Tales of Cities, Woods & Lakes

Ok, it’s official. There are no Starbucks‘ either in Copenhagen nor in Sweden. How am I everrrrrrr going to survice this????!!!!! I guess being open for other new things is the way to think now. And that it’ll be only 3 more weeks until I hit "Starbucks Land" again :)

Copenhagen was wonderful. The sun was on our side most oft he time. The sights beautiful. The food good. The royals unfortunately not present (everyone must have been at the Olympics in London I’m guessing).  A downside to this city though is, that it is pretty expensive. As is Scandinavia in general. But did you know that Copenhagen is one of the world’s most expensive cities ? Well, we found out about that rather sooner than later. Still, some wonderful days in Demarks’ capital. And on I went to another capital : Stockholm it was. Just a 5 h train ride away. There I was looking forward to spending a few days with Vero and Altea from Spain. As soon as those two hit Swedish ground, it was over with the mostly sunny weather. I can say until now, that I haven‘ experienced one day yet, where it did not either rain or drizzle  But Kudos to the girls for survivng 20 degrees C and below while coming from over 30 degrees C! We spent 2 days in the city. Experiencing  it from the water (Stockholm consists of 14 islands). From above (walking up the tower of City Hall and to other points of view). Inside museums (Vasa), cute Cafes. Or just strolling along and through the streets. After spending almost a week in the city, I for my part was ready to hit some country roads. And with the countryside and the lakes alongside we unfortunately didn’t cross path with the "king of the woods" (moose) as we hoped, but with loads of mosquitos. Darn little buggers. I’m still itchy all over. The rest of the ride along nature‘s path was very peaceful though :) Cute little towns. Red wooden houses. Acres of woods. Uncountable lakes. And as promised, I did go swim in one. Actually not just in any kind of lake. But in Siljan, the "heart of Sweden".  It wasnt even that cold in my op and I might do it again. Though the Spanish girls could not believe their eyes :)

The countryside is past now. I am back in Stockholm. Vero and Altea are on the plane back South where they will probably be expected with much warmer temperatures. But I still have things to see in Stockholm. 5 more days here lie ahead. Then it is time again for some country air. 1 week at Sun Dance Ranch. But first, let’s enjoy some more Stockholm has to offer. I can’t wait.

på återseende (Good Bye)

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

- John Lubbock -

Nyhavn - Copenhagen

enjoying a view over the city of Copenhagen

Girl Power in Stockholm :)

Stortorget - Stockholm

Siljan Lake - the heart of Sweden

Photo Shoot at Siljan Lake

Threesome along the East Coast

Another Journey

My last longer trip is already more than a year in the past. But still I am thinking back, with very good memories. Good thing that I did "Photo 365" last year. That way I can always remember what I did every day of that trip.

Another journey has started today. Right now, while I am writing this Blog, I am sitting in a restaurant in Bremen, Germany. It’s been a sunny and warm afternoon. I can hear church bells. The chit-chat of people, laughing,  enjoying this lovely summer evening. People driving by on their bikes. Carefree summerdays.  It’s as if summer could last forever.  I am enjoying a cool drink, reading a travel guide about my next destination : Copenhagen. Looking forward to spending a few days with a friend there. But let’s start from the beginning.

It was an early start into the day. Getting up at 5 AM. Catching the train in Rheinfelden at 6:30. Arriving in Bremen in the early afternoon. In Switzerland the train was almost empty. Unusual for a work day you might say. But today is August 1st. The Swiss National holiday. Probably right now everybody back home is celebrating. Barbecue-ing and watching the fireworks once it gets dark. Quite the opposite it was in the train on the way to Germany. Fully packed. And this train ride up North kind of reminded me of those many train rides I have done in the US last summer. The train will get me everywhere on this trip as well (as you might remember, I am not too fond of flying). From Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark. Further up to Stockholm, Sweden. And more inland for a week on a Ranch. I am curious to find out if it will be as good as the one on McGinnis in Montana. We will see :) During the next 5 weeks I will also be meeting up with friends I have made in the last few years. Friends from abroad. I can’t wait to be seeing Vero again. It’s been almost 3 years since we’ve met up in Alicante, Spain for the first time. Then there’s also Nina from Frankfurt Germany. We have met last summer on the trip up to Alaska. Now we are going to discover the wilderness of Sweden :) Maybe swim in one of those lakes (I’m doing it, even if it’s cold). And Pippi Longstocking of course :)

So you see, lots to be looking forward to. Hoping that this time you’ll be along fort the ride as well. And don’t forget to check into Flickr. Just for those 5 weeks I will be doing "Photo 365" again :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielle_76/sets/72157630858372430/with/7693214962

Talk to you soon. Be safe on your travels!

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

- Mark Twain -

Country Roads, take me home ...

… to the place, I belong. Or rather, it’s the roads over the Atlantic which are taking me back home. A relaxing 6 days on the Queen Mary 2. Reading. Eating :) Watching movies. Seeing Shows. But also going to the Gym. And of course reflecting on the past 3 months. My summer 2011 …

Seems like a lifetime ago when I took the train from Basel to London on June 1st. And so much has happened since then. What I remember are the two pigeons that joined Queen Mary 2 on it’s Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York (still wondering if they ever made it back home to England). An excellent visit to the Musical "Memphis" in NY. The Professor on the train ride to Chicago and his stories about the romantic history of trains. A way less hectic city (Chicago) welcoming me after that train ride. The floods in North Dakota that caused an 8 h delay for the Empire Builder (train from Chicago to Seattle) while I was making my way to Montana. A perfect week at McGinnis Meadows Ranch (the lovely people, my horse Buttermilk and the cosy Log Cabin I spent my nights in). The drive from Montana to Seattle with Jaclyne and her friend. The human toe Shot in Dawson City, Canada (still, YUK!!). The Grizzly that passed us very closely while we were touring Denali NP in the bus. A flight around Mount Mc Kinley on a perfectly sunny day. All the Glaciers. The primitive Campgrounds. And of course the pit toilets :) A Justin Bieber BDay Party for my favourite 6 year old in Cali. The Southern heat and it’s wonderful music. A storm warning 30 Min before Wilmington, NC (and we were joking about the sounds coming from the radio being Aliens). The impressive and still scary Waterspout at Kure Beach. Visits to the local Film Studio Screen Gems in Wilmington (thank you again Kelly and Ali for taking the time!!). A rainy drive up to NY and a deluxe night at the Best Western there. The news about Hurricane Irene that accompany us now on our crossing back to England (And us being just a little bit relieved that we’re not there anymore!).

What I will also remember are all the people I have met throughout this trip. And some of them I will hopefully see again. The many French Toasts I have eaten on train rides(whether the French really know of them or not). The Caramel Frappuccinos at Starbucks (I’m guessing I haven’t had as many throughout my whole life).

Those are the memories I will keep of my summer 2011. Till it is time for some more "Travelling Roads".

Be safe on yours!!

The Heat Within the Music

From New Orleans to New York. Two so completely different cities. And two cities that built the beginning and the end of my last part of this summer’s trip. And inbetween? Well, inbetween there was a lot more …

What accompanied us from beginning to end was the heat. I can tell you, I barely remember the times when I was freezing in Alaska. Seems like another lifetime ago. So many Miles away. And such another world over here in the Southern East. Once we got to New Orleans, the music was there too. And it stayed with us until we left Nashville. Jazz, Blues and Country was on the agenda of our daily schedule. You could barely escape it if you wanted to. But of course we didn’t. Hey, that’s why we were there for. Among other things. Bourbon Street, some Cajun Food and Jazz tunes escaping from the near by Bar builded the start. Then, a 6 hour drive up North, Elvis was around every corner in Memphis. In any size and every colour. Even the Chinese guy from next door was trying his luck in a contest at the Hard Rock Cafe. Once in Nashville we were two steppin' our way up and down Broadway. Just heaven for myself. I do love some good Country. And finally I could wear my Cowboy Boots :) Must really look into a Line Dance Class once I get back home.

Then we left the music behind (of course there was still some Country playing in our car, which, btw, we named, Cori. It’s a Toyota Corolla), made our way tot he Coast and stepped into Plantation and Garden Land. You can’t imagine how many Plantations there are in the Carolinas. Luckily we’ve had some recommendation, or else I really would not have known which to choose. So, on the drive along the Coast up to North Carolina we jumped out at Drayton Hall and Brookgreen Gardens. Very good choices! Thank you Ali and Becca :) Oh, and before I forget, and how could I forget those delicious Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette, Georgia. Hmmmmm. Don’t miss those when you’re in the area. Or like us, are driving by there. It’s always nice to make a stop there, meet up with friends.

Like coming home, that’s what it felt like in Wilmington, North Carolina. I’ve really been looking forward to going back there all along the way. Just a place you feel home at. 5 days of (mostly, yeah, Barbara, I can’t help but being the organizer ;)) not so much scheduled and relaxing things to do. More Gardens, beaches plain, beaches at 6 AM to watch the sunrise (def worth it!!). Tours at the local Film Studio Screen Gems. Watching filming of One Tree Hill in Downtown Wilmington and netting Paul Johansson :) Strolling along the Riverwalk. Trying to basket ball at the Rivercourt. Delicious Tiramisu at Caffe Phoenix (I can still taste it). And now we even know what a "waterspout" is. That was very impressive and scary at the same time!

We’re back in the "Crazy Apple" now. Back to where I’ve arrived 2.5 months ago (gee, has it only been that long?! Seems like forever). The last 2 weeks have been hot, humid, sticky, friendly (with all those honeys, sweeties and sugars *LOL*), flowery, musical, delicious. Barbara has still some reminders of all those mosquito bites she got. Luckily they preferred her over me (which is kinda unusual, normally I’m the sweet one in the crowd). I still haven’t managed to answer more than like 10 % of Barbaras questions (as like, how do I know why Piers were built, or how much electricity is used on Times Square. Just to name a few) Our tacho showed a good 2‘400 Miles. And now we are ready for 6 days on QM 2. Slowly coming back home. Maybe loose some pounds on the way :) You’ll hear about our crossing soon.

Till then. Stay on the safe tracks!!

@ New Orleans


@ the Mississippi in Memphis

@ Brookgreen Gardens - North Carolina

@ Wrightsville Beach, NC

When you lose yourself you find the key to paradise.

- Zac Brown Band -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n5G0qFBsHM

Dani California - the sequel

The Sunset Limited is taking me one step further on my roads. It is also the last train ride (in the US) on this trip. Los Angeles to New Orleans. Once I get to New Orleans I’ll be meeting up with a friend from back home. And with a rented car we’ll be exploring through the heat of the South East. I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve done by train already. But after 4 long distance train rides I sure do know the on board menu by heart :) And I must have told my trip route about a hundred times already – or close to it anyway. Cause when you travel alone you get to talk to people easily. During breakfast or lunch. Or most likely with your seat neighbour. That is if you are traveling coach. Which I have done 4 times. And I’m good with not having to go on a 5th train ride :)

But let’s look back on the last 11 days .. After some cold but wonderful days up in the North I really was looking warward to some sunny and warm days in California. I barely could wait to get there. Not just because of the weather. No, I was really looking forward to seeing the Del Rosarios again. At first though I spent 4 days in Redondo Beach. Getting stuff ready to ship back home (my bags were getting way too heavy). Just relaxing on the beach. Dwelling in memories of when I used to live there 11 years ago. Realizing that some things change. Like bakeries that I used to go to not being there anymore. But that’s life. And the only constant is change as someone once said. And it’s true. During those days in the South of LA I also got to meet up with Liz. A friend I’ve met through Southern Gothic Productions and that I had met 2 years ago. Luckily she’s now living in the LA area. So we met up, went to Venice Beach and after a delicious dinner (Ahi Tuna), of course, we ended up going to the movies.

The time at the Del Rosario Mansion :) started pretty good. Pedicure and Manicure with Teresa and Liana (how much I have longed for this after a good 3 weeks of camping). And then it just went on.Partying into Liana’s 6th birthday. Visits to the beach and experiencing the California Grunion Spawning at midnight. Having fun at Knott’s Berry Farm and in San Diego Zoo. And a girls night out (just the adults) to Eva Longoria’s restaurant Beso in Hollywood.

All in all, I’ve had – once again – a great time being "Dani California". Thank you once more to Teresa, Derek, Teri, Liana and of course Kiwi (Teri’s dog, the newest member of the family). I’ve really enjoyed my Cali days. I already miss you all! But I’ll be seeing you guys in 2 years in Europe. So you better start planning now ;)

More adventures in New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and so on coming up … so stay with me on the road.

Safe travels to you all!!

Hear the Silence

My days up North are numbered. I’m on the ferry back to Seattle on the Inside Passage from Skagway. And after 3 weeks of camping I gave myself the luxary of taking a cabin instead of staying in the Solarium on the upper desk with about 50 other people :) I’ve made some great memories up North. But what I won’t miss are those darn little buggers called mosquitos, which are not called the "State’s Bird" without a reason. Nor the pit toilets whom we’ve seen a few and smelled a few of. I also will surely not miss the primitive campgrounds :) Nor the crampy Van and the AC in there (I mean, really?! Do we need AC inside the car when it’s like 10 C outside!). Or the timed showers that allow you 4 mins of time. And surely not the rainy days and the wet tent.

What I will miss is the beautiful landscapes. The people who’ve made this Trip a fun one. The encounters with all kinds of Wildlife. The silence you can hear when you listen closely.

I will remember walking in the snow with Trekking Sandals and barefoot in Whistler. "Being hyderized" in Hyder, Alaska (once and never again). The flight over Denali NP on a sunny day (didn’t have those too much there lately). Seeing a Grizzly from way up close (he passed us while we were in the bus). Getting stuck on a sandback with our canoe on McLaren River and having to get out in the cold water to get out of there. Kate Bowen’s (one great voice amongst us) singing. 2 flat tires and one broken van. And especially those 24 hours of daylight.

And what am I looking forward to? Some sunny California days. A little girl called Liana, who will be turning 6 pretty soon, and her family. Relaxing days. A Pedi -and Manicure (oh man, my feet are craving it!). Meeting up with friends. Going to the movies. Wearing open shoes and finally feel the summer sun on my skin. Cause summer has only just begun for me and I’m only just a little more than halfway through the Trip. Stay with me for the next part.

During your travels it’s always important to keep something in mind.
When one thing ends, something else begins.

Klondike

Alaska is definitely not Texas. And the "Southern Sun" (name of Trek from 2 years ago) is, as the name says, most definitely in the South. Still, the North is beautiful. Even though it's cold and even though we’ve done quite some driving up till now. But the nature that accompanies us is stunning!

10 days have passed since 11 strangers and one Tour Leader have left Seattle. Followed by Vancouver. Now, a few hundred miles further up North we’re not so much strangers anymore. And those "big" towns the only ones we’ll be seing on this Trip. The rest is Nature. Sometimes a small town (like Hyder, the most friendliest Ghost Town of Alaska – where we did get "hyderized"). A deer, a fox, even bears (yes, we’ve seen 10 until now, but only from the car along the road – thank god! :)). Many rivers and lakes. Glaciers. And there is much more to come …

Right now we’re enjoying a relaxing day at Dawson City. A town full of history if you think back to the times of the Gold Rush. Hard to imagine that there have been like 40‘000 people living here during that time. Now it’s about 2‘000. And what you can also do in Dawson City is have a shot with a human toe in it(http://www.canadacool.com/COOLFACTS/YUKON/DawsonSourToe.html). Yuck! I’ve been "hyderized" already. And that was by far enough :)

The Road of the Klondike Trek (the Klondike is actually the Yukon River) goes on and on. Heading back into the US tomorrow. More Alaska is calling. And the "Big One" awaits: Denali NP.

Hoping you’re still on for more Trails to take.

„May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome,dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.

Edward Abbey -