What R U W8ting 4?

"I'd rather look back at my life and say I can't believe I did that, instead of I wish I'd done that."

So what are YOU waiting for?  Travel is the number one thing on a person's "to do" list when he/she retires.  But it's so sad when people work their ass off, only to wait until retirement to travel and that day never comes. 

A friend/former co-worker and her husband were going to travel all over the USA in their RV once they retired.  They got close...but that day never came.  Several years before retirement, he had open-heart surgery and got bad blood.  They learned he had MDS, a pre-cursor to Leukemia (the same thing Robin Roberts has).  Life was anything but normal and they lived day to day, never knowing what tomorrow would bring.  He could go days without issues and then all of a sudden, his numbers would go down and a transfusion was needed.  If they did travel, and that wasn't very often, they always made sure there was a large hospital nearby, just in case. 

Within a year after he passed away (unexpectedly I might add), she decided to travel and fulfill the dream they couldn't bring to fruition together.  Paradise in Hawaii was what she hoped to be the first of many trips.  Sadly, it became evident on a trip to Germany, Austria and Prague that "many trips" was going to stop at 2, because she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's.  What I didn't know then that I know now is that travel for a person with memory issues is a horrible experience.  It's all new and different and there is nothing "comfortable" about the situation.  When you take a person with memory issues out of their comfort zone, they can't function like you or I can.  The dream becomes a nightmare.  People with memory issues need a constant routine, and travel, especially abroad, is anything but a normal routine.  You are in a different place every day or so and you're living out of a suitcase.  So what are you waiting for?

You can definitely afford to travel now, especially if you are working.  If you start to save a little bit every week (see $$$$ post), you will have most of the trip paid for by the time we go. 

We aren't getting older...we're getting better!  On our last adventure, we did a LOT of walking.  As you get older, the bones start to creak and you may find you aren't able to walk as far or walk as long as you once could - another reason to travel before you become bionic.  We have our health so now is the time to travel...not in 10-20-30 years. Live in the moment and don't let life pass you by.

"I'd rather look back at my life and say I can't believe I did that, instead of I wish I'd done that."

Slovenia

For some reason, when I think of Slovenia and Croatia, I think of the countryside and not countries that have great beaches and coastal resorts.  But these countries have some amazingly beautiful coastlines and they are "must see" stops on Mediterranean cruises. 

 

 

A stop in Koper, Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia) isn't on every cruise, but it is an option and on the cruise itinerary I have been looking at.  Koper's old town is easy to walk around on your own.  On days when there are several ships in port, it is very crowded.  The center of the old city is Tito Square (Titov trg).  It's not in very good shape.  Čevljarska ulica leads south and Kidričeva ulica leads to the marina.  Pretty simple.  There are a few places you may wish to visit in Koper.  Koper was part of the Venetian Empire, so buildings have the Venetian architectural style.

Praetorian Palace dates back to the 15th century and is fully-restored and it's where you'll find the tourist office. 

Cathedral of the Assumption, needs some major work, and may or may not be open when we are there. 

Campanile has the best views. You can climb 150 steps to the top of the bell tower for the bargain price of only 2 euros.  Remember, best views are at the top!

There are some great seafood restaurants in Koper.  Okrepcevalnica are small places that serve inexpensive Italian food. 

If you are a shopper, there are two shopping centers:  Mercator and Supernova. There is also a big department store called Blagovnica Soča. Not sure how close to the dock these are, and it's either a long walk or you'll need to go by bus or taxi.  You'll also find a few shops in town where you can get souvenirs like crystal or wine. 

If you want the beach, check out Kopalisko Nabreze, next to the marina. There are large grassy for sunbathing and an enclosed swimming area.

If you're starting to see a pattern here...you are.  Almost every stop has an "old town" close to the port.  Of course, there are some great places and sites to see within an hour or so of the dock, too.  If you are going to visit another area, best course of action is to start there first, and then work your way back to the old town area, because you are close to port and can get back to the ship faster than if you are an hour away. 

Bored with Koper and want to see more of Slovenia?  There is a HOHO bus that will take you to three gorgeous seaside towns:  Izola, Portoroz and Piran.  It's not the typical HOHO bus where you get on and off wherever you like.  There is a live guide on this HOHO bus.  You stop briefly in in Izola for pictures. 

 

Piran is one of the most beautiful cities near Koper.  It too has Venetian architecture.  Tartini Square is in the center of Piran and named for the famous violinist, whose statue is in the center of town. 

You tour the Strunjhan Valley and stop in Piran for about 2 hours.  Piran is

Finally, on the way back to Koper you stop (briefly) in Portoroz, a resort town, or you may just see it from the bus.

I'm the visual one, and it's much easier to see how beautiful the area is on video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAeY14o6cQo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYRySlRHU9M

 

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is one of the ports that we could visit or depart from.  One possibility is a cruise that allows you to check in on Day 1, and the ship is used as a hotel on Night 1, before departing late on Day 2.  Depending on when your flight arrives, you could have almost 2 days in Stockholm.  However, I usually recommend coming in at least 1 day earlier just to make sure you have adequate time to explore "Venice of the North." 

Stockholm is considered Europe's Cultural Capital and the continent's first Green Capital. Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia, and 1/5 of Sweden's population lives there. with about 1.8 million residents in the metropolitan area -- about one-fifth of Sweden's total population.  Who knew that the city was made up of 14 islands?  Not me! 

As with most European cities, Stockholm's Old Town (aka Gamla Stan) is the big tourist attraction.  The buildings are painted in bright colors, which reminds me of the Cinque Terre (although the architecture is different).  And what would an "Old Town" be without cobblestone streets!  Gamla Stan can be very busy in the summer, and to see the charm of Stockholm, just go down one of the alleyways between the apartment buildings.  It's not as busy and most of the paths will lead to the 600-room Royal Palace.

Similar to a fiesta in Barcelona, Swedes take a fika - or coffee break.  Swedes drink a lot of coffee!  A fika can happen any time of the day, and usually includes a pastry - most of the time a cinnamon bun. Although I'm not a big coffee drinker, I wouldn't want to offed the Swedes, and will be happy to eat a cinnamon bun or two during my fika! 

The Green Capital has an Ekoparken, or eco-park.  If you have the time, check it out.  The park winds through a few of the busiest islands and one side of downtown. 

You won't find a bargain in Stockholm - it's an expensive city.  $27 for a small plate of Swedish meatballs.  That translates into "eat your meals on the ship" and not in town!  If you must have a souvenir from your travels to Sweden, look for crystal and glass pieces.  Kosta Boda and Orrefors are the best-known names.  As mentioned in my post on Tallinn, sweaters are more expensive in Sweden. 

Depending on the number of days you'll spend in Stockholm, think about getting a Stockholm Card, which will get you admission to about 80 museums and attractions, as well as transportation on buses, trams, subways and a few ferries.  See what there is to see and do at www.stockholmtown.com. 

Stockholm is easy to walk around, and you can get from place to place by trolleys (tram), buses, ferries, and subway. Taxis accept credit cards and a word to the wise - they are costly.  Remember you can use the Stockholm Card on public transportation.

Don't forget my cheesy suggestion - the hop-on/hop-off bus.  $41 and 14 stops.  Ouch!  That's expensive.  For another $10, you can get a ferry pass, too.   If you want to do something different, rent a bike.  

One place you want to visit is the Nobel Museum.  Yep, that's Alfred Nobel of the Nobel Prize.  (All except the peace prize are handed out in Stockholm.)  Just a few blocks away is the Royal Palace, where Sweden's royals live.  You can stroll through the grand reception rooms and see the crown jewels, armor and art.  The changing of the guard occurs at noon each day.  You'll see the troops,  preceded by a band, and sometimes the soldiers on horseback.

If you want to get the best of Stockholm head to the residential island of Sodermalm by cab or you can take a few buses.  Walk to Fjallgatan Street and its terrass (terrace), and you'll see Stockholm's sights and waterways from a great viewpoint.  Or, buy a ticket to Skyview, two 16-passenger, glass-walled gondolas that travel up the side of the world's largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe arena. The ride lasts about 10 minutes in each direction.  Right up my alley! 

Dale always says the best views are from the top!  If you want a real challenge and you want to see Stockholm from the best view, take the Historic Rooftop Tour.  You'll be walking 130 feet above the city, on top of former Parliament building.  Only 10 participants at a time can go.  You have to wear a helmet and safety harness and you are attached to a steel cable.  Then you go along a 980-foot-long metal catwalk, which is about a foot wide and there are no handrails.  And of course, there are stairs!  The tour lasts about an hour.  

A must is a cruise through the archipelago, cruising around an estimated 30,000 islands. The cruises last from two to eight hours.  You can get off and explore some of the islands, and then take a boat back to Stockholm. Catch the boat at the downtown harbor. 

City Hall (Stadshuset) is one of Stockholm's top tourist attractions. Be sure to see the Blue and Golden Halls. The Blue Hall resembles the piazza of a villa and even has a fake balcony with fountain beneath it.  This is the banquet hall used to celebrate the Nobel Prize honorees. (The awards are presented about a mile away.)  After the banquet, dancing takes place in the Golden Hall.  The walls are covered by 18-million (yes, 18 million, no typo) tiny tiles of gold leaf pressed between sheets of clear glass.  And you'll see heroic-size images of figures from history, mythology and religion.

They even have a "City Hall Shop" with specially-designed souvenirs and gifts.  Many of the souvenirs are made of materials represented in the building's interior.

More great views!  You'll need a ticket to see the views from City Hall's 322-foot-tall tower. An elevator takes you only part way and there are no windows on that level.  Obviously more stairs! 

Check out these videos of Stockholm, and you'll want to visit Stockholm like I do. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgeDieAdSZw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws-ixufK4P8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FfWdsoFO9w

  

The "WC"

What in the world is a WC?  The Water Closet!  Most of us know the WC as the bathroom.  In some countries, it's called a "toilette."  Ask for a bathroom and they'll look at you like you're crazy.  Toilets are a little different in Europe.  Using a toilet in Europe isn't exactly the most exciting experience to write home about.  Don't wait until the last minute, because finding a toilet can be a challenge.

In some cities, you may find a telephone-booth-type structure on the sidewalk, with "Toilette"  or "WC" written somewhere on it.  Put in a coin, the door opens, and you have a short window of opportunity to take care of business.  These contraptions disinfect themselves upon your departure.  Was this really what Sir Thomas Crapper had in mind?

Here's one we found not far from the "red carpet" in Cannes.

You can find restrooms train in major department stores.  Some will charge you a small fee to use the facilities. Seriously.  Around $.50 USD.  Yeah, you have to pay to pee. Not like you have a lot of options.  Keep a small amount of coins in low denominations readily available for the toilet. 

It's a good rule of thumb to use the restroom at a restaurant you eat at because it's free.  Don't expect glamour and it's no ADA compliant.  It's small and is usually tucked away somewhere in the back, upstairs or downstairs.  It may or may not be adequately marked, and store owners have the right to tell you "no, you can't use it" if you haven't eat there.  If you find a free public restroom along the way, use it.  Most public places like museums, train stations, libraries, etc. have free, clean public restrooms.  One of the nicest I've used was on our recent trip to Milan at the Sforza Castle. 

Some toilets are a little primitive if you will.  We've stopped at a highway service plaza to find a "hole" in the floor, and I've used a "hole" in the middle of a souvenir shop in the middle of Paris!  Good thing I wore a jumper that day :)  

You should always carry a package of tissues with you, or travel size roll of TP just in case the WC isn't stocked.  Sometimes the infrastructure isn't as superb as ours and toilet paper can't be flushed, like in Greece and Turkey.  But in the major cities, things run pretty normally.  If you walk in and see a wastebasket near the toilet or a sign that tells you to put TP here, then don't flush it or you'll be sorry. 

Each toilet flushes a little differently.  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to figure out how to flush the toilet, even in a hotel.  Sometimes it's a pedal, sometimes a handle, sometimes a string.  Most of the time, the WC is separate from the rest of the bathroom. Just depends on how modern the hotel is.  Keep in mind that many hotels in Europe are very old, and have history and charm.  

Gentlemen - don't be surprised if you find a female attendant in the men's restroom.  They may be sitting there collecting money or cleaning. Get over it.  The cleaning lady has. 

If all else fails, look for a Burger King or McDonald's.  They're all over Europe and always have bathrooms. 

Keep these tips in mind and you'll be a happy Euro-peein!

You're Not in Kansas Anymore...

As I write this, it's going on 9 o'clock at night and it's still 85 degrees.  So glad I have air conditioning!  Hard to believe that amenities we take for granted (like air-conditioning or Western-style toilets) aren't available everywhere, so be prepared to adjust to a new standard of living temporarily.  Although we're planning a cruise, we may spend a night or 3 at a hotel before or after the cruise.  The Europeans' idea of AC is not my idea of AC.  Their idea of cold air conditioning is what I would call cool at best, not anywhere near cold. The last two trips we've taken have been in the spring and I would have loved to turn on the AC because the rooms were so warm.  This year we learned at the hotel in Nice that they are not permitted to turn the AC on until a certain date by law...or so the clerk said.  The hotel lobby always feels nice and cool, but get in your room and it's an oven.  That's why timing is so important.  The last thing you want is to be out seeing the sites in 90 degree sunshine and go back to a warm hotel room.  Ugh! 

 

Toilets are another item that are a little different in Europe.  Maybe oddball is a better word.  We've stopped at a gas station for a potty break only to find a "hole" in the ground.  Don't wait too long.  Depending on where you are, you may have to pay to go to the bathroom.  Talk about a cheap thrill!  

 

Many hotels do not have washcloths, so you may want to bring your own and pitch after using.  Can't get the lights to come on?  You have to put the room key card into the slot by the door to get the lights to work in some hotels.  Rooms are typically smaller than we are used to here in the U.S. A lot smaller!

 

Coffee is really strong. Soft drinks are outrageously expensive.  We ended up paying about $9 at one restaurant in Paris cafe.  Unless you're a fan of seltzer water, you want no gas or flat water.  Diet Coke is known as Coke Lite.  If you want bottled water or soft drinks for the road or your room head to the local grocery store. 

 

Hard Rock Cafes are a great place to eat – usually good food, free refills on soft drinks and water.  Portions are huge, too.  You'll find them in Barcelona, London (the original), Helsinki, Hamburg, Berlin, Malta, Gdansk (Poland), Istanbul, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Florence, Athens, Stockholm , Istanbul and Venice, among other places.  Usually in a populated area where all of the attractions are. 

 

Finally, there are few little laws you should know about so we don't have to bail your butt out of jail.  

 

Rome   It's illegal to eat and drink near landmarks

Rome is enforcing a municipal ordinance outlawing eating and drinking in areas of "particular historic, artistic, architectonic and cultural value."  That delicious bowl of gelato could cost you $650 if you sit on the Spanish Steps and eat it. 

 

Greece  It's illegal to wear stiletto heels

Did you know that the pressure a stiletto heel exerts on the ground is greater than that of a walking elephant?  Imagine what that does to your feet!  With a few stomps in your stilettos, you can harm those amazing Greek monuments that have been around for hundreds of years.  Get a pair of sensible-shoes so you can visit the sites.  Your feet will be happier, too!

 

Venice   Don't feed the pigeons

In order to avoid getting pooped on and catching avian bacteria, feeding the pigeons is no longer legal in Venice. 

 

Some fun things to think about before heading to Europe!

 

Ciao!

 

Venice

 
My preference for cruising is to start the cruise in one port and end the cruise in another, so you can spend more time in both port cities.  Possible ports for a Med cruise include Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Venice...depending on the itinerary of the cruise.  Another plus is when the ship is docked in the departing port for 2 days.  You basically use the ship as your hotel before you set sail, saving some $$$ on hotel costs.  However, I usually advise going in at least one extra day early, just in case there are flight delays or lost luggage, or you want to see more.  Venice is a very expensive city, so you want to save where you can.  Some cruises do a 2 day dock in the middle of the itinerary, too. 
 
Venice is usually on everyone's bucket list.  I'm lucky enough to cross that one off the list, as I've been there twice. 
 
Of all the cities in the world, only Paris comes close to matching Venice for beauty and ro­mance.

  
If you want to get away from San Marco or the Rialto Bridge areas, which are full of tourists, go off into the tangled passageways, which are an attraction, too.  Just remember how you got there! 

 You'll find pretty residential neighborhoods - homes with flower boxes and clean laundry hanging out of the windows.  Best places to eat are the little trattorias where the locals go.  



There are no cars in Venice and people walk...a lot!!!  Venice is mostly narrow canals and streets spread over more than 100 islands, and boat is the major form of transportation. It's kind of funny.  We put cars in garages, they put boats in garages.






Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Plaza) is where you'll find the renowned Basilica di San Marco.  Definitely worth going inside for a peak.  The Basilica is the primary tourist attraction (during the summer expect to wait in line).  Remember, if you aren't dressed appropriately, you will be sent away.  Ladies, be sure your knees and shoulders are covered.  

 

There are a lot of cafes near St. Mark's and it's a great place to people watch.  The cost of coffee at a café vs. "takeaway" coffee is really pricey.  Hey, the view isn't free if you want to sit at a café!  The pigeons also like San Marco -- you may want to wear a hat.

If you're a museum freak, the best is Gallerie dell' Accademia (Boat Line 82 to Accademia) with Venetian art from the 14th - 18th centuries.

 

The Grand Canal is Venice's version of a super highway and runs through the heart of the city. This is the place to be!  You'll find fabulous views of palazzos (best way to traverse the Grand Canal is via vaporetto, line #1). The Grand Canal also divides the city; the east side contains the best-known tourist attractions, while the west is more residential (but this is the area that has great trattorias (little restaurants that are inexpensive and have great food) and local shops).

Remember, there are no "streets" across the canal, and every time you cross over a canal it's up a flight of stairs, over the bridge, and down a flight of stairs.  Just a short walk to the grocery store from our hotel warranted crossing at least 4 bridges.  Keep that in mind if you arrive by train and are hauling luggage.  If you want to get from one side the Grand Canal to the other, you have 3 places to cross: Rialto Bridge, Accademia Bridge and Scalzi Bridge.
 

A gondola ride is the ultimate touristy thing to do, and you'll see different views of Venice -- from the tiny canals.  Just like taking a van in Rome that can go places a large tour bus can't.  Gondolas typically take two to six people, and you pay per trip, not per person.  The ride lasts anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes. Negotiate the rate before you get in and plan to shell out about 80-90 euros +/-.  Remember, you are traveling in dirty canal water, so there is a little stench.  Remember that Venice  was built on mudflats and sandbanks.  It's only a myth that the canals are open sewers; the smell of the canals is from algae and silt, not sewage.
 

Don't forget to explore the islands of Murano and Burano and stop at Torcello to visit the first Cathedral in Venice.  Murano is famous for its glass blowing.  Be sure to watch the glass blowers as they create works of art.  Best place to get some glass, and rather than chance getting it broken, consider having it shipped home. 

 

Then head to Burano to see picturesque fishermen's houses painted in bright pastel colors, and of course to buy some of the famous lace. Be careful.  Some Lace makers are becoming rare, so be sure you are getting authentic lace.  Some stores sell imported lace if you get my drift.  Same kind we can get here from our friends in China or other countries.    

 

Still looking for more?  If you go into Venice a few days early, be sure to head up to Padua (Padova). Padua is one of the prettiest cities in It­aly, with the oldest botanical gardens in all of Europe.  The big tourist attraction is the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), with its priceless frescoes by Giotto. Think about getting a Padova Card. It lasts for 48 hours, and also offers free travel on local buses and discounts for additional attractions.  You'll find it at museums and local tourist offices, or online when you are making a booking for the Scrovegni Chapel.  You'll still have to pay the chapel's booking fee, but the entrance is free and so is public transport around town.  But Padua is an easy town to walk around.  If you want a map, stop at tourist information next to the train station.

 

The Scrovegni Chapel is between the train station and the city centre. Take the main street opposite the station and keep straight. Just after a park you come to the Civic Museums. The entrance is a short way down a side-street.  A little hard to find because there aren't a lot of signs. 

 

While you're in Padua, make time to visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony is said to rival St. Peter's in Rome.

 

 Ciao!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tallinn, Estonia

We're looking at two different regions to cruise to - the Med and Baltic regions.  We've looked at one port in the Med so far, and it's time to look at a port on a Baltic cruise. 

Tallinn, the capital and largest city of Estonia, was part of the Soviet Union for about 50 years. Now, Estonia is part of the EU and uses the Euro instead of the kroon.  Being the math whiz that I am, love when you only have to worry about one kind of currency.

Upon first glance, Tallinn's Old Town will make you feel like you've stepped into a magical and medieval storybook, complete with ancient buildings dating back to the 14th century and quaint cobblestone streets.  Reminds me of other places we've visited, like Girona and Carcassonne.  

If you want to squeeze as much as possible into your visit to Tallinn, start with a walk on the medieval wall around Old Town.  The wall is about a mile long and still has 26 towers.  Since the wall is above the city, you'll have to climb 45 steps to get to the wall.  Wow!  Just 45 steps?  We could probably sprint those!  Other walls we may have climbed were free, but this one costs 1.30 Euros to climb.  You're thinking "they want me to pay to climb steps?" Yep.  I'm starting to see a pattern here - paying to climb the steps!  Remember, this wall is old...and the stairways are steep, dark and narrow.  Not good if you get claustrophobic or want to strut about town in your stiletto heels. 

Old Town is easy to walk around on your own.  But if you don't do a tour or do a little web research or get a good tour book before you go, or you'll be clueless about what you're looking at.  You can also take a free walking tour of Tallinn with a local.  Yes, the tours are free, but you are usually expected to tip the guide when the tour is over.  Some guides are better than others, which we learned in Paris - our morning guide was great, the afternoon guide just so-so.

Many people say Tallinn is a mix of Scandinavia and Russia, and you can find some unique food specialties such as Herring, boar, elk & rootbeet salad, or maybe beer soup with ice cream and sauna-smoked lamb leg.  Think I'll be heading back to the ship for lunch or head to the local bakery!
 
A must see is the top floor of the Sokos Hotel Viru, which houses a small K.B.G. museum. The door has a sign in Russian that reads, “There is nothing here”.  The story goes that their surveillance techniques were pretty darn sophisticated and there were "bugs" in the sauna.  Really?  Even the ashtrays were bugged (how I have no idea).  Tours are given in English at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the guides tell stories about life during the Soviet rule, which they say are worth the price of admission (7 Euros).  The hotel also gives you the best views of Tallinn Bay and Old Town.  I'm betting you can take an elevator vs. climbing steps to the top! 

The onion-domed Estonian Orthodox Cathedral, St. Alexander Nevsky, is up Pikk Jalg to Toompea, the hill overlooking the Old Town. On the way back, head through the Danish King’s Garden, which also has great views of the Old Town.

About 30 minutes from port is Kadriorg Park that houses Kadriorg Palace, a former residence of the Czar.  It was built in the 1700's as a summer residence by Peter the Great for Catherine, and  Kadriorg means "Valley of Catherine" in Estonian.  Now it's an art museum in a seaside park and has some of the best Baroque art in Northern Europe.

In Tallinn, stores and street vendors sell amber jewelry and linen.  You'll also find handmade woolen sweaters, glass art, juniper wood products, and leather goods.  The woolen sweaters are the same quality as those you'll find in Stockholm but you can get 'em cheaper in Tallinn.  The most unique items?  Communist memorabilia found at antique stores. 

Be careful of pickpockets! They operate in pairs -- one distracts you in front and the other grabs your wallet from behind.

If you want to see it all, take the HOHO (hop on, hop off) bus.  Currently 16 Euros and 33 places of interest. 

Here are a few videos to watch about Tallinn: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAC8F_2qTTY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nEUF4LWhcE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_U8xzIY5R8,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O4PEtjvaXE

Ciao!