Day 460: Calvary Chapel of Stuttgart!

Today we went downtown to a new church.  It's a Calvary Chapel church and it meets in the downtown Cinemax.  We got up early and went to the train station but missed the 9:00 train by minutes.  We had to wait another 20 minutes for a train to come.

We were supposed switch trains three times via the Haupenhof (Main train station) but as we looked  at a printed copy of the train lines we realized we could stop at the Charlottenplatz and pick up the U2 to the station we needed.  We got there at 9:55am and the service started at 10:00 and we still did not know exactly where the Cinemax was. I stopped to ask a cab driver outside the hotel nearby and he directed us down a pedestrian way and turn the corner.  Luckily we kept walking for about five minutes and came right to it.

We realized we could have gotten off at the station before the one we did and we would have been right there!  Unfortunately, we didn't see the Cinemax yesterday because the sign is not huge but once we saw it,  we realized that's what it was.

We went in and were greeted by an older lady who helped us get to the service on the third floor via the elevator.  We walked in and the service had already begun and we were told they were having difficulty with the English  translation of the service.  Finally, we were allowed to enter and received two headsets so we could hear the message in English.

We sat in very comfortable chairs and it warmed our hearts that the music was just like what we were used to at the Calvary Chapel in Auburn...except some of it was in German!  They also sang a few songs in English and it warmed both of our hearts to be able to sing in English and be in a Calvary Chapel church.

We decided to get on the train at the closer station and we went back to where our car was located and then we went on base to do some grocery shopping.  By the time we returned from the base and got the groceries put away, we were very hungry.

There's a street fair going on today from noon to 5pm in Plieningen.  The street is cordoned off from the intersection adjacent our apartment all the way down the street past the market up to the Volksbank!  Michele is doing music and we can hear it from our apartment.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, we went over to Michele's to have some lunch.  It was a late lunch.  The tables were in the sun and we sat next to some Americans until a table in the shade opened up.  Just as we got situated, a table opened up and I booked to get it.

We ordered and listened to the music.  At four o'clock there was a World Cup game featuring Germany against England.  They brought out the flat screen TV and had a bunch of people watching the game.  Michele introduced us to his sister and  a co-worker of Ted's walked by and stopped to chat.  He and his new wife were checking out the fair.  We talked about upcoming trips and their transition into married life.  We also sampled Michele's gelato.  It was wonderful, of course!

At about 5pm we decided to go home where I worked on blogging the entire evening.

Sunday  6/27/2010

Day 465: Getting a rental car

The day was spent trying to get the car squared away and get a rental car on a holiday weekend.  It was incredible that we were able to get one! Ted had to go by train and bus to get to the base so that he could pick up the car and it took much longer than we anticipated.  We are weary of the issues with this car.

Ted will be contacting someone at the base to see if someone can intervene for us now that we know the car is gone, completely gone.  Someone should have to take responsibility for not fixing the car properly. Hopefully someone will.


Day 465: Saturday 7/3/2010

Day 457: Housekeeping day

Today was a busy day.  I had to reconfigure the stuff on my kitchen counter because the sun's heat on the work table causes my fruit and veggies to go bad quickly so I moved them to the other counter where the sun can't get at them.  While I was at it, I decided to wash the inside and outside of the windows since they hadn't been done since last year.  They weren't as bad as I thought they would be.

I also did another two loads of laundry.  It's warm outside today so they should dry.  And I only have two more loads to do.  A week to do a week's worth of laundry!  UGH!  

Ted came home and we went to Netto to pick up a few items I cannot get on base.  Then we watched some television and listened to the Germans hooping it up again.

Thursday  6/24/2010

Day 464: Grilling on the balcony!

Oh my goodness, the year is half over!  Where did the year go to?  It has been incredibly hot but we persevered and grilled out on the patio.  The grilled eggplant, zucchini,and peppers were wonderful!  I can't wait to do it again next week.  I also did some company work and washed throw rugs.

Thursday  7/1/2010

Day 453: Not going anywhere...no car!

Since we have no car we are not going anywhere.  We had breakfast and listened to two sermons from Pastor Greg.  Later on in the afternoon we went to dinner at Michele's.

Day 453:  Sunday  6/20/2010

Day 448: Tuesday 6/15/2010 Athens, Greece

Once again we took the tender to get to Athens.  We decided to take a bus tour of Athens and see the sites.   The tour guide seemed a bit condescending...as if she really did not want to be there in the first place!  

While on the bus, touring the city, it was a bit disconcerting to see uniformed military personnel on the street corners with machine guns.  This did not sit well with me.

When we finally got to the area where the Parthenon was, I didn't realize we had to hike up to the top to see the sites.  Since I was not up to it, Ted went alone was supposed to have taken photos but I don't have them!!  Instead I sat in the shade and did my favorite thing to do...people watching.

We were not at all impressed with Athens.  In fact, we found it quite dirty and the people were not welcoming at all.  I'm sure we would have much preferred the islands of Greece rather than the capital.

When we were ready to get back on the bus, someone dropped an English tour book of Athens.  It was a library book.  I knew I'd never be able to find the person responsible for it but I could at least mail it back to the library and hope the person did not get too big of a fine.


Day 448:  Tuesday  6/15/2010

Day 447: Monday 6/14/2010 Day at Sea

We slept in - late because today is a full day at sea.  So we took off to breakfast in our swim suits and towels.  They were just tearing down breakfast for lunch.

Monday  6/14/2010

Day 446: Sunday 6/13/2010 Dubrovnik, Croatia

We got up and had breakfast in the Garden Cafe which is a buffet.  Finding a table proved to be difficult but we finally managed to snag one.  We then decided to go play bingo for a bit.  We were very close to winning the final  jackpot but alas, we did not.

By this time, it was time to prepare to go to the port.  We waited in the Crystal Lounge and then because they were slow in calling the tenders, we decided to grab some lunch.  After lunch they were only on group 5 and we were in group 7.  When we were finally called, we had to go through security down a stairway and get in the boat that would take use to the port.  The port was not a deep water port so we were docked a ways away from the port.

Dubrovnic Square

We walked through the city.  We decided to get some ice cream since it was so hot.  We were looking at postcards right outside the door of one store.  All of sudden, I felt something on my arm.  A pigeon pooped on my arm! YUCK!!  It's so disgusting!  Luckily, I had some tissues and wiped myself off.  Unfortunately, I got a little on my T-shirt.  Well, that shirt was toast.

Dubrovnic Square

We took a ride in a fishing boat around the island in the middle of the bay.  The boat was built in 1867!  It was a bit harrowing to get on or off the boat.  As the boat sailed around the other side of the island, we realized we were looking at a nudist beach.  Luckily we were far enough away that it didn't matter.  I was, of course, shocked but it's Europe and they think nothing of it.

Finally, it was time to return to the ship.  The small boats that were used to shuttle us were actually life boats and could hold 150 people!  I did not know that's how the ship shuttled people in shallow water ports!

Shopping down one of the narrow alleyways

View of the bay from the 18th Century ship

Captain of the 18th Century ship.  

18th Century ship we took on the bay

Once back on the ship, we changed and went to the spa.  It was fabulous!!  After laying on tiled, heated chaise lounges for 15 minutes, it was back up to the room to change for dinner.  We went to the Magenta dining room and were late arriving for the show.

The main attraction was a man and woman from Russia who were acrobats and a jugglers.  He climbed a ladder - like a ladder one would incline against a wall - and he climbed it like it was a pogo stick!  And keep in mind, the ship was moving so this indeed was an amazing feat!  While up there, he juggled balls, pins and rings.  He did the same thing blind-folded!!  The first time he fell off but did not hurt himself and then tried again and was successful.  His partner, the female was encouraging him and talking him through it.  It was extremely dangerous for him to be doing these feats while blindfolded.

Next we went to watch Karoake.  There were some really good and a few great singers but there were also some very bad singers, including three little girls not even 12 years old who should not have been in the adult lounge in the first place.  They were not being monitored by parents and they took over the dance floor prior to Karoake and upset one of the dancing couples who, in disgust, left the dance floor and then left.  I understand they are on the cruise too and should have fun but it was getting ridiculous.  They were getting out of hand.  It upset Ted so much that he told one of the waitresses who told the children something.  They were fine until it was time to do Karoake and they started all over again.

After Karoake, there was Dancing with the Stars.   Volunteers were paired with the production dancers.  It was a hoot!  It was late so we went to bed.

Sunday  6/13/2010

Day 445: Saturday 6/12/2010 Venice, Italy

We need to get an early start if we're going to do some sight seeing before getting on the ship.  We had breakfast at the hotel and checked out but left our bags until we could return to retrieve them later on this afternoon before boarding the ship.

We were going to take a taxi to the water taxi but it was expensive and the clerk said the bus stop was right across the street for almost nothing - two euro as compared to forty euro for a taxi.  So we waited for the bus but it was so filled we had to stand for the more than 30 minute ride to Roma Square where we could get a water taxi to San Marco Square.

We got in line and there was couple from Nebraska behind us who did not speak Italian and so I helped them buy their tickets.  Once in the water taxi we made several stops before arriving at San Marco Square.



Ted wanted to ride the Gondola so we did.  The water was SO much cleaner than it was 40 years ago,  which is the last time I was in Venice.  I visited Venice with my grandparents when I was 16.  Unfortunately, the two buildings that are connected by the Bridge of Sighs, are under restoration.  I really wish Ted could have seen those buildings.  The Gondolier, spoke a little English, but he gave me a history lesson and I translated it for Ted.  He asked me if I was an interpreter.  I laughed and said...only for my husband.

We stopped to have a very, very expensive small bottle of Ginger Ale and two scoops of ice cream.  The bill came to more than 20 Euro!  YIKES!!  Ted then decided to buy me a bib with Formaggio written on it since I always get food down the front of my clothes.  I think Michele will get a  big kick out of it.

I slipped on the wet pavement and fell down.  I got a cramp so it was difficult to move not to mention terribly embarrassing.  The people around us wanted to call an ambulance or medic  but I assured them I was OK, I just needed to get up and do it on my own.

 Famous Rialto Bridge

Now it was time to head back.  I checked the travel documents and it said that we had to be there no later than 3pm.  YIKES!  I was afraid we would literally miss the boat!  We kicked around various options but the one that made the most sense was to take a taxi.  Luckily we found one and I explained that we needed to go pick up our bags at the hotel and then be taken to the port.  Since I'd never been to the port of Venice, I had no idea what we had to do.  The driver kept assuring me that we would make it.  He drove like a crazy man but I didn't care.  I was a nervous wreck all the way to the hotel and then to the port.

But thank goodness, he got us there with 15 minutes to spare!!  We dropped off our luggage and then proceeded to pier 108 where we checked in, got photos taken for security.  The walkway, situated one story above the pier, seemed to go on forever!

Finally we were on the ship and I could relax.  We took the nearest elevator up to the 9th deck to our stateroom.  It was superb!  We had a balcony and a king-sized bed.  Although the bathroom and the stateroom itself was small, it was enough room for the two of us.  There's a daily newsletter that tells us everything that's going on in the ship.  It's like a small city!!  It's amazing how many people are on board...almost 3,000! (That includes crew and passengers.)

After unpacking one of our two suitcases, we were looking to go to dinner at the Magenta dining room.  But it was closed so we went to the Grand Pacific Dining Room and were the first ones there.  Our waiter and our dinner was excellent.

While exploring the ship we decided to make arrangements for the Murder Mystery dinner on Wednesday and picked up our tender tickets for the ride into port tomorrow.  Ted also bought a spa package which we will definitely need!  He did that while I checked out the ship's library and took out a book on short stories.

Then we took in the show and it took us back to the 70s!  Then we went up to deck 13 and the Spinnaker Lounge for the welcome aboard party.  After having a drink and watching the dancers, we were ready for bed.  We won't dock until 1pm tomorrow so we can sleep in a bit tomorrow.

Saturday  6/12/2010

Day 461: Boring day...

Not much to report.  I just did laundry, cleaned and returned emails.

Monday  6/28/2010

Day 444: Trip to Venice, Italy

Today is the start of our big summer trip.  We are leaving for Venice late this afternoon but there is so much to take care of before we leave. It's a mad dash to get all of the packing done and getting last minute bills paid online because we  will be gone a week!  Ted came home at 12:30 and we went over our travel checklist.  It's the first time in years that neither of us will have any carry on luggage except my purse.  Neither of us are bringing our laptops since the ship has computers and internet service via satellite so if we absolutely must log on to our email accounts we can but we are not planning to do so.  

We went over to Michelle's for pizza for lunch and watched the beginning ceremonies for the World Cup which happens every four years, like the Olympics.  This is a REALLY big deal for the Europeans.  After lunch we went home and finished some last minute things. 

It was determined that the head gasket on "Greta" needs to be replaced so we took the car over to A.T.U. to get it replaced while we are away.  We drove the car to A.T.U. then walked next door to McDonalds to get a drink while we waited for our taxi.  It was hot!  85 degrees.  Finally the taxi came and it was a woman.  She was from Persia.  She had a TV monitor and DVD player on her visor and she was watching the World Cup!  

Quickly we arrived at the airport and traded out our Czech currency for Euros.  We found our gate and sat waiting.  There was a blonde woman who left her luggage not once, not twice but three times!  And I noticed  she did not ask anyone around her to watch her luggage.  It made me very nervous.  When the clerk finally came, I told him she had left her luggage unattended.  He thanked me and said he'd keep an eye on her.  

We were supposed to board at 6:55pm but because the plane was late we were late in boarding.  I went to ask about connecting flights and the clerk said it would be a few minutes and, in fact, the plane arrived and we were on  board quickly.  We had aisle seats (which we like) and since my section was full and Ted's was empty, I moved over to Ted's section and he moved to the window seat but we didn't do it until after the plane had leveled off in the air.  I no sooner got situated when the plane was ready to land!  It was a wonderful short flight.  

We flew to Frankfurt from Stuttgart and then boarded another flight to Venice.  It was our first time at the Frankfurt airport.  They have people movers like in the states and I saw a man riding his bicycle through the airport!  That certainly was unexpected!  We were in Terminal A and had to go to Terminal B.  We had to go through a tunnel below us that had two of the longest people movers I've ever ridden on.

As we came up the elevator, there was our gate.  Since we had more than an hour to wait, we decided to grab a sandwich and a drink.  After munching on some food, I checked the free newspapers Lufthansa provides and YAY!  There was a copy of USA Today.  I had already picked up the Financial times at the Stuttgart airport, now I'll have something to read.  As we sat and chatted, I double-checked the hotel reservation and then called them to verify our room was non-smoking.

The clerk complimented me on my Italian.  The lady sitting across from me smiled and I started talking to her.  It turns out she is a flight attendant for a private airlines and she lives in Northern Italy.  All too soon it was time to go but lo and behold, my seat partner was none other than the flight attendant.  We talked non-stop the entire flight until it was time to land.  Meanwhile, Ted napped. 

At the airport we walked together to the baggage.  She only had one bag but she gave both of us a hug and wished us a good vacation.  Meahwhile, we waited for our bags.   It was interesting in that the baggage carousel looked like a roullette wheel!  In all the flying we've done over the years, we have never seen anything like it.  

After asking the Carabinieri where the departure area was, we grabbed our luggage and went upstairs outside to call the hotel and get a pickup.  As soon as we walked outside we were hit with a blast of very, hot, very humid air and it made us very sticky.  And it was going on midnight!

Soon enough the shuttle bus came to get us.  At the hotel we checked in.  After taking a shower, we just wanted to sleep but we could not, and I mean could not find the switch for the lights on the wall above the night stand.  I even called the desk but there was no answer.  We checked every switch in the room and could not find them.  We finally resorted to unscrewing the light bulbs to turn them off.  And now we could sleep and it was wonderful.

Friday 06/11/2010

  

Day 443: Big rush to get things done!

I'm scrambling to get things done today.  We had to take a trip to the VW dealership to determine what's wrong with the car, again.  And I did the last of the company work and have done more packing.

Thursday  6/10/2010

Day 442: More company work today

I did more company work today.  I also did laundry in preparation for the trip.

Wednesday  6/9/2010

Day 441: Company work today!

I did company work for most of the day and prepared for our big summer trip.

Tuesday  6/8/2010

Day 440: Personal work today

I decided to work on some finances this morning along with getting some laundry done.  I also blogged for a good part of the day.  And I worked on hemming my husband's pants.

Monday  6/7/2010

Day 439: Lichtenstein Castle (near Stuttgart)

Again we woke up  a bit late.  We had a shake and decided to run to the BX to get a few things  we needed for our trip and a ream of paper.  The BX didn't have Rolaids either!   Darn it!  It means  we have to go to the Patch Commissary before we head out for some fun.  The day, once again, is beautiful.  We drive over to Patch and they don't have the Rolaids either.   I had bought six or seven bottles to keep on hand but it looks like the commissary has totally discontinued them.  While I have a small supply on hand (one to two bottles), I'm going to have to find them  somewhere online and have them shipped.

We decided to take a drive to Lichtenstein Castle.  It's not far from our home so it's a perfect thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.  It's about 40 kilometers from where we live but Julie was not helpful.  I had printed out a Google map because I didn't have an exact address.   We knew it was west of Reutlingen.  So we plugged in Reutlingen and then decided to stop when we got there and try to find it using the Points of Interest feature on  the GPS.  It worked.  The castle was listed.

We plugged that in and went another 22 kilometers and found the castle.  By this time it was 3pm and Ted was dismayed that we had taken all morning to get moving and get things done.

We parked the car and we could see the castle grounds from the parking lot.  We walked up to the castle (which was a steep incline) and we saw that there were ruins in one direction and we headed up another hill in another direction towards the castle grounds.

Exterior view of the Castle - before we went into the Castle compound.

Some Castle ruins. 

One of the buildings in the Castle compound.

The front of the building above.  The first floor houses a cafe and a little museum.

Interior keep of the Castle.   We had to walk over a draw bridge to get to the Castle.

Armor in one of the first rooms we saw in the Castle. 

A room in the Castle.   The detail and colors of the room  are amazing not to mention  the stained glass windows!

This is the walkway to the Armory from the Castle.

Although the Castle had a chapel it was for the soldiers.  This chapel was built after the first Castle that was built. 

A closeup of the Chapel.















We decided to have a bit to eat at the cafe.  We sat outside under and umbrella.  We split an order Maltauschen (sort of a rolled up ravioli with spinach - the Germans call them 'noodle bags') with egg and a salad.  It started to rain as we started to eat but we thought we could wait it out and sure enough soon, the rain was just a drop here and there.

Restaurant near the Castle that where we had a bite to eat.  There were tables and umbrellas set up past the right edge of this photo.

We walked back to our car and discovered a wonderful playground in the trees for kids.  How fun would that be??

Another shot of the rope bridges for the kids.  It looked like a LOT of fun!  Wish I was 12 again!  LOL!









We decided we needed to have ice cream for dessert so we stopped at our favorite Eis cafe in Bonlanden.  They were incredibly busy so I didn't get a chance to talk to the owners.

We then went home where I had Ted try on some pants he bought a while back and that I need to shorten.   Then we watched some TV and I chatted on the phone with my best girlfriend.

My daughters called to tell me that their cousin on their father's side had died suddenly.  We are deeply saddened because this young man (he was in his early 30s) actually lived with us for a time when he was a little boy.  We never know when our time on earth is up.   So we have to live each day as if it were our last and love those around us....always.

Sunday  6/6/2010

Day 438: Shopping for bedding

We were going to go somewhere today but because Ted was so tired and he slept in late, we decided to wait until tomorrow.  I wanted to get some more shopping done and we went to Kelly where I got everything except the Rolaids.  They didn't have it.  Sometimes certain commissaries have things that others do not.  It's a real pain.  While I was shopping he went to get the mail and to exchange dollars for euros because I wanted to go to Reutlingen to pick up the new comforters and two new sets of sheets.  I bought duvet and pillow covers a month ago on sale and I want to get our bed ready for the warmer weather since we will be gone for a week.

After unloaded the groceries and putting them away, I went down to the car where Ted had fallen asleep.  I forgot to get Julie and we decided to risk it and go to Reutlingen without her.  After all, we have been there a number of times, how hard can it be?  We took off for Reutlingen and found that we made a wrong turn and had to double back to where we thought the turn should be and sure enough we missed the turn but we found Reutlingen and the store Riegers.

We were in luck as the comforters were on sale - reduced by 50 euro so I was happy about that but upset with myself because I forgot to bring the VAT form.  I need to get the VAT forms and put them in an envelope and leave them in the car so I even if I forget to bring them we have a few in the car.

We decided to go to dinner at the Chinese place in Bonlanden.  We should have ordered a dinner for two  because there was so much food left over we'll be having it for dinner on Monday.

When we got home, it smelled like burning rubber and we thought there were more problems  with the car.  We were going to check and see if Patch had movie we could go see tonight but there was nothing we wanted to see.  We figured we could rent a movie from iTunes for less than what it would cost to go to the movies AND we would be in the comfort of our own home!

I was excited about the new bedding so I quickly made up  the bed.  Then we heard a fire truck.  It sounded very close.  Then it stopped right in front of the guest parking.  Then another one showed up and finally a third one showed up along with the fire chief.  What was going on?  I saw where they went to entrance to the building opposite our building (that building is less than 10 feet away from our apartment).  They looked like they were trying to get in but didn't have the key.  My neighbor downstairs, who fortunately speaks English, was talking to the fireman.  I  asked him what was going on.  He said there was smoke on  the other side of the building (I could not see it from our balcony).  He asked me if he should call the landlord and I said, of course you should.  I would call him myself but I don't have his number nor do I speak German.

Time went by and people gathered across the street to see what was going on.  We still didn't know what was going on.  Then after awhile one by one, the trucks left.  And nothing looked  any different.

Then there was knock on the door.  Our caretaker came to  tell us we had left the lights on the car.  Darn it!  We JUST bought a new battery for "Greta".  Ted quickly went down to shut the lights off and move the car to the garage.  The caretaker tried to tell me what had happened in his very limited English.  The only thing I could get from it was that the Dentist (I think) was sanitizing some equipment.  I think the machine must have shorted and caused a fire.  He said the damage was not too bad, there were burnt doors.  Since all of the buildings are concrete, the only things that could burn would be any furnishings and woodwork.  I asked if the tenant had insurance and he said, yes, she did.

Although I was a bit uneasy during the time they were trying to get into the building, I felt better knowing it was a small fire.

 We decided to watch a Jackie Chan movie and then went to bed.



Saturday  6/5/2010

Day 437: Company Picnic!

Ted called mid-morning about a summer picnic that one of the company's clients was sponsoring.  He came to pick me up at 2:30 to go to the picnic.  In the meantime, I had laundry and cleaning to do as well as get our grocery list put together for the coming week.

I called him when I was ready and he came to pick up me.  We finally located a parking spot on base which is where the picnic was being held.  I had the opportunity of meeting two of Ted's co-workers at the picnic.  One of them was born in  Spain and there was a German guy there as well.  We talked about learning German and the German, Spanish and Italian languages.  We also chatted about the history of computers.

Although it turned out to be a beautiful day, it was getting cold in the outdoor pavilion.  We decided that we had mingled and spent enough time so we left.  We went to the market where I did a  bit of shopping for the week and also bought some bread at the bakery next door.

We then went home and spent the evening watching television.  It was  such a nice evening we had the windows open almost all evening long.


Friday  6/4/2010

Day 436: Depressing weather!

Another cold, rainy and dreary day!  I am so sick of this weather.  It's so depressing.  It's a German holiday so all of the stores are closed and the streets are very, very quiet.  Even my husband commented on how there were very few cars on the road.

I did some laundry and spent another day on the computer.

 Thursday  6/3/2010

Day 435: Quiet Day

It's still cold, rainy and overcast.  It's more like late fall than late spring.  I sure wish summer were here already.  We had to go pick up Greta (our car) because the mechanic has to order parts and tomorrow is a German holiday so the car will not be repaired until late next week...right before we leave on our big summer trip.

I didn't do much of anything today except make dinner and clean up a bit.  I spent most of my day on the computer.

Wednesday   6/2/2010