We are winding down here in Cancun. It has been a wonderful time here.
Yesterday, we spent the day at the Royal Hasciands where Terri has her time share. It is a beautiful, new place. I hope Terri will invite me to go again, and stay there next time.
Today was all beach. We had a wonderful day in the sun and visited with some nice people. The rain moved in just as I was tired of the sun, so that was perfect timing. So, Terri and I cleaned up and headed shopping. I didn't buy anything, but it was nice anyway.
Oh, for those who I usually send postcards. Nieces and nephews, my kids and Grandma. I did mail them, but it seems that everyone has a different opinion on what the price is. It is either 10.5 pesoes, 11.5 or 13.5, I never did get a straight answer. So, some of you, may get your card, or not! Just know I did send them.
I am almost out of time and getting ready to pay the bill. I will post this and sign off. I WILL post pictures when I get home. It just takes too much time here. I am working from the internet cafe, not my own computer.
Talk to you soon!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Chichen Itza
It has been an amazing day today. We took a tour to see Chichen Itza. It is one thing that I really wanted to do and was able to do it today. It was a perfect day today. Just a bit cloudy and not too hot. We were fortunate to have a day like today. We had the best tour guide and they explained a lot of the history of the area. If you ever get a chance to go, you must go see this place. Apparently it is one of the "New" Seven Wonders of the World. I can see why. The only unfortunate thing is that there are peddlers EVERYWHERE!!! They really are annoying and detract from the experience. I got pretty tired of the constant selling. 10 pesoes? Only 1$! It was constant.
Tomorrow, it is down to Playa del Carmen for the day. I hope we have sun and can go either kayaking or snorkeling in the lagoon. It has been perfect weather, sunny and 82 most days.
One bad thing has happened. Yesterday, I was laying out by the pool, listening to my book on the iPod, when it slipped off me and dropped right in my class. I can still listen to the iPod, but I can't see anything on the screen. Today, there have been flashes of light, but still can't see where I am at. I have a book I am listening too, but I keep having to find my place. Very annoying. I sure hope that as it dries out, the screen comes back. Any suggestions???
Tomorrow, it is down to Playa del Carmen for the day. I hope we have sun and can go either kayaking or snorkeling in the lagoon. It has been perfect weather, sunny and 82 most days.
One bad thing has happened. Yesterday, I was laying out by the pool, listening to my book on the iPod, when it slipped off me and dropped right in my class. I can still listen to the iPod, but I can't see anything on the screen. Today, there have been flashes of light, but still can't see where I am at. I have a book I am listening too, but I keep having to find my place. Very annoying. I sure hope that as it dries out, the screen comes back. Any suggestions???
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Cancun
Ah, sun and heat. It is so nice here in Cancun. I can't believe it is actually February.
Terri & I arrived on Saturday afternoon in Cancun, where it was 82 degrees. Wonderful. It only took 3 hours before I ran into someone I knew. Shocking, I know! 3 whole hours!!!
We spent a few hours walking the beach and enjoying the heat. Walking on the beach, actually wore me out. Sunday, was spent in the sun and I enjoyed this February heat. Wonderful. So different for Minnesota! We also enjoyed the Superbowl party where we met some really nice people. I have instructions to stop in at Tom Sullivan's office next week and say hello from Diane and Terry, from Missouri!
Yesterday we spent the day a Xceret. What a fun place. We snorkeled the underground river. It was fun to snorkel, but the river was kind of lame. Of course, more sun was involved. We checked out the interesting animals from the Mexican jungle. The evening was topped off by an amazing show about the Mayan/Mexican history. All is Spanish of course, but I followed along, even though my Jr. High Spanish isn't doing me any good!
Today, again, sun and pool side. Terri is sad because of my easy tanning. Poor pale girl. We had a sudden shower so I headed in. I am kind of tired of the sun.
Tomorrow, Chitzen Itza. Spelling ???. More sun there too I guess.
That's about it for now.
We are having a fun time and enjoying the weather. Are you???
Terri & I arrived on Saturday afternoon in Cancun, where it was 82 degrees. Wonderful. It only took 3 hours before I ran into someone I knew. Shocking, I know! 3 whole hours!!!
We spent a few hours walking the beach and enjoying the heat. Walking on the beach, actually wore me out. Sunday, was spent in the sun and I enjoyed this February heat. Wonderful. So different for Minnesota! We also enjoyed the Superbowl party where we met some really nice people. I have instructions to stop in at Tom Sullivan's office next week and say hello from Diane and Terry, from Missouri!
Yesterday we spent the day a Xceret. What a fun place. We snorkeled the underground river. It was fun to snorkel, but the river was kind of lame. Of course, more sun was involved. We checked out the interesting animals from the Mexican jungle. The evening was topped off by an amazing show about the Mayan/Mexican history. All is Spanish of course, but I followed along, even though my Jr. High Spanish isn't doing me any good!
Today, again, sun and pool side. Terri is sad because of my easy tanning. Poor pale girl. We had a sudden shower so I headed in. I am kind of tired of the sun.
Tomorrow, Chitzen Itza. Spelling ???. More sun there too I guess.
That's about it for now.
We are having a fun time and enjoying the weather. Are you???
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Update on NY
Well, I did a quick post from Times Square the other day. There was a line and HOT lights blazing on me, so I did a quick post. After that post, we did a lot more of NY.
OK, so as I said before, our trip started with a nice carriage ride in Central Park. It was a nice time, but I have to say, I am rather disappointed in Central Park. There were things about it that were really pretty, but it is kind of a dump, for such a would famous park. They should take better care of it. We headed to Times Square after that, just one of many stops there. So much to see and do.
Our adventure continued with a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Home. Yes, part of the National Parks. I wasn't overly interested until we got the tour and boy, what a nice and interesting place it was. Did you know that his gun handles and his belt buckle when he was in the Rough Riders were made by Tiffany??? Ahhh, the rich! His Rough Rider uniform was also made by some designer, but I can't remember his name. Oh well. From there, we headed to the Madame Tussauds, Wax Museum. It was really interesting and I got my picture taken with the President.
We also went to a special Rock & Rock Hall of Fame exhibit in SoHo. It was really interesting to see. I got a senior discount, because the rest of my group got one! I have a few years left before I really qualify! Jesper and Erin would be jealous of the SoHo neighborhood. THAT was the place to do some shopping. I of course, did not! Just remember, SoHo for shopping !!!
We also managed to find the Grimaldi's pizza in Brooklyn. It was pouring rain out, but we got there, and no line. If you go, don't go at regular meal times, instant seating at off hours. Meal times, there is a line. Super good pizza by the way. A couple days later, we also managed to find the Carnegie Deli for yummy cheesecake. That is a must.
Up until Saturday afternoon, and on my previous trips to New York, I felt that the people of New York were so friendly and helpful. Everyone was so eager to help us find our way, give directions and we so nice. THEN, we went to the Metropolitan Museum! I have never before met such rude, unfriendly, impolite people in my life. Students are even that rude. The art was great, the people who work there and are there to help you find your way around and ask questions, are not!
I ditched Teri & Toni, since they wanted to go to Tiffany's and do some window shopping, followed by mass. Since I wasn't interested in either, I went back to the condo and left them to find their way home. Since we had been in NY for 4 days, and to the condo countless times, you would think this would be easy, but no, Teri is directionally challenged! After mass, it took over 2 hours and a phone call to find their way back!!! I guess I can't leave them alone unless they have a GPS!
Sunday, the day I had waited for. We got up early, since we had Crown tour tickets for the Statue of Liberty. I guess they are selling out about 1 year in advance, so it was a good thing, I reserved them, the 1st day they went on sale! We took the ferry out to the Statue and got in line. 20 minutes and 354 steps later, we were at the top! We made it. I thought that the 1st 154 steps to the top of the pedestal were the hard part, the last 201 steps were nothing. How weird is that!
Ah, my trip was complete, but not for Teri. From there, a quick visit, again, to Ellis Island. We went back to Manhattan, found the African Burial grounds where we met the nicest Park Ranger. He recognized our Midwest accent right away, since his mother was from Iowa and we sound just like her. Even though the visitors center wasn't open, he got us our stamp and he also gave us goodies that will be on sale, next year, when the gift store opens. So nice. He also gave us directions to Chinatown, so Teri & Toni could eat Dim Sum for lunch. Not me! Yuk!
Our final adventure was to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is about 1 mile, maybe more, but it was cold, windy and raw, so it wasn't a pleasant walk, but it wasn't raining, well, not really. It is a beautiful bridge, but the area around isn't.
Exhausted, we headed back to the Nilsson's ( Mimmi's family) condo. It has the best view and it was really nice of them to let us use the condo. We had a wonderful time there. I think, if they let us go another time, we will be happy to stay there again! Thank you Karin & Jonas!
Before we left to come home on Monday, the only good weather day, we finally made it to Tiffany's for some window shopping. They have some really pretty stuff there, but well out of my price range! We had fun looking and dreaming though.
Our last stop, before heading to the airport was to find the place my Grandma lived in NY, when she 1st arrived to America. We had the address and new the street, so we went looking. It however was not to be. Seem that those high rises weren't there in 1918 or something like that, so the place that Grandma lived, no longer exists. Sad really, but it was fun to look.
It is now back to quiet, quiet Minneapolis, where there are no honking horns at all hours, nor sirens all night. I don't even hear the traffic outside my office window. It is so quiet here compared to New York. It was fun and I can't wait to go back, but I do enjoy the quiet! (except for all those who are coughing, but fail to cover their cough!)
OK, so as I said before, our trip started with a nice carriage ride in Central Park. It was a nice time, but I have to say, I am rather disappointed in Central Park. There were things about it that were really pretty, but it is kind of a dump, for such a would famous park. They should take better care of it. We headed to Times Square after that, just one of many stops there. So much to see and do.
Our adventure continued with a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Home. Yes, part of the National Parks. I wasn't overly interested until we got the tour and boy, what a nice and interesting place it was. Did you know that his gun handles and his belt buckle when he was in the Rough Riders were made by Tiffany??? Ahhh, the rich! His Rough Rider uniform was also made by some designer, but I can't remember his name. Oh well. From there, we headed to the Madame Tussauds, Wax Museum. It was really interesting and I got my picture taken with the President.
We also went to a special Rock & Rock Hall of Fame exhibit in SoHo. It was really interesting to see. I got a senior discount, because the rest of my group got one! I have a few years left before I really qualify! Jesper and Erin would be jealous of the SoHo neighborhood. THAT was the place to do some shopping. I of course, did not! Just remember, SoHo for shopping !!!
We also managed to find the Grimaldi's pizza in Brooklyn. It was pouring rain out, but we got there, and no line. If you go, don't go at regular meal times, instant seating at off hours. Meal times, there is a line. Super good pizza by the way. A couple days later, we also managed to find the Carnegie Deli for yummy cheesecake. That is a must.
Up until Saturday afternoon, and on my previous trips to New York, I felt that the people of New York were so friendly and helpful. Everyone was so eager to help us find our way, give directions and we so nice. THEN, we went to the Metropolitan Museum! I have never before met such rude, unfriendly, impolite people in my life. Students are even that rude. The art was great, the people who work there and are there to help you find your way around and ask questions, are not!
I ditched Teri & Toni, since they wanted to go to Tiffany's and do some window shopping, followed by mass. Since I wasn't interested in either, I went back to the condo and left them to find their way home. Since we had been in NY for 4 days, and to the condo countless times, you would think this would be easy, but no, Teri is directionally challenged! After mass, it took over 2 hours and a phone call to find their way back!!! I guess I can't leave them alone unless they have a GPS!
Sunday, the day I had waited for. We got up early, since we had Crown tour tickets for the Statue of Liberty. I guess they are selling out about 1 year in advance, so it was a good thing, I reserved them, the 1st day they went on sale! We took the ferry out to the Statue and got in line. 20 minutes and 354 steps later, we were at the top! We made it. I thought that the 1st 154 steps to the top of the pedestal were the hard part, the last 201 steps were nothing. How weird is that!
Ah, my trip was complete, but not for Teri. From there, a quick visit, again, to Ellis Island. We went back to Manhattan, found the African Burial grounds where we met the nicest Park Ranger. He recognized our Midwest accent right away, since his mother was from Iowa and we sound just like her. Even though the visitors center wasn't open, he got us our stamp and he also gave us goodies that will be on sale, next year, when the gift store opens. So nice. He also gave us directions to Chinatown, so Teri & Toni could eat Dim Sum for lunch. Not me! Yuk!
Our final adventure was to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is about 1 mile, maybe more, but it was cold, windy and raw, so it wasn't a pleasant walk, but it wasn't raining, well, not really. It is a beautiful bridge, but the area around isn't.
Exhausted, we headed back to the Nilsson's ( Mimmi's family) condo. It has the best view and it was really nice of them to let us use the condo. We had a wonderful time there. I think, if they let us go another time, we will be happy to stay there again! Thank you Karin & Jonas!
Before we left to come home on Monday, the only good weather day, we finally made it to Tiffany's for some window shopping. They have some really pretty stuff there, but well out of my price range! We had fun looking and dreaming though.
Our last stop, before heading to the airport was to find the place my Grandma lived in NY, when she 1st arrived to America. We had the address and new the street, so we went looking. It however was not to be. Seem that those high rises weren't there in 1918 or something like that, so the place that Grandma lived, no longer exists. Sad really, but it was fun to look.
It is now back to quiet, quiet Minneapolis, where there are no honking horns at all hours, nor sirens all night. I don't even hear the traffic outside my office window. It is so quiet here compared to New York. It was fun and I can't wait to go back, but I do enjoy the quiet! (except for all those who are coughing, but fail to cover their cough!)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
New York
It has been a busy few days in New York, running around, seeing the sites. Teri is waiting in line right now for tickets for a play. This time, she gets to wait, and not me!
Anyway, we have finally made it to Central Park, had our carriage ride. We have seen most of the sites before, so we are looking for new things to see. Yesterday, we went to the Wax Museum, and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Yes, I know, it is in Cleveland, but there is a special exhibit in NY. It was really a good time. Go if you can!
We have worn Toni out with all the walking we have done, so we usually get home to the Condo, very nice by the way, and relax in the evening.
Tomorrow, is the Statue of Liberty Day. We will climb the steps for the 1st time. I should have no problem. 354 here I come.
If I get a chance, I will update again. There is free internet in Times Square.
Anyway, we have finally made it to Central Park, had our carriage ride. We have seen most of the sites before, so we are looking for new things to see. Yesterday, we went to the Wax Museum, and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Yes, I know, it is in Cleveland, but there is a special exhibit in NY. It was really a good time. Go if you can!
We have worn Toni out with all the walking we have done, so we usually get home to the Condo, very nice by the way, and relax in the evening.
Tomorrow, is the Statue of Liberty Day. We will climb the steps for the 1st time. I should have no problem. 354 here I come.
If I get a chance, I will update again. There is free internet in Times Square.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Amsterdam
The last leg of my trip was a quick stop in Amsterdam. I had a long, 6 hour layover there, so I contacted my friend Bill Jorgensen, who was in my Danish class many years ago.
Bill and Ponos met me at the airport at a very early 7:30 am and we went directly to Amsterdam central. After a good 'English' breakfast we were off to see the Van Sough museum. We had a lovely time in the museum and got to see so many really famous paintings. I have been to Amsterdam many times in the past, but I had never been to this museum. It is a must if you go.
There was a problem with the trains, so we couldn't take too much time for touring and I didn't get a lot of pictures. After the museum, it was back to the airport and I picked up some last minute postcards. I have been sending Grandma a postcard about every 4 days, so I had to get it done in Amsterdam as well.
The flight was LONG but uneventful. Thank goodness for the individual movie screens and the choice of many movies and tv shows to keep me from too much boredom! I just wonder why it took about an hour more to fly home from Amsterdam than it did to fly there? Hmm! It was 1 hour extra I had to sit by the very smelly bathroom.
I want to once again thank everyone I visited for their hospitality. I had a wonderful time and really miss you all! Please come and visit me soon! It was wonderful to see everyone and I enjoyed seeing all the kids! That was the best part of my trip. I got to see everyone again. It is too long between visits!
I hope everyone enjoyed following along. I will be back to work on Monday, darn!
Bill and Ponos met me at the airport at a very early 7:30 am and we went directly to Amsterdam central. After a good 'English' breakfast we were off to see the Van Sough museum. We had a lovely time in the museum and got to see so many really famous paintings. I have been to Amsterdam many times in the past, but I had never been to this museum. It is a must if you go.
There was a problem with the trains, so we couldn't take too much time for touring and I didn't get a lot of pictures. After the museum, it was back to the airport and I picked up some last minute postcards. I have been sending Grandma a postcard about every 4 days, so I had to get it done in Amsterdam as well.
The flight was LONG but uneventful. Thank goodness for the individual movie screens and the choice of many movies and tv shows to keep me from too much boredom! I just wonder why it took about an hour more to fly home from Amsterdam than it did to fly there? Hmm! It was 1 hour extra I had to sit by the very smelly bathroom.
I want to once again thank everyone I visited for their hospitality. I had a wonderful time and really miss you all! Please come and visit me soon! It was wonderful to see everyone and I enjoyed seeing all the kids! That was the best part of my trip. I got to see everyone again. It is too long between visits!
I hope everyone enjoyed following along. I will be back to work on Monday, darn!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Last Days in Denmark
I have been so busy these last days since returning to Copenhagen, I just haven't had time to update. I hope that everyone has been following along and enjoying the trip!
I returned to Copenhagen on Thursday afternoon and just relaxed the day away. Friday, the touring began again!
Camilla and I started the day at the Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed walking through the many exhibits in the conservatory there. I had fun seeing some things similar to the Como Zoo and some things that were different. We did a little shopping afterward and met Amalie, Camilla's younger sister for a bit more shopping in Roskilde. (It was more 'gift' shopping than real shopping!) We then headed out to their dad's place in the country for dinner. Carsten, Camilla's dad, his wife, Anne, Grandmother, Birgit and her friend were all there to meet us. We had a wonderful dinner and evening.
Friday started off early, because I headed back to Sweden for just a few hours. I have a 5 day Eurail pass, but the train conductors haven't been marking it, so I had a few extra days on the pass. I still have only 2 days used on my pass, but I took 7 days of trips! I really got my money's worth on that pass. Anyway, I went back to Malmo for some Skogaholmslimpa. I was very successful in my search. I brought my then empty blue duffel bag with me and came back with a lot of limpa! Customs is going to wonder about me!!! Teri will enjoy it though and my freezer can hold most of it.
Once I got back with my now, 27 pound bag, Camilla and I went in search of Smørrebrød, which we found, after walking about 3 miles. I love Smørrebrød. It is a traditional Danish sandwich. They are as beautiful as they are good.
If the 5 miles I walked between the trainstations in Copenhagen and Malmo weren't enough, I finally got to do a little more. Camilla and I were off after our lunch to the Vor Frelser Kirke to hike up the tower of 400 steps. My sister Teri has wanted to do this for the past 5 trips to Denmark and has always been unsuccessful. I was able to do it. Well, we missed about the last 10 steps, since the stairs were so narrow (about 12 inches wide) and only about 3 feet of head room. ´We made it as far as our size would allow anyway. After this hike, my feet are officially done walking and I was tired of stairs, but Europe doesn't agree. I think that my planned trip to NY and the Statue of Liberty will now be a breeze!!There are stairs EVERYWHERE!!!!
We made it home for a quick dinner and off to see Harry Potter. (Yes, there was more walking, and stairs involved.
Today, Camilla's grandparents picked us up and we did a bit more castle touring. We visited Fredericksborg castle, which was pretty amazing. We also had a walk by of the Fredenborg castle where the Crown Prince lives (He will be the next King).
I am getting all my packing done now. I came with 2 suitcases. One with my clothes and one just with gifts. They each weighed in at 42 & 48 pounds each. I thought I would be back to one suitcase, but no, I have 2. My suitcases is full of limpa and only the bag with the limpa weighs over 40 lbs, which is now in my big suitcase. I put my clothes in the duffel and the clothes only weigh about 25 pounds. Hmm, where did all that weight go? Scrapbooks and red cups, for sure!!!
I will be having a 6 hour lay over in Amsterdam on my way home, so my friend Bill will be picking me up at the airport tomorrow, for a short visit. I will do that last update about that time when I get home.
I hope everyone has enjoyed following along and seeing the pictures. I will see those of you in Minneapolis, soon!
Thank you to all my hosts. It has been great seeing everyone and enjoying their wonderful hospitality. I want everyone to come and see me soon! It is too long between visits.
I returned to Copenhagen on Thursday afternoon and just relaxed the day away. Friday, the touring began again!
Camilla and I started the day at the Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed walking through the many exhibits in the conservatory there. I had fun seeing some things similar to the Como Zoo and some things that were different. We did a little shopping afterward and met Amalie, Camilla's younger sister for a bit more shopping in Roskilde. (It was more 'gift' shopping than real shopping!) We then headed out to their dad's place in the country for dinner. Carsten, Camilla's dad, his wife, Anne, Grandmother, Birgit and her friend were all there to meet us. We had a wonderful dinner and evening.
Friday started off early, because I headed back to Sweden for just a few hours. I have a 5 day Eurail pass, but the train conductors haven't been marking it, so I had a few extra days on the pass. I still have only 2 days used on my pass, but I took 7 days of trips! I really got my money's worth on that pass. Anyway, I went back to Malmo for some Skogaholmslimpa. I was very successful in my search. I brought my then empty blue duffel bag with me and came back with a lot of limpa! Customs is going to wonder about me!!! Teri will enjoy it though and my freezer can hold most of it.
Once I got back with my now, 27 pound bag, Camilla and I went in search of Smørrebrød, which we found, after walking about 3 miles. I love Smørrebrød. It is a traditional Danish sandwich. They are as beautiful as they are good.
If the 5 miles I walked between the trainstations in Copenhagen and Malmo weren't enough, I finally got to do a little more. Camilla and I were off after our lunch to the Vor Frelser Kirke to hike up the tower of 400 steps. My sister Teri has wanted to do this for the past 5 trips to Denmark and has always been unsuccessful. I was able to do it. Well, we missed about the last 10 steps, since the stairs were so narrow (about 12 inches wide) and only about 3 feet of head room. ´We made it as far as our size would allow anyway. After this hike, my feet are officially done walking and I was tired of stairs, but Europe doesn't agree. I think that my planned trip to NY and the Statue of Liberty will now be a breeze!!There are stairs EVERYWHERE!!!!
We made it home for a quick dinner and off to see Harry Potter. (Yes, there was more walking, and stairs involved.
Today, Camilla's grandparents picked us up and we did a bit more castle touring. We visited Fredericksborg castle, which was pretty amazing. We also had a walk by of the Fredenborg castle where the Crown Prince lives (He will be the next King).
I am getting all my packing done now. I came with 2 suitcases. One with my clothes and one just with gifts. They each weighed in at 42 & 48 pounds each. I thought I would be back to one suitcase, but no, I have 2. My suitcases is full of limpa and only the bag with the limpa weighs over 40 lbs, which is now in my big suitcase. I put my clothes in the duffel and the clothes only weigh about 25 pounds. Hmm, where did all that weight go? Scrapbooks and red cups, for sure!!!
I will be having a 6 hour lay over in Amsterdam on my way home, so my friend Bill will be picking me up at the airport tomorrow, for a short visit. I will do that last update about that time when I get home.
I hope everyone has enjoyed following along and seeing the pictures. I will see those of you in Minneapolis, soon!
Thank you to all my hosts. It has been great seeing everyone and enjoying their wonderful hospitality. I want everyone to come and see me soon! It is too long between visits.
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