After our second morning of waking up in Lake Lucerne and having breakfast, we hit the road. We were on our way to Italy! Before leaving Switzerland, our tour stopped in Lake Lugano. Lake Lugano is a beautiful small town situated around a lake, just like Lake Lucerne. Lake Lugano however, is right on the border of Switzerland and Italy, so the temperature was much warmer.
We had about an hour to explore the quiet town, with its shops and cafes. Besides the change in temperature, we also noticed a change in the people. The people of Lake Lugano, unlike those in Lake Lucerne, appeared to be a bit friendlier and more welcoming.
Once we crossed the border into Italy, differences between Italy and other countries we had visited became very apparent. The landscape changed from large mountains, to rolling hills with smaller homes. The condition of the highways in Italy, is the worst we have seen in Europe. In addition, there are multiple toll roads along the highway that each car must stop at.
Our next stop was in Verona, Italy. Verona was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Verona is absolutely magical, with its time-worn architecture, consisting of decaying homes with lush flowers pouring from the window sills. A large square in the center of town is adorned with statues and numerous restaurants.
We made our way through the square and strolled through the very thin streets of the ever endearing Verona. The balcony, which is believed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play, is downtown directly off one of the many quaint streets. Visitors are able to peer up at the now mythical balcony, where one day maybe a young girl stood awaiting true love. For a price, you can actually go upstairs and stand on the balcony, we did not. In front of “Juliet’s house” there stands a statue of Juliet. It is legend that if you rub her right breast, a new lover will come into your life.
We found another square in Verona where a large open-air market was being held. Many souvenirs were offered, and I spotted a small statue of Romeo and Juliet that I fell in love with. I had read before traveling to Europe, to always haggle with street vendors…I tried, it didn’t work! LOL! So, I paid the full price, but I love what I bought!
After the magical stop in Verona, our COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour took us to Venice, Italy!! Our hotel, Poppi, was nestled outside of town, on the mainland. The Poppi is a very nice hotel and offers free Wi-Fi. I point this out because most of our hotels did not offer free Wi-Fi which I find ridiculous for any hotel that is considered four star.
Our first night in Venice included a paid excursion, “Venetian night out with dinner.” Attila accompanied our group first, on a bus ride to the water side. Then, we boarded a boat to take us to Venice. The ride is the boat was gorgeous! The sun was setting into the water as we drifted to Venice, passing old churches and aging homes.
Once we reached Venice, Attila lead us the restaurant which was off of the main square on a tiny street. The Italian restaurant was lovely with the dining tables dressed in white linen and set with elegant dishes. Rachel, Dusty, and I were not able to sit with Grandpa and Mom because there was not enough room, so the three of us were sat at our own table. The 4 course dinner began with a caprese salad, followed by spaghetti, next beef in a cranberry red wine reduction, and finally my favorite, tiramisu. The salad was refreshing, though not the best that I have ever had. The spaghetti on the other hand was incredible! The marinara was light and very flavorful, it was delicious. I did not like the beef, it was overcooked and I thought the sauce was a bit sour. But finally, the tiramisu was the most incredible tiramisu I have ever had!! it was definitely homemade, and each flavor was balanced perfectly! The lady-fingers were moist from the espresso, the mascarpone cheese was sweet and creamy, and the chocolate powder on top was the perfect compliment. We were served espresso after the desert, a perfect ending to a fun meal. Wine was also included with the dinner, as was water, both unlimited.
That evening, after dinner, many of us headed back to the main square, where there was music. We enjoyed listening to, and dancing in Dusty’s and my case, two separate 4-piece bands. Both bands, consisting of a violinist, took turns playing from 2 separate locations, as to not compete with one another. It was an enchanting evening.
2010. szeptember 13., hétfő
2010. szeptember 6., hétfő
COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour Day 7-Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Our first morning in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, we enjoyed the small buffet breakfast that was included by COSMOS. The assortment of breakfast foods was considerably smaller than the other hotels. We all enjoyed coffee and croissants. Everyone in the family, excluding myself, also ate meats and cheeses that were offered. After breakfast, we partook in the included morning excursion, a guided walk around the town, and a short bus ride to a small shopping area.
We realized later, after walking around the town, that the spot Attila took us to, was actually the best spot to shop. The prices were lower, and the shops were offering COSMOS tour members a discount. Dusty and I purchased stickers, like we do in every town. When we head back to the states we are going to put all of our stickers, from around Europe, onto out guitar cases. Grandpa bought a pair of sunglasses in the same shop we purchased our stickers.
After returning to the bus, the 5 of us took to the streets ourselves. We browsed and laughed at the astronomically high prices. Grandpa and Mom went back to the hotel to rest, and Dusty, Rachel and I continued to shop and stopped for lunch at a busy spot. The café was located in the same large building as a grocery market, and offered prices half that of anywhere else. We enjoyed 2 sandwiches in the café before heading back to the streets of Lake Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne is very French influenced, from its food to the cold-shoulder of most of the locals. Make sure to bring a large wallet if you plan to do any shopping!!
Once back in the hotel, we all retired for a nap. Then, we were up and getting ready for our first paid excursion. As a family, we chose to participate in the Swiss Folklore and Dinner evening. Before meeting with the entire group to walk to the excursion, we headed into the Hotel bar for drinks. Dusty and I enjoyed our usual espresso….however when the bill came, our enjoyment stopped. It was 10 Swiss Franks, about $10 for 2 espressos!!! OUTRAGEOUS!!! Rachel had ordered a Jack and coke which cost her $30!!!!!!!! Thankfully, we chose to move on quickly. We met with the rest of our group and walked the 15 minutes to our dinner destination.
Dinner was well worth every penny! Attila (previous spellings of this name were incorrect) escorted us to the Swiss Folklore Restaurant, directly across from the beautiful Lake Lucerne. We were seated at a long table, with another tour group from COSMOS. After we arrived, our drink orders were taken promptly. The Included drinks for the evening were one glass of wine or one large mug of beer.
The musicians were dressed in traditional Swiss garb and were playing traditional Swiss music. The first course was served, cheese fondue (with Swiss cheese of course). Dusty and I learned, half way through the course, that it is not polite to eat the piece of freshly dipped bread directly from the skewer in which you dipped it with. We learned that from the skewer, you should place that piece of cheesy-bread on your plate and eat it with your fork! There is something new to learn every day! LOL
The second course consisted of a very small salad with a delicious dressing! This small salad reminded me and my family of our favorite restaurant, Dominicos in Belmont Shores, Ca. Finally, our third course was served, veal in a mushroom cream sauce with grated potatoes. The entrée was quite tasty, but I just could not finish it all.
Finally, my favorite course…desert!! For desert, the Swiss Folklore Restaurant served a “slice” of strawberry ice cream, shaped and colored like the Swiss flag. This slice of ice cream had a thin layer of what the menu said was apple sauce and meringue, the meringue I identified as definitely being there but I am not too sure about the apple sauce.
After dinner, the traditional music continued, and patrons of the restaurants were asked to go up to the stage to participate. Rachel, of course, volunteered twice, once, to blow a traditional Swiss horn and a second time to yodel. Later, one of the women from the performance came into the crowd and gathered everyone into a “train”. Everyone held on to the person’s shoulders in front of them and danced along. We must have circled the entire restaurant over 5 times! When the train stopped, Grandpa found himself directly in front of the stage, with many others, dancing! Shortly after, Dusty and I danced together, as did Rachel and Mom, with their own partners.
All in all, it was a fantastic evening that I must recommend to anyone and everyone that goes to Lake Lucerne. The Swiss Folklore Restaurant offered an evening full of Swiss tradition, including the music food and atmosphere!
After dinner, Rachel, Dusty and I all took an evening walk around the very quiet streets of Lake Lucerne. After returning to the Luzernerhof Hotel, Rachel, Mom and Grandpa stayed up for a few hours with our fellow tour members, having a couple of drinks and chatting. Dusty and I headed to bed to get ready for another day of our COSMOS Best of Europe Tour.
We realized later, after walking around the town, that the spot Attila took us to, was actually the best spot to shop. The prices were lower, and the shops were offering COSMOS tour members a discount. Dusty and I purchased stickers, like we do in every town. When we head back to the states we are going to put all of our stickers, from around Europe, onto out guitar cases. Grandpa bought a pair of sunglasses in the same shop we purchased our stickers.
After returning to the bus, the 5 of us took to the streets ourselves. We browsed and laughed at the astronomically high prices. Grandpa and Mom went back to the hotel to rest, and Dusty, Rachel and I continued to shop and stopped for lunch at a busy spot. The café was located in the same large building as a grocery market, and offered prices half that of anywhere else. We enjoyed 2 sandwiches in the café before heading back to the streets of Lake Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne is very French influenced, from its food to the cold-shoulder of most of the locals. Make sure to bring a large wallet if you plan to do any shopping!!
Once back in the hotel, we all retired for a nap. Then, we were up and getting ready for our first paid excursion. As a family, we chose to participate in the Swiss Folklore and Dinner evening. Before meeting with the entire group to walk to the excursion, we headed into the Hotel bar for drinks. Dusty and I enjoyed our usual espresso….however when the bill came, our enjoyment stopped. It was 10 Swiss Franks, about $10 for 2 espressos!!! OUTRAGEOUS!!! Rachel had ordered a Jack and coke which cost her $30!!!!!!!! Thankfully, we chose to move on quickly. We met with the rest of our group and walked the 15 minutes to our dinner destination.
Dinner was well worth every penny! Attila (previous spellings of this name were incorrect) escorted us to the Swiss Folklore Restaurant, directly across from the beautiful Lake Lucerne. We were seated at a long table, with another tour group from COSMOS. After we arrived, our drink orders were taken promptly. The Included drinks for the evening were one glass of wine or one large mug of beer.
The musicians were dressed in traditional Swiss garb and were playing traditional Swiss music. The first course was served, cheese fondue (with Swiss cheese of course). Dusty and I learned, half way through the course, that it is not polite to eat the piece of freshly dipped bread directly from the skewer in which you dipped it with. We learned that from the skewer, you should place that piece of cheesy-bread on your plate and eat it with your fork! There is something new to learn every day! LOL
The second course consisted of a very small salad with a delicious dressing! This small salad reminded me and my family of our favorite restaurant, Dominicos in Belmont Shores, Ca. Finally, our third course was served, veal in a mushroom cream sauce with grated potatoes. The entrée was quite tasty, but I just could not finish it all.
Finally, my favorite course…desert!! For desert, the Swiss Folklore Restaurant served a “slice” of strawberry ice cream, shaped and colored like the Swiss flag. This slice of ice cream had a thin layer of what the menu said was apple sauce and meringue, the meringue I identified as definitely being there but I am not too sure about the apple sauce.
After dinner, the traditional music continued, and patrons of the restaurants were asked to go up to the stage to participate. Rachel, of course, volunteered twice, once, to blow a traditional Swiss horn and a second time to yodel. Later, one of the women from the performance came into the crowd and gathered everyone into a “train”. Everyone held on to the person’s shoulders in front of them and danced along. We must have circled the entire restaurant over 5 times! When the train stopped, Grandpa found himself directly in front of the stage, with many others, dancing! Shortly after, Dusty and I danced together, as did Rachel and Mom, with their own partners.
All in all, it was a fantastic evening that I must recommend to anyone and everyone that goes to Lake Lucerne. The Swiss Folklore Restaurant offered an evening full of Swiss tradition, including the music food and atmosphere!
After dinner, Rachel, Dusty and I all took an evening walk around the very quiet streets of Lake Lucerne. After returning to the Luzernerhof Hotel, Rachel, Mom and Grandpa stayed up for a few hours with our fellow tour members, having a couple of drinks and chatting. Dusty and I headed to bed to get ready for another day of our COSMOS Best of Europe Tour.
(Out of order, sorry!) COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour Day 4-Amsterdam
We woke up in Amsterdam at the NH Schiphol Hotel. The breakfast that was made available to the COSMOS tour group was absolutely wonderful! Both hot and cold foods were available with juices and special coffee drinks. This morning, we had a wake-up call at 7:00am, and had to have our bags outside of our door at 7:45, check out of our room, and head to breakfast.
According to the paper that Attila handed out from COSMOS, each family is to check out of their own room and pay for any extra charges incurred (pay-TV, mini bar, etc), we had no extra charges. Like I mentioned, breakfast was very satisfying, though not enough time was given between breakfast, which began at 7:45, and getting on the bus at 8:25.
Everyone was on the bus by 8:25, and we were off to begin our tour of Amsterdam. The bus dropped us off for a canal cruise. Multiple canals run through Amsterdam, and COSMOS sent us on a tour right through them! I had no idea there was so much water running through Amsterdam, it was magnificent! The canals twist and turn through the city, and house boats are scattered along the sides.
The tour guide, on the canal cruise, was a local tour guide who knew the area well. She pointed every spot of interest, including the oldest home in Amsterdam, the smallest house in Amsterdam, historic churches, the home of Ann Frank during the Nazi occupation, and a number of other buildings of interest. The canal cruise took us directly to the Gassan Diamond Factory, where we were given a special tour of the factory, and a presentation of diamonds. We were presented with the opportunity to purchase jewelry at a discounted price. After the tour, free coffee was offered before we loaded back on our coach to continue our Amsterdam tour.
After being dropped off downtown Amsterdam, and told we had two hours to explore the city, we took off down the main street. Amsterdam is a very liberal town and the streets are lined with tourist shops, restaurants and cafes. Soft drugs are tolerated in Amsterdam, with that said, the smell of marijuana fills the streets. There are 2 types of coffee shops in the city. When a coffee shop is a “Koffee Shop”, spelled with a “k”, they serve just coffee. “Coffee Shop” spelled with a “c” indicates that shop sells cannabis as well. In addition, the tourist shops are all filled with marijuana paraphernalia. Over the main downtown bridge, the “Red Light District” can be found. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam…if you choose to visit this area do not take pictures!! It is said that if you attempt to take a picture, you and your camera may end up in the river!
As per my Dad’s advice, we all stopped for Shoarmas for lunch. These delicious treats are similar to gyros, though come from Israel, and are wrapped in a flat bread. The Shoarmas were delicious and we highly recommend the Kabab House.
Amsterdam, with its many tourist shops, offers a variety of great souvenirs. Many souvenir shops, across Europe, carry many similar items. There are souvenirs in the Amsterdam area however (and the entirety of the Netherlands I am sure), that offer items unique to the country. These souvenirs include the classic wooden shoes and beautiful glass work done in all blue and white. In buying either of these items, you have bought a truly unique piece of the Netherlands.
Overall, Amsterdam is a city with a vibrant history and beautiful canals which run under equally beautiful bridges. Once downtown however, Amsterdam becomes a much different scene. For tourists who want to enjoy the history and innate beauty of this historic town, I recommend engaging in activities that stay outside of the downtown area. On the other hand, for tourists who want all of what Amsterdam has to offer, take time to enjoy the entire city.
To be continued….
According to the paper that Attila handed out from COSMOS, each family is to check out of their own room and pay for any extra charges incurred (pay-TV, mini bar, etc), we had no extra charges. Like I mentioned, breakfast was very satisfying, though not enough time was given between breakfast, which began at 7:45, and getting on the bus at 8:25.
Everyone was on the bus by 8:25, and we were off to begin our tour of Amsterdam. The bus dropped us off for a canal cruise. Multiple canals run through Amsterdam, and COSMOS sent us on a tour right through them! I had no idea there was so much water running through Amsterdam, it was magnificent! The canals twist and turn through the city, and house boats are scattered along the sides.
The tour guide, on the canal cruise, was a local tour guide who knew the area well. She pointed every spot of interest, including the oldest home in Amsterdam, the smallest house in Amsterdam, historic churches, the home of Ann Frank during the Nazi occupation, and a number of other buildings of interest. The canal cruise took us directly to the Gassan Diamond Factory, where we were given a special tour of the factory, and a presentation of diamonds. We were presented with the opportunity to purchase jewelry at a discounted price. After the tour, free coffee was offered before we loaded back on our coach to continue our Amsterdam tour.
After being dropped off downtown Amsterdam, and told we had two hours to explore the city, we took off down the main street. Amsterdam is a very liberal town and the streets are lined with tourist shops, restaurants and cafes. Soft drugs are tolerated in Amsterdam, with that said, the smell of marijuana fills the streets. There are 2 types of coffee shops in the city. When a coffee shop is a “Koffee Shop”, spelled with a “k”, they serve just coffee. “Coffee Shop” spelled with a “c” indicates that shop sells cannabis as well. In addition, the tourist shops are all filled with marijuana paraphernalia. Over the main downtown bridge, the “Red Light District” can be found. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam…if you choose to visit this area do not take pictures!! It is said that if you attempt to take a picture, you and your camera may end up in the river!
As per my Dad’s advice, we all stopped for Shoarmas for lunch. These delicious treats are similar to gyros, though come from Israel, and are wrapped in a flat bread. The Shoarmas were delicious and we highly recommend the Kabab House.
Amsterdam, with its many tourist shops, offers a variety of great souvenirs. Many souvenir shops, across Europe, carry many similar items. There are souvenirs in the Amsterdam area however (and the entirety of the Netherlands I am sure), that offer items unique to the country. These souvenirs include the classic wooden shoes and beautiful glass work done in all blue and white. In buying either of these items, you have bought a truly unique piece of the Netherlands.
Overall, Amsterdam is a city with a vibrant history and beautiful canals which run under equally beautiful bridges. Once downtown however, Amsterdam becomes a much different scene. For tourists who want to enjoy the history and innate beauty of this historic town, I recommend engaging in activities that stay outside of the downtown area. On the other hand, for tourists who want all of what Amsterdam has to offer, take time to enjoy the entire city.
To be continued….
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