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How I got the travel bug… KOAs and Historical Markers

June 22, 2016 by Notourguideneeded 4 Comments

Travel My brother and me at Sequoia National Park

Growing up, my parents encouraged us to see the world.  We weren’t rich but they always seemed to find a way to have enough money to pile us in the back of their custom van.  Summers were spent driving around the country exploring.  I think that is why I love traveling so much today.

In our world of America, especially in Texas (yes, it is different than anywhere else) we tend to think that everyone lives like we do.  We think that all people get up in the morning, get ready, take the kids to school, go to work, come home, have diner/social, go to bed.    While this is true for a lot of people, the degree and variations are so different that it impacts who they are.  Simple things like:

  • What time do you get to work?  5am or 9am?
  • Do the kids have school on Saturday?
  • Are businesses open at 1 or do they close from 1-4 (or some variation of that time)?
  • What time do you eat dinner?

 

The dinner thing is what really amazes me.

In Texas, dinner time is 5-6 ish… In Spain, dinner time is 9-10 ish.  The whole day is set up differently based on this time.  Now, if you ask someone in Madrid why they eat late, they tell you because that is when it cools down.  The stores are closed in the afternoon to save on electricity or it is just too hot.  But Texas never adapted to that, and I can tell you it is a hella lot hotter in Texas than Spain.   I hate eating dinner at 6pm.  I don’t start cooking until 7.  Depending on how long it takes to cook we usually have dinner around 8pm.  That to me is a suitable time.  My friends and family think we are crazy.

 

The other big one is children.

Is it socially acceptable to take a baby into a bar?  Many places it is.  Many places it isn’t.  A lot of places it isn’t but people do it anyway.   But then in some places kids can start drinking beer/wine at 16.  So, it isn’t uncommon to be in a beer garden sitting next to essentially kids having beer.

 

Then there is the attitude of people that is just different.

Some cultures are laid back.  Servers in restaurants tell you to holler at them when you are ready.  Others are annoyed that you are talking and not ordering.  Some bring you the bill and need you to get out when you are done eating.  Others tell you to take your time, bring a bottle of something yummy on the house, and encourage you to stay a little longer.

 

But if you do not see the world, you only know this via television, books and radio.

You don’t get yelled at by the concierge in Copenhagen when you ask what he recommends doing and the reply is “you should go home.  it is too cold for you to be here.  why do tourists come here in October???” (seriously this happened.  The concierge!  and then when I told others what he said, their reply was “well, he is right”).  (by the way, I love Copenhagen but their directness can be overwhelming for someone used to the southern hospitality).

 

If you do not go see the world then…

You do not know what it feels like to be in different altitudes.  You do not have the experience of someone bringing you tea and you not sure what is in it but you drink it anyway because you feel that strangely bad.

You don’t understand why it is important in Cuzco Peru to take it slow and easy because otherwise you will pass out from the height.

You would not know that the birthday cake in southern Venezuela tastes a lot like my mom’s cake.  But their rice is totally different.

If you do not see the world you do not really understand what a street dog really is.  And that means different things in different parts of the world.

If you don’t travel the world, you have no idea the variety of toilets that exist on Earth.  We all poop, but not in the same way.

So, I am extremely grateful that my parents dragged me and my brother around the US.   I’ll write more about those trips later.  If you haven’t piled your kids in the car and taken off though, do it.  Sell something, save your money.   Pack PBJ sandwiches and clip coupons.

Who knows… 30 years from now your 10 year old could be sitting in her kitchen writing her travel blog about the world all because you made her stop at every.. single..historical landmark you saw.

Peace and love.

 

Filed Under: Adventures, amusing

Tips on how to go to Oktoberfest in Munich

May 2, 2016 by Notourguideneeded 1 Comment

Gingerbread Cookies Munich Oktoberfest

I flew all the way around the world to drink beer with Germans.  Seriously.  Several times.  But the one that I am going to talk about today is Oktoberfest.

My family is German heritage and going to Germany was a great treat for me.   We decided to go in the fall and pop over to Munich for Oktoberfest.  Two years later we took my parents to the festival that we had so much fun!

I read many many blogs and tips on how to do Oktoberfest.  Hopefully I can make it easier for you because I have no hidden agenda (I am not selling tickets, etc).

First,  I need to give a disclaimer that everything I am writing about is my experience.  There may be better ways or different ways to do it but this was what worked for us.

So, now on to the festival… after you figure it out, it really isn’t very complicated.

 

The Tents

Get yourself a copy of the map of the fairgrounds well ahead of time.  If there are specific tents you want to get into mark them.

The way it works is each brewer has a tent (or tents).  Some are enormous, and some are quaint.   Most are inside, however I have sat outside a tent too.    If you are going on a very busy day, you will need to get a reservation.  We timed it to not be there on a Saturday and never needed a reservation.  If you want a guarantee into a tent, then you should get a reservation but honestly if the tent is that crowded, you would be best to go to the next one anyway.

 

Timing is Everything

This site as a pretty good calendar of days that are good and those that are crowded.  There is also a neat guide to help you:  Oktoberfest Guide Link

We always timed getting to the festival around 3pm.  Then the folks who got there at lunch are leaving but the evening crowd hasn’t arrived yet.   Aim for a hotel within walking distance as driving is not an option and the trains are packed.  Pay a little more for location.

As you walk around you will notice that probably half the people are in traditional German attire.  These are expensive and while I always wanted one, carrying it back with me was not an option.  There are tons of shops around the festival (and inside) where you can purchase clothing of any sort.

You will find that the entrance to the festival is very open.  I was expecting bag checks and guards and such.  Nope.  Just go on in, very civilized.

 

The Carnival

Like most festivals, there is a carnival (highly recommend) and tons of places to buy things.  The “tents” are not really Tents but more elaborate buildings set up for beer drinking.  You pick the one you want to go into and just find a seat.  If you can’t find one sometimes the women servers will show you a seat or tell people to move down to make room.  This happened to us later in the evening but we never had a problem during the day.

 

Day vs Evening Events

During the day most people are sitting on the seats, acting normal.  Then people start standing up and chugging beer.  I once saw a very theatrical performance of one person, then two, then another each standing up and chugging beer.  Then everyone stood up and the place just switched from calm to party central in two seconds.  It was amazing.

 

The Most Important Thing

So, you found your spot to drink, now what?  The women will come by and ask if you want beer.  There is no option.  If you are in the tent, you drink that tent’s beer.  Sometimes they will add lemonade too it and they might have water, but you are there for one reason only.

And that reason is the chicken.

Yes folks, the chicken.

Most of the tents have some version of chicken.  It is the best damn thing you will ever eat in your life. You can only find this awesome of a rotisserie chicken in a tent after a beer or three, but I will tell you it will change your life.

Some of the tents also have pretzels, radishes and other food.   That is good too, but don’t fill up until you have the chicken.

 

Cash

Make sure you have determined how much cash you will need.  You can determine how many beers you will drink x the cost of the beer (check before you go).  It is hard to determine because the beers are big and you want to drink them pretty quick or they will get warm, but not too quick where you don’t remember the festival.   (reference the link above for some great money ideas).

If you are thinking of going and aren’t sure, just GO!  Even if the worst case is that you don’t get into any tents, you can still hang out outside the tent in the beer garden and it would still be a lovely time.  The festival is unlike anything I have ever seen and it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Enjoy yourself, don’t drink too much that you ruin your trip, and eat lots of chicken!

The beers are huge!
The beers are huge!

 

IF YOU SEE THIS RIDE, YOU MUST RIDE IT!!!!
IF YOU SEE THIS RIDE, YOU MUST RIDE IT!!!!

 

This ride will give you great views of the festival.
This ride will give you great views of the festival.

 

Paulander Oktoberfest Beer
Shelia’s Favorite Tent

 

The open gates in 2012
The open gates in 2012

 

Gingerbread Cookies Munich Oktoberfest
Gingerbread Cookies – They are so yummy!

 

 

Filed Under: Adventures, Europe, Festival

Amsterdam

April 18, 2016 by Notourguideneeded 1 Comment

It is all very confusing as to where you are actually going..  Are you going to Holland, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Dutch-land?  Watch this You Tube Video first as he explains it pretty well. (I also recommend reading the comments because you will get an idea of the Dutch humor/attitude real quick).

Also, don’t confuse the Dutch and the Danish.  Here is a link that will help you there: Danish/Dutch.

 

Now that you actually know where you are going, let’s review the city..

According to my TripAdvisor map, I have been to 172 cities (as of 2016).  Amsterdam was the most confusing by far.  Most city planning is based on squares and blocks.  This city is oval.  Yes, oval. Even Prague, who I will write an entire post on how I hate that city set up, is in second. Because once you figure Prague out, you get it.  I was in Amsterdam for three days and never got it.  It is a beautiful, wonderful city, just confusing.

I recommend you make yourself a custom google map, and then print it out.  Several times.  You will get so mad that you will want to throw it in the canal (but don’t.. cameras are everywhere).  Do not use the hotel map.  Use your own.

Amsterdam Cameras are everywhere

 

Bicycles

If you know how to ride a bike, rent one.  They are everywhere.  More people are on bikes than cars or walking.  It is rather insane.  We drove into the city, dropped off the car and never used it again.  Driving with all those bicycles is very very intimating.  They know where they are going, you don’t.  Rent a bike, or walk.  (you can pretty much walk everywhere anyway).

 

Amsterdam - Bikes, Bikes, Everywhere there are Bikes!
Bikes, Bikes, Everywhere there are Bikes!

 

Amsterdam - There is more room to ride a bike than to drive!
There is more room to ride a bike than to drive!

 

Delft Blue

I really wish I would have bought a ton of this while I was there.  We were at the end of the road-trip of 1,200 miles (read here) and I was just tired.  If I go again though I would spend more time and buy some particular pieces.   Even if you aren’t interested, the area outside the Royal Delft Experience (shown here) is a nice place to buy things.

 

Royal Delft Experience, Amsterdam
Royal Delft Experience

 

Rijksmuseum

If you like Rembrandt, this is your place.  It is huge, magnificent and over the top.

 

Ann Frank’s House

I did not go here because I make it a point not to visit sad things unless just so very important that I must go. I went to the documentation center in Nuremberg, but you will never get me to go to a camp.   I loved Ann Frank as a child and would like to keep my memories fond.  If you have ever been to a Jewish cemetery or center in Europe you know that it is nothing like anything we could ever have in America. So, I will pay my respects to her in other ways, but no thank you on the tours.

 

The Van Gogh Museum

I am a huge fan on Van Gough. We drove to Arles to see where he lived.   I have traveled to Chicago to see all three bedroom paintings together.   The Van Gogh museum was crowded.  The lines to get in wrapped around the street and down the road.  Had we known, we could have purchased the tickets online to get into a time queue.  I did not get to go inside, but we did visit the property, including the store that had some quite good items.

We have a little saying that you should always leave something on the table to come back to and this museum was what I left.

However, if you do go, or are just interested in art, check out Artsy.  This links specifically to the Van Gogh page but look around at the others too.  It’s a great site and we should all support their mission to make art available to everyone.

 

The tram is a great alternative if you don't want to Bike in Amsterdam
The tram is a great alternative if you don’t want to Bike in Amsterdam

 

 

Dam Square

I think we may have spent the whole day at Dam Square had we the time.  We love to people watch and this is the place to do it.

This article on TripAdvisor gives you a listing of everything to do around the square.  But you can sit in a cafe that is gezellig (or coffee shop if that’s your thing – keep reading) and just take it all in.

 

 

Rosse Buurt

There is no one “red light district” but rather many many streets with red lights.   I say this because even if you decide you are not going to see this area, you might find yourself in it anyway.  We even saw red lights around our hotel which was surprising given the area.

While a bit sad, it is done the best way it could be done.  The way it works is the women have little rooms the size of a large closet.  Then they stand in the windows.  They are not walking around and are fully protected behind the glass.  If the men want to meet with them they strike a deal.  The women for the most part are Eastern European, blonde, and beautiful.  Yes, some look like women of the night, but most are very very pretty.

Some are standing there dressed up and some are naked.  All have a red light above their window and if they are busy the curtain is closed.

If you venture there, do not under any circumstances take your camera out.  The hubs was holding his, but not using it.  One of the social workers came out of her glassed-in area and began screaming at him. Obviously they want their privacy and that is understandable.

So, after about 10 minutes of seeing this spectacle, you have seen probably enough.  Box checked move along.  Of course I found myself continuously seeing these red lights all over the place and it was rather annoying after awhile.

 

Coffee Shops

Do not mistake Coffee Shops for a Starbucks.

While Americans are starting to get a little tolerant of pot usage, it is a little surprising for those of us that live in the south to see someone light up in the middle of a cafe.  Just know where you are going and if you find yourself in a situation you don’t like, leave.  You are not obligated to do or be anywhere.

 

Things to remember:

  • Take your own map and know where you are going ahead of time
  • You will get lost, just go with it
  • Do not go into a coffee shop unless that is your thing
  • Buy Van Gogh museum tickets online before you go so you don’t have to stand in a long line.
  • Enjoy yourself.

 

Filed Under: Adventures, Europe, Road Trip Tagged With: Art, vacation

Barcelona

April 17, 2016 by Notourguideneeded Leave a Comment

Barcelona is one of the best cities in Europe.  It is especially good if you are intimated or not quite sure if you are going to be okay in a foreign country.  Because Barcelona has the cruise ports, there is a huge tourist population.  It has great food, shopping, architecture and the city is easily laid out to find things.  If you are looking for your first trip, I’d highly recommend Barcelona.

We have been there many times as it is a good hub between USA and other European cities.  You can also read about our Spanish cruise here too.

The first thing I like to recommend in a city is the hop on hop off bus.  The hubs hates these buses, but I think they are great to get acclimated to the city. Plus, in Barcelona, there are lots of things that you just need to see while driving by, such as Gaudi’s buildings.  They are cool but unless you want to stop the bus is a great way to see them.

DSC_0141-4

 

You don’t want to miss Las Rambla. It is a famous touristy street. You walk down the middle and there are lots of little carts and street art.  The stores are okay but the touristy stuff is quality.  I have bought scarves, magnets, etc there.

People walking on Las Rambla in Barcelona

 

On Las Rambla, there is the major market that is a site all in its own.  The colors and flavors are like nothing you have ever seen in one place.  There are wine bars and restaurants on the perimeter and I highly recommend you get a bite and just take it all in while you are there.

Market in Barcelona

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The Sagrada Familia is a must to see.  The church is Gaudi’s work of art that we worked on for 43 years before his death.  The church is still being completed to this day so it is a little odd.. it is this magnificent church with construction everywhere.  It is set to be completed in 2026, but we shall see.  I am confident that by then other improvements will need to be made.    Get there early as the lines form long and you probably need a couple hours to take it all in.

DSC_0176-8

DSC_0170-7

 

The Beach.. oh goodness.  Go.  I have been to many beaches in the world and the Mediterranean is unlike anything else.   There are party beaches and peaceful beauties. My favorite on is about 45 minutes south in a little town of El Vendrell.  You don’t have to go that far to experience the beaches though.

 

 

1DSC_0251-10

 

Filed Under: Adventures, beaches, Europe, Favorite Places, Spain Tagged With: Architecture, Art, Cruise, Spain, vacation

A Spa, Wedding and Spa

April 17, 2016 by Notourguideneeded 1 Comment

Road Trip Map in Europe

I love Formula One.  I have a bucket list item to go to all the races.  I’ve also wanted to see the Netherlands and northern Europe, so what better than to see the race in Spa, Belgium.

It also happened to be the year that a friend of ours got married and was having a wedding party in France.  Great – two items, one trip.

Now, the party was in the south of France.  Close to Barcelona.  Which is near El Vendrell.. my favorite place on Earth.

Could we manage to go to RA Spa in El Vendrell, the wedding and then Spa F1?  Of course! Don’t be silly!

Oh, wait… on the way there, can we stop in Amsterdam too?  Of course!  Why not?

So.. here was our road trip..

 

 

Road Trip Map

It makes me tired just looking at it!  It was an excellent trip though and many memories all in two weeks time.

I have written about each of these places in more detail so you should check out each page for more tips.

 

 

Filed Under: Adventures, Europe, Favorite Places, Road Trip

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