I've learned a few lessons while in Europe or at least relearned them in some cases.
Lesson #1 - I really love my family. I miss being with my husband and kids. We might drive each other crazy at times, but isn't that what families are for?
Lesson #2 - I'm not the best traveler. While I enjoy visiting other places and seeing the sites, it makes me slightly nervous and uneasy. This trip was well worth the uneasiness though. I really have had a super time.
Lesson #3 - The best times don't take money or at least much money. My favorite activities on my trip haven't cost a great deal. I've really just enjoyed walking around and seeing the sites. I've also enjoyed the conversations April and I've had over a meal or drink.
Lesson #4 - More isn't necessarily better. We arriving in England, it stuck me how compact things are here. The cars, houses, streets are all very small. In America, we tend to think more is better, but is it? April and I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic this evening and the moral of the story fit this lesson well. More doesn't make you happy. Relationships and giving of yourself make one happy. More sometimes just squashes happiness.
Anyhow, I've enjoyed my time, but I'm ready to go home and I'm sure April is ready to go back to normal also. Please pray that I have a safe trip home and I will also be praying for the handful of people that have humored me in reading this. May God bless you today, tomorrow and always.
Much Love,
Jennifer
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Fun Day
Today April and I enjoyed a fun day. First we set off to get my haircut with April's favorite stylist Claire at Vanilla salon. The new dew is cute if I do say so myself. Then we headed out for an English breakfast. We each ordered a fried egg, bacon, sausage and toast. It was all very delicious especially the bread. The bread had to be a couple of inches taller then our bread which I guess is normal here. Then we walked around town and did some shopping.
After strolling around town we headed out to the base. While there we enjoyed bean burritos at Taco Bell and a large diet pop. Yes another traveling sin, but those suckers were good. We then traveled on to Henry Watson pottery. The drive there was beautiful. I was able to see the English countryside along with a lot of cute country churches. I could have spent a very long time at Henry Watson's and a lot of money. Google the place and see what they have. They have the cutest pottery at great prices.
Next it was onto...the spa. Ok, when April told me we were going to the spa last week I will have to say that I wasn't that thrilled. The thought of wearing a swimsuit in the light was well frightening to say the least. Once again though I stepped out of my box and tried something new and really liked it. It was a lot of fun and relaxing. I would definitely go the the spa again.
We decided to have a lazy day tomorrow before I fly home on Saturday. I'm sure we can pack in a little adventure though.
Jen
After strolling around town we headed out to the base. While there we enjoyed bean burritos at Taco Bell and a large diet pop. Yes another traveling sin, but those suckers were good. We then traveled on to Henry Watson pottery. The drive there was beautiful. I was able to see the English countryside along with a lot of cute country churches. I could have spent a very long time at Henry Watson's and a lot of money. Google the place and see what they have. They have the cutest pottery at great prices.
Next it was onto...the spa. Ok, when April told me we were going to the spa last week I will have to say that I wasn't that thrilled. The thought of wearing a swimsuit in the light was well frightening to say the least. Once again though I stepped out of my box and tried something new and really liked it. It was a lot of fun and relaxing. I would definitely go the the spa again.
We decided to have a lazy day tomorrow before I fly home on Saturday. I'm sure we can pack in a little adventure though.
Jen
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Germany
Well we arrived back in England this afternoon around noon. I enjoyed Germany. Here is a recap of my German experience.We arrived in Germany mid morning on Monday after getting up at about 4:00 or so. April rented a car for us to use. The car was a little orange Kia which was a stick shift. Thank goodness mom taught me how to drive one. I really didn't have trouble going forward, but reverse was another story. Luckily we didn't have have to go backwards at that point so we moved forwards and on our way. I will have to say that German roads are awesome! The ones we drove on were very well maintained. About half way to our first destination we stopped off at a rest stop. I hate to admit this, but...we ate at Burger King. Yes, I know that is a big travel no no, but that Whopper was dang good.After our delicious Whopper, we walked to the car for the next leg of the trip and OH NO, someone was parked in front of us which meant we needed to figure out reverse. Reverse was in the top left corner of the gear shift, but it just wasn't moving, no matter how hard I tried ramming the gear shift up there. April, my never have drove a stick shift sister, suggested we pull up a little accordion looking thing on the stick shift. After explaining to her that was just a cover, she pulls up on it and BAM it goes into gear. YEAH April!!!
So, back on the road. One of the main purposes for this trip was to visit the village that my great grandpa Meyer was born in. April plugged Landersdorf into the GPS and off we were to check out our heritage. When we arrived, after a beautiful drive through many cute little German towns, we discovered the town was pretty dead. We weren't surprised though, it was cold and who wanted to be outside. Oh my gosh I forgot to mention that it was snowing and had been for several days so the ground was covered, but the roads were cleared. So, we found a spot to park and walked down one of the streets. After not seeing much, we decided to drive to another spot. We saw what looked like a church (wasn't sure at that point because it had a rooster on the steeple instead of a cross) and parked across the street. The building we parked in front of looked to be a pub and we walked around the back. A lady came out of the back of the building and asked if she could help us (in German). April asked her in German if she spoke English and she did a little. She told us that the people next door had the same last name as part of our family. They weren't there so we walked on. The church looking building was a church, but it was locked. Turns out that the church was where our family went to church. After snapping some pictures, we decided to be on our way.
Last leg of the Monday's journey was the worst. Did I mention that I had been up since four o'clock or so? Well the lack of sleep combined with night time driving in Nurnberg (which is a big city) in a stick shift sent me over the top. To top that all off, I thought I put the wrong kind of gas in the car because it was in German. Poor April must love me for putting up with me crying, I just want to go home. We did make it to our hotel after plenty of people honking at me.
Yesterday was awesome. One of the most incredible adventures of my life. We left the hotel around 10 a.m. and went to the information center. We then traveled across the street to get bus tickets, but turns out we needed to buy them at the information center. After getting the tickets we caught our bus, the number 9 that traveled to the Documentation Center. I believe that was the first time I ever road a public bus. Can anyone say, sheltered?
The Documentation Center and surrounding area was fascinating in a weird sort of way. The Center tells the history of how the Nazis came to power and their eventual fall. The title of the exhibit was Fascination and Terror and I think that was a perfect title. It was housed in a old Nazi building that was part of what was know as the Congress Hall. It was one of the buildings that was to be finished and used in the Nazi rallies. It was never completed.
After our walk through the Documentation Center, we decided that we would walk to Zeppelin Field. I thought this would be great because we could see were the big rallies were held, so we started off. We were on side of a large lake and the field was on the other so we had to walk around. That would have been no big deal, but I wore the most uncomfortable high healed shoes. We got there though and it was incredible. We were able to stand on the same ground that a major part of history came together on. I am so glad to live in a country that fights to keep such atrocities that were promoted in this place from happening again.
Luckily, April and I made it to the the bus stop and headed back to the hotel. Once I changed back into my comfortable tennis shoes and dry socks, we headed down historic Nurnberg to see the sites. Nurnberg is a medieval walled city. 95% of the original wall is still around the city. We headed to Nurnberg castle and along the way saw several churches and numerous other beautiful sites. At this point we were getting hungry so we went to a place that was recommended in a travel book and it was great! We each had a class of Banana Viessen (sp?). It was basically banana flavored beer. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'd drink that again. It was good. We also had some little sausages, sauerkraut, rye bread, and apple strudel. Everything was so good. After stuffing ourselves, we headed back to the hotel for the evening and turned in.
This morning we head out at approximately 5:00. We walked the dark streets to the parking garage and went to pay for parking. The machine would not take either of our cards and we did not have enough cash between us to pay, so we had to walk the dark streets of Nurnberg to find an ATM machine. YIKES!!! Thank goodness April is more brave then me. We found an ATM and made it back to the car in one piece and off we went to the Airport.
There was nothing eventful to the drive to the Airport. We stopped at a German MickeyDs for a diet Coke. I'm so glad Coke is so popular world wide. :) We got to the Airport in time to check in, have a bite to eat and get in the security line. Once in the security line, we got up to put our carry on on the scale and low in behold, each of our bags were heavier then 10kg. Dang it! We either had to get ride of stuff or check our bags. The only option was to check the bags which meant paying 20 Euro, so we did. On to the plan and back to England. We got back to April's place late this afternoon and then headed to downtown.
I was able to buy my teapot and some accessories. We also picked up Indian takeout that was delicious. Tomorrow I'm off to get a new haircut, we going to a local pottery shop, and we're going to the spa.
Well, if you just read all of the above, you must really love me. :) Here's some pictures.
So, back on the road. One of the main purposes for this trip was to visit the village that my great grandpa Meyer was born in. April plugged Landersdorf into the GPS and off we were to check out our heritage. When we arrived, after a beautiful drive through many cute little German towns, we discovered the town was pretty dead. We weren't surprised though, it was cold and who wanted to be outside. Oh my gosh I forgot to mention that it was snowing and had been for several days so the ground was covered, but the roads were cleared. So, we found a spot to park and walked down one of the streets. After not seeing much, we decided to drive to another spot. We saw what looked like a church (wasn't sure at that point because it had a rooster on the steeple instead of a cross) and parked across the street. The building we parked in front of looked to be a pub and we walked around the back. A lady came out of the back of the building and asked if she could help us (in German). April asked her in German if she spoke English and she did a little. She told us that the people next door had the same last name as part of our family. They weren't there so we walked on. The church looking building was a church, but it was locked. Turns out that the church was where our family went to church. After snapping some pictures, we decided to be on our way.
Last leg of the Monday's journey was the worst. Did I mention that I had been up since four o'clock or so? Well the lack of sleep combined with night time driving in Nurnberg (which is a big city) in a stick shift sent me over the top. To top that all off, I thought I put the wrong kind of gas in the car because it was in German. Poor April must love me for putting up with me crying, I just want to go home. We did make it to our hotel after plenty of people honking at me.
Yesterday was awesome. One of the most incredible adventures of my life. We left the hotel around 10 a.m. and went to the information center. We then traveled across the street to get bus tickets, but turns out we needed to buy them at the information center. After getting the tickets we caught our bus, the number 9 that traveled to the Documentation Center. I believe that was the first time I ever road a public bus. Can anyone say, sheltered?
The Documentation Center and surrounding area was fascinating in a weird sort of way. The Center tells the history of how the Nazis came to power and their eventual fall. The title of the exhibit was Fascination and Terror and I think that was a perfect title. It was housed in a old Nazi building that was part of what was know as the Congress Hall. It was one of the buildings that was to be finished and used in the Nazi rallies. It was never completed.
After our walk through the Documentation Center, we decided that we would walk to Zeppelin Field. I thought this would be great because we could see were the big rallies were held, so we started off. We were on side of a large lake and the field was on the other so we had to walk around. That would have been no big deal, but I wore the most uncomfortable high healed shoes. We got there though and it was incredible. We were able to stand on the same ground that a major part of history came together on. I am so glad to live in a country that fights to keep such atrocities that were promoted in this place from happening again.
Luckily, April and I made it to the the bus stop and headed back to the hotel. Once I changed back into my comfortable tennis shoes and dry socks, we headed down historic Nurnberg to see the sites. Nurnberg is a medieval walled city. 95% of the original wall is still around the city. We headed to Nurnberg castle and along the way saw several churches and numerous other beautiful sites. At this point we were getting hungry so we went to a place that was recommended in a travel book and it was great! We each had a class of Banana Viessen (sp?). It was basically banana flavored beer. I'm not a beer drinker, but I'd drink that again. It was good. We also had some little sausages, sauerkraut, rye bread, and apple strudel. Everything was so good. After stuffing ourselves, we headed back to the hotel for the evening and turned in.
This morning we head out at approximately 5:00. We walked the dark streets to the parking garage and went to pay for parking. The machine would not take either of our cards and we did not have enough cash between us to pay, so we had to walk the dark streets of Nurnberg to find an ATM machine. YIKES!!! Thank goodness April is more brave then me. We found an ATM and made it back to the car in one piece and off we went to the Airport.
There was nothing eventful to the drive to the Airport. We stopped at a German MickeyDs for a diet Coke. I'm so glad Coke is so popular world wide. :) We got to the Airport in time to check in, have a bite to eat and get in the security line. Once in the security line, we got up to put our carry on on the scale and low in behold, each of our bags were heavier then 10kg. Dang it! We either had to get ride of stuff or check our bags. The only option was to check the bags which meant paying 20 Euro, so we did. On to the plan and back to England. We got back to April's place late this afternoon and then headed to downtown.
I was able to buy my teapot and some accessories. We also picked up Indian takeout that was delicious. Tomorrow I'm off to get a new haircut, we going to a local pottery shop, and we're going to the spa.
Well, if you just read all of the above, you must really love me. :) Here's some pictures.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fish and Chips Update
I give a two thumbs up to Deep Blue for their great take out fish and chips. Tasty! April and I agree it might not have been the best choice of meal before a flight, but oh well it tasted delicious.
We get to leave the house at 4:00 AM. Our flight leaves at 7:30. Needless to say I will be going to bed in a bit.
April reminded me to add one thing about our trip to Harriet's this afternoon. It was quite neat. As we were enjoying our tea, the piano player played Some Where Over the Rainbow. No joke.
Hopefully I can use my handy dandy iTouch while I'm gone to post if WiFi is available.
We get to leave the house at 4:00 AM. Our flight leaves at 7:30. Needless to say I will be going to bed in a bit.
April reminded me to add one thing about our trip to Harriet's this afternoon. It was quite neat. As we were enjoying our tea, the piano player played Some Where Over the Rainbow. No joke.
Hopefully I can use my handy dandy iTouch while I'm gone to post if WiFi is available.
A Stroll Through Bury
So far today we have taken two walks. The first walk was to the Abbey in the rain. Walking on the streets here is a bit confusing because I don't know which way to watch for cars. The sidewalks are also a tad bit uneven (what old old sidewalks aren't) which made my choice of shoes not wise. The Abbey was a pretty place and made the uncomfortable confusing walk worthwhile. It was interesting to be able to see very old craftsmanship. In the states we don't have buildings and history that go nearly that far back. I will post pictures later.
After taking Bailey back to the house, we went back out to a place called Harriet's. We had proper English tea which I must say was very tasty. I am now on the look out for a nice teapot and tea accessories. I will need to have a tea party soon. What better way to break in my fine china. We also enjoyed tuna sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam (YUM), and cake. All of our goodies were brought out on a pretty three tiered stand. I felt like I should be wearing a fine dress and heels instead of my ugly sweater and tennis shoes (learned my lesson and changed shoes after the first walk, who cares if they picked me out as an American, at least my feet didn't hurt).
After Harriet's, it luckily stopped raining and we traveled down the street to locate a teapot for me to buy, but turns out not many stores are open on Sunday or open late. My teapot will have to wait for another day. I did see two scrapbook stores that will have to be revisited when open.
We are now at April's house and she is planning out our trip to Germany tomorrow. So far our plans include...
So that's the day so far. Next will be out for fish and chips. Yummy. I don't think they'll compare to Phil's but I'm up for trying them. Then we'll pack our bags for Germany. I think we have to leave by 4:30 in the morning. Talk about messing with my body clock! Oh well, it's worth it.
After taking Bailey back to the house, we went back out to a place called Harriet's. We had proper English tea which I must say was very tasty. I am now on the look out for a nice teapot and tea accessories. I will need to have a tea party soon. What better way to break in my fine china. We also enjoyed tuna sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam (YUM), and cake. All of our goodies were brought out on a pretty three tiered stand. I felt like I should be wearing a fine dress and heels instead of my ugly sweater and tennis shoes (learned my lesson and changed shoes after the first walk, who cares if they picked me out as an American, at least my feet didn't hurt).
After Harriet's, it luckily stopped raining and we traveled down the street to locate a teapot for me to buy, but turns out not many stores are open on Sunday or open late. My teapot will have to wait for another day. I did see two scrapbook stores that will have to be revisited when open.
We are now at April's house and she is planning out our trip to Germany tomorrow. So far our plans include...
- traveling to the city that my great grandfather was born in
- going to a German history musuem
- going to a castle
- seeing were Hitler had his big rallies
- and maybe going to a concentration camp
So that's the day so far. Next will be out for fish and chips. Yummy. I don't think they'll compare to Phil's but I'm up for trying them. Then we'll pack our bags for Germany. I think we have to leave by 4:30 in the morning. Talk about messing with my body clock! Oh well, it's worth it.
Traveling Alone?
Well...I'm finally here! I arrived in Grand Ol' England at approximately 12:30 Saturday afternoon.
The whole traveling by myself experience was slightly (honestly, extremely) stressful for me. I am a pretty routine chick and pretty calm for the most part, but out of my box, stress rears it's ugly head. I really would have preferred to have Philip traveling with me. Someone to talk to and help me navigate my way and ease my worries. Seeing as how I only had one ticket to England that wasn't possible. Anyhow, I was thinking this morning that I really didn't travel alone thousands of miles. I never travel alone. None of us do. God is always right there beside me and you, holding our hands and calming us down when we're scared and afraid. And let me tell you, I was gripping him tight and he gripped right back and told me it was ok. While looking for a particular Psalm while getting ready to take off on the first run of the trip, God put this verse before me, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27) So, though there were a few delays, I got here in one piece with all my luggage. :)
So far on my adventure I have...
The whole traveling by myself experience was slightly (honestly, extremely) stressful for me. I am a pretty routine chick and pretty calm for the most part, but out of my box, stress rears it's ugly head. I really would have preferred to have Philip traveling with me. Someone to talk to and help me navigate my way and ease my worries. Seeing as how I only had one ticket to England that wasn't possible. Anyhow, I was thinking this morning that I really didn't travel alone thousands of miles. I never travel alone. None of us do. God is always right there beside me and you, holding our hands and calming us down when we're scared and afraid. And let me tell you, I was gripping him tight and he gripped right back and told me it was ok. While looking for a particular Psalm while getting ready to take off on the first run of the trip, God put this verse before me, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27) So, though there were a few delays, I got here in one piece with all my luggage. :)
So far on my adventure I have...
- Driven down streets that are far too narrow
- Attempted to find April's hood release so her car could be searched. To our defense, three Air Force officers had a hard time finding it too.
- Gazed at buildings that I would love to hear their walls talk
- Went to a 25th Anniversary party of two people that still love each other after a quarter of a century together
- Enjoyed savory British finger foods
- Tasted real Turkish Delight that you didn't have to scrape out of the pan with a spoon
- And last but not least, woke up to my niece dog Bailey licking my hand. Now that's something I need to get use to.
- A walk through the town or in the Abbey (sp?)
- A trip to a neat pottery store
- Tea and biscuts
- Fish and chips
- Have fun with April and whatever else the day has to offer and it will be great because I know I won't have to spend it alone.
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