Final Report April 19-20 2013

April 19 2013

We got up early took a shower (hot) and took off again to breakfast at McDonald's, I have a huge crush on their hash browns they are hot, greasy and slightly a taste of onions.  Then we took off for a fortress on the top of a hill that had an elevator ...cost €4 to go to the top and back.  It was spectacular gave us a bird's eye view of the city especially the old part of Salzburg.  It is an overcast day so we could not see the Alps in the background but we could see the town...oh my!  Lots of great photos!  Then we took the elevator down and stopped at a couple of shops.  We researched the location of the cemetery that was in the Sound of Music or a copy of it anyway.. It was remarkable.  Very interesting saw the oldest restaurant in Europe from the 1400's and a huge square with street vendors ...had a nice lunch headed back to pack and get ready to leave for the train station.  Took the train from Salzburg staight to Munich.  It was nice and quiet with very few passengers.  Once in Salzburg we decided to take a cab to the Kempenski Hotel that we had for one night.  It was in the Airport complex and right next to United, very convienent.  Very expensive and an awful bed... I need to be home in my own bed...I guess.  The trip from Munich to Dulles (Washington DC) is about 9 hours.  It is long and brutal... but Linda and I upgraded so we at least had a little wiggle room.  There were very good movies to choose from and the food was ok... especially the sandwich they fed us an hour before landing.  Made it to Dulles about and hour and a half prior to taking off which we thought was a lot of time until we started going through one security check after another.  The first check must have been at least one mile form where we got off the plane.  Then we had to claim our luggage and go through another one ... and had to go through customs.  It was just crazy and long.  Once thru and now we had only our carry on bags the trek to the gate we had to take off on was at least four miles...oh my aching feet... we then go to the gate and checked in for the final flight which was about 5 hours and was really awful as I had the knee room built for a midget... not for me... I dealt with it by taking some powerful advil I got from Candy and by sleeping... we arrived in Portland at 9PM and Mike and Jan were there to pick us up!  Jan took a final photo of us all with our luggage.  It is so nice to be back and be safe.   Thank you for following our blog... and look for the next adventure in September when Linda and I head off for Russia, Finland and Estonia!

 

 

April 18 2013

April 18 2013

LAT report

We started out this AM with no hot water in the shower...grrrhhhhh,  but took a cold spit bath and headed for McDonald's for breakfast!  They don't have sausage biscuits but do have hash browns so that is what I had.  Went back to hotel to meet up with tour company for our Sound Of Music tour.  Natasha came at 0900 and had a really nice van that we all fit into very comfortably.  We had arranged this private tour before we left Portland.  She said in the allotted time she could show us around the city if we liked and indeed we did!  She pointed out what different buildings were and there origin and how they came about.  She really reviewed the history of Salzburg and Austria.  The city is divided into old and new and you can tell when you went from one part to the other.  The main goal was to show us the places where the movie was shot.  It was in many places all over the city and some not even in the city.  They kind of took some liberties on the sites.  We saw the Von Trap house, the gazebo, the lake they rowed in, the trees they climbed, the mountain Marie sang on, and even the actual church that  they were married in!  Natasha told us the real story behind the Von Trap's and we saw the convent that Maria went into and left.  But the scenery in the hills and the lakes was the most amazing!  It was a great tour and lasted just over 4 hours and was well worth the charges.  When we got back to the hotel we did a quick freshen up and took off for lunch and more shopping..very nice and fun to do.  More plans to look around tomorrow ...up to the fortress .. We hope.

LMR report

Last full day in Salzburg.  Made the most of it.  One exception , however- got up in our excellent hotel room to,bet ready to face the day and had no hot water!  They called maintenance up.to the room and they agreed there was no hot water!  They offered to give us another room down the hall to shower in but we didn't want to,walk the halls in our PJ's, so we declined.  Took a four hourSound of Music tour.  Had a great guide, Natasha.  She gave us a lot of city history and showed us many sites where the movie was filmed. As is usually the case places that looked right next to,each other during the movie are great distances apart. Little town called Monsee is where the wedding was filmed.  Very pretty, but looked much bigger in the movie. Saw the balcony where the baroness sat, the trees the kids climbed and one of the gazebos where Liesl sang "sixteen going on seventeen".  I tried hard not to sing , since any of you who have heard me sing would appreciate. But I couldn't completely control it!  We returned to the hotel and we have hot water now.  Did some shopping - had lunch and beverages.  Tomorrow  part day in Salzburg,then back to Munich for our last night in Europe on this trip.  Till then--!

April 17 2013

April 17 2013

LAT report

Spent a lot of the day on the train or transferring on the train to get to Salzburg.  That required dragging a whole bunch of luggage from one train station to another.  I think I have developed a bunch of new muscles in my arms and legs!  We arrived in Salzburg and took a cab to our hotel and it is just crazy!  The city is amazing!  We are in the old part of the city and oh my gosh!!  We are on a narrow street that just fits one car , very much like Paris.  The hotel is very old and spectacular!  We have a suite with a sitting room and a huge bedroom with over stuffed pillows and an over stuffed bed! Just ver quaint and lovely.   We unpacked a few things put on a short sleeved t-shirt (it is warm) and took off den the street.  The streets are lined with little shops that are very unique, spendy and fun to look into.  They started to close after 6pm but w did get to look into some of them.  We had a nice dinner (I had soup with spatezle). Then we headed back to the hotel and had a nice drink...I won't mention how much it cost!   I did not mention that when you look outside the hotel door to the right the street is at the foot of a fortress that is high high on a hill and just an amazing site!  Lots of good pictures that will be shared later when I get home.  The air is clean, the crowds on the street are huge but very orderly.. Things are very expensive ...but it is just lovely!  God's country!


LMR report


LMR report

Left Obergammerau.  Took train to Murnau changed train then to Munich.  At Munich went from one end of depot to the other to catch train to Salzburg.  Trip took 1 1/2 hours , our seats faced backwards , so I moved to a forward facing seat.  I have discovered that riding backwards doesn't  work with my sense of balance and equilibrium.  Hotel in Salzburg was built in the 1400's.  Truly quaint, we have a separate sitting room from our sleeping room.  Walked around old town Salzburg, lots of small vendors - looked a bit like a Saturday market.  Had pretzel vendors with all kinds of pretzels like items.  My favorite was a sugar donut shaped like a pretzel.  Had sinner at an outside cafe and then beverages at another cafe.  Back to the hotel for the rest of the evening.  Sound of Music tour tomorrow.  Till then...

April 16 2013

April 16 2013

LAT report

We had a nice continental breakfast in our new city of Oberammergau.  We planned our early trip by city bus to the city of Lindof which was about 20 miles from Oberammergau.  The scenery again is breath taking and the bus was empty besides us.  Just so nice.  We arrived at the King Ludwig's castle. From where we were left off we could not see the castle.  We bought our tickets all of us claiming to be senior citizens and they believed us gggggrrrrrrrhhhhhh!  We then took a ten minute walk to the castle on a gravel covered path .... That went up and went down.  The castle was fairly small for a castle.  We were met at the door by a very nice young woman that took us thru and provided explanations of all that we were seeing and answered questions.  Our group was nice and small which was good since there was a group of about 25 teenagers ahead of us that were loud and unruly.  The palace was very elaborate beyond belief with silk and tapestry walls,  gold relief work,  mural covered ceilings, oak floors, huge vases made by Meissen...which we knew cost an arm and a leg!  He had a table in his dinning room that lowered to the bottom floor so the meal could be set and then raised to where he ate.  His bed was huge he was a very tall man over 6'5"!  There was a chandelier that weighed a half a ton.  There was huge water fall and pool outside that was lovely.  We then took off up another hill that was quite a hill to see the cave he built that had stalagmites from the ceiling with a huge pool that had a small elaborate boat ..just for him.  The pool changed colors and even had waves if he wanted it, there was also music.  He was quite elaborate and thought to be crazy...I am not so sure... We walked up hill to another small structure that he apparently went to read in ..he read a book a week.  Then we started our track back down hill which was harder to walk then up hill at least for my knees.  Bus ride back was nice Linda and I visited a couple of shops we had not been to and then caught up with Dick and Candy.  We decided to be very adventurous for dinner and do Mexican food!  Let me just say...don't do German Mexican food...it is not good...but it was an adventure!

LMR report

Day 2 in Oberammergau - had continental breakfast at the hotel.  Actually included in the room rate.  Took a city bus to King Ludwig II's castle.  Truly amazing!  He lived alone and built himself six castles throughout Bavaria.  Quite a climb to the top of the mountain where his palace is located.  We were really proud of ourselves to make it all the way...very steep!  Lots of gold, Meissen, and crystal.  Chandelier in one room weighed a half a ton.  Visited Ludwig's personal grotto where he had entertainment come and perform for himself - an audience of one!  He loved Wagner and his music.  He installed a table in the dining room which lowered to the servants quarters to have the food placed and sent back up to him.  No pictures were allowed but imagine the most opulent place you can and multiply it by ten!  Back to town we did more shopping in very cute quaint town.  Met some Finns and said what few words I know in Finnish to them.  Went for German - Mexican food for dinner...very interesting!  Off to Austria tomorrow ..

April 15 2013

April 15 2013

LAT report

Leaving Munich on train heading for Obergammerau will be two trains with one transfer in Murmau then final train to Obergammerau.  We had plenty of time in Munich so went to breakfast. The train was great it was very clean and we had great seats..nobody else on it that we saw.  The scenery on this and the next train was to DIE for!  Like I said to Linda this is God's country!  Incredible hills with snow ...but the sky was blue as blue could be!  Obergammerau is a quaint artsy town that has cobblestone streets, little shops, wonderful restaurants and bier!!  We walked around and shopped and met for late dinner I had a bowl of ghoulash and I loved it!  Ate it with a pretzel and many beers or biers. Had a great night sleep weather was shirt sleeve weather no coats unbelievable.

LMR report

Left Munich early for the train station.  Arrived in time to have a nice breakfast....best of the trip!  Took train to Murnau.  When we arrived in Obergammerau train was there and we ran towards it in order not to miss it.  There were only three other people on the train.  Magnificent scenery - lakes and small towns.  Arrived in Obergammerau - called the hotel for a shuttle, told them we had lots of luggage .  They sent both a shuttle and a cab.  Hotel is in the center of town.  Truly lovely.  Our room is two story like we had in Paris only much nicer.  Two bedrooms one with a shower one with a tub.  We then walked around town and met back at our place every hour with Candy and Dick for beverages outside of our hotel under umbrellas.  Found two stores which sell Birkenstocks as well as a brand called Finnconcepts, made here in Germany, couldn't decide si bought both.  LAT got Internet access so we received much appreciated emails from home.  There are adorable shops and we had dinner outside.  Tomorrow we are going to King Ludwig's palace.  Till then...!

April 14 2013

April 14 2013

LAT report

We met for breakfast at 0715 in the hotel restaurant.  We then proceeded to the S-Bahn which is the Munich subway system.  Not very many people around..as it it Sunday... Lots of shops ate closed.  We ran into two Americans from Colorado who work some of the time in Munich.  We told them we were going to Dachau for a tour and they gave us the directions we needed to head and what train to catch.  Once you understand the system it is pretty easy to get around...so they gave us a five minute lesson.  They said we needed to catch a city bus once we took the Dachau stop and that the ticket we purchased was good for both the train and the bus...how easy is that?  We met some nice gentlemen from Brazil that were also going to Dachau and snow all wen together and it was smooth a clock work.  Dachau is in a town of its on with nice houses and parks..very homey.  Then you get to the concentration camp and the have a nice Visitor center ..which leads you into the camp.  The camp is huge...three football fields if not more.  The gate going in is very ominous with rod iron enforcements.... Then you see the huge yard were the Jews were made to stand upright at attention for hours on end ..even if they were dying... You go into a museum that layers out the entire history of this place.... Just gruesome ...and unbelievably inhuman.   It gives you shivers to walk this same ground.  It was a very humbling experience ...I could go on and on but you will have to see the pictures.
     In the afternoon we headed for the center of Munich to the Hofbrau Haus to have lunch.  It is an fun place with at least seating for 300.  It is loud and gay and delightful..a live five piece band plays German music while waiters serve you a beer that is so huge you cannot believe it!  I had apple strudel with cream and it was to die for...my travel partners had lunch items..we sat with a Russian couple who were very nice w all had a great time.  We walked across the street to the Hard Rock Cafe and did a bit of shopping and then strolled around for awhile ..most shops were closed as it is Sunday.  We made one last beer stop before jumping on the S-Bahn to go back to the hotel.  The weather is incredible ..mild and no rain...did not have wear a coat...and I wished I had my sun glasses wit me! Tomorrow we are leaving for Obergammerau. ... A small Bavarian town..that will be a huge contrast to Munich.   We are sorry we did not have more time here but could not get hotel reservations.   More to follow.    

LMR report

Day 2 in Munich.  Man's inhumanity to man- Dachau - truly awful!  Took the S-train from hotel to Dachau.we were there at 0900 opening and stayed till about 1230.  Toured all the exhibits, watched a movie and videos.  Met several nice people including nice young men from Brazil.  On the train trip out we met two men from Colorado who helped us understand the trains and schedules.  Very easy to get around the city.  Most people are very quiet and respectful.  The town of Dachau is much larger then I expected.  I would love to have talked to some of the long time residents to hear what they or their parents recollect of that era and location.  Got back to central Munich most shops were closed.  Found our way to the Hofbrau house and The Hard Rock Cafe right across the street from each other.  I had the worst meal of the trip (for me).  I ordered meat loaf and got a slab of something that tasted a bit like bologna.  Asked hop on hop off if there was a loud speaker system like before with only German.  The answer was "yes"!  So we skipped it and saved €20.  Made our way back to the hotel, had a beer and a glass of wine and a cheeseburger (much better then this afternoon)!  Off to Oberammergau in the morning.  More to follow.

April 13 2013

April 13 2013

LAT report

Left early for train station had an 0900 takeoff.  When we got there found out the train we had listed was only Monday thru Friday.  So we got the schedule for next train to Nurnenberg which was not leaving until about 1000.  We had time for coffee and breakfast.  We loaded the train and found four double seats together so we all could sit with our luggage and each other.  At one of the stops along the way a young man with shoulder length hair got on and sat in front of Linda.  He had a back pack and a guitar case so I figured he might be in a band.  About 45 minutes in a man stopped at his seat and asked him for his passport.  They compared it to a picture hey had.  Then another guy showed up and they were talking with him, he left his seat at one point and went up front with them.  They all returned and they wanted o see what he had so he pulled stuff out and showed them.  Then they wanted to take him to he back and search the pack themselves and things started to escalate.  He kept asking for his passport back and they kept telling him to go to the back to be checked.  Then all of a sudden another guy showed up and they kept talking about the back.  Tie went on and finally the newer guy ho was in charge said they will all get off at the next station....so when the train stopped with some minor resistance they all left...and got off...so now we don't know what happened next.  The guys showed there ID and it was from German border patrol...there was a bunch of police at one of the sops and a bunch of protesters...we don't know what that was about either...could not read the signs!      We are now in Munich and have arrived at the hotel...it is not a Hilton...it is a Holiday Inn and there is a difference.  We have our rooms and the hotel is packed there is apparently a game of some sort going on and there are a lot of Americans ...most appear to,be business types...not sure but they have monopolized the bar and are very noisy.  We asked the waiter for a tip and he suggested a little Bavarian restaurant across the street..it was great!  I had spatezle and Wiener schnitzel ...it was really good!  Very nice homey place...we then went back to the hotel and agreed on our meeting time 0700 and went to bed!l

LMR report

All day train, left the Hilton early to get to train depot.  Arrived to discover our train only runs Monday thru Friday, so we made an adventure out of it.  Caught a later train after a very nice breakfast.  Our transfer train to Munich was 35 minutes late so we caught another train.  Met nice people who helped us get off at Munich, because at an earlier stop we lined up to get out, we were following the wrong crowd!  Had an experience while on the first train.  A man got on and sat in the seat in front of me.  Three men came and took his passport and compared it to other pictures.  They looked through his backpack and violin case and then wanted him to go with them.  He kept refusing and calling people on his cell phone to tell them he was being robbed.  I'm not sure who was in the right, but three men had government ID, which they said was from "control".  The passenger continued to resist and with help was taken from the train at the next stop.  He told me he had been stopped by control many times.  Probably a coincidence but at an earlier station there were many protestors with banners and signs and uniformed police.  Arrived in Munich in time to settle in and have dinner.  Early tomorrow to Dachau.  Till then.

April 12 2013

April 12 2013

LAT report

Went down to concierge to get our money back for tour...we argued with him for about 15 minutes...finally he agreed to call the tour company, so we said we would comeback after breakfast.  We did, and he offered 1/2 of the money back and so I continued to argue with him and finally we said we would take it and protest the charges on our Visa bill...he snarled at that but knew he couldn't do anything about it.  We then decided to walk to a shopping center about a half a mile away.  It was three stories and very modern inside...I took some pictures of the food court and bought some licorice in a candy store.  Dick was feeling a little puckie so he headed back to the hotel Linda, Candy and I decided to go to Meissen to the china/ porcelain factory.  So we took a cab to the train station, bought tickets, hopped on the train for about a 30 minute ride, we then got to a little one train platform stop in Meissen caught a city bus to the factory.  The tour was very well done and saw the whole process of making the slip, pouring the mold, cleaning the green ware, painting and firing...then of course you end the tour in the shop....could not afford anything at this place!  I saw a teapot for €47,000 which would be a good $60,000 for us...it was lovely.  We then headed back reversing the going to process and collected Dick at the hotel and went to dinner.  I had pork schnitzel  and bread dumplings...quite tasty...best meal so far.  Went to hotel bar where if we bought a drink we could get free WIFI, so I down loaded a couple blogs.  Went to room and packed for tomorrow's trip to Munich.

LMR report

Dat 2 in Dresden - made up for yesterday's tour. Met with concierge and got 1/2 our money back.  Looked at Lladro but did not cave in and purchase.  Went walking to big mall to look for Birkenstocks (made in Germany), I found some but was sure I had that exact pair at home.  Went to tourist information office found out about the trip to Meissen porcelain factory. The tour was amazing!  Very well organized.  Items were just way out of my budget. Cheapest was €55 or about $80.00.  Went way up from there.  People were very helpful guiding us to local buses and trains.  Returned to the hotel and went out or dinner.  Had been a long time since 8am breakfast.  I bought pastries and chips at mall, but didn't have time to eat them, so will go with us on train tomorrow to Nuremberg and Munich.  Till then

April 11 2013

LAT report

Up and ready for our next leg to Dresden.  Left early enough to figure out where we need to be to catch train and to have breakfast.  Went to McDonalds ...the did not have either of my favorite breakfast things so I had coffee.  We got into the train and back to,our compartment and found that we were sharing the six seat cabin with another couple who looked at horror when the saw all our luggage.  They did not speak a lot of English but enough that we said we would make sure they could get out first with their items.  We were able to store four of our bags in a car that there were only two people in ...luckily it was a lady that Dick had earlier helped.  So it all worked out.  We took a cab ride to the hotel thru the city.  The hotel is in an old part that is really lovely.  Across the street is a huge old old church and all the streets were lined with cafes and shops(expensive).  We got our rooms went to the hotel Bistro for lunch and then did a hop on hop off that was terrible for a list of reasons that I don't even want to take up space for!  We had a late dinner ... I had spatezle and cheese...it was good.  Very tired came back and went right to bed.

LMR report

Got up and went for coffee and checked out.  At train depot had breakfast.  Boarded the train.  Felt sorry for the two other people in our compartment.  Nice couple from Berlin traveling to Dresden.  They were amazed at the amount of stuff we had!  Got cab to the hotel.  In the heart of old Dresden.  Lots of cobblestones, big buildings and old churches.  Many choices for lunch.  Ate at a small cafe associated with the hotel.  Lots of very nice jewelry and gift shops - some amazing Lladro!  Might need a piece or two!  Took the hop on hop off at 4pm it was terrible!  I felt really bad as they are usually so nice- this one was dirty and the announcer was talking German over the bus speaker system rather then people listening on headsets, so we tried to listen to the English over the headsets and it was like German in one ear and English in the other.  We sat at the top of the double decker bus and they had the heat blasting.  I said it was like we were kidnapped and tortured for two hours.  We are asking for our money back tomorrow.  Had a few sprinkles today it was the first rain of the trip.  Dinner in a nice place... Had spatezle, sauerkraut and pig knuckles!  I had a baked potato!  Full day in Dresden tomorrow.  More to follow --

April 10 2013

LAT report

     Today was a full day!  We headed off this AM by cab to the radio tower building which looks like the Seattle Space Needle.  It is the tallest building in Europe.  The observation tower has  pictures all around the outside in front of the window showing what you are looking at...it was a bit foggy but still spectacular.  The restaurant was above that..we did not go up but it rotates every hour 360° .. After we took a bunch of pictures we went down to the main floor and Dick got us two rickshaws that are bike driven to go about four blocks to the most grand church I have been in... They call it the "Dome" church and it was built in the 1400's but renovated many times...we have some great pictures but nothing to do it justice. The basement was a crypt with free standing coffins that were elaborately decorated ...there were kings from the 1400's and babies just erie and fascinating.. But the main church made your jaw drop!  It was amazing ..  windows so, beautiful, the altar of marbles and gold...the organ was bigger then a two story house...there were candelabras that were 6' tall...while there ..a service was about to begin and there were two trombone players that accompanied the organ from way up high in the church balcony.  The acoustics were just crazy!!  We left the church after about an hour and headed for the hop on hop off us.  We rode the bus until we hit checkpoint Charlie's and we got out and had lunch and took pictures Linda and I bought a Russian hat.. Preparing for our next trip!  We then walked back to the hotel and got a couple of boxes to ship and headed for the post office.  On the way back we stopped at a little deli as they had free WIFI so I could download some pictures and load our last post.  We ran into Dick and Candy and had a few beers and decided then to walk to a grocery store which was about 6 blocks down the street...I was having a craving for Cheetos ... I guess Germany isn't into Cheetos...but we got some snacks and came back to the room and packed and are ready for our next leg which is Dresden.  Should be fun and interesting... We all agreed we could have pent more time in Berlin...but I guess you could say that about every city.

LMR report

Second full day in Berlin - started off at the TV tower which is the tallest building in Europe.  It opened at 0900, we were amongst the first in line.  It was a bit foggy but it did give us a 360° view.  Took a ride in a vehicle that looked like a tuk-tuk to the Dome cathedral.  Truly incredible!  We were fortunate enough to hear horns and a bit of the magnificent organ.  I don't know how the Vatican could be any more gorgeous.  Got on our hop-on hop-off and rode the route until we reached Checkpoint Charlie's.   There were a couple of soldiers there that we had our pictures taken with, then we found out they charge €3 a person.  Returned to the hotel and packed boxes we wanted to, send home.  The post office is directly across the street from the motel so that was very convenient.  Linda and I started getting ready for our Russian trip we bought hats from a vendor on the street who was from Russia.  After mailing packages we stopped for wine and beer, went to the grocery store for munchies and returned to hotel.     Check out in AM and on to train to Dresden.  More then-

April 7-8 pictures

Here are the pictures from Berlin

Pictures April 7-8

April 9 2013

LAT report

We had a wonderful baileys latte for breakfast this morning and then went to a dinner for food..it was ok..nothing special except for the beer!  We bought our hop on hop off tickets for the city tour they were €22 for 48 hours.   The bus tour around the city was 2.5 hours.  It was all interesting but some of it stood out ...the "wall" which separated east and west Germany was smaller then I would have thought was about 7 ft tall concrete and had rebarb to enforce it...but it was covered for block after block with wonderful art work that you could not believe...really interesting...got some photos.  There was the long strip of shops that were high high end... Could no t go into any of those...Vircase,  Gucci, Louis Vitton...etc etc...  We did hop off the bus and have a quick one at the Hard Rock Cafe which we are trying to make a tradition.  We stopped at a souvenir shop that was great then back on the bus.  We saw many very moving monuments to the Jewish people killed by Hitler...very sad and as I said moving.  When we got to the end of the tour we were back by our hotel.   So we stopped in long enough  to drop off items that we had bought and took off for a shopping center down the street.  It was really something reminded me of Harrods in London...lots of little individual departments that sell exclusive products...I saw a ladies blouse (cotton) for $195 yikes!  We then headed for dinner following the suggestion of the hotel concierge.  We had a great dinner...I had curry sausage ....and a German pretzel, and of course a great beer!  It was a very large place and very noisy but a lot of fun!  We are still missing our boat mates from England....Dani and Brian.  We did get an email from them so we know they made it home safely...but they are missing us also....

LMR report

First full day in Berlin.  Walked around a bit to find some breakfast.  Ended up eating at the same place we had dinner the night before.  Most of the group had bailey's lattes for breakfast drinks.  While here at breakfast a big motorcade with lots of security and many protective vehicles went by.  We are not sure who is in town.  Took the hop on hop  off bus for 22 stops- checkpoint Charlie's, Berlin Wall, Bradenburg gate... Got off at Hard Rock Cafe. Finished the trip and returned to the hotel.  Went to the post office to get boxes to mail stuff home.  Not like Cambodia however ...just needed to lighten the load a bit for the next round of shopping on Thursday.  Concierge recommended a true German Hofbrau for dinner.  Our hotel is at the center of everything, so easy to walk to what we need to see or do.  Returned from dinner via concert hall.  Our room is very warm have to sleep with our windows open, there is a big deep tub that I practically need a stool to get in, the shower is challenging too.  Tomorrow we will mail the boxes and go to the top of the TV tower and much more ... Will report then! 

April 8 2013

April 8 2013

Very sparse WIFI access, hotel charges so will try and find local pub with free WIFI...can you believe the Hilton charges?

LAT report

After a nice breakfast with the group we took off by cab to the grand central rail way station.  We were plenty early so we figured out where we needed to go to catch our train and went there.  We then headed back to the main floor for coffee at Starbucks.  The train car we are in has individual cabins with six seats and luggage storage over head...of course not enough for all of our luggage so we set two of the bigger bags on two of the seats praying no one else was going to come in and sit with us...we had reserve seats so we were ok it was just all our stuff we were worried about.  The train ran very smoothly and on the entire trip had about 19 stops, some in the Netherlands and some in Germany.  Never very long at any station.  There was a conductor that came by and checked our tickets about every three or four stops...and another conductor that took drink orders and delivered from the ding car.    Dick and Candy had lunch in the dining car and said it was pretty good..Linda and I decided to wait until we got to Berlin.  This was Dick's first train ride and he liked it..the worst thing was getting our bags on and off the train ... I think pulled a muscle in his neck helping us!  We arrived about 5:30pm in Berlin and decided after checking with the train info desk that taking a cab to the motel made the most sense.  The hotel is lovely and very centrally located.  We all went to a small cafe for dinner.  We are going to do a Hop-on-hop off tomorrow and the war museum across the street in the afternoon then to the radio tower for dinner (it looks like the space needle), we will also somewhere in all of this go to check point Charlie's to see the remains of the Berlin Wall.  Full day but will be fun!


LMR. Report

Early breakfast.  Said goodbyes to Brian and Dani, we know we will see them again!  Made our way to the train station, had coffee then rode in first class cabin (only four of us by ourselves) to Berlin.  Lovely countryside saw lots of cows, sheep, horses.  Conductor checked our tickets fairly often.  There were nice conductors in the Netherlands but crotchety in Germany.  They did serve drinks in the cabin.  Arrived in Berlin, had to take two cabs as most said four people and luggage would not fit.  The hotel is right across from beautiful concert hall there are amazing buildings around the courtyard, where we are staying is part of old west Germany.  Tomorrow will include city tour of sites including checkpoint Charlie.   Each of us have places or things we want to see.  Not sure two full days will be enough time.  Have not had to buy additional luggage or ship,things home yet...but there are 12 days left to go..the weather is getting warmer but still snow on ground outside of Berlin.  More to come.

April 7 2013

LAT report

Had a nice breakfast with the gang...Dani and Brian are off to the tulip gardens. We are off to Gasson Diamond factory and the Anne Frank house.  We called a cab since our stuff was not what Viking was offering.  The diamond place was a huge building with high security ... We signed in and they called for a guide to come and take us (a small group of 10) in. Once in we went up a couple flights of stairs to a large room where workers were doing various functions with the diamonds and behind glass.  The guide took about 10 minutes to explain the process of developing a polished diamond.  It was very interesting.  She also explained in more detail then I have heard or read how diamonds are rated..ie color, cut, size and clarity.  After that we were lead to a room where security let us in and the guide sat behind a desk and we in front of her on stools.  She had several envelopes of diamonds of various sizes and ratings, she also had settings..including rings, earrings and necklaces.  She showed us all with different diamonds in various settings.  There was a couple that was in our group that was interested in buying so we all watched as she went thru the sales process.  She would call a number on the phone and ask for different settings or diamonds and they would send them to her in a big plastic tube that would come thru a shoot...like they used to have in the old days in department stores..or at banks in drive through.  We then went to lunch and that was nice ..we had some time to kill before our Anne Frank tickets were due.  The tour of the Anne Frank house was very well done, could not take pictures however.  There were tons of stairs to climb as you went thru the many levels of the house.  Each level had items to look at ..that related to what they did in that level.  There were TV's with different people giving remembrances of Anne or the happenings during that time.   They also had in cases her actual books that she wrote in... The whole thing was very moving...I really liked it...it gave me chills to think she stood in the same spot as I was standing...oh my gosh!  We then returned to the ship and went to the lounge to tag up with Dani and Brian.  They had a great time at the gardens and Dani had great pictures...it looked lovely...but I really liked what we did... We then went to dinner (our last on the boat)  and said goodbye to Alexandr our great waiter and our drink guy... And later in the bar said goodbye to our bartender who smuggled us an incredible amount of free drinks!  Have to go to bed early as we are packing and leaving for the train at 9:30am ... But we did have a farewell breakfast with our group of six.  Very sad to say goodbye to Dani and Brian....even though they continue to blame us for TP'ing their door!  Not us!   More tomorrow ...from Germany!


LMR report

Nice day without any excursions.  Dick, Candy, LAT and I went into Amsterdam for the day.  First step was a diamond store, it was a great tour.  We then went to lunch and finally to the Anne Frank house.  Very powerful experience. Back to the ship for our farewell dinner and drinks.  Breakfast tomorrow then off to Berlin by train.

Pictures from 4-6-2013

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April 6 2013

LAT report

Had an early start this morning headed for a small Belgium town Veere.  It was about an hour bus ride thru the country side where you see the lovely farms and houses plus the dikes that populate the landscape.  The town is mall but has a huge old church that we did not go in but walked around.  The main part of the city had about five shops that pretty much imported everything they had from other countries.  Such as a wool shop that had a sweater from France and a bake or cooking store that had items from all over the world.  The temperate in this town was cold but tolerable.  Had a nice pub that we all sat outside of and had a libation, used their facilities which were as most very clean and nice.  We then jumped on the bus and headed for a photo op along a dyke.  Then on to a museum honoring the great flood and its victims.  The only thing that would have made it worse for them is if FEMA under Bush would have sent help!  It was a well put together museum but was way too crowded and so you could not stop and read any of the info they had.  We then headed back to the boat that was now docked in Bruinisse.  It was time for lunch..which was great...it was Hot Dogs...cannot go wrong there.  We sat for quite awhile shared photos and watched as we went through a lock.   Got good video pictures of that.  Tonight we dock in Rotterdam .. They are having a fair well dinner and then a late excursion into the city..most likely will not do that...need to save myself for a full day in Amsterdam.,

LMR report

Today we were bumbling about as Dani and Brian would say.  Started off early to the town of Geyre - very small - only five shops.  Not extensive cobble stone walking.  Returned to the bus and visited the flood Museum.which commemorated the flooding here in 1953, as well as other floods in this part of the Netherlands.   Would have been enjoyable to spend. A couple of hours there, but two ships arrived at the same time (our Skadi and  the other Viking ship Bragi). So there was just too many people all at once.  Returned to the ship for lunch and we sailed off for Rotterdam.  Tomorrow we are back in Amsterdam.  Will visit the Anne Frank museum...expecting that to be very powerful. Next to the train early in the morning -- heading for Berlin.  More to come....

Pictures for 4-3 to 4-5

Pictures holland & Belgium 4-3 to 4-5

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April 4 2013

LAT report

Docked by the city of Antwerp in such a way that we could walk to the city.  The morning we took a guided walking tour that showed us how the city is laid out and some notable things to see such as the church...it was remarkable oh my gosh...may be the best one in Europe that I have seen and it is centuries old.  We (the group) split off about mid day and went to lunch...I tried the shrimp and cheese croquets .. The cheese was ok the shrimp was too fishy..but the salad was great...it had an herb called semphire that was salty but very tasty!    We then looked around shops saw lots of really good chocolate.  But of course we had to stop and have a beer... My favorite Is a Trappist monastery beer that is 8% alcohol so Dick and Brian and I shared one..it was quite tasty...I am trying to not drink the same beer twice ...as there are 356 beers to choose from..most likely won't make it thru all of them.  We then came back to the ship and went to a captains reception ..then to dinner ...then early again to bed...  Linda is coming down with a cold even though she won't admit it... I on the other hand have avoided that so far...I think it is the beer!

LMR report

 I have lost total track of time!  Could be all the beauty surrounding us!  Today was Antwerp, Belgium.  No need to get passport stamps in the EU, so we just sailed on through.  AM was a walking city tour..no buses!  The cathedral is magnificent.. Hope you can enjoy the photos.  Snowed again today.  We six - Candy, Dick our new friends from the UK Dani and Brian, and Linda and I spent the afternoon in town shopping and trying out the local libations.  Our beer drinkers had a great time and I enjoyed the local wine.  We did visit several chocolate shops....and saw a lot of local crafts...but you can only get so much.  Back on ship is was time for the Viking explorer club reception (that means free treats and drinks) if you have been on a previous cruise.  There was a speech from the captain urging you to take more trips ...and that's about it.  Dinner for me was sole and it was very good.  Our waiter Alexander takes very good care of us.  Tomorrow is Brugge and Ghent.  More later.

April 3 2013

LAT report

Spent the time today mostly on the boat cruising.  To cold to stand outside but really nice from the bar.  I was able to catch up on my blogs and download some pics.  Had a nice breakfast with some folks from California (the coast) and they talked about their previous trips and what they have planned next.  Dick and Candy joined us and said they were having trouble with their cell service and had to get it ironed out with AT&T ..I am also getting a warning I have over $100 worth of data charges so I don't know what that is about.  We had a mid afternoon tour to the windmills in Kinderjalk.  I went as far as the tourists store and that was as close as I got...it is very windy here and nice and cold.  Of course it is a good thing about the wind..as that is what the wind mills need.  We had dinner with the group and I was so tired I came back and went straight to bed, Linda did her was, read and I never heard a thing.  We are sailing again thru the night headed for Antwerp Belgium.

LMR report

 

Traveled much of the day it was quite nice.  Relaxing breakfast.  Didn't dock until 1PM.  Shipboard activities included waffle making -not many attended.  At docking we were at a windmill site, there were visits to two windmills and visit with the families that lived in them.  After visit ship took off for Antwerp Belgium.  Ships captain visited durning announcements gathering before dinner, and took questions about the ship.  Lots of engineering type guys tried to one up each other on tacky questions...for the rest of us it was just boring.  Dinner for me included Surf & Turf or as we might say roast beef and shrimp.  It was actually very good.  We continued sailing towards Antwerp where we will be on our own to shop for chocolates, diamonds and certainly yo test the local Belgium beer and wine.  windmill tour was cold and windy like Amsterdam but sky was blue and it was sunny.  Got lots of great pictures.  More tomorrow !!!  

April 2 2013

LAT report

Today we started out after breakfast on a tour to one of the palaces of Queen Beatrix.  Some of the drive was thru the most beautiful park and wooded area, it lasted about 1 hour.   Upon arrival we saw a beautiful estate with great gardens.  It was not like a musty old palace but really a very nice estate.  The rooms were not to my decorating style but very ornate with lots of delft pottery and Chrystal chandeliers.  The rooms were ornately decorated and plush but for the most part dark and not cozy. The gardens were very carefully couture and were being renovated.  My favorite part was an entire floor of portraits of queen Beatrix that were part of a contest held for public entry.  I took some pictures of the different medium used ..such as knit, bottle caps, stamps, glass and even blocks of wood.

The afternoon was spent preparing for "Chuck from California's birthday" celebration at dinner.  The four of us went into Arhemn and shopped for cheap birthday gifts.  The town is quiet and lovely ..and we could walk anywhere from the ship.  We looked for tourist type shops were you get this type of cheap  stuff.   Candy and Dick bought an orange glittery hat and a belly button tattoo ... Linda got a miniature river cries ship that we marked the room that Chuck and Danni have with their name and I bought an "adult" card and the cheapest worst bottle of beer I could buy..It was €5.19 a six pack!

At the six o'clock briefing Dick sat at a place he could get out of early to go to the restaurant and save a table for six.  We went down for dinner and had a great table and after we ate the main course the staff brought over a wonderful birthday cake with a sparkler on top and set it in front of "Chuck" ..we all sang happy birthday and laughed and laughed at his "reception" of the nights festivities !!!!  We gave him his gifts... And laughed and laughed... Then we headed for the lounge and they had Holland dancers that were my age plus plenty...we made Chuck dance with the "prettiest" one and we took pictures and laughed some more.  We closed the bar ...and all headed for a good mights sleep...since.tomorrow is a cruise day until mid afternoon ..we don't have to get up early.

LMR report

Went thru some locks early this AM.  Happened to be awake  and I looked out our stateroom window, it looked like we were going to scrape the sides and might have to put into reality our safety drill coverage.  The is a safety drill video on TV which Linda and I have not watched yet, but we did go to the mandatory coverage wearing out life vests.  Guess they did not care about our safety in Vietnam as we had no training there.  We are not even sure if the boat had life jackets. 

AM tour of the Dutch royal family summer estate.  Truly a magnificent place..  Lots of gorgeous furniture.  Great display of Queen Beatrix pictures and clothing.  Pictures were made out of many mediums.  Lunch buffet on the deck in Aquavit lounge.  PM went to town with Dick and Candy for birthday gifts for Bryan (Chuck) our new friend from York, England.  It was a huge surprise for him and his wife Danielle.  Probably for his mother too if she were here as she thinks his real birthday is in August!  We had a great time with lots of joke gifts-- ended up dancing, singing, laughing and closing the bar!  Good thing Wednesday is a sailing day so we can all recover!  More tomorrow....

Pictures start to 4/2/2013

Here are some pictures from the last couple of days... Limited WIFI access along with limited sober time causes us lump days together....having a great time.

Pictures

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April 1 2013

LAT report

Today we are in Hoorn and it was a nice boat ride down stream from Amsterdam.  It is a quaint fishing town and has lovely quiet streets with nice lovely small houses.  I told Linda I could easily live in this town.  Most people seem to have cars but get around town via bike.  The are restaurants at the end of some blocks and pubs at the end of others.  The houses are like row houses so there is not any yards.  There is a lovely canal that runs down the center of town that adds to the charm.  We started out with a tour guide but after twenty minutes we split off.  She was very nice but she walked two feet and then talked for ten minutes...oh my gosh we knew we were in trouble when the handicap group passed us by.  So we (Linda, Dick, Candy, Danielle and Brian)walked several blocks on our own and then headed for a local pub to warm up!  Oh did I mention it is nice and cold here...had wool coat, gives and hats on!  We then went back to ship for lunch and then took off for afternoon tour to a place where in old days farmers would bring in their produce and auction it off.  That was an ok tour but would not do it again.  We all met for dinner on the boat and had good chuckles at dinner and then came back to the room and turned out the lights.  Ship took sail durning dinner and we looked out the window to a beautiful sunset and we also went thru some locks.

LMR report

Didn't play any April fools jokes on anyone today but plan on one for tomorrow..on Brian our new friend from York England.  Ship movement awakened us this AM as the water was very choppy.  Went from Amsterdam to Hoorn.  Very cute town, had a walking tour which we left early in order to have beer and coffee.  In the PM Linda, Dick, Candy and I took the North Holland tours where we watched an ancient vegetable auction a process from the 16th century mildly interesting.  Durning dinner we were cruising thru locks on our way to Arnheim tomorrow.  Lots of laughs with Brian and Danielle.  This ship is much bigger then on our Vietnam cruise but I am sure the staterooms are smaller.  I can barely turn around in the shower, Linda is having trouble loading the blog. --WIFI is spotty.  No snow today, still need coats and mittens.  Wind was very strong in Hoorn.  Nice town to possibly live in but quite a commute from home.  More tomorrow!!

March 31 2013

LAT report

Woke up this morning to snow again!!!!!  How great is that?   Felt like I had a great bites sleep minus the leg cramps from yesterday's 1 hour (ha ha) walk looking at ATM machines.  We met the gang for a nice buffet breakfast and then left for our morning excursion .. This was a nice bus tour of the city taking us to all the different sections of the city as it is divided by canals and churches!  The guide was great and knew lots of history and fun facts.  She took us on a little walking tour that did not include any ATM's.   it did include a artists market, and a hidden church and an art gallery...very fun.  We then went on a great tour on the river canals ..that was so peaceful and interesting.  We then headed back to the ship for lunch with the gang.  I say gang because it is now Linda and I, Dick and Candy and Brian and Danielle (from York England).   We all decided to take the afternoon excursion to Delft.  It is a lovely small town and has the factory that makes Delft pottery.  It had beautiful buildings and nice little shops and a great  pub.  Candy stayed back and slept, I thought she was crazy but then I slept on the hour long bus ride getting there and on the ride back also.  We decided to have dinner tonight at the Hard Rock Cafe but there was a 2 1/2 hour wait so we ate at the Irish pub next to it and had great fish and chips.  We then went to red light district...it was sad and interesting and crowded...it is Easter doesn't anyone take a day off for goodness sakes?

LMR report

Easter Sunday. Got a good nights sleep, pretty tired last night.  Had wine for relaxation purposes.  But can you believe it tonight for dinner they are serving baby bunnies!  We are all passing on that.  Very cold again today, snowed much of the day.  The people who live here that work the cruise keep telling us how unusual this weather is, last year it was in the 60's at this time.  Took a city tour today by bus.  Driver and guide did not point out one ATM.  Returned to boat for lunch then took a bus tour Delft tour in afternoon.  It was about an hour away, they were having Easter services in the main town square and passed out daffodils to all of us.  Linda, Dick and I walked around to some of the shops, I really needed a shopping fix.  At the end we did a tour of a Delft pottery factory that had been in business for 100 years.  We went to the Hard Rock Cafe this evening for dinner but the line was 1 1/2 hours long, so we went to an Irish pub instead.  Then on to the red light district which was sad for the working woman.  Ships sails tomorrow morning with one excursion to see tulips, don't think that is going to happen.   More tomorrow....

March 30 2013

LAT report

Arrived after  a very long long time in an airplane.  The weather is spectacular!!  it is SNOWING!!!The airport is about 30 minutes from where our ship is docked.  The architecture of the buildings on the way were all very modern looking...not at all old European.  We immediately went to the bar at the front of the ship to check it out.  Dick and I had to test the local beer...not as good as Vietnam interestingly enough.  We had a nice little lunch prior to taking off for the city walking tour.   Mind you we had not really slept in now what seemed like days..but we wanted to adjust our schedule to Amsterdam time...so we felt we had to keep going and keep busy.  The walking tour could be described as less then good...it was about 1.5 miles to the city and along the way the guide would point things out that nobody could hear.  When we got closer to town you could finally see the old European buildings and they are spectacular.  The guide pointed out every ATM machine along the entire walk.  The streets are very uneven and slant and my leg muscles are worn to a frazzle.  Linda, Dick, Candy  and I split from the group as we could not see one more ATM ...we stopped at a couple of shops but everything was so crowded and so not exciting that I just wanted to head back on the long trip home to the boat.  So off Linda and I went ...for as one might say the "long walk back home" ...the whole thing was crazy, cold and hard on my legs!  We took a short nap still in our traveling clothes from the day before and when we woke we went to a group meeting that I could have slept  thru and then on to dinner.  Both Linda, Dick and I had a steak and we thought it was good...Candy had the veggie plate and hated it...we met this crazy couple who sat with us at dinner, they are from the UK...Brian and Danielle.  I loved Brian's accent I told him he sounded Scottish which right off ticked him off...he loved Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Regan ..so you had to know that created some lively discussion especially after several Heinken's....but we still got along on many other issues!   Linda and left early to go to bed!!!! So good night!

LMR report

Travel all day- Portland to Dulles to Amsterdam.  All went well.  Arrived here at 7:00am.  Little confusing since we had been up since 4:00 am the day before.  Ship is much bigger then the Pandow (ship we had on the Mekong).  Had wine and beer on board, then a light lunch.  Then went on a walk around the city tour that was to last one hour. The walked turned out to be 2 1/2 hours.  Our guide loved ATM 's she showed us every single one one the 2 1/2 mile walk.  The temperature was -1c when we arrived with snow showers.  Dinner was good, lots of choices ...beer and wine is free with dinner but is charged for other than that, in Vietnam it was free on the ship.  We collapsed after dinner- totally exhausted.  Durning the night Amsterdam went to daylight savings time..so we lost that hour!!

It's Take Off!

Ready to go!  Zero dark thirty in the morning...

Itinerary

March 29th  

United Flight 1074          Portland to Dulles Intl (5hrs)

Leave Ptld 8:00AM          Arrive Dulles 3:58PM

United Flight 946             Dulles To Amsterdam (7hrs 45min)

Leave Dulles 6:20PM     Arrive Amsterdam  7:05AM

 March 30th                    Amsterdam cruise           Boat: Skadi Cabin 203 (Linda's)
Contact No on Ship:  011-49-152225-38035

Amsterdam     March 30th
Arrive in Amsterdam, transfer to ship (Skadi).  After boarding a day of free time to get acquainted with this canal- laced city.

Amsterdam     March 31st
Embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city's Golden age.  Afternoon free time to visit Anne Frank house an other museums thru out the city.

Hoorn     April 1st
Sail across the Ijsselmeer (once known as the Zuiderzee) to the ancient shipping village of Hoorn. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through Hoorn’s cobbled streets; see age-old cheese warehouses on the town’s main square, which dates back to Holland’s Golden Age. Lunch is served aboard; you have a free afternoon to explore Hoorn, visit a local bakery and shop for souvenirs. Or, take an optional excursion showcasing the small towns and bucolic landscapes of the northern Holland area. Depart during dinner and cruise through the night.

Arnhem   April 2nd
After early arrival in Arnhem, take a journey to 17th-century Paleis Het Loo,† for 300 years the Dutch royal family’s summer residence. Take a guided tour through its sumptuously furnished rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. After lunch aboard, enjoy free time, or join the optional battlefield tour that also visits the Airborne Museum. Dine aboard and set sail to Kinderdijk this evening.

Kinderdijk & Antwerp     April 3rd
Arrive this morning in Kinderdijk and disembark for a tour of this ingenious 18th-century community. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work to help control flooding, then tour an actual working windmill to see its pumping mechanism and living quarters at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch aboard as we sail toward Antwerp. After dinner aboard, relax on your ship or spend some time exploring the cafés and brew pubs of this extraordinary Flemish capital.

Antwerp    April 4th
This morning enjoy a half-day tour of Antwerp featuring the Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens; the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and guild halls, and Het Steen(Steen Castle), Antwerp’s oldest building. You have afternoon free time before dining aboard; sail tonight for Ghent.

Ghent  & Brugge   April 5th
From Ghent, travel to Brugge, one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Your city walk visits the Church of Our Lady, with its famous Madonna and Child sculpted by Michelangelo. Also see the Beguinage, a hidden courtyard inhabited by nuns, and the town’s scenic network of canals. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own, or return to Ghent for lunch aboard and an afternoon exploring this extraordinarily charming, canal-filled capital of East Flanders. Enjoy a beautifully lit evening departure from Ghent and cruise through the night.

Middelburg, Delta Works & Rotterdam     April 6th
Your day begins with a walk through Middelburg. From here, travel to Neeltje Jans Expo to learn more about how the Delta Works protect Holland from the sea. See the hydraulic lock system and walk along the massive dam. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. Arrive this evening in Rotterdam; rebuilt after much World War II destruction, it is the world’s second largest port.

Keukenhof Gardens & Amsterdam    April 7th
After breakfast, take a journey to picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park. Admire the stunning floral beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, croci and daffodils. Return aboard for lunch.
The rest of the day is yours to discover Amsterdam’s hidden treasures. You may choose to explore Museum Square, take a bike ride, or shop for colorful clogs and tulip bulbs. Dinner is served aboard, followed by free time to enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife. Your ship remains docked overnight.

April 8th

Leave Amsterdam 1102am, arrive Berlin 521pm Train 145 (res)

April 8th-10th                   Berlin            (3 nights)

6 hours 22 min

Hilton Hotel  Mohrenstrasse 30, Berlin 10117

 April 11

Leave Berlin 1056am, Arrive Dresden 1252pm, Train 175 (res) 

April 11th-12th                Dresden       (2 nights)

2 hours 14 min

Hilton Hotel  An Der Frauenkirche 5 Dresden, 01067

April 13th

Leave Dresden 901am, Arrive Nuremburg 227pm Train 3086
Leave Nuremburg 227pm, Arrive Munich 333pm, Train 1223 (res)

April 13th-14th                Munich         (2 nights)

5 hours 56 min

Holiday Inn

 April 15

Leave Munich 1032am, Arrive Murnau 1128am, Train 59499

Leave Murnau 1142am, Arrive Oberammergau 1221pm, Train 59565 

April 15th-16th                Oberammergau     (2 nights)

1 hour 40 min

Hotel Alte Post    Dorfstrasse 19 Oberammergau
Contact no:  011-49-0-88-229100

 April 17

Leave Oberammergau 1038am, Arrive Murnau 1119am, Train 59562

Leave Murnau 1131am, Arrive Munich 1227am, Train 59522

Leave Munich 127pm, Arrive Salzburg 257pm, Train 67   (res)

April 17th-18th                Salzburg       (2 nights)

3 hours 39 min
Hotel Goldener Hirsch   Getreideggasse 37 Salzberg, 5020
 

 

April 19

Leave Salzburg 351pm, Arrive Munich Main Station 521pm  (res)

April 19th-20th                Munich to Home   (1 night)

1 hour 29 min

Hotel Kempinski  Terminalstrasse Mitte 20

 April 20th

United Flight 903             Munich to Dulles   Terminal 2

Leave Munich 11:40AM            Arrive Dulles 3:15PM

United Flight 1266          Dulles to Portland

Leave Dulles 5:34PM     Arrive Ptld 8:30PM