Big Surprise!

Grandpa and I took a small tour of Pápa yesterday! We walked down to the Reformed Church and then into the walking area where we peered into shop windows and explored a few allies. When we reached the end of the walking area, Grandpa and I crossed the main drag to make our way over to the Roman Catholic Church. Unfortunately it was closed…surprise, surprise! LOL! Actually though, it was surprising seeing that it has been open most days lately. However, we enjoyed admiring the outside of it, and discussing the history of it.

We made our way around to the back of the church, and continued on to the Esterhazy Palace. The construction of the mansion is magnificent. We reveled at the fact that it is still standing after so many years!! We plan on making another trip to the palace, with the family, and go inside to check it out!

Grandpa took pictures of the sights and we admired the detail put into the simplest things, like fences and cobble stone. On our way back towards the house…we stopped for ice cream!! WOO-HOO!! We of course stopped at the best place for ice cream which is the small shop down on the Roman Catholic Church side of the walking area (my mom’s favorite ice cream spot). After attempting to figure out what each flavor was, Grandpa decided on the “citrone” lemon, and I on the “yoghurt” with cherry. We enjoyed our cones as we strolled back through the walking area and eventually back to the house.

For dinner we barbequed hamburgers….so good….with all the fixings, and French fries! It was wonderful to have everyone here for dinner! We all sat at the dining room table, listening to and discussing music. The “American-style” meal was fabulous…great idea Grandpa!!

After dinner, Grandpa delivered a HUGE surprise!!!!!! We will all be going on an 18 day “Best of Europe” tour with COSMOS (http://www.cosmos.com/)!!!! We leave in 9 days!!!!

COSMOS “Best of Europe” Tour: “This classic tour of Western Europe includes the must-see cities and sights and is a Cosmos favorite. Begin in London with free time to see the major landmarks, then ferry across the Channel and board a motorcoach for Amsterdam. Travel along the banks of the legendary Rhine River to Germany and stop in Heidelberg before crossing into Switzerland. In Lucerne, marvel at the famous Lion Monument. Drive through the St. Gotthard Tunnel to the shores of Lake Lugano, and continue to Verona and see Juliet’s balcony. In Venice, enjoy a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace, and the Basilica. Visit Assisi and St. Francis’ Basilica, then head for Rome, the “Eternal City” for a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. South to the archaeological site of Pompeii, destroyed in 79 AD by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy two overnights in Sorrento, a boat trip to the glamorous Isle of Capri, time in Tuscany and Florence, and a stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Finally, cross into France for a taste of Provence, continuing to the alpine town of Grenoble for an overnight. Stop in Burgundy’s Beaune on the way to Paris, the “City of Light.” (http://www.cosmos.com/)

This is such an unbelievable surprise!! In addition to everything that is included in our trip, such as guided tours, hotel accommodations, and some meals, there are numerous Optional Excursions and Activities, each for an additional charge. We will be busy, over the next few days, planning exactly which “extras” we would like to include on our trip!

We have all been reading our COSMOS itinerary and travel book, and the “Best of Europe” tour is already full of so many exciting activities and adventures! We will be traveling through 8 countries in 18 days! There are tours planned, along with boat rides, sight-seeing, a zoom on the Autobahn, meals, time to shop, time to linger, time to relax…time to enjoy!! We will definitely blog about any and all experiences, we are so excited!

Over the next 9 days, we will not only be getting ready for our “Best of Europe” COSMOS tour, but we will also continue to sight-see here and around Pápa. The weather has been on-and-off rain, but today offers us the sun and clear skies!