International Travel Alert

On Friday, shortly before high noon, we were in Luxembourg City at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. I was, as usual when visiting a church ,lighting votives in memory of Aunt Gene and Uncle Stewart. They use to light candles at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Golden Valley. Because a two euro coin was the smallest I had, I was lighting four votives (.50 is the going rate)

Innocently, I was intent on the job at hand and had laid my super-insulated gloves down beside me. There was a colorful couple milling near, a shady looking old guy with a young chick on his arm. Votives lit, gloves no where to be found, and couple vanished! A crime had been committed, in a cathedral, in broad daylight! What is this world coming to?

So my message to you is BEWARE! And my question is, do you have any spare gloves?

The Real Heidelberg

Travel guides proudly write that Heidelberg is one of Germany's top destinations. However, last Saturday Tom and I were the only diehards looking at the bright, full moon from the bridge over the huge castle. It was freezing! A local gentleman told us it was colder than it had been for forty years! (don't worry I had my long underwear on)

Every hour we sipped a hot beverage ( coffee, hot chocolate, tea , gluhwein, etc). Housed in the old town district is the city's world-famous University. 28,000 students attend college. We peeked into classroom buildings and viewed several art exhibits.



I purchased my first pair of reading glasses, time marches on you know. Germany's coffee giant, Tchibo, stocked them. They have a lifestyle shop, changing most merchandise monthly. Affordable and good quality items in my opinion. I've also bought a winter coat, cheese knives, chocolate grinder, CD, brownie pan, placemats, pillows and Tom a travel grip. (coffee is sold every now and then)

Heidelberg has many beautiful buildings because it was not bombed in World War I or II. Residents seem to enjoy the finer things of life. The largest U.S. Army Base in Europe is in this city.

And Katie Shops For Tom

Since Christmas I've been feeling guilty. Tom and I decided to celebrate the season, not purchase it. One day while at the Base library there was a box of free paperbooks, I noted Obama's recent book,"Change We Can Believe In". Good deal!
Tom likes current events. Wrap it up and give it to him with a holiday hug! I did. He thanked me.

I felt like I had shorted him.Recently when I was roaming the PX Store this wonderful gift jumped off the shelf! Five days a week, alone at his desk, Tom humbly eats his sandwich along with fruit and chips. (I cut his dessert) Germans are always reusing things, so why not save a few plastic bags. Childhood memories fill his mind as he opens up his delightful lunch!

Tom's Shopping Spree

January, a traditional month of retail sales, caught Tom's attention this year. First he bought needed essentials; black gloves, travel grip(we hardly ever stay around the apartment on weekends, it's 70 square meters ) and reading glasses.

Mr. Shopper rushed into a bath and beauty store to buy what he thought were "must have" items. For years in our bathroom a rather large rubber duck was a permanent resident. He was always cheerful, why kick him out? (the duck, not Tom) Anyway, back to the story, Tom paid big bucks for this pair of German birds he felt needed to reside with us. They do make you smile!

A Stained Glass Masterpiece

The Cathedral is the unmistakable landmark of Cologne, mighty spires and pointed gabled roofs can be seen as one approaches from any direction. Since 1164 the Shrine of the Magi has been housed here. Daily thousands of people seek out beauty and peace in the church.

\






Cologne's most famous international legacy is, of course, Eau de Cologne. In 1709 Italian chemist Giovanni Maria Farhina developed the fragrance. We stopped by her home to check out the scent; it was light and refreshing, very nice.

In search of nourishment ,we stumbled upon Fruh Brewhouse, another landmark. Lighthearted conversation and laughter filled the air. Four Polish tourists asked Tom to snap their photo. Of course he did and then got chatty. They were in town for an Andre Rieu concert, driven all the way from Poland. A seed was planted, Tom wanted to go too! (me, not so much) Lucky us, tickets were still available!

What we learned was this: arenas are places for showmanship and big screens bringing action up close with tacky, flashy lights. He's the Lawrence Welk of classical music. When intermission roled around we wanted to hit the road. One problem, arena doors were locked and you first have to find security to get out and then promise to go home and stay home!

Two Beautiful Cities

Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria are favorites of ours, to ring in 2009 we drove south to visit them. Churches surround the heart of old Salzburg, their bells chiming is music to your ears. A quick afternoon city stroll and bite to eat were all we had time for.

We had reservations in Innsbruck for two nights of lodging at Adler Inn. Mozart was also one of their guests. Austrian Alps are perfect background for this special place. Many European cities host large, large parties and fireworks to usher in the New Year. Innsbruck was packed with people and anticipation.

Fireworks over the river and mountains were breathtaking. Speakers bigger than any I have ever seen or heard , blasted out accompanying fanfare music. P.J. used this setting to pop the big question to Sara. They plan to be married in the fall of 2010.

Good Friends and Good Food = Good Time

Our always friendly landlords, Paul and Luddy, treated their family and us to an evening supper at Hofen's Gasthaus. This well known establishment brews their own beer, makes lieberwurst (this wurst, that wurst, everywhere a wurst; in Germany anyway), cooks for you, and then does the serving of plates too!

We laughed, ate and drank together for a couple of hours. Holidays in every country are for fellowship, even when you don't speak the same language.