Day 9 - Stockholm 8/17/09

We woke up to beautiful views as the ship maneuvered the 3 miles of waterways into the port of Stockholm, Sweden. Summer houses and light houses lined the forested rocky shores, like something out of a picture book!

Steve and I disembarked the ship at Frihamnen (Free Port) and waited for his aunt and cousins to arrive. Freda, Angela, Her husband Johan, and 1 ½ year old Norah came zooming in shortly after we arrived. We jumped in the car and drove about 2 minutes to park. We all then walked towards downtown Stockholm together. We took a scenic walk through parks and apartment buildings and arrived at Skansen, a little park with animals, historic structures, glass blowing, baking, cheese and butter making, and of course, the red horse that Steve remembered as a child. I’m not sure what the name of the horse is, as I try to decipher the Swedish on the brochure I kept (to no avail). Norah got to visit small animals like goats, piglets, and kittens while Freda kept and eye on her. Johan and Angela took Steve and I through the park all the while providing us with details and information on Sweden that rivaled the best tour guides in the country. The old houses we saw were built up on stilts because of the amount of snowfall in the winter… pretty interesting eh? And, did you know that Sweden is at the same latitude as Alaska… it put the climate in perspective for me.

After Skansen, we walked a short way to a lovely café. Steve and I both enjoyed the pork and potatoes with gravy & béarnaise sauce (Yum!), as well as a refreshing Swedish beer (I’ve forgotten the name of it). Angela, Johan, Freda and even little Norah were great guides. I learned lots about Sweden (the taxes, healthcare, education)… Stockholm and the royal family, and can you believe the maternity leave is something like 14 months?! The day started out a bit chilly, but quickly warmed up, and except for a few minutes of rain it was the perfect day to be out and exploring Stockholm. We took a short ferry after our lunch to the main city (old town) which included sites of the Stockholm Cathedral, the royal palace, narrow shop lined streets, the square. Johan even treated us all to a delightful dessert – a sort of marshmallow meringue thing dipped in chocolate and covered with coconut. We also went to a large Swedish department store to get a quick souvenirs of Kosta Boda glass for Kirsten and James (who are watching Delilah) and a bag (as my purse broke that day!). Found so many amazing and cool glasses, vases, and tea light holders. (Angela, I really did prefer Swedish glass to Finnish glass – far superior stuff!)

The time went much too quickly & we had to head back to port to board the ship. We all took a bus and needed up right at the pier where we needed to be. Back on board the ship and I think this may be the first night that Steve is finally tired! Norah must have worn him out today! She really is such an easy going little girl. It was hard to say goodbye as we saw them all so briefly – but Steve and I promised to take them all out to dinner sometime, so we know we’ll have to come back for another visit.

We had a relaxing evening. Dinner was again formal, but Steve and I were so tired after so many full days that we just took it easy and skipped the show for this evening; opting instead for an early bedtime so we can be well rested for Finland in the morning.

Steve and I on the horse at Skansen














Steve and his new best friend Norah.



















Johan and Steve.



















A Moose.

Day 8 – At Sea 8/16

Good Morning! Today is a relaxing day at sea on our way to Stockholm, Sweden. We woke up and headed to breakfast. Our next agenda item was to decide what tours to do for Russia. Now, Steve and I typically like to explore places on our own. But, for Russia you need to get a Visa unless you do the tours with the ship, I also read that for the most part unless you speak Russian, it isn’t the easiest place to get around and its easy to be cheated. So, we’re resigned to do the tours with Celebrity. We’ve narrowed it down to The Hermitage (for sure!), and then either the subway/market tour, the Lenin tour, or walking palace and canal tour.

We also bought a $20 picture from the formal dinner (see Day 6). Man, they sure know how to gouge you… but it is a cute photo, and we ARE on vacation… so what the hell! Live a little!

Today was also day 2 of the Ryder cup. I was VERY nervous to see if I would uphold my title. We had to chip the ball up and over some chairs and then putt into the hole. I didn’t do too badly, got a 2. Steve also got a 2. Unfortunately, another girl (from Scotland, which I believe may yield an unfair advantage) got a hole in one. D’uoh! So, I have to keep it up if I want to continue to contend for the great honor of winning the Celebrity Century Ryder Cup.

We also booked our excursions for Saint Petersburg, Russia. Day 1 – we are going on the Lenin Revolution Tour. Day 2 – A full day around St. Petersburg at all the major sites and the Hermitage Museum.

Ironically, while getting ready for dinner we had on the travel channel. The host was taking a tour through Lisbon, Portugal and I thought, “Oh I want to go there!!” And only for a moment forgot what a fantastic trip we were on. Which, if anything means I caught the bug again… its been so long since I’ve traveled overseas and I miss it immensely! You hear that Silvia? I’m hooked again!

Big News – I got Steve to go scrapbooking! Lol – Not that I do that either, but we got a scrapbook pack and I’m determined to make one of our trip. (Brenda, your cool vacation album inspired me!)

We played the “battle of the sexes” trivia game again and then went back to the room to get ready for dinner. It was another superb feast. We shared a bottle of Pinot Noir, had 4 courses followed by crepes suzette for dessert.

The show was “vocal fireworks” of a British performer who sounded an awful lot like Neil Diamond. He cycled through melodies of songs from the 50’s to the 80’s. I enjoyed just about all of them, as they were reminiscent of my Dad’s music collection. Steve and I also watched the Quartet sing again, and played some blackjack in the casino. A relatively tame night as we prepared for our day in Sweden.

Our dinner table. Peggy and Bob (right), James and Helen (center).

Day 7 – Berlin 8/15/09

Set the alarm to get a good start to the day. We went up to breakfast on the 11th Deck (our room is 8050 on the 8th floor). Soon after we ate, the ship docked in Warnemunde, Germany. We disembarked and went directly out to the train for the ride into Berlin. It was a cute train with a yellow interior and soft grey and purple seats. It would befitting to see the train in a movie set in the 60’s. The ride went very quickly as Steve and I played travel scrabble. (I won with 310 points – just barely using the Q to edge out Steve). We arrived in Berlin and quickly set off on foot to visit Ju’disches Museum Berlin (the Jewish Museum). Along our route we passed from East Germany to West Germany through Check Point Charlie. The route was lined with historic detail and photos. Amazing to see how much has changed within Germany in the past few decades.

The Jewish Museum was hugely impressive in size, architecture and the weight of the subject matter it addressed. The museum is beautiful building that in and of itself was the artwork trying to convey the political and social turmoil that Jewish Germans have under gone. Obviously, the Holocaust was a main focus of the museum – but it also presented huge histories, facts and information on Judaism as a whole. The emigration of Jews from Europe to Tel Aviv – Zionism- and quite some interesting information on Germany’s most famous Jew – Einstein (ironically our book club is also reading “Einstein’s Dreams” – a novella about time and Einstein’s theories).

Following the Jewish Museum we wandered around the city and at e a late lunch at a small little Restaurant called Zunft Kolsch (named after the beer they served?). Steve was very happy with his meat soup – and I was equally impressed by my curry bratwurst (yum!). I believe that curry is hugely popular in Europe, and I couldn’t be happier. I love Curry! Across from the restaurant was “Topografie des Terrors”. From this outdoor museum you could see the remaining Berlin wall. This museum was Dedicated exclusively to the Nazi Regime. Focusing on the build up to WWII and the atrocities of the SS & 5th Reich’s actions. The history and photos were fascination, horrifying and extremely sobering. It was impressive however, how incredibly honest this German portrait of WWII was. They certainly didn’t try to soften the historic detail at all.

From there Steve and I walked up towards Bundestag. This is where German Parliament is, as well as some of the major embassy’s (French, British, Russian and USA). This Amazing group of buildings lies on the Spree River. This also appears to be where there is the major tourist action. We had mostly avoided crowds – but due to a German outdoor concert (and later we found out the World Athletics competition where Usain Bolt managed to break the 100m world record with a time of 9.58 seconds) it was quite busy. Steve and I took the opportunity to relax and have another beer at a beer garden. So delicious! And the weather as a whole was sunny and HOT! IT had to be at least 80 degrees all day.

After our beer garden beer we headed back towards the Berlin concert house and German and French cathedrals (Gendarmenmarkt). This is where we caught a bus back to our train. We arrived with 5 minutes to spare and split one last curry bratwurst. Then to the bus, the train, and back on the boat. What an action packed first port day. I know that 1 day in Berlin wasn’t nearly enough, but it was certainly a productive day. I think I love this vacation so far… so much fun and so many different things to see and do.

We unwound a bit and quickly checked a few emails to ensure that everything was ok at home. Then had a quick drink from the martini bar (the whole bar top is ice – cool! Literally!). Then to the Century Theater for the evening show. It was Johan – a comedic Swedish juggler. I could take it or leave it (the comedy was a bit slow) But, he won me over by the end with some fantastic juggling. Steve loved the show from beginning to end.

Back to the room and ready for a relaxing sea day tomorrow as we rest up and head to Stockholm, Sweden.

Sarah and the Bratwurst









Steve at Checkpoint Charlie









Scrabble Match on the Train.

Steve and Sarah at the Berlin Wall.

Day 6 – At Sea 8/14/09

Slept in – and it felt GREAT! Missed breakfast, but we got up in time for the early lunch. After lunch it was up to the Eclipse room (at the bow of the ship) for the Ryder cup – Our golf competition that would last the whole cruise. I actually lucked out and won today’s putting challenge! I was the only person (in a group of about 20) to get a hole in one! Jackpot!!! Now, if I can just keep it up for the whole cruse to win. I rule! Steve also did a great job… tied with a few others for a birdie (2 putts). Following the golf event we met up at the martini lounge to play “battle of the sexes”… I know, I know – typical cruise ship organized events sound so cheesy… but it was very fun. Unfortunately for the ladies, we lost… However, I fell confident in my trivia knowledge, as I said several of the right answers, but the group decided to go with other choices. Why don’t people realize I’m always right? But I kept my mouth shut and smiled so I wasn’t THAT person. Steven then went to the casino & I followed and watched while he played some blackjack.

The boat sways and rocks quite a bit, but I don’t feel too queasy or anything.. I believe I may try the gym out next. Hurray!

I don’t mean to brag – I don’t mean to boast, but I’m inter-continental when I eat French toast.

I did go to the gym. Awesome gym with tons of treadmills, elliptical, bikes and weight machines. Its at the very front of the boat with panoramic windows so you can see the whole North sea laid out right in front of you. I decided to do 3 miles at a steady increase from 6.0 – 7.0 miles/ hr. Good workout to squeeze in before our first formal night on board. Super excited to get dressed up!

Formal evening was nice. Steve and I looked spectacular. The food was great – we shared a bottle of wine and then went to the show… it was Broadway night. We then went to the casino and learned how to play craps. Off to bed for our first shore leave!

Ryder Cup - My hole in 1




















Steve's shot...




















Evening Entertainment on the ship.

Day 5 – Amsterdam/ Boat 8/13/09

This morning we were sure to get the alarm set so that we would wake up in time to take advantage of our amazing breakfast. After breakfast we walked to the Amsterdam Historic Museum. It was a perfect mix of art, history, social commentary and culture. We wandered around there for a few hours then went to get a few small souvenirs. I bought a great sweatshirt of “I Amsterdam”, and Steve got a bag for soccer (and our additional loot on the trip), and some post cards. Next stop was a quick bite at a small sandwich shop and then off to catch a cab to Port Amsterdam.

We checked in for the Cruise around 3pm. What a stunning room – a veranda with much more space than I thought possible. Oh what a brilliant vacation this is turning out to be! I imagine I’ll be raving after we start getting fed again as well. So far this whole trip, the food, people, atmosphere has all be wonderful. Keep your fingers crossed that I don’t get sea sick!

We got into the room with just enough time to unwind before going down to the main dining room for an early dinner. Great Food! We ate prime rib & Steak. A terrific mushroom appetizer thing and desserts of cheesecake with fresh raspberries – YUM! After dinner we walked around the ship. Lots of bars, cool little spaces to see. The theater show started at 10:30pm. Excellent entertainment. Our favorite was a group of A cappella singers… or maybe they were a barbershop quartet? They were from Oregon – just amazing! Steve and I along with the geriatric crowd that abounds on this ship, enjoyed them thoroughly!

Last stop for fries!

Our Ship - the Celebrity Century

Our awesome room with Veranda!

Day 4 – Amsterdam 8/12/09

We ended up having a late night after our dinner, walking around the streets of Amsterdam and as such slept in a bit and missed our amazing breakfast (sad)! But it was alright; we showered and headed out for a cup of coffee. After such a fun packed day yesterday and due to the pouring rain, we decided to have no agenda and just walk around the city. We sipped coffee and walked. We ate sandwiches and walked. We went to the dam square and walked. There is a huge football (soccer) match tonight here in Holland between Holland and England (the stadium is just outside of Central Amsterdam). Lots and lots of fans have been wandering around and in Dam square we saw a whole bunch of British hooligans with banners, in their jersey’s singing fight songs while we sat and listened eating another cone of fries.

I think the time zone changes and jet lag caught up with us. By mid afternoon we were very tired and decided to take a quick nap at the hotel. We woke up in time to watch the soccer match on TV. A great game, but England ended up winning.

We finally wandered out of the room to find some dinner and wound up at a place that served falafels, pitas and shorma. We also shared another helping of Dutch fries, this time with traditional mayo. Is it wrong that I loved it? So delicious (honestly I thought it was going to be gross). I can’t remember mayonnaise ever tasting so good! Yum! Then we walked around the city again – checking out a few bars and enjoying the vibe of vibrant Amsterdam.

Steve enjoys his cone of fries with curry ketchup



















Me too! My favorite!



















The Red Light District at night.... oh la la

Day 3 – Amsterdam 8/11/09

Today we woke up at about 8:30am after a lovely night sleep. We got dressed and headed down to rent our bicycles and have the included breakfast. Breakfast was very big (not like the continental breakfast at most hotels in the States). Lots of pastries to choose from – they even had the chocolate and fruit sprinkles for bread that I remembered from Indonesia! There was sausage, bacon, hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, yogurts and fresh fruit. We sat by the open window that overlooked the canal.

We then proceeded to ride our bikes all over the whole city. What fun to see Amsterdam like a local. And we got everywhere so quickly that we became very adept at getting lost. We began our cultural education at the Van Gogh museum which also had a special event about Avant-garde work from the 20s and 60s. After the museum we ate tomato, pesto and mozzarella sandwiches by the giant I Amsterdam sign. I think its one of my favorite public sculptures (and great marketing from their tourism board). It definitely beats the scary Denver International Airport Mustang, with huge glowing red eyes. After lunch we rode to Vondlepark. So green and lush. The flowers were partially blooming in the many gardens, but I can assume its an amazing site to behold in the spring when the tulips are in full bloom. From the park we continued riding and getting lost. Finally made it back to the hotel at 5:30pm. Getting excited for our second night in Amsterdam.

We wandered around Central Amsterdam looking for a place to have dinner. We stopped by a small café called Restaurant November. We shared a wonderful bottle of red wine and each had a starter of bouillon soup followed by lamb chops in a red wine sauce with fresh seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes. Dessert was the most beautiful and delicious crème brulee. The sugar was melted perfectly and cracked with each delicate bite. What a delicious meal and a find – not once have we been let down by Amsterdam!








Van Gogh museum








Steve on his bike by the dog








Us in Vondlepark








Our amazing dinner

Day 2 - Amsterdam 8/10/09

First Impressions – How do we move here?
The Schipol Airport is light, bright and bustling with happiness. Obviously all the glowing lights and big chains are there – but also flower shops, welcoming people, and an easy tram system. We skillfully maneuvered through customs and took the metro to Central Amsterdam. We then drag our giant (60lb) bags down cobblestone streets to our hotel; the NH Dolen. We are in a beautiful location. Totally central to everything and sitting right on of the cities winding canals!






(a panarama of our hotel!)

Side note – a train had crashed earlier on the metro causing a 30 min delay.

Key points – Fries with curry ketchup (yum, yum, yum!)
Dampkring Coffeeshop (filmed some of oceans12 there)




















We walked through the Red light district. Beautiful girls standing in the windows with florescent lingerie on. It was definitely a bustling hot spot with more tourists and families than scandal or skin. On our way, in the slight rain they had a major street closed. Loads of people lined the sidewalks and we watched as they filmed a high speed car ram the sidewalk into 3 other cars. Sparks flew everywhere. It was quite the surreal evening!

Europe Chronicals - Day 1

10:05 am MST – Denver International Airport – Zonked…
Steve and I were sitting in standard black leather backed airport chairs. We’ve made some final calls saying good-bye to our friends and family as we wait to embark on our European Vacation.

Last night our Great friends Katie and Simon were married at the top of Keystone Mountain. The ceremony was lovely and heart-felt. Even stoic Steve cried when they read their hand written vows. The temperature was perfect with a bit of wind, and you could see Lake Dillon gleaming behind them. The night was just as good – with fantastic food, drinks, and obviously friends.

It goes without saying that Steve and I are blessed. And among our most precious and dear things are our friends. No matter the amount of time that has passed between visits, its always as though no time at all has passed.

Great Quotes:
Sarah: “I’m exercising” (while stretching my legs at the airport)
Steve: “Your right to annoy me?”

Uneventful flight for the first leg to Philadelphia – although Skymall is our new favorite magazine. Absurd and Amazing contraptions all in one place.

Examples:
Sleeping Airplane Guy: would you feel silly having this thing with you? Is sleep really that necessary?

Neck Stabilizer

Dog Tote: For the dog that hates to walk

This one: No comment. (I work from home - you gotta get your excercise in somehow!)

And my favorite – Death Office – I love that its set up on the driver side… so you can drive and manage your business at the same time. Watch out spam and small children, both could ruin your processing speed!

At the Philadelphia airport we were so busy eating our cheese steak that we almost missed the plane (they had boarded an hour early). We rushed on, only to be delayed 1 hour because of a thunderstorm. But finally we took off for the Netherlands!