May 31 - Helsinki, Finland
Up early and out on a tour of the city. There were 45 on our bus today. First we were taken to a touring boat for a ride out into the city and around some of the islands. Back to the ship a little after noon,
Friday, May 31, 2013
May 30 - Day 2 in St Petersburg
Went sightseeing. As we had gone through customs last night and showed a paper we had filled out about getting off the boat and returning we did not have to give them a paper again as we were in their system. We just handed them our passport, they checked it and let us go on through. We then boarded a bus for a tour of Scenic St Petersburg. We had only 10 on this tour so it was really nice. We usually have at least 40. Many had taken a 2 day tour. Our guide, Michael, was really good and looked out for all of us very well.
He was glad for another beautiful day as he says there are only 60 a year. The other 300 are rain, storms, snow, cold, not very pleasant.
Will tell more about this tour when I can post pictures.
At 4:30 some of the performers from the night before came to the ship and put on a program for us.
It was early as they had to be off the boat before we pulled out about 7PM.
At 7:30 there was a program put on by Andy Buenger who plays at least 7 different instruments. He could really entertain us. No picture taking was allowed.
About 7:15 the engines were started. The announcer stated that when the "earthquake" was over we would get the show started. By 7:30 we were pulling away from the dock heading for Helsinki, Finland and the quaking had settled down.
An interesting note is that at deck 6 you can really feel the ship wiggle. On deck 11, where our room is located, one can feel a little movement but not much. Enough to rock me to sleep. The sea has been very calm all trip.
Went sightseeing. As we had gone through customs last night and showed a paper we had filled out about getting off the boat and returning we did not have to give them a paper again as we were in their system. We just handed them our passport, they checked it and let us go on through. We then boarded a bus for a tour of Scenic St Petersburg. We had only 10 on this tour so it was really nice. We usually have at least 40. Many had taken a 2 day tour. Our guide, Michael, was really good and looked out for all of us very well.
He was glad for another beautiful day as he says there are only 60 a year. The other 300 are rain, storms, snow, cold, not very pleasant.
Will tell more about this tour when I can post pictures.
At 4:30 some of the performers from the night before came to the ship and put on a program for us.
It was early as they had to be off the boat before we pulled out about 7PM.
At 7:30 there was a program put on by Andy Buenger who plays at least 7 different instruments. He could really entertain us. No picture taking was allowed.
About 7:15 the engines were started. The announcer stated that when the "earthquake" was over we would get the show started. By 7:30 we were pulling away from the dock heading for Helsinki, Finland and the quaking had settled down.
An interesting note is that at deck 6 you can really feel the ship wiggle. On deck 11, where our room is located, one can feel a little movement but not much. Enough to rock me to sleep. The sea has been very calm all trip.
May 29 - St Petersburg, Russia
Spent the day on the ship relaxing and having a manicure and a pedicure. In the evening we went to Russian Folklore Extravaganza. We had to go through customs here showing our passports and going through security before boarding the bus for the theater. This wasa very good performance by dancers, male singers and a band. Very lovely day both weather and sightseeing.
Spent the day on the ship relaxing and having a manicure and a pedicure. In the evening we went to Russian Folklore Extravaganza. We had to go through customs here showing our passports and going through security before boarding the bus for the theater. This wasa very good performance by dancers, male singers and a band. Very lovely day both weather and sightseeing.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
May 28 - Tallin, Estonia
Not much power here on board the ship. Can not pull up any pictures. Will add pictures when we get to someplace where I can, probably back in DC.
We docked in Tallin this morning about 9. By 9:30 we were being loaded on buses to tour the city. This was a riding/walking tour. Tallin is a very interesting city of about 200,000 people in the north of the little country of Estonia. The tour guide was VERY good telling us about the Medieval times as well as when behind the Iron Curtain.
Lori walked to the castle of Peter the Great which was named for his wife Katherine. Pictures were taken so I could see what it was like. She said I could have made it as some who walked worse than I do made it. Now I am sorry I stayed in the bus. I got out at all the other stops.
The ruins of the old nunnery, Nun's Gate, were very interesting.
The walking part, through the old town, was on coble stone streets so was a little hard to walk on, but I did OK and kept up with the group. Several cruise ships were in port so LOTS of people were walking around.
Not much power here on board the ship. Can not pull up any pictures. Will add pictures when we get to someplace where I can, probably back in DC.
We docked in Tallin this morning about 9. By 9:30 we were being loaded on buses to tour the city. This was a riding/walking tour. Tallin is a very interesting city of about 200,000 people in the north of the little country of Estonia. The tour guide was VERY good telling us about the Medieval times as well as when behind the Iron Curtain.
Lori walked to the castle of Peter the Great which was named for his wife Katherine. Pictures were taken so I could see what it was like. She said I could have made it as some who walked worse than I do made it. Now I am sorry I stayed in the bus. I got out at all the other stops.
The ruins of the old nunnery, Nun's Gate, were very interesting.
The walking part, through the old town, was on coble stone streets so was a little hard to walk on, but I did OK and kept up with the group. Several cruise ships were in port so LOTS of people were walking around.
Monday, May 27, 2013
May 27 - Day at Sea
The day started out very cloudy and cool. We got up and ate breakfast at the Versailles Cafe. This is just a regular cafe but very nice. Yesterday we had the breakfast buffet but today we ordered. Lori had pancakes and I had eggs benidict. After breakfast we came back to our room and took a much needed nap, about 3 hours.
At 1 o'clock I had an appointment for a hair treatment, sure feels nice now. Then I had a pedicure as Lori had her hair treatment. I also needed a manicure so had that. Lori did not need a pedicure so had a maincure.
Dinner will be at the Teppanyaki, a Brazilan steak house.
The day started out very cloudy and cool. We got up and ate breakfast at the Versailles Cafe. This is just a regular cafe but very nice. Yesterday we had the breakfast buffet but today we ordered. Lori had pancakes and I had eggs benidict. After breakfast we came back to our room and took a much needed nap, about 3 hours.
At 1 o'clock I had an appointment for a hair treatment, sure feels nice now. Then I had a pedicure as Lori had her hair treatment. I also needed a manicure so had that. Lori did not need a pedicure so had a maincure.
Dinner will be at the Teppanyaki, a Brazilan steak house.
May 26 - Germany
A rainy day here in Warnemuende, Germany. We had a bus tour planned and went on it in the rain. It was shortened a litle as some was to be outside. The guide and driver made some changes so we could see other things. This tour took us on a scenic tour of the main attractions within the Warnemuende/Rostock area. This area was in the Eastern Bloc during the occupation by Russia. Some of the buildings are still the tan color of the occupation time. In the last 20 years people are buying their own land and homes and painting them various colors. We stopped and got out at the old St Mary's Church. We drove through the farming area and saw the rape fields & pasture land. We also saw the town were the Grand Dukes had their summer homes. (Rape is used for animal feed and the seeds crushed to make petro.)
Returning to the ship we took a short nap and then went to La Bistro for dinner. This is a French Cafe, very good food.
After dinner we went to a German Folkloric Show of musical and dancing talents of the Mecklenburg-Pommeraner Floklore Ensemble. It was very interesting. The performers introduced their numbers in English, you could tell that is not their native language. We stopped for a soda and watched the sea.
A rainy day here in Warnemuende, Germany. We had a bus tour planned and went on it in the rain. It was shortened a litle as some was to be outside. The guide and driver made some changes so we could see other things. This tour took us on a scenic tour of the main attractions within the Warnemuende/Rostock area. This area was in the Eastern Bloc during the occupation by Russia. Some of the buildings are still the tan color of the occupation time. In the last 20 years people are buying their own land and homes and painting them various colors. We stopped and got out at the old St Mary's Church. We drove through the farming area and saw the rape fields & pasture land. We also saw the town were the Grand Dukes had their summer homes. (Rape is used for animal feed and the seeds crushed to make petro.)
Warnemuende, Germany
from ourbalcony
The tan Russian occupation color of houses
Rape field
Large barn
Views of homes of Dukes
St Mary's church
Inside the church
Ivy covered tree
Returning to the ship we took a short nap and then went to La Bistro for dinner. This is a French Cafe, very good food.
After dinner we went to a German Folkloric Show of musical and dancing talents of the Mecklenburg-Pommeraner Floklore Ensemble. It was very interesting. The performers introduced their numbers in English, you could tell that is not their native language. We stopped for a soda and watched the sea.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
May 25 - Copenhagen
Had a 7 1/2 hour flight from DC to Copenhagen. The flight was smooth for the most part, got a little shakey on the descent. It was raining when we got here and only in the mid 50's. Sure not my Thai temps. I had a wheelchair waiting for me and that got us right through customs and to the baggage claim area. We then went to Norwegian Cruise Line, Star Ship meeting area. We had a 2 hour wait for the busses to take us to the ship. The weather had changed and the sun was starting to shine. The bus driver drove us through the town and explained a few things to us on our way to the ship.
We went through security again and waited to board the ship. When they had us board our room was not ready so we had to wait for another couple of hours. (The ship had come in that morning, 2000 people disembarked and the ship made ready for another 2000 that afternoon.) We got acquainted with the ship, had lunch and made an appointment for a massage in the afternoon. While getting the massage the boat started moving. I did not realize it was moving until all was done and I looked out of the window and saw water all around. Then I could feel a little movement. The sea is very calm so not much movement.
There is about 1100 crew members and 2000 guests on the Norwegian Star Cruise ship.
Had a 7 1/2 hour flight from DC to Copenhagen. The flight was smooth for the most part, got a little shakey on the descent. It was raining when we got here and only in the mid 50's. Sure not my Thai temps. I had a wheelchair waiting for me and that got us right through customs and to the baggage claim area. We then went to Norwegian Cruise Line, Star Ship meeting area. We had a 2 hour wait for the busses to take us to the ship. The weather had changed and the sun was starting to shine. The bus driver drove us through the town and explained a few things to us on our way to the ship.
Copenhagen is known for its canals and bikes.
Some views along the route.
Many parks and walking areas.
First glimpse of our ship.
The blue right triangle shape in the middle of the picture.
Much graffiti all over the city.
There is about 1100 crew members and 2000 guests on the Norwegian Star Cruise ship.
Views from our balcony
Out to sea
Sunset from our balcony
May 24 - Home of the BBB's
Stayed at Bert's house most of the day and played with Brian. He is such and cutie and goer. If his eyes are open he is going. Walks most places now. When he saw me in the morning he rain right to me with his hands up and a big smile on his face. Then he showed me how he slides down the steps on his tummy, so cute.
At 3:30 Bert took Lori and I to the Dulles Airport for our flight to Copenhagen. All went well and we got off on time.
Stayed at Bert's house most of the day and played with Brian. He is such and cutie and goer. If his eyes are open he is going. Walks most places now. When he saw me in the morning he rain right to me with his hands up and a big smile on his face. Then he showed me how he slides down the steps on his tummy, so cute.
At 3:30 Bert took Lori and I to the Dulles Airport for our flight to Copenhagen. All went well and we got off on time.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
May 23 - In Sterling,VA
Bert called me early wondering where I was. They had a repairman coming between 10 & 2 to fix the garbage disposer. Carol brought me over. Itis now 1:37 and no one has come. The kids should be home soon. Maybe they will get here before the repair man.
The repair man did not come until about 2:45.
Had rain most of the day. Kids came home in 2 vehicles as Bert had to bring office furniture and things back to VA. He had a U-Haul truck and Batty and Brian the car. They had a lot of traffic and rain so got home about10 PM. All very tired so we went to bed.
Bert called me early wondering where I was. They had a repairman coming between 10 & 2 to fix the garbage disposer. Carol brought me over. Itis now 1:37 and no one has come. The kids should be home soon. Maybe they will get here before the repair man.
The repair man did not come until about 2:45.
Had rain most of the day. Kids came home in 2 vehicles as Bert had to bring office furniture and things back to VA. He had a U-Haul truck and Batty and Brian the car. They had a lot of traffic and rain so got home about10 PM. All very tired so we went to bed.
May 22 -Off to Virginia /Baltic Cruise
All started started out fine, the people to take me were there a little early, but I was ready. We got to Appleton airport in plenty of time and the check in went great. Then the story began. They started boarding the plane just before 11, it was to leave at 11:10. I was on, carry-on stowed above and getting my seat belt hooked when the flight attendant came on and said that we could not go into Chicago because of bad weather and there would be a delay of at least an hour. About an hour later those of us who had connecting flights before 4o'clock were told to go and see if we could get our flight changed. They then had me booked on 2 flights. If the first one was still there then I would go on that, if not I had a 2nd plane to go on. About 3 PM we were again told to board the plane. When we finally got to Chicago all went OK until they tried to attach the skyway. It would not connect and mechanics had to be called. Finally we were connected and could get off the plane. I have never seen so many people in the Chicago airport all trying to get on one flight or another. I thought I had missed my 2nd flight for the day. I had requested transportation. There was a cart and 5 of us ladies were ready for our ride. As all had missed flights we were taken to passenger service. The driver took our boarding passes to get new ones for us. He came right back to me and said my plane had not left but was boarding. I got back on the cart and he took me to gate C2, which was only 10 down from where we were. This plane was to leave at 4:17 but was late and left at 5 PM. Called Lori and she met me at Dulles Airport. When I arrived there was to be a wheel chair for me. None there so the man at the desk called for one and then left. After a nice wait a TSA person came by and I had her call again. A Muslim woman came to take me to baggage. All went well until I tipped her. She thought she was worth more than I tipped her. She complained to both Lori and I. I guess they tip more out here in the East. I gave her some more and all was well. We then went to Long Horn Steak House for ribs. As Bert and family were at Fort Bragg, NC, I went home with Lori and stayed there for the night.
All started started out fine, the people to take me were there a little early, but I was ready. We got to Appleton airport in plenty of time and the check in went great. Then the story began. They started boarding the plane just before 11, it was to leave at 11:10. I was on, carry-on stowed above and getting my seat belt hooked when the flight attendant came on and said that we could not go into Chicago because of bad weather and there would be a delay of at least an hour. About an hour later those of us who had connecting flights before 4o'clock were told to go and see if we could get our flight changed. They then had me booked on 2 flights. If the first one was still there then I would go on that, if not I had a 2nd plane to go on. About 3 PM we were again told to board the plane. When we finally got to Chicago all went OK until they tried to attach the skyway. It would not connect and mechanics had to be called. Finally we were connected and could get off the plane. I have never seen so many people in the Chicago airport all trying to get on one flight or another. I thought I had missed my 2nd flight for the day. I had requested transportation. There was a cart and 5 of us ladies were ready for our ride. As all had missed flights we were taken to passenger service. The driver took our boarding passes to get new ones for us. He came right back to me and said my plane had not left but was boarding. I got back on the cart and he took me to gate C2, which was only 10 down from where we were. This plane was to leave at 4:17 but was late and left at 5 PM. Called Lori and she met me at Dulles Airport. When I arrived there was to be a wheel chair for me. None there so the man at the desk called for one and then left. After a nice wait a TSA person came by and I had her call again. A Muslim woman came to take me to baggage. All went well until I tipped her. She thought she was worth more than I tipped her. She complained to both Lori and I. I guess they tip more out here in the East. I gave her some more and all was well. We then went to Long Horn Steak House for ribs. As Bert and family were at Fort Bragg, NC, I went home with Lori and stayed there for the night.
Friday, May 10, 2013
May 1 - Hospital
I guess my trips are not all to exotic places. While in Thailand my left hand became quite numb. As soon as I got home I had it checked and carpal tunnel was diagnosed. My regular doctor looked at it and wanted me to see an orthpedic surgeon, The nurse checked and one there in New London hospital had a 1:30 that afternoon opening. I went for a quick hamburger and back to the hospital. When he checked my hands he said I set a record. I wondered how. He then explained. He was checking my fingers if I could feel 1 or 2 pokes at a time. I felt like 1 most of the times and then finally 2. H said that usually people feel the 2 at 1/4 inch apart or less, mine was a good 3/4 inch. I Then I needed an EMG test to be taken. It usually takes a week or more to get in for one of them, I got in the next morning. I had to drive to Appleton for that. A physical with EKG was arranged for Monday at 5:15 and surgery scheduled for this morning at 7. The first apt was Thursday morning so in less than a week all was taken care of. Now it is to sit for 2 days with my left hand higher than my heart, very boring. What besides this can you do one handed?
I guess my trips are not all to exotic places. While in Thailand my left hand became quite numb. As soon as I got home I had it checked and carpal tunnel was diagnosed. My regular doctor looked at it and wanted me to see an orthpedic surgeon, The nurse checked and one there in New London hospital had a 1:30 that afternoon opening. I went for a quick hamburger and back to the hospital. When he checked my hands he said I set a record. I wondered how. He then explained. He was checking my fingers if I could feel 1 or 2 pokes at a time. I felt like 1 most of the times and then finally 2. H said that usually people feel the 2 at 1/4 inch apart or less, mine was a good 3/4 inch. I Then I needed an EMG test to be taken. It usually takes a week or more to get in for one of them, I got in the next morning. I had to drive to Appleton for that. A physical with EKG was arranged for Monday at 5:15 and surgery scheduled for this morning at 7. The first apt was Thursday morning so in less than a week all was taken care of. Now it is to sit for 2 days with my left hand higher than my heart, very boring. What besides this can you do one handed?
April 23 - Back to Manawa
What I day I had. Left Bert's about 6:30 AM for an 8 o'clock flight. Their home is only 10 minutes from the airport. I got checked in and asked for a wheel chair as it is a LONG way from point A to point B in this airport. It took them so long to get the wheel chair there that I had missed my flight. The next flight to Chicago had been cancelled so they got me on the next flight. I made that one Ok and got to Chicago.
We looked at the board and it said my flight to Appleton went out from gate C-30 and to leave at 3:05 PM. A fellow with a golf cart thing took me to that gate. The flight to Philly left as scheduled. As I was next to a Starbucks I got myself a sandwich and something to drink. Soon others started coming and I presumed they were also going to Appleton. After a while a lady asked if I was going to Grand Rapids or had to go on from there. I told I was going to Appleton, WI. I was then informed that the gates had been changed and this was the one to Grand Rapids, MI. I went and asked the lady at the podium and she said it had been changed and my gate was F-11. I said well they had gotten me there in a golf cart so they had better get me to the right gate. A wheel chair was sitting there so she got someone to push me. He pushed me part of the way and then informed me I had to walk down some steps and get into a shuttle bus. So I did this and walked out to the bus in the rain and was taken to the next stop. Here I walked into the terminal, in the rain, climbed the stairs and had a good block to walk to F-11. Glad I had a 4 hour layover.
As I was waiting the board kept saying that the plane was leaving at 3:05. All of sudden it changed to 3:25 because of service to the plane. That is OK with me as I would rather have them fix it on the ground then something to go wrong in the air. After awhile a lady came on the speaker and said that the plane had been fixed but it now had to be degassed. This plane was to go to another town farther away but was being sent to Appleton so it had too much gas and some had to be taken out.
I tried to call the people who were to pick me up but their cell phone was busy so decided to call them when we landed. Flight went fine. We had a comedian for the flight attendant so he kept things interesting. Upon landing I tried calling, again the phone was busy. I thought I probably had put the number in my phone wrong. I got my computer out and checked and all was right. I knew they were to be at the Mac Donalds near the airport. I went to a car rental booth and asked for a phone book. As we were looking for the number the man walked into the airport he knew the plane should be there. (Something was wrong with her phone.)
As I was put on a different flight my luggage had been put on the right one and was already there. Now it was "where is my luggage?" It was up at the check in place. All was loaded in the car. We then went to Golden Corral for supper, to the grocery store and then home. All is well that ends well.
All in all a very wonderfull trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tunned as Lori and I will be going to Europe May24 for a Baltic Cruise for 9 days.
What I day I had. Left Bert's about 6:30 AM for an 8 o'clock flight. Their home is only 10 minutes from the airport. I got checked in and asked for a wheel chair as it is a LONG way from point A to point B in this airport. It took them so long to get the wheel chair there that I had missed my flight. The next flight to Chicago had been cancelled so they got me on the next flight. I made that one Ok and got to Chicago.
We looked at the board and it said my flight to Appleton went out from gate C-30 and to leave at 3:05 PM. A fellow with a golf cart thing took me to that gate. The flight to Philly left as scheduled. As I was next to a Starbucks I got myself a sandwich and something to drink. Soon others started coming and I presumed they were also going to Appleton. After a while a lady asked if I was going to Grand Rapids or had to go on from there. I told I was going to Appleton, WI. I was then informed that the gates had been changed and this was the one to Grand Rapids, MI. I went and asked the lady at the podium and she said it had been changed and my gate was F-11. I said well they had gotten me there in a golf cart so they had better get me to the right gate. A wheel chair was sitting there so she got someone to push me. He pushed me part of the way and then informed me I had to walk down some steps and get into a shuttle bus. So I did this and walked out to the bus in the rain and was taken to the next stop. Here I walked into the terminal, in the rain, climbed the stairs and had a good block to walk to F-11. Glad I had a 4 hour layover.
As I was waiting the board kept saying that the plane was leaving at 3:05. All of sudden it changed to 3:25 because of service to the plane. That is OK with me as I would rather have them fix it on the ground then something to go wrong in the air. After awhile a lady came on the speaker and said that the plane had been fixed but it now had to be degassed. This plane was to go to another town farther away but was being sent to Appleton so it had too much gas and some had to be taken out.
I tried to call the people who were to pick me up but their cell phone was busy so decided to call them when we landed. Flight went fine. We had a comedian for the flight attendant so he kept things interesting. Upon landing I tried calling, again the phone was busy. I thought I probably had put the number in my phone wrong. I got my computer out and checked and all was right. I knew they were to be at the Mac Donalds near the airport. I went to a car rental booth and asked for a phone book. As we were looking for the number the man walked into the airport he knew the plane should be there. (Something was wrong with her phone.)
As I was put on a different flight my luggage had been put on the right one and was already there. Now it was "where is my luggage?" It was up at the check in place. All was loaded in the car. We then went to Golden Corral for supper, to the grocery store and then home. All is well that ends well.
All in all a very wonderfull trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tunned as Lori and I will be going to Europe May24 for a Baltic Cruise for 9 days.
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