2013 European Adventure June -July
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Our last post was whilst we awaited the plane in Copenhagen. As we left the Baltic region, it was time to reflect on what we had experienced over the past two weeks. A few thoughts are below:-
Gen:
Too many highlights! But i have chosen the lookout over Tallinn old city ....it was very beautiful seeing the medieval walls and towers blending in with the newer buildings, beautiful blue sky, trees and the sea... It was also a much less crowded place and smaller so easier to get around. Tallinn medieval town.
Erika
Well I must say, it is extremely difficult to select a highlight as we have enjoyed absolutely everything!!! What a wonderful part of the world. I guess, being a mountain person, I really was taken by the scenery as we sailed into Finland and Sweden. Hundreds of beautiful islands with quaint summer cottages nestled amongst pine trees and colourful flowers adorning pots and window boxes (I want one!!!).
Steve
I agree with everyones comments that this part of the world is beautiful and pretty however at peak season is very busy. Nonetheless, one of the interesting places for me was our second day in St Petersburg when we were taken to St Nicholas Church (Russian Orthodox Church). It was a simple blue and white colour on the outside but beautifully decorated on the inside. When we entered there was a actual church service being held. It had a genuine warmth and there was no doubt of the authenticity of the worship. I left the church feeling there was a warmth and depth of their love for our God.
Phil
The waterways of the Nordic ports were very impressive, forests lining the steep slopes up to the up to the water edge, timber cottages dotted throughout the forests on the water edge , where the motor boat is moored. All the cities had user friendly bike paths , where the cyclists had right of way .
Daylle
Wow! Where does one start - all so impressive but I think the the biggest impact was the poorness of the everyday St Petersburg apartments compared to the extreme of the palaces. And the fantastic effort that has been put into restoring war damaged palaces and churches - the amazing history of the city and what the people have been through is beyond imagination.
Greg
I loved the hussle and bustle and atmosphere of Nyhavn, the area in Copenhagen by the waterfront. The magnificence and opulance of St Petersburg will long life in the memory, as well as the tremendous restoration works in St Petersburg after the wanton vandalism by the Nazi soldiers in WWII.
Sunday 23rd Vienna.
A whirlwind few days.
Our time in Vienna didn't start well. Greg, Phil and Gen were left standing at the baggage carousel, forlornly looking for their bags - all to no avail. Despite. All 6 bags being check in together, only 3 arrived. Off to baggage services, and finally about mid day Saturday the bages were delivered to our hotel. Phew! A collective sigh of relief.
The biggest hassle though was when we went to pick up hire car, we were advised sorry! That booking has been cacelled by thebooking agent and there is no car!!!! As you can imagine, there was a few anxious moments and terse words uttered. This despite having fully paid for the car qbout 2 months ago and had conformation emails and pick up voucher issued. Even two days before, we received a confirming email reiterating pick up details. Finally got onto booking agent who will"look into it!" Fat lot of good that will do us!
Fortunately we were able to do a quick check with other rental places at airport and found Avis had a 7 seat wagon, available for the exact time frame we needed. So we booked this at considerable extra cost, and now we fight to recover the costs. The car is also a bit small for our luggage, but by removing half the back seat we think we will be able to make it work. But this means we have to leave this seat in Vienna at our hotel and Phil will need to pick up on the way back to the airport in 2 weeks time. A bit inconvenient and a bit out of his way.
Despite these trials, Vienna is fabulous. Erika's sister Elphi and husband Peter have been fabulous hosts. We have been to an impenetrable fortress and a beautiful palace, went for a boat ride on a very peaceful lake, and this afternoon, went to visit some of Elphi's friends who live on a little lake. Vienna weather at the moment is heat wave, so a nice cool swim was fantastic.
Last night we enjoyed the opera in the Vienna Peoples Opera House- Mozart's "The Magic Flute" whilst the singing was in German, the music transcends language barriers.
Monday we are heading in to Vienna city for the "City Tour with Peter.
Gen:
Too many highlights! But i have chosen the lookout over Tallinn old city ....it was very beautiful seeing the medieval walls and towers blending in with the newer buildings, beautiful blue sky, trees and the sea... It was also a much less crowded place and smaller so easier to get around. Tallinn medieval town.
Erika
Well I must say, it is extremely difficult to select a highlight as we have enjoyed absolutely everything!!! What a wonderful part of the world. I guess, being a mountain person, I really was taken by the scenery as we sailed into Finland and Sweden. Hundreds of beautiful islands with quaint summer cottages nestled amongst pine trees and colourful flowers adorning pots and window boxes (I want one!!!).
Steve
I agree with everyones comments that this part of the world is beautiful and pretty however at peak season is very busy. Nonetheless, one of the interesting places for me was our second day in St Petersburg when we were taken to St Nicholas Church (Russian Orthodox Church). It was a simple blue and white colour on the outside but beautifully decorated on the inside. When we entered there was a actual church service being held. It had a genuine warmth and there was no doubt of the authenticity of the worship. I left the church feeling there was a warmth and depth of their love for our God.
Phil
The waterways of the Nordic ports were very impressive, forests lining the steep slopes up to the up to the water edge, timber cottages dotted throughout the forests on the water edge , where the motor boat is moored. All the cities had user friendly bike paths , where the cyclists had right of way .
Daylle
Wow! Where does one start - all so impressive but I think the the biggest impact was the poorness of the everyday St Petersburg apartments compared to the extreme of the palaces. And the fantastic effort that has been put into restoring war damaged palaces and churches - the amazing history of the city and what the people have been through is beyond imagination.
Greg
I loved the hussle and bustle and atmosphere of Nyhavn, the area in Copenhagen by the waterfront. The magnificence and opulance of St Petersburg will long life in the memory, as well as the tremendous restoration works in St Petersburg after the wanton vandalism by the Nazi soldiers in WWII.
Sunday 23rd Vienna.
A whirlwind few days.
Our time in Vienna didn't start well. Greg, Phil and Gen were left standing at the baggage carousel, forlornly looking for their bags - all to no avail. Despite. All 6 bags being check in together, only 3 arrived. Off to baggage services, and finally about mid day Saturday the bages were delivered to our hotel. Phew! A collective sigh of relief.
The biggest hassle though was when we went to pick up hire car, we were advised sorry! That booking has been cacelled by thebooking agent and there is no car!!!! As you can imagine, there was a few anxious moments and terse words uttered. This despite having fully paid for the car qbout 2 months ago and had conformation emails and pick up voucher issued. Even two days before, we received a confirming email reiterating pick up details. Finally got onto booking agent who will"look into it!" Fat lot of good that will do us!
Fortunately we were able to do a quick check with other rental places at airport and found Avis had a 7 seat wagon, available for the exact time frame we needed. So we booked this at considerable extra cost, and now we fight to recover the costs. The car is also a bit small for our luggage, but by removing half the back seat we think we will be able to make it work. But this means we have to leave this seat in Vienna at our hotel and Phil will need to pick up on the way back to the airport in 2 weeks time. A bit inconvenient and a bit out of his way.
Despite these trials, Vienna is fabulous. Erika's sister Elphi and husband Peter have been fabulous hosts. We have been to an impenetrable fortress and a beautiful palace, went for a boat ride on a very peaceful lake, and this afternoon, went to visit some of Elphi's friends who live on a little lake. Vienna weather at the moment is heat wave, so a nice cool swim was fantastic.
Last night we enjoyed the opera in the Vienna Peoples Opera House- Mozart's "The Magic Flute" whilst the singing was in German, the music transcends language barriers.
Monday we are heading in to Vienna city for the "City Tour with Peter.