Magic Moments: 2007
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?
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Magic Music
As a songwriter on my 1st trip/tour to Europe with my songwriting partner. To write a song about Dublin, in London & recorded live at our flat in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background is a magic moment that I will never forget. Every time I hear the song it takes me back. I can't wait to go back. You can see the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2iMt-Vav0
Kathy <email>
Anaheim, Ca USA Tue 12/25/2007
Tea in a tiny English Village
My wife and I spent a week homebased in Stratford-upon- Avon England. One day we took a hike to 3 local villages.We lost our way and asked directions from three ladies out walking their dogs. They walked with us to the village of Preston-On- Stour and told us that there was a tea garden attached to the little market in the village. We went into the store and asked if we could have tea. The lady took us out to a small, very tidy garden next to the store where 3 or 4 tables were set up on a lush green lawn, surrounded by beautiful flowers and several chickens in a pen. She brought us tea and scones with delicous jam and clotted cream that was so creamy and rich, like nothing I had ever had before. We were the only ones sitting out in the garden.The village was very quiet and the few people we saw were locals coming to get their mail at the post office that was also in the little village store.we were serenaded by the gentle pecking of the chickens in their metal food bowls. I didnt want to move, even long after we had finished, it was so peaceful and serene. That time was a highlight of our trip for both of us, totally unplanned but a very welcome respite off the beaten track in a "undiscovered" village.
Martin Grabske <email>
Livermore, Ca USA Sun 10/28/2007
Venice Storms are Fun!
My first day in Venice was like a vacation from my travels. With no cars and scooters to dodge I could walk around care-free and at my own pace. I was walking around with a new friend from my hostel and on our way back to our we stumbled on a chocolate shop tucked away in a narrow ally. Which by the way had brownies to die for. It was drizzling through out the day and while we were in the shop it started to storm and the rain came pouring down! Unfortunately I forgot to put my umbrella and poncho in my daybag... we were close to the hostel so we decided to try and make a run for it, but didn't get too far, we found shelter under a shady looking "tunnel" and tried to wait it out. But after I finished my heavenly brownie and the storm getting worse we bolted and ended up taking refuge in a church. We squeezed through a very narrow wooden door and walked into darkness. There were no lights, just candles, and we sat on a pew. Though it was dark, we could tell we were surrounded by huge paintings on the walls and ceilings. It was quiet and the thunder outside was just a faint rumble. Although I got wet I was glad I forgot my umbrella, or else I would have missed out on this experience I'll never forget!
Sarah <email>
Ellettsville, IN USA Thu 10/25/2007
Shooting Stars
My most magical moment was actually a magical day. It occured while in Gimmelwald, on a clear cool evening in this past August. That day I had hiked up to the top of the Schilthorn and back, the whole while wishing that my eyes could drink. Then later that night we counted 14 shooting stars while setting in the hot tub at the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, Switzerland, all the while drinking wine straight out of the bottle with my Australian friend. I have never been happier that I was that night, nor have I ever been surrounded by so many like minded individuals as when I am in Gimmelwald 4,850 miles away from my home. That day was the most dreamlike of all the days I spent in Gimmelwald.
Anna R. <email>
Independence, MO USA Tue 10/02/2007
Paris at night
My husband and I were standing on the Pont Neuf in Paris, alone at about 11 pm, looking over the Paris skyline, watching the boats on the Seine, imagining all the history that had transpired there, and snuggling.
Linda
Salem, OR USA Sun 09/23/2007
Venice at Easter
Our magic moment was just being in St. Mark's square in Venice on Easter Eve. Pure magic.
Cyn2
USA Thu 09/13/2007
RV Travel in Europe
I don't recommend RV Travel for anyone but us, please follow Rick's instructions for your visit to Europe.
In travel, as in life — different strokes for different folks. We don’t say our way is the only, the best, or even an acceptable way to travel, for anyone but us.
Is RV travel worth it, you ask? Can you imagine camping at Chamonix, France at the foot of Mt. Blanc; in Fiesole, Italy, high over the Arno River Valley with the domes and towers of Florence spread out below; on an island in the Rhône River with the floodlit Le Pont D’Avignon and the Popes’ Palace on the far riverbank; with le Mont St. Michel (northern France) out our window one night, the Rock of Gibraltar (southern Spain), or the Parthenon (in Athens) on another; next to the wall of the Crusades city of Aigues-Mortes, and the double wall of Carcassonne, France; on the bank of the River Seine in Paris, the Neckar in Heidelberg, the Vltava in Prague, the Rhine and the Mosel at Koblenz, and the Danube in Budapest; on Lido Island across the lagoon from Venice; along the Adriatic near Dubrovnik; and hundreds more.
Visiting these spectacular destinations seems almost a dream.
For us, clothes on a hanger, goodies in the refrigerator, our own toilet and shower, are the seal of approval for RV travel. Could you and your travel partner spend 6 weeks or 6 months in a space half the size of your dining room? For me, no problem. For Sweetie … … ?
Jim Humberd <email>
Burbank, ca USA Fri 09/07/2007
Magic Moments in Italy
1. In Florence: Standing on Ponte ala Carraria looking towards the Ponte Vecchio at sunset and beyond...
2. Also Florence: Piazzale Mihelangelo at dawn, sunset, whatever for greatest view of Florence.
3. Rome: Standing behind Senate Palace on Capitol and gazing at Roman Forum.
4. Venice: Standing on Ponte Accademia looking every which way at any hour of the day.
5. Varenna (Lake Como): Anywhere along the shore looking at the lake. Also on a ferry.
6. Sorrento: Dinner at Loralei looking at sunset.
7. Amalfi Coast: Anywhere along the coast.
8. Tuscany: Anywhere in Tuscany or Umbria.
Alan <email>
Woodstock, NY USA Thu 08/23/2007
Sitting on my bed in Monmarte,Paris looking out the window at the Eifle Tower during an electrical storm.
tracee <email>
granada hills, ca USA Tue 08/14/2007
Arc De Triumph at night
Go to the Arc De Triumph in Paris at night on the Champs Eleysees. Do it at around 9:50, stay at the top until 10:00pm when the Eiffel Tower will sparkle with tons of beautiful lights. Around you should be a great sunset (depending on the time) and the rest of the city sprawled out beneath your feet. The best view in all of Europe. It is really magic.
Adam
Berkeley, CA USA Thu 08/09/2007
Magic in the Metro
My daughters, granddaughter and I had spent a busy day shopping and riding the Metro around Paris. We were changing Metro lines at the Republic station and while hiking through the crowds we suddenly heard a beautiful tenor voice singing an aria. We were exhausted but his voice was thrilling, the acoustics perfect and we couldn't help smiling as we made our way passed him and onto our train.
Dani <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Sun 07/15/2007
Special Stops in Ireland
An often over looked city in the South of the Republic of Ireland is Dungarvan. It has a lovely town square, wonderful ocean views and a super [and affordable] don't miss shop called Sip N' Surf Internet Cafe at Davitts Quay next to the bus stop. This charming place has all the comforts of home, both hot and cold food, drinks [a lovely hot chocolate and good coffee], web surfing, and they can accomodate wireless. The proprietors, Aileen Whelan and Katie Kiely would love to see you. Stop by for a refreshment when in the area!
Sheri Mishler <email>
Winter Garden, FL USA Tue 06/05/2007
Last year I traveled with my mom and my sister to Munich, Salzburg, Italy, and London. Two magic moments that stand out for me were visiting my family's hometown of Pietrelcina, Italy, and since we were traveling during the World Cup, seeing the enthusiasm in England for the national team. I knew there would be a lot of support for the England team since English football fans are (in)famous the world over. It was so nice to be in a place during he World Cup where football is held in such high regard unlike generally here in the US. And of course I was rooting for England. :)
Phil
Riverdale, MD USA Fri 05/25/2007
Return to Russia
Before I left Russia in the mid-80s after living/working there for 10 years, I made a promise to visit after several years. It became a reality last year only when I returned to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg, even if only for a few days and nights (4 nights in each city).
I became very emotional upon my arrival at the airport. It felt like my first visit there, and yet deep within me, I really know this place very well. I know the streets, understand their language, etc. After the initial shock, a lot of memories started to come back and flooded my mind especially when I started to tour the city and its familiar sights. I still see the old city and its people that have become a big part of my life. I experienced the changes brought about by the west, so many different choices, better clothes, restaurants, grocery and electronic shops and many others. They even lots of casinos there now.
For me, it was worth the wait and it was a dream come true. Oh yes, I nearly froze to death because of the dreaded russian winter, but it was "magic" indeed!
Ben <email>
Long Beach, CA USA Mon 05/21/2007
Another great moment until.....
To USA who posted "great moment unless" on 1/16/07:
I couldn't agree with you more. After 6 days in Venice, it was time to head to Florence via train. Our hotel was very close to the bus depot and I had to push/pull my luggage (full of murano items) over 5 bridges and many stairways on my way to the train station. All I could say was "where were all the water taxis when you need them", and that I was willing to pay $200 to someone who would take my luggage to the station.
But my visit to Venice was all worth it!!!
Ben <email>
Long Beach, CA USA Mon 05/21/2007
swans, pot, and canals
a friend and i were in Bruges this past summer. one night, we scored a little pot on advice from some spanish guys. After a quick smoke next to a canal at night, we looked over to find a group of swans sleeping in the canal, right next to the 15th century hospital. Priceless
Adam <email>
Fresno, CA USA Sun 05/20/2007
Bad Schandau Spa
After a day of hiking and biking in the Elbsandstein region east of Dresden on the German/Czech border, we spent a couple of hours at the Toskana Therme (hot springs) in Bad Schandau. The "Liquid Sound Temple" is the epitomy of relaxation - a warm salt water pool with underwater music and a domed light show. You simple float in the water and let all your cares drift away. We have never experienced anything like this - absolutely glorious!
Gail Cheever <email>
Trophy Club, Texas USA Mon 05/14/2007
Meeting our
I have been wanting to share this experience for over a year.
Being from New Orleans, 2005 was a rough year. My partner and I lost our home in the flooding that ensued after Katrina. For years now, I have been a huge fan of Rick Steves and his guidebooks. In fact we have now used his guidebooks for 10 years now and have turned many friends and family into aficionados as well. In fact, just weeks before the storm, we had been in Sylt, Germany (that is a story for another day). This is all relevant more as a prelude to this “magic moment” or actually two such moments.
After living as nomads for months after Hurricane Katrina, we finally returned to New Orleans but were, and remain, living in a cramped temporary apartment in the city. Along with another couple, one of whom is a working musician, who had also lost their home, we decided to spend part of December 2005 visiting a friend in London and then a few days in Amsterdam.
When we arrived in London, our friend, Angele, informed us that “Sir” Paul McCartney, was about to publish a children’s book and would be signing the book at the Piccadilly Waterstone’s. We learned that we first had to get wristbands and needed to be in line early the next morning. Although we knew waking early would be a chore, we decided to give it a try. We arrived at Waterstone’s at 7am the next morning only to discover a line that wrapped around the block, and that they only planned to give out two hundred wristbands. After waiting for almost three hours, we approached the front of the store with trepidation, but discovered we would be given the last four wristbands. What true luck. Guaranteed a spot in the store, we were advised to return on Wednesday to meet Sir Paul. Needless to say, we were overjoyed.
We returned on Wednesday as instructed and stood in line for only a few minutes when Paul McCartney arrived. Almost immediately, the line began to move and we were ushered inside, our bags were stored away and we each purchased a copy of his new book. Within a half an hour, we were close enough to observe him signing copies of the book for customers. We were told to not engage him in too much conversation, as there was a long line waiting to meet him. Nevertheless, as we approached him, one of my friends mentioned we were from New Orleans. He stopped writing an asked how we were doing and mentioned how much he loved New Orleans. He was gracious and unassuming. We were giddy to be meeting a living legend. Truly a once in a lifetime experience, but our musician friend was simply on cloud nine meeting his childhood idol. As we were walking away, I mentioned that the only thing that could make this trip even better for me was if we happened to meet Rick Steves while we were traveling, as he was my “Paul McCartney.”
The visit to London was, as usual, wonderful and then we moved on to Amsterdam, alas no Rick Steves. We had been to Amsterdam a few times before and were looking for something different to do on a Sunday night. Another guest at our hotel suggested this comedy group similar to Second City, Boom Chicago, with American comedians basically making fun of American tourists.
After sitting down at our table, I got up to get a couple of drinks. Walking back from the bar, I saw a gentleman that looked just like Rick, but I was not sure if it was him. A few minutes later, he was walking in our direction, and no mistaking it was him. Not wanting to miss the chance, I stopped him as he walked by and meekishly announced I was “his biggest fan.” I was embarrassing myself, much less my friends. It id not matter, as the show started, it was my turn to be giddy after meeting my idol. But it got better.
There was an intermission during the show, which was hilarious by the way, and we were talking to the people at the next table about how it was cool that Rick was there. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Rick Steves sitting down at our table. He asked where we were from and where else we had been on this trip. He engaged us about travel for the entire intermission and wished us well. After the show, he made a point of asking how we liked the show and what we planned the rest of the evening. I turned to my friends as we left and said – now I have met my personal “Paul McCartney.”
It was simply a magic moment, especially for me.
Rick <email>
New Orleans, La USA Sat 05/12/2007
Switzerland on 4th of July
We happened to be at Hotel Lotschberg in Interlaken Switzerland on July 4 last year. We were treated to Fritz's complimentary 4th of July (!?!) Swiss BBQ/picnic. It was very nice to chat with the other guests and have some great food and beer.
SB
BELGIUM, BELGIUM Tue 04/03/2007
Connecting with a Local
My wife and I went to visit the small village in Germany where my grandparents lived for many years.I had visited them numerous times while growing up (Sadly both have passed away) so I was very familar with the little village of Bingen. I had so much fun showing my wife the places I knew in the area. I speak some German, but am by no means fluent.We stoppped in a little cafe for afternoon coffee and a peice of the cafe's speciality sweet peice, Beehive.We were the only people in the place and it looked almost like it was closed. None of the tables were set and the area behind the bar was darkened. The owner came out , sat with us, and we talked for three hours straight ,In German. He told us all about his family and how the cafe was passed down from his parents and how his brother owns the bakery across the street. My wife doesnt speak German.I translated as we went. She had as much fun as I did just listening.When we walked out, we could hardly believe we had spent three hours connecting with a local and talking totally in German.
Martin <email>
Livermore, Ca USA Mon 04/02/2007
Paris
My older sister died unexpectedly in early June 2005 which was exceptionally hard on our mother. And while they live in paradise (Hawaii) they are far away from family. Since the first anniversary of my sister's death was close to Mother's Day and my Mother's own birthday were within a short period of time, I didn't want my parents to be alone for these occassions so we went on a 2 week trip to the Cotswold and London. Loved teas at Brown's and Fortnum and Mason.
But as a surprise, we took a day trip to Paris for her actual 85th birthday and it was a magical 12 hours that I think helped her know that there could still be happy times to look forward to and life still goes on. She stills can't believe happened. The sun was shining, sky a beautiful shade of blue with fluffy white clouds, the boat ride on the Seine was relaxing, lunch was delicious (quiche, omelets, chocolate mousse, champagne.). She got to sit in the Tuileries and people watch there as well as at a cafe for an afternoon break. We "only" walked five miles with lots of stops at benches. The Lourve was closed, the lines at the Eiffel Tower were long so we enjoyed just being there together and knowing that we could all have happy times again. Just enjoyed being there in the moment -not having preset expectations or rushing around - just taking things as they happened was a gift for us all.
Kay McClain
Arlington, MA USA Sat 03/31/2007
An old friend in Paris
Seeing my French friend Maryse, whom I had lost touch with for 26 years. Sitting in her living room in Paris, drinking champagn and catching up on life after all that time; kids, husbands, careers, family and old friends, we picked up right were we left off. I am going back to see her in three weeks. We are not letting 26 years escape us again.
cheri <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 03/28/2007
Portugal is FABULOUS Feb. 2007
Two from Portugal, Feb. 2007
1. Sitio: Watching the little old lady selling dried fruit while swatting away pigeons with her cane in one hand and a big stick in the other. She shoo'd them away while talking to them. Later, she counted the seven petticoats in her skirt for us and posed for an unforgettable photo with my 8 year old daughter (nearly the same height).
2. Driving to Hell's Pool (waterfall) north of Tavira Portugal and getting behind a woman herding sheep down the road, from one field to another. The sheep kept stopping to munch from the side of the road. Waterfall looked Fijian.
Shannon
Overijse, BE BELGIUM Wed 03/07/2007
CROATIA - MAGIC MOMENT IN KORCULA
At Rick's suggestion, we included two days in the beautiful walled city of Korcula (on the island of the same name). Korcula is a mini-version of Dubrovnik, and was much less crowded, at least in May when we were there.
On a Saturday evening, we had just finished a simple dinner at a small cafe along the city wall. We strolled slowly along the curving walled, which is lined with many cafes and restaurants. At one point, my wife asked if it sounded like live music around the bend. Sure enough, there was a 5- or 6-person singing group, playing guitars, string bass and mandolins. The music was simple, beautiful and emotional.
The evening was clear and warm. A soft breeze wafted in from the Adriatic. Sailboats glided silently by. The mountains of mainland Croatia rose dramatically in the background. Lanterns had been lit in the trees lining the wall. We sat down on a bench, as tears welled up. Shortly, a young German couple stopped by to take some photos. The young man tapped me on the shoulder. As I glanced up at him, he pointed across the the water. An enormous, orange, full moon was just coming up over the mountains. We never spoke a word, but shrugged to each other to indicate that we all understood that it couldn't get much more magical. By now, tears were streaming down my face.
Several days later, we stepped into a small music shop in Dubrovnik. I asked the sales person about the music we had heard. He said, "Oh, that was klapa music. I have just the CD for you." When I played the CD upon our return home, this 62 year-old mush ball cried lake a baby!
Bill
Syracuse, NY 03/02/07
Bill Elkins <email>
Syracuse, NY USA Fri 03/02/2007
Before Prague wakes up
Prague is a beautiful city, but often crowded with tourists, buskers, and various vendors. A spent a sunny crisp spring morning wandering around the city. Before eight in the morning (and definitely before seven) the tourist spots are empty. I was able to wander along Charles Bridge, carefully examining the statues, almost entirely alone. This goes for the Old Town Square and Mala Strana, too. I have amazing photos and love Prague even more
Erin <email>
USA Fri 03/02/2007
Waking from the Night Train
We took a night train from Paris to Barcelona. Waking up in the morning to the lightly clouded hills, and the serene isolation is one of my happiest and vivid memories of the entire trip.
Brent
Fort Collins, CO USA Wed 02/28/2007
Ceremony of the Keys
Shivering - yet being totally quiet - with our three children during the late night 'Ceremony of the Keys' at the Tower of London and realizing that years of dreaming, months of planning and a 34-hour travel day had actually brought us all to London. Two other "unforgetables" were stepping off the train - on Chritmas Eve - and seeing our British cousins, and celebrating our daughter's 16th birthday by seeing a Shakespeare play (a musical, even!) in Stratford-Upon-Avon. How blessed we are when we get to travel overseas and share it with those who are special to us.
Beth
Huntsville, AL USA Thu 02/22/2007
Looking out windows
Sitting in the Hotel Mena House bar looking out the window one evening at lit pyrmids with my husband and another couple,was truely a magical window moment. I never thought I would actually ever be in Egypt. Another window moment was laying in my hotel bed in Athens looking out the window at the beautifully lit Acropolis. What a magical way to drift off to sleep!
sue
mandeville, la USA Wed 02/21/2007
First night in Paris
On our first trip to Paris, we stopped at a cafe on the Left Bank for a beer after visiting the Louvre, and met Jim and Kris (female), friends and coworkers from San Diego, and Robin, a Chicago businessman of Palestiniian descent, along with his two daughters. We talked for maybe half an hour, then parted, and we went to the Latin Quarter for dinner. As we were walking back to our hotel near place de l'Opera at about 9 PM, my wife needed to find a WC, so we stopped at Harry's New York Bar for a quick drink. When I went to use the WC, which is in the lower level, I saw all our new friends at the downstairs piano bar! They'd been together the rest of the day, and we shook off our jet lag and stayed up with them all until 3 AM! We met Jim and Kris the next day for more fun, then they were off to Amsterdam and we were off to Heidelberg. But what a first day!
Leo Cotton <email>
Bloomington, MN USA Tue 02/20/2007
helping out locals
Greetings from Bonn, Germany, the old capital from 1949 to 1999. It is a very good feeling to be able to help the locals out while travelling, especially when speaking their language. Lately I had a chance to help out a couple of people with very "mundane" activites on the streetcar that runs from Bonn-Beuel to Königswinter / Bad Honnef. The first time was helping an elderly lady cancel her ten-ride ticket. She was not able to quickly get up to the ticket stamper, so she asked me to cancel the first field on the ticket. I cancelled this, and was happy only to have the satisfaction of making their day a bit easier.
The second time, I was able to help a mother of a toddler in a stroller in the "Telekom Express" train. The stations south of Ramersdorf are low-floor and the train had a high floor. With a stroller it can be a problem to go up and down stairs, especially if the child can't be taken out of their stroller quickly enough. I took hold of the front wheels while the mother held on to the rear handles. The stoller was safely on the station platform, and I was able to get back into the train before the doors closed. It feels good to "reach out" and show good stewardship to local people, even those we don't know.
Josh Hanz <email>
Frisco, TX USA Tue 02/20/2007
Pachelbel on steps of Sacre Coere
My dog and I took the funicular up the steps to the Sacre Coere at Montmartre in Paris. And as the funicular doors opened and we got off, I heard the most beautiful music. A man was playing a harp, on the scenic overhang, to Pachelbel's Canon in D. I just stood there, transfixed by the sight, looking all around, over the rooftops of Paris. The scene was so peaceful and beautiful, to turn and see all of Paris, to the tune of Pachelbel's Canon, with the sun shining, and since it was winter, not many tourists around...it was one of those magical moments in Paris, never to be forgotten. And I thought to myself, I sure couldn't see this in Lansing!
Ellen <email>
Lansing, MI USA Mon 02/19/2007
Czesky Krumlov
Our weekend arrival to this World Heritage center in the Czech Republic reminded us of a miniature Prague. By Sunday evening the throngs had loaded into their busses and left this beautiful town to the few of us smart enough to stay. Our lonely strolls through this ancient town, its fantastic castle and its wonderful gardens will always be remembered as a favorite of our European trips!
Jim
Round Rock, Texas USA Sat 02/17/2007
Paris at Dusk
My first time in Paris my husband and I decided to walk to the Eiffel tower from our hotel. I had twisted my ankle on the cobble stones and was very jet lagged but I solidered on. It was dusk and the scene was magical. I remember walking around the corner to see the tower in front of me. My breath caught in my throat. Who knew it was so beautiful? There were people sitting on the grass kissing..a grandmother was pushing her grand child on a tricycle. I still remember her talking to him so lovingly in French..just as the sun set the sparkling lights on the tower turned on. There was an audible gasp from everyone enjoying the night on the Champ Du Mars. The most romantic and wonderful moment I have ever had. Sure enough my ankle didn't hurt anymore. :) Tears formed in my eyes and I just took it all in. Talk about a Zen moment. I will never forget that night and that feeling of being so lucky and so happy to get to experience the world. Just pure magic.
Katie <email>
Denver, Co USA Wed 02/14/2007
Beautiful Brienz
Several Years ago my wife and I spent a month in the Swiss Heartland through Untours.com, staying at a chalet in a small town called Sachseln. One of our day trips was to the town of Brienz, which is famous for its woodcarving and music boxes. Arriving in Brienz at about 10:15am, we stopped at the tourist information center in the train station for a map. We were told that besides the woodcarving tours, we should make a point to see the older section of town up Brunngasse and Oberdorfstrasse. As we headed down the main street called Hauptstrasse, the streets were almost deserted. We seemed to have the whole town to ourselves. It was a gorgeous Spring day with beautiful scenery everywhere we looked. At every turn my eyes were greeted with a picture postcard view. But as fate would have it, the woodcarving tours were not to be the highlight of the day. Brienz's woodcarvers went to lunch early, probably because there were no tourists in town except us. So we saw no woodcarving demonstrations. We did purchase a small music box, and then went to lunch. With our appetites satisfied, we headed to the older section of town. Following the tourist office's instructions, we turned right onto Brunngasse from Hauptstrasse and slowly made our way past ancient chalets decorated with ingenious flower displays. Brunngasse led to Oberdorfstrasse where we turned right again. Besides historic chalets, Oberdorfstrasse is lined with walls covered in beautiful flowers. This was the true beginning of our magical moment. As we approached the corner of Oberdorfstrasse and Krummgasse, the sound of a choir was drifting out of an open window. So we sat down on a nearby bench and enjoyed our own private concert. My wife thought someone was playing a recording. But I was convinced that it was a live concert (it was a live rehearsal). When the singing ended, I wanted to clap, but felt too shy. I wish I had overcome my shyness. This was the highlight of our trip, all alone on a heavenly avenue being entertained by a heavenly choir. And then it got even better. At the corner of Oberdorfstrasse and Platzlistrasse looking north, we came upon a scene that was truly beautiful. The majestic Swiss mountains in the background with a distant roaring waterfall were framed by a foreground of dazzling brilliant tulips bathed in sunshine. We spent 10 minutes at this spot, admiring the view and taking photographs. As we came to the end of Oberdorfstrasse, I took one last look back at the source of our magical moment. About a week later, we returned to Brienz so my wife could do some shopping. While my wife was looking at curtains, I headed back to Oberdorfstrasse. I wanted to convince myself that the magic on Oberdorfstrasse wasn't a figment of my imagination. I retraced our steps of a week before and again walked down Oberdorfstrasse. The flowers were still there along with the open window. But now in place of a heavenly choir, the air was filled with the sounds of a jackhammer. Workers were replacing a sidewalk where heaven used to be. Sometimes you have to be lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
Bill Kover <email>
Piscataway, N.J. USA Mon 01/29/2007
Day trip in Hall near Innsbruck
Staying at Gasthof Badl in Hall near Innsbruck, Frau Steiner suggested we drive up to the Hinterhornalm. It is a local, small and very narrow toll road that twists its way up the mountian about 6 miles, 100 hair pin turns.I did it with a manual 5 speed. The view we cannot describe. My wife and I stayed all afternoon just sitting and looking at the Inn River valley below. Then a easy walk thru the mountians to three(3) isolated farms where you can get food and drinks. We sat in front of a farmer's barn and ate our lunch. We did it on a Sunday and walked with all local families out for a stroll, NO torusits!!!!!. It was the highlight of our trip.
Darrell Foor <email>
Belle Vernon, PA USA Sun 01/21/2007
Great moment unless
Walking out the door of the Venice train station will be a great moment unless you have much luggage then you realize ther are steps and no taxi instead the beautiful canal !!
USA Tue 01/16/2007
A few Magic moments
Picnic under the Eiffel tower...inside Newgrange...Meeting a young student/royal airforce reservist standing in the back of a very crowded train in Wales. We spoke for a while, and when he got off the train he gave us his formal flight gloves...Amsterdam canals at night and sitting on the top of NEMO with a bottle of wine and a picnic...Hearing a street performer playing our song while we were walking along the Thames...Every pint of Guiness in Ireland and every glass of wine in Paris.
S & S
Santa Rosa, CA USA Sun 01/07/2007
New Year's Eve in London
Just after midnight on New Year's Eve in London, we turned out the lights, having watched the fireworks on the television and reflected in the windows of the office building across the street. Lying there in the dark, I thought I was imagining it, but no, there, in the distance, thousands of voices singing "Auld Lang Syne" from Parliament Square. Fell asleep meditiating on the concept of things being the same but different all over the world. Magic!
Carrie McKenzie <email>
Wauwatosa, WI USA Thu 01/04/2007