Magic Moments: 2004
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?
Magical Moment
A couple of years ago , on a rip to Rome, I had an experience at St Peter's that that really moved me. I had arranged a Papal audience for Weds. and since I had some spare time on Monday aftrernoon , I decided to get familiar with the Vatican and find out where I should go on Weds. morning for the Papal audience. The first moment I stepped into St peter's , I stood there for a few moments to take it all in. As I was admiring "La Pieta" by Michealangelo, I heard some music{?} coming from the front of the church. I walked to the front of the basillica and found out that I had arrived just in time for 5:00 mass.What an experience! Now, this Irish/Mexican from Arizona is not ashamed to admit that taking in Mass at St. Peter's did bring a tear or two. It was a moment that I will never forget.
george
tucson, az USA Wed 12/29/2004
Choir of Westminster Abbey
My husband and I were in Westminster Abbey just before it closing time, and the choir were just starting their evening practice. It still sends chills down our spines to talk about it!
S. Jackson
Vancouver, Canada Sat 11/13/2004
Traveling to Libya
My husband, daughter, son-in-law and I just returned from a wonderful cruise to Italy, Crete,Malta, Egypt,Sicily, and Libya. We were the first cruise ship to enter the port of Tripoli. The ruins of Leptis Magnus are not to be believed. Only 40% of this marvelous city have been uncovered. Very few tourist have visited there. It was very magical for all of us to see this wonderful sight. The Libyans were taking pictures of us as we entered the port. We were four of only 10 americans on this Italian cruise ship, so we would like to think that we were one of the first to see "tourist Libya". It is still very third world, but worth the trip.
Beverly Johnson
Bardstown, Ky USA Sun 10/24/2004
My D-Day Experience
Monet's gardens in Giverny were as beautiful as I remembered, only a lot more people had found their way this year. To escape the crowds, I made my way down the street following signs to Monet's tomb at the little church. The crowds dropped away and, being alone, I fell into stilted conversations with local dog owners.
A few people were at the Monet tomb, but I was alone exploring the rest of the cemetery. I stumbled, this June afternoon, across a tomb surrounded by British flags. The crew of an RAF plane shot down on DDay, all terribly young, here in what I realized was Normandy, with flowers, cards, stones of remembrance recently placed. "Together they flew, together they fell, together they rest, here in France."
Susan
WI USA Wed 10/20/2004
Behind the Pantheon
Many people, when visiting Rome go to the Pantheon, as I did with my friend, but after saying our awe and oo's we went behind the Pantheon (to the left) and found ourselves in the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. After spending about a month from Spain to Italy and seeing on average one Cathedral a day, this was the first one that made me want to just cry. Since we had went extremly early in the morning the place was empty and the only other people in there were two fathers(?), one playing the organ and the other setting a display up.Everything was captivating. The deep blue ceilings with the gold stars the vast interior that was filled with music.Even just thinking about this place makes me miss it. From the outside the place was not as impressing as others but inside, there was a jewel. :) Magic Moment forever.If you're going to the Pantheon I HIGHLY suggest you stop by the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva definatly worth your time!!!!!!
Selena
Seattle, WA USA Thu 10/14/2004
The Globe
My friend and I got last minute tickets to see the last summer performance of Measure for Measure at the Globe-It was magic. Probably the best performance of Shakespeare I have ever seen. I was near to tears with happiness. I have never felt so sad that a play had ended, and I was really cold and weary from a long days exploring.Highly recommended.
Elise
Glasgow, Scotland Wed 10/13/2004
London & the National Gallery
The National Gallery in London has long been on my List Of Things To Do Before I Die. My husband and I finally got to London for our 18th wedding anniversary and sought out the museum from a northerly location, rather than the usual tube stop at the front of the Gallery. As a result we used a side entrance and, despite jeg lag, I stood in tears in front of paintings that I had only admired in art books or on notecards and postcards.
When we left the gallery, we chose to exit another way than we had entered. We found ourselves at the main entrance/exit, and what we walked out to took my breath away. Rain had fallen while we were in the Gallery and had just stopped. That wonderful, clean smell of rain is what I remember noticing first. The sky was all pinks and blues since the sun was setting (we traveled in February) and Big Ben could be seen in the distance. Crowds of people and pigeons milled around the fountains and lions in Trafalgar Square below us. I felt as though we had walked away from those exquisite paintings into our very own living work of art.
GCP
CO USA Thu 09/30/2004
Carnac in the morning !
Last august , i went with my partner for three days in Bretagne. Walking on the sand around Mont-Michel and finding the village of Saint-Lunaire , near Saint-Malot was fantastic in it self , but the prehistoric allignements in Carnac where the most impressive. We went at 6 am , to be sure to be alone , and alone we were ! The early morning sun sparkled in the fresh dew ! To see those rocks , some small as a basket ball , some 3 meters higt, all aligneed by the hundreds was amazing. Just the tought of these rocks being there , for an unknown purpose , for thousands of years , was very humbling. The we walked into the woods to find (with the help of a nice tourist map !) other menhirs and dolmens ( prehistoric tombs) with incriptions in them that we will never know the meaning of !
Antoine
Montreal, qc Can Thu 09/23/2004
First Snow in London
My first snow. I experienced my first snow at in 2003 while on my solo trip to London. Now, coming from Florida, this was a big thing. The even bigger thing was the fact that I experienced it in London in front of Parliment & Big Ben with the smell of roasted almonds in the air. That will be with me for ever
Georgian
Merritt Island, FL USA Thu 09/16/2004
Riga In winter!
I've been to Latvia many times; but, last January's trip ($299.00 R/T on SAS!) was the best. Walking through cobbled-stoned Dome Square in the light snow, with the lighted, beautiful historic buildings was a sight I will never forget. Riga is amazing.
Steve B.
Corvallis, OR USA Sat 09/04/2004
London is the Magic Moment!!
For me, just being in London is a magic moment. My wife doesnt undersand my need to go back every year, but something out the city. When we get there, I feel I am home..
George
PA USA Fri 09/03/2004
Rain in Rome
My daughters and I were in Rome and it was a lazy hot afternoon, we were waiting for cooler evening to go out. I saw something for the Time Elevator and we decided to go on an adventure and find it. Within 10 minutes of leaving the Youth Hostel something like a tropical rainstorm hit....rain running down the street, off building, fountains overflowing, and us running and laughing and getting totally drenched with our pink and yellow umbrellas, pants rolled up to our knees. We ended up doing the Time Elevator Show and walking to Trevi Fountain in the rain which cleared as we got there. It was truly magical and bonding experience. Trevi Fountain at Sunset with all the tourists, street sellers, etc was great.
USA Wed 08/25/2004
Somerset House
Inspired by comments on these boards, my wife, daughter and I took a trip to London a few weeks back. I have not been to the capital for nearly twenty years!
We stayed at The Blades Hotel (Lovely area..Great for the Public Transport..Although we never met Kevin..) and were fortunate to experience one week of totally glorious weather.
A Magic Moment for us was on a particularly hot day when we turned a corner in The Strand area and "stumbled" across Somerset House...
The Edmond J Safra Fountains there provided endless fun for my seven year old daughter as she junmped in and out of them whilst my wife and I sat there looking on.
Had it not been for these message boards I honestly don't think I would have suggested the trip to my wife in the first place!
As a Brit, I don't think you can beat a board like this to get the best tips on where to stay and what to do!....Go Figure!
Check out the website for Somerset House at:
http://www.somerset-house.org.uk/aboutus/index.html
Gary adice
Liverpool, UK Mon 08/23/2004
Magic moment in Italy
Magic moment! Ah. Riomaggiore,
Cinque Terre, Italy, April of 2004. Hubby and I leave the cliffside restaurant right about the RR station just at dusk. The sound of waves crashing below, the smell of lemon and eucalyptus in the air, a full moon in the cliffs to the east above the town. A "perfect moment" as the late write Spalding Gray would say!
Dina
Seattle, WA USA Sat 08/21/2004
Magic Moment in Italy
All of Italy is a magic moment! However, the most magic of all was in St. Mark's Square in Venice. I was w/ my sister and her son. Our niece, who had never travelled outside of the U.S. was also with us. As we walked through the cloister leading to St. Mark's our niece saw St. Mark's and the Square for the first time. To see the look of total joy and amazement on her face is an image I will never forget. I was so thrilled to be with her at that moment. It was the best of the best!!!
Karen
Forsyth, GA USA Mon 08/16/2004
Afternoon at the Tate Modern
Our son was not feeling well and we ended up spending our first morning in London at the emergency room while our daughter sat in the room watching TV.
My wife suggested I go back and spend the afternoon with her. We wandered around the Tate Modern together, marvelling at the Pop Art of Lichtenstein and Warhol (Bridget loves Elvis and Marilyn). We discussed the artistic value of a soap box or toilet. Afterwards we walked back along the Thames and visited Shakessphere's Globe Theatre. It was a wonderful afternoon for us, and the lad was feeling better by time we got home.
Steve M.
Bellevue, WA USA Sat 08/07/2004
Magic Moment on plane leaving Rome
Several years ago, after an incredible trip to Venice, Rome and Pompeii, we were flying home out of Rome. As our plane lifted off you could look out the left side windows and see the aqueducts winding across the landscape!! It looked like a rollercoaster!! It was very unique. It happened as the recorded commercial for US air was starting so people closed their windows to watch the commercial!! They didn't know what they were missing. Be sure to look although not every plane takes that same route I'm sure.
USA Sat 08/07/2004
A Mistake That Went Right
On a train ride from Florence back to our hotel everyone in our family fell asleep. We woke up disoriented and thought we were at our station. Quickly, we piled off the train only to realize that this was not our stop. Unfortunately, train pulled away before we could get back on. We found ourselves in a quiet town not on the tourist trail. A kind, sympathetic woman who didn't speak a word of English offered to help us figure out when the next train was coming that could take us the rest of the way. During the wait we wandered into the downtown to look for gelato. We passed through a park where the local older men must all gather and talk in the evenings, there was not another tourist in sight. The person who worked at the counter of the gelateria was amused by the fact we were English speaking and used the opportunity to ask us the word for "flavor" and other gelato related words. A couple other customers at the gelateria asked us questions about where we were from and taught the kids a couple of Italian words. It was so refreshing to leave a place so packed with tourists like Florence and wind up in a place where we were a novelty. We remember this evening as one of the best in our entire vacation.
Eliza
Glen Ellyn, IL USA Sat 08/07/2004
A Mistake That Went Right
On a train ride from Florence back to our hotel everyone in our family fell asleep. We woke up disoriented and thought we were at our station. Quickly, we piled off the train only to realize that this was not our stop. Unfortunately, train pulled away before we could get back on. We found ourselves in a quiet suburb of Pisa. A kind, sympathetic woman who didn't speak a word of English offered to help us figure out when the next train was coming that could take us the rest of the way. During the wait we wandered into the downtown to look for gelato. We passed through a park where the local older men must all gather and talk in the evenings, there was not another tourist in sight. The person who worked at the counter of the gelateria was amused by the fact we were English speaking and used the opportunity to ask us the word for "flavor" and other gelato related words. A couple other customers at the gelateria asked us questions about where we were from and taught the kids a couple of Italian words. It was so refreshing to leave a place so packed with tourists like Florence and wind up in a place where we were a novelty. We remember this evening as one of the best in our entire vacation.
Molly
Chicago, IL USA Fri 08/06/2004
How "not" to order a steak in Italy
During a recent trip through Tuscany, my brother-in-law Ernie saw a man at another table having a large steak and in his thick North Carolina accent, asked what it was called and how to order it. The man said it was a "Fiorentino" from a long legged cow, only found in that area. The next night Ernie wanted to order that type of steak at a different restaurant but he forgot the term for "medium." Luckily, my wife remembered and ordered for him. When the waiter brought the 500 gram piece of steak out for Ernie's sight approval, which is traditional in Tuscany, Ernie got nervous. As a result he decided to restate,in English, just how he wanted it cooked, each time louder and by chopping his hand on the table. He would reach to his extreme left and point to the table and say "rare" and then to the extreme right and say "well done" and then chop his hand in the middle while almost shouting,"MEDIUM!" The waiter, who had no knowledge of English, just nodded and took the steak to the kitchen for preparation. A few minutes later, he returned with a big smile and Ernies steak, cut perfectly in half, one half "rare" and the other "well done."
Ken Andrews
Penfield, NY USA Thu 07/29/2004
Food in France
What is it about food in France that makes it all taste so good? On our last evening in Paris in June, we went to the Parc Champs de Mar and had a picnic with some pressed duck, bread, veggies and Champagne (the real stuff - DP). Never have I had such a wonderful meal. For dessert, ice cream at Bertillon. We strolled over there on the Ile and then on to the Hotel Jeanne d'Arc. Didn't even notice our sore feet until we got into bed. Perfect!
Kelly
Salt Lake City, UT USA Wed 07/28/2004
Magic Moments in Spain
I took a two week trip to Spain this past March and each place I went had its own little magic moments.
My first night in Madrid I met two girls across the hall from me in my hotel who were from Valencia. They were in town for the weekend to take place in a peace/anti-war rally happening in the Puerta Del Sol. It had been just 9 days since the train bombings and felt good on my first night to walk with thousands of Spaniards hoping we were being heard and hoping we could make a difference even in a small way. It made for a hell of first night. I stayed up till sunrise eating and drinking with my new friends.
I witnessed a serenade in Seville one night that put a smile on my face. At about 3:30 am in the morning (about midnight for Spanish nightlife) I had just returned to my hotel and was about 10 minutes into some restful sleep when I heard someone playing music very loudly. I opened up my windows and shutters expecting to see someone with a radio, or maybe a car parked nearby with its stereo going. What I saw was quite different. In the courtyard of the apartment building across the street were about 8-9 men standing below a series of balconies. About 5 of them were playing various guitars and the others had instruments I didn't recognize. One man stood in front of them and was singing up to one of the balconies. The music was beautiful, the many guitars blending perfectly to each other and gentleman's soft vocals. After a few seconds a young lady came out onto one of the balconies about 2 floors up. She was smiling brightly. As I watched from across the street I witnessed half of her apartment building wake up and come out on their balconies as well, all seemingly appreciative of this unexpected show. The men played only one song and it lasted only a couple of minutes. When they were done they left the lone man to stay and talk to the lady. The people on their balconies shouted some words of encouragment and then went back inside to give them their privacy. I decided I should do the same and closed my shutters and window and went back to sleep thinking...only in Spain.
Ronda is a magical little town in its own right, but my magical moment was inquiring with the girl at the front desk of my small hotel where I can find some nightlife in town. My trip long good luck held up and the flirting I did with her when I checked in paid off. She told me she was getting off work in 10 minutes and that she would take me some place. This couldn't have more perfect as I was travelling alone and Ronda had the feeling Ronda might be a little to sleepy for my taste. I'm glad I was mistaken, I was taken to a bar with a name I never learned, all it had was big CruzCampo sign outfront, and proceeded to get sauced and meet a ton of locals. They were all very nice, and wanted to talk a lot about politics: world, US, and Spanish. I had a great time and got in some congenial debates, but nothing ever heated. I stayed until about 2 am and then walked back to my hotel hoping my luck would hold out in Granada.
With regard to weather my travel luck ran out, or so I thought, in Granada. The 2 days I was there it rained constantly. My magical moment though was stepping into the Alhambra. Granted this is a magical moment for most people who tour the Alhambra but I discovered a silver lining to rain-soaked gray cloud. The Moors loved irrigation and water holds a venerable place in the Muslim faith (more knowledgable people correct me if I'm wrong) so every pond and fountaing and pool are connected, water flows everywhere. So in the midst of two days of heavy rain, there was water rushing all over the place. You couldn't always see it but you could hear it. I'd love to go back on bright sunny day when the sunlight could really bring out the color on the many tiles, but I liked my magical moment of being there seeing how much thought went into the design and layout of their gardens, fountains, wells and pools. On a rainy day I got a different perspective of the Alhambra and I will never forget it.
I hope to go back to Spain soon, I want to see Catalonia, Galicia, and more. Spain is fool of magic and I hope you find some as well.
Michael
Baltimore, MD USA Fri 07/23/2004
Ugly American Turned Around
We have all heard about Ugly Americans abroad and many of us have witnessed them in person. On several occasions, I too have been an ugly American. But I had never seen one of these situations turn around in front of my own eyes until last week. I was in Paris visiting my daughter who is in school over there. We were at a restaurant in the Marais and three tables away were an American couple speaking loudly and complaining about their meal, the cost, the French in general, and their sore feet. They were both surprised that the people in the restaurant actually understood or spoke French. The maitre'd actually sat down at their table and started asking them what he could do to make them happy. They had the grace to be embarrassed and toned down immediately. They didn't in fact have issues with the food, service, price, or even the French, as it turned out, but were actually grumpy because they were both tired and had sore feet. It was just such an amazing turn around and had the maitre'd not really made an effort, we may be reading another post about the rude French. He was charming to both and by the time it was done, the husband and wife team were shaking hands with him and beaming. It was nice to see both sides really come to middle ground and make an effort. I will never forget it!
Mark
Boise, ID USA Wed 07/21/2004
Peace in Northern Ireland
It was a rainy day in Belfast. A military helicopter had been hovering a mile from my hotel. I got bored so I went for a stroll in the pouring rain. I saw Jewish flags on some buildings, and Palestinian flags on others. Apparently, the Loyalists identify with the Israelis, and the Republicans identify with the Palestinians, and see their situations as similar.
I ducked into an internet cafe to check my email and dry off. The song "We Are All Made of Stars" by Moby came on the radio. Everyone in the cafe began to sing along. Hearing everyone singing the lyrics gave me goosebumps.
"Slowly rebuilding, I feel it in me, Growing in numbers, Growing in peace."
I felt like I was seeing the gradual unification of the younger generation of Northern Ireland.
When I left the cafe, the sun was shining. To this day, whenever I hear that song I get chills. The peace can last.
Jason
Reno, NV USA Thu 07/01/2004
Gondola Magic!
My husband and I just returned from Venice. It was our first time in Italy. Of course, we had to take a gondola ride. Earlier, at the supermarket, there for sale was the same bottle of wine that we drank on our first date together, some 12 years ago. We bought it and hoped that we might be able to drink it during the gondola ride. Our gondolier said it was fine.
As the sun set, we took off, sipping wine and cuddled next to eachother. At one point, our gondolier went down a quiet, romantic small canal. As for magic - early evening, still waters, people enjoying dinner at the cafes, in a gondola with my honey drinking "our" wine - a saxaphone played out in the background somewhere - it made me tear up!
Bring a bottle of wine on your gondola ride. Ciao!
Teresa Pena-Diaz
Miami, FL USA Thu 07/01/2004
Paris magic
last month in Paris my husband and I went to eat at the Nicolas Flamel, in the 3eme, I think. It was on a dark, deserted street, but we saw candles flickering in a window. It was a tiny place in what they claim to be the oldest private home still standing in Paris, with food that reflects its medieval origins. We loved it, and so did the couple from Zurich sitting next to us, who,it turned out, were celebrating their anniversary. We talked and drank wine until finally the long-suffering owner told us he was ready to go to bed.
But he sent us down the street to a club that was still open, staffed almost entirely by tall young skinheads with lots of earrings who flirted and brought us ladies free drinks until morning. We parted ways just before six near the Pont Neuf with hugs, proper European cheek kisses, and e-mail addresses exchanged on cocktail napkins, both couples looking forward to the peaceful sleep of the slightly drunk (whose children were all back in their home countries with their grandparents!)
Tricia
Tallahassee, USA Sat 06/26/2004
Irish Magic
Kimberly LoRusso
Manchester, NH USA Tue 06/08/2004
magic moments
we returned from our trip to assisi, northern italy, and my grandmother's town, cremona. anne robichaud was outstanding.[www.annesitaly.com]. she found a wonderful driver/interpreter[mauro] for us. we found my grandfather's birth record , oct 1868. if it wasn't for mauro and anne this would not have happened. look them up for an unforgetable trip, esp is you are looking to find your roots. they are both very caring.
joan norton
stratham, nh USA Mon 05/31/2004
Spain: Seville: Free and Photogenic Magic Moments
Whether you have one night or 100 in Seville, walk through the Santa Cruz, or "Juderia" neighborhood after dark, when the tourists are watching bad flamenco and the Alcazar walls are illuminated. In winter, it's dark by 8 pm; in summer, wait until 10 pm. Begin your walk at either the Plaza Refinadores or the Plaza Santa Cruz (on any tourist map) and continue one half block to Plaza Alfaro, then down Callejon de Agua, which is flanked on one side by the illuminated (until 11 pm) 12th century Alcazar walls. Walk to the end (two short blocks) until you reach the corner of Agua ("Water") and Vida ("Life") streets. You can only go right; turn left down the very short "Juderia" street; again, you can only turn right. There is a little fountain and beautiful small plaza; Walk through the low sloping archways and you will come out on the Patio de Banderas. The Cathedral and Giralda bell tower are lit up in the background and the view is stunning, even for the most jaded traveler. The checklist tourists can do all this in ten minutes; if you want to savor it, it can go on much longer.
Jean-Marie
Seville, SP SP Tue 05/18/2004
Magic Moments
I had a couple of magic moments this past trip to Europe. I had the chance to meet a Dutch couple that i had been emailing with for about a year in Rotterdam. I found their website while I was researching the trip. We spent 5 hours just talking and then when we were getting ready to leave they said that they would like to meet us in Germany for the weekend! And they did! They got a room in the same hotel and then drove us thru the Mosel Valley from Koblenz to Trier. So we had a lovely time with two lovely people!! Lifelong travel friends, I hope!!
On the same trip, my husband and I visited the Burg Eltz near the Mosel river. You walk thru the cutest little German village to the woods. It takes about an hour, most of it up a beautiful forest path, and then you come around a bend and there it is!! Out in the middle of the forest, this magnificent 800 yr old castle. Completely original, never destroyed or restored-absolute must see!! And I'm glad that I did!!
Christie
Sacramento, CA USA Thu 04/29/2004
Tears in Austria
Last August, my family and I were in Austria. We spent a lot of time in Vienna and then ventured out to the country and ended up in a town named Klagenfurt. As we were looking at some of the houses, a woman in her mid-70s (I would guess) stopped us and asked if we were in fact Americans? We said yes and she took us over to a little house not far from the street. There was an elderly man in a chair in a little garden in the front. The woman said something to him in German and he took my hands and said thank you. I asked the woman what we had done and she said that we were Americans and he loved Americans. At the end of WWII, she explained that her father's group was freed by American GIs and they gave the Austrians Hersey chocolate bars. Well, no one cries alone in my presence and so the two of use just cried together, while my husband and son looked on and shook their heads. They are accostomed to this. We all had a lovely chat and sat and had coffee and cake. When I got home from the trip, I sent the gentleman a big box of Hersey Bars.
Caroline
Boston, MA USA Mon 04/26/2004
Friendly Service at the Louvre and Leon's Restaurant
My family and I just returned from a two week stay in Paris. While in line to see the Mona Lisa, a museum employee saw that I was pushing a stroller started to shout at me while gestering with his hand. At first I thought he was asking me to move out of the line because of my stroller, but then he came closer and using hand signal told me to follow him. He started to move people that were in line out of the way so I can be positioned near the painting. Realizing what he was doing, I quickly called out to my husband so he and the rest of the family can join me. We ended up right in front of the Mona Lisa with people who have been waiting in line looking at me, probably wondering why I got the special treatment. I thought that was pretty neat.
Another unforgettable experience happened at a nearby Leon's. It is a chain restaurant that specialized in mussels. Since it was close by our apartment, we frequented it often. On our second trip, my husband, in his attempt to speak French asked the waiter if they would sell their beer mugs. The waiter didn't understand so we tried to flag down the manager. My French was no better but together, we were able to convey that we would like to purchase two beer mugs. He nodded and said to wait. We waited a while as we finish our dinner. But then he still didn't come back so we thought that he had forgotten about us. Then I think just after we had paid our bill, he came back with a case and handed it to my husband. Both of us looked at each other and thought maybe he heard that we wanted to buy a case. To avoid further misunderstanding, my husband reached for his wallet to pay for the mugs. The manager instead waived his hand to tell us not to pay. He was giving us the mugs to keep for free. We thanked him for his generosity. Needless to say now the restaurant, in particular that one near the Republique, has one more loyal fan... my husband.
HM
SG, CA USA Fri 04/23/2004
John Belushi at the Louvre
Okay, this is a weird one. I was in Paris the week before Easter and went to the Louvre Monday night when the Denon wing is open till 9:45. Only a handful of people there; I was totally alone in the room with the Mona Lisa, not even a guard, for at least 15 minutes. No disrespect to Leonardo, but she isn't my favorite, so I took advantage of the time to check out all the other paintings in the room that you never have time or space to see as the herd swarms Mona. To her right, at the end of the gallery on the second tier up, I swear to God I saw a portrait of John Belushi in his Animal House persona. There he was, double chin, toga, laurel wreath, beard stubble and all. The only thing missing was the beer. I burst out laughing, and stood on tiptoe to check further. The portrait was actually of some Roman Emperor painted in 1623, but it was a dead ringer. I hope my pictures turn out; no one believes me. Oh, and I learned that if you laugh out loud in the presence of La Giaconda, guards come running!
Tricia
Tallahassee, FL USA Mon 04/19/2004
4th of July in Italy
A magic moment for us came during a trip to Tuscany in 1999. There were eight of us in a group that rented a villa in Castellina in Chianti. An unexpected plus was how warm and welcoming the host family was. In spite of the fact that meals were not a part of our deal, on the 4th of July they created a meal of Beschamel Lasagna and the own Classic Chianti. After the meal we spent hours touring the wine cellar, tasting olive oil, and enjoying each others company. This included a tour of their house (built before the year 1050 and a residence for G.I.s during the war). Just before we said "Good night," the family Nona (Grandmother), borrowed one of our pool towels that was in the fashion of an American flag, and put it around her shoulders. She then took a flashlight and posed as the Statue of Liberty while, at her insistance, we all sang The Star Spangled Banner.
Ken Andrews
Penfield, NY USA Mon 03/29/2004
memories
we were at Kings Cross station last saturday night to see our daughter off to Manchester
Train stations are a place of interest to me anyway
while waiting for the train i noticed a flock fo coppers with dogs around being only a few days after the disaster in Spain i was starting to shivver
Suddenly a huge roar it seamed to come up from deep under ground
we stood there feet rooted to the ground mouths hanging open
the roar louder and closer now
what do you think "footballers" an intire trainload of men
a parade of cheering chanting happy men acting a lot like little boys on Christmas
it took a good few minutes for the train to unload and it was just marvelous
the police stood by just in case
the dogs barked like hell at the boy/men
the men barked back
i fell in love with london
but i have to say that was a real show stopper of a moment
tobi jardines
pasadena, ca USA Sat 03/20/2004
Bells in Lincoln on a Cold Night
Emerging from the best Thai restaurant we had ever eaten in in our lives (see food entry for Lincoln), onto the cobbled street of the cathedral quarter in Lincoln,we were washed over by the sound of the cathedral bells as the change-ringers rehearsed. The air was cold and still, and we walked slowly through the cathedral gates and leaned against the stone, listening, for ten minutes. It was the highlight of a two-week trip.
Jane W
East Flat Rock, NC USA Wed 03/03/2004
Angels in Deutschland
On our first trip to Europe my wife and I were working our way towards Saarbrucken from the Frankfurt Airport. We had our 18 month old son in tow and neither of us slept much on the flight. We packed way too much and were very unsure of what we were doing. We also didn't know who Rick was at this point.
We had several bags large and small and on the crowded train to Saarbrucken my wife went to look for a seat. When she returned a few minutes later she was missing one of our bags. It just happened to be the bag with our plane tickets and German phrase book! Not to mention a small camera and other things. She went back to check, but no luck.
We got off the train in Ingleheim and tried to figure out our next step. We were tired, it was hot and our son was getting irritable. We were tempted to end our trip right there.
We instead got on the next train to our destination and while the service agent at the station was making calls to different stations she casually reached behind her and lifted up our bag not even realizing that it was ours.
The best part is that it had been turned in with EVERYTHING in it. I couldn't believe it. That set the tone for the rest of our trip.
Danke to everyone we encountered that day and to the one person our bag encountered.
Pete
Tobyhanna, PA USA Wed 02/11/2004
French Resistance Veterans at the Arc de Triomphe
My daughters and I have travelled to France twice during spring break with their French teacher, a native of France. Last April, on our last day in Paris we took our customary walk from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe. The area around the Arc de Triomphe was surrounded by elderly men dressed in decorated army uniforms preparing for some kind of ceremony. I was shooting with b&w film and wanted to ask permission to take a picture of two of the gentlemen. The teacher asked their permission, and explained that our group of 25 American students and parents had come to France despite all the reservations about the war in Iraq (we were in Paris the day Baghdad fell). The men had been members of the French Resistance during WWII and were observing an anniversary--I never did find out exactly what. Instead of allowing me to take a photo of him, the gentleman gathered all the students, took down the barrier around the flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier and lined all the students up for a photo with him and his comrades. What a moment for our middle and high school students. They allowed two parents to take photos of the group, and it is truly something that we will never forget. Prior to our arrival in Paris, we drove through the area where the French resistance trained and hid from the Germans. I look forward to next spring break and our visit to Omaha Beach.
USA Sat 02/07/2004
Kithira on a Whim
Last September after a trip to Athens and the compulsory Cyclades island-hopping, I had three days left. I got a cheap flight to Kithira, an island down at the bottom of the Peloponnese that I picked mainly because of its odd location. At the small airport I rented a car, and while waiting for it, overheard a group of Americans negotiating taxis to their resort (there's no bus service). They found they had to sqeeze six adults and all their luggage into two taxis, not counting the drivers. As I was alone, I offered to give some of them a lift. They gratefully accepted, and we soon found that we were all from (honest) the same town in Virginia!
We hit it off right away, and they 'adopted' me for the next three days, taking me with them all over the beautiful, undeveloped island and refusing to let me pay for meals. Best of all, George, one of the drivers who spoke perfect English (an expate from Australia) also volunteered to become our guide for our trip, and also refused payment. He showed us sights we would have never known about, told us funny stories about the locals and took us to restaurants with the kind of fresh seafood I still dream about. It was truly magical!
Dave
Manassas, VA USA Thu 02/05/2004
St. Peter's Basilica
After a long morning in the Vatican Museum, we decided to see St. Peter's Basilica. We were traveling with our two children, our son (age 11, and already a teenager) and our daughter (age 7). While they were being very cooperative, they weren't overwhelmed by the museum (except for the Sistine Chapel) and we weren't sure how much they would appreciate the Basilica. We walked in, and after 5 minutes, my son turned to me and said, "When we walked in, it made me feel a little breathless. When I have kids, I'm bringing them here." I still get teary thinking about it.
Jill
Washington, DC USA Sun 02/01/2004
The first carriage came by with Prince William and Prince Harry sitting backwards, clearly visible, also Edward and Sophia, the Earl and Countess of Wessex. A band brilliantly tricked out on horseback, kilted pipers, another band, and then another carriage. I knew the Queen was coming from the ceremony because the soldier at the turning, with the sword, suddenly held a salute. And so Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip rode by. She was wearing a blue and white dress with a very becoming hat, and had a blanket over her knees. This was the first year that Prince Philip rode with her in the carriage; owing to his health, he couldn't ride a horse as is customary. I also saw Prince Charles.
My Mom talked to a policeman about taking a picture with his hat on, which I thought was very cute but didn't have the courage to do myself. His name was Graham (pronounced Gray'am) and his partner was John. Graham said Americans have a very different relationship to cars than Britons do. They don't find cars essential to life, don't travel as much that way [at least, not in London].
We convinced Dad to go down
to Buckingham Palace with the streaming crowds to see the balcony appearance
of the Royal family. A band played "Michelle" by the Beatles
during the wait. You just have to be there to know what it all looked
like: the big Victoria statue with gold all around, and large, decorated,
black iron gates. Queen Elizabeth came out on the balcony with her husband
first, closely followed by Princes William and Harry. The Princes stood
at her right, Prince Charles to the left with Edward and Sophia, others
and several young girls. Princess Anne came out belatedly, in a black
uniform. I suddenly realized that it was this balcony where Charles stood
and kissed Diana on their wedding day.
Marisa Taylor
TX USA Wed 01/21/2004
Holidays in Valletta, Malta
My son and I spent 2 weeks in Malta from Dec.24 to Jan 6th. My magic moment
was staying at the British Hotel with wonderful owners, David and Rita.
We had 2 rooms overlooking the bay and Fort Angelo across from us. I left
my french doors open a bit so every morning before sunrise I could hear
the fishing boats come put-putting in at 6 am. On New Year's Eve, David
invited us guests for champagne overlooking the harbor. At midnight the
boats across the harbor released their fireworks. There was about 20 of
us watching. Then as soon as the fireworks were over, lightening started.
So we saw man-made fireworks and God's too that night.
karin
anchorage, ak USA Mon 01/19/2004
Christmas Day in Cordoba
We arrived in Cordoba after noon on Christmas Day, hoping to be able to
tour the Mezquita. We were disappointed to learn that it was closed for
the holiday, unless we were there to attend Mass. We chose to do so, and
experienced a wonderful service in Spanish, with familiar Christmas Carols
(Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, etc.) and a warm and welcoming congregation.
Afterward we briefly toured the basement of the Mezquita to see the Arabic
columns, etc. But, we had experienced a Christmas service we'll never forget!
Andy Williams
Seattle, WA USA Mon 01/12/2004
Bastille Day in Rousillion
Surrounded by the ochre cliffs, we made our way from our comfy inn to the
town square. Preperations were under way for the celebration later in the
evening. We dined in the square and then walked up to a lookout over the
Luberon Valley. As day turned into night we watched the cliffs change in
color and the beautiful sunset. After a few minutes we returned to the square
where the whole village had gathered for the celebration of Bastille Day.
A band began to play and the residents watched in that uncomfortable way
you do when you want to dance but are afraid to head on out and spin your
partner. My wife and I seized the moment and strode confidently out into
the square where we began to dance. As if on cue, the crowd spilled into
the square and joined us. What followed was a night of dancing and celebrating
that we will reflect on forever!
Bill Holt
Mukilteo, WA USA Fri 01/09/2004