EUROPE

luxembourg christmas market
EUROPE, Luxembourg

Luxembourg in December

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Yes, yes Miha can say she has been to Luxembourg now, and on more than one occasion. However “really been to Luxembourg” may be slightly debatable. Willing and ready, another trip is in order. Upon arrival in Frankfurt we moved from the landing gate to the Bahn terminal at the airport and found a café for some much needed coffee and food. We had just enough time to get a snack and dose of caffeine after the overnight flight, and get up to leave before falling asleep at the table. It would be another four hours on the train to Luxembourg along the scenic Moselle River, once home to many robber barons whose frequent castles still stand. Romania bound for the winter holidays we were off to a later departure than originally planned. We had a previous date set with a friend currently living in Luxembourg to visit about 7-8 weeks earlier. We were then going to float around Europe and into Romania late December, but had to delay our departure due to other responsibilities. Being late December now we would have to shorten the plans and save the little jaunts to nearby Belgium and Germany for another time, but a few days with a good person and friend anywhere in the world always makes for a great trip, so Luxembourg remained on the itinerary. We arrived in Luxembourg, taxied to our friend’s and had just enough time to shower, change, and artificially wake up again, just before he arrived home.  We walked some of the town where he pointed out directions and landmarks, had dinner at a little neighborhood Italian restaurant, and learned a bit about life in Luxembourg. We enjoyed a bottle of wine with dinner while he informed us that was one of the benefits – very good wines available at reasonable prices. We returned home, talked, looked at maps, and made our plan for the next day while he would be working. We would [naturally] wake up in the morning and be on the town by 9-10 am after enjoying coffee, tea, and the chocolate croissants he had picked up for us. Unfortunately, the previous 34 hours or so of sleep deprivation had a more profound effect than expected. The time on CNN was 7:30 am . . . but that was a US feed, meaning 1:30 pm in Luxembourg. So we got a late start. Not all is lost however. We walked most of the town. Turns out the Casemates, tunnels under the fortified castle built in 963, are closed for the winter months anyway. Nor did we make it to the lower portion of the town, Grund, during the day, which is disappointing to have missed. Held captive by an Englishman teaching English in China who was telling delightful stories mixed with political speculations on the future, the sun started to drop and so did the temperature. We went for the Christmas market for a little food and drink with the crowd to warm up. A little warmer, we made our way back to the house to meet up with our host who would soon be due home from work. (Click on the photos below for a larger image and comment option, then again for a full screen view). Learning of our overslept mishap and failure to walk La Grund, our friend took us on a driving tour of what UNESCO calls “one of Europe’s greatest fortified sites.” Enormous stone walls that would seem too high for any enemy to climb, narrow, winding roads, old stone streets, shops and restaurants built into the caves – the area was loaded with history, charm, and style. We parked and walked, and ended up having dinner at another Italian restaurant, in a cozy, elegant cave like setting at Come Prima on Rue de la Eau. Once again the service, food, wine and ambiance were great. (Go light on the wine if you anticipate using the restroom. It is up a steep spiral staircase that can disturb a sober equilibrium). That pretty much wraps up Luxembourg this trip. We won’t be able to comment on hotel or hostel lodging. We had the best accommodations – with a friend. So having not seen the Casemates, walking La Grund during the day, Vianden Castle nor the Notre Dame Cathedral, can we say we have “really been to Luxembourg”. Sort of, but certainly another trip is in order. And sure, we extended the route time to Romania, however the late December arrival created additional opportunities, like seeing the famous Christmas Market in Munich along the way for example.  

Mykonos
Europe, EUROPE, FAQ, GREECE

What to do and where to stay in Mykonos, Greece?

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I am planning a trip to Mykonos this August and I would appreciate any information or tips about what to see there and where to stay. Response: We stayed at a place a little up the hill – but very easy commute – to Mykonos center. the name of the place is Hotel Jason and I have provided some links below where you can read additional reviews check pricing. We did find Mykonos to be a little more expensive than some of the other islands (not terribly, just a little more). Book ahead because August is busy. We went in late September and there were not a lot of rooms available on the island. If you are going to be there a while, I might recommend you also travel to and stay at some of the other islands within a couple hour ferry ride away, or even further. For example; Paros and it’s little neighbor Antiparos is not far away and nice. This would also be approximately a half way point if you then wanted to continue on to the famous Santorini. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189430-d309918-Reviews-Hotel_Jason-Mykonos_Cyclades.html www.hostelbookers.com www.hostelworld.com

Luxembourg
Europe, FAQ, Luxembourg

I have 7-day holiday. Where should I go?

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Trier (Germany), Luxembourg, Metz ( France ), Maastricht and/or Cologne? After a 2-week business trip in Frankfurt, my company grants me a 7-day holiday before I need to fly back. A friend suggested these cities to me: Trier Luxembourg City Metz Maastricht Cologne My travel plan is undecided except the last day , when I will take a Rhine cruise from Cologne back to Mainz. Then from Mainz to Frankfurt Airport. Which cities should I go in the other 6 days? Please give me suggesions, thanks Response:  Luxembourg and Trier are not far from each other. You could spend a day in Luxembourg walking the town, hitting the underground La Grunde and walking through the Casemates. Luxembourg is cool because even with all of it’s foreign companies and modern living, the fortress is very old and the caves are only open during the summer months. There are also some great restaurants in the old stone caves. Belgium and the beer gardens if interested is very close. From Luxembourg you could also take a river tour and see and learn about the Robber Barons and their castles, former toll sites along the river and them hop off at your next location for a day or two. A full day to two days at a few different locations would be good so you get to see more, and it is all easy to get to via train.

daios cove crete
GREECE, Greece Lodging, Greek Islands, Lodging

Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas

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As guests of Manolis we were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at the recently opened Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas – then part of the Gran Melía chain. The staff was helpful and very friendly, escorting us in from the parking lot, and appearing to recognize us throughout our stay. We found the service to be great, and grounds were spotless. Our room was clean and comfortable, secure and quiet. Daios Cove is well outside of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, past the popular coastal town of Agios Nikolaos.  Assuming Agios Nikolaos is on the itinerary (it should be), Daios Cove is a nearby escape for more quiet seclusion. There was not much to do in Daios Cove itself, however it was a good central location for daily excursions. The area is quiet – not much around, and although it has the appearance and feeling of an Arizona desert like setting, the water in the sea is colder than one might expect from its Caribbean like multi-shades of blue. The all you can eat breakfast buffet is a winner – unless you are counting calories. If this is the case . . . better just turn away without ever setting eyes on it.  We had dinner outside one evening at the more formal and smaller restaurant on the ground level. No complaints – the food, atmosphere and company were fantastic. Crete is too large to visit in a day or two from any one location. Daios Cove is a great place to position for driving around and visiting the smaller towns and villages of this region of Crete, starting from and returning to a relaxed, luxury setting. If you want to get out of the car and off the road and just chill out and relax for a day and/or night, Daios Cove serves the purpose well. Our room had a private patio pool, which looks luxurious and is nice, however the water is cold, so unless planning to use the little pool on the room patio, one could skip it for a room less expensive. It would appear the view would be great from any room. Images from Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas:

Piaţa Mare sibiu romania
EUROPE, ROMANIA

Sibiu

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Everyone has heard of Transylvania. In addition to the fame surrounding Dracula and his castle, the Transylvania region is home to many beautiful towns, such as Brasov, Timisoara, Arad, and Sibiu. A journey through the Transylvania region of Romania could not be considered complete without a visit to Sibiu. Dubbed in 2007 as the European Cultural Capital, Sibiu is a beautiful city, once walled-in with a mixed historical architecture native to Romania itself, combined with that of the Austro-Hungarian emporium, and modern day. Sibiu has two very picturesque town plazas; Piaţa Mare and Piaţa Mica (large plaza and small plaza), laden with artisan stone foundations, accent lighting and the symbolic clock tower. Right in the heart of the plaza is the famous “liar’s bridge”, earning its name by way of a beautiful view that has enticed many romantics over the years to profess eternal love. As one might guess, the promised “forever” is, for some, replaced with the accusation of “liar” at some point in the future. Piaţa Mare and Piaţa Mica are adjacent and easily passed between on foot. Piaţa Mare is a large open square surrounded by colorful buildings with roofs which give the appearance of eyes looking over the plaza that taunt a child’s fairy tale imagination. Piaţa Mare has a museum, a water fountain in the middle, and brings on an additional layer of picturesque appeal as night falls and the plaza lighting comes on. Piaţa Mica is attractive with patios, restaurants and outdoor dining in a historic setting that has hosted visitors for centuries. Piaţa Mare and Piaţa Mica are certainly attractive, however there is much more of Sibiu to see as well. Leave the ancient cobblestone neighborhoods and walk the city along modern streets. Notice the old fortress walls you pass through, and venture towards the park and into a neighborhood architecture and landscape of yet another era. Just outside of Sibiu is the Complexul National Muzeal ASTRA “Astra National Museum Complex,” which is an all-day must see. The outdoor walking museum is vast with homes that have been transported in from all regions of the country, displaying and preserving Romania’s diverse regional heritage. You can enter the homes, and the “retirees” who proudly maintain them will happily explain to you how they were built and the tools used. Entrance fees range from 3.5 to 15 lei depending on age, about US $1 to $4.50. Get an early start and plan to spend an entire day. Be sure to have plenty of space available on the camera card (we took over 400 pictures!). En route back to the heart of Sibiu from the museum is a large park, great for the walk and people watching. During our stay at Hostel Felinarul in Sibiu, we met fellow travelers who, when asked why Romania, stated they wished to see it before too many changes take place. Traveling through Eastern Europe it is common to meet travelers who will tell you that they have seen much of Western Europe in the past, so are now visiting the eastern region before it is overrun with tourist development. This statement was a common thread we heard echoed by travelers we met not only during our stay in Sibiu, but also in Budapest, Brasov, and Bucharest.  As former communist Eastern European countries now have open borders, it is possible and easy to visit them, and great time to do so. Hundreds, if not thousands of years of history and culture dot the lands. Romania is a perfect example; a beautiful country, rich with a diverse landscape and architecture. Ranked No. 8 on Forbes Magazine’s list of Europe’s Most Idyllic Places to Live, and easy to get to via train, bus, or car, Sibiu should definitely be on the list. Images from Sibiu:

Mykonos Windmills
GREECE, Greek Islands, ISLANDS

Mykonos

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Mykonos was our last overnight stop along our island hopping escapade, which began two weeks earlier on the large island of Crete. Sad, because there are so many beautiful and interesting islands to see. Two weeks through the Greek Islands simply just does not cover it. However, two weeks is enough to get a taste and have a wonderful experience, so much better than one week or not at all. So we will just have to refer to it as “this trip” indicating it goes on the future journey list for a round two someday. Probably more accurate than “hopping” would be “floating” through the Greek Islands. While there are flights available, they pretty much all take you back through Athens, so it is generally quicker and cheaper to take the ferry between islands. We arrived at the port of Mykonos by ferry, mid-morning, just a short couple hour ride from the island of Paros (another good one). Our host from Hotel Jason picked us up and brought us to the hotel to get checked in, kindly showing us some sites and making recommendations. (The people that run Hotel Jason are great. Click the link to read our review and see photos). After dropping off our bags in the room and getting some directions we headed for the downtown area. Mykonos, very popular with tourists for several aspects, is a little more expensive than some of the other islands. We were told Mykonos has an active nightlife scene, therefore in conjunction with its beautiful, historic and picturesque setting, is alluring to multiple age groups. The name alone has a ring to it that beckons to be put on the must see list. In true Greek Island travel-magazine-photo style, Mykonos displays the clean white architecture with contrasting colors, separated by walkways with outlined stone to accentuate the look. Colorful, healthy bougainvillea grow large out of decorative pots and up over restaurant patios like many of the islands. One of Mykonos’ most quintessential landmarks, a row of 16th-20th century windmills look out over its coastline. Who could visit the Greek Islands without seeing these? In the evening, Mykonos was alive and vibrant with interesting shops full of spectacular art, jewelry, clothing, and outdoor cafés. Speaking of picturesque, we walked along the coastal cafés at the end of the day looking for our spot to watch the sunset. We came upon a couple very formally dressed and affectionate, with a professional photographer taking what must have been wedding or honeymoon photos. Our namesake Miha, being the natural born fun loving and adventurous comedian she is, decided it would be funny and add to their memories if she snuck around behind the wall they were posing in front of, and popped into their picture with a comical gesture. We were having a good laugh just at the notion of it, but how were they going to feel about it? They might not immediately appreciate it, imposing on their romantic moment, while paying a professional for photos. But let’s face it . . . wouldn’t it make for more interesting discussion, more memorable moments and photos to look back on in the future? Wouldn’t they recall their shock and laugh for years to come when they look at that photo? We felt it was a justifiable favor. However in the end she did not, and we created more of our own laughs around the topic discussing how she did not but we could say she did, and continued to embellish the story between us. The would-be fictitious story we never told. Would that couple have kept the photo and laughed about it in the years following? We think so. We are. Ahhh, it is the things in life you don’t do that you live to regret. On to Athens. Photos from Mykonos Island:

hotel jason mykonos
Greece Lodging

Hotel Jason, Mykonos

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Our stay at Hotel Jason was great. No complaints. The family that owns and operates Hotel Jason are wonderful. kind, helpful, accommodating and informative. Mykonos lodging is a little more expensive than many of the islands, but this applies to the entire island, not just one hotel. Our stay was about US$26-28 per person, in late September after the season, so still not a bad deal. Hotel Jason has an adequate sized pool, large poolside patio with chairs and umbrellas, and captures the ambiance of the Greek Islands with buildings of whitewashed finish and blue trim. Our room was clean and spacious, with an outdoor shaded patio with table and chairs. The patio was surrounded by a garden of fig and other fruit trees and made for a quiet, relaxing place to hang out while back at the room. Hotel Jason is not right in the downtown center of Mykonos (so it is quiet), however it is easy to get to. Being up the hill a bit from town on a two lane curvy road, the bus might be a preference over walking. Their is bus stop located right outside of Hotel Jason, appropriately referred to by the same name. So leaving Mykonos downtown to return, you simply catch the bus to Hotel Jason, only a few minutes away. Just a short walk down the hill from Hotel Jason – about the equivalent of ” a block” or less, is a little store which has fresh baked pastries filled with feta or spinach in the morning. Add some coffee or tea, figs off the tree, outside the room on the patio, and another great day in Mykonos is on the way. Returning to Mykonos, it is very likely we would just simply look here first for our next stay. Hotel Jason’s website has photos and contact info – just the basics. For more photos, rates and reviews, and a map, check out Hotel Jason on Hostelbookers and more on Hostelworld.

Landstuhl Germany
GERMANY, Germany Lodging, Landstuhl/Ramstein

In Landstuhl again

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Back in Ramstein, Germany after a long overnight flight with an almost two hour departure delay. We work for a nice airline. We sometimes actually wait for people. Hee! Hee! Passengers were on the way, so we all stayed at the gate in Baltimore about 90 minutes over the scheduled departure time, waiting for them. That will not happen for me or you if we commercial on a regular airline. Staying at the usual Hotel Christine and going to sleep during day light here I have to mention again how much I love their electrical shutters. They slowly and quietly slide down the trucks to hypnotically engulf you in complete darkness. And I got the Doll Room again. I think they made a note on their computer system that I like the bed in the wall this room has. I am on the 7th floor now and this bed does not even squeak. So cozy. After we checked in the hotel, somehow we found enough energy to go shopping before going to sleep. A new fun activity gains popularity. One of our colleagues is teaching us to take the empty recycling water bottles out of the plane when in Germany. Most of us got a few bottles but he is still in the lead, carrying as many as he can get his hands on. It was actually so fun to watch the machine computing the money we got for the recycling effort. At 25 Euro cents each, we totaled about 14 Euro to spend in the store. It was like watching the casino slots machine, to see who won the most. John is on the lead and he deserves it. He got us all on the good deed and he shares the info and the bottles. He even noticed that some Coca Cola cans have the German recycling sign on them, so he got some of those, too. Good going John! I am in for a competition next time.

Landstuhl germany
EUROPE, GERMANY, Germany Lodging, Landstuhl/Ramstein, Lodging

Hotel Christine, Landstuhl, Germany

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Hotel Christine in Landstuhl, Germany  is where we stay and the location works well. The Italian pizzeria and restaurant Taormina is across the street, the New York Grill-Pizza-Kebap  is near as well and the hotel has a restaurant of it’s own called Cockpit Lounge . Hotel Christine has nice clean rooms with custom made furniture. A few rooms have a unique bed design, kind of like having your bed in it’s own cave in the wall.  Makes you feel like being in a doll house. Sure that is not for all tastes but only a few rooms are that way and I did like that. Location is near downtown (small town anyway), shopping and restaurants. The breakfast is worth getting up for, especially if you have it included in the price of the room. You can order your omelet the way you like it, plus coffee or tea. There is fresh bread of many kinds, yogurt, cold cuts and super good salmon and tomato & mozzarella cheese. And more… The only problem I see is with the internet. It usually works OK in the lobby, but even if they now provide wi-fi in the rooms too, many times it does not work well in there. Lobby has two free computers and printer for use and free coffee. So food is near, not to forget the great free breakfast. Within walking distance to the hotel is a few grocery stores. We usually go to shop for wine and great chocolates. Bread is also great in Germany and do I speak volume if I mention the jarred chocolate cream, Nutella, which here is used like peanut butter is in the States: on bread. Yummy! Yet, I prefer Nutella injected directly with a tea spoon and no bread. Bad girl! But on fresh, soft warm bread, it also would not be refused.  

budapest hungary
EUROPE, Hungary

Budapest

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As stated on the home page for Hungary, Budapest is abundant with old world architecture and historical sites. Visitors to Budapest will most certainly recognize photos and videos along the Danube River ever-present in many travel advertisements and cruise commercials – especially that of the Hungarian Parliament building. Not photographers by trade and just learning about settings on our new digital camera, we unfortunately did not capture any of the beautiful nighttime photos commonly seen for this location. Good reason for another visit. In our first visit to Budapest together we started the evening meeting up with expat resident Stefan, friend of photographer Darla R. Daniels. Stefan drove us around a bit, showing us some of Budapest and giving us a great education on the local culture, proper pronunciation and origins of the name Budapest. Once two cities unified into one in the late 1800’s, pronounced like “Booda – pesh” the name sources from combining the hilly, western side of the Danube (“Buda”), and the flat eastern side (“Pest” ). We rounded out the evening at a restaurant known among the locals, Zöld Kapu in Obuda (Old Buda) with an authentic Hungarian dinner. And, despite no sleep for a number of hours no longer counted, tested the local beer, of course. We stayed at The Groove on St. Istvan by Margit Island, in a great location walking distance to everything. Budapest is great for walking around and there is a lot to see. Be sure to walk the main streets and make your way down to the large indoor market. After a cup of coffee and tea before setting out, we took a morning walk to the market for some fresh baked Hungarian pastries and breakfast. At the advice of our host at The Groove, we made our way to the town square to meet with others for the Budapest free walking tour. Conducted by students, certified and earning credit, the guides are required to know their stuff and provide accurate and informative information. One of the guides being a photographer, a piece of learning advice he offered up was to take photos on auto, then other programs, then check the menu settings, and take more photos adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Review them and see what the difference in. Great advice, but following it creates a LOT of photos to review! Our guides were great, leading us through both sides of Budapest, explaining the significance of different buildings and sites, educating us on history, culture, foods, famous people, Nobel Prize winners, and little known facts. There is of course sadness to the history as well, due to cruelty of wars- particularly WWII, and foreign occupations. Referring to a former generation, the guide quoted someone as saying “Imagine waking up tomorrow and you are in a different country. That is how it felt.” Hard to imagine for some, unfortunately a reality for others. Budapest has a lot to see, and we did not see it all of course, but all the more reason to spend another few days there at a different time of year, enjoying one of the festivals and seeing more. The free walking tour is recommended as good basis to start with. While the tour is free, the students do of course appreciate tips at the end. Ours deserved it. Note: Hungary has an endless list of famous actors, scientists, musicians, and contributions to the world, which can be viewed here and in the links above as well as below. Some born in Hungary. Others of Hungarian heritage (ex: Alanis Morrisette, Drew Barrymore, Paul Newman, Jerry Seinfeld). To name just a few of the famous people born in Budapest: Harry Houdini; Eva & Zsa Zsa Gabor; Erno Rubik (creator of the Rubik Cube);  Tivadar Puskás (inventor of the telephone switchboard; origins of the word “Hello” from Hungarian “Hallom”, meaning “I can hear”). Additional Photos from Budapest:

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