Magic Moments: 2003
Just a few magic moments in a trip can make it a success in your mind for the rest of your life. The moon rising over the Jungfrau...being alone at your own private Stonehenge...feeling Celtic pride well up in your non-Celtic soul after hours of traditional music in an Irish pub...meeting your "Old World" relatives for the first time. Do you have a favorite magic moment from your European experience?
One special moment occured when my wife and I were totally lost in some forgotten town in Germany trying to get to Rothenburg. We were late, very tired and needed to call our B&B to hold our room so they wouldn't rebook it. I walked up to a phone booth with a phone card and waited while a German gentleman finished his call. He turned to me and spoke in German, but then switched to perfect English when I told him I was American. He pointed to my phone card and told me that the phone only took coins, of which I had none. He then asked me of my dilemma--being lost, trying to make the call, trying to get back on track to our destination. We were frazzled, it was the low point of a long day on the road!
He took coins out of his own
pocket put them in the phone, called our B&B for us (in German) to let
them know we would be late. He then pointed out his car and said to follow
him. He drove through the confusing streets of the town with us behind
for quite a while and then onto the highway to Rothenburg. He drifted
back toward us, pointed ahead, and honked and waved goodbye. At a tough
point on our journey, along came this wonderful German "angel" to give
us a magical memory that we will never forget!
Richard
Seattle, WA USA Wed 12/31/2003
First Sighting of the Rock of Cashel
W when my wife and I were last in Ireland, 2001, we were driving from Limerick
to Cobh when we rounded a bend and got our first sighting of the Rock of
Cashel. Naturally we stopped and just gawked in disbelief. We went into
town and decided on the spot to spend the night. This was the best stop
on our trip and believe it was the best because it was totally unplanned.
We did have some problems canceling our B&B on the south coast but it was
worth every minute of 24 hours we spent in Cashel. Three years later we
still talk about that day
John Munro
Lakewood, CO USA Tue 12/16/2003
Feast of the Virgin - Granada Spain
After my boyfriend and I finished touring the Catedral and Capilla Real
we walked outside and discovered that people were lining up along the streets
carrying candles. Unbeknownst to us, it was the Feast of the Virgin that
they were celebrating with a procession in the streets. Pretty soon we were
swarmed as the parade went by and I remembered that our hotel room looked
down upon the street. So we made our way through the crowd and went up to
our room, threw open our windows and had a perfect view of the parade and
the incense floating upward. We even ordered room service as we watched
the crowds below. The pageantry of the parade was incredible and such a
nice unexpected surprise for us. It was then that I felt as if we got a
taste of the real Granada.
Lisa Proctor
Lake Villa, IL USA Tue 12/16/2003
Greenwich, near London
Anyone spending time in London should definitely visit Greenwich. I took
the 188 bus out there and spent a wonderful day...all the attractions are
FREE and the ?2 bus ticket for the day makes it a very nice day out. Lovely
village and very friendly helpful people..I am going back again as one day
is not enough time to see it all. You can also get the boat up river but
I prefer the top of the bus.
Sandra
Allamuchy, NJ USA Mon 12/15/2003
Magic Moment in Venice
Magic Moment: It was in late August of last year, when my husband and I
walked out of the Venice Train Station and down the steps overlooking the
Grand Canal...there was nothing to prepare us for that breathtaking Island
City! We had the most romantic and relaxing 4 days of our 3-week Europe
trip. It was the perfect temperature, the perfect amount of people, excellent
accomodations, and no cars to worry about being run over by! And all the
people we met were so friendly! We will definitely return there someday,
but are a bit afraid it won't live up to the first time!
Jennifer P.
Menlo Park, CA USA Wed 12/10/2003
Magic Moments
Our Guardian Angel of Nice. We were on a 6 1/2 week trip through France
and Italy. Almost invariably, throughout our travels, we met with politeness,
helpfulness and friendliness.
One incident, in particular, ranked as one of those ?random acts of kindness? which we will never forget. My friend, Bonnie, and I were almost three weeks into our travels in France. Now, it was late in the afternoon of June 18, 2003. We?d rented a car and were driving along the French Riviera from Cassis (near Marseilles) to Nice where we?d arranged to drop off our rental car at a location near the Nice train station. Neither the rental car company, the tourist office, nor our Nice hotel told us of the complexities of exiting off the autoroute. We were merely told to watch for the exit that said ?la gare" ? the train station. Ignorant and unconcerned, we approached Nice: I was driving, my friend navigating. As we passed exit after exit into Nice, we saw none that indicated the train station. Our Michelin road map wasn?t detailed enough either to provide the information we needed.
Finally, desperate to get off the autoroute, especially when I saw a sign by the side of the roadway that said ?Grenoble? and realized we were on our way north, I took the next off-ramp that still had the word ?Nice? on it. Up ahead we saw a toll booth. As I handed over the money, I anxiously asked the toll booth operator how we might get to the Nice train station. I hoped desperately that she spoke some English. She did. She advised us to take the ?Nice Centre? exit which we?d find ?up ahead?. We proceeded on. Just when we wondered if perhaps we might have misunderstood, there was the sign announcing the exit to the centre of the city. We knew from our map that the autoroute parallels the Baie des Anges (the Bay of Angels where Nice sits so majestically on the shores of the Mediterranean). And we knew about rush hour. Rick Steves, in his France guidebook, warns travelers that traffic grinds to a halt then. I glanced at my watch - 5:00pm and we were now in five lanes of traffic, moving... slowly... I further compounded our difficulty by choosing the extreme left driving lane and saw, with dismay, that we passed one, then another, service station on our far right, refuges where we might have asked directions. But now we were committed... We inched along, looking hopefully for signs to direct us, finding nothing helpful.
Finally, after a few more blocks, our energy flagging, my ?navigator? suddenly said, ?Drive forward. I want to ask that man in the car up ahead where to find the train station.? When the car was next to us, she rolled down her window and shouted across to the driver. He was likely a Nicoise, possibly driving home from work, a woman in the seat beside him. His window was down and he heard her cries of ?Ou est la gare? (Where is the train station?). He appeared mystified (perhaps by her accent?). He questioned - ?la gare?? She tried to imitate his accent ? La garrre?? - rolling the ?r? like the French do. For several crazy seconds, while we crawled along, she repeatedly shouted the word, trying to get him to understand. Finally, in desperation she shouted, ?les trains?? ?Oh, les trains?, he replied in sudden understanding. He paused briefly, perhaps lost in thought. Then he struck his hand to his forehead and said with an anguished cry: ?C?est dur!? (It?s hard (to explain). As we absorbed this unpleasant news, we heard the driver quickly add - ?Je vous amenerai? (I will take you) ?Suivez-moi!? (Follow me).
We were too anxious and confused to be astonished. Our guide indicated, with his arm, that he wanted to pull in ahead of us. With difficulty, I opened up a space for him. We continued to inch along for awhile, then gained more speed. I stayed on his bumper, afraid to lose him. Occasionally, he used his arm to indicate to other drivers that he wanted to move in front of them, which he did, me following like a shadow. He led us on what was at least a 15-minute tortuous journey, down crowded streets, across intersections, winding our way up a ramp and then through a tunnel. Finally, up ahead, I saw our first sign of ?La Gare? - the train station. I expected we were nearing our destination but still couldn?t see where it might be. Our guide turned a corner and suddenly, I was stopped by a wall of pedestrians. I strained to see where our guide had gone but it looked like we had lost him. When I finally turned the corner, there just up ahead, we saw him, four-way flashers on, double parked, blocking traffic, cars weaving around him, waiting for us. With a sigh of relief, I resumed our hare-and-hound journey.
Finally, on the right, we saw the train station
coming up. Then we were there, just a simple turn into the lot. And up
ahead, our guide, pointing to his right, confirmed our destination. He
started to pull away and all I could do in humble gratitude was to honk
my horn and wave wildly in thanks. He disappeared in the heavy afternoon
traffic. Noting the sign of the rental car company in a nearby window,
I drove around till we found a parking spot (no small feat in itself)
determined not to get out on the street again and potentially lost. As
we reflected on the actions of our rescuer, we wondered what compelled
him to come to the aid of two lost travelers. His actions will remain
one of those outstanding acts of generosity and kindness that blessed
us in our travels. I am wondering when I might be called upon for such
service. When I am, I hope to act with similar swiftness and good will
as did our ?Guardian Angel of Nice?.
Elaine Weidner
Victoria, BC CANADA Fri 12/05/2003
Diani beach, Kenya
Wedding on Diaini Beach, Kenya, followed a day later by a visit to the local
bush bar. Four of us Brits and about 15 of the hotel staff....and somehow
we drank the bar dry! Not bad when you consider that we only spent 3000
Kenyan Shillings...which was about twenty six pounds ($45)! And what a place
to get married...especially as it was my 50th birthday. Will definitely
return.
Dickie Thompson
Norwich, England Thu 12/04/2003
Magic Moments
During our Rick Steves Best of London tour, we got to see Queen Elizabeth
in her horse drawn coach as she traveled the parade route for the opening
of the Parliament. For all of us, it was a truly magnificent, once in a
lifetime experience.
Angela Moore
Bloomington, IL USA Mon 12/01/2003
Magic Moments
Recently I found myself in Vaduz, Litchenstein with an afternoon and evening
to stay. I found a nice outdoor cafe, 3 tables, with an incredible view
of the Swiss Alps. A large group of people, just out of work and thirsty,
filled up 2 of the tables and asked if, they could share mine. Only one
of them spoke english so he sat next to me and translated. They bought several
food items insisting I try them all. Things were going along fine until
a man joined us. I was introduced as Konrad from America. America, he said,
our beer is too strong for you. Challenge made and accepted! After many
hours, and glasses of beer, he recinded his comment!! I had a great time
with these people that would not have happened if, I had not allowed them
to share my table. They also picked up the tab!
Konrad
Sears, MI USA Sun 11/30/2003
Magic Moments
My sister and I took a trip to Spain this past July. Our brother lives outside
of Madrid in a cute little village, Torres de Henerez. One of the stops
during our wanderings was Granada, mainly to tour the Alhambra. The evening
of our arrival, my brother, sister and I set off walking with no apparent
destination to my thinking. They kept telling me they had a surprise in
store. At about 8:30pm we arrived at our destination...an outdoor eating
plaza off of a tiny, quaint street. There was a magnificent structure looming
above this plaza that I couldn't stop looking at. The light of dusk dwindled
and we continued our leisurely meal. A glorious full moon began it's rise
over "the structure". I kept asking what that building was and my sibs claimed
ignorance (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). After it was fully dark at about 10:00pm
the edifice was flooded in rich, perfectly placed floodlights. They enhanced
the architecture perfectly! In case you haven't already guessed, the structure
was the Alhambra itself in all it's Moorish glory!!! I will never forget
the quietly soaring beauty of that night with the moon rising over the Alhambra.
A surprise that will be an everlasting moment of magic for the rest of my
days!
Pam
Littleton, Co USA Mon 11/17/2003
Vernazza Fireworks
In early August this year, after a wonderful weekend wedding in Carimate,
Italy for a friend of mine, my boyfriend and I headed to Vernazza and stayed
in Giuliano's rooms high above the town. Our room neighbors turned out to
be from my home town of Olympia, WA and informed us that there was to be
a fireworks show that night to celebrate the town's saint. Neither we nor
our neighbors ever figured out any more details about the celebration than
that because it appeared the locals tried to keep it somewhat hush hush
from the crush of August tourists. But late that evening we sat on the patio
and watched a dazzling beautiful display of tremendous fireworks light up
the town and reflect off the water. The echo of the explosions through the
canyon were so loud I grabbed my earplugs half way through the show. I have
never seen such a wonderful display and to see it in the tiny magical town
of Vernazza was incredible. After the show I heard a broken English conversation
echo up from the street below. An Italian explained that the celebration
only happens every 5 or 25 years (I swear I heard 25 years, but I can't
believe we were THAT lucky to show up on the one night in 25 years that
it happens). With my handy new digital camera I was able to take some amazing
photos of Vernazza lit up under a sky of fireworks. We had high expectations
of Vernazza from Rick's books, but it truly surpassed anything we could
have imagined!
Mona
Seattle, WA USA Sun 11/16/2003
Spanish Salsa
Learning the salsa at a port olympia club in Barcelona. A cute Spaniard
basically took me under his wing and made it his goal to teach me the salsa
to this wonderful Spanish music. He fully took the lead and before I knew
it, we had an audience around us and I was being spun around like a true
pro! It was a blast...I fell in love with Spain that night.
Victoria
East Greenwich, RI USA Thu 11/13/2003
Rome Moments
Rome in November was the best time with my husband. We were on foot between
buses. We found every fountain in the city. As it was November, it was not
busy. I was spellbound when we came out of the metro and saw the Colosseum
for the first time. We had the best time! We are stationed in Germany and
travel extensively. We are going to Budapest for Thanksgiving next.
Bec
Ramstein, Germany Mon 11/10/2003
Cathedral in Milan
Don't miss the roof of the Cathedral (Duomo) in Milan. Go to the elevator
and purchase your pass which includes the Cathedral museum as Rick suggests.
Walking around on the white marble roof and seeing the intricately carved
statues that you can't see from the ground was a fantastic experience !
Kathy Bruner
Lawrence, Ks USA Sat 11/08/2003
Small world !
I had booked an inexpensive hotel in Florence for it's location and internet
access for guests. My husband had not been aware how often I spoke with
our daughters in Boulder, Col. and L.A., or how important it was to us while
on our trip. We were checking out early one morning and he took off to climb
to the top of the Duomo for one last photo of Florence. I checked us out
of the hotel and the computer was still occupied by the young woman who
was on when I entered the lobby. I politely asked if I could log on just
long enough to see if my daughters had written. I promised not to write.
She said she was California. She noted my "Kansas" windbreaker and I stated
yes, I was from Kansas. I replied that my daughter Katie lived in LA. She
said she lived in West Hollywood, I replied that Katie did as well and worked
for "Theater LA". Her eyes got big and she replied that she had just finished
emailing my daughter in California ! She was traveling with her mother,
and sits on the board for Theatre LA ! What are the chances of that !
Kathy Bruner
Lawrence, Ks USA Sat 11/08/2003
Magic Moments
Magic Moments. Driving along the south of France between Provence and Antibes.
Having a chat with Franco Sala at his restaurant in Civita. Walking through
the museum of San Marco with a guided tour. Seeing Gaudi in Barcelona. Seeing
the Picasso Museum in Antinbes. The boat ride from Santa Margarita and Portofino.
Everytime I wake up and I know I am in Florence, and not going home yet.
Alan Greenhalgh
Manalapan, NJ USA Fri 11/07/2003
Connecting in rural France
This past summer I spent a few days traveling alone in Burgundy, France.
On my way to see a town called Vezelay, I took a detour on impluse to a
tiny village called Quarre les Tombs (an ancient quarry village with mysterious
above ground tombs surrounding the local church). While examining theancient
tombs, an 80-plus year old local man greeted me and asked if I was a visitor
from England. I speak passable French and explained that I am a American,
at which point, he said I must hear his story. With great emotion and day
by detailed personal recollection, he then spoke about D-Day, the liberation
of France by the Allies, and in particular the eventual liberation of this
very village. He showed me where the paratroopers landed outside his town,
and how a monument there marks the 2000 members of the French Resistance
who then rose up and fought alongside the Allies. WIth tears glistening
in his eyes, he then said our nations have a history together that is long
and tres important. Then taking my hand with both of his, he said, 'Nous
sommes bon amis," we are good friends. I echoed in reply, "D'accord. Nous
some bon amis." I was moved to tears by his kindness, and the depth of his
personal experience. I felt like I touched history that day in a way that
I never before experienced. The cathedral in Vezelay was beautiful but the
minutes spent with this dear old man in Quarre les Tombs is a treasure that
I will carry with me forever.
Paul Regan
Chadds Ford, PA USA Thu 11/06/2003
Special Moment in Vernazza
My wife and honeymooned in Italy for two weeks. While staying in Vernazza,
I decided to walk up to the hiking trail in order to get a great view and
photo op of Vernazza. It was pouring rain and the waves were crashing over
the breakwater in the "port.? As I climbed the stairs to get to the Cinque
Terre trail, I came across and elderly man who was trying to carry a chest
of drawers down the steep staircase. I stopped and offered assistance. I
helped him carry the drawers to his house, which is right above the boats
on the town square. He and his wife did not speak a word of English; I did
not speak any Italian. However, they were very forceful about inviting me
into their home thanking me for my assistance and. I sat down at the table
and they served my some lemon liquor and what tasted like a fruitcake. I
shared photos from our trip and they showed me their home and some photo's.
They gave me their name, and address, and invited my wife and me to stay
with them any time we return to Vernazza. This was a very special moment.
It was their way to return my act of kindness. I was expecting to get a
beautiful photo of the town; instead, I got a beautiful memory of friendship
through an act of kindness.
Joe
San Jose, ca USA Wed 11/05/2003
Lights on the Eiffel Tower
Take an evening stroll near the Eiffel Tower about 8 p.m. weekdays or 11
p.m. on weekends. You will see one of the most exciting spectacles in Europe
-- The Tower lit up like a gigantic sparkler. The lights flash and flicker
for about 15 fabulous minutes. In the summer, Parisians bring their picnic
dinners to the park to view the show, and at 11 p.m. even the noisy teenagers
who congregate in the park quiet down to watch. It's a truly magic moment.
Sally B.
Wynnewood, PA USA Sat 11/01/2003
Re: Vicenza
This is for D. in Denver regarding his post on Vicenza. It warmed my heart
to read of your experience here. It's great to see that another American
appreciates the beauty of this city and the surrounding area as much as
I do. If you're ever in Vicenza again, feel free to look me up and my wife
and I will show you more of the area!
Rik
Vicenza, Italy Tue 10/28/2003
Dinner in Berchtesgaden
This last May, my lovely niece visited me in Germany, where I live. It was
her first time in Europe. We went to Berchtesgaden, Germany and stayed in
my favorite B & B. One evening we looked for a place for dinner and sat
on a log table on the outside of a restaurant under a huge canopy. We had
wonderful German Spargel, a deep, rich, dry red wine. While sitting there,
it began to rain softly. We sat snug under the awning, watching the rain
and visiting. It was a magical, relaxed evening. My niece said, "Ahhh, this
is what Europe is about!" And I pleased that she had discovered the true
European life-style. It isn't about rushing and touring...it's about sitting
and enjoying.
Julia
DE Sat 10/25/2003
Salisbury Cathedral
Towards the end of our day in Salisbury England, we wandered into the Salisbury
Cathedral just in time to hear the choir start their rehersal. We were the
only ones in the entire cathedral lit only by candlelight. It was truly
one of the most spectacular moments of my life.
Kristyn McGuigan
CT USA Tue 10/14/2003
Best secret jewel of Paris
Do not miss the Musee Jacquemart Andre in Paris near the Arc di Triomphe
on Haussman Blvd (Metro -Miromesnil). Plan to include tea or lunch in the
magnificient cafe. It's a tucked away mansion. Tour this small lovely museum
residence of privately owned collections including Rembrandts, Boticellis,
and Bellinis, and enjoy the splendid decor. Dine under the Italian masterpiece
ceiling while admiring the tapestries. We were charmed and it was a highlight
of our stay in Paris. Free audioguide. Exquisite gift shop. This experience
allows a glimpse into the life of Parisian aristocracy and welcomes you
to participate. The owners of the collection were generous and the presentation
as well as the collection was left in trust solely for our viewing and pleasure.
Marie
Verona NJ, USA Mon 10/13/2003
Love at first sight at Sacre Coeur
I finally made it to Paris for my first time in May 2001. I was meeting
a good friend of mine the next day so I had a whole Sunday to discover the
city that I had yearned to visit my entire life. I checked into my hostel
about noon but couldn't get to my room until 3 pm. I was sitting in the
lobby, having a smoke and a diet Coke when a very handsome and charming
man asked if he could join me. I knew he was speaking English but his accent
was so strong I had to ask where he was from. He told me that he was from
Essex, England. We ended up walking up to the Sacre Coeur and took pictures
of each other. As we walked up to the top, he asked if he could hold my
bag in his sexy English accent. I think he had me right then.
We cruised around Montmartre all day, having a few beers and just taking
in the beautiful neighborhood. We had our first kiss at the base of the
Sacre Coeur on a little park bench overlooking the entire city with the
Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. He left the next day and we kept
in touch. He ended up flying over to the U.S. 2 weeks later. I flew over
to visit him in England for 2 weeks. He moved here to the U.S. in August
2001. We got married in Nov 2001 and now have an adorable baby boy who
just turned one. I never thought a fairytale romance could ever really
happen, especially to me. There were many factors that led us to meet
each other that wonderful Sunday and I am now a huge believer in fate.
Ailee Farey
Tucson, AZ USA Thu 10/09/2003
Montmartre Magic
My first trip to Paris was sublime. I treasure so many memories, however
one that really stands out is standing in Place du Tertre taking in all
the artists displaying their wares. People were everywhere buying momentos,laughing,snapping
photos, and generally taking it all in. It started to rain so I took off
across the square and headed for Maison Catherine's doorway. I got through
the door just as the rain really started to pour. My family followed and
we ended up having a wonderful warm meal inside while it rained cats & dogs
outside. I'll always remember that Sunday afternoon in Montmartre. We bought
one of their menus to commemorate our visit. It hangs on my kitchen wall.
C Keathley
Clayton, MO USA Mon 10/06/2003
magic moments
Three years ago, on our last day in Italy, the weather cleared enough for
us to go walking late in the afternoon. We climbed up as far as we could
above San Remo, and viewed the town from the churchyard. Descending, we
took a different route(never go back the way we came). It was growing dark,
but we found the hillside neighborhood's back alleys. Windows and doors
were open, families prepared dinner, some sitting on the stone steps outside
their doorway. Peaceful, real, wonderful serendipity.
GTrowbridge
Milford, CT USA Wed 10/01/2003
Wandering near Vicenza
A few years ago I joined my parents in a business trip to Italy. I wanted
to see Palladio's Villa Rotunda, near Vicenza, so my mother and I found
a cab driver to take us from our Padova hotel to the villa. After the tour,
we realized we had no way to get to Vicenza for that evening's dinner! We
ended up walking (not knowing the way and without a map!)the few miles into
town. Along our way, we found other, lesser known, villas also open to the
public. One had murals by Tintorettio which particularly delighted me. Almost
to town and a little hungry, we found a tiny market/diner by the freeway.
The woman working the counter spoke no english, but was so delighted to
have foreign visitors that she spent the next 30 mintues spoiling us with
home made sandwiches and desrts...and insisted we not pay for any of it
(of course we left money on the table)!!! Italy is such an amaing countries,
and little experiences such as this have made me love it even more!
D.
Denver, CO USA Fri 09/26/2003
Yvonne... Nice job on the poem!!
Cherie
Buckley, WA USA Tue 09/23/2003
Rick Steves Rome tour inspires poem
After a one-week Rick Steves tour in Rome last October, with great guides
and tour group and so enamored with this city, I wrote the following poem:
I see Rome bursting into starlight in a canopy of eternal splendors.
I see Rome cloak the star-swept night with its timeless pleasures.
Until the blue violet shadows of dawn awaken me on a distant shore
And my dream,once reality, slips into a passionate
gaze, I ask, where will they meet again..the splendors, the passion and
a far away horizon.
Yvonne Lewis
Houston, Tx USA Sun 09/21/2003
Magic in a laundromat
I find that time spent in the local laundromat can be a pleasant rest from
the road, and sometimes more interesting than the same time spent in some
stuffy museum. It can show you an interesting slice of life as you spent
some time with locals or fellow travellers.
While in London, my nephew and I stopped at a local laundry in the Victoria district to do our washing. The laundry was run by a frumpy, but guardedly friendly, middle-aged Arabic woman who spoke with a strong blue-collar British accent. There was no one else in the place except her and me and my nephew. She helped us find washers and get them started, then we all settled into an uncomfortable silence in the small room. My nephew and I began reading and studying travel brochures to pass the time. The laundry woman was ironing shirts while staring at some tawdry day-time talk show blaring on the ?telly?.
The atmosphere was humid, hot, and heavy with the
scent of laundry detergent from a dozen washers and dryers. The host of
the talk show program was interviewing a mother and daughter who were
experiencing conflict in their relationship because the daughter was working
as a prostitute and the mother did not approve. At one point, the host
asked the daughter to explain what working as a prostitute was like. The
girl said, ?Well, I make a lot of money and have sex with several different
men every day?. The laundry woman suddenly perked up, looked around and
said boldly, ?Bloooody 'ell , I?ve got the wrong job?. Then all three
of us roared with laughter. I?ve already forgotten the names of all the
statues and paintings I saw in the British Museum, but I?ll always remember
the lady in the laundromat.
Larry
Canada Sun 09/14/2003
Fountains of Versailles
After reading about France in Rick Steves books, I knew I wanted to see
Versailles. In the afternoon, we bought tickets to walk through the gardens.
At 3:30 the fountains came on all through the gardens and beautiful music
filled the air. We walked and listened and just stood in awe of the fountains
- water everywhere. An afternoon I will not soon forget.
Doug Hart
Sammamish, WA USA Sat 09/13/2003
Magical stay near Lucerne, Switzerland
There is a restaurant and hotel located in Hergiswil called Hotel Du Lac,
Seestrasse 76, just a short train trip from Lucerne, Switzerland. We enjoyed
staying there on our honeymoon and thought we have to tell Rick about this
place. The food is amazing. The dining room is beautiful. Truly many memorable
moments. There is a view of the lake from most of the windows. It is magical.
Elizabeth Van Sickle
Edmonds, WA USA Sat 09/13/2003
Flushing Issues.....duh!
Armando - I know what you mean! My husband and I were completely confused
about flushing our toilet in Belgium (duh, the tissue box was over the flushing
button)! Hey, we're looking for a doggone handle, okay? The Europeans would
laugh their buns off if they knew how much we stressed over the simplest
stuff! ps. we finally figured it out and laughed ourselves silly!
renee
CO USA Wed 09/10/2003
Toilet
Standing in front of my hotel toilet in Barcelona for 20 minutes trying
to find the handle so I could it.
Armando Diaz
Atlanta, GA USA Wed 09/10/2003
Vernazza
Sitting outside the Blue Marlin in Vernazza, my husband I were joined by
two local men who we recognized from town, but hadn't talked with before.
They spoke no English, we spoke only our few Italian phrases, but somehow
we managed to spend over four hours with them, learning about the town and
their lives. Turns out they are the artists, Antonio Barrani and Marco Masini,
with a studio in town. Definitely go there! We drank wine in their gallery,
saw their private courtyard with the most amazing view, and admired the
garden Antonio had planted with his wife, who we met the next day. Before
we left for home, we bought one of Antonio's paintings portraying the changing,
magical Vernazza -- a great reminder of our new friends!
Kristin Edlund
Bellevue, WA USA Tue 09/09/2003
Scottish humor
I was waiting for my connecting flight to Heathrow at Keflavik Airport in
Iceland when I struck up a conversation with an American family taking the
grandparents for a visit to their home country of Scotland. I had a recording
of Loch Lomond sung by a friend with me, and I shared it with the grandmother.
The woman, impressed with the recording, passed the earphones to her elderly
husband. He kept listening, and listening, until I knew the song was over,
as it was the only song on the CD. His wife must have been thinking the
same thing, so she asked him, "What are you listening to now?" He responded
in his brogue, "Silent Night."
Amanda
Clayton, MO USA Sat 09/06/2003
Magic Moments
Flying from London to Rome August 2001 while waiting for the restroom I
was invited into the cockpit by the flight attendant. She coaxed me by saying "you have got to see the view." We were flying over the Alps and it was
a beautiful and clear day. The co-pilot then gave full detail of the peaks,
their height and common names. This was right before Sept 11th. This will
never happen again. I felt and feel so fortunate to have experienced this.
J. Straw
Walnut Creek, Ca USA Thu 09/04/2003
Romantic Roman Rainstorm
During our trip to Italy, my then boyfriend (now husband) and I went to
a little eatery very close to the Colosseum in Rome. We had noticed the
darkening sky when we went in to eat, but by the time we finished, it was
a full-blown downpour. The streets were filling up rapidly. We started to
head back to the hotel, but didn't have any kind of rain cover, so we decided
to wait it out for a few minutes on a door stoop which we noticed some others
doing. Well, we ended up standing on that stoop for nearly 40 minutes watching
as the rain poured down and the streets filled up with water till it nearly
reached our toes - about 2 feet up from street level. Lightning and thunder
filled the sky over the Colosseum which loomed before us, it was quite a
sight. Very humbling. Then, when the storm finally began to slacken, we
were highly entertained by an older German couple who were making their
way through the flooded streets. The man had his pant legs rolled up and
was trying to carry the woman piggyback - he nearly lost her a couple times,
but they were giggling and having a ball. Made us laugh to watch them. Having
never been in a flash flood before, this was truly an experience I'll not
soon forget.
Laura
Portland, OR USA Thu 09/04/2003
We just returned from visiting friends in Turkey. We had several magic moments but two, in particular stand out.
Our friend, Julide, who is a licensed tour guide in Istanbul, arranged an evening cruise on the Bosphorus for us, along with about 20 other friends and family. It was truly a magical evening that we shared with warm and wonderful people. They opened their hearts to us and we truly felt as though we were part of their circle. I will never forget the multigenerational crowd dancing together with tambourines thumping in time to loud Turkish music (including the catchy Turk Cola commercial) or Grandmother trying to explain to me that everyone was HER family.
The other memory happened because we got on the
road late that day and arrived in Selcuk only two hours before Ephesus
was to close. Julide was not daunted and we went right in for what turned
out to be our private tour. As it turned out, the cruise ships and their
passengers were gone, leaving the four of us to share Ephesus with only
a few other people. Sometimes, faith can be elusive and other times, you
just KNOW. In Ephesus, as the sun set on the still-warm ruins, there was
no denying that we were really in God's incredible country.
Sandra Cassimus
Oklahoma City, OK USA Wed 08/20/2003
I have spent the summer on Northern Spain & it has been great. From
the Atlantic cost to the mountains is about an hour drive. The scenery is
fastic, the food is wonderful and the best thing is most Americans have
not discovered it!!!!!! I have been told that it is the most authentic part
of Spain. This is not the south coast that is filled with Americans & British,
this is the real Spain where you better know some Espan?l! I have had many
magical moments. If you want to see the authentic Spain I suggest Cantabria.
Cities like Laredo & & Castro Urdiales are still they have been for hundred
of years.
JC
Colorado Springs, CO USA Tue 08/19/2003
Just returned from a fantastic two week whirlwind tour of Italy (first
visit)! A highlight was visiting Sicily and seeking out my ancestral roots
in Termini Imeresi. Hired a cab driver in Palermo named Antonino to act
as our guide. This man was a treasure and helped me locate the T.I. city
hall office (visiting many locals and sites along the way- even found the
via named for my family!) A delightful woman in the records office (did
not speak any english) spent more than an hour researching my family history.
Searching through old leather-bound records books (dating back to 1820!)while
precariousy balancing a lit cigarette in her mouth, she located the documented
wedding details of my great-great grandparents. She transcribed notes-all
in Italian of course- for me. She offered to do more research and will hopefully
mail more info my way. It was an amazing experience to actually discover
and see the written history of ones own ancestors as it was recorded so
many generations ago!
Scott
Portland, OR USA Thu 08/14/2003
Thank you for this way of sharing memories. Several years ago my wife
and I were touring England and were at Blenheim Palace not long before closing.
As the tour ended we went into the small chapel. There were only about seven
or eight people there, so we could enjoy the solitude. All of a sudden a
young women, setting on the front row began to sing "Ave Maria." She had
a beautiful voice and the beauty of her voice and the beauty of the song
made for a very spiritual experience and one that will never be forgotten.
Bob
Logan, UT USA Tue 08/12/2003
Magic Moments
In 1999 my husband and I were traveling on our first trip to the Emerald
Isle. We were in Cong (County Mayo) visiting the location where "The Quiet
Man" staring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara was filmed in the 1950s. Wandering
around near the abbey and its forest, we came across a distinguished gentleman
walking his two border collies. Missing our own two dogs, we fussed over
them. The three of us had a long conversation about our canine family members,
and the conversation inevitably turned to our national origins. "Are you
Irish?", he asked. We both answered in the affimative. I added that I was
an O'Connor on my mother's side. The gentleman took two steps back and slowly
bowed to me from the waist. "Do you realize that you are descended from
one of the last kings of Irelend - Rory O'Connor?" He then proceeded to
walk us over to one of the gates of the abbey where an ancient and weathered
image of the king was carved in stone. We left Cong that day with me walking
a foot off the ground!
Joanne Munro
Lakewood, CO USA Mon 08/11/2003
Don't forget to look up in Spain. Storks fly the skies above and you
can see their big nests in trees and the on the top ledges of buildings.
A stork view from the castle window in Segovia is divine. Watch them soar
in for a high nest landing.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA Wed 08/06/2003
Canal Du Midi France
In 1662 Mr Rouquet started the construction of a canal waterway that allow
barge traffic from Bordeaux to The Rhone River (Atlantic to Med) You can
rent boats and cruise this and many other canals in Europe. We went from
Carnon to Homps on a trip we will never forget. My wife and I rented a boat
for one week for 600$. This was during off season in March. The weather
can be tricky in March but we were lucky. We were rewarded with an intimate
and crowdless journey. During the summer it is like a freeway during rush
hour. In the off season 3 couples could share a boat for 60$ a day each.
Beware there are locks (ecluses) that you must navigate through
while others in your party handle the rope work. This would be great for
teenagers wanting to keep busy. You ride your boat on a tree lined canal
and for 2 hours a day then you can stay at a camping site or tie off anywhere
and set up camp for the night. The boats have kitchen , dining room, beds,
showers, etc.. From your boat you can bike into small french villages and
have your bottle of wine refilled while you buy a baguette. The canal is
tree lined and spectacular. In the Camargue area it is more desolate as
you sleep with the pink flamingos and herons. A true treat that brings tears
every time I think of it. A great way to spend time with your loved ones.
Check out www.canal-du-midi.org. We used France Passion Pleasance for our
boat.
Cyril
San Francisco, Ca USA Mon 08/04/2003
Taking a wine and cheese break one perfect afternoon at the lovely
Hotel Bonnet -- a Rick Steves suggestion. Drinking the delicious local wine
on the terrace, taking in a breathtaking view of the Dordogne River valley
and the dramatic Beynac castle above us. My first taste of true roquefort
cheese. Truly delicious! Beynac at night is also most spectacular. We fell
asleep to the sounds of the babbling brook which runs behind the hotel,
and watched the swallows swoop dramatically by our window in the morning.
Beynac is a truly magical place.
Nancy Wipper
St. Paul, MN USA Sat 08/02/2003
Just returned from London (July, 2003)and had an exciting end to a
terrific trip. While going through the security checkpoint at Gatwick, the
newly-crowned British Open champ, an American, Ben Curtis was right ahead
of us in line clutching the Claret Jug as if he never wanted to let it go.
We congratulated him on his victory, told him we were going to the PGA Championship
and asked if he would mind obliging us for a photo. He nicely agreed and
it was an exciting end to an exciting trip.
Laurie Seier
Williamsville, NY USA Sat 07/26/2003
On our recent first trip to Europe, we planned to eat our way across the continent--which we did, and still managed to lose a couple of pounds from all the walking we did. Tired feet brought on the loveliest treat of the trip. After a morning and early afternoon of museum exploring in Paris, we headed out on the train to see Versailles, thinking that the crowds should be getting smaller that time of day. A good sign right away was that more people were heading back to the train station than were heading for the palace. After touring the magnificent apartments, we headed out to see the gardens.
As much as we love flowers and gardening, we could see that we didn't
really have the energy left to walk all around the huge area there and
see all we wanted to see. Then we spotted the horse-drawn carriages. Since
we hadn't spent as much money in England as we had budgeted, we decided
we could splurge on a carriage ride. There were several offered from 45
euros up to 120 euros, but we decided just to go the 45-euro route. The
woman who was in charge then told us that since it was nearing the end
of the day, and they weren't all that busy, that if we were willing to
pay 50 euros, we could get most of the 120-euro route. It was absolutely
wonderful. We got to see so much, and our driver Cindy was extremely nice,
and we got envious looks from a lot of weary walkers as well as lots of
people snapping our picture as we rode by. A real magic moment! We got
dropped off at the gate where the horses headed off back to their barn.
All we had to do was walk back up the hill with rested feet, enjoying
the flower beds as we went.
Kent Stork
Fremont, NE USA Mon 07/21/2003
While traveling with my favorite tour company, we voted and made a
tiny detour. Our bus rolled tightly into a tiny sicilian village where one
of our fellow travelers was born. He left over 50 years before and had never
been back. The faces on the locals were enough to make the trip, but it
got even better. Crowds of children and old people began spilling out of
doors and alleys cheering and waving. We were a bus full of teary eyed Americans.As
we slowly crept through town our eyes were all on our sicilian american
friend. He peered out the window taking in everything he could. "I remember
that fountain! " he cried out. Tears of joy I have never seen before or
since. We all cried and laughed. We stopped for a moment and all got out.
The people were fantastic. We shopped a bit and were given food and odd
little items as souveniers (not being a tourist stop they gave what they
had). When a very old man was told who our friend was he began to shake
and cry. Listening to his old memories of the little boy was a gift to all
of us. Our friend's Sicilian began flooding back. We all made new friends
that day. Thankfully we were due to spend 2 nights nearby in Palermo. Villagers
came into the city those evenings. We all ate and laughed and were shown
a wonderful time. Leaving Sicily is always a sad time, watching as it falls
below the horizon from the back of the overnight ferry. But not usually
this sad. It certainly cemented our group relationship. We truly felt like
one big Sicilian family recounting our family reunion.
D
FL USA Sat 07/19/2003
Christmas Eve in Vienna
I am enchanted that you have a wall to share magic moments. My all-time
favorite of many is the memory of standing on the front steps of a cathedral
in Vienna on Christmas eve, singing Christmas carols with my friend. Smiling
as we looked away from each other and into the dark sky, we were both astonished
to see enormous snow flakes begin to fall. We stood and sang in the covered
alcove as a blanket of white hushed the city. It was a magical night! And,
kudos to the Vienna snow crew (they even had snow blades on Jeeps, moving
down the sidewalks!) who had the whole thing "cleaned up" by noon the next
day!
Deb
citizen of the world, USA Fri 07/18/2003
Beautiful Scotland Memory
Oh the hill just outside the walls of the Stirling Castle in Scotland, a
local pipe and drum band gave a free evening concert recently. Me and my
sweetie enjoying the beautiful weather, georgeous scenery, and awe-inspiring
music...it just doesn't get any better than that!
Renee
CO USA Fri 07/11/2003
Anniversay in Provence
My wife and I just completed a 3 week trip to Europe to celebrate our 25th
wedding anniversary. On our last night, in Vaison la Romaine in Provence,
we had dinner in one of Rick's recommended restaurants (name escapes me
right now). When the dessert of chocolate mousse arrived, I set it in the
middle of the table and wished my wife a happy anniversary, which brought
tears to both of our eyes.
Mark
Columbus, Oh USA Fri 07/11/2003
Magic near Gatwick
The last night of our stay in England we booked a room at a hotel at Gatwick
since our flight left early the next morning. The desk clerk steered us
to a pub within walking distance of the hotel for dinner. It was literally
through the graveyard of an 18th century parish church. After a wonderful
meal we walked back in the dusk through the graveyard with the old tilted,
lichen covered stones and the Bell ringers of the church began rehearsing.
Through the windows of the church we could see men and women sitting and
pulling the 6 bells of the church as the music swelled over the graveyard.
Truely a lasting memory, and all within 10 minutes walk of the typical airport
hotels... The pub was called the Ye Old Inn of Six Bells. There are magic
places everywhere - even next to the airport!
Sharon
co USA Wed 07/09/2003
Take time to enjoy
Take a day and spend time in Salisbury, England. Stonehenge is not something
to miss. You must go to Versailles on a Sunday to see the fountains, Notre
Dame to hear the bells. In Switzerland drive into the heart of the Alps
and just take it in. The best moments are the ones where you actually stop
and soak in where you are. Sitting at a cafe in Paris may be ordinary for
Parisians but it is a way for us to really feel the culture.
K. Candullo
Ridgefield, CT USA Mon 07/07/2003
Awesome Eiffel.
On my last night in Paris before returning home after a wonderful month
in Europe, I was returning to my hotel near the Eiffel tower. I got off
the metro at Ecole Militaire and found myself looking down the length of
the Parc de Champ de Mar at the Eiffel tower, which of course was spectacularly
illuminated. Since I had arrived in Paris five days earlier, there had been
festivities for a soccer championship, and the Parc de Champs de Mars had
been fenced off for private parties. Now the fences and party tents were
gone. It was almost midnight, it was dead calm, the grass was wet from a
recent rainshower and the Parc was absolutely deserted except for a small
group of teenagers huddled in one corner, quietly singing and playing guitar.
I hopped the curb and slowly, slowly walked directly up the middle of the
Parc - all the time staring up in awe at the glowing golden tower. I felt
like I was the only person in Paris and the Eiffel Tower belonged only to
me.
Larry
Canada Thu 07/03/2003
Magic Moment
We just returned from our very first trip abroad (at age 40!)to England
and had many magical, dream-come-true moments, but one sticks out in my
mind over all the rest. Having never been in a cathedral, we were more than
awed as we toured Wells Cathedral, near Bath. We rounded one corner and
ducked through an unassuming doorway to find ourselves at the foot of a
mysterious staircase. No one was around, so were weren't sure we were supposed
to be there, but we decided to explore anyway. Halfway up, the stairs veered
off to the right and opened into what we discovered was the chapter house,
a domed meeting room. We were alone and so my husband, who is the worship
leader at our church, began to quietly sing and worship. The accoustics
in the room were amazing and his voice just filled the place and my heart!
We had a good 5 minutes of private worship before anyone else came in and
it was heavenly! Evensong wasn't bad either!
Glenna
Othello, WA USA Thu 07/03/2003
Aran Islands
Biking along the coast from the harbor to Dun Angus on Inishmore of the
Aran Islands in Ireland (stopping once in a while to look inside a crumbling
stone house on the side of the road, or wander through a graveyard), then
sitting on the edge of the cliffs with the waves crashing below and ancient
stone walls encircling us...very, very awesome.
Elizabeth
Brussels, BE Thu 07/03/2003
Back Yard Vernazza
I think that this is a really cool site on the bulletin board. While touring
Italy with a band of teenagers we encountered some really cool places which
were totally unexpected, like the back side of the Duomo in Fiorenza for
a totally unscheduled jazz vertuosso. We danced till the roosters crowed!But
on a more somber note, the chapel in Vernazza was a totally unexpected feature.
The teenagers loved Vernazza for it's nightlife, it's vitality, and it's
scent of modern Italy at play. What we found,in the chapel on the waterfront
was quite unexpected.Vernazza was a fishing community before it was a tourist
attraction, and the history was palpable. Ghosts of mariners lost tapped
us on the shoulder as we lit a candle in the in the refectory for our dearly
departed.Honest. We didn't feel as close to God in St. Peter's Basilica.
Best Wishes and Great Travels, Todd and Deb Fowler
Toddrod
Athens, Ga USA Wed 07/02/2003
magical moments
Make them your own! But they are not mine. Shared through enless space and
time, your's or mine, all are devine. To share sunsets and sunrises,amid
first times. Creates mystic that's precious and magical moments that's timeless.
Don
San Antonio, TX USA Tue 07/01/2003
"keepin it real"
one of the most amusing moments was a conversation i heard on a train from
amsterdam to bern. a young black american man talking to a white middle-aged
german man about politics. the american said, there's a saying we have it's
called "keepin' it real" and he tried to explain the saying to the german
man. the german then kept refering back to the saying as "having it real" later in that very long ride the american over heard us talking about needing
a place to stay in bern. he called up one of his friends in switzerland
and had him look up a place for us. how nice was that, now that's 'keepin
it real"
amanda
boulder, co USA Tue 07/01/2003
Prado Artwork
My husband and I returned to Spain earlier this month, this time with our
3 teenagers. My son who will leave for art school in August stood and sketched
Goya's bust in the Prado as onlookers stole glimpses of his work! Now that's
something I will never forget.
Stella Rodery
League City, TX USA Mon 06/30/2003
4th of July
We were up in the Eiffel Tower on the 4th of July 2002. My kids were grumbling
that they were missing the fun back home, when all of a sudden, the wind
whipped up and the sky darkened and there were amazing lightening bolts
everywhere. We stood in awe and then thought about being in a metal structure
in a flat country in a storm. We made our way back to the hotel in the rain.
My kids still talk about the fantastic 4th in Paris.
robin
BI, Wa USA Sat 06/28/2003
Magic Moments
My magic moment happened when I was in bed in Tunisia. It was in the middle
of a sultry evening. The window in the bedroom was floor to ceiling in length
and covered in sheer white panels. In the middle of the night I awoke to
the sound of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer. This is such a
remarkable and foreign sound that I went to the window to listen while the
breeze softly blew in the scent of jasmine as the sheer white panels gently
danced. Honestly, I felt like Scheherazade.
Pam
Portland, OR USA Fri 06/27/2003
Guernica
I had an experience of awe the day I saw Pablo Picasso's Guernica at the
Reina Sofia art museum in Madrid last summer. I have seen representations
of this work countless times in Spanish texbooks, Art History books, even
World History books, but when I stood in front of it that afternoon, and
saw it in the flesh--saw how massive and intense and and horrifying and
beautiful it was all at once, something struck a chord deep inside of me.
My eyes stung, and for a brief moment, the impressive Guernica before me
became a blur.
Chantell
Montgomery, AL USA Thu 06/26/2003
magic moments
Throughout our three week trip I became very fond of the church bells ringing
on the quarter hour, but the most special moment was a wonderful ten minute
church bell concert in Castelrotto, on Sunday evening. Whenever I hear a
church bell now it takes me back to that wonderful musical moment with the
sun setting behind the beautiful mountains visible from our window.
Dianne
San Antonio, TX USA Wed 06/25/2003
Laundomat in Bern
If in Bern, Switzerland and needing a laundromat, take the #20 bus east
from the hauptbahnhof to the Lorraine stop. The "Jet Wash" (Dammweg 43)
is in the next block, across the street. No change machine, but sign says
change available from the restaurant next door. Wash - SF8, dry - SF4 (includes
free use of after-wash centrifuge). If it's Sunday, you'll find the restaurant
closed, but thanks to another laudromat patron, a man from northern Spain,
I learned that I could get change from a nearby Italian restaurant that
was open on Sunday. They weren't overly anxious to give change, but I had
an orange juice and a coffee and that seemed to help. Seemed very natural
to say 'Ciao' as I left to walk back to the laudromat.
Dick
Lakewood, CO USA Wed 06/25/2003
Talking with others
Besides striking up conversations with Germans on my trip, I would usually
inquire about home state or city when I encountered Americans. I was walking
on the shady path between the Reichstag and Brandenberg Gate in Berlin when
I passed a family sitting on one of the benches along the path. I heard
the teen-aged son speaking in English, so I blurted out "Where' you from?".
To my complete surprise, the smiling father shot back "Berlin!". After recoving
my composure, I said in my fractured German, 'The son spoke English'. The
father, maybe a little confused at my comments up to that point, replied
with 'Alles klar', the German phrase meaning 'everything is clear' similar
to the US 'oh, I get it...'. At that point we both smiled and I realized
that I just had a 20 second European moment that I would remember for a
lifetime.
Dick
Lakewood, CO USA Wed 06/25/2003
Neuschwanstein
I literally felt like I was a king viewing my medieval kingdom when I first
caught a glimpse of Neuschwanstein and the valley below from the Marienbrucke
bridge. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This place is SO worth the
trip.
Devin
Alexandria, VA USA Mon 06/23/2003
Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Wall, Rome
On the day our tour ended in Rome, we took the metro to St. Paul's Outside
the Wall. While we walked around the basilica in awe, I remembered a comment
in the tour book which said the church was like heaven...and then came the
angels. A German tour group stopped in the middle of the church and formed
themelves into a choir complete with their back-packed choir master leading
them. They sang three hymns in Latin as we just sat and listened. I offered
a teary-eyed "grazie"; and they turned back into tourists like the rest
of us, looking at the beautiful church.
Susan
Northport, NY USA Thu 06/19/2003
Musical Magic in Salzburg
Of a month long European vacation in Sept 2002, one of my most memorable,
magical days was spent in Salzburg. The morning spent on the Sound of Music
tour, where the breathtaking scenery of the Austrian countryside, accompanied
by the music played on the tour bus was fabulous! Followed by an evening
attending a Mozart/Strauss Concerto held at the ages-old Fortress atop the
hill overlooking the city of Salzburg... the atmosphere in that old Fortress
was amazing. Not just this day, but the entire trip was an absolute dream
come true. I cannot wait to return!
Cherie
Buckley, WA USA Wed 06/18/2003
Magical UK
As with many people, some of my most magical moments are in association
with my first trip to Europe. My first European trip was several months
after 9/11, a trip I had booked because I strongly felt that I needed to
travel and to become more of a world citizen. The many kindnesses and warm-heartedness
of all we encountered was very much appreciated. One moment that sticks
out in my mind aside from that was at the end of our long train ride from
London to Edinburgh. Our train arrived shortly after sunset, and our cabbie
took us down Princes Street on the way to our rental car company. Seeing
Castle Hill lit up against a dying sunset was perhaps one of the most magical
moments in my history--like a fairy tale. I just returned from my most recent
trip, on which I used Icelandair. We had a short layover in Reykjavik, and
the take-off and landing in a crystal-clear, freshly rained-upon Iceland,
with miles of lava fields interrupted by occasional volcanoes, was almost
surreal. I am definitely taking Icelandair from now on, because of the customer
service, the nice break in an otherwise long flight, and the quite welcome
stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way back--much needed after walking around
in London for several days. I was relaxed all the way back to the States.
This trip was my brother's first big trip anywhere, and I was so glad to
have shared it with him. He is 18, and his girlfriend is 17, and the dinner
we had at a Greek restaurant in Bayswater, London, was priceless. They are
from a remote, small town, so I ordered for them, and they were delighted
when the waitor (very, very Greek) asked what kind of wine they wanted.
Trying all of the traditional Mediterranean appetizers was so much fun for
them (Santorini's, I think on Moscow Road near Queensway). As much fun as
they were, though, I think the moment I cherish most was spending a misty
evening to myself on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. I found a pier jutting
out into the Loch, went out with a drink, a camera, and a CD of an old friend
(now at Juilliard) singing the traditional song. Not the first time I had
been there, but definitely the best. The best moment in all my travels,
though, was actually over the middle of the Atlantic watching the sun rise
over a heavy cloud cover while listening to a William Harris's "Faire Is
the Heaven," recorded when I was in college. I forgot I was on a plane...
Amanda
Clayton, MO USA Sat 06/14/2003
Dolphins Cinque Terre
Seeing dolphins jumping off the coast of Monterosso! We went on a 'sunset
cruise' with seemingly grumpy but warmhearted captain Fabio and not only
saw the gorgeous sunset but also had dolphins accompany us along the way!
We booked through www.fishnet.it and it really made our stay there special.
Debbie Flores
scottsdale, az USA Fri 06/13/2003
Faith, family, culture in Sevilla
One of the most inspirational and magical moments of our recent two week
trip to Spain was the cultural atmosphere of Sevilla. Not only does Sevilla
have charm, tapas bars and flamenco dancing; it also is the heart of religious
culture. The many parades, festivals and worship events for Mary, the mother
of Jesus were spectacular. Locals on the streets where nightly parades and
festivals took place would break down in prayer and offer worship in the
streets. As a catholic from America, my faith was rejuvenated!
Pamela Reeder
Tampa, Fl USA Sun 06/08/2003
Amilie Fans
In the movie Amilie, Nino goes around collecting disgarded photos from the
photo-booths. Well, it's easy! I found 10 photos in 10 days, including the
photo of the maintenance technician! My son and I also had our photos made
to start our collection.
Robert Durvin
Clearwater, FL USA Sun 06/08/2003
Orvieto at sunset
Our magic moment was on the 1st night in Italy- we had arrived in Rome,
barely made the train, and spent an hour searching for our hotel in Orvieto.
We were tired, our feet hurt, and we had no idea how this trip was going
to work out. As we sat at a small restaurant on the piazza having our first
dinner in Italy with the sun just setting behind the bell tower, a choir
began to sing (it was Sunday night). From that point on, I never wondered
if I'd have a good trip. Sunset, great food, a Tuscan hill town- and a church
choir. La Dolce Vita, indeed!
Tom Burrell
Minneapolis, MN USA Sun 06/01/2003
Piazzale with a View
While visiting Florence last March, our chartered coach took us to the Piazzale
Michelangelo, across the Arno river and with a magnificent view of the bridges
across the Arno, a golden ribbon bathed in the warm glow of a late afternoon
sun which gilded the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. I squinted my eyes and
had visions of a Turner sunset or one of the Dutch masters painting of Haarlem
and Bavokerk. It was the kind of scenery to inspire the poet and artist
in all of us.
dennis
Santa Rosa, CA USA Thu 05/29/2003
Westminster Abbey
By chance, Palm Sunday Service at Westminster Abbey - front row seating!
Ron
Clarendon Hills, IL USA Thu 05/22/2003
Magical Beynac
My husband and I spent 7 weeks in Europe in the Spring of 2001. My most
favorite Magical Moment was an inpromptu gathering on the veranda of our
B&B in the heart of the Dordogne in Beynac, France. Our hosts, Francoise
and Jean-Claude, brought out a bottle of wine, while we and our fellow travelers
contributed fois gras and other goodies we had purchased earlier that day
at Sarlat's Market. We stayed up late into the night sharing stories about
our home, families, cultural differences, you name it. Beynac is a magical
city. From this veranda (and our room at the B&B), three medival castles
were in full view, scattered along the hill tops creating a breathtaking
view.
Julie Thurston
Durham, NC USA Thu 05/22/2003
Granada
Arrived in granada on recent trip and there was a local festival on. Sat
on the square BiB-Rambla and had refreshements and great food while watching
the local folks all dressed in colourful costumes parade by. there was also
local dancing and music happening on the square.
werner
Vancouver, CANADA Tue 05/20/2003
Magic Moments
In 1998 I went to Austria for the first time, to visit my father's cousins.
They took me everywhere, and then one day to St. Margaretten in the Rosenthal
Valley of southern Austria. As you leave Klagenfurt, you come to a hill,
and there the valley lies spread out before you, all green and glowing in
the sun (Rosenthal is Slovenian for "Green Valley"). The drive through the
valley was lovely, but when we got to St. Margaretten and stopped to look
around, the moment was indeed magical. I saw where my father had been born--not
the same house, but the same water pump was there as in an old family photo.
The hills of the valley rise behind the village and you can look in 3 directions
and see nothing but rolling countryside and neat villages--all with red
tile roofs. A somewhat ironical moment joined the "magic moment" when my
father's cousin pointed in several directions and said, "Your great-grandfather
owned that and that and that, but he lost it all in gambling!" I wonder
if my grandmother would have consented to leave this beautiful spot for
America had her father still owned half the village!
Hilde
Old Bridge, NJ USA Sat 05/17/2003
Ullswater
One of my fondest memories is from my first trip to England. I had been
reading alot of English literature for a year prior to my trip. We were
in Ullswater in the Lake District; a heavy rain had just ended, so I decided
to go for a walk. A small lane along side a churning stream lead up to a
emerald green hillside with sheep scattered about. I turned and saw the
most beautiful sun streamed view of the village & lake below. It was just
like so many scenes described in the books I had read. Simply lovely
Sam Oxford
Clayton, MO USA Fri 05/16/2003
Room With A View
My 1st trip to Italy, I traveled solo. When I arrived at my hotel, they
informed me that there had been a plumbing leak and they would have to move
me across the street to another hotel. I decided to relax & go with the
flow. The owner's son lead me to the small budget hotel, upon entering I
was greeted by an older Italian woman. She began to smile and speak to me
in Italian, took my hand and lead me down the hall to my room. The door
opened to a small, plain, and yet very clean room that offered a large shuttered
window. She very happily strolled over to the window and threw the shutters
open to reveal a wonderful view of the Duomo. To my delight, I had my very
own "Room With A View".
C Keathley
St. Louis, MO USA Fri 05/16/2003
Volendam, Netherlands
My mother finally convinced me that I would love Europe. I've never traveled
outside of New England, let alone to a foreign country. She also somehow
convinced me that we didn't need to book a tour, we could do it on our own.
Rick says so! So off we went in May of 1990 for three weeks. It was most
memorable and magical, and the time spent with my Mom on that trip was priceless,
and provides endless memories whenever we reminisce. One of many magical
moments comes to mind, near the end of our trip.
We were in the little fishing village of Volendam, in the Netherlands. We were tired, and scheduled to fly home the next day. My mother felt she should go to church, and asked our B&B host when the next Mass was. He told us 11 am and where the church was. We found it easily and, as we still had a few hours to wait, wandered around the village. Soon we heard the church bells ringing although it was not yet 11. My mother, afraid to miss Mass, insisted that we go back to the church; we must have gotten the time wrong. Sure enough, as we neared the church, we saw people heading in, many in their Sunday finery and a few in traditional Dutch dress. We sat in the back, admiring the interior, and waited for Mass to begin. When it did, the organ in the balcony began to play "Pomp and Circumstance," and from the rear of the church, a bride and groom made their way to the alter. We were attending a Dutch wedding! We didn't know if we should leave or stay. It was so beautiful, and we weren't getting any negative "vibes" from anyone, so we stayed and attended a wedding ceremony in Dutch. Truly magical.
We think of that couple every year on their annversary,
whoever they may be. My mother was also right. I love Europe!
Diane Marion
Union, ME USA Thu 05/08/2003
Music in St. Chapelle
Listening to a quartet playing chamber music in St. Chapelle in Paris.
Margi
St. Paul, MN USA Wed 05/07/2003
Early Morning, Mont St. Michel, France
We arrived late in the evening after driving around the coast from Carnac
with dinner in Dinan. As we walked up the causeway to the island, the kids
could not believe we were staying THERE. Early in the morning, I got up
and walked up the battlements to the top of the island, all alone as the
tide came in, treasuring each step and view. After breakfeast we toured
an almost empty abbey. The contrast was even greater as the tour buses arrived
as we left.
Don
Issaquah, WA USA Sun 05/04/2003
Paradore in Ronda, Spain
My husband and I made our first independent trip (without a group) to Spain
a few years ago. We spent 17 days driving through Andalusia, including two
nights in Ronda. We had a gorgeous corner room at the Paradore in Ronda,
with two balconies: one looking straight down at the gorge and bridge, and
the other facing the sweeping plain below. Since it was warm, we left the
french doors open while we slept. I woke up at 3:00 am and saw a full moon
centered in the doorway, spilling light over our beds and the valley below.
It was breathtaking . . . and very magical. I woke my husband up so he could
share the moment. It was like something out of a movie, and a highlight
of our trip.
Beth
MI USA Fri 05/02/2003
Magic Moments
It has been 13 years since this magical moment, but I still cherish the
memory. On a ETBD tour, having walked the wall in Rothenburg, Germany, early
in the morning, two of us decided to hike down to the little village below.
After looking at the carefully tended graves and having a nice conversation
with two women who were tending the garden space, we decided to visit the
little chapel. As we sat there, enjoying the peace and quiet, in came another
group. Suddenly they got to their feet and burst into song. How thrilling
it was to hear "Ein Feste Burg" in German!
Evie Hutton
Shoreline, WA USA Wed 04/30/2003
Magic Moment
When Celeste of Hotel Tavolozza in Positano, Italy, first showed us to our
room, she threw open the doors to our terrace overlooking the sea. We could
tell she wanted to share this beauty with us and was so proud to be able
to do so. For us, of course, it was a definite magic moment that we'll remember
always!
Deb Fritsch
Madison, Wisconsin USA Sun 04/27/2003
Roots
After finding the building where my great grandmother was born in the Czech
Republic, and chills going up and down my spine, we realized the pensione
we had stayed at was literally one block away. Was it a coincidence that
we picked it out of the book at the train info office?
Bob and Ingrid Krajicek
New Paltz, NY USA Sat 04/26/2003
Venice Again
The previous Venice post reminded me of when I stepped out of the same train
station and was confronted with the spectacle of the Grand Canal. I had
to stare at it for a minute and think, "Wow, it's REAL!" You can see something
on TV or in pictures a zillion times, but nothing compares to the thrill
and surreality of actually standing in front of it. The first time I saw
the Eiffel Tower, stood in Red Square, and saw my family's Scottish ancestral
home, I got chills.
Charles Buchanan
Birmingham, AL USA Thu 04/17/2003
Venice
When we stepped out of the train station in Venice, I gasped and said "oh
my god, it's like Disneyland!" The funny thing is that I don't remember
saying it. We were there for a week, with the first two days being the final
days of Carnival. If you have the chance to see this event, don't miss it.
We left Venice early on a Sunday, did not know the vaparetto schedule would
be different, rushed to a different stop, and prayed that we wouldn't miss
our train. It was a beautiful morning, my long hair was wet from the late
shower, it was flying all over the place while the boat glided toward the
train station, and I cried at having to leave this place.
Cheryl Bisceglia
seattle, wa USA Sat 04/05/2003
Ile de Poquerolles, Provence
Our family's perfect moment was in the Ile de Poquerolles, a small island
off the coast of Provence. You reach it by ferry from Hyeres and there are
no cars on the island. You can hike or bike to beaches reminiscent of the
Caribbean with clear warm water and fish swimming with you on sandy beaches.
We had finished our picnic on the sand with all our water and just as my
daughters began to plead for drinks (the nearest store was 2 miles away),
along came two Frenchmen pulling "The Soda Boat," stocked with chilled drinks
and close enough to shore for us to wade out and buy them. Another day,
an "Ice Cream Boat" came by. The contrast with my youthful days at Manhattan
Beach, Brooklyn, and boys selling "Fudgy wudgy ice cream" was noticable.
Lisa Sorrento
brookville, NY USA Sat 04/05/2003
Magic Moments
We often go to Amsterdam and rent an apartment. This actually costs less
than renting a good quailty room and you get to live where other people
really live. From here we go on shorter trips, usually just overnight to
other countries. While on one of these trips I read the fine print on my
train ticket (I love the trains in Northern Europe).
I noticed that if you paid just a few Euro with your ticket, you could get a bike at a big discount. We had planned on visiting Maarden and Muiderberg on bikes. We bought the ticket and took the train to Bussum, then got our bikes at the train station. I don't do so well in traffic but there is a bike path almost the entire trip. We were traveling on the bike path, looking at the nice farm houses between Narden and Muiderberg, when nature called. No bathrooms in the countryside, so I went toward a copse of trees off the road.
I noticed what looked like an old dike up a tiny
hill. We wandered around a bit, looking at how the rocks were cut and
such. I wandered a bit futher and saw the most wonderful thing. We were
on the vast, inland sea, the old Zuider Zee I think. There was a perfect,
isolated beach with two swans floating by. It was very joyous and ever
so romantic. We later heard an old song called "The Banks of the Zuider
Zee" and felt it was written just for us. I hope you all get to see this
wonderful place and experience that feeling as well. The castle at Muiderberg
is wonderful and very off the beaten path.
Planet Bubbles
Eugene, OR USA Thu 04/03/2003
Great London walk
At night, the wide walkway along the south bank of the Thames between Tower
Bridge and Parliament affords a marvelous view of all those famous London
sights, illuminated and reflected in the river. It was a couple of miles
but well worth the sore feet. If a 60ish geezer like me can handle it, surely
you can. A cabbie said not to stray into the neighborhoods south of the
river at night, though. Maybe he was trying to drum up business, but I went
back to the hotel on the bus anyway.
Henry
La Crosse, WI USA Sun 03/30/2003
Swiss magic
A truly magical moment occurred high in the Swiss Alps in the tiny village
of Beatenberg. We were celebrating my parents' birthdays and had just finished
our cake. As we wandered down the mountain path, we were greeted by an impromptu
yodelling practice. Four men gave us a private concert as we enjoyed the
views of the mountains and the lake valley below. It doesn't get more Swiss
than that!!
Tricia
Langley, BC Canada Wed 03/26/2003
Peace by the Seine
My husband and I visited Paris last April. From our hotel across the Seine
from the Louvre, I looked out the window to savor the view. Leaning one
way, I could see Notre Dame. Looking the other way, I could see the Pont
Royal. I went out to wander while my husband napped. I checked out a art
nouveau metro stop, and wandered along St. Germaine Ave, by the Musee D'Orsay.
On a side street I found a little tiny sandwich shop, where I bought an
excellent hot chicken sandwich. I headed to the Pont du Carousel, and then
down the steps to the riverside, where I had a lovely lunch watching the
boats go by on the river and the lovers go by on the path. This view was
like love at first sight. Even a year later, whenever I look at the Seine
photo on my computer, I feel peace.
Janice L. Killingbeck
Saginaw, MI USA Wed 03/26/2003
50th anniversary of D-Day
Visiting the American Cemetary overlooking Omaha Beach is a magical moment
no matter what. But my husband and I were lucky enough to be there for the
ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The weather
was grey and gloomy, but as President Clinton was speaking, the sun broke
through, the sky cleared and turned bright blue--it really did seem like
magic. Later, wandering among the graves (so many, so young) we spoke with
a Catholic priest who, with tears in his eyes, shared his D-Day experience
with us. He came ashore on Omaha Beach, his buddies all around him dying.
His experience then and later struggling with the question of why them and
not me were what led him to the priesthood. We both hugged him in gratitude
for his service for freedom and for his willingness to share this with us.
Mary Rankin
San Anselmo, CA USA Thu 03/20/2003
Feste!
I just returned from Rome and Sorrento. On the Sunday night before Ash Wednesday
and the start of Lent we were walking around the narrow streets of Sorrento.
It seemed that the entire town was out for their evening stroll. I began
to notice that children under 10 were dressed in costumes and throwing confetti.
It was cool enough to have coats on and they reminded me of US children
at Halloween. On Tuesday I realized why - it was a "feste" for the "bambini",
like Carnivale. That morning the streets were closed for the parade - each
elementary school had a parade of children, all on the story of Pinocchio!
It was absolutely charming and for a brief moment I felt like I was experiencing
"real" Italy - especially after the hustle of Rome. I would definitely time
another visit to coincide with this event.
Mary
Fort Collins, CO USA Fri 03/14/2003
Spirit of Place
I'll never forget standing at the Calais hovercraft port (years ago, before
the Chunnel) looking across the English Chanel. In the distance I could
see the faint white outline of the chalk cliffs of Southern England. My
relatives left Southern England in 1852, making their way to Utah as Mormon
pioneers. And there I was, the first of their descendents, going back. As
I stood there looking at those cliffs on the horizon I was overcome with
the feeling that I was going home! Home can be where you come from as much
as where you are. I was returning home! I wept openly. If you have traveled
you probably know that there is a spirit of place when you stand at Avebury,
Dachau, Omaha Beach or similar sites. So it was as I stood on the beach
at Calais -- not much in the way of tourism but for me it was a moment that
expresses the essence of travel. I'll never forget it.
Kelly
Kaysville, UT USA Wed 03/12/2003
Enniskerry Waterfall, Ireland
In November 2002 Me and my partner spent two wonderful weeks in Ireland.
It was "off-season" so we had most attractions to ourselves. The waterfall
in Enniskerry turned out to be one of the most spectacular afternoons we
spent in Ireland. Roaring from a morning storm and topped by a rainbow,
a more perfect picture you could not find. We spent hours exploring the
surounding grounds and admiring the majestic waterfall, which seemed to
be putting on a show for us. We spent two enchanting days in the quaint
town of Enniskerry. I think we were the only tourists there!
Mike Wright
philadelphia, PA USA Fri 03/07/2003
Sevastopol, Ukraine
During the evenings in the city's center, all along Primorskiy Boulevard
the people come out and walk around the park next to the Black Sea. The
parks are very dark, and have few street lights. Sunday evenings the elderly
and retired Russians meet in the park, play and sing old Russian folk and
love songs, and dance together. It is a lovely place to be...
Gary
Whitewater, WI USA Sun 02/23/2003
One winter night my daughter and I were stranded with a crowd of others
at a remote train stop. The tracks were impassable, and the large group
complained loudly as we huddled like a herd of cattle in a small wooden
shelter beside the tracks. I gradually became aware that the angry din had
abated and the crowd was all facing the same direction, with smiles on their
faces. There was my daughter on her knees on a bench, delightedly singing
and drawing pictures in the frost on the window!
Carol
CA USA Thu 02/20/2003
Italian Customs
Magical moments always creates an especially enjoyable mood as I refect
back on our first few weeks living in an Naples area apartment with mostly
Italian families as neighbors. Like the first of many times when our 2-year
old daughter with blonde cury hair and blue eyes would became the center
of attention among 2 or 3 elderly Italian women (strangers) who wanted to
stroke her hair or pinch her checks. But Italians as we know tend to became
excited especially at a child's smile and would pinch too hard. We never
found a good solution, although it created an enjoyable memory.
Or the first time my wife and I was driving the busy two-lane road to
reach our house when we had to stop our VW abruptly because these 2 guys
in a small Fiat were watching an attrative woman walk. They would watch
a few moments, then move their car a few feet and watch some more with
whistles and cat-calls while the traffic quickly backed up behind me with
horns blowing. This went on for 4 minutes or so, but seemed much longer!
That was the day my wife decided she would not be driving in Italy--nor
walking alone.
Don
San Antonio, TX USA Wed 02/19/2003
Krakow, Poland
During a visit to Krakow, Poland, I spent an afternoon in Las Wolski forest,
an easy bus ride just outside of the city. There is a large zoo in the center
of the forest where I enjoyed watching the lions, llamas, wolves, monkeys
and many other animals. Afterward, I walked along the marked paths to Kosciuszko
Mound, a cone of earth that rises 150 feet into the air. From there I could
see over the treetops miles in every direction, including Krakow's famous
Wawel Castle.
After descending the path that winds around the mound, I wandered some more along the forest trails -- not seeing another soul, by the way -- and found myself about 45 minutes later at a farm at the edge of the forest. I saw a man corral a herd of cattle into the barn and a woman pulling vegetables from a tiny garden. Turning around to find the path again, I was struck, almost breathless, by the sight of a fortresslike building rising from the trees in the distance. It turned out to be the Camadulensian Monastery.
A brisk walk uphill and I was there. Women are
allowed only on certain days, so I could not enter. But as I lurked outside
the entrance gate, a monk in a long robe pushing a wheelbarrow stopped
and chatted with me. Knowing only a few words of Polish, I stopped him
with my rehearsed phrase, "Nie mowie po polsku" ("I don't speak Polish").
Then to my surprise he asked me, in Italian, whether I spoke Italian.
I took one semester in college so I was able to converse with him on a
very rudimentary level. He was so kind and warm, and the memory of that
blustery March day will stay with me forever.
Tiffini
Orlando, FL USA Tue 02/18/2003
Making an Italian Friend
My mother had come over from the US to live with me in Trento, Italy. She
had spent the afternoon in a wonderful natural history museum and was full
of enthusiasm for the wonderful rock carvings made by Neolithic man in this
museum. She's an artist so she had made sketches. Our friendly Italian landlady
shows up to introduce herself. Mother shows her this wonderful thing she
had seen, and the lady gasps and says 'mia spousa'. It turned out that her
husband was Professor of Archeology at the University of Trento and had
found the carvings and put the display together. She is still a close friend
9 years later.
Don S
London, UK Sun 02/16/2003
Magical moments
Our daughter has lived in France on and off for several years. This has
allowed us to visit France and Europe several times. The most magical moment
came when we sat in the park by the Eiffel Tower watching the sun set, the
people come out to play on the grass and the lights turning on on the tower.
As the sky darkened, the tower was even more beautiful than during the day.
The lights in the park added a charm to the whole scene. It was indeed the
most magical moment of many spent over in Europe
Ken Klomhaus
Evergreen Park, IL USA Sat 02/08/2003
Magico Italia!
My daughter and I just returned from our New Year's in Italy trip where
we wandered from big city to village and found many magical moments. Like
many of the postings, Venice is in the forefront with its stunning vistas,
its tiny campos, its grand facades. But our most magical moment was our
visit to the grocery store?! We had rented a flat for the week and needed
supplies. It was late and cold and rainy. We stood in the long line at the
deli counter, salivating over cheeses and prepared foods and preparing to
ask for our items. When it was our turn we could see in the aging deli-man's
eyes "tourists" but out of my daughter, in perfect 2nd year Italian, came
our order and a few pleasantries. Three nights later, we were back in the
same line. The same deli-man, but the look in his eyes now! I'll never forget
how delighted he seemed to have us back. We were accepted, we were regulars.
How were we tonight? Were we enjoying ourselves? Did we like his store?
We WERE Venetians. At least for a week.
codybrandy
Boston, Ma USA Thu 02/06/2003
Walking in Cornwall
While walking on the Coastal Path in Cornwall, on a very rainy day, our
spirits were greatly enhanced by our companions who were from Germany. One
lady would sing and then remind us that the sun was shining somewhere! It
was a group with great camaraderie and I recommend this special experience
of walking behind the hedgerows, through meadows, small villages, and by
the seaside with an international group.
Nancy Krider
Richmond, VA USA Wed 02/05/2003
Homeward Bound
I awoke to the mechanical crunching of the landing gear dropping down out
of the belly of the plane and the hearty aroma of weak airline coffee. I
craned my neck to peer out the window of the seat directly behind me and
felt as if pure energy had been injected into my veins. Through the small
opening I could see the city; and although I could not feel it at that moment
I knew from the appearance of the sky that it would be cold, Christmas cold.
Memories began to spring up from the recesses of my mind like fast blooming
flowers, inundating my thoughts and clouding my perception with uncanny
persistence. However, the unsettling and yet soothing reality was that the
life I had known for 4 fleeting months would now be no more than a fond
memory. I was home.
Rich Palese
Dobbs Ferry, NY USA Wed 02/05/2003
Magical Moments, St. Malo, France
I have lived in Europe 17 years. There are so many magical moments, someday
I hope to write a book. One of my favorite ones occurred in St. Malo, France.
My two friends arrived later afternoon one day and checked into our hotel
room which over looked the sea wall. The tide was out and the beach was
quite broad. The water's edge was at least 200 meters away from the sea
wall. We hurriedly changed clothes for dinner and went out and walked along
the sea wall toward the old city. We noticed that the beachgoers seemed
to be deserting the sand and we thought that odd. We found a restaurant
and had a quiet, leisurely feast of wine and dinner crepes. We came outside
about two hours later. To our shock the sea was pounding against the sea
wall. It was then we realized why the people were leaving the beach. The
tide comes in twice a day and very quickly. That night we opened our shuttered
window and listened to the pounding of the waves and the sea. It was the
most relaxing, enjoyable rest I have had in years. St. Malo has become one
of my favorite places!
Julia
USA Tue 01/28/2003
Florence Reflections
That afternoon in Florence, there was a moment when the sun shone lazily
down upon the city, a man's voice lifted in hushed melody, and in every
shaft of sunlight I could see the footprints of three thousand years of
history extending down the little street. We were drinking the latest of
our endless bottles of water, American style-con gas, while sitting at a
table in a tiny outdoor caf? notable only for the utter stillness surrounding
it. The Via Vigna Vecchia curled away from the caf? on either side, vanishing
into the hazy light and quiet of a steamy July afternoon. Behind me, a young
man sang to an older woman, a haunting air bespeaking love and loss, the
lovely Italian syllables commingling in the space. I sat in a kind of exhausted
reverence for the moment, and pictured the millions of Florentine citizens
who had walked the city streets before me, and every one seemed to extend
an invitation. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to stay in Florence
forever, discerning its secrets, meeting its past.
Heather Aubert
Villanova, PA USA Sun 01/26/2003
Rome Restaurant
As I saw that restaurant, the one snuggled cozily behind the Piaza de Spagna,
the memories of the year before came flooding over me in a nostalgic wave.
This was the place - Caf? La Rumba. I had dreamed about this place, and
thought about this place for so long - the restaurant where Michael and
I had dined last June.
It was my first true Roman experience. Outside on the patio, we had supped on spaghetti a le vongole, and drank a few too many liters of Chianti. It had taken me practically an hour just to pry the meat out of the shells. Maybe the peacefulness of the scene just distracted me that night. Or maybe the wine had simply distorted my concentration. However, the warm Italian summer air created this utopian feeling, along with the low musical sound of the words emanating from the mouths of the Italian restaurant-goers surrounding us. I never wanted this night to end. By the time we left the restaurant, the wine had blurred my vision so much that Michael practically had to lift me into the cab. That night was the most enjoyable night of my trip to Rome, and one of the most enjoyable nights of my life.
So as I stood in the bright sun of the hot June
day one year later, staring at the restaurant, I barely noticed that my
three impatient friends whined and paced impatiently about me. All of
those feelings swarmed back and took over my immediate reality. I pulled
out my camera and snapped a picture of Cafe La Rumpa, attempting to capture
the moment forever, as if it was not already permanently instilled in
my mind.
Lisa Muzikar
Villanova, PA USA Sun 01/26/2003
Can't wait to go back!!
The two of us went to Europe late August/early September 2002. Here are
some highlights...
Barcelona: Looking for a place to eat dinner, my wife and I couldn't get a table at the restaurant our hotel had recommended. We walked a little further down the block and found exactly the kind of place Rick says to seek -- crowded, noisy, no one speaking English. It was called Tapa Tapa! and we had a great time. We sat at the bar eating tapas and sharing our pitcher of sangria with the people next to us. Another nice gentleman we met there was on holiday from Holland. I can't really give one specific moment, the whole night was fantastic.
Normandy: We booked a room at the Best Western in Caen for the few days we spent in Normandy to visit the Memorial and the American Cemetery/Omaha Beach. We visited the cemetery a few days before the 9/11 anniversary. It was cold and rainy and not very crowded due to the weather. I couldn't stop thinking about the incredible sacrifices that so many people made in WWII so that there would continue to be freedom in the world. I had always appreciated the benefits of living in the USA, but seeing the over 9,000 graves on a cloudy and rainy day was very affecting.
A few days later in Caen, we found ourselves looking for dinner on Sunday evening. We had few options anyway, but decided to try the hotel restaurant. It was the best meal we had the entire 3 weeks we were in Europe!! The food was exquisite and the staff provided wonderful service. We tried some "calvados" for an aperitif and found that it's delicious!! The dinner was even more fun because we could hear the large group of Americans at the table next to us talking about their WWII experiences.
On the road back to Paris: It was getting late
in the day and it was partially overcast. My wife drifted off to sleep
in the passenger seat, leaving me to pilot us back to Paris. After cresting
a hill and rounding a slight curve, I saw it: the most beautiful and gigantic
rainbow I have ever seen in my life. We were out of film at this point,
but I'm sure a photo wouldn't have done it justice. It's one of the most
astounding natural sights I've ever seen in my life and it gave me a wonderful
feeling to behold its beauty.
Mike
Chicago, IL USA Fri 01/24/2003
Spas
I second Amy's comments on Spas. In the US we really don't understand them
(Spas are high priced resorts here) but in Europe they are cheap relaxation.
On our first trip we did not intend to go to Baden-Baden or the Spas, but
on our return to Germany after a wonderful few days in Italy, the Spas saved
the day. We left Cinque Terre early in the morning and suffered the many
delays and problems that was Italian train travel at that time (Late Trains,
missed connections, etc.) We had barely crossed the Swiss-German border
at 8:00 at night when we realized that no way we could make our destination.
Referring to Rick's book, we got off at Baden-Baden and just made it to
a hotel before they shut the doors. After 2 1/2 weeks of travel and a terrible
day, we were tired, cranky, and ready to kill each other. The next day we
had time to kill, so on a lark we decided to hit the Caracalla Therme. Those
few hours gave us the strength to go another week! The pools, the water
jets, the saunas...it has to be experienced to be believed. Also, please,
please, just shed your inhibitions and go up to the saunas...co-ed nudity
will be one of the highlights of your trip. After you see the mix of ages
and body types, you will not feel self conscious or embarassed. I now will
go out of my way to go to a spa.
Paul
USA Fri 01/24/2003
Transylvania Retro Youth Hostel
I just returned from a few weeks trip in Romania. I have to share with you
some things regarding Transylvania, the most beautifull area in entire Romania.
Go to Maramures , to Apuseni Mountains – where I walked hours and
hours through forests, meeting no human beings ! My travel base was at Retro
Hostel in Cluj-Napoca, a great hostel owned by a very nice Romanian couple.
They are located in the historical centre of Cluj and they are very helpful,
recommending me lots of cool places where I have been. They are also organising
day trips to several destinations close to Cluj. Check their web page at
www.retro.ro . If you ll ever stay there , please tell them that Patrick
recommed them to you !
Patrick
Lyon, France Sat 01/18/2003
Ephesus, Turkey.
I was in Ephesus in Turkey on a Sunday morning. The acoustics are great,
and all of a sudden,on the steps way below us at the grand Amphitheatre,
an American tour leader started reading from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians;
just in a normal voice, but we could hear every word distinctly. It made
the hair rise on the back of my neck!!
SJ
Canada Sat 01/11/2003
Magic Moment: Red Square, Moscow
Entering Red Square took my breath away. All I could do was stare around
me in amazement. It was such an emotional experience, that I wept. Thinking
of Russian history, and the relationship between our two countries in the
last century, was hard to grasp in that sudden instant of actually being
there. I'm so happy that I was able to meet, stay with and become friends
with ordinary Russian citizens. It makes the world a much smaller place.
Rachel
Hopkins, MN USA Thu 01/09/2003
Bala, Wales
Visiting the house my ancestors lived in before migrating to the US in 1698...the
current owners speak Welsh as a first language, just like my ancestors did...what
a feeling.
USA Tue 01/07/2003
Indulge in the spas
Every weary traveler in Germany should visit the spas in Baden-Baden Germany.
At the Roman-Irish Bath (Friedrichsbad) where you will have a "mentally
cleansing experience" besides a physical cleansing. As Rick says in the
book, don't miss the sleeping room at the end. I believe it will be the
most serene 30 minutes of your life, it was for me. Also visit the Caracalla
Therme. If you go in the summer you'll have fun outside in the fountains,
and the pool with a current! Inside the building you'll find a staircase
to a second level. Make sure you've removed all your clothing before entering,
it's required! Test out your ability to withstand extreme temperatures in
the various steam rooms. Come out and cool off with a bucket of water dumped
on you. Each one has different sounds, visual effects, scents, and temperatures.
If you're tough like the locals, you'll take the cold plunge. Grab a towel
before heading upstairs, you don't want to burn your heine!
Amy
Arlington Heights, IL USA Tue 01/07/2003