A Nice Little "Vacation"
Everything seemed like it was going like it was suppose to. Everything was packed, the girls were up and ready to go, we left the house in plenty of time and everyone was in a great mood. N and Z were in a good mood because they were going to see Grandma and Grandpa, while I was in a good mood thinking about some well earned time away from the kids. In fact, things were going too good.
It is very important to mention here that it is just N and Z and myself. M is at a conference, so this is our first vacation with out here. See, M and I usually have a plan. One of us will take care of the luggage and one of us will take care of the kids. It is such a good plan. This time I was in charge of everything. I got to the airport 2 hours in advance. My father was making fun of me because we were arriving so early. We got off the bus and then walked in the airport when I realized that I had left my and N's backpack on the bus. I told the girls to wait there and I sprinted to the next terminal only to miss it by a minute. In my bag it had all of my clothes, computer and flight information. In N's bag, it was her doll (much more important then my back, that is for sure). By the time that I got back to our terminal, security was there watching the girls.
We waited for the next bus to come and when he arrived, he called dispatch to look for the backpack. Then we went to check in and wait for our bus make it all the way around again. Thank God our bags were in there. N told me that she was glad that M was not there, as she would not be happy about it. Personally I was beyond sick to my stomach over the whole thing.
When we finally made it through security, we only had about 30 minutes before departure. It was not until we loaded the plan that I noticed that N and Z had seats together, but I was in a row behind. The guy was very nice and swapped with me. I am honestly not sure if it was me or the guy who was nice.
On that flight, I started thinking. If we did not have seats together on the second flight, I wonder what we will have on our next flight. It turned out that we had seats on three different rows. I tried to get it fixed during our 4 hour layover, but no good. I had to try and swap it on the plane. It almost did not work, since one guy had to sit on the aisle seat. It took all my will power not to just set the girls next to him and be done with it. It did work out though...in the end.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Rome all to myself
With working days and pretty tired at night, my sightseeing in Rome is limited to early morning. There is something special about walking a town and not seeing another sole out, especially one as busy and crazy as Rome. I had planned to go running a couple of times, but it has been way too cold to run in the shorts and t-shirt that I brought. So instead, I have been going for walks. One morning was around the Coliseum, another morning around Circo Massimo and over to the Mouth of Truth.
One morning I actually managed to get up even earlier and take a long walk. I started at the hotel and worked my way to Trevi Fountain going through Piazza Campidoglio. There was not another sole there. I had it all to myself. From there to the Spanish Steps where I saw my first car of the day (imagine, Rome without any cars, it is almost hard to believe). I continued to walk to the Piazza del Popolo where I turned around and headed back to the hotel walking back by Piazza Navona and the Pantheon (which has to be one of the coolest buildings in Rome). Arriving back at the hotel just in time for my morning espresso and fresh oranges from the orange trees outside my room.
I did do a couple of tourist things though. Went to the Vatican and had a walk through that. Also, one night after pizza I found myself walking into the church Saint Maria in Trastevere. Right when I was about to leave, service started and I sat down, sung some hymns (in Italian, or course) and got my card stamped. Now I just have to bring M back for a romantic weekend (meaning kid free).
With working days and pretty tired at night, my sightseeing in Rome is limited to early morning. There is something special about walking a town and not seeing another sole out, especially one as busy and crazy as Rome. I had planned to go running a couple of times, but it has been way too cold to run in the shorts and t-shirt that I brought. So instead, I have been going for walks. One morning was around the Coliseum, another morning around Circo Massimo and over to the Mouth of Truth.
One morning I actually managed to get up even earlier and take a long walk. I started at the hotel and worked my way to Trevi Fountain going through Piazza Campidoglio. There was not another sole there. I had it all to myself. From there to the Spanish Steps where I saw my first car of the day (imagine, Rome without any cars, it is almost hard to believe). I continued to walk to the Piazza del Popolo where I turned around and headed back to the hotel walking back by Piazza Navona and the Pantheon (which has to be one of the coolest buildings in Rome). Arriving back at the hotel just in time for my morning espresso and fresh oranges from the orange trees outside my room.
I did do a couple of tourist things though. Went to the Vatican and had a walk through that. Also, one night after pizza I found myself walking into the church Saint Maria in Trastevere. Right when I was about to leave, service started and I sat down, sung some hymns (in Italian, or course) and got my card stamped. Now I just have to bring M back for a romantic weekend (meaning kid free).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Eating my way through Rome
One thing about Italians, they know their food. The first time I went to Italy was in ’95 (sounds, and feels, like such a long time ago) and we got perhaps the best introduction possible to the country and specifically Rome. We ate at all the local places and were introduced to all the food that we needed to have. This time was similar. All day is spent with Romans at work and I just pester them to give suggestions on where to eat. Thus far, we have not been given a bad suggestion.
The best, with no doubt, is Renato and Lusia. The table was booked for 8:30, which is when they opened, and it was a good thing we got reservations. Every table in the house was reserved and full. In the entire room there was only 3 non-Italian speakers, two at our table and a German speaker sitting with four Italians. I let the waitress pick my food and it was excellent. I started with goat cheese balls covered in crushed walnuts, honey and parmesan flakes. It melted in my mouth (helps that I am a sucker for goat cheese, my mother would have hated it!). Main course was wild duck with a chestnut sauce which had whole chestnuts which were marinated in some sort of sauce. My mouth is starting to water just thinking about it. For dessert it was fresh berries over fresh ricotta cheese. All of it was wonderful.
One thing that I have been taking advantage of almost every night has been the gelato. Why can all ice cream be as good as the gelato? Sadly, I did not make it to my favorite one, but I have managed to have some almost every night. The pine nut flavored one is the best, followed by chestnut and then lemon.
Here is a shirp brachetta, which looked so good!
My goat cheese starter. I am getting hungry looking at the picture.
Lastly, my fresh fruit ricotta. My gelato photos, but I can still taste it.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
All Roads Lead to Rome
Work trips are usually not fun. Part of it is that you have to work while you are on work trips, which is always a downer (hence the name, “work trips”). The other part, at least for me, is that I always go to the same two spots. Not this time, this time I get to go Rome. I have been to Rome before. I fact, Rome is one of my favorite cities I have traveled to. I had a great introduction to it. In 1995 I traveled here and a local, of sorts, took us around. We ate at all the local places and were treated like we had been living there our whole lives. So I have always had fond memories of Rome.
The trip itself was uneventful…for the most part. The first flight was empty, well the seats next to me were empty and that is all that matters. A small layover and then a second flight on a smaller plane. Here is where the trip became a little more eventful. The guy next to me was a bit weird. Firstly, he smelled really, really bad. I had to cover my nose to be able to breathe. I would have moved to get away from the smell, but the flight was totally full. So I attempted to hold my breath for almost 3 hours. The other thing about this guy is that he was just weird. You could tell he was nervous about something. Plus he continued to touch himself (and I do mean touch himself). I was so ready to get off that plane and was thankful when I finally got to.
Took a taxi to the hotel, which was super easy from the airport. My hotel is placed perfectly in the historical center of Rome. From the front door you can see the forum and the coliseum. I am ready for food, being a tourist and more food!
Work trips are usually not fun. Part of it is that you have to work while you are on work trips, which is always a downer (hence the name, “work trips”). The other part, at least for me, is that I always go to the same two spots. Not this time, this time I get to go Rome. I have been to Rome before. I fact, Rome is one of my favorite cities I have traveled to. I had a great introduction to it. In 1995 I traveled here and a local, of sorts, took us around. We ate at all the local places and were treated like we had been living there our whole lives. So I have always had fond memories of Rome.
The trip itself was uneventful…for the most part. The first flight was empty, well the seats next to me were empty and that is all that matters. A small layover and then a second flight on a smaller plane. Here is where the trip became a little more eventful. The guy next to me was a bit weird. Firstly, he smelled really, really bad. I had to cover my nose to be able to breathe. I would have moved to get away from the smell, but the flight was totally full. So I attempted to hold my breath for almost 3 hours. The other thing about this guy is that he was just weird. You could tell he was nervous about something. Plus he continued to touch himself (and I do mean touch himself). I was so ready to get off that plane and was thankful when I finally got to.
Took a taxi to the hotel, which was super easy from the airport. My hotel is placed perfectly in the historical center of Rome. From the front door you can see the forum and the coliseum. I am ready for food, being a tourist and more food!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Hot Air Ballooning
I actually have never been in a hot air balloon. It is not from a lack of trying though. We have been very unfortunetly. We were planning on doing it in San Diego, but the wind was not right. Then in Stockholm, but it rained (big shock there), so it is still on my list to do. Though I have a "New Hope". I saw this in the paper yesterday morning, it is from Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I really want to go in the Darth Vader Balloon, way too cool.
I actually have never been in a hot air balloon. It is not from a lack of trying though. We have been very unfortunetly. We were planning on doing it in San Diego, but the wind was not right. Then in Stockholm, but it rained (big shock there), so it is still on my list to do. Though I have a "New Hope". I saw this in the paper yesterday morning, it is from Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I really want to go in the Darth Vader Balloon, way too cool.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Finnish Sauna
Every once in a while a traveler gets the opportunity to take advantage of a truly unique cultural experience. One of my best friends married a Finnish girl this weekend and we went over for the wedding. It was a beautiful service, with the two of them over looking a lake while reciting their wedding vows. After the dinner, this was itself a cultural experience, those who wanted to could partake in a Finnish sauna. I have taken plenty of saunas in Sweden and in other countries, but Finland is unique.
First of all, it is hot, real hot. It was well over 100 degrees. So when you walk in the door, it hits you like a brick wall. It is of course a wet sauna, meaning you can pour water on the element to create steam/heat. Which means it gets even hotter. The thing about a Finnish sauna though, is that you are not suppose to sit in the sauna just because. You sit in the sauna for a short period of time, say 5 to 10 minutes. Then you get out and hop in a lake.
The unique part happens when you get back in the sauna. Sitting in a bucket of water will be some green birch branches. Basically, after setting the wet branches on the coal for a few moments, you beat the living crap out of yourself or the person next to you with the branches. It, surprisingly, feels really nice. It opens up your pores…supposedly. It relaxed me at least. In the end, the sauna takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It was brilliant, a must if you find yourself in Finland. It should not be too hard to find a place with a sauna. Finland has 5.3 million residents and almost equal number of saunas. They even have public saunas. Though if you go to one of these, be careful. It is like the local bar, people have there seats that they always sit in.
Every once in a while a traveler gets the opportunity to take advantage of a truly unique cultural experience. One of my best friends married a Finnish girl this weekend and we went over for the wedding. It was a beautiful service, with the two of them over looking a lake while reciting their wedding vows. After the dinner, this was itself a cultural experience, those who wanted to could partake in a Finnish sauna. I have taken plenty of saunas in Sweden and in other countries, but Finland is unique.
First of all, it is hot, real hot. It was well over 100 degrees. So when you walk in the door, it hits you like a brick wall. It is of course a wet sauna, meaning you can pour water on the element to create steam/heat. Which means it gets even hotter. The thing about a Finnish sauna though, is that you are not suppose to sit in the sauna just because. You sit in the sauna for a short period of time, say 5 to 10 minutes. Then you get out and hop in a lake.
The unique part happens when you get back in the sauna. Sitting in a bucket of water will be some green birch branches. Basically, after setting the wet branches on the coal for a few moments, you beat the living crap out of yourself or the person next to you with the branches. It, surprisingly, feels really nice. It opens up your pores…supposedly. It relaxed me at least. In the end, the sauna takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It was brilliant, a must if you find yourself in Finland. It should not be too hard to find a place with a sauna. Finland has 5.3 million residents and almost equal number of saunas. They even have public saunas. Though if you go to one of these, be careful. It is like the local bar, people have there seats that they always sit in.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Back Home
After being on the road for over 6 weeks, we are finally home. Over the next month we are going to be blogging about all of our adventures, and we had lots of them. I will also (in theory) be posting some recipes and drinks on the 80 Meals blog as well, so you need to check that out as well.
Here are some of the highlights to come:
Camping in Denmark
Day Out With Thomas
Sea Life
Cadbury Chocolate Factory
Oxford
Monet's Garden
Disneyland Paris
and much more.
After being on the road for over 6 weeks, we are finally home. Over the next month we are going to be blogging about all of our adventures, and we had lots of them. I will also (in theory) be posting some recipes and drinks on the 80 Meals blog as well, so you need to check that out as well.
Here are some of the highlights to come:
Camping in Denmark
Day Out With Thomas
Sea Life
Cadbury Chocolate Factory
Oxford
Monet's Garden
Disneyland Paris
and much more.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Road to England
The trip to England was a bit of an experience this time. It took three nights to get here, with the first night only a couple of hours away from the house. The second night was in a tent in Aalborg Denmark and the last night was on the ferry between Denmark and England.
The tent night was interesting. I was not overly interested in staying in a tent. I love camping, but I am guessing that I am going to get my fair share of it this summer. M was driving though, so she decided. It rained during the night...of course. The girls loved it though. They got sleeping bags for Christmas last year and thought that it as the coolest thing ever to sleep in their very own sleeping bags in a real tent. They were warm and happy all night. I wish I could say the same about M and I. We fought for the sleeping bags and were a little cold the entire night. In the morning we quickly put up the tent before it started to rain again (we failed).
The last night we took to the ferry from Denmark to England. M thought that the boat was a little small. It was not the biggest boat I had seen before, but it was not small. In reality, the boats to Åland have more things to do on them then this one and we were on this one for 18 hours. I guess it was a good thing that we did not have any alternatives on what to do- we slept for 12 of the 18 hours. While we were taking a little fika in the food area, we sat next to 3 couples chatting. They were all chatting about the different yachts that they own/have owned. Then they started to chat about the different places they took dance lessens- "I took a month long tango lesson in Argentina." "Well, I look a salsa lesson in Africa." The conversation went on and on. The joys of having way too much money.
We arrived in England with no problems and even got to the flat with out any problems. It is pretty nice and sits right on the Thames. So much so that I am going to have to be extra careful with the girls in the back yard.
The trip to England was a bit of an experience this time. It took three nights to get here, with the first night only a couple of hours away from the house. The second night was in a tent in Aalborg Denmark and the last night was on the ferry between Denmark and England.
The tent night was interesting. I was not overly interested in staying in a tent. I love camping, but I am guessing that I am going to get my fair share of it this summer. M was driving though, so she decided. It rained during the night...of course. The girls loved it though. They got sleeping bags for Christmas last year and thought that it as the coolest thing ever to sleep in their very own sleeping bags in a real tent. They were warm and happy all night. I wish I could say the same about M and I. We fought for the sleeping bags and were a little cold the entire night. In the morning we quickly put up the tent before it started to rain again (we failed).
The last night we took to the ferry from Denmark to England. M thought that the boat was a little small. It was not the biggest boat I had seen before, but it was not small. In reality, the boats to Åland have more things to do on them then this one and we were on this one for 18 hours. I guess it was a good thing that we did not have any alternatives on what to do- we slept for 12 of the 18 hours. While we were taking a little fika in the food area, we sat next to 3 couples chatting. They were all chatting about the different yachts that they own/have owned. Then they started to chat about the different places they took dance lessens- "I took a month long tango lesson in Argentina." "Well, I look a salsa lesson in Africa." The conversation went on and on. The joys of having way too much money.
We arrived in England with no problems and even got to the flat with out any problems. It is pretty nice and sits right on the Thames. So much so that I am going to have to be extra careful with the girls in the back yard.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Kids Say the Darnest Things
M just got back from yet another trip to Oxford. While she was gone the girls and I just on with everyday life. The night before M was suppose to come home, she talked to both girls and explained that she was coming home the next day. The next morning we were sitting at the breakfast table (which happens to be the same as the lunch and dinner table) when we saw a picture of an airplane and said "Mamma plane today."
When M got home (at 3:30 in the morning), I asked her if she explained to N that she would be taking a plane that day. She said that she just explained to N that she was coming home from England. That means that N understood in order to travel from England, one would have to take a plane (yes, I know there are different options, but whatever). Once again the kids impress me.
M just got back from yet another trip to Oxford. While she was gone the girls and I just on with everyday life. The night before M was suppose to come home, she talked to both girls and explained that she was coming home the next day. The next morning we were sitting at the breakfast table (which happens to be the same as the lunch and dinner table) when we saw a picture of an airplane and said "Mamma plane today."
When M got home (at 3:30 in the morning), I asked her if she explained to N that she would be taking a plane that day. She said that she just explained to N that she was coming home from England. That means that N understood in order to travel from England, one would have to take a plane (yes, I know there are different options, but whatever). Once again the kids impress me.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
This Week's Joke
Subject: Kennedy Airport Flight
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good, so we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY NO!"
Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"
A passenger in coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"
Subject: Kennedy Airport Flight
A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good, so we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY NO!"
Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"
A passenger in coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"
Thursday, October 18, 2007
4 Days, 6 Nights
Warning!!! If you have a ton of luggage, then the Milan train station is not the one you want to go to. We got there from Switzerland without any problems. N loved the train, of course. It is just that since we got kids, we travel with suitcases, which is perhaps the worst part of having kids. I miss my backpack!
The train to Verena was interesting, and a far cry from the Swiss trains that I could totally get use too. Since we had so much stuff (lugging the car seats with us as well, otherwise it really is not too bad), we really did not get seats together. Plus the train was super full. Z was happy though, for perhaps the first time on the trip. She loves Italy. All the older ladies go crazy over her (even if they think that she is a boy. Later in the week, we put her in pink and ruffles, still they thought that she was a boy).
Our flat in Verena was nice. It had a view over Lake Como. It took all of a half of day to discover it all, but it is a beautiful city. Of the four days, two were nice weather and two were really crap weather. Unfortunately the crap weather days were really crap. We did not leave but once the second of the two days. If we could have avoided that, we would have. Though we did get our Italian Ice Cream. Mmm, good stuff.
The highlight, besides the ice cream, was a little grocery store in town. They have two of them. The one I liked had a little old lady who worked it. She did not speak a word of English, at least she did not speak a word of it to us, but the store was a piece right out of Italian guidebooks. The type of place that you hope you find.
We left the flat at 5 in the morning for the long day of traveling. Off to the next stop- Utah!
Warning!!! If you have a ton of luggage, then the Milan train station is not the one you want to go to. We got there from Switzerland without any problems. N loved the train, of course. It is just that since we got kids, we travel with suitcases, which is perhaps the worst part of having kids. I miss my backpack!
The train to Verena was interesting, and a far cry from the Swiss trains that I could totally get use too. Since we had so much stuff (lugging the car seats with us as well, otherwise it really is not too bad), we really did not get seats together. Plus the train was super full. Z was happy though, for perhaps the first time on the trip. She loves Italy. All the older ladies go crazy over her (even if they think that she is a boy. Later in the week, we put her in pink and ruffles, still they thought that she was a boy).
Our flat in Verena was nice. It had a view over Lake Como. It took all of a half of day to discover it all, but it is a beautiful city. Of the four days, two were nice weather and two were really crap weather. Unfortunately the crap weather days were really crap. We did not leave but once the second of the two days. If we could have avoided that, we would have. Though we did get our Italian Ice Cream. Mmm, good stuff.
The highlight, besides the ice cream, was a little grocery store in town. They have two of them. The one I liked had a little old lady who worked it. She did not speak a word of English, at least she did not speak a word of it to us, but the store was a piece right out of Italian guidebooks. The type of place that you hope you find.
We left the flat at 5 in the morning for the long day of traveling. Off to the next stop- Utah!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Finish island Åland
After spending three weeks in Texas with my family, it was time to spend a little time with M's family as well. It has almost become a tradition that they rent a house for a week and then we and M's brother comes for the week. Normally it is somewhere in Sweden, but this year they hired this amazing house on Åland. The house was the best that they have ever hired. It was right on the beach and it was big and clean. Not always a feature on rented summer houses. Other then the cost (1,100 euros per week), I would totally think about going there again.
To get to Åland, you have to take the boat. Well, I guess you could fly as well, but the boat is pretty easy. The trip is fast and it has tax free on board, so you can stock up on your "needed" goods as well. Once there, it is short distances between everything and easy to navigate.
A little history of Åland. It belongs to Finland, but it speaks Swedish rather then Finish. It also has it's own postage stamps, post system, airlines and license plates. It is basically its own little country, but not really. Helena Drysdale takes about it in her book "Mother Tongues: Travels through Tribal Europe". For those who know Sweden decently well, it is like Gotland or Öland, just without the large crowds.
The highlight of the week was the wine tasting. Åland is also home to Finland's only winery. They offer tours and tastings. The wine itself is OK. It is not something that I would run out and stock up on it because I love it so much. Though it was decent. It is the atmosphere of the place that is the highlight. I missed most of the tour (Swedish Only) because of Nova, but I did make the tasting. We tried four different types (you can see pictures on www.DnMAdverntures.com if you would like to get a better idea).
Probably the most traditional known things in Finland, is the Sauna and it is not too different on Åland. The place we stayed had a nice one right on the water. We did not beat ourselves with birch branches, but we did hope into the "freezing" Baltic. When I first moved to Sweden, I was not too crazy about saunas, but now I really dig them. If we ever have a summer house, we will have a sauna.
In regards to food, we did not really eat out. Everyone shares with the cooking throughout the week. The one thing that we did get though was Åland Pancakes. I thought that they were good, especially with raspberry jelly and whipped cream (you can get a recipe for it on www.DnMAdventures.com). Though the last night M and her father got sick. Then her brother and his fiancee and finally Nova. Important to note is that I never got sick!
OK, so that catches me up on our travels. Now that I am caught up, I will be doing better...I hope!
After spending three weeks in Texas with my family, it was time to spend a little time with M's family as well. It has almost become a tradition that they rent a house for a week and then we and M's brother comes for the week. Normally it is somewhere in Sweden, but this year they hired this amazing house on Åland. The house was the best that they have ever hired. It was right on the beach and it was big and clean. Not always a feature on rented summer houses. Other then the cost (1,100 euros per week), I would totally think about going there again.
To get to Åland, you have to take the boat. Well, I guess you could fly as well, but the boat is pretty easy. The trip is fast and it has tax free on board, so you can stock up on your "needed" goods as well. Once there, it is short distances between everything and easy to navigate.
A little history of Åland. It belongs to Finland, but it speaks Swedish rather then Finish. It also has it's own postage stamps, post system, airlines and license plates. It is basically its own little country, but not really. Helena Drysdale takes about it in her book "Mother Tongues: Travels through Tribal Europe". For those who know Sweden decently well, it is like Gotland or Öland, just without the large crowds.
The highlight of the week was the wine tasting. Åland is also home to Finland's only winery. They offer tours and tastings. The wine itself is OK. It is not something that I would run out and stock up on it because I love it so much. Though it was decent. It is the atmosphere of the place that is the highlight. I missed most of the tour (Swedish Only) because of Nova, but I did make the tasting. We tried four different types (you can see pictures on www.DnMAdverntures.com if you would like to get a better idea).
Probably the most traditional known things in Finland, is the Sauna and it is not too different on Åland. The place we stayed had a nice one right on the water. We did not beat ourselves with birch branches, but we did hope into the "freezing" Baltic. When I first moved to Sweden, I was not too crazy about saunas, but now I really dig them. If we ever have a summer house, we will have a sauna.
In regards to food, we did not really eat out. Everyone shares with the cooking throughout the week. The one thing that we did get though was Åland Pancakes. I thought that they were good, especially with raspberry jelly and whipped cream (you can get a recipe for it on www.DnMAdventures.com). Though the last night M and her father got sick. Then her brother and his fiancee and finally Nova. Important to note is that I never got sick!
OK, so that catches me up on our travels. Now that I am caught up, I will be doing better...I hope!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
St. Louis Cardinals
Ever since I was little, St. Louis has been my favorite team. I am sure part of it was that it was my father's favorite team (OK, all of it). My favorite player, Ozzie Smith. So Dad and I try to catch a St. Louis game when we can. Last year we took a trip to Houston to see them, this year we went to St. Louis.
In my great wisdom, we left early in the morning on Saturday. Part of me argued that it would be pointless to leave Friday night since Dad would have to work and that we would be tired. The reality of it was that I was not overly interested in leaving the girls for two nights. The drive was miserable, but we managed OK. We got to St. Louis about 3 pm and headed over to the Bud Brewery for a tour. We didn't get in, way too many people. So then we headed to the Ballpark.
Now, we got there three hours ahead of schedule. This never happens when you go to a game with my father. He is the one who shows up late and leaves early. We were no the the only one early, about 20,000 people were there. I am not kidding. It was the special, you could meet the players and everyone was there. It was amazing. The thing about St. Louis is, it is a baseball town. I bet that 80% of the people there (male, female, child or adult) were wearing some sort of St. Louis clothing. It was totally incredible. The game was 100% full. Several factors were probably involved in that- weekend of the 4th of July, Saturday night and they were playing Bond's Giants; but it was still full.
The Giants took a good lead over the Cardinals and managed to keep the lead through out the game. Had we been at a Texas Rangers game, it would have been empty by the top of the 7th (in reality it would have been empty from the start almost). No one left the game until it was over. The place was still full when the game was done. I went to the first playoff game that the Texas Rangers were ever in. The "fans" had left by the top of the 8th. It was sad. When we left, we were the last people there.
I have to make a comment about the Ballpark. Places like that, and the Ballpark in Arlington, is the way baseball should be played. The place is beautiful. Even a non-baseball fan (if such a thing is possible) would appreciate the beauty of the place. Plus with all the statues of former St. Louis greats, it caught the history of it as well.
If you want to see some pictures of it, go to http://www.dnmadventures.com/.
Ever since I was little, St. Louis has been my favorite team. I am sure part of it was that it was my father's favorite team (OK, all of it). My favorite player, Ozzie Smith. So Dad and I try to catch a St. Louis game when we can. Last year we took a trip to Houston to see them, this year we went to St. Louis.
In my great wisdom, we left early in the morning on Saturday. Part of me argued that it would be pointless to leave Friday night since Dad would have to work and that we would be tired. The reality of it was that I was not overly interested in leaving the girls for two nights. The drive was miserable, but we managed OK. We got to St. Louis about 3 pm and headed over to the Bud Brewery for a tour. We didn't get in, way too many people. So then we headed to the Ballpark.
Now, we got there three hours ahead of schedule. This never happens when you go to a game with my father. He is the one who shows up late and leaves early. We were no the the only one early, about 20,000 people were there. I am not kidding. It was the special, you could meet the players and everyone was there. It was amazing. The thing about St. Louis is, it is a baseball town. I bet that 80% of the people there (male, female, child or adult) were wearing some sort of St. Louis clothing. It was totally incredible. The game was 100% full. Several factors were probably involved in that- weekend of the 4th of July, Saturday night and they were playing Bond's Giants; but it was still full.
The Giants took a good lead over the Cardinals and managed to keep the lead through out the game. Had we been at a Texas Rangers game, it would have been empty by the top of the 7th (in reality it would have been empty from the start almost). No one left the game until it was over. The place was still full when the game was done. I went to the first playoff game that the Texas Rangers were ever in. The "fans" had left by the top of the 8th. It was sad. When we left, we were the last people there.
I have to make a comment about the Ballpark. Places like that, and the Ballpark in Arlington, is the way baseball should be played. The place is beautiful. Even a non-baseball fan (if such a thing is possible) would appreciate the beauty of the place. Plus with all the statues of former St. Louis greats, it caught the history of it as well.
If you want to see some pictures of it, go to http://www.dnmadventures.com/.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Texas in July
Part of me feels like I should be skipping this entry all together. The Texas Trip was the end of June and the first three weeks of July. Though it feels like such a waste not to write about all of the adventures. So instead of about 15 different posts, it is going to be one big one to make me feel good about it.
We took US Airways, the first time for that. I think that it is kind of nice that a museum is still flying. They have to have some of the oldest air crafts in the sky today. It was fine though. The girls did good and the staff were very friendly. Our plane landed 2.5 hours late, so we were told that we missed our flight. In the end, our 2nd flight was late and we ended up getting it. Only thing was that our bags did not get there. We did not think that they would, since the girl at the American Airlines counter had to run us through security.
That is OK though, right. The bags should be sent on the next flight. Well, we went to Texas for three and a half weeks, we never got our bags. Imagine traveling with two girls under the age of two with no clothes what so ever. A big shopping trip and lot of new clothes. Which will be good, as long as the bags come. The first one did, the week after we got back to Sweden. The second did about two weeks ago. After 90 days of the bags being missing, we still have not gotten our last one. The last time I talked to American, the lady was rude and just a real witch. So, we will wait some more.
The first weekend we were there, we went to San Antonio. Been there so many times. Once, the water was drained out of the river walk (to my surprise). This time, it was full. In fact, super full. Texas got more rain this summer, then they got all of last year. We really went down there for Sea World. The plan was that we go on the first day, but my cousin lost her keys. The next day we went and N loved it. She was not that impressed with Shamu, but the coral reef was great. I decided that I wanted to show that I was young and road on the Great White roller coaster. I felt like crap the rest of the day. It sucks getting old! Right as we were leaving, it started to our down. We just made it to the car when it happened and it continued for several hours.
Speaking about the rain, we decided that we would go to Texas in July since the weather is usually nice in July. It is hot, but that is what air conditioning is for. It rained almost every single day we were there. It was crazy. I have never seen anything like it!
We did eat good while we were there. N's favorite was mac and cheese and hot dogs. I think that she would have been happy to have that for ever meal (instead we had it for almost every lunch). Her cousins thought that it was great, the first couple of days, then they grew tired of it. Here is a couple of places that I would recommend if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area:
Part of me feels like I should be skipping this entry all together. The Texas Trip was the end of June and the first three weeks of July. Though it feels like such a waste not to write about all of the adventures. So instead of about 15 different posts, it is going to be one big one to make me feel good about it.
We took US Airways, the first time for that. I think that it is kind of nice that a museum is still flying. They have to have some of the oldest air crafts in the sky today. It was fine though. The girls did good and the staff were very friendly. Our plane landed 2.5 hours late, so we were told that we missed our flight. In the end, our 2nd flight was late and we ended up getting it. Only thing was that our bags did not get there. We did not think that they would, since the girl at the American Airlines counter had to run us through security.
That is OK though, right. The bags should be sent on the next flight. Well, we went to Texas for three and a half weeks, we never got our bags. Imagine traveling with two girls under the age of two with no clothes what so ever. A big shopping trip and lot of new clothes. Which will be good, as long as the bags come. The first one did, the week after we got back to Sweden. The second did about two weeks ago. After 90 days of the bags being missing, we still have not gotten our last one. The last time I talked to American, the lady was rude and just a real witch. So, we will wait some more.
The first weekend we were there, we went to San Antonio. Been there so many times. Once, the water was drained out of the river walk (to my surprise). This time, it was full. In fact, super full. Texas got more rain this summer, then they got all of last year. We really went down there for Sea World. The plan was that we go on the first day, but my cousin lost her keys. The next day we went and N loved it. She was not that impressed with Shamu, but the coral reef was great. I decided that I wanted to show that I was young and road on the Great White roller coaster. I felt like crap the rest of the day. It sucks getting old! Right as we were leaving, it started to our down. We just made it to the car when it happened and it continued for several hours.
Speaking about the rain, we decided that we would go to Texas in July since the weather is usually nice in July. It is hot, but that is what air conditioning is for. It rained almost every single day we were there. It was crazy. I have never seen anything like it!
We did eat good while we were there. N's favorite was mac and cheese and hot dogs. I think that she would have been happy to have that for ever meal (instead we had it for almost every lunch). Her cousins thought that it was great, the first couple of days, then they grew tired of it. Here is a couple of places that I would recommend if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area:
- Loco Coyote- it is located in Glen Rose and the food is amazing. The place itself is a dump, but the food is great (a picture of it is on www.DnMAdventures.com).
- Lone Star- Also in Glen Rose but in the town itself. Good BBQ and a nice "feel" to it
- Hamburger Bar- Cleburne Texas, I wrote a blog about it a while ago. It was not as good as usually. In fact, I was very disappointed. With that being said, it is still worth it just to see the place (a picture of it is on www.DnMAdventures.com) .
- Movie Tavern- Great idea, tavern food while you watch a movie. The food is fine, but it does not matter. The room is dark and you can't see it anyway. IT is a small chain all over the States.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science was having a exhibit on Star Wars and how it works. It was excellent. OK, I am a little biased, since I do believe that Star Wars is the greatest movie ever made. With that being said, I also think that it was done in such a way, that someone that does not care for Star Wars (M for example) could appreciate it. Well worth a visit, where ever it is now.
We also went to a Texas Rangers game. It was the first one for N and Z. N thought that it was great. Lots of music to dance to, fireworks, clapping and the best part was...ICE CREAM! I was just happy to get to go to a game. That is one of the worst parts of being in Sweden- no baseball!
The trip was good and we had a lot of fun. It felt like we were messing with trying to get our bags back half of the time and the weather was crap the other half. We had several things that we wanted to do, but just was not able to. Maybe next time we will.
If you want to see some pictures from the trip, go to www.DnMAdventures.com.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sorry to interupt this regularly published blog (cough cough, I promise I will get better at it), but I thought that I tell about the adventure we had this weekend. We took Z camping for the very first time and the second time for N. It was a place in Enköping Sweden where M grew up. She has been wanting to take me there since I moved here, but this was the first time. We went with my brother in law and his girlfriend.
On the Texas adventure (which I will finish writing sooner...or later), we bought a new tent. Our small camping tent was a little small for the four of us. So we got a four person tent. It is huge. I think our entire flat could fit in there. Which is fine, not like we are going to be hiking with it (22lbs). The problem was that it was about 35 mile winds as we were putting it up for the first time. The wind was blowing so strong that the tent was actually flat. We managed to get it up, barely. Of course, then the wind stopped. Murphy's law.
Both girls loved the tent, especially N. Z loved the sleeping bag. They shared with us, but they are going to get their own for Christmas, yes we have already bought them.
If you want to read more, then you can read more on the American Dad blog site. The address is located on the side!
On the Texas adventure (which I will finish writing sooner...or later), we bought a new tent. Our small camping tent was a little small for the four of us. So we got a four person tent. It is huge. I think our entire flat could fit in there. Which is fine, not like we are going to be hiking with it (22lbs). The problem was that it was about 35 mile winds as we were putting it up for the first time. The wind was blowing so strong that the tent was actually flat. We managed to get it up, barely. Of course, then the wind stopped. Murphy's law.
Both girls loved the tent, especially N. Z loved the sleeping bag. They shared with us, but they are going to get their own for Christmas, yes we have already bought them.
If you want to read more, then you can read more on the American Dad blog site. The address is located on the side!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Travel To Texas
I would love to say that the travel to Texas was smooth as can be, but I would be lying. I can say that the travel to the airport went smoothly. The long term parking worked great. In fact, better then expected. Check-in to the flight was fine. We managed to get the bulkhead seats to Philadelphia, always nice. The plane looked as though it was going to leave on time, they even asked for all people traveling in first class or people traveling with children to line up. Which we of course all did (giving up our seats). Then we continued to stand in line for the next 2 hours and 30 minutes. It was miserable! Can you imagine standing in line with two kids under the age of two for that long- through lunch time and through nap time? They finally brought out a snack at the very same time that they started to board. So we did not even get one. Once on, the flight went well, meaning no real problems. N wanted to roam around and Z wanted to be walked around, so neither of us got to sit pretty much at all during the flight.
Since we left 2 hours and 30 minutes late, of course we arrived late. The ironic part is that we paid extra to have a shorter layover in Philadelphia- 1 hour and 45 minutes. Add to the problems that I got called in for an extra security check (I think that the first security guy was having a bad day), and that we were switching airlines, the chances that we were going to make our flight was slim to none. The American Airlines flight was several hours late, so the wonderful girl ran us through security and we were the very last people to sit on the plane. We literally had to run to get onto the plane before the doors closed. The girls slept the entire way there. When we finally arrived at DFW (3 hours late), we had to circle over and over because of bad weather. Finally we were given a window to land and a bumpy landing it was.
Out to the baggage carousel we go, knowing that our bags would be there waiting and my parents there with a big smile on their faces. Neither of them happened. We know our bags were not going to make it on the flight, though the guys at American did not want to help until they were sure. The parents read the arrival board and it said that we were going to be landing in 15 minutes.
In the end, after only 24 hours of traveling, we arrived at the parent’s house.
I would love to say that the travel to Texas was smooth as can be, but I would be lying. I can say that the travel to the airport went smoothly. The long term parking worked great. In fact, better then expected. Check-in to the flight was fine. We managed to get the bulkhead seats to Philadelphia, always nice. The plane looked as though it was going to leave on time, they even asked for all people traveling in first class or people traveling with children to line up. Which we of course all did (giving up our seats). Then we continued to stand in line for the next 2 hours and 30 minutes. It was miserable! Can you imagine standing in line with two kids under the age of two for that long- through lunch time and through nap time? They finally brought out a snack at the very same time that they started to board. So we did not even get one. Once on, the flight went well, meaning no real problems. N wanted to roam around and Z wanted to be walked around, so neither of us got to sit pretty much at all during the flight.
Since we left 2 hours and 30 minutes late, of course we arrived late. The ironic part is that we paid extra to have a shorter layover in Philadelphia- 1 hour and 45 minutes. Add to the problems that I got called in for an extra security check (I think that the first security guy was having a bad day), and that we were switching airlines, the chances that we were going to make our flight was slim to none. The American Airlines flight was several hours late, so the wonderful girl ran us through security and we were the very last people to sit on the plane. We literally had to run to get onto the plane before the doors closed. The girls slept the entire way there. When we finally arrived at DFW (3 hours late), we had to circle over and over because of bad weather. Finally we were given a window to land and a bumpy landing it was.
Out to the baggage carousel we go, knowing that our bags would be there waiting and my parents there with a big smile on their faces. Neither of them happened. We know our bags were not going to make it on the flight, though the guys at American did not want to help until they were sure. The parents read the arrival board and it said that we were going to be landing in 15 minutes.
In the end, after only 24 hours of traveling, we arrived at the parent’s house.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Swedish National Day
Yesterday, the 6th of June, was Swedish National Day (and N’s 1.5 yr birthday). After living in the country for almost 7 years, this is the first year that we celebrated it. The thing is, last year I became a Swedish citizen. That means that I have a Swedish and an American passport, makes me feel like I am James Bond traveling with two passports. I was suppose to be out of town, but because of unforeseen circumstances, I did not get to extend my trip. So I was actually in Sweden.
Every year on the Swedish National Day (which only became an official holiday last year) the local governments have a special ceremony for the new citizens from the previous year. When I thought that I was going to miss it, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed.
I drug the entire family with me to the ceremony. It was a beautiful day, so we walked into town. Before the ceremony started, so had a picnic lunch in the park (which is full of Linnè stuff). The ceremony itself was located in the Uppsala castle in one of the ball rooms. Even through I have lived in Uppsala for 7 years, I have never been in the castle before. They gave some Swedish food and a little cider. Then the actual ceremony began. Three speeches were given, but I missed them. It is not the easiest thing in the world to listen to speeches when you have a 2 month and an 18 month old. N loved the traditional folk dancing and the choir.
The part that I thought was the most interesting was the number of people there that were truly proud of the fact that they were now Swedish. It was one of those experiences that made me happy at the end of it. M disagreed with me, but I think that I have never seen so many people happy about being Swedish at the same spot before. They were obviously proud of the fact that they are Swedish. From my experience, most Swedes will hide the fact that they are proud of their heritage.
We skipped the parade into the park. It was past N’s nap time, so we needed to go home. In the evening we went out to the lake and grilled. We all took our first swim of the year in Sweden. Overall it was a very nice day.
Yesterday, the 6th of June, was Swedish National Day (and N’s 1.5 yr birthday). After living in the country for almost 7 years, this is the first year that we celebrated it. The thing is, last year I became a Swedish citizen. That means that I have a Swedish and an American passport, makes me feel like I am James Bond traveling with two passports. I was suppose to be out of town, but because of unforeseen circumstances, I did not get to extend my trip. So I was actually in Sweden.
Every year on the Swedish National Day (which only became an official holiday last year) the local governments have a special ceremony for the new citizens from the previous year. When I thought that I was going to miss it, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed.
I drug the entire family with me to the ceremony. It was a beautiful day, so we walked into town. Before the ceremony started, so had a picnic lunch in the park (which is full of Linnè stuff). The ceremony itself was located in the Uppsala castle in one of the ball rooms. Even through I have lived in Uppsala for 7 years, I have never been in the castle before. They gave some Swedish food and a little cider. Then the actual ceremony began. Three speeches were given, but I missed them. It is not the easiest thing in the world to listen to speeches when you have a 2 month and an 18 month old. N loved the traditional folk dancing and the choir.
The part that I thought was the most interesting was the number of people there that were truly proud of the fact that they were now Swedish. It was one of those experiences that made me happy at the end of it. M disagreed with me, but I think that I have never seen so many people happy about being Swedish at the same spot before. They were obviously proud of the fact that they are Swedish. From my experience, most Swedes will hide the fact that they are proud of their heritage.
We skipped the parade into the park. It was past N’s nap time, so we needed to go home. In the evening we went out to the lake and grilled. We all took our first swim of the year in Sweden. Overall it was a very nice day.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Damn Finest Burger Around
I have narrowed down the best burger in the world contest to two different locations. The race is to close to call, so I have decided to have two winners, but it is not a tie. Ties are stupid and should be saved for soccer and hockey. Instead we are going to say the finest franchise/chain burger and the best private burger.
Bar none, the best chain burger has to be In and Out Burger in California. It is beyond good. They have no freezers in the place. Everything arrives in the morning and is made only after the order has been taken. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. The fries are good, but the chocolate milkshake to go with the burger takes the price. Apparently all the meat is free range beef and the vegetables are all ecological. They treat their employees well, so there is really nothing one could complain about, except for the fact that they are only in California!
For the best mom and pop style burger, you have to go to a small town just south of Dallas/Fort Worth called Cleburne. The town itself has about 27,000 people (with about 70 Baptist churches). The Burger Bar is located just off the square behind Patrick’s Floral. The restaurant, if that is what you want to call it, can fit in the back of a pick-up truck. You can either eat it there, on one of the four stools by the counter, or you can take with you. If you stay, be prepared to talk to the chef/owner of the place. This place is true Americana! Next time I find myself in that area, I will take a picture of it and post it, because the building is part of the experience. The other part is a damn fine burger of course.
I have narrowed down the best burger in the world contest to two different locations. The race is to close to call, so I have decided to have two winners, but it is not a tie. Ties are stupid and should be saved for soccer and hockey. Instead we are going to say the finest franchise/chain burger and the best private burger.
Bar none, the best chain burger has to be In and Out Burger in California. It is beyond good. They have no freezers in the place. Everything arrives in the morning and is made only after the order has been taken. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. The fries are good, but the chocolate milkshake to go with the burger takes the price. Apparently all the meat is free range beef and the vegetables are all ecological. They treat their employees well, so there is really nothing one could complain about, except for the fact that they are only in California!
For the best mom and pop style burger, you have to go to a small town just south of Dallas/Fort Worth called Cleburne. The town itself has about 27,000 people (with about 70 Baptist churches). The Burger Bar is located just off the square behind Patrick’s Floral. The restaurant, if that is what you want to call it, can fit in the back of a pick-up truck. You can either eat it there, on one of the four stools by the counter, or you can take with you. If you stay, be prepared to talk to the chef/owner of the place. This place is true Americana! Next time I find myself in that area, I will take a picture of it and post it, because the building is part of the experience. The other part is a damn fine burger of course.
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