Kjell's Luau

Kjelly had his birthday bash Palmer style. It was awesome. We enjoyed fantastic food, sweet decorations and cakes, fun games, gorgeous weather, and lots of family togetherness. Darcie and Ad went all out. Thank you for the memorable spring day.


Kjell really liked his cake ( until he realized a crowd was watching him.)


His Daddy made sure he was hydrated with all that sunshine. (Isn't he handsome?! Look at those eyes.)


The bounce house was a thrill....








Our whole Sanders clan celebrated with Kjell. It was also nice to be together because Clara had a birthday the week before. Family galore! I am the world's luckiest aunt. Check out my nieces and nephews.




The originals.


Carson being silly.(The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...)


Noah exploring and telling me something.


Summer exploring.


Clara Jane is on the move, but still loves being near her mommy. Josh's hat could make her look like a thug, but that smile of hers is all sweetness and light.



The cousins played so well together.

All in all

I am so blessed to have wonderful friends and family with whom I travel. This trip was no exception. Every journey I learn a little more about myself, my companions, and the world in which we live. I am constantly amazed, but not really surprised, when I am able to make a connection with a perfect stranger whether it be a flight attendant, an old woman selling a dirndl, or a fellow tourist taking pictures. This is really what I bring home from my adventures abroad: a better love and appreciation for my fellowmen. We are not really strangers at all, just friends who have yet to meet

Salzburg

Our full day in Salzburg was really very wet. We weren't able to enjoy all that Salzburg has to offer because of the time of year. Still, we enjoyed ourselves.
We started at Schloss Hellbrun, which is quite lovely ( even in the rain.) We couldn't help ourselves from singing in the rain outside of the gazebo from the Sound of Music. (It was donated to the city of Salzburg after the filming. Now it resides here.)



(I may be a bit older than 16 going on 17.... but it didn't stop me from singing the song)


Next, we headed up Untersberg mountain via tram. There was only one couple with us going up. The tram operator was a good sport and took us up. (It was a very slow day for him.) It was no wonder why: our last few minutes of tram ride was in the clouds. No visibility. We exited the tram building by 5 steps to take this picture.



It was hilarious just to experience. We couldn't see a thing except for what was right in front of us. The wind was blowing snow heavily. Honestly, I have never been so cold so quickly. I have also never been on the top of a mountain in a storm. It was wild.


Hello? This was the top of the tram. We entered the tram on the right. Check out how frozen everything is. Doesn't it just make you cold?






(Recognize that mountain? Yep. We were on the top of that buddy in that weather.)
These last couple pictures were taken from the fortress. Amazing views on all sides.

Prague, train, Salzburg

So far, so good.
Great shopping,
yummy bratwurst,
kind Austrians.

Steph and I are as happy as can be to be watching The Sound of Music in our hotel room.

Prague - and my birthday

The Charles Bridge

I shouldn't look so happy in a prison full of torture devices

The sweet hotel manager sent up champagne and chocolate mousse for my birthday.
(I think housekeeping will enjoy our gift.)

We both enjoyed hour long massages. Mine was heavenly!
It was a special indulgence for my birthday.
Another special event was La Traviata. I really wanted to go to the opera.
Steph was enthusiastic and she indulged me, since she doesn't really go to these things.
We had a great time.
It was a lovely birthday.

Budapest - train- Prague

Limerick for today:
While walking through Pest in the rain,
Two lovelies said, "Let's take a train,"
So a bit water-logged,
They headed for Prague,
Where they strolled through the rain once again.
(P.S)







Our walk through Budapest, to the train station was really enjoyable. I love getting oriented in a city. It makes me feel like less of a tourist. I like to pretend I'm a local. Although, I think our bright colored clothing and sunny demeanor gives us away. (Everyone wears black and I haven't seen many smiles.)
Our train was quiet and enjoyable until the last hour. The 6 person cabin was packed with a variety of people, languages, and odors - not to mention the metal flask passed around. Ah, Europe in all your glory!
We've noticed the increase of good looking men in Prague. Any ideas why?
We've had nice interactions with other tourists while offering to take pictures. We're small in numbers, but we are all eager and happy to help each other.
Dinner tonight was amazing! The warm interior beckoned us in from the rain. I am so glad we chose this place. The potato soup (broth based) was divine. I was full from that and the cheese rolls before my entree even arrived. Can you just imagine the rest of the home-y, peasant-ish interior? A pure joy. The warm cherry strudl was fantastic (and that's saying something because I don't usually like cherry.)
I love returning to a city I have previously visited. The familiarity, as well as the past memories, create a broader scope of a place, for me. Poor Steph, I am trying not to say, "When I was here last time..." too many times. I had to laugh out loud by the first thing I saw when I opened my map of Prague: a nighttime ghost tour ad. :) I know a few girls that can tell a really funny story about that one.
It's early in the a.m. and I cannot sleep. I'd better get off this and try to get a few more zzz's.

This is just a little addition for my girls that I traveled with this summer:
Look like a familiar site? Me and my camera. (Again.)

Budapest Day 2

Walking,walking, walking...
umbrella open. umbrella closed. umbrella open.
We saw it all today. Buda and Pest.
We ended our day in style - with a soak in the grand Gellert Gyogfurdo bath house. It's a Turkish bath style thermal bath/spa house. We capped it all off with a swedish style massage. I am no good for anything for the rest of tonight.

Budapest Day 1

Budapest, Hungary.
March 10
We lost a half day in travel, but made up for it this evening. We explored by foot until it was dark. It was perfect timing for dinner. We enjoyed a traditional Hungarian meal.
(Paprika butter rolls, Goulash soup, paprika chicken, and gypsy pork. YUM.)
Man, we were fading fast once our bellies were full. The problem is, we're in Europe, and NO ONE brings the check promptly. We tried for 45 minutes to appear relaxed but ready to leave. Subtlety doesn't work here. We were not obnoxious Americans, don't worry. We were so patient, that Steph actually fell asleep while I was looking at and talking to her. I am a bit in a hazy myself, so I will end this now... Love to all.
(p.s. you never know what you'll get when you ask someone to take your picture... There is a really lovely view behind us on our left - it just was not captured here.)

Bon Voyage

I know that in this financial crisis, I should be a bit careful with my money. The problem with that is: I am headed on vacation. I purchased airline tickets in September (before all the craziness.) I actually thought that the fares were low then. Who knew there were even lower prices on the horizon? Usually airfares go up closer to the departure. Not anymore.
Regardless, I am going on a little vaca on Monday. I'll be in Eastern Europe (Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; Salzburg, Austria) with my good friend Stephanie. I'll pack warmly, button up, and bring an umbrella. I am sure I'll have great stories to tell when I return.