had a room with great big sacs of cocoa beans and nuts from different countries. You can eat them if you want and I tried a cocoa bean- but they are gross. For a moment it DID taste like chocolate, but it also tasted like wood and it was ridiculously bitter. But I tried it! That's a new thing. Behind glass, like at Krispy Kreme, you can see the Cailler bars being made. Their machinery is really impressive.
The very last thing before we get back to the store in the front is the chocolate tasting room. Yep- tasting. The best part: they don't kick you out. You can stay in there as long as you want and the chocolate just keeps getting replenished. The unfortunate thing is that there is nothing with which to clean your palette. After about 7 pieces I stopped being able to taste the differences. And after about 12 pieces, I couldn't put any more chocolate in my mouth. But it was SO GOOD.
After we left the chocolate factory we went to Gruyère to the Cheese factory. What a day, right? We didn't actually go into the museum, but we saw the large basement where the huge rounds of cheese are stored and aged and machine-brushed with salt water. And of course we went to the store and bought cheese and Gruyère cream (double cream). This cream is very special and I have been searching for it since the beginning of my mission after the Jaquets introduced it to me. It is a typical swiss dessert to eat Meringues with double cream, and it is AMAZING. I mean- its basically pure sugar, but the combination of the sugar meringues with the unsweetened cream is so good that they made an ice cream flavor from it. Seriously. When I made my mom try it she said "just a bite." Then I gave dad a whole one and ate another one myself and then my mom said "maybe I'll have one more."
After we left Gruyère we drove down to Montreux, on the south east edge of lake Geneva. This is where you find the fantastic Chateau de Chillon. This castle is built right on the rocks that stick out of the water. It is on many lists of top things to do in Europe, so it didn't take much convincing of my parents to go. But when you see pictures you might not understand why it is so popular. It isn't the biggest or most beautiful castle- and we certainly have seen many of those. But it didn't take long once we got inside for my parents to understand. They just kept saying "this is so cool!" and "there's more?"
There are no guided tours- you just have free reign- over every inch of the castle. I'm not kidding- you go everywhere- and it is so fun to imagine that you're in a different century. We only had an hour to see the whole thing- but luckily since I'd been there before I remembered where to go and we were able to keep a good pace to see everything. As we were leaving right at 7, when they were closing, a group of people coming for a private party were arriving. Some stupid women were wearing tall heels- but they were in for a hard surprise that the whole castle is paved with cobble stones- good luck walking! It was perfect timing to take gorgeous pictures of the exterior because it was sunset!
It was a perfect day. Seriously- there are no words. Thank goodness there are pictures. When I look at them I can imagine I'm back there, experiencing it all over again. And to finish this perfect day, we went to get a kebab from the restaurant where I first discovered the Kebab- in the beginning of my mission. The same man works there, and I remembered how nice he always was. Missionaries went there so often and he would always wave when he saw us walk by. I was glad to see that the shop is still there and business was booming. They were very busy. And the kebabs were delicious and huge. I'm so proud of 'my first kebab shop' which still makes the best ones.
We got out in Bern to see the bear park and as we were driving out of the city we found an incredible view of the whole city with the river bend.
After Bern we went into Fribourg and saw the Gutenberg museum- where the printing press was invented.
We did a lot of driving through the Swiss country side- a lot of cities in one day.
Our next stop was in Broc for the Maison Cailler, a chocolate museum. Yep, you read me right. Chocolate Museum.
We could smell chocolate from outside. And inside you buy your tickets for a tour in the right language and then you wait in their shop for your group to be called. When I say shop, I mean large chocolate store- with a large wall loaded with bars and a little cafe.
When our tour got started we were in a room with Mayan stone decor. The recording started up and said that we would be starting on a journey through the history of chocolate in the world and how it came to Switzerland. Then the floor started descending. It was so Disneyland. The floor dropped about five feet until it was now at the right level for a different door at our side could open up and when we walked through we were in a jungle- still smelling of chocolate. The tour continued to be very fun and a little cheesy at times. But it did a REALLY good job of making you want chocolate at the end. They had a room with great big sacs of cocoa beans and nuts from different countries. You can eat them if you want and I tried a cocoa bean- but they are gross. For a moment it DID taste like chocolate, but it also tasted like wood and it was ridiculously bitter. But I tried it! That's a new thing. Behind glass, like at Krispy Kreme, you can see the Cailler bars being made. Their machinery is really impressive.
The very last thing before we get back to the store in the front is the chocolate tasting room. Yep- tasting. The best part: they don't kick you out. You can stay in there as long as you want and the chocolate just keeps getting replenished. The unfortunate thing is that there is nothing with which to clean your palette. After about 7 pieces I stopped being able to taste the differences. And after about 12 pieces, I couldn't put any more chocolate in my mouth. But it was SO GOOD.
After we left the chocolate factory we went to Gruyère to the Cheese factory. What a day, right? We didn't actually go into the museum, but we saw the large basement where the huge rounds of cheese are stored and aged and machine-brushed with salt water. And of course we went to the store and bought cheese and Gruyère cream (double cream). This cream is very special and I have been searching for it since the beginning of my mission after the Jaquets introduced it to me. It is a typical swiss dessert to eat Meringues with double cream, and it is AMAZING. I mean- its basically pure sugar, but the combination of the sugar meringues with the unsweetened cream is so good that they made an ice cream flavor from it. Seriously. When I made my mom try it she said "just a bite." Then I gave dad a whole one and ate another one myself and then my mom said "maybe I'll have one more."
After we left Gruyère we drove down to Montreux, on the south east edge of lake Geneva. This is where you find the fantastic Chateau de Chillon. This castle is built right on the rocks that stick out of the water. It is on many lists of top things to do in Europe, so it didn't take much convincing of my parents to go. But when you see pictures you might not understand why it is so popular. It isn't the biggest or most beautiful castle- and we certainly have seen many of those. But it didn't take long once we got inside for my parents to understand. They just kept saying "this is so cool!" and "there's more?"
There are no guided tours- you just have free reign- over every inch of the castle. I'm not kidding- you go everywhere- and it is so fun to imagine that you're in a different century. We only had an hour to see the whole thing- but luckily since I'd been there before I remembered where to go and we were able to keep a good pace to see everything. As we were leaving right at 7, when they were closing, a group of people coming for a private party were arriving. Some stupid women were wearing tall heels- but they were in for a hard surprise that the whole castle is paved with cobble stones- good luck walking! It was perfect timing to take gorgeous pictures of the exterior because it was sunset!
It was a perfect day. Seriously- there are no words. Thank goodness there are pictures. When I look at them I can imagine I'm back there, experiencing it all over again. And to finish this perfect day, we went to get a kebab from the restaurant where I first discovered the Kebab- in the beginning of my mission. The same man works there, and I remembered how nice he always was. Missionaries went there so often and he would always wave when he saw us walk by. I was glad to see that the shop is still there and business was booming. They were very busy. And the kebabs were delicious and huge. I'm so proud of 'my first kebab shop' which still makes the best ones.
Day 23: Mountains
We got up really early and said goodbye to the Lepores. We wanted to find a market that opened at six but we couldn't find it. So we just went straight to the institute where Terencia was going to meet us. We parked the car and bought breakfast from the boulangerie while we waited for Terencia.
When I saw her from across the street I was so excited, and she was walking with someone I didn't recognize from a distance. I knew it wasn't anyone I had met in Geneva. When they were on the other side of the street about to cross I could finally see her clearly. It was Alexandra, a girl I taught while I was in Geneva. She got baptized while I was still in Geneva but she has moved around a lot for internships. I had no idea she was in Lyon. I nearly started crying I was so surprised. I didn't know who to hug first! We sat on the bench and talked for an hour. It was the best morning I've had in a long time. It was precious. Apparently Alexandra is Terencia's roommate and after Terencia made plans with me she told Alexandra that she was going to go meet up with a returned missionary. She showed Alexandra my picture from the Liahona and Alexandra said, "wait! that's MY Soeur Read!"
Tender mercies come from the smallest things. We visited the institute, and I talked to the secretary, who helped me call Terencia. And all of that resulted in a moment that I will never forget.
It was painful to leave, but we needed to get on the road.
We drove through Annecy to take pictures. When I first heard about Annecy on my mission I wanted to serve there so bad. President re-opened the area with sisters while I was in Geneva but I never got to see the city. It is a gorgeous little town. We got out of the car to see the lake and there was a man feeding birds. He gave me some of his bread and the little sparrows came and landed right on my hand. They were so cute! I wonder how long it took for the birds to trust him. I am sure he goes there every day.
After Annecy we drove to Chamonix, re-entering Switzerland. We had been driving under a constant light cloud coverage which worried us because we wanted to see Mont Blanc. But the people at the ticket booth told us there wouldn't be a problem. Mom decided to stay at the bottom and she did some shopping while dad and I took the cable car up to the top, to the Aiguille du Midi. There were people wearing serious mountaineering gear. One guy carried a backpack that could fit a full-grown man inside. I have no idea what was actually in there. As we took the cable car up we entered into the cloud and we couldn't see anything. The cable car has a halfway point where we have to switch cars to go all the way up. In the second car we still couldn't see anything but clouds until suddenly, out of the constant light grey, the most impressive, white-capped mountains extended on both sides as far as the eye can see. The clouds only sat over the land, blocking all view of the mountains, but above them it was perfectly clear and sunny. And cold. I could barely believe where my father and I were standing- seeing such glorious mountains FROM the mountains is really incredible. And there was a LOT of snow. Our timing with the storms that had passed through days before was perfect.
I thoroughly enjoyed our time up there. I through snow at my dad, ate and icicle and bought a hot chocolate. I also freaked my dad out every time I took my feet off the ground. Jumping up on the railing for a picture or stepping out onto the snow through the gate where the snowboarders come in- no matter that I was always totally in control- dad would shout "Nanu! Get down!" He's more afraid of heights than I am- even though I think hiking half dome is FAR more risky than anything I did. Dads gotta be dads.
We passed through Martigny after we left Mont Blanc. It is a little swiss town in the mountains that has a museum about St. Bernards, which were used as rescue dogs in the mountains for years. They actually have dogs at the museum and if you have lots of money you can pay to go out with them when they walk the dogs. We just enjoyed seeing them an petting a couple. They are such big, cute dogs. They're SO FLUFFY!
We drove through Vevey, a town on the edge of Geneva lake, or Lac Leman, and took a picture infront of the Nestle Alimentarium fork. Its just a big fork statue in the lake.
We got in to Lausanne in the evening. We're staying with the Jaquet family. They were very welcoming to the missionaries and always had us for Sunday dinner. They said we could always come and stay with them. They have a camping car where we can sleep. Sister Jaquet asked if we were going to eat dinner with them. We didn't already have other plans and I couldn't refuse.
When I saw her from across the street I was so excited, and she was walking with someone I didn't recognize from a distance. I knew it wasn't anyone I had met in Geneva. When they were on the other side of the street about to cross I could finally see her clearly. It was Alexandra, a girl I taught while I was in Geneva. She got baptized while I was still in Geneva but she has moved around a lot for internships. I had no idea she was in Lyon. I nearly started crying I was so surprised. I didn't know who to hug first! We sat on the bench and talked for an hour. It was the best morning I've had in a long time. It was precious. Apparently Alexandra is Terencia's roommate and after Terencia made plans with me she told Alexandra that she was going to go meet up with a returned missionary. She showed Alexandra my picture from the Liahona and Alexandra said, "wait! that's MY Soeur Read!"
Tender mercies come from the smallest things. We visited the institute, and I talked to the secretary, who helped me call Terencia. And all of that resulted in a moment that I will never forget.
It was painful to leave, but we needed to get on the road.
We drove through Annecy to take pictures. When I first heard about Annecy on my mission I wanted to serve there so bad. President re-opened the area with sisters while I was in Geneva but I never got to see the city. It is a gorgeous little town. We got out of the car to see the lake and there was a man feeding birds. He gave me some of his bread and the little sparrows came and landed right on my hand. They were so cute! I wonder how long it took for the birds to trust him. I am sure he goes there every day.
After Annecy we drove to Chamonix, re-entering Switzerland. We had been driving under a constant light cloud coverage which worried us because we wanted to see Mont Blanc. But the people at the ticket booth told us there wouldn't be a problem. Mom decided to stay at the bottom and she did some shopping while dad and I took the cable car up to the top, to the Aiguille du Midi. There were people wearing serious mountaineering gear. One guy carried a backpack that could fit a full-grown man inside. I have no idea what was actually in there. As we took the cable car up we entered into the cloud and we couldn't see anything. The cable car has a halfway point where we have to switch cars to go all the way up. In the second car we still couldn't see anything but clouds until suddenly, out of the constant light grey, the most impressive, white-capped mountains extended on both sides as far as the eye can see. The clouds only sat over the land, blocking all view of the mountains, but above them it was perfectly clear and sunny. And cold. I could barely believe where my father and I were standing- seeing such glorious mountains FROM the mountains is really incredible. And there was a LOT of snow. Our timing with the storms that had passed through days before was perfect.
I thoroughly enjoyed our time up there. I through snow at my dad, ate and icicle and bought a hot chocolate. I also freaked my dad out every time I took my feet off the ground. Jumping up on the railing for a picture or stepping out onto the snow through the gate where the snowboarders come in- no matter that I was always totally in control- dad would shout "Nanu! Get down!" He's more afraid of heights than I am- even though I think hiking half dome is FAR more risky than anything I did. Dads gotta be dads.
We passed through Martigny after we left Mont Blanc. It is a little swiss town in the mountains that has a museum about St. Bernards, which were used as rescue dogs in the mountains for years. They actually have dogs at the museum and if you have lots of money you can pay to go out with them when they walk the dogs. We just enjoyed seeing them an petting a couple. They are such big, cute dogs. They're SO FLUFFY!
We drove through Vevey, a town on the edge of Geneva lake, or Lac Leman, and took a picture infront of the Nestle Alimentarium fork. Its just a big fork statue in the lake.
We got in to Lausanne in the evening. We're staying with the Jaquet family. They were very welcoming to the missionaries and always had us for Sunday dinner. They said we could always come and stay with them. They have a camping car where we can sleep. Sister Jaquet asked if we were going to eat dinner with them. We didn't already have other plans and I couldn't refuse.
Day 22: Montelimar- Lyon
As we made our way out of Avignon, we stopped by their old roman archway and took pictures while I called my friend from Lyon who was giving us a place to stay for the night.
We stopped in Montelimar, a place made famous for the origin of Nougat. So we had to check out their Nougat factory. You can watch it being made and packaged. We bought a couple of flavors for the road and as a gift for our friends in Lyon.
I was reading a book to my mom in the car but after a couple of hours I looked up and noticed that we were driving by a river and I can't really explain what was so familiar, because we weren't really in the city yet; I had never been on that road but there was something about the buildings and the river that just screamed LYON to me. I perked up and said "are we almost there? I can already tell!"
There was no more reading after that. I was too excited when I started recognizing things: the aquarium I visited on a preparation-day, a bridge, a building, the large cathedral on top of the hill. I was home.
We drove into the center of town to go to the Tourist office. We needed to get our city passes so we could take the public transportation around town. You cannot imagine how excited I was about that.
It took forever in line to get our passes. I don't even want to talk about the annoying old man who just kept going around in circles with his questions while every one is rolling their eyes waiting for him to be finished. He never did- after nearly 25 minutes someone else finally came out to start a new line.
Before we could explore the city we drove out to find my friends' house- the Lepores. It was a bit more complicated than we expected. There are two roads with a similar name and we went to the wrong one, but Roland was able to come and help us find the way- it wasn't far.
Amie and Roland moved into Lyon while I was serving there. She is American and he is French- his parents also live in Lyon. They have the most adorable children the world has ever seen and when we pulled up the kids came running out to greet us. I could finally pick them up! We had a lovely lunch with the whole family and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with the kids.
We took the bus after lunch to go into town and see the sights. I was overjoyed to walk around my town again. We visited Vieux Lyon (old town) and saw the Guignol museum, which I had not visited before, and we walked through a few of the passage-ways that make up the Lyon Labyrinth. Lyon was built on the production of silk and these passages were used to transport the silk from the factories without getting damaged from rain or snow. They are like tiny alleyways that go through the buildings from street to street, but they go under apartments and many of them are not publicly accessible because people still live in all the apartments. We also went to see the silk factory where they have machinery that is hundreds of years old and they still use it! We could watch the man at work making a striped red velvet. I had no clue how velvet was made and now I know and I must say it is pretty genius.
We hopped on the metro to go down to 'my part of town.' The Lumière Brothers museum is right in the neighborhood where I lived as a missionary. The Lumière Brothers invented the moving pictures- the creation of movies. The museum is in the enormous house that their father built. You should look it up- its a remarkable building.
Since we were so close we walked to see my apartment (which is now occupied by Elders and I hope they are taking good care of it). Just at the edge of our block corner is the boulangerie that we frequented often so I had to stop in and get a pastry.
Then we went a couple stops on the metro to stop by the institute. There were elders inside, teaching. I didn't really get to know the Institute director or his secretary but I still saw them often enough that when I went upstairs they did recognize me. It is really weird to think that I have been home for 16 months already. While I talked about who was still in town (most of the young adults are either on missions or in different cities) my parents found the photo albums that the missionary couple used to put together. There is a picture of me in one of the baptism pictures. I am so glad that we stopped by the insitute because I got to call Terencia, a young woman that worked with us all the time. She was working that night but I had to see her so I asked if we could meet up the next morning before my parents and I left town. We only had a little time to be in Lyon because we needed to drive up to Lausanne with many stops on the way. So even though our plan was to leave Lyon early, I HAD to see Terencia and she said it would be possible.
We left the institute and took the metro and funicular up to see the Cathedral and the Roman Ruins. We quickly popped into the Cathedral and took some pictures outside. We were outside when we heard the bells ring six and then we walked down to the ruins. The man in the tourist office had told me that they close at seven. But we got there and the gate was closed. The man in the tourist office forgot that the winter schedule started 3 days earlier so the ruins close at 6. Crap. I was really excited to show the ruins to my parents. It is a very impressive amphitheater. Actually, it is 2. And you can walk all over and around the ruins. My dad would have enjoyed it. Too bad.
We made plans with the Lepore family to meet up with us for dinner. We went to a restaurant in Vieux Lyon that I remembered. It was so much fun to be with the kids and the food was really good too.
After dinner we went home and chatted with the family and the kids presented us with some pictures and notes that they drew for us that afternoon. It was SO adorable. I'm going to miss them a ton.
We stopped in Montelimar, a place made famous for the origin of Nougat. So we had to check out their Nougat factory. You can watch it being made and packaged. We bought a couple of flavors for the road and as a gift for our friends in Lyon.
I was reading a book to my mom in the car but after a couple of hours I looked up and noticed that we were driving by a river and I can't really explain what was so familiar, because we weren't really in the city yet; I had never been on that road but there was something about the buildings and the river that just screamed LYON to me. I perked up and said "are we almost there? I can already tell!"
There was no more reading after that. I was too excited when I started recognizing things: the aquarium I visited on a preparation-day, a bridge, a building, the large cathedral on top of the hill. I was home.
We drove into the center of town to go to the Tourist office. We needed to get our city passes so we could take the public transportation around town. You cannot imagine how excited I was about that.
It took forever in line to get our passes. I don't even want to talk about the annoying old man who just kept going around in circles with his questions while every one is rolling their eyes waiting for him to be finished. He never did- after nearly 25 minutes someone else finally came out to start a new line.
Before we could explore the city we drove out to find my friends' house- the Lepores. It was a bit more complicated than we expected. There are two roads with a similar name and we went to the wrong one, but Roland was able to come and help us find the way- it wasn't far.
Amie and Roland moved into Lyon while I was serving there. She is American and he is French- his parents also live in Lyon. They have the most adorable children the world has ever seen and when we pulled up the kids came running out to greet us. I could finally pick them up! We had a lovely lunch with the whole family and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with the kids.
We took the bus after lunch to go into town and see the sights. I was overjoyed to walk around my town again. We visited Vieux Lyon (old town) and saw the Guignol museum, which I had not visited before, and we walked through a few of the passage-ways that make up the Lyon Labyrinth. Lyon was built on the production of silk and these passages were used to transport the silk from the factories without getting damaged from rain or snow. They are like tiny alleyways that go through the buildings from street to street, but they go under apartments and many of them are not publicly accessible because people still live in all the apartments. We also went to see the silk factory where they have machinery that is hundreds of years old and they still use it! We could watch the man at work making a striped red velvet. I had no clue how velvet was made and now I know and I must say it is pretty genius.
We hopped on the metro to go down to 'my part of town.' The Lumière Brothers museum is right in the neighborhood where I lived as a missionary. The Lumière Brothers invented the moving pictures- the creation of movies. The museum is in the enormous house that their father built. You should look it up- its a remarkable building.
Since we were so close we walked to see my apartment (which is now occupied by Elders and I hope they are taking good care of it). Just at the edge of our block corner is the boulangerie that we frequented often so I had to stop in and get a pastry.
Then we went a couple stops on the metro to stop by the institute. There were elders inside, teaching. I didn't really get to know the Institute director or his secretary but I still saw them often enough that when I went upstairs they did recognize me. It is really weird to think that I have been home for 16 months already. While I talked about who was still in town (most of the young adults are either on missions or in different cities) my parents found the photo albums that the missionary couple used to put together. There is a picture of me in one of the baptism pictures. I am so glad that we stopped by the insitute because I got to call Terencia, a young woman that worked with us all the time. She was working that night but I had to see her so I asked if we could meet up the next morning before my parents and I left town. We only had a little time to be in Lyon because we needed to drive up to Lausanne with many stops on the way. So even though our plan was to leave Lyon early, I HAD to see Terencia and she said it would be possible.
We left the institute and took the metro and funicular up to see the Cathedral and the Roman Ruins. We quickly popped into the Cathedral and took some pictures outside. We were outside when we heard the bells ring six and then we walked down to the ruins. The man in the tourist office had told me that they close at seven. But we got there and the gate was closed. The man in the tourist office forgot that the winter schedule started 3 days earlier so the ruins close at 6. Crap. I was really excited to show the ruins to my parents. It is a very impressive amphitheater. Actually, it is 2. And you can walk all over and around the ruins. My dad would have enjoyed it. Too bad.
We made plans with the Lepore family to meet up with us for dinner. We went to a restaurant in Vieux Lyon that I remembered. It was so much fun to be with the kids and the food was really good too.
After dinner we went home and chatted with the family and the kids presented us with some pictures and notes that they drew for us that afternoon. It was SO adorable. I'm going to miss them a ton.
Day 21: Marseille
We got up in the morning to drive down to Marseille (pronounced Marsay), the largest port in France. If you're a reader you might know it because of a fantastic novel known as the Count of Monte Cristo. Just off the coast is a couple of islands- including one tiny little island with a prison fort called the Chateau d'If (Shat-oh deef). Though the fantastic movie of the Count of Monte Cristo makes you believe the island is far from any other coasts and it is a great feat that Edmond Dantes swims to freedom, in actuality it is very close to the port and even closer to the bigger island Frioul (Free-ool).
Unfortunately it was a very windy day- very windy. So windy that it was impossible to land any of their boats at the Chateau d'If, but we could still go to Frioul. So that is what we did.
Frioul is a natural reserve and it has many beautiful places to swim (which was on mom's list to do), and many places to get a great view of the Chateau d'If. But you have to walk there- cars and bikes are not allowed without special permission. So we had about a 20 minute walk to a beach that was suggested to us. The environment is so different from what I was used to in my more northern areas in Europe. We felt like we were in Mexico. It was very desert-y and there were a few dilapidated abandoned buildings.
We found the beach, which was gorgeous, but we also found a large group of people filming a french tv show. We could only swim in one portion of the beach to stay out of their shot.
Mom and Dad got changed and went swimming, but I knew I would freeze. Even if the water temperature were more reasonable, the wind would not be fun. These things didn't stop my parents however. So took pictures of the beautiful clear Mediterranean water while they got their fill. We didn't stay too long but we watched the filming from a distance for a few minutes as we walked back. The scene they were doing was some woman murdered on the beach. We think a dog finds her and leads some man to her body. It was fun to listen from afar, "ACTION!" and "COUPEZ!"
We got lunch back in the port before we got on our boat back to Marseille.
The boat ride is fun because it is extremely choppy due to the wind, so it is a fun challenge of keeping your feet under you as you walk around.
Back in Marseille we passed by a boulangerie and decided to treat ourselves to some delicious pastries.
After we left Marseille we went to Arles so my parents could see another roman arena but I slept in the car. They woke me up to see a monument to Van Gogh and then we left Arles to go to St. Remy, where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. There is a trail through the town that goes out to the hospital where he lived. They have historical plaques spread out along the way. It got dark while we were there- which seemed appropriate for the place where the most famous night landscape was painted.
Before getting home we went to the grocery store to find some easy dinner and food for the road tomorrow.
Unfortunately it was a very windy day- very windy. So windy that it was impossible to land any of their boats at the Chateau d'If, but we could still go to Frioul. So that is what we did.
Frioul is a natural reserve and it has many beautiful places to swim (which was on mom's list to do), and many places to get a great view of the Chateau d'If. But you have to walk there- cars and bikes are not allowed without special permission. So we had about a 20 minute walk to a beach that was suggested to us. The environment is so different from what I was used to in my more northern areas in Europe. We felt like we were in Mexico. It was very desert-y and there were a few dilapidated abandoned buildings.
We found the beach, which was gorgeous, but we also found a large group of people filming a french tv show. We could only swim in one portion of the beach to stay out of their shot.
Mom and Dad got changed and went swimming, but I knew I would freeze. Even if the water temperature were more reasonable, the wind would not be fun. These things didn't stop my parents however. So took pictures of the beautiful clear Mediterranean water while they got their fill. We didn't stay too long but we watched the filming from a distance for a few minutes as we walked back. The scene they were doing was some woman murdered on the beach. We think a dog finds her and leads some man to her body. It was fun to listen from afar, "ACTION!" and "COUPEZ!"
We got lunch back in the port before we got on our boat back to Marseille.
The boat ride is fun because it is extremely choppy due to the wind, so it is a fun challenge of keeping your feet under you as you walk around.
Back in Marseille we passed by a boulangerie and decided to treat ourselves to some delicious pastries.
After we left Marseille we went to Arles so my parents could see another roman arena but I slept in the car. They woke me up to see a monument to Van Gogh and then we left Arles to go to St. Remy, where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. There is a trail through the town that goes out to the hospital where he lived. They have historical plaques spread out along the way. It got dark while we were there- which seemed appropriate for the place where the most famous night landscape was painted.
Before getting home we went to the grocery store to find some easy dinner and food for the road tomorrow.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Day 20: Nîmes, Avignon, Pont du Gard
The house where we are staying is out in the country-side and it all smells of lavender.
We took longer than we wanted to get out of the house, but it takes a lot of planning to get all our destinations (and the maps for them) in order. This has been the essence of our trip-late night planning and early morning organizing.
We stopped at a grocery store for the things we needed for the day and then we headed to Nîmes. I was really excited for this because I have a mission friend who lives there. Emmanuel Prunin served in Geneva with me for four transfers (nearly 6 months) as an office Elder. When we had problems with our apartments we called Elder Prunin. My companion and I needed to replace our shower-head and we prepared a halloween prank on him when he came to fix it. Elder Prunin was on the train with me when I left Geneva to go to Lyon, and THEN when I finished my mission and left Lyon to go to the mission home in Geneva, quess who was on the same train.
We met up with Emmanuel at the church. Its always funny for missionaries to meet after the mission because even though we know eachother well, we still have to ask about names. I knew his name was Emmanuel but I asked if that was what he goes by. He said his friends call him Manu. My parents cracked up. One (yes, one of many) of my nicknames is Nanu. Manu and Nanu hitt'n the town.
Manu learned quite a bit of English during his mission but he still does not speak it fluently. So it was fun for me to speak mostly french and also fun for my parents to make sense of the little english that Manu shared in telling some of the history that he knows about Nîmes. Although- they were probably surprised to discover something I already knew. Manu is a joker. He would tell them something that was totally made up- but not always far off. Nîmes has a symbol engraved and otherwise represented EVERYWHERE- it is of a crocodile tied up to a palm tree. You can look it up on google if you want the explanation because I don't remember it right now. But I think I remember Manu saying the crocodile was a gift to Cleopatra from her lover- he said it so convincingly.
We walked through the old town with Manu and went to Les Arènes de Nîmes, an enormous roman arena- still used for concerts and even bull fighting.
We visited a couple other old roman buildings in Nîmes before we found a kebab shop and ate lunch. Then Manu walked back to get his car while we walked to the Jardin de la Fontaine (Fountain Garden) and up the huge hill to the Tour Magne (Great tower). All of it was very beautiful. Manu met us at the top and drove us back to our car at the church. We said goodbye and drove back to Avignon to see their fortress-well, the Papal Palace- and the Pont d'Avignon- a bridge that doesn't extend all the way across the water.
Before we lost the sunlight we wanted to make it out to Pont du Gard- a Roman aquaduct outside of Remoulins. Its enormous and quite impressive.
I don't know what to say about the things we saw today- we got some great pictures, and I mostly just enjoyed catching up with Manu. It was a great day.
Day 19: Milan-to-Provence
Our plans in Milan didn't include sight seeing because we couldn't get tickets in to see the painting of the Last Supper but Paulo called to say that he would take us on a quick drive to see a little bit of Milan. He tried to flatter his way inside to see the painting but that didn't work. So instead we found parking on the quiet Sunday morning and walked to go see the Duomo cathedral. It is the fourth largest cathedral in Europe, if I remember correctly. The square vas very empty because it was early but there were a few other tourists and some African men trying to get money out of them. They would put bird feed right in your hand so the pigeons come and land on your arm. I was taking pictures of this happening and then a man gave me some too. Unfortunately I had the camera and I think my mom was the only one who saw before the grains, and therefore the pigeons, were gone. Then the guy started tying a bracelet on my wrist, "where are you from? This is from Nigeria, like me." I told him that I didn't have any money but he insisted it was fine. It is a friendship bracelet. I kept saying that I didn't have money but then the bracelet was tied on my wrist. "This means you are my friend!"
Of course as I was walking away he asked for 2 euros.
I said I don't have it. He asked to see my money.
I said no.
This repeated a couple of times until he walked away, obviously disappointed that I wasn't a dumb tourist he can get money out of. Well too bad for him. He should learn NOT to approach every girl he sees and expect them to pay him for flattering words and a cheap bracelet. Honestly, of he had just offered nicely some of the grains to feed the birds (Mary Poppins style) for a little money I probably would have said yes. I'll do a lot of things for a good picture.
We also walked to see the Opera house, La Scala, which is across the street from a monument to Leonardo Da Vinci.
Walking back to the car through the downtown area, I noticed the cafés getting ready for the day and you can't miss the impressively large buckets of delicious gelato flavors, so colorful and SO tempting.
One more stop at the Castillo Sforzesco, an old castle fort. I was taking pictures of the fountain and the building while Dad walked went through the arch to get some pictures of his own. So, since I was almost by myself again, maybe you can guess what happened. A SECOND african man came up to me and YES, he put a bracelet on my wrist, even though I insisted that I wasn't going to pay him. This man was even more forward than the last. He claimed that this bracelet was for me because he Loved me. Oh yes. I'm sure he did.
All of the times on this trip that I have gotten similar attention from strange men, I always laugh inwardly at how my parents react. But it always just reminds me of my mission. I'm sure Elders get similar awkward moments, but I just don't think it will ever be the same as what sisters have to go through. I could almost confidently say that it happened every day. So its a good thing I don't get unsettled every time my parents walk away and I'm alone for a few minutes. And hey! Now I have TWO african bracelets for free. Hehe.
After we said goodbye to Paulo and checked out of our hotel we set back on the road out of Italy and into the south of France. For the first time, I finally had a view of the French Riviera, and the sun was shining brilliantly, though there were impressive looking clouds hanging over the land- it actually made for some interesting views. But we hoped to beat the clouds and not get caught in them.
We drove by the Monte Carlo casino and cruised down the small and medium Cornishes before lunch. When we got hungry we found a crêperie and enjoyed some very large and delicious savory crêpes, followed by two DELICIOUS dessert crêpes.
When we were driving on the Middle Cornishe we got some incredible pictures of the beautiful coast but when we started driving on the Grand Cornishe we were not fast enough to beat the clouds. We drove to the top of the ridge and marched through light rain to find an old roman monument, the Trophy of Augustus in La Turbie. Despite the rain, it was a beautiful area. I think the rain interrupted some fun Roman festival on the monument grounds. There were tents and people dressed as Romans galthering up their stuff. It would have been a very fun thing. But luckily, since it was raining, the woman just let us through the gate for free. yay!
We drove through Nice and headed a little north, away from the coast to a small place in Provence, called Avignon, where we are staying for the next 3 nights.
Of course as I was walking away he asked for 2 euros.
I said I don't have it. He asked to see my money.
I said no.
This repeated a couple of times until he walked away, obviously disappointed that I wasn't a dumb tourist he can get money out of. Well too bad for him. He should learn NOT to approach every girl he sees and expect them to pay him for flattering words and a cheap bracelet. Honestly, of he had just offered nicely some of the grains to feed the birds (Mary Poppins style) for a little money I probably would have said yes. I'll do a lot of things for a good picture.
We also walked to see the Opera house, La Scala, which is across the street from a monument to Leonardo Da Vinci.
Walking back to the car through the downtown area, I noticed the cafés getting ready for the day and you can't miss the impressively large buckets of delicious gelato flavors, so colorful and SO tempting.
One more stop at the Castillo Sforzesco, an old castle fort. I was taking pictures of the fountain and the building while Dad walked went through the arch to get some pictures of his own. So, since I was almost by myself again, maybe you can guess what happened. A SECOND african man came up to me and YES, he put a bracelet on my wrist, even though I insisted that I wasn't going to pay him. This man was even more forward than the last. He claimed that this bracelet was for me because he Loved me. Oh yes. I'm sure he did.
All of the times on this trip that I have gotten similar attention from strange men, I always laugh inwardly at how my parents react. But it always just reminds me of my mission. I'm sure Elders get similar awkward moments, but I just don't think it will ever be the same as what sisters have to go through. I could almost confidently say that it happened every day. So its a good thing I don't get unsettled every time my parents walk away and I'm alone for a few minutes. And hey! Now I have TWO african bracelets for free. Hehe.
After we said goodbye to Paulo and checked out of our hotel we set back on the road out of Italy and into the south of France. For the first time, I finally had a view of the French Riviera, and the sun was shining brilliantly, though there were impressive looking clouds hanging over the land- it actually made for some interesting views. But we hoped to beat the clouds and not get caught in them.
We drove by the Monte Carlo casino and cruised down the small and medium Cornishes before lunch. When we got hungry we found a crêperie and enjoyed some very large and delicious savory crêpes, followed by two DELICIOUS dessert crêpes.
When we were driving on the Middle Cornishe we got some incredible pictures of the beautiful coast but when we started driving on the Grand Cornishe we were not fast enough to beat the clouds. We drove to the top of the ridge and marched through light rain to find an old roman monument, the Trophy of Augustus in La Turbie. Despite the rain, it was a beautiful area. I think the rain interrupted some fun Roman festival on the monument grounds. There were tents and people dressed as Romans galthering up their stuff. It would have been a very fun thing. But luckily, since it was raining, the woman just let us through the gate for free. yay!
We drove through Nice and headed a little north, away from the coast to a small place in Provence, called Avignon, where we are staying for the next 3 nights.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Day 18: Milan
We left Vienna early and started our long drive. With a detour to go over a mountain path in Slovenia and a stop near the Austrian border to see an old bunker, our drive took most of the day.
We had a left-over schnitzel lunch at a beautiful lake-side park called Worthensee.
We entered Italy! Add another country to my list. It was fun to notice differences in the architecture and country side. Even though all of these countries are so close together and they have similarities in climate or culture, there are still noticeable differences in the buildings and the people. I love it and I wish I were more familiar with all of them.
Italy's countryside is full of churches, like everywhere else, but they are no longer the spires and gray stone like in the northern countries. The Italian churches are more square with red tile roofs and brown stones or plaster. It's just like the kinds of things you see in paintings in Italian restaurants.
Our first experience with Italy was getting gas in Verona. If you don't recognize the name of that city you need to read more Shakespeare.
The ride into the city of Milan is not so pretty from the freeway. There are just a lot of walls and ugly buildings in the way of seeing anything. But we were happy to arrive in Milan and the downtown part of the city is very beautiful.
We came to Milan because a friend of the family lives there and wanted to have us for dinner. Paulo was an exchange student when he was a teenager and my dad had started college. It had been 30 years since they've seen each other but Paulo has kept good contact with the family.
He had a hotel reservation ready for us so we were able to check in easily and freshen up very comfortably as we waited for Paulo to come pick us up. I got a room all to myself- which really just means I had my own bathroom cuz that's all that matters. Not having to schedule showers is so nice.
Paulo didn't live very far away, still just right in the center of town. He and his wife were very fun to talk to and they made an exceptional dinner. We started eating around 8 pm. We had bread with olives, pickles and mini onions for the antipasti. Then they cooked the pasta and served it with a sauce from her mother with eggplant. It was SO good! They brought out a sausage and cheese that came from a mountain region near by. The sausage was very hot. I took my taste bite with a bit of pasta. I believe the sausage was called Caciotta.
After we had eaten our fill of pasta Paulo went back to the kitchen and took out a large chunk of roasted veal. I had to laugh to myself when my dad realized that the pasta wasn't the main course. His face was classic. I had already eaten enough food to be satisfied until breakfast but I knew I'd be eating more anyway.
Paulo cut the veal into slices and laid them in a casserole dish. Then he laid out the prepared potatoes around the meat and put it in the oven. Have you ever had a meal cooked for you as you go from course to course? Cuz it's pretty fun. It smells delicious and it is the best way to have long and lively conversations because it takes so long and there are breaks.
When the veal came out Paulo poured a sauce over the whole dish and then served us. I was worried about being able to eat it all...until I tasted it. It. Blew. My. Mind.
His sauce was simply juice from the meat with nutmeg. I had never thought of nutmeg with meat but now I can't imagine meat without it. It was that good. If I had a second stomach I would have had second helpings. Thank you Paulo for changing my life. Around 11pm we finished dinner and decided to take the dog for a walk and get ice cream. Can you just imagine how good a gelato is in Italy? I had mint and chocolate.
So, we had the longest most delicious dinner I have ever experienced and stayed the night in a hotel in MILAN. Fantastic new experiences.
We had a left-over schnitzel lunch at a beautiful lake-side park called Worthensee.
We entered Italy! Add another country to my list. It was fun to notice differences in the architecture and country side. Even though all of these countries are so close together and they have similarities in climate or culture, there are still noticeable differences in the buildings and the people. I love it and I wish I were more familiar with all of them.
Italy's countryside is full of churches, like everywhere else, but they are no longer the spires and gray stone like in the northern countries. The Italian churches are more square with red tile roofs and brown stones or plaster. It's just like the kinds of things you see in paintings in Italian restaurants.
Our first experience with Italy was getting gas in Verona. If you don't recognize the name of that city you need to read more Shakespeare.
The ride into the city of Milan is not so pretty from the freeway. There are just a lot of walls and ugly buildings in the way of seeing anything. But we were happy to arrive in Milan and the downtown part of the city is very beautiful.
We came to Milan because a friend of the family lives there and wanted to have us for dinner. Paulo was an exchange student when he was a teenager and my dad had started college. It had been 30 years since they've seen each other but Paulo has kept good contact with the family.
He had a hotel reservation ready for us so we were able to check in easily and freshen up very comfortably as we waited for Paulo to come pick us up. I got a room all to myself- which really just means I had my own bathroom cuz that's all that matters. Not having to schedule showers is so nice.
Paulo didn't live very far away, still just right in the center of town. He and his wife were very fun to talk to and they made an exceptional dinner. We started eating around 8 pm. We had bread with olives, pickles and mini onions for the antipasti. Then they cooked the pasta and served it with a sauce from her mother with eggplant. It was SO good! They brought out a sausage and cheese that came from a mountain region near by. The sausage was very hot. I took my taste bite with a bit of pasta. I believe the sausage was called Caciotta.
After we had eaten our fill of pasta Paulo went back to the kitchen and took out a large chunk of roasted veal. I had to laugh to myself when my dad realized that the pasta wasn't the main course. His face was classic. I had already eaten enough food to be satisfied until breakfast but I knew I'd be eating more anyway.
Paulo cut the veal into slices and laid them in a casserole dish. Then he laid out the prepared potatoes around the meat and put it in the oven. Have you ever had a meal cooked for you as you go from course to course? Cuz it's pretty fun. It smells delicious and it is the best way to have long and lively conversations because it takes so long and there are breaks.
When the veal came out Paulo poured a sauce over the whole dish and then served us. I was worried about being able to eat it all...until I tasted it. It. Blew. My. Mind.
His sauce was simply juice from the meat with nutmeg. I had never thought of nutmeg with meat but now I can't imagine meat without it. It was that good. If I had a second stomach I would have had second helpings. Thank you Paulo for changing my life. Around 11pm we finished dinner and decided to take the dog for a walk and get ice cream. Can you just imagine how good a gelato is in Italy? I had mint and chocolate.
So, we had the longest most delicious dinner I have ever experienced and stayed the night in a hotel in MILAN. Fantastic new experiences.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Day 17: Vienna
In the morning I took the public transportation with instructions from Julia to go meet my parents in the city center to see the famous dancing stallions in their morning practice. Mom was hoping they would rehearse their formations, but they just kept cycling through groups of horses to warm them all up and practice some of their tricks. We ended up staying for the whole thing hoping to see something more exciting, but we didn't. Mom thought it was a bit of a dud. And they must make so much money from that.
Dad left early to go see a clock that moves at noon. I believe it has 12 apostles that go around.
It started raining when mom and I left to go meet him at the cathedral.
Mom and dad were ready to go see their museums but Julia had told me about a large market that I should check out so I told my parents I would just do my own thing today.
I quickly felt comfortable with the transportation and found buses when I needed them. So I went to the market and spent some of my money and then I went to the apartment we rented and laid down for a quick nap. When Julia texted me that she was on her way home I also set out to go to her house and help her cook.
It was heaven to just hang out in her house, helping when she needed me and just enjoying her company as well as getting to know her husband Sammy. I had heard about Sammy during the mission and I would have killed to go to their wedding last fall, but at least I am here now.
Eventually the door buzzed and my parents were here. Dinner was not ready yet so they also got to relax and enjoy being in a 'home.' Dinner was fantastic, and for dessert dad had requested something he had a long time ago and Julia was happy to oblige him. He got to watch her make Kaiserschmaren- a pancake meal that is fluffy and torn up because some king a long time ago didn't like his pancakes flat. Sammy said that Julia must have made that up but dad 'wiki'd it and she was right.
It was a very fulfilling evening and it was sad to have to go and to say goodbye but I know one day they will come and visit.
Today was one of the best days of the trip so far.
So again- I'm sorry I can't tell you about my parents' adventures. They visited the military museum with a ginormous collection of armor and weapons, as well as the ancient musical instruments museum with an expansive collection of pieces that even my dad had no idea existed. They were very impressed with both museums.
Dad left early to go see a clock that moves at noon. I believe it has 12 apostles that go around.
It started raining when mom and I left to go meet him at the cathedral.
Mom and dad were ready to go see their museums but Julia had told me about a large market that I should check out so I told my parents I would just do my own thing today.
I quickly felt comfortable with the transportation and found buses when I needed them. So I went to the market and spent some of my money and then I went to the apartment we rented and laid down for a quick nap. When Julia texted me that she was on her way home I also set out to go to her house and help her cook.
It was heaven to just hang out in her house, helping when she needed me and just enjoying her company as well as getting to know her husband Sammy. I had heard about Sammy during the mission and I would have killed to go to their wedding last fall, but at least I am here now.
Eventually the door buzzed and my parents were here. Dinner was not ready yet so they also got to relax and enjoy being in a 'home.' Dinner was fantastic, and for dessert dad had requested something he had a long time ago and Julia was happy to oblige him. He got to watch her make Kaiserschmaren- a pancake meal that is fluffy and torn up because some king a long time ago didn't like his pancakes flat. Sammy said that Julia must have made that up but dad 'wiki'd it and she was right.
It was a very fulfilling evening and it was sad to have to go and to say goodbye but I know one day they will come and visit.
Today was one of the best days of the trip so far.
So again- I'm sorry I can't tell you about my parents' adventures. They visited the military museum with a ginormous collection of armor and weapons, as well as the ancient musical instruments museum with an expansive collection of pieces that even my dad had no idea existed. They were very impressed with both museums.
Day 16: finally in VIENNA!!
We left Budapest early of course, saying goodbye to our cute host Zsofie.
I was so excited to get to Vienna. One of my mission companions lives in Vienna. Julia and I were MTC roommates (with four other amazing girls) and she was going to the Toulouse, France mission. She was actually the first sister I met. The Toulouse missionaries were on the bus with us to leave the MTC when all the Geneva missionaries were 'recalled' because our flight was cancelled. Hasty and confused goodbyes on the bus were all be got with those Toulouse missionaries but we had no clue what would happen to our missions in the future. In the middle of my mission, we were combined with Toulouse. In the first transfer where we were combined, President mixed every companionship so that we could get to know the new missionaries an learn how to work together. I was in Geneva with a french companion when Julia came to be in the other sister companionship. I was SO excited to see her again! We spent three transfers in Geneva and for 2.5 weeks in the middle we were made a trio. Those 2.5 weeks were some of the most rewarding of my mission and Julia became a best friend. I got to see much more of her in later transfers and of course, we got to finish together with all our other beloved sisters. Anyways- I can get very lost down mission-memory lane. Sorry for the digression but now you may understand why I was so excited to be in Vienna. I've seen the other sisters in Utah, but I haven't seen Julia since we parted in Heathrow airport 16 months ago.
So we drove into the city center and found parking near the tourist information center so we could plan our visit. I texted Julia and she said she could get out of work early and meet us. Yay!! After waiting impatiently through the next two hours while we explored the area a bit, finding locations of things we wanted to do, Julia was on her way to find us. It was raining and we were standing inside the museum gate for shelter when she was suddenly there and I was finally hugging her! I didn't want to let go but she could finally meet my parents.
Julia walked us through the city center, sharing some of the things she knows and we went to the city's old famous Ferris wheel. It was nice to see the city from so high and Julia was pointing out interesting things. Julia had to go to school at 5, but she invited me to come stay with her for the night. Yay!! And before she left she took us to her favorite ice cream place, which was Italian and Amazing! I had a nut mixture- which if you know me you might think WHAT?! I hate nuts in things because I don't like their texture, but I love most of their flavors. But these ice creams had no chunks- just the flavor! I got pistachio, chestnut, and Nutella, of course. Each of them were so delicious and the combination was incredible!
We happened upon a statue of Guttenburg, the man who invented the printing press. As we took a picture mom said, "we need books to be holding for the picture." So I had the funny idea to make the picture ironic- if it can even be seen in the photo; I pulled out my iPod, which has a number of my books saved. So even though I am incredibly grateful for the invention of a printing press, I am also very grateful for the modern technologies that allow me to carry many books in my one pocket and it weighs only a few ounces.
We bought tickets for a symphony in the Golden Hall at 8, so we had time to explore more and find dinner. But first mom and I changed out of our jeans into skirt and dress so we wouldn't feel too underdressed at the concert. We found a perfect quick-food stand that sold sausages(LIKE a hot dog), Chinese noodles(cooked right on this huge flat hot-counter), and kebabs. I got a kebab(shocker), dad got a sausage and mom got noodles. We enjoyed our food with a talented accordion player in the background.
The symphony hall was very beautiful, and true to its name, very gold. It was a mostly young group of musicians, led by a young director. The music was incredible, and we were sitting only 10 rows back. We got great last-minute, half-priced, front-and-center tickets. It made for a great night. I enjoy such concerts because it reminds me of when I was in band. I didn't love playing the trumpet, cuz I was too lazy to practice, but I did love being a part of band. There is something special about adding a small part to such incredible and intricate creations of music.
After the spectacular performance we drove to find the place we had booked to check in, but I was going to stay with Julia so dad dropped off his stuff and then we drove to Julia's. We worked out a free parking situation by leaving our car at Julia's and she and I drove dad home. Then she was hungry (at 11:30 pm) so she bought food from Burger King and then she drove me out to the hills at the edge of Vienna where we parked with pretty views of the city and talked for hours. We got back to her apartment around 2:30 and still couldn't stop chatting until after 4. And she had school in the morning at 8. I went to sleep on her very comfortable and ingeniously designed convertible couch.
I was so excited to get to Vienna. One of my mission companions lives in Vienna. Julia and I were MTC roommates (with four other amazing girls) and she was going to the Toulouse, France mission. She was actually the first sister I met. The Toulouse missionaries were on the bus with us to leave the MTC when all the Geneva missionaries were 'recalled' because our flight was cancelled. Hasty and confused goodbyes on the bus were all be got with those Toulouse missionaries but we had no clue what would happen to our missions in the future. In the middle of my mission, we were combined with Toulouse. In the first transfer where we were combined, President mixed every companionship so that we could get to know the new missionaries an learn how to work together. I was in Geneva with a french companion when Julia came to be in the other sister companionship. I was SO excited to see her again! We spent three transfers in Geneva and for 2.5 weeks in the middle we were made a trio. Those 2.5 weeks were some of the most rewarding of my mission and Julia became a best friend. I got to see much more of her in later transfers and of course, we got to finish together with all our other beloved sisters. Anyways- I can get very lost down mission-memory lane. Sorry for the digression but now you may understand why I was so excited to be in Vienna. I've seen the other sisters in Utah, but I haven't seen Julia since we parted in Heathrow airport 16 months ago.
So we drove into the city center and found parking near the tourist information center so we could plan our visit. I texted Julia and she said she could get out of work early and meet us. Yay!! After waiting impatiently through the next two hours while we explored the area a bit, finding locations of things we wanted to do, Julia was on her way to find us. It was raining and we were standing inside the museum gate for shelter when she was suddenly there and I was finally hugging her! I didn't want to let go but she could finally meet my parents.
Julia walked us through the city center, sharing some of the things she knows and we went to the city's old famous Ferris wheel. It was nice to see the city from so high and Julia was pointing out interesting things. Julia had to go to school at 5, but she invited me to come stay with her for the night. Yay!! And before she left she took us to her favorite ice cream place, which was Italian and Amazing! I had a nut mixture- which if you know me you might think WHAT?! I hate nuts in things because I don't like their texture, but I love most of their flavors. But these ice creams had no chunks- just the flavor! I got pistachio, chestnut, and Nutella, of course. Each of them were so delicious and the combination was incredible!
We happened upon a statue of Guttenburg, the man who invented the printing press. As we took a picture mom said, "we need books to be holding for the picture." So I had the funny idea to make the picture ironic- if it can even be seen in the photo; I pulled out my iPod, which has a number of my books saved. So even though I am incredibly grateful for the invention of a printing press, I am also very grateful for the modern technologies that allow me to carry many books in my one pocket and it weighs only a few ounces.
We bought tickets for a symphony in the Golden Hall at 8, so we had time to explore more and find dinner. But first mom and I changed out of our jeans into skirt and dress so we wouldn't feel too underdressed at the concert. We found a perfect quick-food stand that sold sausages(LIKE a hot dog), Chinese noodles(cooked right on this huge flat hot-counter), and kebabs. I got a kebab(shocker), dad got a sausage and mom got noodles. We enjoyed our food with a talented accordion player in the background.
The symphony hall was very beautiful, and true to its name, very gold. It was a mostly young group of musicians, led by a young director. The music was incredible, and we were sitting only 10 rows back. We got great last-minute, half-priced, front-and-center tickets. It made for a great night. I enjoy such concerts because it reminds me of when I was in band. I didn't love playing the trumpet, cuz I was too lazy to practice, but I did love being a part of band. There is something special about adding a small part to such incredible and intricate creations of music.
After the spectacular performance we drove to find the place we had booked to check in, but I was going to stay with Julia so dad dropped off his stuff and then we drove to Julia's. We worked out a free parking situation by leaving our car at Julia's and she and I drove dad home. Then she was hungry (at 11:30 pm) so she bought food from Burger King and then she drove me out to the hills at the edge of Vienna where we parked with pretty views of the city and talked for hours. We got back to her apartment around 2:30 and still couldn't stop chatting until after 4. And she had school in the morning at 8. I went to sleep on her very comfortable and ingeniously designed convertible couch.
Day 15: Middle of the trip- Budapest
Nutella in the car!!
Remember how I said before that we have the best road snacks ever? Well it got even better. Dad had the brilliant idea of just keeping a jar of Nutella in the car! Yes! We actually bought a knock-off brand because they exist here and they are cheaper and you wouldn't know the difference, anyway. So I had a delicious banana Nutella breakfast this morning. Today like yesterday- we were driving a lot to get to Hungary but first we had one stop before we left the Czech Republic.
We visited the Bone Church in Kutna-Hora. It is a very creepy-macabre church where everyone wanted to be buried because some man in the 13th century brought dirt from Golgotha and sprinkled it on the ground. So to them it was very holy land- a good place to be buried. Their total is 40,000 people laid to rest there. How? Well when they ran out of ground they started using the bones to decorate and build large pyramids of bones. It was like something right out of Indiana Jones or Lord of the Rings 3. Pretty freaky. I think if I wanted to be an archeologist or someone like Brennan from Bones I could do it. But there was something so weird about using the bones all mixed together, and as decorations, that was really disturbing. It didn't FEEL like a place to honor the dead and let them rest, especially since they have four candelabras, mostly of skulls, that you can touch. Dad did- so I did quickly. I mean, just last night I decided to do things I've never done before and I certainly had never touched a human skull.
Btw- even with all the strange things you will see in movies and you imagine what they would be like- you NEVER know how you will really react to such things. It was WEIRD. Have I said it enough? Weird morning.
We didn't stay long. Had to hit the road.
Getting to Budapest took longer than we hoped due to road work but we found an information center and bought tickets for a on-off bus tour around the city. The buses took us around all of the center of town to see the monuments and buildings, but only in passing. It's a good way of seeing everything quickly and seeing things you may want to revisit later.
Our place for the night is very close to all of the major sites to see- very close to the center of the city. Our host is the most adorable young woman! She was as sweet and helpful as they come but she also had a high-pitched mousy voice like a cartoon. She was just too cute. It's hard to describe her. So she came out the door, and we're so 'tickled' (as my mom would say) to see her hustle about to help us upstairs. Then we see her flat- her painting studio, actually- which was HUGE! All if the ceilings were 12-14 feet high! Large rooms full kitchen and roomy bathroom. This is NOT the kind of apartment you expect to see in the middle of a big city and owned by a young person. Plus- she doesn't live there. It's just her studio. Incredible. My favorite part? A piano in the corner by the window. The acoustics were fantastic and I felt different playing that piano in that setting. I had a lovely evening to myself in the flat, listening to Zsofie's collection of music while my parents went out in the late boat cruise. They got back very late but dad went out again to take more pictures while mom went to bed. I think we could all say that we had a lovely and perfect day.
Remember how I said before that we have the best road snacks ever? Well it got even better. Dad had the brilliant idea of just keeping a jar of Nutella in the car! Yes! We actually bought a knock-off brand because they exist here and they are cheaper and you wouldn't know the difference, anyway. So I had a delicious banana Nutella breakfast this morning. Today like yesterday- we were driving a lot to get to Hungary but first we had one stop before we left the Czech Republic.
We visited the Bone Church in Kutna-Hora. It is a very creepy-macabre church where everyone wanted to be buried because some man in the 13th century brought dirt from Golgotha and sprinkled it on the ground. So to them it was very holy land- a good place to be buried. Their total is 40,000 people laid to rest there. How? Well when they ran out of ground they started using the bones to decorate and build large pyramids of bones. It was like something right out of Indiana Jones or Lord of the Rings 3. Pretty freaky. I think if I wanted to be an archeologist or someone like Brennan from Bones I could do it. But there was something so weird about using the bones all mixed together, and as decorations, that was really disturbing. It didn't FEEL like a place to honor the dead and let them rest, especially since they have four candelabras, mostly of skulls, that you can touch. Dad did- so I did quickly. I mean, just last night I decided to do things I've never done before and I certainly had never touched a human skull.
Btw- even with all the strange things you will see in movies and you imagine what they would be like- you NEVER know how you will really react to such things. It was WEIRD. Have I said it enough? Weird morning.
We didn't stay long. Had to hit the road.
Getting to Budapest took longer than we hoped due to road work but we found an information center and bought tickets for a on-off bus tour around the city. The buses took us around all of the center of town to see the monuments and buildings, but only in passing. It's a good way of seeing everything quickly and seeing things you may want to revisit later.
Our place for the night is very close to all of the major sites to see- very close to the center of the city. Our host is the most adorable young woman! She was as sweet and helpful as they come but she also had a high-pitched mousy voice like a cartoon. She was just too cute. It's hard to describe her. So she came out the door, and we're so 'tickled' (as my mom would say) to see her hustle about to help us upstairs. Then we see her flat- her painting studio, actually- which was HUGE! All if the ceilings were 12-14 feet high! Large rooms full kitchen and roomy bathroom. This is NOT the kind of apartment you expect to see in the middle of a big city and owned by a young person. Plus- she doesn't live there. It's just her studio. Incredible. My favorite part? A piano in the corner by the window. The acoustics were fantastic and I felt different playing that piano in that setting. I had a lovely evening to myself in the flat, listening to Zsofie's collection of music while my parents went out in the late boat cruise. They got back very late but dad went out again to take more pictures while mom went to bed. I think we could all say that we had a lovely and perfect day.
Day 14: Prague
So we got up in the morning, said goodbye to Miriane and her dogs, bought quick breakfast/lunch for the road and set off for the Czech Republic. It was about a four hour drive, so obviously I slept for most of it.
But unfortunately the weather was not looking good. It was a rainy day in Prague. If you know me well, you know that I hate rain. I hate terribly to be in it. My parents don't care- they were willing to do the free walking tour of Old Town Prague. So we found the tour guide with the blue umbrella and started the tour. But I didn't feel 100%. I was pretty torturously uncomfortable during the first 15 minutes of just standing there. I knew that 3 hours of walking and standing was going to kill me. And I wouldn't enjoy much anyway because it was raining. Seriously, I hate rain that badly.
I really DID want to see the city- but you just know when some things aren't possible; so I got the car key from Dad and walked back to the car. I made the right choice. By the time I met up with my parents again I felt just fine and we bought a delicious gyro/kebab-ish dinner. For those of you who don't know and can't understand a difference between a gyro and a kebab- just trust me that there is one.
So- the only bits if Prague that I got to see were from the car in the rain. I'm sure my parents have some good stuff to tell you, and maybe in the future I will edit this post to include it, but for now you'll have to ask them.
I'm sure my mom was a little nervous that I just left them and walked on my own back through the city, but it wasn't far and there was nothing to be concerned about- but it DOES count as something new I have never done before. A completely strange country, foreign language, and I was totally alone. Brief new experience. I've decided to try to do something everyday that I have never done before.
We found the house where we were staying for just one night. I don't know what to really call it. Like a giant condo/house hybrid; I couldn't count how many bedrooms there were- all you could see were doors everywhere. But throughout the night we kept hearing more and more voices. I have no idea how many people live there- it's more like a dorm than anything else. It was a very nice place to stay. I had a large room and a comfortable bed.
Sorry that Prague is so boring from my perspective. You'll have to talk to my parents.
But unfortunately the weather was not looking good. It was a rainy day in Prague. If you know me well, you know that I hate rain. I hate terribly to be in it. My parents don't care- they were willing to do the free walking tour of Old Town Prague. So we found the tour guide with the blue umbrella and started the tour. But I didn't feel 100%. I was pretty torturously uncomfortable during the first 15 minutes of just standing there. I knew that 3 hours of walking and standing was going to kill me. And I wouldn't enjoy much anyway because it was raining. Seriously, I hate rain that badly.
I really DID want to see the city- but you just know when some things aren't possible; so I got the car key from Dad and walked back to the car. I made the right choice. By the time I met up with my parents again I felt just fine and we bought a delicious gyro/kebab-ish dinner. For those of you who don't know and can't understand a difference between a gyro and a kebab- just trust me that there is one.
So- the only bits if Prague that I got to see were from the car in the rain. I'm sure my parents have some good stuff to tell you, and maybe in the future I will edit this post to include it, but for now you'll have to ask them.
I'm sure my mom was a little nervous that I just left them and walked on my own back through the city, but it wasn't far and there was nothing to be concerned about- but it DOES count as something new I have never done before. A completely strange country, foreign language, and I was totally alone. Brief new experience. I've decided to try to do something everyday that I have never done before.
We found the house where we were staying for just one night. I don't know what to really call it. Like a giant condo/house hybrid; I couldn't count how many bedrooms there were- all you could see were doors everywhere. But throughout the night we kept hearing more and more voices. I have no idea how many people live there- it's more like a dorm than anything else. It was a very nice place to stay. I had a large room and a comfortable bed.
Sorry that Prague is so boring from my perspective. You'll have to talk to my parents.
Day 13: more Salzburg
Early morning for us! It rained during the night and sprinkled/misted a little, but I never needed my umbrella. We got breakfast of delicious baked goods for our car ride up to Werfen, where there is a mountain with the biggest ice cave in the world. The hike up (minus a small portion of cable car) was much longer than my parents would have told me. I was ready wearing my warm clothing, so hiking was not on my good list. It seemed really far! It really wasn't so bad- I just had no idea I would be doing that. The views( once we got above the clouds and fog) were amazing. It's a very beautiful and impressive mountain.
We got up to the opening of the cave and met our tour guide. They gave us gas lanterns instead of flashlights and the guide was constantly burning magnesium for brighter light. It was beautiful, BUT they wouldn't let us take pictures so we had to buy some. It was very impressive! The ice formations are huge and steep! We were mostly walking up wooden stairs. There were over 1400 steps! There was one section that was a 70% incline and the steps felt SO steep. Looking behind was weird. It was obviously freezing in the cave, but we were moving so much that it wasn't uncomfortable- and we dressed warmly of course. But they did have metal hand railings which were freezing. I challenged my dad to seeing who could hold on the longest and I lost. My hand felt like there was a knife tearing into it- I wasn't just holding one part of the bar- we were on the move- I think that made it harder.
It was a very enjoyable tour and since the hike back was all downhill it was very enjoyable. Oh- and I filled my water bottle from the rap they have up there...THE coldest, most delicious water you'll ever drink from a pipe. Fantastic.
It was 12:30 when we got out of there and the morning fog cleared up so we had much better views.
We had our typical car lunch of cheese with bread and crackers.
I napped in and out while my parents found information centers for planning the rest of the day. They hoped to go back to the silent night museum if it was open this time, but it still wasn't. Finally they woke me up at our next destination. I gotta tell you- it's kinda disorienting when you sleep through car rides. Suddenly you wake up in a new place and you have no sense of direction or distance. I don't mind- I like sleep and I just can't stay awake if I'm a passenger for more than 10 minutes.
Anyways- our next stop was ANOTHER mountain. This mountain, Untersburg, has a funicular all the way up where there are more incredible vistas. Since I had just been sleeping and we were exposed to high mountain winds and we didn't have to hike- I was WAY colder up there than in the ice cave. But we only stated long enough to snap pictures and ride back down.
Back in Salzburg we took a river cruise which gave our legs a good break from all the work they had done. It wasn't long but our captain gave us some fun in the end when he turned on loud classical dance music and set the boat to just spin in 360's. Tour guides need to have their own fun.
We spent the next hour walking around their busy shopping part of town looking for a kebab dinner and a photo store so dad could buy a tripod. The only kebab shop in that area was closed. That is unheard of- it wasn't even six! What kind of business do thy expect to get? So we wandered for a bit longer and also bought mom a ticket for the marionette show. Finally we went back to the car and drove to the area where we were hoping to find a laundromat, an we happened to drive right by a kebab stand! Finally! Turns out- they had REALLY good kebabs. Probably the best I've had this trip. Success!! So we went to drop mom off at her show and then dad and I went to find the laundromat- which no longer existed. Luckily a girl at the movie theater knew of another one and was able to tell us the street.
Dad and I did the laundry, which was expensive, until it was time to go pick up mom and be home for the night.
We got up to the opening of the cave and met our tour guide. They gave us gas lanterns instead of flashlights and the guide was constantly burning magnesium for brighter light. It was beautiful, BUT they wouldn't let us take pictures so we had to buy some. It was very impressive! The ice formations are huge and steep! We were mostly walking up wooden stairs. There were over 1400 steps! There was one section that was a 70% incline and the steps felt SO steep. Looking behind was weird. It was obviously freezing in the cave, but we were moving so much that it wasn't uncomfortable- and we dressed warmly of course. But they did have metal hand railings which were freezing. I challenged my dad to seeing who could hold on the longest and I lost. My hand felt like there was a knife tearing into it- I wasn't just holding one part of the bar- we were on the move- I think that made it harder.
It was a very enjoyable tour and since the hike back was all downhill it was very enjoyable. Oh- and I filled my water bottle from the rap they have up there...THE coldest, most delicious water you'll ever drink from a pipe. Fantastic.
It was 12:30 when we got out of there and the morning fog cleared up so we had much better views.
We had our typical car lunch of cheese with bread and crackers.
I napped in and out while my parents found information centers for planning the rest of the day. They hoped to go back to the silent night museum if it was open this time, but it still wasn't. Finally they woke me up at our next destination. I gotta tell you- it's kinda disorienting when you sleep through car rides. Suddenly you wake up in a new place and you have no sense of direction or distance. I don't mind- I like sleep and I just can't stay awake if I'm a passenger for more than 10 minutes.
Anyways- our next stop was ANOTHER mountain. This mountain, Untersburg, has a funicular all the way up where there are more incredible vistas. Since I had just been sleeping and we were exposed to high mountain winds and we didn't have to hike- I was WAY colder up there than in the ice cave. But we only stated long enough to snap pictures and ride back down.
Back in Salzburg we took a river cruise which gave our legs a good break from all the work they had done. It wasn't long but our captain gave us some fun in the end when he turned on loud classical dance music and set the boat to just spin in 360's. Tour guides need to have their own fun.
We spent the next hour walking around their busy shopping part of town looking for a kebab dinner and a photo store so dad could buy a tripod. The only kebab shop in that area was closed. That is unheard of- it wasn't even six! What kind of business do thy expect to get? So we wandered for a bit longer and also bought mom a ticket for the marionette show. Finally we went back to the car and drove to the area where we were hoping to find a laundromat, an we happened to drive right by a kebab stand! Finally! Turns out- they had REALLY good kebabs. Probably the best I've had this trip. Success!! So we went to drop mom off at her show and then dad and I went to find the laundromat- which no longer existed. Luckily a girl at the movie theater knew of another one and was able to tell us the street.
Dad and I did the laundry, which was expensive, until it was time to go pick up mom and be home for the night.
Day 12: Salzburg
Another relaxing morning in Salzburg. I was awake long before my parents and I'm pretty sure I went to bed after them.
We found the Salzburg LDS church whose sacrament meeting was at 10:50; so around 9 we headed into the city and walked around the very quiet center of town to go see the cathedral and hopefully sit in on their mass. The cathedral is famous for its multiple organs. We asked a man if we were in the right place 'for the 4 organs'. And he quickly interrupted, 'seven!' Wow- even better. Apparently it was even a holiday (I think specifically a catholic holiday) of thanksgiving; so the mass was very special and started with a large procession of people all dressed in various traditional clothing. We really want to find out the history behind all of that. But what I loved most is that their traditional clothing isn't just costume. Half of the women attending the mass were wearing dirndlen and a lot of the men wore leder hosen. Sunday hasn't been the only day that we have seen people wearing such clothing around town. I think that is pretty cool!
The music in the mass was phenomenal- with organ and a special brass band for the holiday. But we had to leave pretty quick to be on time for sacrament meeting.
It was wonderful to be among people in the church. It just feels like home no matter where you go. We met some other traveling Americans and compared our experiences and our routes with them.
After a road-side day-planning pow-wow, we started with a tour at the Hellbrunn palace fountains. Our tour guide sure enjoys shocking people. The whole purpose of this tour is not really for history, but for getting people wet. This is the splash zone of Austria. It started with an old stone table and seats where the guide asked people to come sit. Then he turns on fountains that spray all around them but also directly up their seats- soaking their derrières. It was so funny. The whole tour became a game of jumping and running away from the fountains that the guide would surprise you with. He became the most untrustworthy man. But it was all in very good fun and is so enjoyable. It makes for funny videos, too.
The end of the tour leaves you at a large and beautiful public park where you can find the gazebo from Sound of Music.
Around 2:00 I was so sleepy. My body is used to car naps while we drive somewhere but I could feel myself falling asleep so I took a nap in the car while my parents did more historical exploring in town. They visited the Mozart museum which was a bust; they weren't impressed by it.
When they were done exploring they came to wake me up and we went up to visit the fortress up on the hill. We took a tour that takes you to the high tower where you can get a panoramic view of the city. We also visited the torture tower, which was never actually used for torture. They stored the instruments and tools there but never used them. Though it was used as a dungeon.
While we were walking on the ramparts we had perfect timing for the evening bells down below in the cathedral and we were surprised by a responding song from the fortress with their old organ-like music box. It was really loud and came from right above us. You'd have to see pictures to know what I'm describing.
It was a lovely evening but as we were heading home for another early night we could see clouds rolling in. We could probably expect rain tomorrow.
We found the Salzburg LDS church whose sacrament meeting was at 10:50; so around 9 we headed into the city and walked around the very quiet center of town to go see the cathedral and hopefully sit in on their mass. The cathedral is famous for its multiple organs. We asked a man if we were in the right place 'for the 4 organs'. And he quickly interrupted, 'seven!' Wow- even better. Apparently it was even a holiday (I think specifically a catholic holiday) of thanksgiving; so the mass was very special and started with a large procession of people all dressed in various traditional clothing. We really want to find out the history behind all of that. But what I loved most is that their traditional clothing isn't just costume. Half of the women attending the mass were wearing dirndlen and a lot of the men wore leder hosen. Sunday hasn't been the only day that we have seen people wearing such clothing around town. I think that is pretty cool!
The music in the mass was phenomenal- with organ and a special brass band for the holiday. But we had to leave pretty quick to be on time for sacrament meeting.
It was wonderful to be among people in the church. It just feels like home no matter where you go. We met some other traveling Americans and compared our experiences and our routes with them.
After a road-side day-planning pow-wow, we started with a tour at the Hellbrunn palace fountains. Our tour guide sure enjoys shocking people. The whole purpose of this tour is not really for history, but for getting people wet. This is the splash zone of Austria. It started with an old stone table and seats where the guide asked people to come sit. Then he turns on fountains that spray all around them but also directly up their seats- soaking their derrières. It was so funny. The whole tour became a game of jumping and running away from the fountains that the guide would surprise you with. He became the most untrustworthy man. But it was all in very good fun and is so enjoyable. It makes for funny videos, too.
The end of the tour leaves you at a large and beautiful public park where you can find the gazebo from Sound of Music.
Around 2:00 I was so sleepy. My body is used to car naps while we drive somewhere but I could feel myself falling asleep so I took a nap in the car while my parents did more historical exploring in town. They visited the Mozart museum which was a bust; they weren't impressed by it.
When they were done exploring they came to wake me up and we went up to visit the fortress up on the hill. We took a tour that takes you to the high tower where you can get a panoramic view of the city. We also visited the torture tower, which was never actually used for torture. They stored the instruments and tools there but never used them. Though it was used as a dungeon.
While we were walking on the ramparts we had perfect timing for the evening bells down below in the cathedral and we were surprised by a responding song from the fortress with their old organ-like music box. It was really loud and came from right above us. You'd have to see pictures to know what I'm describing.
It was a lovely evening but as we were heading home for another early night we could see clouds rolling in. We could probably expect rain tomorrow.
Day 11: Austria
We had a relaxing morning at Miriane's. The dogs got up to greet me as soon as I emerged from my room and every time after. If you pet one the other comes running. You always need both hands. If the cat is nearby it's out of luck- we don't have enough hands.
We went to the little town's big crafts fair when it opened. A lot of then vendors were actually still setting up. There were so many things that I would LOVE to have if I had the money. Specifically a beautiful handmade wood and leather purse.
The first big event of the day was visiting the Eagle's Nest high in the mountains. The bus ride up has incredible views! The valley stretches so far into the distance but you also get spectacular views of the alps as you keep going higher and higher. The bus drops you off where you can take a lift up to the house- now a restaurant and you can explore outside to find more amazing vistas. We did not like waiting in such long lines for the lift, but we got buses pretty easily. And at least they provide transportation and don't expect you to walk down.
Btw- while we were waiting in line, the couple in front of us had their little dog with them. I think most little dogs are no better than rats (sorry if I offend anyone for their choice of dog- but seriously, their not cute and they're spastic). Anyways (type of dog is not the issue here really) but who SERIOUSLY needs to have their dog with them as they go to see tourist sites? Does the dog care? Does the dog want to see the sites? Do you enjoy it more when you also have to take care of your dog? I love my dog like crazy but I don't need to take her everywhere I go. I don't get it.
Sorry- back to the trip.
After the eagle's nest we went to find the museum for Franz Gruber, the man who wrote Silent Night, but the museum was unexplainedly closed. But we still got to go into the church, which was beautiful and completely empty. Seriously I never saw a soul.
With that bust we drove out to find our next item on the agenda, the salt mine. But since we had extra time we took the chance to have a snack because we had hardly eaten all day.
Our tour of the salt mine was at 5:00. I had NO idea what this was going to be like. I wondered if I would prefer to skip it but mom booked the tickets in advance. So we go inside and they hand us the most ridiculous, baggy white jumper suits. Well they were separate jacket and pants, but they look like they were made for crazy people. MOM! WHAT have you gotten us into?
Looking absurd, we started this tour with our guide Lisa and one other couple.
I don't even know how to describe this tour. It is a good way to see and experience the old mine which was closed many years ago. They make the tour funny and interesting with cheeky videos and music at one point. But the reason for the silly suits is the mode of transportation in the mines. They have these historically authentic slides- yes, slides, a little bench train and a boat underground. You'd have to see it to believe it.
It WAS very fun- but my goodness when I saw those suits I was worried.
We were really hungry when we came out and we drove through a little village by a lake looking for somewhere to eat. We asked where we could find some good Schnitzel and we were directed to a hotel in town. The prices weren't that bad and our waitress was very helpful. She seemed confused when we only ordered two entrees and multiple starters because we were going to share everything so we could try a lot of things. But she said OK and thought it was a good idea. The food was amazing and some of it very new to us. Even as hungry as we were, it was a good thing we only ordered two entrees. We were stuffed with just a few bites remaining. But dad still considered a dessert, which we decided against.
After dinner we made our way home, much earlier than any other night. Salzburg has had a relaxing effect on the trip and I am enjoying it!
We went to the little town's big crafts fair when it opened. A lot of then vendors were actually still setting up. There were so many things that I would LOVE to have if I had the money. Specifically a beautiful handmade wood and leather purse.
The first big event of the day was visiting the Eagle's Nest high in the mountains. The bus ride up has incredible views! The valley stretches so far into the distance but you also get spectacular views of the alps as you keep going higher and higher. The bus drops you off where you can take a lift up to the house- now a restaurant and you can explore outside to find more amazing vistas. We did not like waiting in such long lines for the lift, but we got buses pretty easily. And at least they provide transportation and don't expect you to walk down.
Btw- while we were waiting in line, the couple in front of us had their little dog with them. I think most little dogs are no better than rats (sorry if I offend anyone for their choice of dog- but seriously, their not cute and they're spastic). Anyways (type of dog is not the issue here really) but who SERIOUSLY needs to have their dog with them as they go to see tourist sites? Does the dog care? Does the dog want to see the sites? Do you enjoy it more when you also have to take care of your dog? I love my dog like crazy but I don't need to take her everywhere I go. I don't get it.
Sorry- back to the trip.
After the eagle's nest we went to find the museum for Franz Gruber, the man who wrote Silent Night, but the museum was unexplainedly closed. But we still got to go into the church, which was beautiful and completely empty. Seriously I never saw a soul.
With that bust we drove out to find our next item on the agenda, the salt mine. But since we had extra time we took the chance to have a snack because we had hardly eaten all day.
Our tour of the salt mine was at 5:00. I had NO idea what this was going to be like. I wondered if I would prefer to skip it but mom booked the tickets in advance. So we go inside and they hand us the most ridiculous, baggy white jumper suits. Well they were separate jacket and pants, but they look like they were made for crazy people. MOM! WHAT have you gotten us into?
Looking absurd, we started this tour with our guide Lisa and one other couple.
I don't even know how to describe this tour. It is a good way to see and experience the old mine which was closed many years ago. They make the tour funny and interesting with cheeky videos and music at one point. But the reason for the silly suits is the mode of transportation in the mines. They have these historically authentic slides- yes, slides, a little bench train and a boat underground. You'd have to see it to believe it.
It WAS very fun- but my goodness when I saw those suits I was worried.
We were really hungry when we came out and we drove through a little village by a lake looking for somewhere to eat. We asked where we could find some good Schnitzel and we were directed to a hotel in town. The prices weren't that bad and our waitress was very helpful. She seemed confused when we only ordered two entrees and multiple starters because we were going to share everything so we could try a lot of things. But she said OK and thought it was a good idea. The food was amazing and some of it very new to us. Even as hungry as we were, it was a good thing we only ordered two entrees. We were stuffed with just a few bites remaining. But dad still considered a dessert, which we decided against.
After dinner we made our way home, much earlier than any other night. Salzburg has had a relaxing effect on the trip and I am enjoying it!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Day 10: Germany-Austria
With a quick departure from our little loft in St. Gallen, Switzerland we headed through Lindau for a 'drive-around-look-see' which I honestly don't remember at all.
We also drove through a construction-packed city called Ulm, where Einstein was born. Trying to follow the GPS when it doesn't know which roads are closed for construction has been the theme of this trip. It's frustrating, but that's why I like public transportation. In Ulm is also the tallest cathedral in Germany. But like all the cathedrals we see, it had scaffolding. I'm starting to sound negative, but people have to understand that touring Europe is not easy and you don't always get postcard pictures.
After a bit of a drive we came to Dachau, the first concentration camp. Historically I would never remember many facts and so I don't focus on details in museums, and I didn't really want too many details. But we started with their video presentation about Dachau and it gave me all the information I needed, maybe even too much. I have seen Holocaust movies and images and museums before, and as I watched their film I didn't feel particularly different. But when we went outside and my parents headed toward the start of the museum, I was suddenly very affected: probably due to my solitary, standing in the middle of the large square where thousands were condemned to death. I got even more emotional when I read a simple plaque that I should have photographed to remember it. But to paraphrase it said In honor of those who died and that we may remember and learn to spread peace and love and respect toward our fellow men.
I walked around for a little while, glad for the solitude to reflect and absorb. But eventually I sat down under a tree and waited for my parents to be finished.
After Dachau we had a bit more of a drive (which always means nap time for me- even though its not good sleep) to go to Munich. I don't know what all my parents hoped to see. I'm pretty sure they had to give up on some things because Munich was brimming with action and excitement getting ready for a soccer game between Austria and Germany. The Austrian fans dressed in red filled the streets, chanting and singing and making as much noise as possible. The German fans were more boring. But it was very fun to see. That is pure European culture right there. I don't really like professional sports, but I think the Europeans have more fun with it than Americans.
We found some easy food before we left Munich. I had a kebab (shocker), mom had pizza and dad found a bratwurst.
After Munich we were done for the day so we drove to Salzburg and found the next house where we are staying for 4 nights. Our host Miriane has a beautiful, large home all to herself now that her kids are grown. But she is not alone: she has two very friendly dogs that were rescued from abusive owners. They are SO full of affection and just want attention all the time. We were happy to see them bursting from behind Miriane to greet us when we arrived. She also has two very old cats who also love people. I felt right at home with animals all around to love and pet. I'm glad we will be staying here for a while.
We also drove through a construction-packed city called Ulm, where Einstein was born. Trying to follow the GPS when it doesn't know which roads are closed for construction has been the theme of this trip. It's frustrating, but that's why I like public transportation. In Ulm is also the tallest cathedral in Germany. But like all the cathedrals we see, it had scaffolding. I'm starting to sound negative, but people have to understand that touring Europe is not easy and you don't always get postcard pictures.
After a bit of a drive we came to Dachau, the first concentration camp. Historically I would never remember many facts and so I don't focus on details in museums, and I didn't really want too many details. But we started with their video presentation about Dachau and it gave me all the information I needed, maybe even too much. I have seen Holocaust movies and images and museums before, and as I watched their film I didn't feel particularly different. But when we went outside and my parents headed toward the start of the museum, I was suddenly very affected: probably due to my solitary, standing in the middle of the large square where thousands were condemned to death. I got even more emotional when I read a simple plaque that I should have photographed to remember it. But to paraphrase it said In honor of those who died and that we may remember and learn to spread peace and love and respect toward our fellow men.
I walked around for a little while, glad for the solitude to reflect and absorb. But eventually I sat down under a tree and waited for my parents to be finished.
After Dachau we had a bit more of a drive (which always means nap time for me- even though its not good sleep) to go to Munich. I don't know what all my parents hoped to see. I'm pretty sure they had to give up on some things because Munich was brimming with action and excitement getting ready for a soccer game between Austria and Germany. The Austrian fans dressed in red filled the streets, chanting and singing and making as much noise as possible. The German fans were more boring. But it was very fun to see. That is pure European culture right there. I don't really like professional sports, but I think the Europeans have more fun with it than Americans.
We found some easy food before we left Munich. I had a kebab (shocker), mom had pizza and dad found a bratwurst.
After Munich we were done for the day so we drove to Salzburg and found the next house where we are staying for 4 nights. Our host Miriane has a beautiful, large home all to herself now that her kids are grown. But she is not alone: she has two very friendly dogs that were rescued from abusive owners. They are SO full of affection and just want attention all the time. We were happy to see them bursting from behind Miriane to greet us when we arrived. She also has two very old cats who also love people. I felt right at home with animals all around to love and pet. I'm glad we will be staying here for a while.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Day 9: more Germany!
We needed a quick and early start, so it was a really good thing that at 6:00am I get a Facebook message from Jared: Wake up! It's 6:00!
I decided that personal alarm clocks are better than buzzers. So I got into the shower earlier than I would have and we got a better start on a very long day.
We gassed up the car in Austria, so really, we were in 4 countries in 24 hours. I feel like this is challenging me to see how many countries in Europe you can drive through in one day.
Our adventures in Germany started after a small stop in Ruette, Austria to see another old castle ruin. Dad might have been ashamed that I really didn't want to hike so early in the morning when I had just showered and felt so clean and nice, but HE went up the slope and visited the ruins while I discovered THE coolest wooden playground castle ever built. I am not being ridiculous; the videos I took might be ridiculous, but seriously I cannot exaggerate how cool this playground was. I know it would NEVER be possible to built one in the US because safety-wise there were a million ways kids could hurt themselves- I mean it is literally for climbing all over and even I was concerned with falling. I can just imagine the stupid parents who would not allow such a dangerous setup in the states. But I am totally bringing my kids here someday.
Even my dad was impressed when he came back down from the real castle.
The next stop was Oberammbergau, a tiny little town made famous because in 1633, in the hopes of saving the town from the plague after they had suffered much loss in war, asked God to spare them and promised that in return they would hold a Passion Pageant every 10 years. No one died of the plague after the vow was made and to this day (with just some variance in the years) the town has been putting on the passion play. It was pretty cool. We watched a video about it which also showed some of the scenes from the 2010 performance. I was super impressed by how the actors talk about what it means to them and to the community.
We couldn't stay long but dad and I found some great cheap ice cream to enjoy as we left.
Our drive through the mountains was incredible. I feel like we took a million photos which can probably be filtered through to find the keepers. Can you imagine the quaint rolling hillsides covered in farm houses and fields and villages? But the most impressive sight were the gorgeous mountain lakes that were so clear and blue they looked tropical. I couldn't believe my eyes. If we didn't have a pressing day and things to do after, we would have totally gone swimming and it would have been marvelous.
Our next stop filled the rest of the day- the magnificent Neunschwanstein castle. Built by the Swan King, Leopold, just across from the castle where he grew up. Our tickets included a tour at both castles. It is wonderful that neither of these castles were destroyed during the world wars- so all of the furniture and original pieces are still there. The smaller castle is still owned by the family and the Neunschwanstein castle I owned by the government. King Leopold dies before it was completed and only spent around 100 days living in it. He was declared mentally ill and died in mysterious circumstances. Because of money, they stopped work on the castle immediately.
Though we now get to enjoy the beauty of his creations, the man really was insane with his plans and architectural desires. Just off of the King's lavish and beautiful suit of rooms is a door that leads to a man made plaster cave. Yep- cave. In a castle. Some clever guy on our tour said, 'hey look a man-cave.' I think we can pretend we found where the term originated. Why he needed a cave in his house (on the fourth floor) I have no idea.
To his personal bed chamber wash table, he had a direct line of fresh water from miles up in the mountain. Because of simple gravity he had running water and even a toilet that flushed.
For his birthday, the kings of other nations sent messages of congratulations in the form of huge, ridiculously ornate books! The covers varied from beautiful leather to intricate filigree and gem stones. I have no idea of their value- and they were all basically birthday cards.
Anyways- his history aside- the castle is a magnificent sight. It is the inspiration for the Disney castle and even if you don't know the name- I would be shocked if you didn't recognize a picture. Particularly the winter images where it is surrounded by snow are spectacular.
As much as we loved the castle, mom and I were appalled by the organization. The tickets were expensive and didn't even include transportation to it. We enjoyed a horse carriage ride up, but at the end of the tour we followed signs for leaving by bus. But there was no more bus. I guess after a certain time, anyone still at the castle has to walk all the way down. Fine- so it's a walk. That's not a problem. The problem that made my mom so frustrated and even concerned was that there were no clear signs to show us the way so we were walking down this long service road that seemed to go no where. You'd think they could include a little tram with all the money they make from the tickets. On top of that- we had hoped to hit a gift shop at the bottom but they were all closed. Luckily there was a gift shop in the town nearby that was still open and they had exactly what we wanted.
We had another kebab for dinner, making me a very happy person! We then buckled in for our late drive back to Switzerland to go to bed.
I decided that personal alarm clocks are better than buzzers. So I got into the shower earlier than I would have and we got a better start on a very long day.
We gassed up the car in Austria, so really, we were in 4 countries in 24 hours. I feel like this is challenging me to see how many countries in Europe you can drive through in one day.
Our adventures in Germany started after a small stop in Ruette, Austria to see another old castle ruin. Dad might have been ashamed that I really didn't want to hike so early in the morning when I had just showered and felt so clean and nice, but HE went up the slope and visited the ruins while I discovered THE coolest wooden playground castle ever built. I am not being ridiculous; the videos I took might be ridiculous, but seriously I cannot exaggerate how cool this playground was. I know it would NEVER be possible to built one in the US because safety-wise there were a million ways kids could hurt themselves- I mean it is literally for climbing all over and even I was concerned with falling. I can just imagine the stupid parents who would not allow such a dangerous setup in the states. But I am totally bringing my kids here someday.
Even my dad was impressed when he came back down from the real castle.
The next stop was Oberammbergau, a tiny little town made famous because in 1633, in the hopes of saving the town from the plague after they had suffered much loss in war, asked God to spare them and promised that in return they would hold a Passion Pageant every 10 years. No one died of the plague after the vow was made and to this day (with just some variance in the years) the town has been putting on the passion play. It was pretty cool. We watched a video about it which also showed some of the scenes from the 2010 performance. I was super impressed by how the actors talk about what it means to them and to the community.
We couldn't stay long but dad and I found some great cheap ice cream to enjoy as we left.
Our drive through the mountains was incredible. I feel like we took a million photos which can probably be filtered through to find the keepers. Can you imagine the quaint rolling hillsides covered in farm houses and fields and villages? But the most impressive sight were the gorgeous mountain lakes that were so clear and blue they looked tropical. I couldn't believe my eyes. If we didn't have a pressing day and things to do after, we would have totally gone swimming and it would have been marvelous.
Our next stop filled the rest of the day- the magnificent Neunschwanstein castle. Built by the Swan King, Leopold, just across from the castle where he grew up. Our tickets included a tour at both castles. It is wonderful that neither of these castles were destroyed during the world wars- so all of the furniture and original pieces are still there. The smaller castle is still owned by the family and the Neunschwanstein castle I owned by the government. King Leopold dies before it was completed and only spent around 100 days living in it. He was declared mentally ill and died in mysterious circumstances. Because of money, they stopped work on the castle immediately.
Though we now get to enjoy the beauty of his creations, the man really was insane with his plans and architectural desires. Just off of the King's lavish and beautiful suit of rooms is a door that leads to a man made plaster cave. Yep- cave. In a castle. Some clever guy on our tour said, 'hey look a man-cave.' I think we can pretend we found where the term originated. Why he needed a cave in his house (on the fourth floor) I have no idea.
To his personal bed chamber wash table, he had a direct line of fresh water from miles up in the mountain. Because of simple gravity he had running water and even a toilet that flushed.
For his birthday, the kings of other nations sent messages of congratulations in the form of huge, ridiculously ornate books! The covers varied from beautiful leather to intricate filigree and gem stones. I have no idea of their value- and they were all basically birthday cards.
Anyways- his history aside- the castle is a magnificent sight. It is the inspiration for the Disney castle and even if you don't know the name- I would be shocked if you didn't recognize a picture. Particularly the winter images where it is surrounded by snow are spectacular.
As much as we loved the castle, mom and I were appalled by the organization. The tickets were expensive and didn't even include transportation to it. We enjoyed a horse carriage ride up, but at the end of the tour we followed signs for leaving by bus. But there was no more bus. I guess after a certain time, anyone still at the castle has to walk all the way down. Fine- so it's a walk. That's not a problem. The problem that made my mom so frustrated and even concerned was that there were no clear signs to show us the way so we were walking down this long service road that seemed to go no where. You'd think they could include a little tram with all the money they make from the tickets. On top of that- we had hoped to hit a gift shop at the bottom but they were all closed. Luckily there was a gift shop in the town nearby that was still open and they had exactly what we wanted.
We had another kebab for dinner, making me a very happy person! We then buckled in for our late drive back to Switzerland to go to bed.
Day 8: on the move
We left Alsace early in the morning, hearing the morning clock bells at 7. They chime like any normal clock, seven times for the hour but then after a pause they just go crazy and don't stop ringing for about 5 minutes, as if they are yelling GET UP! You're burning daylight!
With a boulangerie breakfast in the car (I had a delicious apple tarte) we headed out of France and back into Germany. In Tribourg, of the Black Forest, we took an easy hike up to see a waterfall, the tallest in Germany: not tall as in one single cascade that is tall, but it starts higher in the mountain. It was very nice to do a simple hike, as if we were home in the sierras, and the waterfall was simply lovely. Now, we did remark that the forest felt like the sierras but it certainly was hard to forget that we are almost half the world away.
Since we were in the area, we had to buy a Swabian cuckoo clock from the House of a Thousand Clocks.
My parents are completely opposite shoppers. It is hilariously embarrassing. Mom had found three that she liked and could choose from and then she easily decided which one she liked the most and I liked it too. But dad CANNOT make speedy decisions. He is a perfectionist (and that is a good thing) but I was chuckling with the man helping us. The really cool one which my dad would have lived to have (but it wouldn't be what my mom wants) was a make your own clock kit. I even loved the rustic look it had. Instead dad convinced my mom against the 'just pretty' clock she and I liked and they chose another one she has found that was the more popular/classic 'house' clock. It's not awful, but I would have never chosen it. It's ok- it's their clock.
On our way out of the little town we had to buy a slice of Black Forest cake, of course! I didn't even make the connection until dad mentioned that we needed to get cake. It was a surprise that caused much laughter when my mom took the first bite an said, 'oh boy- there is rum in this.' Obviously it is mostly cooked out but it was pretty funny. I didn't care for the cake at all so I let my parents devour it.
In Friedrichshafen we visited a large museum about the Hindenburg zeppelin. Though originally I didn't think I would be that interested, there were some things that did really catch my attention, like a science section that explained some interesting principles of the zeppelin's flight. During a more artsy part of the exhibit there were things that reminded me of two tv shows, Fringe and Doctor Who because in both, there are alternate universes where Zeppelins are the common form of transportation and so the skies are full of them. I realized that our world might be different if the Hindenburg hadn't gone down in such a terrifying blaze. How funny that those two shows, and probably some others, chose that event to make changes in their alternate universe.
Anyways- forgive my geeky tangent.
My silly father likes Whopper Wednesday and he discovered that there was a Burger King in the city. So he had to go. It's silly. I'd much rather have a kebab! I decided that whopper Wednesday no longer exists. From now on it is cafe Monday, kebab Tuesday, kebab Wednesday, kebab Thursday, fondue Friday, Schnitzel Saturday, and Sacred Sunday.
But back to the story. I waited while they got food from Burger King, hoping we'd find something for me later. They DID get me some chicken nuggets which came with a delicious curry sauce- interesting idea Germany.
We went to a lake front park where people swim and we stuck our feet in the water and took a nap on the grass. It was heavenly.
To get to our new place for the night we took a ferry across the lake, seeing the sun set beautifully and crossing into SWITZERLAND!! I'm home! We were just sleeping there- my real return to the country will be at the end of our trip, but it still gave me a thrill to see a Migros, a Coop, Torino chocolate and MOVENPICK ice cream!!! I can't tell you how good it is- it has to be experienced.
Getting to our apartment was a hassle. We never met the host. He left us keys at one address a block up the street from where we were staying: which was, btw, on the 4th floor (technically the 5) in a strange loft with other rooms for rent and a shared bathroom. I thought it was an adventure! There is nothing wrong with that- but my mom was not impressed. We wanted to do laundry, but figuring out a German washing machine was tough. My dad wanted to figure everything out and my mom was just ready to press the go. It would have been picture or video worthy to see three American adults hovered over this machine.
So we woke up in France, toured in Germany and went to be in Switzerland. Not bad.
With a boulangerie breakfast in the car (I had a delicious apple tarte) we headed out of France and back into Germany. In Tribourg, of the Black Forest, we took an easy hike up to see a waterfall, the tallest in Germany: not tall as in one single cascade that is tall, but it starts higher in the mountain. It was very nice to do a simple hike, as if we were home in the sierras, and the waterfall was simply lovely. Now, we did remark that the forest felt like the sierras but it certainly was hard to forget that we are almost half the world away.
Since we were in the area, we had to buy a Swabian cuckoo clock from the House of a Thousand Clocks.
My parents are completely opposite shoppers. It is hilariously embarrassing. Mom had found three that she liked and could choose from and then she easily decided which one she liked the most and I liked it too. But dad CANNOT make speedy decisions. He is a perfectionist (and that is a good thing) but I was chuckling with the man helping us. The really cool one which my dad would have lived to have (but it wouldn't be what my mom wants) was a make your own clock kit. I even loved the rustic look it had. Instead dad convinced my mom against the 'just pretty' clock she and I liked and they chose another one she has found that was the more popular/classic 'house' clock. It's not awful, but I would have never chosen it. It's ok- it's their clock.
On our way out of the little town we had to buy a slice of Black Forest cake, of course! I didn't even make the connection until dad mentioned that we needed to get cake. It was a surprise that caused much laughter when my mom took the first bite an said, 'oh boy- there is rum in this.' Obviously it is mostly cooked out but it was pretty funny. I didn't care for the cake at all so I let my parents devour it.
In Friedrichshafen we visited a large museum about the Hindenburg zeppelin. Though originally I didn't think I would be that interested, there were some things that did really catch my attention, like a science section that explained some interesting principles of the zeppelin's flight. During a more artsy part of the exhibit there were things that reminded me of two tv shows, Fringe and Doctor Who because in both, there are alternate universes where Zeppelins are the common form of transportation and so the skies are full of them. I realized that our world might be different if the Hindenburg hadn't gone down in such a terrifying blaze. How funny that those two shows, and probably some others, chose that event to make changes in their alternate universe.
Anyways- forgive my geeky tangent.
My silly father likes Whopper Wednesday and he discovered that there was a Burger King in the city. So he had to go. It's silly. I'd much rather have a kebab! I decided that whopper Wednesday no longer exists. From now on it is cafe Monday, kebab Tuesday, kebab Wednesday, kebab Thursday, fondue Friday, Schnitzel Saturday, and Sacred Sunday.
But back to the story. I waited while they got food from Burger King, hoping we'd find something for me later. They DID get me some chicken nuggets which came with a delicious curry sauce- interesting idea Germany.
We went to a lake front park where people swim and we stuck our feet in the water and took a nap on the grass. It was heavenly.
To get to our new place for the night we took a ferry across the lake, seeing the sun set beautifully and crossing into SWITZERLAND!! I'm home! We were just sleeping there- my real return to the country will be at the end of our trip, but it still gave me a thrill to see a Migros, a Coop, Torino chocolate and MOVENPICK ice cream!!! I can't tell you how good it is- it has to be experienced.
Getting to our apartment was a hassle. We never met the host. He left us keys at one address a block up the street from where we were staying: which was, btw, on the 4th floor (technically the 5) in a strange loft with other rooms for rent and a shared bathroom. I thought it was an adventure! There is nothing wrong with that- but my mom was not impressed. We wanted to do laundry, but figuring out a German washing machine was tough. My dad wanted to figure everything out and my mom was just ready to press the go. It would have been picture or video worthy to see three American adults hovered over this machine.
So we woke up in France, toured in Germany and went to be in Switzerland. Not bad.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Alsace/Allemagne:
Day 6? You mean it hasn't been longer? I feel like I've done so many things that it couldn't possibly have all fit in a week. But it's true.
Today we woke up to a beautiful 9 degree (C) mountain morning and we drove to Kayersberg to see the museum of Albert Schweitzer because mom adores him. I really liked some of his quotes that were on display.
I'm sure there is a more eloquent translation, but my own translation of one I liked is:
The great enemy of ethics is insensibility. Being Good means keeping your eyes open.
Great inspirational quote.
So after our quick stop and drive through the little city we moved on to Strasbourg. I did a project on Strasbourg back in high school french class and I always wanted to go there. Mostly I remembered it being famous for its huge Christmas tree and world famous Christmas markets, but obviously it's summer. I was still excited though and I was looking forward to finding the places that the pictures came from.
There was a lot of construction going on so driving in the city was a pain. Eventually dad dropped us off at the cathedral and went to go park while mom and I bought tickets to see the very famous, huge astrological clock that moving statues at certain parts of the hour. At noon every day there is a presentation and a video and the most action on the clock happens at noon. I recorded a lot of it. This was a highlight for dad- being an astronomy fanatic, he loved all the different displays on the clock. It shows the current location of the planets, the phase of the moon, the hours when the sun rises and sets, the current position relative to the stars, and probably some other stuff that I forgot. Being a lover of fine mechanics, he wishes he could have seen the gears and inner workings.
After we were done at the cathedral we drove over to Strasbourg's Petite France. The lovely, picture perfect area of town that is on all the post cards. It was truly beautiful. I can be satisfied in knowing that I have been there and walked around and I had a delicious Creme Brûlée ice cream cone.
We ate some of our car snacks: bread and french cheese. Best road snacks ever- but with lots of crumbs.
Next on the list: a new country!! Deutschland! The number of countries I've been to in Europe has just doubled.
We bought diesel in Gengenbaugh.
Longest stop of the day: the Black Forest folk museum. This is NOT what you might think when you hear that name. It IS a collection of farm houses built from 1599 to the 1700s. They are still standing and one huge house in particular housed the same family line for 13 generations- nearly 400 years. It was an expansive plot of very green land with animals and busy tractors just next door.
I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the benches and watching the scenery around me. As I was watching the tractors at work this adorable little boy came and stood right beside me, even leaned on my leg a little. He was chattering away in German and I obviously didn't understand a word but I didn't want to say anything in English cuz that might confuse him and scare him away. He was too cute! I wanted to take him home with me, but that would obviously cause intolerable problems.
As my parents were exploring the largest of the houses, I witnessed the best moment of the day outside at the water trough. There was a beautiful pure white dog with the body and fur like a German shepherd, and she was drinking out of the water trough with such glee and excitement that she wasn't licking up the water, she was trying to eat it! Seriously, chomping mouth in the water. But every 5 seconds she would get so excited that she would dash off, spin in a circle and come right back to drink some more. You can probably imagine what she did when her owners splashed water on her face. Seriously it was the funniest thing and she was obviously the happiest dog on the planet and it was all because of the water trough. I wish my parents had seen it.
The last funny thing was as I was sitting on a bench at the end of the visit and I saw three girls trying to put away an easy-up. I walked over and offered to be the fourth to make it easier. It's a good thing too because it quickly became clear that they had no idea what they were doing. They couldn't get it to fold in on itself so I indicated to the last little locks on the inside of each of the corners and asked if they had pulled those. None of them had and they gave one feeble try that didn't work and decided it was 't what they should do, so as they continued to fuss around I walked to each of the corners and easily released all the locks. As soon as the last one was released it easily folded on itself and they all exclaimed in joy 'thank you! Dankeschön!' No problem, I said, bitteschön!
Yeah- I'm cool.
Last city of the day: Obernai.
Mostly we had a delicious kebab dinner. Then we walked for a little while around the city where the old rampart walls are still standing and have become a part of the structures. Some of the homes have front doors at the rampart-street level, but they have little bridges to their door because their yard is practically a moat! Hard to picture, I'm sure, but trust me- it exists.
So we were able to get home pretty early again and get ready for another big day!
Today we woke up to a beautiful 9 degree (C) mountain morning and we drove to Kayersberg to see the museum of Albert Schweitzer because mom adores him. I really liked some of his quotes that were on display.
I'm sure there is a more eloquent translation, but my own translation of one I liked is:
The great enemy of ethics is insensibility. Being Good means keeping your eyes open.
Great inspirational quote.
So after our quick stop and drive through the little city we moved on to Strasbourg. I did a project on Strasbourg back in high school french class and I always wanted to go there. Mostly I remembered it being famous for its huge Christmas tree and world famous Christmas markets, but obviously it's summer. I was still excited though and I was looking forward to finding the places that the pictures came from.
There was a lot of construction going on so driving in the city was a pain. Eventually dad dropped us off at the cathedral and went to go park while mom and I bought tickets to see the very famous, huge astrological clock that moving statues at certain parts of the hour. At noon every day there is a presentation and a video and the most action on the clock happens at noon. I recorded a lot of it. This was a highlight for dad- being an astronomy fanatic, he loved all the different displays on the clock. It shows the current location of the planets, the phase of the moon, the hours when the sun rises and sets, the current position relative to the stars, and probably some other stuff that I forgot. Being a lover of fine mechanics, he wishes he could have seen the gears and inner workings.
After we were done at the cathedral we drove over to Strasbourg's Petite France. The lovely, picture perfect area of town that is on all the post cards. It was truly beautiful. I can be satisfied in knowing that I have been there and walked around and I had a delicious Creme Brûlée ice cream cone.
We ate some of our car snacks: bread and french cheese. Best road snacks ever- but with lots of crumbs.
Next on the list: a new country!! Deutschland! The number of countries I've been to in Europe has just doubled.
We bought diesel in Gengenbaugh.
Longest stop of the day: the Black Forest folk museum. This is NOT what you might think when you hear that name. It IS a collection of farm houses built from 1599 to the 1700s. They are still standing and one huge house in particular housed the same family line for 13 generations- nearly 400 years. It was an expansive plot of very green land with animals and busy tractors just next door.
I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the benches and watching the scenery around me. As I was watching the tractors at work this adorable little boy came and stood right beside me, even leaned on my leg a little. He was chattering away in German and I obviously didn't understand a word but I didn't want to say anything in English cuz that might confuse him and scare him away. He was too cute! I wanted to take him home with me, but that would obviously cause intolerable problems.
As my parents were exploring the largest of the houses, I witnessed the best moment of the day outside at the water trough. There was a beautiful pure white dog with the body and fur like a German shepherd, and she was drinking out of the water trough with such glee and excitement that she wasn't licking up the water, she was trying to eat it! Seriously, chomping mouth in the water. But every 5 seconds she would get so excited that she would dash off, spin in a circle and come right back to drink some more. You can probably imagine what she did when her owners splashed water on her face. Seriously it was the funniest thing and she was obviously the happiest dog on the planet and it was all because of the water trough. I wish my parents had seen it.
The last funny thing was as I was sitting on a bench at the end of the visit and I saw three girls trying to put away an easy-up. I walked over and offered to be the fourth to make it easier. It's a good thing too because it quickly became clear that they had no idea what they were doing. They couldn't get it to fold in on itself so I indicated to the last little locks on the inside of each of the corners and asked if they had pulled those. None of them had and they gave one feeble try that didn't work and decided it was 't what they should do, so as they continued to fuss around I walked to each of the corners and easily released all the locks. As soon as the last one was released it easily folded on itself and they all exclaimed in joy 'thank you! Dankeschön!' No problem, I said, bitteschön!
Yeah- I'm cool.
Last city of the day: Obernai.
Mostly we had a delicious kebab dinner. Then we walked for a little while around the city where the old rampart walls are still standing and have become a part of the structures. Some of the homes have front doors at the rampart-street level, but they have little bridges to their door because their yard is practically a moat! Hard to picture, I'm sure, but trust me- it exists.
So we were able to get home pretty early again and get ready for another big day!
Alsace:
We left the Vanhulst family very early and made some more stops on our way to Alsace. We first saw Bastogne with an old WWII tank from the battle of the bulge and we did some grocery shopping. Not very exciting, I know- but I love it because it reminds me of my mission. Dad bought another new cheese to try. I don't think I talked about the first one in Paris, but we tried Mimouette, a very orange hard cheese. Daddy gave it 5 stars. This new cheese we bought is slightly softer. It is called St. Paulin and it has a good flavor, but we give it 3 stars. We also bought fromage de l'abbaye which gets 2 stars.
We decided that our ratings would be 5: definitely eat again, 4: it's good, don't turn it down, 3: maybe, 2: eh- only to be polite, 1: never again
Anyways- for any french missionaries who might appreciate this: I found that you can buy Samurai sauce! I had no clue. That was what I always put on my kebab.
So, after groceries for breakfast and lunch snacks in the car we drove out of town to go see war monuments. In all we saw the Bastogne war monuments, the American monuments, the Meuse-Argonne WWI cemetery which is the largest American cemetery outside of the United States. In Verdun we saw the French Tranchée, where after the war they found bodies of men that had been buried by bombing dirt debris. They only found them because they found bayonets sticking out of the ground.
We saw a bunker of the Maginot line and drove by other monuments and cemeteries on our way into the Alsace area of France.
We had a quick trip to Neuf-brisac, for the Vauban museum. The city is laid out in something like an eight pointed (maybe more) star. It is still completely surrounded by its wall. Because of this, the streets are all perfectly square and organized. So? You may say? Well, that is NOT like the rest of Europe. Every other city has winding, confusing streets that get you lost easily.
We also spent some time in Colmar, a very beautiful city. Mom and dad visited a museum about the artist Bartholdi, the man who created our very own Statue of Liberty. Dad has pictures of some of his mock-up statues and I think I actually like some of them better. Tant pis- too bad. We walked for a long way through all the pretty streets of Colmar. It is known as the Venice of France because it has beautiful water ways. We weren't just wandering, we were also looking for a place to have dinner. We needed something that looked good with decent prices. Nothing we passed by seemed to fit but I remembered the cafe next to where we started, by the museum. So we ended up walking in one big circle, and the cafe WAS just what we hoped. I ordered a delicious quiche, mom a pasta, and dad a regional specialty: the tarte flambée, which is like a thin crust pizza without red sauce. It was cheese, onion and ham. But the funniest part was that they took a whole egg and cracked it right in the middle. So it was cooked a little, but it was basically a runny egg in the middle of a pizza. Dad wasn't sure what to think, and then he tried it. And he loved it. So we learned something new. Make a pizza and then just crack an egg on it- you might like it. I also ordered a classic cheap European drink- Grenaldine sirop. If you've lived here you'll know what I'm talking about. It's nothing special, but it is good, and my parents had never had it. We were very satisfied with our meal- it was delicious!
Time to get to our new home for the night!
We booked a place outside of Strasbourg, in the mountains. It was comical how far into the woods we drove, with absolutely no buildings in sight until finally a small village appeared and we found our little resort lodge apartment. It is skinny and small but very cozy. Our hosts were very kind and they laughed with me at how quickly we move through our trip. I told them that we did Paris in 2 days and they were stunned! They left us with a special Alsatian dessert called Kougelopf which is a large bread cake that looks like an upside down cup cake with almonds and powdered sugar on top. I read later that it comes from a Christmas tradition because it represents the hats of the wise men bringing their gifts.
We had a relaxing, early night up in the cold mountain.
We decided that our ratings would be 5: definitely eat again, 4: it's good, don't turn it down, 3: maybe, 2: eh- only to be polite, 1: never again
Anyways- for any french missionaries who might appreciate this: I found that you can buy Samurai sauce! I had no clue. That was what I always put on my kebab.
So, after groceries for breakfast and lunch snacks in the car we drove out of town to go see war monuments. In all we saw the Bastogne war monuments, the American monuments, the Meuse-Argonne WWI cemetery which is the largest American cemetery outside of the United States. In Verdun we saw the French Tranchée, where after the war they found bodies of men that had been buried by bombing dirt debris. They only found them because they found bayonets sticking out of the ground.
We saw a bunker of the Maginot line and drove by other monuments and cemeteries on our way into the Alsace area of France.
We had a quick trip to Neuf-brisac, for the Vauban museum. The city is laid out in something like an eight pointed (maybe more) star. It is still completely surrounded by its wall. Because of this, the streets are all perfectly square and organized. So? You may say? Well, that is NOT like the rest of Europe. Every other city has winding, confusing streets that get you lost easily.
We also spent some time in Colmar, a very beautiful city. Mom and dad visited a museum about the artist Bartholdi, the man who created our very own Statue of Liberty. Dad has pictures of some of his mock-up statues and I think I actually like some of them better. Tant pis- too bad. We walked for a long way through all the pretty streets of Colmar. It is known as the Venice of France because it has beautiful water ways. We weren't just wandering, we were also looking for a place to have dinner. We needed something that looked good with decent prices. Nothing we passed by seemed to fit but I remembered the cafe next to where we started, by the museum. So we ended up walking in one big circle, and the cafe WAS just what we hoped. I ordered a delicious quiche, mom a pasta, and dad a regional specialty: the tarte flambée, which is like a thin crust pizza without red sauce. It was cheese, onion and ham. But the funniest part was that they took a whole egg and cracked it right in the middle. So it was cooked a little, but it was basically a runny egg in the middle of a pizza. Dad wasn't sure what to think, and then he tried it. And he loved it. So we learned something new. Make a pizza and then just crack an egg on it- you might like it. I also ordered a classic cheap European drink- Grenaldine sirop. If you've lived here you'll know what I'm talking about. It's nothing special, but it is good, and my parents had never had it. We were very satisfied with our meal- it was delicious!
Time to get to our new home for the night!
We booked a place outside of Strasbourg, in the mountains. It was comical how far into the woods we drove, with absolutely no buildings in sight until finally a small village appeared and we found our little resort lodge apartment. It is skinny and small but very cozy. Our hosts were very kind and they laughed with me at how quickly we move through our trip. I told them that we did Paris in 2 days and they were stunned! They left us with a special Alsatian dessert called Kougelopf which is a large bread cake that looks like an upside down cup cake with almonds and powdered sugar on top. I read later that it comes from a Christmas tradition because it represents the hats of the wise men bringing their gifts.
We had a relaxing, early night up in the cold mountain.
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