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)

VON VIENNA, AUSTRIA NACH MUNICH, GERMANY – July 2014

Vienna  (or “Wien” in Austria)

Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R
Vienna, Austria(July 2014)

Vienna in summer, aahhh!  She is such a magnificent old city with all of her charm and warmth just waiting to welcome you.  The city is exciting at the same time that she is easy going, and you will find that is it easy to acclimate to both.  Sidenote: Don’t worry, because you’ll unknowingly ease into one or the other.  The people I came into contact with were eager to interact and I really had to put my limited German speaking skills to the test, since my husband was not there with me.  People seemed to appreciate their surroundings and their moods reflected the same.   Also, people were willing to offer information about where to go and what to see.  Going for walks or just sitting on a bench and watching Vienna go by, was a favourite pastime of mine because I saw a lot from that vantage point.  Also, being there with family made the journey all the more worthwhile.  Sometimes you need to have experiences through different eyes, especially kids’ eyes, in order to really appreciate them.    

Horse-drawn carriages, Vienna, Austria (July 2014)
Photo taken by and property of TriniTrave;Diva a.k.a NSL-R



It is plain to see some of the cultural influences on Austria.  Mainly, the German language is widely spoken.  Also, Austria has a strong and long-standing history with the various arts.  You can hardly say Vienna without thinking of the Viennese waltz, the Vienna philharmonic, the Vienna boys’ choir, or the great classical musicians and artists who have all left their mark on art and music today.  The architecture also cannot be denied with its gothic and German influenced styles.  Many of Vienna’s buildings were damaged or destroyed during World War II and many of the older buildings were renovated and restored to almost what they were before the war.  Buildings, like the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, was also damages and the renovations somewhat altered the original details.  Vienna would not be Vienna without the horse-drawn carriages.  They are part of the landscape and a big draw for tourists

Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R  
Vienna, Austria (July 2014)

Having lunch or dinner (which of course should never be attempted without wine) in the garden at Griechenbeisl, one of the oldest restaurants in Vienna was a real treat.  It was really something special.  No one rushes you out the door and you are can truly enjoy the Griechenbeisl experience, which offers an honest taste of Vienna.  I long for more Viennese cuisine, which has influences from surrounding countries, but also has its own regional varieties.  It was some of the tastiest cuisine I’ve ever had.  Imagine having a meal or a drink where the likes of Mark Twain, Beethoven, Brahms came before you, is enough to make one want to have every meal there.  Eating ice-cream is a popular thing to do and in recent years, other food options like pizza, burgers, fried chicken and other fast food chains have all found a place and have become available in Vienna.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R  (July 2014)

Vienna offers many wonderful sights, which must be seen.  St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which was under construction while I was there, was as commanding a sight as ever, even with all of the scaffolding around it.  The impressive Schoenbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and the zoo are just a few of the others sights to see.  There is a giant ferris wheel, which has become a part of Vienna’s skyline and is a popular tourist attraction.  However, walking along Mariahilferstrasse was a much more fantastic experience.  This is the main shopping street in Vienna and it is a haven for shoppers who can choose from designer labels to more affordable bargains.

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 8/23/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Christmas in New York City 2013

My husband and I spent Christmas in New York City.  We had four glorious days to enjoy and soak up the spirit of Christmas.  Checking out the department store windows dressed up for the occasion, aweing at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza, walking through this city that knows how to celebrate the holiday season.  This is my most favourite time of year.

We arrived by train at Penn Station and were immediately surrounded by Christmas cheer.  The train station was brilliantly decorated with Christmas trees and other seasonal decorations.  We spent some time looking around and taking pictures.

We walked around the City taking in the decorations.  There were people everywhere and the feeling of good cheer in the air.  We were taking pictures at one display when a person who was dressed in a Minnie Mouse costume snuck up behind my husband.  He did not see her and when he took a step back, she was so close that he ran over her!  It really was her own fault since she was trying to get into our picture.

On Christmas Eve, we went to Macy’s and could barely walk through the aisles given the hoardes of people who were there to check out the window displays, shop or visit santa’s workshop, which was set up inside the store.  The line for this was three hours long!  We were out and about with the thousands of other last minute shoppers.  This hustle and bustle is one of the things I enjoy at Christmas time.  Lucky for me I did not have to hustle my shopping since I was not shopping for gifts.  My husband was dumbfounded when he saw two young women walking around Macy’s dressed only in very seductive lingerie.  He was even more taken aback that no else in the store seem phased by this degree of exposure. 

On Christmas day, we had a romantic, but cold walk through Central Park.  We drank hot chocolate to warm up and just enjoyed the moment.  The Park was filled with people from all over out for a Christmas day stroll.   We left Central Park and walked along Fifth Avenue, stopping to peek in at the windows that were decorated and eat chestnuts.

We also saw Chicago on Broadway, which was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve seen in a long time.  The show was sold out and it was great!

We stopped by the NBC studios in time to see Cathy Lee Gifford wrapping up a segment of her show.  The entire staff had gathered to wish each other Merry Christmas.

I love Christmastime in New York City and hope that I can spend it there again.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 1/18/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Trinidad & Tobago in September 2013 – Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot!

In September 2013, I was in Trinidad for my wedding anniversary.  My last visit to Trinidad was in 2008 and I had forgotten how beautiful this island and the people are.  I love Trinidad and Tobago, always!

My husband made this trip with me and I was very curious about what his experience would be like.  He longed to go to Trinidad for many years and when we finally got there neither he nor I could believe that he was truly there.  He saw one of the places where I lived, the hospital where I was born and places where I had eaten when I lived in Trinidad.  He loved Trinidad very much and is already looking forward to going back.  His only wish is that the heat would not be as intense as it is. 

Our hotel, in the heart of Port of Spain, has a panoramic view of the ocean.  This great location also offered the best sunsets I’ve seen anywhere.  The colors that the sky takes on during dusk are mesmerizing.  My husband especially enjoyed the view from the pool, where we watched boats and ships as they sailed by.  I enjoyed the same view from the room.  We could get to all major points from this location, many of them by foot (albeit slow due to the heat), or by a short car ride.

My husband loves zoos, and we always go to the zoo in any new city we visit.  So of course, we visited the Emperor Valley Zoo at the Queen’s Park Savannah, which has a great collection of exotic animal exhibits, birds and aquatic life, including a 16-foot anaconda found in the swamps in Caroni, Trinidad.  This is currently one of the zoo’s main attractions.  We also walked around the Savannah (the world’s largest roundabout) and visited the Botanical Gardens where we saw horticulture beyond our imagination.  There were very old trees, very tall trees, brightly coloured plants and flowers, some of them strange looking and ones we had never seen before.

Walking around the capital city of Port-of-Spain brought back so many memories of my childhood.  The sights, sounds and smells were all still there as if I had never left.  The sidewalk vendors are a permanent fixture in Trinidad and tell of the entrepreneurial spirit of many Trinidadians.  They still sell many of the treats I grew up loving and realized that I still love.  My husband tried only minimal local cuisine (not risking upsetting his stomach with intense seasonings and spicy heat that he’s not used to), but I got my fill of the foods I grew up eating, that were so fresh and finger-licking good.  A popular place near the docks in Port of Spain is called the Breakfast Shed.  But, if you imagine order bacon and eggs or waffles and syrup, you can forget about it.  The Shed serves heavy duty meals that are sure to sustain you throughout the day.  It is a good place to get a true taste of the local cuisine (pepper sauce on the side).

Independence day was only a couple of weeks before we arrived in Trinidad and the city was still draped with every size of the national flag hanging from every building, street lamp, tree or pole that was in sight.  The city was beautiful to see covered in the national colours of red, white and black. It gave me a real sense of pride to be there during this time and my husband was proud to be there with me.

We did not make it to Tobago, but we hope to get there on our next trip so stay tuned for part two of this blog.

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

Berlin in August 2013– From West to East

On this trip to Germany in August 2013, I celebrated my birthday in Berlin.  This was my first trip to this memorable city with so much to offer and lots to see and do!  My hotel was in West Berlin in the heart of Potsdamer Platz, but I ended up spending much more time on the former East side of Berlin.  With its many restaurants, bars, museums and energetic atmosphere, I could not believe this was the city with a past that was as the history books described.  It was so intriguing, that one day I walked about 4 kilometers into the former East side before realizing how far I had walked.  Berlin was captivating and I got two different but exciting views of the city, one by water and by land. 

 Berlin’s greets you with its past “in your face!”  Reminders and remnants of the Berlin Wall are everywhere.  Museums also display pieces of Berlin’s history.  Just walking along the street is filled with information and invitations to view the city’s past.  Staying in the heart of Berlin at Potzdamer Platz allowed easy access to all vantage points, attractions, bars and restaurants.  Through all the excitement, I found Berlin to have a laid back atmosphere.

There is so much ground to cover of the city’s past before you can even begin to enjoy Berlin’s present, which makes Berlin this very diverse city a great place for history buffs.  As I crossed the Brandenburg Gate freely from West to East, I was reminded of the time when this was not possible for Germans and felt almost transported back into the past.  I imagined the East side before the Wall was torn down.  I also imagined how people who lived on the former East went about their daily lives, knowing just over the Wall were relatives and friends from whom they were forcibly separated.  There is a cobblestoned path throughout Berlin, which follows the exact path of where the Wall once stood, and following this path puts into perspective the dramatic division of Berlin.

 The city’s historic reminders pulled me in.  I walked past the Tears Palast, which was the last station where loved ones on the West side said goodbye to those who were going to the East side.  I did a boat ride on the River Spree and saw the city palace and Berliner Dom, which is about 100 years old.  I also spent the day at the Berlin zoo, which is the biggest zoo in Europe.  And it was easy to see why Berlin is the greenest city in Europe and the greenest capital city in the world.

Berlin today is very modern and is under heavy construction.  There are restaurants, bars and trendy lounges, cafes, stores and shopping malls springing up everywhere.  In addition, some of Berlin’s original buildings which were damaged during war were also under restoration construction.  Sad that many of those original buildings were completely destroyed.

Berlin is a very diverse city, both in race and cuisine.  People from all around the world work in Berlin and the food is also representative of this diversity.  I found Indian food, Thai food, French food, Italian food and of course German food in Berlin.  I had dinner inside the amazing Sony Center and watched the light show at night.  It was pretty cool to see.  I walked along the famous Unter den Linden Strasse, went to KaDeWe, a huge shopping center in Berlin with endless floors of merchandise.  I took a photo at Checkpoint Charlie, visited the Reichstag, saw the famed TV Tower, the Rote Rathaus, the DDR Museum.

I sailed by Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office building, which is known as the Washing Machine and the other German politicians office building, which is known as the Ironing Board.

I jumped on a “hop on hop off” tour bus to get a feel for the city, but mostly to see where all of the monuments and attractions were located.  I was then able to go back and find them on my own schedule.  While wandering through Berlin you will be sure to encounter the Berlin buddy bears, which are scattered throughout the city and are the Ambassadors for the city.

All in all, my Berlin experience was amazing.  I was excited to visit this city but was not sure about what to expect.  I can affirmatively say that my travel experience was greatly enhanced by a visit to this city.

 

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 10/9/13. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Rocking with Reggae at Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, MD - July 2013

Banner at Linganore Winecellars vineyard

The Linganore Winecellars sprawling vineyard and wineries, located in Mt. Airy, Maryland, was the setting for a very popular annual Reggae Festival.  The festival, which included wine tasting, drew crowds from all around the metropolitan area and the country (mostly the East Coast). There was wine sampling galore and music provided by some of the area's most popular reggae bands.  Hundreds of festival goers got to the venue early in order to claim prime real estate to set up tents, umbrellas or whatever would provide some shade from the scorching temperatures that Mother Nature chose for the day.  Hundreds more of friends and family began arriving soon afterwards to get the festivities started.

 

It was my first time at the festival, but there were hundreds and hundreds of repeaters. Everybody seemed to know their way around very well and, maneuvered through the tents and crowd expertly.  The atmosphere was very relaxed and most people were generally having a good time.  (Others had already had their fair share of wine sampling! LOL!!)

 

A variety of music was provided before the bands took the stage, there were food tents for those who chose not to pack a cooler with goodies, and arts and crafts tents to indulge the creative side.  Parking was free and easy to navigate, and the festival entrance fee allowed for sampling as much wine as could be tolerated.  There was also souvenir glass to take with you.  (Be warned, you'll be sure to make some new friend while standing in the wine sampling line, as you won’t be the only one waiting to be served.  Just be patient, once you get to the front, no one can force you to move until you're satisfied.)

 

Despite the heat and humidity, this was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Hundreds more went back to the vineyards the next day to do it all over again.

 

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 7/28/13. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Sicily/Rome in April 2013…still as intriguing as the first two times!

Photo taken by and property of NSL-R a.k.a TriniDiva

On this trip to Italy, I went back to two cities I love, Rome and Sicily.   I never get bored there seeing and doing the same things over and over again, especially eating and drinking wine…Mamma mia!  The weather was perfect and the people were just as warm and inviting as they always are and Sicily and Rome welcomed me as they always do.

This time in Sicily, there was some excitement from Mt. Etna.  She (Mt. Etna) put on a show like I’ve never seen before with accompanying visual and audible effects.  Yes, Mt. Etna erupted while I was there.  What a sight!  Something so deadly as red, hot lava looked so beautiful against the night sky.   The lava would shoot up towards the sky and then gracefully flow down the side of the mountain.  This show was enhanced by the patches of snow that were still sitting on top of the mountain.   So many of Mother Nature’s forces coming together in one place.  The eruptions caused the earth to shake, similar to an earthquake.  I should also mention that this eruption was not too big or dramatic, but it was enough to cause the airport in Catania to close. 

Photo taken by and property of NSL-R a.k.a TriniDiva
 

I actually took a trip to Mt. Etna two days before the eruption.  It was a beautiful but very cold day and it was very peaceful because there were not too many other people there.  (On top of the volcano is always about 10-20 degrees cooler than the actual temperature.)   While I was on the mountain, there was no indication that an eruption was eminent, except for later that night when I heard and felt some slight rumbling.



The day after the eruption, Mt. Etna simmered down but she sent enormous plumes of smoke into the air.  This smoke was filled with ash and, which can be blown by the wind many, many kilometers away from the mountain.  The ash is very crunchy when dry and when you step on it, it crumbles into tiny black pellets or sometime into black dust.  These are very difficult to clean up, and the streets, sidewalks yards and balconies of homes are sometimes completely covered with the ash.  Sicilians have learned to deal with this minor inconvenience as the as contains many nutrients that help the agriculture on the island.

Photo taken by and property of NSL-R a.k.a. TriniDiva

The market place in Catania is a glorious fanfare, with fish & meats, fruits & vegetables, cheeses & preserved food vendors all vying for your attention and your euros.  Some of them will sing or yell what they are selling while others offer you samples of their fare.  It’s a beautiful scene.

Taormina is a beautiful old town on a cliff with a long and interesting history.  The small streets are filled with all sorts of vendors, and you are never far away from an amazing view of the ocean or the mountains.   A side trip to Isola Bella was also part of the Taormina agenda.  You can get to this adorable little island from the shore by literally walking across the water during a low tide, since it’s only a short distance away.  It looks as if you are walking on water when you cross over to the island.  It was still cold so swimming was not an option, but it was fun to walk along the shore next to the water.

Photo taken by and property of NSL-R a.k.a. TriniDiva

Rome was also very exciting.  Starting with a trip to St. Peter’s Basilica where Pope (Papa) Francesco and some of the cardinals were having service.  There were thousands of people from all around the world in attendance and the standing room only courtyard of the Basilica had gigantic jumbotrons to make sure that no one missed seeing the beloved Pope.  Papa Francesco did a good job of involving the crowd in the service and egging crowd  participation.  The audience absorbed every minute and second of every word he said during the service.  Each nationality was clearly proud to be in attendance and even more proud to represent their country.  The thousands and thousands all displayed their national flags in the courtyard and other memorabilia they had with them.  Each group also responded to Papa Francesco in their national language.


Photo taken by and property of NSL-R a.k.a TriniDiva

Inside the Basilica is absolutely breathtaking!  I am always wowed beyond imagination by the statues, the commanding structures and other works of art on display.  Whether they are big or small, they are wondrous sights to see.  You can look up, down, left or right and something is sure to capture your attention.

Then it was on to the other monuments, the Pantheon, the Colloseum and the Forum, the Vittorio Emmanuelle, and the many other churches throughout the city.  They were just as impressive as the first time I saw them.  I did a lot of walking in Rome because it’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss anything.  Walking around this sprawling metropolis is fascinating and getting lost only leads to another adventure.

I really believe that I can go back to Italy and Sicily over and over again and never be disappointed!

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 6/8/13. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)