tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65224218180663889942024-03-19T04:28:58.642-07:00To Europe With KidsI'm a Europhile. I love traveling to Europe and my kids do, too. I invite you to share my enthusiasm in planning a trip and visiting little-known destinations that appeal to families. Plus, I will provide you with details like where to find free toilets.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-455602096850420042014-10-17T12:32:00.000-07:002014-10-17T16:57:41.439-07:00In Honor of Oktoberfest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In honor of <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/09/photo-friday-oktoberfest-at-night.html">Oktoberfest</a>:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2TMS5Dk_qK_V1GJHVKYtx5mMWYzX4RFaEsSbHyII19wuZD4L-oyeBeMUU4poWXIla3_s75J6cEK0_5crwmuOF_WNHX1dbh7qlr7xO3Eoqu52ShuqcUA0VWpZA5-h1mZdn5vy-keQVMb-/s1600/oktoberfest+2004_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2TMS5Dk_qK_V1GJHVKYtx5mMWYzX4RFaEsSbHyII19wuZD4L-oyeBeMUU4poWXIla3_s75J6cEK0_5crwmuOF_WNHX1dbh7qlr7xO3Eoqu52ShuqcUA0VWpZA5-h1mZdn5vy-keQVMb-/s1600/oktoberfest+2004_1.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My little Bavarians and …</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">… my now big Bavarians.</span></div>
Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com319tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-40193668907060694642014-10-10T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-10T00:30:00.048-07:00Aqueduct of Silver Water in Évora<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJ9bu8sKEE4H8TkBZGytCSE_cl74rCWQji5AafBKmDe57xnZ-Q5IMLjWmfhQwktRNGSWYLXgGcvoE6Y2nhnFioB-1VwYzreC6iUGL1qzzW5xw5vYA49UIGeZP5-NUzw5r4RU-p80Rqvf/s1600/DSCN4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJ9bu8sKEE4H8TkBZGytCSE_cl74rCWQji5AafBKmDe57xnZ-Q5IMLjWmfhQwktRNGSWYLXgGcvoE6Y2nhnFioB-1VwYzreC6iUGL1qzzW5xw5vYA49UIGeZP5-NUzw5r4RU-p80Rqvf/s1600/DSCN4019.JPG" height="206" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stretch of the Silver Water Aqueduct.</td></tr>
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Although there is grand evidence of ancient Roman civilization in the Portuguese city of <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/09/unesco-town-of-evora-in-portugal_27.html">Évora</a> - seen in the ruins of the Temple Diana - the huge aqueduct there was not built by the Romans, it was constructed by King João III in 1531-1537 to bring water into the city. The Aqueduct of Silver Water is a prominent sight throughout Évora, as it stretches for 6 miles and is 85 feet tall at its peak. </div>
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The most interesting thing about the aqueduct however, is the southern section where it weaves through town. Over the centuries, houses, shops, and cafés have nuzzled themselves into and under the arches of the aqueduct. Look at this Évora home:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ns91Ecz0ypqgygF2fDPwdaR2TuMIC7RWoC94A79Hu3JGMCy-8TwiO2CPR2Gl7UZmy4ZTFO2qEBrPkdXa3dsfORxVpf1cY53mtntnEcGV0eHS3MFqNebqzY1I1pQskIO4_nHpLLjTpcME/s1600/DSCN4013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ns91Ecz0ypqgygF2fDPwdaR2TuMIC7RWoC94A79Hu3JGMCy-8TwiO2CPR2Gl7UZmy4ZTFO2qEBrPkdXa3dsfORxVpf1cY53mtntnEcGV0eHS3MFqNebqzY1I1pQskIO4_nHpLLjTpcME/s1600/DSCN4013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is fascinating to walk through this part of town.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homes built right into the arches of the aqueduct.</td></tr>
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The Silver Water Aqueduct is considered one of the greatest 16th century architectural structures on the Iberian Peninsula.</div>
Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-37904827523575059262014-10-06T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-06T00:30:03.530-07:00What's Wrong With This Picture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzKn5eRkSPGgYJhBHVv5ON_hQQTgdoxiEHsIYake-xFfmHLBZ01_LxD8OH-JchKYoOXYugct8RfyMYKpEdowl6lafHt7uwUAzqSELK3-wTv63UIFJik307CnFoOKctjnvi1Q8yXd0-aeh/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzKn5eRkSPGgYJhBHVv5ON_hQQTgdoxiEHsIYake-xFfmHLBZ01_LxD8OH-JchKYoOXYugct8RfyMYKpEdowl6lafHt7uwUAzqSELK3-wTv63UIFJik307CnFoOKctjnvi1Q8yXd0-aeh/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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We spotted this in Berlin. Laughed out loud.<br />
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Upon later research I discovered TJ Maxx calls itself TK Maxx in Europe to prevent confusion with TJ Hughes, a British department store.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-58405010263512746372014-10-03T00:30:00.000-07:002018-02-18T20:00:43.807-08:00The Berlin Wall<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmAUN8kP6gr9MyuqBt9GBeYFQzF-af9ePyO8dox8OLmGXiC9rpYjNlVybJ90fOs4Wy3I_kiyu_GBl6zeYIclZJlyd_6zQuqc20UQCEkIIYccWvQKVOafkQcsZBqpbcKkRuSLugnHvlT2r/s1600/1987Berlin23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmAUN8kP6gr9MyuqBt9GBeYFQzF-af9ePyO8dox8OLmGXiC9rpYjNlVybJ90fOs4Wy3I_kiyu_GBl6zeYIclZJlyd_6zQuqc20UQCEkIIYccWvQKVOafkQcsZBqpbcKkRuSLugnHvlT2r/s1600/1987Berlin23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin in 1987.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/10/german-unity-day.html">last time I was in Berlin</a> before this summer's trip was in 1987, before the wall came down. I was very curious to see how much had changed and couldn't imagine being able to walk up to Checkpoint Charlie or under the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/10/german-unity-day.html">Brandenburg Gate</a>. I hoped that there would still be a portion of the wall standing so my kids could experience what it was like. There was:<br />
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Quite a long stretch actually, although the graffitied exterior has mostly been chiseled off by souvenir-takers. Along this section of wall is an exhibit called Topography of Terror. The outside exhibition was temporary, I believe, and was about the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. We did not visit the indoor museum.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topography of Terror outdoor exhibition.</td></tr>
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Pieces of the wall are displayed throughout the central Berlin area.<br />
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A path of bricks with bronze markers trails through the city delineating where the wall used to be.<br />
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We spent hours in Museum Checkpoint Charlie where fascinating exhibits tell the history of the Berlin Wall and those affected by it. My 15 year old son was amazed by the many objects, techniques, and tricks people used to escape East Berlin and spent more time reading displays, I think, than ever before in any museum. The stories are phenomenal. <br />
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I found this section of the wall quite poignant:<br />
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-71283092402279153372014-10-01T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-01T00:30:03.115-07:00Musée d'Orsay<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musée d'Orsay clock in the main hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Degas's sculpture of the 14 year old ballet dancer.</td></tr>
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The museum was originally a railway station, which is why the interior sort of looks like one. Outside the museum is a square displaying six bronze sculptures in a row.<br />
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-12366089160490166812014-09-27T00:30:00.000-07:002015-04-11T12:15:38.571-07:00Bacharach on the Rhine River<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rhine River</td></tr>
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After a few days of vacation on the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2014/09/cochem-on-mosel-river.html">Mosel River</a>, why not head to the Rhine River? The two scenic valleys are no more than a 30 minute drive from one another. Even if you don't spend an overnight on the Rhine, take a drive, a train, or a <a href="https://www.k-d.com/en/home/">KD day cruise</a> from any town to any town between Koblenz and <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/11/fall-apple-picking-in-germany.html">Mainz</a> to see an endless parade of castle after medieval castle. It's really exciting to be the first to spot one and shout out, "There's another one!"<br />
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We stayed a couple of days this summer in an absolutely gorgeous little town called Bacharach on the west side of the Rhine. Most of my German relatives in Bavaria have never heard of Bacharach, yet it is often pictured in ads for Rhine cruises.<br />
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On the right side of the photo above you see the ruins of St. Werner's Chapel from 1289, and on the left you see the picturesque St. Peter's Church. We got these terrific views of the town on an evening hike up to the Stahleck Castle above the vineyards. The castle is now a youth hostel, <a href="http://www.diejugendherbergen.de/jugendherbergen/bacharach/portrait/">Jugendherberge Burg Stahleck</a>, and I would highly recommend the exciting experience of staying in such a historic structure. (We did not, unfortunately, because it was booked months in advance of our arrival, so make your reservations as soon as possible.) The hostel has rooms not only for backpackers but for families too, and it is clean and well-staffed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stahleck Castle on the Rhine, now a youth hostel.</td></tr>
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The village of Bacharach is perfectly charming. I just melt over the cuteness of half-timbered, fairytale houses with geranium-filled flower boxes, and Bacharach had me oohing and aahing all over the place. There are lots of narrow winding streets to meander, too.<br />
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Bacharach's ancient city wall still remains largely intact in some areas, as well as ten of its towers throughout the town. We made a fun game out of finding each one. In fact, we slept in one - at Hotel Kranenturm, another accommodation I highly recommend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacharach's Market Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Kranenturm, with Castle Stahleck on the hill.</td></tr>
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One of the highlights of our three week summer trip was riding bikes for miles along the Rhine. The skies threatened rain the entire day, but thankfully never caught up to us. We rented our bicycles from a friendly, animated, America-loving shopkeeper at Hotel Hillen on Langstrasse for 10€ per bike per hour. Ask him where he's visited in America and he'll probably throw in an hour for free (after he's done talking your ear off.)<br />
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The river walk on the shores of Bacharach is park-like and lovely, with rows of historic buildings, just like in <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2014/09/cochem-on-mosel-river.html">Cochem</a>. <br />
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-15092863769148326122014-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:002014-09-23T00:30:02.186-07:00Cochem on the Mosel River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you google "most charming villages in Germany" you will likely come upon a small town called Cochem on the Mosel River. That's how I discovered it. And since it is located relatively near Dusseldorf, where we arrived from the States, I made it our first overnight stop on our trip this summer.<br />
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What to see in Cochem? Large castle? Check. Cute half-timbered houses? Check. Charming town square? Check. Romantic river-side strolling? Check. Plus steep wine vineyards all around and delicious Mosel wines to sample. <br />
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I can't believe we hiked up to the castle the same day we got off the plane after a 12 hour flight, but we did. The walk is not strenuous and the views of the valley are lovely. The guided tour of the castle is relatively brief and therefore inexpensive - we paid 14.50€ for a family ticket. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Construction of Cochem Castle is thought to have begun in the year 1000.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Views of the Mosel River valley from Cochem Castle.</td></tr>
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The town square in Cochem is one of the prettiest I've ever seen. This photo was taken from the second story window of the Rathaus (city hall):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Cochem town square.</td></tr>
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Below the castle along the river is a colorful row of historic homes and buildings, making a stroll on either side of the river very scenic. We walked several miles every evening on the beautifully landscaped paths and bridges.<br />
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-53369584922108870632014-09-20T22:10:00.001-07:002015-01-21T10:46:18.052-08:00My Daughter's Personal Secretary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdsSBxchKDmoQ2qIY6zZSn-TJSaNUY6P-gOEhs_VQ5ATSLoChWebXCqqwjF2ySMFq7OFpw1-M1XkkrbVDXhGgyzbejNPJUPEpN1euHbFIBBVVfQGkNuRjlg1EGxEoz6m80IPpmh8IJ49/s1600/CornellCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdsSBxchKDmoQ2qIY6zZSn-TJSaNUY6P-gOEhs_VQ5ATSLoChWebXCqqwjF2ySMFq7OFpw1-M1XkkrbVDXhGgyzbejNPJUPEpN1euHbFIBBVVfQGkNuRjlg1EGxEoz6m80IPpmh8IJ49/s1600/CornellCollage.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a>This last year was spent entirely on getting my daughter into college. Certainly I take no credit for her acceptance to nine top-notch U.S. universities, for it was her 4.7 GPA, excellent ACT test scores, AP coursework, Girl Scout Gold Award, chamber orchestra viola playing, and ballet dancing talent that made that happen. She did it all on her own. But the indecent hours she spent on studying and activities in high school left zero time for scholarship applications, financial aid forms, letters of recommendation requests, résumé revisions, transcript and test score releases, merit award appeals, email correspondence, or tracking deadlines. For that, today's high school seniors need a personal secretary. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_mWCGAGytIRG0SCJVn-DD99tSwsvQlBXx477GymWEhUngEJM74yd-IIH8pz1HLRq6jywqgirAy3eOsUCz0p86NpM6Jh2dFToE8IGMxmwkSWL4AOsBWwoIlYhQS8m-Qk3ojUTUVXDQECH/s1600/college-text-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_mWCGAGytIRG0SCJVn-DD99tSwsvQlBXx477GymWEhUngEJM74yd-IIH8pz1HLRq6jywqgirAy3eOsUCz0p86NpM6Jh2dFToE8IGMxmwkSWL4AOsBWwoIlYhQS8m-Qk3ojUTUVXDQECH/s1600/college-text-collage.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>It is no exaggeration when I estimate I spent about 10 or more hours a week from October through June as my daughter's executive assistant. Truly, I am baffled by how colleges expect these kids to keep up the grades and intensive extracurriculars required for acceptance while simultaneously meeting all the universities's administrative preconditions for admission! The <a href="https://www.commonapp.org/Login">Common App</a> didn't really make things much easier, as many schools don't accept it, and even when they do there is still a unique essay to write for each application.<br />
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I tell you, planning a summer trip to Europe was on the back burner all year. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go. On the one hand, I treasured the idea of spending weeks of quality time with my kids, especially my daughter maybe for the last time, but on the other hand, what if she didn't have enough time to prepare to go off to college? What if <i>I</i> didn't have enough time to emotionally prepare for her to go off to college? In the end, we left the decision up to her, and she didn't hesitate to say yes, she wanted to go back to Germany. I'm proud of my young Europhile.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-47263666684676996242014-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-20T00:00:05.429-07:00Easter Lamb Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It sort of looks like a lamb, doesn't it? A dear German friend of mine baked us this traditional <i>Osterlamm</i>, or Easter lamb cake, last year. Just about every German family has a different variation of the recipe for this Easter treat, usually handed down through the generations.</div>
<br />Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-46597179460352229592014-02-05T12:19:00.000-08:002014-02-05T12:20:46.726-08:00Westfries Museum in Hoorn, the Netherlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Love the richly adorned façade of the Westfries Museum in Hoorn, the Netherlands. The building itself is called the Statencollege and was built in 1632 right in the city's central square, de Roode Steen.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-60126002426405164982014-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:002014-01-31T00:00:06.691-08:00Unrest in the Albaicin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The old Arab quarter of the city of <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/10/the-city-of-granada-spain.html">Granada</a> in Spain is called the Albaicin (or Albayzin) and is a romantic hillside district with narrow winding streets and medieval Moorish structures. The area is very steep and when we were there it seemed somewhat deserted - probably only because it was high noon on a very hot summer day. <br />
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We enjoyed roaming the quiet sector with its expansive views of the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/02/alhambra-part-2-palace-nazare_22.html">Alhambra</a>, but then came upon something disconcerting - banners hung from balconies and posted leaflets clearly expressing unrest and discontent:<br />
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We found an explanation in English.<br />
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According to the <a href="http://www.sos-albaicin.com/">SOS Albaicin website</a>, the residents are protesting measures by the mayor that suppress public transportation to the area and redirect traffic circulation on the main thoroughfare. Their interest is in preserving the historic quarter.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-42397796727966545562014-01-30T11:08:00.000-08:002015-01-21T10:52:34.586-08:00Frustration With Avios Points<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPOiDniX1E1gLb5Sp562yVhrDjAe3kG2odW5KV-mtSDEjoQJ-KixyZh1BSvObFsCptYHF0AKqG82vs4RqAajJAPAvXXRm-b3udP3F6MGbUv-8IAeABX0OFCoU1PuyWPi2k3XeAZWX6d4y/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPOiDniX1E1gLb5Sp562yVhrDjAe3kG2odW5KV-mtSDEjoQJ-KixyZh1BSvObFsCptYHF0AKqG82vs4RqAajJAPAvXXRm-b3udP3F6MGbUv-8IAeABX0OFCoU1PuyWPi2k3XeAZWX6d4y/s1600/images.jpeg" height="178" width="200" /></a>I like to keep the blog posts positive, but I have, on occasion, ranted about things. Well, really only about booking <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/03/trials-and-tribulations-of-booking.html">airline tickets</a>. So as my frustration with British Airlines rises, I feel compelled to share. WHAT THE *#!@%!!?? Are they living in the 21st century? Their <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us">website</a> is ridiculous: recursive loops, frequent errors, and no capability to book <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2010/11/open-jaws.html">open jaw</a> flights with frequent flier miles. That means you have to call their customer service number to accomplish this and that is a frightening prospect given the many, many tweets, blogs, and online comments about how rude and unfriendly their sales agents are. Deciding to risk it, I called the number. Yesterday I was on hold for 53 minutes before deciding to hang up. But today, after a 48 minute hold, I reached a sales agent.<br />
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Surprise! He was quite friendly. Judging by his accent I had obviously reached the UK-based call center. But he was less than helpful as he transferred me to an Executive Club agent since I wanted to book with Avios points, and the EC agent said she had no idea why because she couldn't help me. So I was transferred back to a different sales agent and he happened to be cheerful and generous. He searched endlessly for a flight that would work for us, waived my phone booking service fees, and explained that British Airways's reputation for rude telephone agents arose after the Jacksonville, Florida, call center employees were told they were out of a job because the center was closing. (It is now closed.)<br />
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So did we book a flight on British Airways using our two free companion tickets and 240,000 Avios points? No.<br />
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Hubby and I were excited to sign up for the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2010/12/free-100000-airline-miles.html">British Airways Chase Visa Signature Card</a> when they offered a signup bonus of 100,000 airline miles, another bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 within 3 months, and a free companion ticket after spending $30,000 on the card within a calendar year. We fervently charged up the card the last two years in an effort to rack up enough airline miles (Avios points) to travel to Europe for free this summer, although I was aware of the extremely high taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges one still had to pay on British Airlines.<br />
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Did I say extremely high taxes, fees, and surcharges? I mean prohibitively high. Almost $3,000 for the four of us to fly to Germany on a complicated, circuitous route not in nor out of anywhere near our home airport. We chose to pass on that. Words from the wise (such as <a href="http://thepointsguy.com/">The Points Guy</a>, <a href="http://boardingarea.com/">BoardingArea</a>, and <a href="http://boardingarea.com/mommypoints/#sthash.nmzbggT6.dpbs">Mommy Points</a>) say that the best value in spending Avios points is to fly short domestic flights on British Air. <br />
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Not quite sure how we're going to get to Germany to visit the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/07/photo-friday-homemade-german-desserts.html">family</a> this summer now.Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-18512104188725187602013-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:002013-12-25T00:00:02.901-08:00Merry Christmas to You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6DJZxyIkPrla7mdrOoMsMnsEuzObscZNgao21KBhYhpc82_xsb0Rjw8OLvrg-WS6-aedR2gsMa8xSpmJw0SgZDiI_RySBcPzNFIuDqJ4jNolN97j0IQGdfzNJlrgF9JKsbSOB6afP81y/s1600/DSCN1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6DJZxyIkPrla7mdrOoMsMnsEuzObscZNgao21KBhYhpc82_xsb0Rjw8OLvrg-WS6-aedR2gsMa8xSpmJw0SgZDiI_RySBcPzNFIuDqJ4jNolN97j0IQGdfzNJlrgF9JKsbSOB6afP81y/s640/DSCN1149.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photographed in <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/01/precious-medieval-town-of-gruyeres.html">Gruyères, Switzerland</a>.</div>
<br />Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com542tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-81814319458406426302013-12-14T18:38:00.001-08:002013-12-14T18:38:52.892-08:00Chestnuts Roasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfy7jOGi-e7iKq6zB0ZvaX9ZDiqk1Ve0YrTAedfkJWYdhQyZX2d8n3QsJO6QO4WK0nDkuquPw8tGHptIgEncuXPGuL7uXqCZ1NhkHgjmkps5fclG-9_H0iKj_K0uS5ouEkUOe8UXl2b91/s1600/DSCN0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfy7jOGi-e7iKq6zB0ZvaX9ZDiqk1Ve0YrTAedfkJWYdhQyZX2d8n3QsJO6QO4WK0nDkuquPw8tGHptIgEncuXPGuL7uXqCZ1NhkHgjmkps5fclG-9_H0iKj_K0uS5ouEkUOe8UXl2b91/s400/DSCN0745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe this is a familiar sight on the east coast, but living on the west coast all my life I'd never seen "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" until our visit to <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/12/first-day-in-zurich.html">Zurich</a> in the winter. There were chestnuts roasting on almost every street corner!</div>
<br />Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com462tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-18381851201984699842013-11-28T10:40:00.000-08:002013-11-28T10:40:00.914-08:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6E6mV_TWJbh-HCZeEumiZdSY48TaCf0oIXMAmfCzekLPAJSDEFoYLsSS1wIxXVSB6Rpdgqdg9O9zlH1XbRqTlShbaGu_b_NJo5ANl0_t2y0ExhAWAmbiw7YhG3-675bvhr5fZWn9l4OJ/s1600/thankful-for.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6E6mV_TWJbh-HCZeEumiZdSY48TaCf0oIXMAmfCzekLPAJSDEFoYLsSS1wIxXVSB6Rpdgqdg9O9zlH1XbRqTlShbaGu_b_NJo5ANl0_t2y0ExhAWAmbiw7YhG3-675bvhr5fZWn9l4OJ/s400/thankful-for.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com255tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-30414887077483505582013-11-16T16:53:00.001-08:002013-11-16T16:53:38.646-08:00Review of Café-Restaurant Des Remparts in Gruyères<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Café-Restaurant Des Remparts</td></tr>
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If you're ever in the incredibly precious town of <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/01/precious-medieval-town-of-gruyeres.html">Gruyères</a> in Switzerland and find yourself a little or a lot hungry, you have my recommendation to try Café-Restaurant Des Remparts, right on Rue du Bourg, the only street through the old town. Gruyères is of course famous for its <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/06/la-maison-du-gruyere-cheese-factory.html">cheese</a>, so you will definitely want to try Des Remparts's fondue. Served with fresh bread and baby potatoes, it is creamy delicious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvAQOonDAkCqwNaNcO8YsXa5z0-_XH5WlYFmXBr9rwE-5wgbRxsAhZp9UTsL4nLn4UrYg567X9HHiKl0okM0_phfRMpqQVdRmj8RdmX_j5JLMvWlNFZKR83S9EfbyVhbHy6kHznzStamk/s1600/DSCN1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvAQOonDAkCqwNaNcO8YsXa5z0-_XH5WlYFmXBr9rwE-5wgbRxsAhZp9UTsL4nLn4UrYg567X9HHiKl0okM0_phfRMpqQVdRmj8RdmX_j5JLMvWlNFZKR83S9EfbyVhbHy6kHznzStamk/s400/DSCN1161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also tried an excellent soup - I believe it was asparagus cheese soup:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-a93KDv-SccPSuHkAJQhLlyaI-ZL1P0x7wu5QZylrbnwmxSRdwNCiMsxqaFJ09jkDgPgjnW9KBwhZsjTHfhFhvvAFO5_DZ-IOO4Yg5SE8DARSW3DQLNi1gXJ6AXlUq950fCn3WB6HIh/s1600/DSCN1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-a93KDv-SccPSuHkAJQhLlyaI-ZL1P0x7wu5QZylrbnwmxSRdwNCiMsxqaFJ09jkDgPgjnW9KBwhZsjTHfhFhvvAFO5_DZ-IOO4Yg5SE8DARSW3DQLNi1gXJ6AXlUq950fCn3WB6HIh/s400/DSCN1162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My daughter had croquettes that were very good:</div>
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The scenery out of the big picture windows of the town below and the low mountains is fabulous:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuziR50L-2UUEK6Mb7U8W4eHZxsQ3ZE7V0IZAAi-WqsJs0YpQxhT6tAjcNaVHv-BLERyuEo2V0V5qEqb1jAWf5sXsJqkRo9z5kBQpyMHWTbplL0UDTBCas_IVK2HFWiJGopqOsl9YVPWq/s1600/DSCN1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuziR50L-2UUEK6Mb7U8W4eHZxsQ3ZE7V0IZAAi-WqsJs0YpQxhT6tAjcNaVHv-BLERyuEo2V0V5qEqb1jAWf5sXsJqkRo9z5kBQpyMHWTbplL0UDTBCas_IVK2HFWiJGopqOsl9YVPWq/s400/DSCN1153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is the children's menu for your little ones:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuIRQqxhOAUZ2EOUUGToEdb-ptnxT-81o3e6CExGTOWisIaCUmwmB22nCo13JXJ0LPzMqirT4IY3k4l7egDeDiupFBQRkKLdO7fygKfX8EnECKLnFCUW0jXoihf_3JjWA51Y7NnVG1baL/s1600/ry=400-22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuIRQqxhOAUZ2EOUUGToEdb-ptnxT-81o3e6CExGTOWisIaCUmwmB22nCo13JXJ0LPzMqirT4IY3k4l7egDeDiupFBQRkKLdO7fygKfX8EnECKLnFCUW0jXoihf_3JjWA51Y7NnVG1baL/s400/ry=400-22.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Café-Restaurant Des Remparts is located at Rue du Bourg 19 in Gruyères, Switzerland.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovin' the Swiss fondue!</td></tr>
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-49481882462387503602013-11-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-11-02T00:00:13.778-07:00Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXlL8hABVvmhfwVI3pwIca_7BmJy4SDS5gTpi8dcG4iMlkP5-10kIL7L85c_6_QBE_GmpIuHSLfdER_Yo54zw7CTzG_7FWFdgZHUOo0fDLveEMVfJGLS5HLhLqM8PKn-zaYMJQjKr7XGq/s1600/DSCN2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXlL8hABVvmhfwVI3pwIca_7BmJy4SDS5gTpi8dcG4iMlkP5-10kIL7L85c_6_QBE_GmpIuHSLfdER_Yo54zw7CTzG_7FWFdgZHUOo0fDLveEMVfJGLS5HLhLqM8PKn-zaYMJQjKr7XGq/s640/DSCN2221.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I would have eaten every meal of the day at the Market of San Miguel in Madrid if I could have. Grazing around and nibbling at all kinds of tapas and sweets is just my thing. A little chorizo here, a few <i>empanadillas</i> there. A glass of sangria if it's after noon and a bite of <i>chocolate con churros</i> in between. Yum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBbxBD3H3wsZJLIfSB_NHXJJatwwYm0nIP_RkoQtCAIzjuDZiqQcEiZCkGQjy7kcmKa-bnNyDECbO1mb-HEyGwGkRGaAs6qVhi54De2Jwyw61h0j2yhPd-D8ahyEsFXpiygGxJbQFqa5Z/s1600/DSCN2268_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBbxBD3H3wsZJLIfSB_NHXJJatwwYm0nIP_RkoQtCAIzjuDZiqQcEiZCkGQjy7kcmKa-bnNyDECbO1mb-HEyGwGkRGaAs6qVhi54De2Jwyw61h0j2yhPd-D8ahyEsFXpiygGxJbQFqa5Z/s320/DSCN2268_2.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
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The attractive, iron-structured, covered market in the heart of Madrid beside the Plaza Mayor is a great place for travelers to visit and shop. There are over 30 stalls of pre-made delicacies, wine bars, florists, and fresh fruit and vegetables for purchase.</div>
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Why don't I let the photos do the talking:</div>
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You'll get no complaints from the kids if you're eating here because there's so much to choose from and there are plenty of french fry vendors!</div>
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-58298331797083860312013-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-31T00:00:18.255-07:00It's Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N ! ! !</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal.</td></tr>
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<br />Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-89431161019226407462013-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-26T00:00:07.622-07:00Apartment in the Baixa District in Lisbon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't be fooled by the cracked plaster and peeling paint on the exterior of this holiday apartment we rented in <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/03/lovely-lisbon.html">Lisbon</a>. The one-bedroom unit in the Baixa district was spotlessly clean, large and comfortable, affordably priced, and an ideal location for our family of four. My teenagers loved that there was a little market a block away where they could walk to in the morning for fresh rolls or in the late afternoon for a soda.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local market in the Baixa in Lisbon.</td></tr>
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Marisa, the young owner of the apartment, is extremely kind and helpful and has excellent English language skills. She takes special care to show you how everything works and where everything is, and provides city maps and books and suggestions. On our last day, when we departed the residence, Marisa called a taxi and waited with us so she could talk to the driver for us. </div>
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The main living area of the apartment is lovely and well-lit by two sets of French doors which open to small balconies. The sofa you see here is a futon, which my son slept on:</div>
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My daughter slept on a second futon in the hall outside the master bedroom:</div>
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The master bedroom is spacious and the bed is comfortable:</div>
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The small kitchen had everything we needed to prepare light meals:</div>
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My husband was happy that the air conditioning worked very well and I was delighted we had a washing machine right in the apartment:</div>
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The Baixa district is a superb location to stay in downtown Lisbon. This apartment is just a short walk to Rossio Square where you'll find the Rossio train station, cafés, shopping, markets and street performers.</div>
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If you would like to book this terrific apartment in Lisbon, you can find it listed on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g189158-d2094307-Apartment_in_historic_centre-Lisbon_Estremadura.html">TripAdvisor</a>. We paid 85€ a night, plus a cleaning deposit.</div>
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-9494631972364799372013-10-23T13:58:00.002-07:002013-10-23T14:01:37.473-07:00A Flushing Dilemma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been perplexed at times, while traveling in Europe, about a task I consider here at home to be pretty straightforward - flushing the toilet. I remember when I was a child, entering a <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2010/11/potty-talk.html">public restroom</a> in Europe was often a mystery. What sort of medieval plumbing contraption was I required to push, pull, turn, yank or crank to finish the job I came to do?</div>
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Take, for example, the lavatory below, frequently encountered in many European countries:</div>
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If you haven't chanced upon a pull chain device such as this before, certainly you might search all around the commode looking for a button or lever to flush. If you are a young child, you undoubtedly wouldn't think to look <i>up </i>to do the job. And if and when you finally do, there's the likelihood - as in this photo, that you possibly cannot even reach it.</div>
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Europeans have gone green, way more than we have here in the U.S., and although we are starting to see dual flush toilets here, the different varieties of mechanisms will cause you pause each and every time.</div>
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And, of course, you know I have to bring up everyone's favorite foreign commode: the squat toilet, also known as the Natural Position toilet (yeah, right, natural for men maybe). Are these still found in civilized countries? Yes! The photos below were taken by my friend recently in Italy. I've encountered them as well in Greece, Hungary, and even France.</div>
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If you have a young daughter, do <i>not</i> let her attempt to use a squat toilet without your help. I never managed these latrines as a child without tinkling all over my pants and shoes. And let's just say the germs your child might come into contact with if you're not there to avert a slip or a fall would probably warrant a tetanus booster.<br />
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Sometimes in a foreign restroom you will read a sign, occasionally in legible English, asking you not to place toilet paper in the trash receptacle. You may wonder why the need to elucidate such an obviously nonsensical idea. That is because there are some countries with poor or no plumbing where you WILL be asked to deposit your toilet paper in the trash receptacle because flushing it will clog the toilet.<br />
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Men, like always in these matters, have little difficulty finding a place to go in Europe. Public urinals are an accessory to many historical buildings in Europe, such as this ancient looking <i>urinol</i> adjacent to the Castle of São Jorge in <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/03/lovely-lisbon.html">Lisbon</a> (below) and another near the historic center of <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/01/say-cheese.html">Gouda</a>, in the Netherlands (also below).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urinal in Gouda, the Netherlands.</td></tr>
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And always remember to have a bit of spare change on you when entering a WC in Europe because you never know when you might be caught by surprise by a <i><a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/04/why-are-there-no-toilet-seat-covers.html">Klofrau</a></i> wanting to wipe down the seat for you!</div>
Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-40070689784840711192013-09-27T11:45:00.002-07:002014-10-17T16:56:40.179-07:00UNESCO Town of Évora in Portugal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNilLxPOI_BZ_APQsCI0_J8ZrIWdBoZRncXkExtj61Pha2PeTR1xpIvNaxKM7YzSaMo_m0nQ4Ww6FXbXkVob9MKBsBBbVXOq2hHW2h6poeJzf9k5GpyAxGw7ILgOk0qRtQb8W5WGCWjF77/s1600/DSCN4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNilLxPOI_BZ_APQsCI0_J8ZrIWdBoZRncXkExtj61Pha2PeTR1xpIvNaxKM7YzSaMo_m0nQ4Ww6FXbXkVob9MKBsBBbVXOq2hHW2h6poeJzf9k5GpyAxGw7ILgOk0qRtQb8W5WGCWjF77/s640/DSCN4014.JPG" height="640" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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When an entire town is named a <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/02/what-is-unesco-world-heritage-site.html">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>, you know it's going to be an interesting place, and that is the reason we chose to make an overnight stop in Évora on our trip through Portugal last summer. Medieval city walls, an ancient Roman temple, a 16th century aqueduct, a Gothic cathedral, and even more fascinating history await visitors to this town located about an hour and a half drive from <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/03/lovely-lisbon.html">Lisbon</a>. </div>
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After a little bit of a <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/08/live-and-learn.html">glitch</a> with our accommodations but then finally checking into a <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/08/review-of-hotel-riviera-in-evora.html">lovely hotel</a>, we realized we were just around the corner from the remains of Temple Diana, Évora's most famous landmark.</div>
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This Roman temple survived the ages since its construction around the first century A.D. because it was put to various uses since the Middle Ages and regularly restored. It is considered one of the best preserved Roman ruins on the Iberian peninsula.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">View of Temple Diana from the Évora Cathedral.</td></tr>
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Besides the Romans, the Moors left their mark on Évora as well. The city was under Moorish rule for over 400 years.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Dom Manuel Palace</span></span></span></div>
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Being the avid <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/04/steeplechasing.html">steeple climbers</a> that we are, we gladly paid the 13€ for four of us to climb the Évora Cathedral tower up to the roof.</div>
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The views over the town are magnificent, as the church was built on the highest point in the city.</div>
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The cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic style architecture, was built in 1186. It is believed that the flags of Vasco da Gama's first ships to the Orient were blessed here. Very unique to the Évora Cathedral is the very pretty lantern tower over the crossing with its picturesque windows and six little turrets surrounding the spire.</div>
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The central square in town is Praça do Giraldo and it's a nice place to stop for a cool drink or bite to eat. We had dinner at Café Arcada, which has a large diner sort of feel, and their menu pleased everyone in our family.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Praça do Giraldo is Évora's central square.</td></tr>
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Before you leave town be sure to browse the shopping alleys. Beautiful items crafted from <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/01/cork-it.html">local cork</a> are great souvenirs.</div>
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On your way out of town, you can visit the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2014/10/aqueduct-of-silver-water-in-evora.html">Aqueduct of Silver Water</a> which stretches for 6 miles and was built in the 1530s to deliver water to the city of Évora.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">You can drive right through the aqueduct's arches.</td></tr>
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-55589469257171627822013-09-04T12:39:00.001-07:002013-09-04T12:39:25.976-07:0010 Best Airlines in the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am currently skimming <i>The 10 Best of Everything</i> by Nathaniel Lande and Andrew Lande.</div>
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Interesting, their list of the 10 best airlines in the world, which they give in random order:<br />
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American Airlines (hmmm...<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2011/12/blue-christmas.html">not my personal favorite</a>)<br />
Cathay Pacific Airways<br />
Thai Airways International<br />
Air New Zealand<br />
Malaysia Airlines<br />
Japan Airlines<br />
Midwest Airlines<br />
British Airways<br />
Singapore Airlines<br />
Air Malta & Aegean Airlines<br />
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We'll be flying British Airways to Europe next summer, so I'll be able to judge them for myself, but how about you? Do you agree with this list?Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-48945987811239464682013-08-25T13:46:00.000-07:002014-01-25T10:12:48.321-08:00Visiting Madrid With Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerta del Sol in Madrid</td></tr>
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When I think of Madrid I think of hot. Hot, dry, summer temperatures. This capital of a country with over 5,000 miles of coastlines is probably farther from a cool ocean breeze than any other city in Spain. Just come prepared for the heat, plan a daily siesta, and see all there is to see in Madrid.<br />
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<b>Puerta del Sol</b><br />
Madrid is a walking city - everything is best explored on foot. The Plaza Mayor and Puerte del Sol are very near each other - both off the Calle Mayor - and a good place to start your tour of the town. Puerte del Sol is, in fact, the symbolic center of Spain, as so marked by the <i>kilómetro cero</i>, a plaque on the ground in front of the post office from which distances in the country can be measured. (I've seen these in Paris and Budapest, too.) The Puerte del Sol is a busy, bustling square with a couple of landmarks such as the old post office and the statue of the bear and madrone tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kilómetro cero</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear and madrone tree - symbol of Madrid.</td></tr>
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<b>Plaza Mayor</b><br />
A short distance away is Plaza Mayor, an enormous rectangular central plaza enclosed by residences with lovely balconies and an equestrian statue of Philip III in the center. The most notably beautiful section of the buildings is the Casa de la Panadería with hand-painted frescoes on its façade. Plaza Mayor used to be the site of bullfights and public executions, but now there are restaurants and shops and just general strolling.<br />
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<b>Mercado de San Miguel</b><br />
If you're hungry, you can troll for some tapas in nearby <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/11/mercado-de-san-miguel-in-madrid.html">Mercado de San Miguel</a>, a covered market where you can sample just about any little Spanish delicacy you desire, or rehydrate with some fresh-squeezed juice (or maybe sangria?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7rgW1mEDr8km5Nx9R6F6vhforaGq1iLDI9ZEg2uQDDdO0j-3u-R1I9s209RuQzfsaIX90JxIaq8opFRmNnmiEIvcSp6WVWcZ4C-lg9WeWxua-WwsvTNv-GpaIl3xroCx1agUQ8jEsHTu/s1600/DSCN2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7rgW1mEDr8km5Nx9R6F6vhforaGq1iLDI9ZEg2uQDDdO0j-3u-R1I9s209RuQzfsaIX90JxIaq8opFRmNnmiEIvcSp6WVWcZ4C-lg9WeWxua-WwsvTNv-GpaIl3xroCx1agUQ8jEsHTu/s400/DSCN2223.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapas at Mercado de San Miguel.</td></tr>
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<b>Royal Palace</b><br />
Madrid's Royal Palace is a stunning site to visit. Built in the 1700s, it was home to several royal families, but is now only used for award ceremonies, royal audiences, banquets, and other special events. The Changing of the Guard is an interesting ceremony for younger children especially, and it's held every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. except in the summer months. Our family took an audioguide tour that covered the interior and exterior grounds. I love the grand Almudena Cathedral right across the plaza from the palace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrDQHuPA-Xx0_SmSeWYl3axRPRbfLuU1DOLXCtSvtXVwDbiSQtCUFHjChWmqpig0f381O0qiapJCpAZ3yslTQbJr8U9f43G98YodrwsUqZs8QJsRfVG3G8Me7x3G4iOjm5-v_cu8t0Trg/s1600/DSCN2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrDQHuPA-Xx0_SmSeWYl3axRPRbfLuU1DOLXCtSvtXVwDbiSQtCUFHjChWmqpig0f381O0qiapJCpAZ3yslTQbJr8U9f43G98YodrwsUqZs8QJsRfVG3G8Me7x3G4iOjm5-v_cu8t0Trg/s400/DSCN2253.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the courtyard of the Royal Palace, Madrid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almudena Cathedral, as seen from the palace courtyard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdedd-Wt4HjiXNhbH9aXzd2c0W-wijEXf1ed-LvagSdWHk1WL0V1Zm-Qr9oJtWBoS0t20wKpABwdy1dee5CQpIgas4bXQXB_6QQQ0lHVCTR_bPtLr6xPlZ-qBQp3C9_dxuKgMfz0BY2wA/s1600/DSCN2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdedd-Wt4HjiXNhbH9aXzd2c0W-wijEXf1ed-LvagSdWHk1WL0V1Zm-Qr9oJtWBoS0t20wKpABwdy1dee5CQpIgas4bXQXB_6QQQ0lHVCTR_bPtLr6xPlZ-qBQp3C9_dxuKgMfz0BY2wA/s640/DSCN2255.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandelier in the Royal Palace.</td></tr>
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<b>Retiro Park</b><br />
When temperatures soar in Madrid, a nice place to cool off is Retiro Park at the edge of the city center. Shady and wooded, this park offers relaxation as well as activities. There are play structures for children, free summer concerts on Sundays, street performers and puppet shows. Rowboats can be rented and paddled around in the large artificial pond next to the spectacular King Alfonso XII monument.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGU9ix0CzbK6yYl7ndULfY0iQW3FIoba4XFBc7rQn3xWQIRk5K5EAVX5ezqXL8bqd-x0euaVOz4ZBPOke4nlGRnsqPmV-z_rOY2b4NzhIG-AA1RCF0AomjLkPVPpAY_R53T-0DYImaIji/s1600/P1000420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGU9ix0CzbK6yYl7ndULfY0iQW3FIoba4XFBc7rQn3xWQIRk5K5EAVX5ezqXL8bqd-x0euaVOz4ZBPOke4nlGRnsqPmV-z_rOY2b4NzhIG-AA1RCF0AomjLkPVPpAY_R53T-0DYImaIji/s400/P1000420.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large semicircular collonnade monument to King Alfonso XII.</td></tr>
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<b>Prado Museum</b><br />
On the same side of town as Retiro Park is the famous Prado Museum. Goyas and El Grecos as well as Dutch masters fill the beautiful building and are worth a look, especially after 6:00 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays when admission is free! (Also free on Sundays after 5:00 p.m.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VOSLk23YYY1-0NMkbl_4jAlMAPwZ4J0ewgkgLAcg0o3qqYuFAZypddETX3EpWDdryAmT4KJJOHf3Xn7wjLARKSJQqlEij35jd7kzi0H5D8o-HDGrq3lAnJa5SpX9ufiibovjJaYUpWRO/s1600/DSCN2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VOSLk23YYY1-0NMkbl_4jAlMAPwZ4J0ewgkgLAcg0o3qqYuFAZypddETX3EpWDdryAmT4KJJOHf3Xn7wjLARKSJQqlEij35jd7kzi0H5D8o-HDGrq3lAnJa5SpX9ufiibovjJaYUpWRO/s400/DSCN2286.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prado Museum in Madrid.</td></tr>
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<b>Snacks</b><br />
For a late afternoon snack while walking around town, pick up some <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/02/convent-cookies_12.html">convent cookies</a> from Convento de Corpus Christi or take a coffee break at <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/09/photo-friday-chocolateria-san-gines-in.html">Chocolatería San Ginés</a>, the most famous churro bakery in Madrid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF5U43fauaWQR9u6TY-1doBcIVafei_GA6XILyof0HGxADgXJTj1ZdNnhsMaHKdrcIPiH1otnBodc_qAIYxPhFcO3_xw2tj_XDBWPtUElvDQ3HcFi2rci3Ibma8irdb8X7eoScWiYOi55/s1600/DSCN2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF5U43fauaWQR9u6TY-1doBcIVafei_GA6XILyof0HGxADgXJTj1ZdNnhsMaHKdrcIPiH1otnBodc_qAIYxPhFcO3_xw2tj_XDBWPtUElvDQ3HcFi2rci3Ibma8irdb8X7eoScWiYOi55/s400/DSCN2275.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Bullfighting</b><br />
My husband and I attended a bullfight at Madrid's Plaza de Toros many, many years ago, and although we appreciated the cultural beauty of the art, we were mortified when the dead bull was dragged out of the arena. Still, my kids insisted they wanted to see a bullfight. Fortunately or unfortunately, there weren't any scheduled when we were in Madrid. You can check performance dates and buy tickets <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.es/nav/es/mucho_mas/madrid/plaza_de_toros_de_las_ventas_tt10670/plaza_de_toros_de_las_ventas/">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-xA9Xr8OKuO_qt2qC2hLSPs85hEkiRbHFHUxIrXf0GFIpwdV0GJShnIkZ9TTycd6GDM7etkIMsy4ckXDZCo_pMzQ5nFCUp9uBboZcD9Q9iSwQrIPS9Qvnl1Q_Hz6kRASwKdIhZg0k7xf/s1600/1994Bullfight9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-xA9Xr8OKuO_qt2qC2hLSPs85hEkiRbHFHUxIrXf0GFIpwdV0GJShnIkZ9TTycd6GDM7etkIMsy4ckXDZCo_pMzQ5nFCUp9uBboZcD9Q9iSwQrIPS9Qvnl1Q_Hz6kRASwKdIhZg0k7xf/s400/1994Bullfight9.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza de Toros de las Ventas in Madrid</td></tr>
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<b>Evening Strolls</b><br />
We liked taking evening walks around Madrid's Parque de la Montaña, where you will find - of all things - a 2nd century B.C. <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/08/photo-friday-egyptian-temple-in-madrid.html">Egyptian temple</a> that was gifted to Spain in the 1960s. At this park you can also enjoy brilliant views of the Royal Palace at night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQwDLIVGboqrzTuXa0e7plrAbkPwyX-e9ri_XMFNa6sqX1rij76ztbyPidl8vK39wGrX2pZyl7BsR4wbR-FY5TkHbIs_noDhyQEYfzTSavoElwLFxa0CyaBQ2erbxHdsFTcviSAqsBgCc/s1600/DSCN4065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4uFu9H13Fq5ECKqUcsWAPZ4e8M1bQMTngm80YmNDRgUaXc25Pc6zqgc3alg9pmcqqVBqRw4s8pQJumlFAzWr3HB-D7R6Ru7BQ97KSK9hrBgcIwi2K85bLub3cZiQPeJitLNnhczb_z3h/s1600/P1000481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4uFu9H13Fq5ECKqUcsWAPZ4e8M1bQMTngm80YmNDRgUaXc25Pc6zqgc3alg9pmcqqVBqRw4s8pQJumlFAzWr3HB-D7R6Ru7BQ97KSK9hrBgcIwi2K85bLub3cZiQPeJitLNnhczb_z3h/s400/P1000481.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Related posts:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/02/convent-cookies_12.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Convent Cookies</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/09/photo-friday-local-artists.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Local Artists</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/09/photo-friday-chocolateria-san-gines-in.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Chocolatería San Ginés</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/08/madrid-atocha-railway-station.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Madrid Atocha Railway Station</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/08/photo-friday-egyptian-temple-in-madrid.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Egyptian Temple in Madrid</span></a>Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-38094159742988339302013-08-19T17:41:00.002-07:002013-08-25T13:49:23.492-07:00Sleeping Cabin on the Train from Lisbon to Madrid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8_TsQsMyVXtYbIDF3lL2dWM0o_5GZV3x3L9KaXTTek5Ue8VmJx_HoIve4y3OPEd5kvJ4nhejHz-3Dv8E6dfgnUZoYjSkglUSFUWNIIUS0__qzFj05gmkB0hcUdhIU6EvvLhcJq5ozrOc/s1600/DSCN4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7UlZlQLeyubJ8wQ4tohvB3tihI6ztHhyphenhyphenqZ8rDqpqKVcOBl3M2sycVe_DAIi5SpEi4isCGK6phO7NYm0Psc80j6eAJQZBHW2sIDSQ920twcExlGGgw3ke-3xIetiWJv_vlCGxMlUdzx2o/s1600/DSCN4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7UlZlQLeyubJ8wQ4tohvB3tihI6ztHhyphenhyphenqZ8rDqpqKVcOBl3M2sycVe_DAIi5SpEi4isCGK6phO7NYm0Psc80j6eAJQZBHW2sIDSQ920twcExlGGgw3ke-3xIetiWJv_vlCGxMlUdzx2o/s640/DSCN4625.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oddly enough, the <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2012/02/lisbon-madrid-sleeper.html">only direct train</a> from <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/03/lovely-lisbon.html">Lisbon</a> to <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2013/08/visiting-madrid-with-kids.html">Madrid</a>, and vice versa, is a night train. So, since we had no other way to get from the capital of Portugal to the Madrid airport for our flight home, we booked a 4-person sleeping cabin for $110 per person. Expensive, I know. When you compare our crowded, bumpy, noisy, 11 hour night on the train with a stay in an equally expensive luxury hotel, it's a little depressing. But the experience was valuable for my kids, and I'd do it again.</div>
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I slept fine (with just a little help from a good pair of earplugs and a double dose of Advil PM), and my son and daughter said they slept alright. But my husband had trouble. He's about 6'1", and the bed was too short for him. The beds are also somewhat narrow. He said he hardly slept at all.</div>
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As you can see from my photos, the cabins are narrow with little room for luggage. The bed linens are okay and the blankets aren't needed because the room gets stuffy and warm in the summer. In the corner is a small sink with running water and each passenger is provided a little gift pack which includes earplugs, a bar of soap, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. Nice touch, I think. We felt very safe because the door had a lock as well as a security chain. I did tell the kids to wake one of us up if they had to go to the bathroom at night, though, just to be cautious.</div>
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My husband and daughter, who are early risers, strolled up to the dining car before dawn and had breakfast. They both agreed it was a good meal, with fresh rolls and orange juice. My daughter particularly enjoyed watching the sunrise from the train as the Spanish countryside swished by outside the window.</div>
Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522421818066388994.post-28203319090284126542013-08-09T11:37:00.001-07:002013-08-09T11:37:57.438-07:00I Spy the London Eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As if a city with dungeons, pageantry, <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2010/12/photo-friday-tower-bridge-in-london.html">drawbridges</a>, double-decker buses, and very large ravens wasn't enough fun for families with children, in 1999 <a href="http://www.toeuropewithkids.com/2010/10/london-calling.html">London</a> erected what was at that time the largest Ferris wheel in the world, right on the banks of the River Thames. The London Eye, as it's known, is a must-do activity whether you're visiting the city with or without kids.</div>
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The passenger pods can each carry 25 people, and - believe it or not - they are air-conditioned. (The Europeans are catching on!) Passengers are free to walk around inside the oval-shaped, all-glass capsules, but there are benches to sit if you like.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of a capsule from a capsule.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seating inside the London Eye's passenger pods.</td></tr>
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The most fabulous reason to take a ride on the London Eye is, of course, the 360° panorama of the city. Views of the House of Parliament and its grand and noble Big Ben tower are a particular highlight from the top of the wheel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1K85nmfBsN0ldCRkqMTi_v7yZDQdJdF-eaZXNEhBzm5A_d7la35pf69biD25j6sWH3FNQjDnRPMMb7MyZO17ujFSoy3Ndb23DxSfojqPixtooFI_vdidltPZ9js-ckMG7JYp5KVWW2S9/s1600/DSCN0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1K85nmfBsN0ldCRkqMTi_v7yZDQdJdF-eaZXNEhBzm5A_d7la35pf69biD25j6sWH3FNQjDnRPMMb7MyZO17ujFSoy3Ndb23DxSfojqPixtooFI_vdidltPZ9js-ckMG7JYp5KVWW2S9/s640/DSCN0090.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best way to see Big Ben.</td></tr>
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Did you know that you can book your own private capsule package? You can create your own theme party with food, dessert, or wine on board. The London Eye also offers a chocolate and truffle tasting private experience, a wine tasting party, and a champagne tasting experience. Of course, if you're just interested in a standard 30-minute ride, prices are £19.20 for those over 16, £12.30 from 4-15 years old, and free for children under 4. A family of four ticket is £63.00. <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/TicketsAndPrices/Tickets/Default.aspx">Online ticket purchases</a> offer a savings of up to 20%.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a clear day, the views are endless.</td></tr>
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Sonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11554906283734454692noreply@blogger.com5