On the road again with the James gang 2
Our journey takes us to Paris France
After a seven hour 755 kilometer bus ride from Nuremberg Germany Through the beautiful countryside we arrive in Paris and let’s just say I’m glad we took a charter bus tour! The traffic is terrible especially in the traffic circles. If you want to see for yourself before deciding to drive in Paris I suggest you watch National Lampoons European vacation…”look kids,big ben”.
Once there you were given the option of going to the Louvre museum which is the largest national museum in France or you can go for breakfast. Since you where only given a short time in the museum (approx. 1 hr and a half) and since it was so big you would have to practically run through the museum my wife and I elected for breakfast.
From there our tour took us to the Notre Dame de Paris. This gothic cathedral is a must see, it is very beautiful inside. It is one of the three famous tourist attractions in France.
The next stop was at the second famous tourist attraction which was the Eiffel Tower which is located on the river Seine. On the way there we went passed the Arc de Triomphe which is the third famous attraction of France and it honors those who fought for France. When we got there we only adventured to the first area where you could lookout. From what I’ve been told when you go to the top area you can feel the tower sway back and forth in the wind. So we passed on the top level. After checking out the view we went for a boat ride on the river Seine. For the rest of the day we were given the rest of our time to adventure around on our own. This trip was well worth it, my next adventure will be to Amsterdam.
CREDITS: WRITER RUSSELL JAMES EDITOR: PATRICIA JAMES
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
On the road again with the James gang 2
Our journey is to Paris France
After a seven hour 755 kilometer bus ride from Nuremberg Germany we arrive in Paris and let’s just say I’m glad we took a charter bus tour! The traffic is terrible especially in the traffic circles. If you want to see for yourself before deciding to drive in Paris I suggest you watch National Lampoons European vacation…”look kids,big ben”.
Once there you were given the option of going to the Louvre museum which is the largest national museum in France or you can go for breakfast. Since you where only given a short time in the museum (approx. 1 hr and a half) and since it was so big you would have to practically run through the museum my wife and I elected for breakfast.
From there our tour took us to the Notre Dame de Paris. This gothic cathedral is a must see, it is very beautiful inside. It is one of the three famous tourist attractions in France.
The next stop was at the second famous tourist attraction which was the Eiffel Tower which is located on the river Seine. On the way there we went passed the Arc de Triomphe which is the third famous attraction of France and it honors those who fought for France. When we got there we only adventured to the first area where you could lookout. From what I’ve been told when you go to the top area you can feel the tower sway back and forth in the wind. So we passed on the top level. After checking out the view we went for a boat ride on the river Seine. For the rest of the day we were given the rest of our time to adventure around on our own. This trip was well worth it, my next adventure will be to Amsterdam.
After a seven hour 755 kilometer bus ride from Nuremberg Germany we arrive in Paris and let’s just say I’m glad we took a charter bus tour! The traffic is terrible especially in the traffic circles. If you want to see for yourself before deciding to drive in Paris I suggest you watch National Lampoons European vacation…”look kids,big ben”.
Once there you were given the option of going to the Louvre museum which is the largest national museum in France or you can go for breakfast. Since you where only given a short time in the museum (approx. 1 hr and a half) and since it was so big you would have to practically run through the museum my wife and I elected for breakfast.
From there our tour took us to the Notre Dame de Paris. This gothic cathedral is a must see, it is very beautiful inside. It is one of the three famous tourist attractions in France.
The next stop was at the second famous tourist attraction which was the Eiffel Tower which is located on the river Seine. On the way there we went passed the Arc de Triomphe which is the third famous attraction of France and it honors those who fought for France. When we got there we only adventured to the first area where you could lookout. From what I’ve been told when you go to the top area you can feel the tower sway back and forth in the wind. So we passed on the top level. After checking out the view we went for a boat ride on the river Seine. For the rest of the day we were given the rest of our time to adventure around on our own. This trip was well worth it, my next adventure will be to Amsterdam.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My next journey is to the small town of Berchtesgaden
My next journey takes us to the small town Berchtesgaden
When departing Nuremberg you want to head south on the autobahn. The driving time is 3 hours. This one of three places I stayed in a hotel while in Germany. The hotel I stayed was the General Walker formally known as the Platterhof which suffered damage during WWII. In 1952 it was rebuilt by the Americans and was used by the U.S. Armed forces recreation center till 2000 at that time it was demolished and replaced by a bus station. The hotel rooms had 2 door system in which you open first door to room and immediately there was second door. I’d guess it was to keep others from hearing the conversation from being heard by others.
While at Berchtesgaden I was able find some fun things to do. The first day I went on a tour of a salt mine. The mine had been in operation over 450 years. Once there we were required to dress like the salt mine workers. In order to enter you had to take a short ride into the mine on mining wagons. At another part of the mine you had to slide down a wooden toboggan to get to a lower level of the mine which takes you to what they call the salt grotto after a short walk and interesting film about the salt deposit and the production of salt. You pass by machinery and tools used for mining you also pass a hand operated capstan and then you get to slide down another long toboggan which leads you to an illuminated salt lake in order across you it had to take a wooden raft. After exiting the raft you walk through a shimmering grotto to the brine pump which was constructed in 1817 by Georg von Reichenbach. From there you take an elevator up to a gallery decorated with old plaques. Then it’s back onto the mining wagon to the end of the tour When the tour ended you receive a small sample of the salt. From there I went to the tour the Kehlsteinhaus.
The Kehlsteinhaus as it’s known to the German. To the Americans it’s known as the Eagles nest. (the nickname came from a French diplomat). The Eagles nest is ahome that was built for Hitler’s 50th birthday.Which sits 6,017ft on top of a mountain. Hitler used the home as a place to get away from the war (but for some damn reason we could never hit it with bombs). In order to visit the Eagles nest you had to take a 4 mile bus trip up a narrow road. Once you get to a certain elevation you exit the bus to take an elevator to the rest of the way to the top of the mountain the elevator interior was made of Gold so it would give the illusion that it was larger than it actually was because Hitler was claustrophobics. Once on top you could see the beautiful countryside for miles. The Eagles nest also has an elevator that goes from the top of the mountain down to bottom for quick escapes from the bombings. If I remember correctly this is how you return to the bottom.
The second day
I went on early tour of a Schnapps factory during the tour they tell and the equipment used in brewing Schnapps..This was an interesting tour especially at the end where you were give free samples of different types of schnapps. So lets’ just say by lunch I was feeling pretty good. If you like the taste of Schnapps then I highly recommend this tour. Hiccup excuse me! For the rest of my time I just stayed in town checking the local businesses.
When departing Nuremberg you want to head south on the autobahn. The driving time is 3 hours. This one of three places I stayed in a hotel while in Germany. The hotel I stayed was the General Walker formally known as the Platterhof which suffered damage during WWII. In 1952 it was rebuilt by the Americans and was used by the U.S. Armed forces recreation center till 2000 at that time it was demolished and replaced by a bus station. The hotel rooms had 2 door system in which you open first door to room and immediately there was second door. I’d guess it was to keep others from hearing the conversation from being heard by others.
While at Berchtesgaden I was able find some fun things to do. The first day I went on a tour of a salt mine. The mine had been in operation over 450 years. Once there we were required to dress like the salt mine workers. In order to enter you had to take a short ride into the mine on mining wagons. At another part of the mine you had to slide down a wooden toboggan to get to a lower level of the mine which takes you to what they call the salt grotto after a short walk and interesting film about the salt deposit and the production of salt. You pass by machinery and tools used for mining you also pass a hand operated capstan and then you get to slide down another long toboggan which leads you to an illuminated salt lake in order across you it had to take a wooden raft. After exiting the raft you walk through a shimmering grotto to the brine pump which was constructed in 1817 by Georg von Reichenbach. From there you take an elevator up to a gallery decorated with old plaques. Then it’s back onto the mining wagon to the end of the tour When the tour ended you receive a small sample of the salt. From there I went to the tour the Kehlsteinhaus.
The Kehlsteinhaus as it’s known to the German. To the Americans it’s known as the Eagles nest. (the nickname came from a French diplomat). The Eagles nest is ahome that was built for Hitler’s 50th birthday.Which sits 6,017ft on top of a mountain. Hitler used the home as a place to get away from the war (but for some damn reason we could never hit it with bombs). In order to visit the Eagles nest you had to take a 4 mile bus trip up a narrow road. Once you get to a certain elevation you exit the bus to take an elevator to the rest of the way to the top of the mountain the elevator interior was made of Gold so it would give the illusion that it was larger than it actually was because Hitler was claustrophobics. Once on top you could see the beautiful countryside for miles. The Eagles nest also has an elevator that goes from the top of the mountain down to bottom for quick escapes from the bombings. If I remember correctly this is how you return to the bottom.
The second day
I went on early tour of a Schnapps factory during the tour they tell and the equipment used in brewing Schnapps..This was an interesting tour especially at the end where you were give free samples of different types of schnapps. So lets’ just say by lunch I was feeling pretty good. If you like the taste of Schnapps then I highly recommend this tour. Hiccup excuse me! For the rest of my time I just stayed in town checking the local businesses.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Now the journey continues south to Oktoberfest in Munich Germany. Which translate to massive beer Carney rides and German food. (Not literally) After about an hour on the Autobahn doing approximately 120 mph checking out the beautiful country side you arrive in Munich home of more old skool buildings, Oktoberfest, and sport complexes were the 1972 Olympics were held and is also were the Olympians that were taken hostage (yes more bad history) Once I arrive I found it to be a disappointment the reason being is (1) I don’t drink warm German beer. (2) Most major city has the own fest sometime during the warmer months. So to me it was little bigger version than the one that came to Nuremberg every year. Of course I went ever time it rolled into town. Now If you just want to brag to your friends and say I’ve been to the actual Oktoberfest then have add it. But don’t expect to find traditional German playing German music either . Every time I’d come across one it was playing our Rock -n roll. I for one Highly suggest saving your money and go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg there you’ll find everything You at There including better rides and you will actually here a German band actually playing traditional German music and Best of all you don’t need a passport if you live in the U.S.A. and you don’t need to wait till October to go>
But If you’re Germany then do go and have fun!
But If you’re Germany then do go and have fun!
My first stop is Nuremberg Germany
Welcome to my travel blog first off some of my travels happened a few years back. But I figure I would share them with you any ways. My travels will go from a few locations that I went to while living in Germany via the army and here in the great U.S.A.. Most of the trips taken while in Europe were day trips so their will be no advise on hotels also some of my trips were to take in the scenery, old architecture and to get out of the big city the blog is also to give you an Idea what to expect. When It comes to restaurants. I stuck to mostly what I knew (Mc D‘s, BK and Pizza Hut). I did however learn to like some German food.
Speaking of German food. My first location will be Nuremberg Germany
Which is a 6 hr flight from Philly to Frankfurt and about another hour flight on prop plane into Nurenberg And it happens to be where I lived for 3 years thanks to Uncle Sam. Great place to visit but it wasn’t a place for me to live. Due to the fact that all business close by six pm except for restaurants, bars and movie theaters. And on the weekends the department stores would close by 1pm except for 1 Saturday each month. ( I’m from the big city) Now if you happen to take a taxi to your hotel expect to ride in a Mercedes. I also advise you to exchange some your currency prior to going and I strongly suggest not to use your American credit card over there because the fees your credit card will end up charging for converting your money to Euros is high. The transportation system is the tops you can set your watch to the bus and U- Bahn schedule because the time that is posted on the schedule is the time it will show up. When on the public trans the Germans will not always ask to see your ticket for riding the transportation system but don’t get caught without paying because the fine is high. ALso don’t be surprised to smell someone with bad body Oder not all Europeans shower like we do. With there transportation you can catch the bus within walking distance from your home. Take it to the U-bahn station. (subway) , Then take that to the train station. once at the train station you can go just about anywhere in Germany.
Driving in Germany the cost of gas is very high compare to The U.S. and Yes, there is a speed limit on the autobahn within the city limits, and if are driving at night and your speeding don’t be surprised to see a flash of light this is because you just been caught speeding.
Dinning out in Germany you can expect to be sharing a table with another party and to see brochen (German rolls) on your table which unlike the Outback Steak house it’s not part of your meal. Unless intend to pay for everyone you eat and when it’s time to settle your bill you must inform them how many your party ate. The beer is cheaper than soft drinks also don’t be shock to see a few dogs sitting next to your table because they truly treat their dogs as family and are permitted in the restaurant. Also don’t be surprised to see a 16 y/o drinking beer. It’s not customary to tip your server. Now the German beer is stronger and they drink it warm. Something found to be good was drink called a raddler which is half beer and have sprite. Another fact is nearly ever city makes it’s own beer. The one German restaurant I do recommend is the Bratwurst hause which up the street from the Frauenkirche spire. Their specialty of course is the Nuremberg bratwurst which are the size of breakfast sausage (link). And the choice of either German potato salad or warm sauerkraut in wine.
If you can try to visit Nuremberg during the Christmas holidays because every year in the middle of downtown they have the Chriskindmarket which is full of vendor booths that have items to buy from handmade toys, crafts, nutcrackers, to Beersteins . For those who like wine you can purchase a cup of wine that’s been heated and also you will find a vendor or two selling oven roasted chestnuts. Also while downtown you should check out the Frauenkirche spire (se photo in my photo sec neuremberg) . I don’t remember what it was for but it was very cool to look at and it’s been their since at least the days of Hitler. Another place to visit would be the Nurenberg castle. I don’t remember if you can go inside that’s because I never wanted to. While there I do recommend that when you go downtown that you go very hungry because just about around every corner there is a bratwurst stand or a pretzel stand and the Ice cream is to die for, You can get a small scoop on a cone for some small change. The only other things I did locally while there was visit sites that were associated with wwII (if happen to come across there military museum don’t expect to see much on wwII) and went to the Nuremberg zoo. to Check out some photo's of Neuremberg go to my photo's. My next location will be Oktoberfest Munich
Speaking of German food. My first location will be Nuremberg Germany
Which is a 6 hr flight from Philly to Frankfurt and about another hour flight on prop plane into Nurenberg And it happens to be where I lived for 3 years thanks to Uncle Sam. Great place to visit but it wasn’t a place for me to live. Due to the fact that all business close by six pm except for restaurants, bars and movie theaters. And on the weekends the department stores would close by 1pm except for 1 Saturday each month. ( I’m from the big city) Now if you happen to take a taxi to your hotel expect to ride in a Mercedes. I also advise you to exchange some your currency prior to going and I strongly suggest not to use your American credit card over there because the fees your credit card will end up charging for converting your money to Euros is high. The transportation system is the tops you can set your watch to the bus and U- Bahn schedule because the time that is posted on the schedule is the time it will show up. When on the public trans the Germans will not always ask to see your ticket for riding the transportation system but don’t get caught without paying because the fine is high. ALso don’t be surprised to smell someone with bad body Oder not all Europeans shower like we do. With there transportation you can catch the bus within walking distance from your home. Take it to the U-bahn station. (subway) , Then take that to the train station. once at the train station you can go just about anywhere in Germany.
Driving in Germany the cost of gas is very high compare to The U.S. and Yes, there is a speed limit on the autobahn within the city limits, and if are driving at night and your speeding don’t be surprised to see a flash of light this is because you just been caught speeding.
Dinning out in Germany you can expect to be sharing a table with another party and to see brochen (German rolls) on your table which unlike the Outback Steak house it’s not part of your meal. Unless intend to pay for everyone you eat and when it’s time to settle your bill you must inform them how many your party ate. The beer is cheaper than soft drinks also don’t be shock to see a few dogs sitting next to your table because they truly treat their dogs as family and are permitted in the restaurant. Also don’t be surprised to see a 16 y/o drinking beer. It’s not customary to tip your server. Now the German beer is stronger and they drink it warm. Something found to be good was drink called a raddler which is half beer and have sprite. Another fact is nearly ever city makes it’s own beer. The one German restaurant I do recommend is the Bratwurst hause which up the street from the Frauenkirche spire. Their specialty of course is the Nuremberg bratwurst which are the size of breakfast sausage (link). And the choice of either German potato salad or warm sauerkraut in wine.
If you can try to visit Nuremberg during the Christmas holidays because every year in the middle of downtown they have the Chriskindmarket which is full of vendor booths that have items to buy from handmade toys, crafts, nutcrackers, to Beersteins . For those who like wine you can purchase a cup of wine that’s been heated and also you will find a vendor or two selling oven roasted chestnuts. Also while downtown you should check out the Frauenkirche spire (se photo in my photo sec neuremberg) . I don’t remember what it was for but it was very cool to look at and it’s been their since at least the days of Hitler. Another place to visit would be the Nurenberg castle. I don’t remember if you can go inside that’s because I never wanted to. While there I do recommend that when you go downtown that you go very hungry because just about around every corner there is a bratwurst stand or a pretzel stand and the Ice cream is to die for, You can get a small scoop on a cone for some small change. The only other things I did locally while there was visit sites that were associated with wwII (if happen to come across there military museum don’t expect to see much on wwII) and went to the Nuremberg zoo. to Check out some photo's of Neuremberg go to my photo's. My next location will be Oktoberfest Munich
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