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July 2, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

We're home!!!!

We slept in our own bed!!!

The flight wasn't that bad. The 10.5 hours went by fast enough. What sucked was when we landed (6:14pm) but didn't actually park until 40 minutes later. Then we had to go through three lines for customs. Ugh. We didn't get out until around 8pm (5am in Denmark). We were tired. Jean and Dennis picked us up. Thank you!!!!

Switzerland:

We went on the steepest cogwheel train in the world.

This is the first of three gondolas that we had to take to get off the mountain. Fun, but scary.

Copenhagen:

Copenhagen was fun. Lots of little mom and pop stands with great food, tons of beautiful scenery, and our host and his daughter were a blast

Passed this fountain many times. We actually got to walk through a park going to and from our lodging.

At Carlsberg Brewery...the fourth largest in the world.

Brad...breaking some poor kid's toy. Lol

We saw the Little Mermaid on the cruise. This is her little sister.

I've given up trying to upload videos; I have to post them to YouTube first to create a URL. Ugh. No. Love you all!

Days 21 & 22

July 1, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

What Brad said. 😇

I'll give details and pictures when we get to a faster connection. I also plan on doing a video/pano blog for the larger stuff that didn't want to upload even at our fastest connections.

We fly out today (day 23). Super excited to be going home.

It is time.

Day 20

July 1, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

Left Milano for Switzerland. Brad pretty much explained what happened on the train. I just want to add that it would be less offensive if they were checking passports for everyone, not just for those of darker skin tones.

Anyhow...

Switzerland so far stinks in terms of the prices and the people in service (very snooty). One waiter even told me I couldn't have my bottle of water out because he doesn't sell that product. Really? And I had already ordered a drink from his establishment. Growl.

It appears as though the wifi here is so slow I can't upload any photos. Photos to come. 😁

Day 22 - Our Last Full Day...Copenhagen

June 30, 2015Brad DenboComment

Our last full day in Europe. Took it easy, eating, drinking, and a canal tour. Also, a great Thai restaurant.

See everybody soon. Tomorrow, we make our 11 hour journey home.

Day 21 - Swiss Alps and Copenhagen

June 29, 2015Brad Denbo1 Comment

Due to our slow internet connect, pictures won't be possible until we get home, so here's a quick description of today.

Today began early with breakfast provided by our host at 7:30. we then took the train to the steepest cogwheel train in the world and headed up to a peak. We hiked around, took some pictures, had a beer, and headed down the gondola. Took the train and a bus to Basel airport and flew to Copenhagen. Basel airport and EasyJet was a great experience. Very easy to deal with. Much better than RyanAir in Barcelona. Once in Copenhagen, we found some pizza and headed to our hosts place. Nice apartment with a garden. We'll post pictures in a few days. Good night.

Special Edition: The European Dining Experience

June 29, 2015Brad Denbo4 Comments

After eating out in Kolding, Hamburg, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Tafalla, Barcelona, Roma, Rho, Milano, Luzern, and Copenhagen, I'll consider myself an expert in European dining. Here are my generalizations:

1. Europeans do not like to dine quickly. They take their time with their meals and do not expect quick service.

2. Servers do not expect you to want quick service and don't expect to be rewarded for quick, or even good service, so they simply don't care. Consequently, I don't tip much...thus, the vicious cycle continues.

3. Food quality is generally great, but limited. Italian food in Italy is great. They don't have much else though. San Sebastián was the worst...they basically have nothing but Tapas. Not sure about you, but I am not a big fan of eating food that's been sitting at a bar under people's noses and mouths all night. Switzerland probably has the most variety, but I don't think they really have food of their own.

Bottom line: I really like the American dining experience. I'm not looking for my lunch to be an event that lasts 2 hours. I'm there to eat, maybe have a quick discussion and go on with my life. The level of service my server gives me directly correlates to how much they make...no standard service charges like they have in Italy. At least in Southern California, we have access to any type of food. Plenty of variety close to home. I will be very happy to get home to Mexican food and a good margarita.

Day 20 - Finally, Switzerland...Racist Switzerland

June 28, 2015Brad Denbo2 Comments

So, yesterday we got confirmed for our one night in Switzerland. Our host doesn't seem like she's very easy to work with. Check in is between 1700 and 1800. Check out is 900. Seeing as though she's the only one in Switzerland that has actually responded, we'll take it. Now for the long, but pretty journey to Lucerne.

Once we entered Switzerland, our train was boarded by several immigration officials who quickly asked for the passports of every black male and took them off the train. then, the officials who were left, asked all the darker skinned passengers for their passports. Some of them were kicked off at the next stop. Not sure exactly what happened, but we're pretty sure we witnessed racism.

So far, the scenery is absolutely beautiful here, but the service, the food, and prices are horrible. We went for a swim. Didn't think I'd be swimming in a lake formed by snow melt in Switzerland, but there I was.

Day 19 - Milan

June 28, 2015Brad DenboComment

So...for the Last few days, we've been trying to book our Day 19 & 20 for Switzerland. That has not worked out. We were waiting for a reply, so we decided to head into Milan. Our first couple hours in Milan were a bit depressing. Very hot. Lots of mosquitos. We managed to find luggage storage, but, apparently my backpack was "oversized". It would cost 30€ to store for 4 hours, so we decided to walk with it. He just made up a number after writing everything down and making us wait...very rude. We did find a great little pizzeria. Over 60 different pizzas. Very good.

During lunch, we decided to just stay in Milan today and find a place in Switzerland tomorrow a bit closer to our route to Basel. So, we decided to just find a quick cheap hotel on Hotwire. It worked out pretty well and found a place close by. We dropped our luggage and tried to find The Last Supper. We found it...but, during the expo, they require reservations, and no reservations are available until Wednesday. Darn, the 3D version from the restaurant will have to be good enough. We then decided to walk around for a bit in the area and stumbled upon a great wine bar. We even met a distributor and he invited us to the winery. We didn't really have enough time, so we told him we couldn't make it. Great wine though.

Then, we continued onto the park. We got some great views of Milan from the tower, saw another Arch, and listened to a bit of live music. Lindsey got eaten alive by Mosquitos, so we left pretty quickly back to the hotel.

Pretty sure he's pondering their butts. Just look at his eyes.

Now, time to find dinner. We ate at a horrible place that doesn't deserve mentioning, but then we went though a gay pride festival.

Day 19

June 28, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

Switzerland flaked. We took a train to Milan and decided to book another night in Italy. Funny story with the baggage guy...read Brad's post.

We stayed at a hotel through Hotwire. Not that bad of a place.

The Last Supper is located in Milan, but reservations to see it were booked up until Wednesday. No go.

So we walked around Milan. Turns out there was a huge Pride Celebration. Sweet.

Does anyone else see a half-headed woman carrying a baby?

The view from the top of the Milano Eiffel Tower.

During dinner, I was asked by a kid (15-20 year old) for a kiss. He said, "Happy pride! You kiss?" And then he leaned in to kiss me. I turned my cheek and we did the Italian three kisses. It was funny. Lots of love.

There was so much love for each other, but not enough for the environment. Made me sad face.

Day 18 - The World's Fair

June 28, 2015Brad DenboComment

The day started early. See, I thought our train was leaving at 10:55. Turns out, it was actually arriving at 10:55 in Rho Fiera. Which meant, waking up at 5:30, to catch a 6:05 bus, to catch another bus, to catch our 7:05 train out of Roma Termini. I was going to get a paper ticket printed, but someone from the train station stopped us and said we didn't have to do that. She then showed us how to look up the platform and walked us to the platform. All of this, we already knew. I had said that we didn't want her help originally, but she was persistent. Then, she said "information for money." We said No. Turns out, she doesnt work for the train station. Fun morning. The train was great: 1st Class Business. Big comfortable seats. Free snack and drink. Electric window shades. It was great. The scenery was great too. Plenty of vineyards and sunflower farms.

We were told by our host that we could drop our luggage off at the apartment, so we tried to find our apartment. Turns out, we needed to go one more stop...so, back on the train. The layover was beneficial though, as some nice people gave us an extra ticket to the Expo, worth 39€. Once at the apartment, we met the old guests, who were leaving. Now, back to the expo. We were starving, but figured an expo with the theme "feeding the world" would be a good place to eat. Incorrect.

Worst and most expensive Mexican food ever. But, at least the Italian food has to be good...being in Italy and all...right? Worst pizza ever. And worst service ever.

So, Lindsey's waiting for our pizza inside, while I'm trying to find a place to eat on the patio...there's no inside dining. A bunch of tables say "reservado," all other tables are either taken, or in the sun. But, I see a couple about to leave, so I stand by their table. As soon as they leave, the helpful staff come by to clean the table, then put a "reservado" sign on the table. I say that I'm eating here and was waiting for the table. They just say "reservado" over and over. No "I'm sorry"...just "reservado". The younger one says we can go upstairs inside. So I try...2 tables...full, of course. I then go back outside and wait for the next table. A groupie leaves and I sit down and push the trash to the other side. When the same lady comes by to clean the table, she says "reservado". I say "no, I bought pizza here, I'm eating here". She walks away. She comes back one more time...taps we on the shoulder and say "reservado". This time, I yell at her as she walks away for her to give me my money back for the food if she wants the table. Never heard from her again. We shared our table with someone else looking for a table. As we were leaving, the party came in.

The Italian wine tasting pavilion was great though. Lots of really good wines to taste. Got a glass out of it. Let's see if it'll make it home.

Made our way back to Rho and had a great dinner. We don't recommend eating at, or even going to the World's Fair in Milan. Pay 39€ to be treated like shit, wait in long lines, and eat over-priced and crapy food...no thanks.

A great family operated restaurant in Rho

Day 17 - Rome

June 28, 2015Brad DenboComment

Today was a busy day...again. We started at about 8:00 AM in St. Peter's Bascilica. We went up to the top of the dome, then wondered around inside. We even attended mass in Latin, and I took communion.

From the dome, you can see our apartment building. It's the tall one in the middle next to the train tracks.

Tie for the worst meal of Rome...TV dinners. That's right. We ate at a tobacco store that served lunch. We didn't know it...but the food they served was microwaved from frozen. Yummy...authentic Italian food.

Next, the colosseum. We bought tickets the night before online, so we were able to pass all the people in the line. Not so impressive from the inside. Crazy from the outside.

Time for Gilato, fresh juice, and a Belini in view of the Colosseum.

Lindsey's picture of her juice, my Belini, and our Gilato

Good chicken and potatoes, but not quite as good as last night's

Day 18

June 26, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

So tired. We had to wake up at 5:30 to get on two different buses to catch our 7:05 train to Milan/Rho. With going to bed after midnight and waking up at 3:41 (because my body is trying to kill me), I was/am a cranky girl today.

The world's fair in Rho was...well...meh. Over-priced food and tons of people. Blah. We were so excited; we saw that there was a Mexican restaurant at the fair. Nothing was genuine Mexican food. Sad face. I was able to get 12€ runny black bean soap.

Our first meal back will be Mexican food. We miss food from home. Lol.

On the train to Rho. Made me laugh. I had many interpretations.

The theme this year was feeding the world.

Tree of life. We had just missed it being lit up. Oh well.

Not wanting crappy, expensive food for dinner, we left the expo around 7PM. We ended up at a really good, family-owned restaurant. Good food. Awesome service!

Upside for today: someone gave us an extra ticket to the expo...about 40€ worth. Nice.

Day 16 - Rome

June 26, 2015Brad DenboComment

This was a busy day. First, we saw and heard the pope as we waited for our tour. We then toured the Vatican Gardens. We also went through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was extremely crowded and they don't let you take pictures. What a coincidence, they sell a DVD of it right outside. I'm not talking about at the gift store. No...I mean immediately outside the chapel as you're continuing in the museum.

Snaped this photo of the Sistine Chapel before I was told "no photos"

From there it was lunch time. Lunch was great...until it came time to pay the bill. Apparently their credit card machine was acting up, and we had no cash left. So, I had to head out to find an atm. Not the easiest thing to do when you actually need one. Eventually found one and headed back just in time for the machine to start working anyway. It's fine...we needed more cash anyway.

We then relaxed a bit and did laundry. When done, we got in a bus and headed to the opera house. In the area, we had dinner at this great little place. I had a Mediterranean sliced chicken breast with rosemary potatoes that was to die for. Serious one of the best meals ever. I know I've said that a few times...but I truly mean it.

The opera was a great experience. We didn't pay much for the tickets, which explains our horrible view, but otherwise it was great. They actually had the Italian words and the English translation on a screen, which made it easy to track the story. I could only see about half the stage, which made it a bit harder.

then, time to hop back on the bus and make our way home. Good night.

Day 17

June 25, 2015Lindsey Denbo2 Comments

Our day started early. We headed to Saint Peter's Basilica. We got there so early, there were no lines. No lines! No lines = happy Lindsey.

We did the dome first.

First: Brad is standing straight up. Second: even if you take the elevator, there are still a ton of stairs. Third: the builders did not think fat and/or tall people would ever go up the dome; it became way more narrow than what we see in the pictur… — First: Brad is standing straight up. Second: even if you take the elevator, there are still a ton of stairs. Third: the builders did not think fat and/or tall people would ever go up the dome; it became way more narrow than what we see in the picture. I was too claustrophobic to take pictures then.

Inside the dome. From afar these images look like paintings, but they're really millions of tiles. Insane.

Super happy we got to fresh air. Super. Happy. Close to tears.

This has probably been my favorite church this trip. No one is selling things. It's a reverent atmosphere. And church services are still being held.

It also helps that it is massive and beautiful. Beautiful.

There are tombs everywhere for previous popes.

We went to mass. This shot was right before it started.

We walked around underground to view more tombs. There was a no photo policy. With respect, I followed the rules. (Doesn't happen very often). I don't know...I figure if you're telling me not to take pictures simply because you want me to buy a picture from you, then I'm breaking the rules. However, if there is a no photo policy because you want to maintain a certain level of respect and peace, than okay. I try to play nice. 😜

We then set out for the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine.

We finished everything pretty early and headed back to the room. I stayed in while Brad went in search of an iPhone case...he's dropped his phone one too many times.

See the man outside? Yeah...he's wearing a toga. Awesome.

Day 16

June 25, 2015Lindsey Denbo1 Comment

We had a 10 am entrance for the Vatican. We had to get there super early because...the Pope was going to be speaking. Lots of people. Lots.

If you zoom in, you can see the Pope to the right...by the corner of the building.

I zoomed in. Look for the man in white. He's above the crowd giving blessings.

We started our tour by walking 30 minutes to the entrance for visitors.

Then it was off to the gardens. We were accompanied by a couple from New Zealand. They were a blast. Fun times.

Going into the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel was very difficult to enjoy. There were a ton of people, a ton of rooms, and a ton of stairs. Combine that with the heat and humidity of the day...very difficult to enjoy. If you're going to go through, get there EARLY.

The museum is comprised mostly of statues and columns dating as far back as the first century (well...I didn't see anything dated B.C.) — The museum is comprised mostly of statues and columns dating as far back as the first century (well...I didn't see anything dated B.C.)

All the ceilings and walls were very intricate.

The Sistine Chapel was incredibly crowded. The paintings by Michelangelo were awesome.

After the chapel, I was in a hurry to get out. Definitely needed some fresh air. We went to a cafe and ate. Then we did maintenance: laundry and showers.

The laundry woman was awesome. She did everything; she even folded our clothes. Brad wants her to come home with us...lol.

By 5ish, we headed out to the Opera. We sat in the second row of a balcony (I don't think they were designed to have second rows.) There was even a third. The older couple sitting in front of us were absolutely splendid. There were three acts to the Opera Tosca. For each intermission, we talked to the older couple. Never got their names, but they were locals who love going to the opera. It was very enjoyable.

View from the first row. I kept thinking of Pretty Woman. "I almost peed my pants!" Lol

Day 15

June 24, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

Very tempted to be like...so nothing happened today. Nite.

But we did a ton! It's 11:09. We just got back from walking all over Rome.

Our day started early. We had to catch a bus to the airport to fly to Rome (Roma). I was very tired; didn't sleep much.

We got to the airport and waited in a long line only to be told we had to wait in a different line (even though we were where the ticket prompted us to go). So we waited in that line...and then waited in the first one all over again. Near the front of the line, a stupid, little punk cut in front of the line next to us. I would have murdered him at that point; I did get very vocal, which was funny when he ended up behind us to get on the bus.

Yes, another bus.

Once we went through all lines, including security, we then had to get on another bus to get to the plane.

On the plane: douche number 2. I sat next to an ass (not my husband...lol). He made sure to let us know that we couldn't store our stuff in a compartment (even though the flight crew said it was okay), and then he proceeded to spend the rest of the flight ignoring what the flight crew told him to do. AND he kept digging his elbow into my arm. When I finally moved, he didn't even take the spot on the arm rest; he just wanted the entire thing for himself. Jerk. Jerk-face.

I feel better.

After landing in Rome (yes, you guessed it), we had to take another bus to the airport. Then we hopped on two trains to get to the city and eventually our airbnb. Long trip.

We dropped our bags and took off for lunch. It was close to 2PM at this point and all we had eaten were snacks.

We found a pizzeria by the airbnb. Great food! Loved the food. Okay service.

We headed out after food to the Vatican City.

We bought tickets for tomorrow and then headed out.

We basically just walked around forever. Forever. Rome is this intriguing mix of very old and very modern. We'd be walking down a street and we'd pass a broken column sitting in the grass. Acres of ruins sit between currently used buildings. It's fascinating.

Government building. There are armed guards up there. We got to watch the changing of the guards. Cool.

Pretty cool...we stumbled upon a band getting reading for a concert in the square. We had a seat and listened for a little while.

We walked a little more and found this city of ruins. It was huge!

A lot of what we saw dates back to the first century.

Most of it is protected, but a good portion of it isn't. There's just too many things to protect and too many people.

After walking forever, it was time to eat. We had great food and great service. They didn't want to charge us for Brad's pizza (even though he loved it) because he couldn't finish it. Normally, we'd take it with us, but this airbnb doesn't give us access to a kitchen.

We had such a long walk back. It was only 2.4 km, but after walking all day it felt like it took forever.

Day 15 - RyanAir Sucks...then Rome

June 24, 2015Brad Denbo1 Comment

I do not recommend morning flights. We had to be at the bus station by 7:30 then get to the airport. Once there, we waited in a bag drop line to get our passport stamped and to drop our bags. Our boarding pass specifically says these are the same place, yet, when we got to the front, they said we had to wait in the ticket line to get our boarding pass stamped FIRST. Check my boarding pass for yourself. I know it's upside down, but the wording is at the top of the ticket.

Finally, got our pass stamped and our bag dropped, and went to the security desk. No one telling you what to do, just people yelling at you when you DONT take your iPad out of your backpack. Then, you have to go through security again. Then...the airport has no idea what gate you're leaving from in just 30 minutes. But, when they do, they change it 5 minutes later. Finally boarded the bus...that's right, a bus...because the plane is way out on the tarmac. Finally got on the plane headed for Rome.

A 737. They managed to fit 6 seats across in it.

Upon arriving in Rome, we took two trains to get to the Vatican area, where our airbnb is. We then ate right downstairs in the same building. Great food, poor service.

We walked around the rest of the day and saw a lot of really old things. It's funny how many ancient structures are buried and just barely exposed. So much of it is not taken care of, but just exposed for the people to see.

Had a great dinner. I had a Procuitto and Articoke pizza, but didn't finish it. They didn't charge us for it because they thought I didn't like it. We assured the owner that I did like it, but they wouldn't listen.

Day 14 - Barcelona

June 22, 2015Brad DenboComment

We, once again, didn't wake up as early as we wanted to, sowe didn't end up at the Montserrat Monistary until about 12:30. Just in time to get a quick bite to eat and miss the boys' choir performance at 1:00. In fact, you have a better view in a picture Lindsey took of the choir than we actually had standing there. Hopefully she posted it. The rest of the place was nice. Great hikes.

The Monistary from the top of one of the trains.

Hints for future visits to the ministers:

1. If arriving by train (r5), sit in the back. Otherwise, you'll be in the back of the line for the cable car.

2. When seeing the boys choir, arrive 30 minutes early to get a seat.

Heading to the beach. A bit late, but we made it. Had to stick my toes in the Mediterranean.

We ended up eating, drinking, and peeing our way back

See if you can find the reason we left most bars.

Live music to end our night at the squad right before our apartment.

Day 14

June 22, 2015Lindsey DenboComment

Two weeks!

Things I have learned:

1. Carry extra toilet paper for when you get to a bathroom that is out. This super sucks when on a train with only one bathroom.

2. Tourists are stupid.

3. Humidity is of the devil. I swear I will be sitting in Barcelona and I'll sweat more than when I go for a run back home.

4. No one makes a food dish the same. I get something...I like it. I get the same thing somewhere else...I don't like it. Weird.

5. We thought the dogs here were simply better trained because they're everywhere off the leash, but after closer observation we believe that the owners simply follow their dogs around the city.

6. I'm pretty sure smokers actively try to piss non-smokers off. Pretty sure.

7. I can't photograph or record everything; sometimes I should just enjoy it.

8. You can walk around top less in Barcelona.

9. Even if you say you don't want a massage, the scary woman may try to massage you anyway.

10. People dump fluids from their windows. I choose to believe it's nice, clean water and they're simply trying to clean the streets.

11. I can't remember everything I'm learning/seeing. The days are beginning to blur.

Today:

We started off heading to the Monserrat Monastery. We planned on only spending half the day there, but that wasn't going to happen. It's too big and there are way too many people.

The monastery is nestled in the saddle. Do you see the little yellow car? We're next.

We didn't go inside because of how crowded it was. This is an image from a viewing room during the choir recital.

Brad...waiting for me to take my picture. Can you see his impatience? I can. 😘

We took a tram a little higher. Here is the view from the top station.

We then decided to do some hiking.

Found a shaded place to rest. Sunny, humid day!

Made it to this: an altar for retired monks. Decided to go up more.

To the ruins of the retired monks' dwelling.

Sitting on a stone wall. Resting near the top.

We decided not to go up any more. Stairs that need a rope are not my cup of tea.

After we got back to the city, we went to the beach. While at the beach, we saw a topless woman frolicking. I'm very proud of my husband; he restrained himself from recording.

The water was cold. We had read it would be, but it was colder than we thought it would be.

Two kids decided to plop down in front of us and since they were so photogenic I took a picture.

I had to go potty, so Brad was forced to get a drink...poor baby. 😜

Street singer. Gathered a huge crowd. Very talented. Saw him on our walk back.

The following images are graphic and disturbing. And funny. You have been warned.

We saw this earlier so naturally I had to take a picture.

We also saw this. As I was taking a picture, the owner put his hand up and said no picture. Honestly, I think his hand enhances the photo. 😇

Nite nite! We fly to Rome tomorrow!

Days 12 & 13 - Olite & Barcelona

June 21, 2015Brad DenboComment

Lindsey pretty well summed up our day 12 & 13. Just a few things to add.

Barcelona may not have a bunch of museums and landmarks, but it's just a cool old city to be in. The streets, the shops, the restaurants, and the bars, make this city a great destination. We'll be checking out Montserrat Monistary and the beach tomorrow.