Posts Tagged ‘rick steeves’

Where Is “Rick Steeves” When I Need Him?

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

ludwigcastle1Awesome day, tho’ raining.  We headed out to Neuschwanstein Castle.  Think Disneyland and Mad King Ludwig. Oh my goodness!  Incredible!  It has such a view, waterfall, murals, and a hike. It is AMAZING to come upon this sugar-cube castle sitting on top of a mountain, built before major roads, heavy equiptment or tourists.

After our hike in the rain through  the forest, we had a pretzel and some fried “snowballs” (do-nut like or even begnet with powdered sugar) which we scarfed down after all the exercise.

oberamergauredridinghoodThen headed into another mountain valley to Oberammergau – site of the every-10-years Passion play.  Cute!  Do you think dirndls and leiderhosen will ever catch on in San Diego?? It was tempting  to buy one, and people do wear them in everyday life to some extent.

Throughout Bavaria, the houses have beautiful paints on the exteriors, history, or religious, and even a few fairytales. I’m gonna fall again, if I don’t watch my feet and keep my head out of the clouds.garmishweather

There was so much history today, I was at a loss to know what I was looking at.  Shame on me for not thinking beyond Italy (who can blame me).  But I’m gonna do some google-ing and bone up.

Tomorrow we hit Innsbrook (swaraski crystal world) replica rolex and then 4 days in Salzburg (staying at a pension just outside of the city).  I’m ready to yodel, it’s so exciting to see all we are seeing!!!

Cinque Terre: Amazing x 5

Monday, April 20th, 2009

vernazzatownWe bid a sad farewell to Mary and Ron at the Pisa Airport (”Galileo Galilei”) and with a change of undies in a backpack, headed up to the Cinque Terre (5 lands).  There are 5 incredible towns clinging to sheer rock faces still inhabited by families going back many generations.  Tourists have found this unique site (thanks to Rick Steves, and we all carried around his tour book) with its train and trails connecting all five towns.

We spent the first night in town two, Manarola, and found it charming and approachable.  We even ate the local seafood at mealtime.  The next morning we ventured up to Vernazza, #4, and deemed it better than Toast in Cinque TerraManarola.  It took us awhile to find a room.  We ended up with a shared bathroom across the hall, which was ok by us as the town was filling up.  At least we had found a place. 

When we got back on the train and went up to Monterosso, the #5, it became our new favorite  It had delightful beaches and was more spread out.  We had a great panino and prosecco outdoors at a place with tables nestled snuggly on a rock.

padlocksWe took the train down to the first town, Riomaggiore,where we hiked the “Via del Amore” – a short paved path between the 5 towns – with breathtaking sheer drops to the sea.  Steve clung to the wall. 

Many proposals of marriage happen here.  The seat and the padlocks that couples bring in honor of this romantic occasion are to seal the deal.

Then, it was back to Vernazza for pizza on the waterfront, and on to Il Pirata Cafe for two Canolli – the best yet!

A little rain did not dampen the adventure.