We leave tomorrow and head for Atlanta before going on to Munich. Atlanta? Yep. We figured if the weather turned bad, it would be less likely to hit Atlanta than the alternative, Chicago. Turns out we made a good decision: Mother Nature is hammering everything north of the Mason/Dixon line from coast to coast.
Joe's been getting texts from Debbie all day...his sister who, with her husband, Dave, have been sitting on the tarmac in Seattle for about four hours, waiting for de-icer and the runways to be cleared. They've already missed their connection in Amsterdam for Munich, and they're just waiting to hear whether or not SeaTac (the airport they're at) is going to say, "To hell with it," and shut down the whole operation.
Deb and Dave are supposed to beat us to Munich by a day and a half...we may get there first.
We're also looking forward to seeing our friends Steve and Michelle in Atlanta during our layover. Haven't seen them in several years, and even though it's Monday night, right before Christmas, and they probably should be at home putting together a bicycle or playhouse for their kids instead of out partying with us, they're meeting us for a late snack and drinks. On second thought...it now makes perfect sense to me why they insist on meeting us. I know I'd be doing the same ;-)
I beat Joe in the packing race. My bags are by the door and ready to go. I'm sure I've forgotten something, but that just means I'll have a shopping opportunity! Like I need an excuse.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Finally in the mood for Christmas
With so much going on...I haven't even thought about Christmas. I mean, we didn't decorate (why put all that stuff out when no one will be there to see it). I haven't heard that many carols. I haven't done any shopping (I plan to buy all my Christmas presents while we're in Europe). I really haven't thought much about it, and therefore, not been in the holiday mood (traveling mood, yes...holiday, not so much).
Well, I turned a corner today. So I'd like to share my musings on our vacation-themed Christmas:
Sung to the tune of I’ll be home for Christmas (with introductory verse that you almost never hear on the radio)
I’m dreaming tonight of the things I love, even more than I usually do.
And although I know, it’s a long way there, I promise you –
I’ll drink beer for Christmas, you can count on me.
Please have brauts and lots and lots of strudel under the tree.
Munich’s full of history, there for all to see,
But I’ll be in a beer hall: The next round is on me!
Sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman (I'm working on the rest of the song...perhaps it will come to me when I have one of those giant beers in hand).
Gretchen the beer maid is a jolly happy soul,
She can lug twelve hefeweizen bier and a big, warm pretzel roll.
Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells (again, just a short version).
Jingle Bells, beer hall smells
Sausages and beer.
We’ll all be in Germany
For Christmastime this year!
That's all for now (thankfully).
t
Well, I turned a corner today. So I'd like to share my musings on our vacation-themed Christmas:
Sung to the tune of I’ll be home for Christmas (with introductory verse that you almost never hear on the radio)
I’m dreaming tonight of the things I love, even more than I usually do.
And although I know, it’s a long way there, I promise you –
I’ll drink beer for Christmas, you can count on me.
Please have brauts and lots and lots of strudel under the tree.
Munich’s full of history, there for all to see,
But I’ll be in a beer hall: The next round is on me!
Sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman (I'm working on the rest of the song...perhaps it will come to me when I have one of those giant beers in hand).
Gretchen the beer maid is a jolly happy soul,
She can lug twelve hefeweizen bier and a big, warm pretzel roll.
Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells (again, just a short version).
Jingle Bells, beer hall smells
Sausages and beer.
We’ll all be in Germany
For Christmastime this year!
That's all for now (thankfully).
t
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Travelers
Let's meet the travelers!Wally Sumner
Known Travel God, my father-in-law
Puts together fabulous trips. Always sees someone he knows in foreign airports. Will perform the Hakka without much provocation. Once scooped up an entire blob of wasabi and popped it into his mouth, mistaking it for guacamole. Should have known that they don't serve guacamole on Asian night.
Will celebrate a birthday on December 26. It's party time in Munich!
Linda SumnerTravel Goddess, my mother-in-law
Logistics manager for the group. Organized. Technically savvy. Poses as daughter Debbie's younger sister (somewhat evil, but gets away with it).
Not much of a drinker, but had no problem downing homemade vodka moonshine in Russia a couple of years ago.
Loves to shop...when everyone else is skiing or watching the chicken play tic-tac-toe or visiting the giant ball of string, Linda and I go shopping. I love that about her!
Joe SumnerLinda and Wally's son
Married to Tracy Everett (Frau Blucher)
Will also celebrate a birthday on this trip (December 24).
Loves history, traveling, drinking, generally having a good time, shopping and me (but not necessarily in that order).
Can eat a piece of weinerschnitzel faster than anything you've ever seen. Really. I'm not kidding. Watch your fingers.
Debbie Sumner Chalfant, married to Dave
Linda and Wally's daughter, my sister-in-law
Sports and Outdoor enthusiast
Has sworn never to perform the Macarena (again). Maybe she'll tell you the story. Can fit more stuff into a backpack than anyone I've ever known. Not a big drinker...maybe we'll make her our designated driver.
Dave will also celebrate a birthday (December 26).
Dave's an interesting guy. Big fan of "when in Rome." In other words, if frog legs are the local delicacy...he's all about giving them a try. This should be either incredibly compelling or completely disgusting when we get to Amsterdam. Look for a "graphic warning" on the post.
Christine JellowInterior Designer/Consultant
Calls Boston home
We met Christine and her cousin, Linda Perry, on our last European cruise. We hit it off the very first day and have been friends ever since.
Really looking forward to hanging out with these girls. They're arty and fun and just as snarky as I am. If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, just come over here and sit with us.
Linda PerryEducator
Providence, RI
Never met a glass of Sambuca she didn't like. Linda and I have (or did have) similar coats...so much so we looked like the Bear Sisters. Linda, I have a new coat this year...I look more like the Michelin Man posing as a secret agent. Can we come up with a cute name for that?
Soooo looking forward to partying with y'all.
Silvana VaughnMarried to Doug
Longtime Sumner family friend
Italian. Probably enough said. ;-)
Silvana came to our wedding, and I've met her again a couple of times at different family events...like Debbie and Dave's wedding. I'm excited about seeing her again and this time meeting her husband, Doug.
Doug VaughnSilvana's husband
Doug, I've never met you, but I've heard so much about you. It's about time we met!
And then there's me. Tracy Everett Sumner (Frau Blucher)
Married to Joe
Damn glad to be here.
I'm going to try to post everyday. We have a lot of stops and a lot of activities, but there are a lot of bars in Europe...let's all keep our fingers crossed.
I'm also hoping that connectivity will be better than it was in the middle of the Tasman Sea last January, and I'll be able to post pictures as we're traveling, rather than have to wait until the end. I'll do the best I can.
Thanks for following along. I'll try not to be too boring. Remember, you don't have to have a gmail account to read this, but if you want to comment, you'll need to create an account. It's easy and free. And, of course, we love hearing from you. I'm sure this trip, while I'm complaining about it being cold, my friend Cindy will be telling us how warm it is in the Maldives. But that's just how she is.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
We're All Set! Here's Our Itinerary
It's official! We're going on vacation. I know that because I now have all of our travel information: flights, hotels, stops, excursions, etc. And if you know me, you know that I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to planning stuff. Wow. Really?
Joe and his family are MASTER travel planners, so I let them (yeah, let them) take care of all the details...but I'm not really satisfied until I have it all laid out in front of me.
So here it is...
Monday, December 22, fly to Atlanta, have late snack, drinks, with friends Steve & Michelle
Tuesday, December 23, depart Atlanta for Munich
Wednesday, December 24, arrive Munich Germany, 8:00 am. Happy Birthday, Joe!
Friday, December 26, Happy Birthday Wally! Happy Birthday Dave! Happy Birthday to my friend Cindy!
Sunday, December 28, transfer to Nuremberg; explore and have lunch before we take a guided tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches. We'll see the storybook 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city and the Imperial Castle. Late this afternoon we embark the Amalegro, our home for the next week.
Monday, December 29, BAMBERG.
Today we will visit Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There's a breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. There is free time before we continue the cruise, on the Main River.
Tuesday, December 30, WüRZBURG.
This morning we arrive in Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. "The Pearl of the Romantic Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During our tour, we'll see the major sights including the magnificent Residential Palace. In the afternoon we have the chance to explore Wurzburg on our own, or take an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg. A beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. (I'm betting we take the optional tour to Rothenburg.)
Wednesday, December 31, WERTHEIM-MILTENBERG.
Disembark in Wertheim and enjoy free time perhaps browsing the market square and the shops. We'll also get to see a glass blowing demonstration. (I hope they ship purchased items!) Then we cruise to Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along narrow, cobble-stoned streets filled with gabled, half-timbered houses. Happy New Year! We ring in the New Year onboard the ship.
Thursday, January 1, FRANKFURT.
After lunch the ship arrives in Frankfurt, the bustling metropolis on the Main River; here, we'll take a guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer." The rest of the day and evening is ours to enjoy at our leisure, before the ship cruises overnight to the Rhineland.
Friday, January 2, COLOGNE.
This morning we'll be sailing the wonderful Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle, and the legendary Lorelei Rock, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In the afternoon we'll visit ancient Cologne, with its fabled 13th-century Gothic Cathedral.
Saturday, January 3, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND.
Our last morning of leisurely cruising as we arrive in Amsterdam in the afternoon. We'll get a good look at the wonderful architecture of this vibrant city during a guided canal cruise before gathering on board for a Gala Farewell Dinner.
Sunday, January 4, AMSTERDAM.
So long Amalegro and hello hotel!
Tuesday, January 6th, Boo Hoo...depart Amsterdam, 10:10 am, arrive Dallas, via Atlanta, 6:35 pm.
Looks like there'll be lots to blog about, birthday parties, celebrations, some drinking (?), so tune in often! If you want to comment, you need to have a gmail account (easy and free to start), but you don't need anything but glasses to check in and read the Line from the Rhine!
t
Joe and his family are MASTER travel planners, so I let them (yeah, let them) take care of all the details...but I'm not really satisfied until I have it all laid out in front of me.
So here it is...
Monday, December 22, fly to Atlanta, have late snack, drinks, with friends Steve & Michelle
Tuesday, December 23, depart Atlanta for Munich
Wednesday, December 24, arrive Munich Germany, 8:00 am. Happy Birthday, Joe!
Friday, December 26, Happy Birthday Wally! Happy Birthday Dave! Happy Birthday to my friend Cindy!
Sunday, December 28, transfer to Nuremberg; explore and have lunch before we take a guided tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches. We'll see the storybook 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city and the Imperial Castle. Late this afternoon we embark the Amalegro, our home for the next week.
Monday, December 29, BAMBERG.
Today we will visit Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There's a breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. There is free time before we continue the cruise, on the Main River.
Tuesday, December 30, WüRZBURG.
This morning we arrive in Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. "The Pearl of the Romantic Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During our tour, we'll see the major sights including the magnificent Residential Palace. In the afternoon we have the chance to explore Wurzburg on our own, or take an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg. A beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. (I'm betting we take the optional tour to Rothenburg.)
Wednesday, December 31, WERTHEIM-MILTENBERG.
Disembark in Wertheim and enjoy free time perhaps browsing the market square and the shops. We'll also get to see a glass blowing demonstration. (I hope they ship purchased items!) Then we cruise to Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along narrow, cobble-stoned streets filled with gabled, half-timbered houses. Happy New Year! We ring in the New Year onboard the ship.
Thursday, January 1, FRANKFURT.
After lunch the ship arrives in Frankfurt, the bustling metropolis on the Main River; here, we'll take a guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer." The rest of the day and evening is ours to enjoy at our leisure, before the ship cruises overnight to the Rhineland.
Friday, January 2, COLOGNE.
This morning we'll be sailing the wonderful Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle, and the legendary Lorelei Rock, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In the afternoon we'll visit ancient Cologne, with its fabled 13th-century Gothic Cathedral.
Saturday, January 3, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND.
Our last morning of leisurely cruising as we arrive in Amsterdam in the afternoon. We'll get a good look at the wonderful architecture of this vibrant city during a guided canal cruise before gathering on board for a Gala Farewell Dinner.
Sunday, January 4, AMSTERDAM.
So long Amalegro and hello hotel!
Tuesday, January 6th, Boo Hoo...depart Amsterdam, 10:10 am, arrive Dallas, via Atlanta, 6:35 pm.
Looks like there'll be lots to blog about, birthday parties, celebrations, some drinking (?), so tune in often! If you want to comment, you need to have a gmail account (easy and free to start), but you don't need anything but glasses to check in and read the Line from the Rhine!
t
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Planning our Trip
Like Joe and Tracy we are trying to decide what we want to do in Germany. Dave has two main things he must do... Drive really fast on the Autobahn... And what brewerys to go to. Dave was very disappointed that Joe did not share the same interest when we offered to put him and Tracy on the drivers list of our Rental car. Perhaps they are lucky.. I think I'll have to take sleeping pills to reduce my stress while Dave is driving... :-)
I would like to go to the Christmas Markets...... See a Castle...... Perhaps go to the Alps.... Hmmm might have to get 4 wheel drive in that car. And of course taste some of the local specialtys that was recommended to me.
The only thing we are not looking forward to is the rain, snow and grey sky's... We already get that 10 months out of the year up here in Washington..... I"m praying for some clear blue sky's. The snow can come at night while we are sleeping....
I would like to go to the Christmas Markets...... See a Castle...... Perhaps go to the Alps.... Hmmm might have to get 4 wheel drive in that car. And of course taste some of the local specialtys that was recommended to me.
The only thing we are not looking forward to is the rain, snow and grey sky's... We already get that 10 months out of the year up here in Washington..... I"m praying for some clear blue sky's. The snow can come at night while we are sleeping....
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Mere Month!
I hope it snows when we're in Munich. Not much, mind you. Just enough so on Christmas Eve I can stand in Marienplatz (the town center) and sing Silent Night in German, while drinking a really big beer. Okay, maybe I'll just listen for carollers singing Silent Night in German while drinking a really big beer.
Yesterday, Joe and I went beer shopping (the beer shelf in our fridge is in sad shape) and were sucked in by the Franzenkaner/Warsteiner/Spaten vortex. It's a very good thing. I'm sooo looking forward to the up close and personal version.
I started the packing list and got some cool airplane toys: an inflatable seat back that gives your whole back a cushion (so we might actually be able to sleep in Economy) and a silk blanket/wrap with a little pocket on one end to keep my feet warm. I already have one of those neck pillows, so I think I'm good to go!
There will be two formal nights (we think) on the cruise. Those of you who read the ANZ blog will remember my diva dresses...yeah, we won't be wearing them this time around. I haven't been that good on my diet. I'll have to figure out something else (I'm sure I'll manage). The rest of the evenings will be nice attire, of course, jeans during the day, and we won't have to worry about swim suits. I refuse: on weather conditions and...um...have you seen my pasty white thighs lately? ;-) They're only going to get pastier and whiter...at least until April or May!
I'm looking forward to seeing our friends, Chris and Linda, from Boston and Providence, respectively. We met them on our last European river cruise. Great travelers! Great fun! Great friends! I can't wait to see you! I'm also looking forward to spending time with Debbie, Dave, Linda, Wally and Silvana...and meeting Doug for the first time. I hear we should get along splendidly!
Let's face it, I'm just plain looking forward to everything about this trip.
Yesterday, Joe and I went beer shopping (the beer shelf in our fridge is in sad shape) and were sucked in by the Franzenkaner/Warsteiner/Spaten vortex. It's a very good thing. I'm sooo looking forward to the up close and personal version.
I started the packing list and got some cool airplane toys: an inflatable seat back that gives your whole back a cushion (so we might actually be able to sleep in Economy) and a silk blanket/wrap with a little pocket on one end to keep my feet warm. I already have one of those neck pillows, so I think I'm good to go!
There will be two formal nights (we think) on the cruise. Those of you who read the ANZ blog will remember my diva dresses...yeah, we won't be wearing them this time around. I haven't been that good on my diet. I'll have to figure out something else (I'm sure I'll manage). The rest of the evenings will be nice attire, of course, jeans during the day, and we won't have to worry about swim suits. I refuse: on weather conditions and...um...have you seen my pasty white thighs lately? ;-) They're only going to get pastier and whiter...at least until April or May!
I'm looking forward to seeing our friends, Chris and Linda, from Boston and Providence, respectively. We met them on our last European river cruise. Great travelers! Great fun! Great friends! I can't wait to see you! I'm also looking forward to spending time with Debbie, Dave, Linda, Wally and Silvana...and meeting Doug for the first time. I hear we should get along splendidly!
Let's face it, I'm just plain looking forward to everything about this trip.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Six Weeks Out
While we don't actually leave for Munich until December 23, my vacation actually starts Friday, December 19, at 5:01 pm. Six weeks from now.
When I was a kid, six weeks was an eternity. Now, six weeks is just a blip on the scope. I'll run out of time before I run out of decks to clear at the office, or before I find the perfect scarf to go with the perfect coat I found. Six weeks will swoosh past me like dry leaves caught in a sudden gust. Six weeks barely gives me time to finalize my packing list. ;-)
Six weeks used to be the time for tests. I guess it still is. At least for us. We've been tested this past week with the news that we needed a new furnace, we had a foundation leak and, oh! that'll be $5,000 dollars...six weeks before we leave on vacation. I guess I'm glad it happened now. Had it happened while we were still in the planning stages of the trip, we may not have decided to go. Or what if it had happened while we were gone?!? How awful if we were abroad and have to leave all the shit on the housesitter's shoulders...or, worse, come home to a flooded house...no thanks!
In six weeks, though, it will all be over. In six weeks we'll be leaving it all behind...yes, worries and all. All. In six weeks.
When I was a kid, six weeks was an eternity. Now, six weeks is just a blip on the scope. I'll run out of time before I run out of decks to clear at the office, or before I find the perfect scarf to go with the perfect coat I found. Six weeks will swoosh past me like dry leaves caught in a sudden gust. Six weeks barely gives me time to finalize my packing list. ;-)
Six weeks used to be the time for tests. I guess it still is. At least for us. We've been tested this past week with the news that we needed a new furnace, we had a foundation leak and, oh! that'll be $5,000 dollars...six weeks before we leave on vacation. I guess I'm glad it happened now. Had it happened while we were still in the planning stages of the trip, we may not have decided to go. Or what if it had happened while we were gone?!? How awful if we were abroad and have to leave all the shit on the housesitter's shoulders...or, worse, come home to a flooded house...no thanks!
In six weeks, though, it will all be over. In six weeks we'll be leaving it all behind...yes, worries and all. All. In six weeks.
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