Italy/Germany - November 2015

11/14/15 – Arrive in Munich at 8:00 a.m. on an uneventful flight, to news of horrific Paris attacks the night before.  Unbelievable and saddened by this news!  Ate lunch (falafel wrap) at the airport then went shopping.  Arrived home and slept for 18 solid hours until Sunday morning.  The weather is very nice.

11/15/15 – A relaxing day today.  Dinner at a German restaurant with the in-laws.  Good German food.  I had Rösti (German potato pancake) with delicious smoked salmon, wasabi sauce and salad with wine.  Nice weather.

11/16/15 – Another relaxing day today.  Dinner at the in-laws.  Packed for Italy and had an early night.

11/17/15 – Early wake up call for the flight to Rome.  It was a good flight and took the train from Roma airport to hotel Boscolo Exedra in the heart of Rome.  Checked in, got upgraded to Executive Suite with fabulous city view.  Had lunch then walked to the Trevi Fountain, one of my favorite attractions.   Spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping for my new bag and boots.  Back to the room to shower, relax, and eat dinner.  Had good pizza at small family restaurant.

11/18/15 – Took the Hop-on Hop-off tour bus to the Basilica, Colosseum, Forum,  Circus Massimo today.   Ate gelato, panini, snacks at Colosseum.   Had really good gnocchi in cheese sauce with wine for dinner!  Yum!! Weather is still very nice.

11/19/15 – Took the Hop-on Hop-off tour bus to the Pantheon, Trevi fountain (again), Via Condetti (shopping).  Ate a good lunch at Trattoria Da Luigi.  I ate here about 10 years ago during one of my first trips to Rome.  Really good food and service back then and still today.  I ended up in the kitchen with the cooks and took a picture with them.  I drank plenty of wine today.  My husband too…Little tipsy!  Sad it's my last night in Rome, but had a real great time here!

11/20/15 – Leave Rome today.  Last Italian meal was risotto for me and spaghetti carbonara for him at the airport.  Don't do this!  Make time for a final good Italian meal NOT at the airport. 

11/20/15 – Arrive in Munich and went straight from the airport to the in-laws for dinner.  Ate a plateful of really good homemade, freshly baked Apfel strudel with vanilla sauce.  Made  especially for me by my mother in-law. 

We made the best of the time in Rome given the threats to that city as the same time of the Paris attacks.  The Italian military was very visible guarding all of the national monuments, while the police made sure that the streets were safe.  I left Rome with mixed emotions.  Sad to leave the city that I've come to adore, but aware that Rome was targeted by terrorists and relieved that I could leave with some good memories.

The Europe that I started visiting many, many years ago, has changed.  Today it's hard to sit at an outside cafe and not feel vulnerable.  It's hard to visit a monument or any tourist attraction and not glance warily around you.  It's especially hard not to stereotype certain people that you share the same space with.  I pray for peace in the world!   

11/21/15 – Another lazy day today.  Not much to do.  Good weather.

11/22/15 – Another lazy day today.  Ate dessert first then had dinner with in-laws.  Played a German card game called Mau Mau.  I won a couple of times.  Heard great and interesting stories from mother in-law about when she grew up at the  end of the war, losing her mother at aged 2, (her mother died of a lung infection at age 36, because there was no antibiotics available at that time to cure her).  Also heard about her leaving a luxurious life behind in Vienna, Austria, when the Russians took over, and heading to Bayern, Deutschland, which was controlled by the Americans at that time.  I saw a portrait (drawing only) of her mother, she was a beautiful woman.  

There was snow today and the temperature was 2 degrees celcius (about 35 degrees farenheit).

11/23/15 – Snow today.  Freezing outside, 5 degrees celcius (about 41 degrees farenheit).  Dinner with in-laws, homemade spätzle, chicken schnitzel and mushroom sauce, with red wine.  Lecker!  German chocolates and cakes for dessert.  Played Mau Mau again.

11/25/15 – The Christkrindlmarkt (Christmas Market) in Ingolstadt opens today.  The mayor opens the celebration with Santa Claus himself cutting the ribbon.  Kids will visit the manger of baby Jesus and adults will drink Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle (wine with sugar and rum).  I went there and drank both.  So good!

11/27/15 – Went to the RonCalli circus (German circus) in Ingolstadt.  It was a good show!  The performances were entertaining and a few were amazing!  Every spectator waited until the curtains were closed before getting up to leave.

Thanksgiving in New York City – Me and My Girlfriend! (November 2014)

View from Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza) NYC 11/29/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

I was in New York City with one of my girlfriends for Thanksgiving weekend.  What an exciting weekend it was and one of the best times of the year to be there. It included me catching up with family who lives there, seeing Nene Leakes in Cinderella on Broadway, which was fantastic, having lunch at Angelo’s, dinner at popular Tao, checking out the Christmas windows and light show at Saks Fifth Avenue, having drinks and dancing at the bar at the W Hotel Times Square, and checking out the view of New York City from the observatory deck at Rockefeller Plaza.

View from Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza) NYC
11/29/14 Photo taken by & property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

We started off by having a light lunch and strolling around the city. We soon realized that we had become a part of the Ferguson protests in Times Square as we got caught right in the middle of it. There were police officers going after the protesters (who had made their way to Broadway) trying to maintain control, and using a bullhorn warning them to get off the street.  We then headed back to the hotel to relax before going out to dinner. After having dinner at Angelo's in Little Italy, we went to the W Hotel Times Square bar for drinks and dancing. We danced until the early hours of the morning.

 

The next day, after breakfast, my girlfriend suggested we go to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza . We did, and the views were phenomenal. We could see every landmark in New York City from any given vantage point on the Observatory Deck. After that breathtaking excursion, we walked around the City, before heading back to the hotel to rest up for a Broadway show and dinner later that evening.


Cast of Cinderella Broadway Theatre NYC
11/29/14 Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

The show, Cinderella, was enjoyable and very entertaining. The entire cast did a great job. We had a late dinner reservation at Tao, and headed over to the restaurant right after the show. Tao is a NYC hotspot, and there have been many celebrity sightings there. The food was good, the drinks were delicious, the atmosphere was lively and the music was pumping.  It was almost like being in a nightclub. We ended up having really good conversations with our dining neighbors who were visiting from England and Amsterdam.

On our last day in New York City, we decided to keep it very low-key and relaxing. A late checkout at the hotel allowed us to sleep in, relax, and take our time getting ready for our trip back home. After we checked out, we headed to Norma's for a much anticipate brunch. After fueling up with crunchy French toast and buttery blueberry pancakes, we set out to seek out to the Christmas displays in the windows at many of the stores on Fifth Avenue.

Store in NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Our stroll down Fifth Avenue lead us to Saks where crowds had gathered to see the light show and beautifully decorated Christmas windows there. We walked through Rockefeller Plaza, which had hordes of people, many more and we had seen the day before. The ice skating rink was filled with skaters.  Preparations for the anticipated lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza were in full swing. The tree, which becomes an attraction itself, already had lights strewn all over it.

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

The spirit of Christmas is already in the air in New York City, with many stores already hanging Christmas decorations in the windows, on the doors, and some of them have a very elaborate decorations and light displays on the outside of the buildings themselves.  Hordes of Christmas shoppers from all around the world walking around with multiple shopping bags and the bell ringers dress in red jamming to music while they ring their bells to the beats.
 

I love Christmas time in New York City. It really gives me a feeling of the spirit of Christmas. I left the City contented and I was happy that my girlfriend could share this with me.  Thanks girlfriend and miss you being there other girlfriend!!

(Additional photos below)

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 12/3/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)



Broadway Theatre (Cinderella) NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)




Window Display at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

 


Window Display at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)



Window Display (Red Riding Hood) at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Window Display Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)



Window Display at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)



Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Light Display at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC 11/30/14
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)



My Birthday Celebration in Odenton (October 2014)

I recently celebrated my birthday in Odenton, MD.  This celebration was a long time coming and I was very excited about it. 

My husband was here, and friends and family came near and far (New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC) to celebrate with me. 

There were games for the kids and adults.  The kids enjoyed playing soccer, frisbees and froggy fly fling.  I appreciated all of the adults who participated in the stein hoisting competition and to the men’s and women’s winners!  Here here!!!

Friends and family had a chance to catch up with each other and there was lots to eat and drink.  The kids enjoyed German candies and chocolates and there were also cupcakes to round out the sweets.

The weather was great and everyone had a great time.

Thank you all for your love and support over the years and I’m looking forward to seeing you more often!

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 10/13/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Fun in the Caribbean sun --- Barbados! – August 2014

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014 
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I felt the heat the moment the plane landed at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.  I’m (close to) home!  The plane taxied for about one or two minutes and I think, yes, I am definitely in the islands.  The plane was already at the gate.  When it was time to disembark, I realized that I would have to walk on the tarmac to get to the terminal.  I like this because not only is the warm island breeze blowing all around you, but also because it brings back many memories of travelling when I was younger.  Going to the airport always meant something special was about to happen.  I was in Barbados for a family wedding and to get some rest and relaxation.  Both accomplished beautifully.

Barbados, the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, is filled with lots of things to do and places to see.  If you want to be in the midst of the action, then staying in the St. Lawrence gap is the best way to go.  Most restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other fun activities are all within walking distance.  If you're looking for a more laid-back relaxed time on the island, then head east where you get the lovely beaches without all the noise and bustle of restaurant row.  Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, all of the beaches in Barbados are open to the public, there are no private beaches.  This allows Bajans to not only enjoy the natural resources of their island, but also to interact with people of many other nationalities who generally go to the islands for the beaches.

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I got the sense that the people in Barbados are very friendly but somewhat reserved.  They greet you in a most pleasant way and they have conversations with you and share a lot about their island of which they are extremely proud. But they always maintain their decorum.

Bajan culture is not unlike that of many of the other Caribbean islands, with many traditions still in tact.  British influence is still very prominent and everywhere on the island, with the names of streets, highways, hospitals, schools, etc., named after British royalty. 

Crop Over, Barbados’ carnival and a big part of Bajan culture, was celebrated when the British first landed.  Bajans look forward to celebrating Crop Over every year in early August.  It is now Barbados’ biggest festival and Bajans as well as people from all around the world go there to “play mas” and “wuk up” as they say on the island.  Some of them prefer to dress up in costumes, while others prefer to be spectators and watch from the sidelines.  Three days of masquerading lead to the Grand Kadooment, which is the last day of the carnival.  Most people want to be a part of the last day of the festivities because it is the last chance they will have to “wuk up” until the next year's carnival.  I was there during Crop Over and enjoyed being part of the festivities. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

Bajan food is delicious and takes me back to a time when things were not so complicated.  The food is always well-seasoned, well prepared and well served.  Although many fast food chains have found a place on the island, you can find Bajan fare anywhere on the island.  Typical Bajan fare will always consist of meat or fish, starch, beans and one certainly can't forget to add Bajan hot sauce.  I tried flying fish (in a cutter or sandwich) for the very first time and really enjoyed it.  Bajans tend to stick to what they know and so you will find the same things to eat available at most eateries.  You can always get staples such as macaroni pie, coucou and fried fish, cutters and peas and rice.  Bajans enjoy eating out and there are many places on the island to do so. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

The historical Harrison’s Cave is a huge attraction and the history of the cave will blow your mind!  To get to the cave, you can take an elevator which was geniously built into the side of a cliff with lush vegetation all around.  The explorers who discovered the cave had a challenging task ahead of them because of the obstacles that were in their way.  For example, they had to crawl through blinding darkness where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face and there were many watering holes throughout the caves that also posed danger. 

Although Barbados is not directly in the path of hurricanes from West Africa, the island experiences many tropical storms and torrential rains during it’s rainy season, typically August/September.  It is not unusual for a storm to brew in a matter of minutes, have a heavy downpour and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

 Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 9/2/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

VON VIENNA, AUSTRIA NACH MUNICH, GERMANY – July 2014

Munich  (or “München” in Germany) Bier and soccer

My third home, Munich, was alive with soccer fever when I was there during the 2014 World Cup.  Germany had just beaten Brazil (7-1) and was preparing for its final game against Argentina.  People were jubilant and beamed with national pride.  It is awesome to be in Europe, especially in Germany, during any soccer championships, but especially so during the World Cup.  Wherever I turned, German flags hung from every window, doorway and street sign in Munich.  They also flew proudly out of car windows as Germany awaited the final and deciding game of the World Cup.  Even the tourists who were there could not help but get caught up in the excitement of the atmosphere, as they too donned German flags painted on their faces and wore soccer jerseys.  Europeans can be fanatical about soccer and Germans were ecstatic about their big when over Argentina in the World Cup 2014 final game.  I was happy to be part of the atmosphere. 

Outdoor life is a very big part of German culture.  Bicycle riding is a favourite pastime and good way to get around.  Old and young people ride bikes everywhere.  The streets are also very bike friendly, with bike paths assigned for bicycle riders.  I love going on bike rides when I’m in Germany and my husband always makes sure to find a new scenic path for us cycle.

The biergartens are an inviting venue for families to gather for food and fun, and you can easily spend several hours eating, drinking and talking without realizing.  I went to the Augustine Biergarten, which is one of the oldest biergartens in Munich.  It holds over 5,000 seats in an open area shaded by many chestnut trees.  Biergartens are common all over Bavaria and are a big part of the landscape of the state.  I enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere that is also kid friendly and was very relaxing for adults.

Weiss wursts with pretzels (or brezens) are a favourite Bavarian food.  Most Bavarians eat the wursts shortly after they are made (this is when they are at their best quality).  This is not something that they typically store for future use although it is available at most Bavaria restaurants.  I don’t eat wursts but I tried a miscroscopic piece once.  I usually stick with pretzels and sweet mustard.  So yummy!  I also love the salads in Germany.  The vegetables are always extremely fresh and the salad dressing, which is not fussy, is some of the best I’ve tasted anywhere in the world.  Schnitzel, grilled chicken, fries and bier are heavily consumed.  This is true of the latter three especially during Oktoberfest, where they are the most consumed foods.  I’ve had the grilled chicken and fries and they are both very good.  The chicken is always grilled to perfection.  It is normal to drink, at a minimum, one whole stein (about 1 litre) of beer although some people can easily drink two or three steins.  Not being so much of a beer drinker anymore, I could barely finish one stein, but I did it.

The Danube River flows through Bavaria and is a place where people gather on its banks to hang out.  My husband took me on a long walk along the Danube (through Ingolstadt) and it was very serene.  The water is therapeutic as it flows along the banks and listening to the sound the ripples make is very relaxing.  I love Sundays in Germany because it’s the day that’s most peaceful.  Almost all businesses are closed and people generally attend church and take it easy on Sundays. 

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 8/2/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)