Traveling in Europe

England - London Eye July 2008

2008-10-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

(DON'T FORGET TO CLICK ON THE PIC TO ENLARGE)

Waiting in line for the London Eye

Was not a very long wait at all because it never stops! Pretty cool ride.

Oh, and I probably should not be eating before getting on this.

Looks like the Big Ben clock of London!!! We took these pics from atop the London Eye.

What a spectacular view point.

Okay, I have to admit, it was a bit freaky being up that high - suspended by well...

not much as you can see.

Sky view of the Thames River

Walk Along the Thames River & County Hall

England - London - Wimbledon - July 4, 2008

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The highlight of the trip for Andrew was definitely Wimbledon.

Walking down the street to Wimbledon.

Andrew on his way inside to check out the Wimbledon grounds!

Court side views

More court viewing

Outside ground seating area. A view for everyone!

Great photo spots - maticulous grounds keepers!

Of course we had to tour the Wimbledon shop.

Bought some tennis balls and a bag for Andrew to take back home for memories!

Social areas.

Checking out all the names on the board before leaving.

A little history below.

FJ Perry

Oh, and check out who was there doing a live interview. We caught them on film!

England - July 2008

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En route to England via the tunnel. We decided to take the tunnel, which we had no idea be so pricey. Yikes. Very impressive architecture, etc.

Here is the way I noted our "ride" in the tunnel. "We drove the car into the car wash, turned the car off, and sat for about 30 minutes until we got to England. Oh, and the car was still dirty" hmm... That's almost what it was like though. Was a very interesting experience. You don't actually drive the vehicle, but instead you drive onto a tram, and the tram moves through the tunnel to the other side.

Catherdral of Poznan - December 2007

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The Cathedral of Poznan.

Kornik - Castle - Poland - December 2007

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We tried to tour a castle in Poland, but it was closed.

So, we just walked the outside grounds and froze our butts off!!!

It was an incredibly cold day in December.

Map of the grounds.

This was a huge place with long walking paths through the wooded area.

Beautiful grounds to walk.

Poznan Poland - Uprising Parade December 27, 2007

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As we were walking through the downtown area one day, we stopped to ask what all the commotion was, and why people were dressed as soldiers, etc.

It seems that they were having a celebration (Uprising Parade).

So, we stopped to watch and take some pictures.

Yeah, that's me in the middle of a group of Polish soldiers.

Cooking up some dinner for the soldiers.

Poznan - Opera House - December 30, 2007

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Decided to take in a little entertainment while we were in Poland over Christams time.

So, we got tickets to the opera!

Opera House

Andrew's parents gettting ready to leave the house.

Nice Christmas decorations.

The actors, etc - some nice costumes.

Poznan Poland - Christmas Eve - December 2007

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Some photos from Christmas Eve with Andrew's parents.

Poznan Poland - Downtown - December 2007

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Check out some of the sites downtown Poznan. It's a very old town with a lot of character and some really cool things to see.

For starters, take a look at this sign I found. Look closely (click on photo to enlarge). Yes, it actually says Toledo, USA 7087 km!!!

Very old buildings with a lot of character.

Andrew's family photo on the streets of Poznan

Must be Christmas...not a person in sight on these streets. Just a lonley street car!

Beautifully painted colors throughout the town square area. Perfect for Christmas holidays. Aren't they just beautiful!

A beautiful church downtown.

There are many statues and fountains in downtown Poznan.

Here is just two of my favorites.

Horse carriage rides through downtown Poznan.

Some last minute Christmas shopping at the booths.

Some ice sculptures for our viewing pleasure along our walk downtown.

Beautiful side walks all over the downtown area.

Cool dragon lamp I spotted hanging outside one of the restaurants.

Looks like Andew found a sushi bar.....his favorite.

Some artistic talent displayed at the mall too.

A small practice ski hill in Poznan.

Now this is what they call the Koziolki Herb Monument.

Poznan Poland - Fara Church Downtown - December 2007

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Fara Church in Downtown Poznan at Christmas time.

Poznan Poland - Andrew's Church - December 2007

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The church that Andrew grew up with in downtown Poznan. St. Zbawiciela.

Poland - Poznan - December 2007

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We rented a car and drove to Poland for Christmas. We spent the time at Andrew's parents condo in Poznan. His sister was also visiting at the same time. Was like a reunion for them since they had not been all together back in Poland for many years!

En route to his parent's house

Andrew's parents condo in Poznan

The family photo - dinner the night before Christmas Eve.

Andrew's mother, sister, and me

Andrew and his dad

Walking to the market to get the fresh fish for Chirstmas Eve dinner.

Yeah, you guessed it...the fish is in the orange bag!

Okay, you guys can eat all the fish you wish.

I'll have my favorite meat and potatoes please!

Take em alive!

Paris France - En Route to Monte Martre (May 22-25, 2008)

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We caught some really fun and beautiful sites en route to Mont Martre.

It was pretty much all up hill and winding to the top, but totally worth the walk!

Not really sure what this was, but thought it was fun.

3-D of a man coming out of the wall. Unique.

Check out these fun tomato displays we saw at the market.

Paris France - Monte Martre (May 22-25, 2008)

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This was the highlight for me. Best place of all from my perspective. It was the old town, a few feet down the mountain from Mont Martre. This is the place of some of the famous painters in history. I absolutely loved this little town.

How much more French can you get.

Maybe I'll take a couple of these home for my nieces. Just kidding!

Nice guys though.

We did stop to look at A LOT of art along the way to Mont Martre.

We bought one painting on canvas to take home.

Stopped here for lunch after a long morning of walking up the mountain.

Our waiter wanted to be in the picture too. He's behind me.

This is definitely the BEST artist on the block.

We checked them all out, and he got both of our gold stars!

Everything is really pretty up here. Check out the wall entrance to a shop / gallery.

The restaurants / pubs are all decorated really nice too.

This was another pretty street to walk through.

I met the cooks in the restaurant to the left while Andrew was taking the picture.

They didn't believe that I was from USA!!!

The artists at work along the streets en route to Mont Martre.

Now he knew how to play that instrument. He was fantastic!

Still en route to Mont Martre. Lots of walking that's for sure.

Paris France - Walking Along the Seine (May 22-25, 2008)

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Walking & site seeing along the famous Seine River in Paris.

Well, I just had to get the flute player when I saw it.

My favorite instrument of all, and I used to play many many years ago!!!

Another favorite, the piano.

To hear this guy playing on the streets was so cool much fun!

He was a blast to watch.

Oh, and you can't leave Paris without hearing the accordion. It's everywhere.

Walking along the Seine River, and resting too.

Click on the image to see Notre Dame in the background.

Artist booths set up along the Seine during the day.

Interesting photo looking across the Seine.

There we are taking a short rest again.

We did WAY too much walking in the short time we were in Paris.

Resting again for just a minute.

Paris France - Moulin Rouge (May 22-25, 2008)

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The night before we took these pictures we got all dressed up and did an illumination bus tour along Champs Elysee, Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triumphe, and then last stop was at the entrance to Moulin Rouge where we went to see one of the famous shows. Was quite entertaining with dance, music, magic, acrobatics, and more. Champagne was served - at no charge of course. Was a fun night!

Paris France - Subway

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A couple of pics from the metro / subway...

Paris France - Outside Louvre (May 22-25, 2008)

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This was taken when we got off the subway at the Louvre station. It's in front of one of the entrances.

Once you walk under the arc shown in the above photo (behind us), then you see some really awesome architecture like this before you get to the courtyard where you go into the Louvre

This is on the way out. See the famous triangle area which houses the underground area to buy tickets. Pretty interesting set up they have.

The below pics are walking out of Louvre towards Champs Elysees and Arc de Triumphe.

This is one of the courtyards enclosed by Louvre.

Paris France - The Louvre - May 22-25, 2008

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Louvre was absolutely beautiful, along with everything else we saw over the weekend! Can't believe how huge this place is. We were there probably 5-6 hours and didn't even see half of the place. It's just so huge, you need a few days for just Louvre alone.

I know it's small, but it is the Mona Lisa! (don't forget to click on the pics to enlarge a little more)

This is one of the many HUGE rooms where you can sit and take in all the incredible paintings. I believe this was the French wing of the museum.

We stopped to rest at one of the Louvre restaurants on a balcony of the museum. Beautiful views, and great weather to be sitting outside enjoying the sights. Cake and wine for two!

Crown and jewels room of Louis XV

Napolean's apartment section of the museum.

Paris France - la Tour Eiffel - May 22-25, 2008

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la Tour Eiffel was a pretty cool sight. Beautiful at night too, but we didn't get photos at night.

Nice shot as we were walking up towards the tower.

Almost looks fake, doesn't it?

The weather was great and the skies were full of clouds.

Remember the famous story about the guy who sold la Tour Eiffel? They actually had the news story posted on the wall of one of the floors.

Life on the ground - under la Tour Eiffel - where you stand in the long lines awaiting to purchase your ticket and get on the up elevator.

Hey, you could always walk to the top if you really want to!!!

Some pics from across the road as we were walking away from the tower.

Cool pic Andrew took of Arc de Triumphe from atop la Tour Eiffel.

Paris France - L'Arc de Triumphe - May 22-25, 2008

2008-05-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

We took our trip to Paris last weekend. Paris is by far the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Here are some good pics from Arc de Triumphe. I know my friend Lori can relate to me saying I "FINALLY" made it to Paris. We were supposed to go about 22 years ago, but the trip got canceled.

The Arc de Triumphe from our walk down Champs Elysees.

This one is taken from on top of the Arc de Triumphe. Tour Eiffel behind us.

Of course we had to go back and see it at night!!!

Now, this is the typical text book image Lori & I used to see every day in French class.

Photos taken while walking through the Arc - second one is the ceilings.

Great work of art on the pillars and all over the Arc.

Koln Germany - Roller Blading - May 12, 2008

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Well, always a first for everything. I actually (FINALLY) got on the roller blades for the first time EVER!!! Was a little tiring, but I think I might just be able to get used to it. Had to attach some extra gear so I wouldn't get too scratched up if I fell. I just took it slow and didn't even fall once!!!

Mendig Germany - The Vulkan Brauhaus - December 16, 2007

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Brewery (since 1875):

Andrew doing a little taste testing.

Okay, we took only 1 home!

Rhens Germany - December 15, 2007

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Small town of Rhens Germany en route to Koblenz.

Hotel Roter Ochse - stayed one night. Very nice little hotel in Rhens.

Okay, so I can only play "Mary had a little lamb". Not bad though!!!

Crooked houses, or is it just me???? Must be some major shifting going on here!

This house is REALLY old!

Short walk through the town on Rhens.

Koblenz Germany - December 14, 2007

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Found a great location overlooking the castle area in Koblenz to celebrate my birthday.

Had to get a picture with our Polish waiter. Great food!

Koln - DOM - November 2007

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Now let's go check out inside this spectacular site.

Koln - DOM - November 2007

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The DOM is an incredibly beautiful and HUGE cathedral in Koln. You can spend hours walking through it and taking photos. Not sure how well you will be able to see these, but here are some of the details of the outer structure.

Koln - Walk around FreisenPlatz - November 2007

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In case I need help....I can easily spot the Police cars. Looks like they are driving the VW around this part of town.

Must be one of those unknown authors or something??

Area near FreizenPlatz where we stayed when we first arrived in Koln.

Deja vu maybe??? Nope, just more Chinese restaurants.....This one is called "Great Wall" - go figure.

Some fun streets to walk down.

Koln - Christmas Displays - November / December 2007

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Christmas time in Koln.

Koln at night - walk by the Rhine River & DOM - November 2007

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A night walk around the DOM in November 2007. Spectacular views day or night.

A statue of S Wilhem (I'll have to look up the proper spelling??)
Then a statue of Andrew! haha.....we were playing with the lighting for the next few pics....

Some pretty awesome night shots Andrew did looking across the Rhine to the DOM.

Koln - First day we arrived - November 18, 2007

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Some pics from the very first day of arrival in Koln, Germany. The train station lets out right at the DOM. Pretty cool sight. HUGE!!!

Amsterdam - En Route - November 2007

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En route to Amsterdam....how fast can you go on the Autobahn? I didn't have to drive though.

Getting into downtown Amsterdam

Highway route

We finally saw some wind mills

Amsterdam - Some Very Interesting Things.......

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Not a clue what this sign is for. Anybody know?

Now, check this out....a parking structure for bikes instead of cars. Not a great pic, but you get the idea!

Maybe I'm just nieve, but as I was asking what are these plants.....I started to smell the answer! Andrew decided to take a mug shot for the memoirs. I guess it's legal in Amsterdam!

Still not sure what to make of this place. I have never seen such an establishment. Maybe I just don't get out enough! I don't think I even want to ask about this place!!!

Now this looks vaguely familiar. Wait a minute....where am I??? "Welcome to Detroit". Geezz, I just can't get away from there can I.

ENJOY!

Amsterdam - Walking the Town - November 2007

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Walking through the town in Amsterdam last year - November 2007

Amsterdam - Outside Madame Toussaud Museum

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Some fun things going on outside in the center of town!

Amsterdam - Madame Toussaud Wax Museum - Nov 2007

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Maybe you can guess who some of these people are? I don't even know all of them. Have fun!

Amsterdam - November 2007

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So, it was almost Christmas time in November 2007 when we took a weekend trip to Amsterdam. Was cold, but a ton of fun to see all the Christmas displays and walk the streets around town.

Flora Park - Koln Germany - April 2008

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Thought I would share some pics from a walk two weekends ago at the Flora Park in Koln Germany. I think spring is finally here!

Apartment in Koln - as of December 2007

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This is the apartment we where we stay now at EbertPlatz in Koln, Germany.

Hotel 1 - November 2007

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This is where we stayed when we first arrived in Koln, Germany. A bit small, but what else do you really need?

Space Shuttle Floats Along the Rhine April 11, 2008

2008-04-14T01:07:00.001-07:00

I had to share these photos with everyone today since it was a rare / historical site along the Rhine River last week. The Russian space shuttle is being transported from Bahrain to Rotterdam to Germany. It will be displayed at the technical Museum Speyer in Germany. We got there just in time to see it swim on by us near the DOM in Koln.

Here is the link if you would like to read more: http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,545835,00.html