September 16, 2015
Our journey begins with a giant pile of luggage, enough for 2 1/2 weeks. I do admire those who can traverse Europe with little more than a backpack, but we're much higher maintenance than that :o)
Our journey begins with a giant pile of luggage, enough for 2 1/2 weeks. I do admire those who can traverse Europe with little more than a backpack, but we're much higher maintenance than that :o)
Our original plan was for Lizzy to go to school as usual on Wednesdays, and we would pick her up in the limousine at 2:00 on our way to the airport. However, the excitement/apprehension/different feeling of the day was too much for her, and the director called us around noon to see if we wanted to come and get her, as she was feeling pretty overwhelmed that day. Of course we did.
Lizzy was very cooperative, knowing that Mama and Daddy had a lot of things we were trying to finish before the car arrived to pick us up. She happily watched cartoons and ate her lunch while we went through our final pre-departure checklist.
We hadn't told her that we were having a limousine take her to the airport, only that there would be a special surprise. She was pretty excited, and chose to sit at the far end behind the driver, next to me. She thought the whole thing was very cool! (Yes, I had already changed her into her pajamas - much easier than trying to change clothes before the long flight!)
Lizzy was very cooperative, knowing that Mama and Daddy had a lot of things we were trying to finish before the car arrived to pick us up. She happily watched cartoons and ate her lunch while we went through our final pre-departure checklist.
We hadn't told her that we were having a limousine take her to the airport, only that there would be a special surprise. She was pretty excited, and chose to sit at the far end behind the driver, next to me. She thought the whole thing was very cool! (Yes, I had already changed her into her pajamas - much easier than trying to change clothes before the long flight!)
She Skyped with Gay and Ed en route to the airport, and as we were heading down I-70 she became obsessed with a mission to get a photograph of the American flag on her camera, since she was worried she wouldn't see another one on our trip. Luckily, she was able to get a good photo at the airport.
As is our tradition, once through security she got a photograph with the race car on display outside of Sky Club.
As is our tradition, once through security she got a photograph with the race car on display outside of Sky Club.
We decided to have late lunch/early dinner at Harry and Izzy's. Funny enough, just that morning Lizzy had been asking what kiwi fruit tasted like. With her meal, she got a fruit cup that contained kiwi. She was so excited!
Nice and full, we headed to our gate to wait for our boarding. As usual, we were first on the plane (which is always sooooo nice!)
Nice and full, we headed to our gate to wait for our boarding. As usual, we were first on the plane (which is always sooooo nice!)
The hour flight to Atlanta was wholly uneventful as usual. Once in Atlanta, we took the Plane Train (always a good time!) from one end of the airport to the other. At the International Terminal, we had some fun at Duty Free (you'll notice she insisted on dragging her own suitcase, thank you very much!), then killed some time playing on escalators and elevators.
Before too long, it was time to board our first flight on Virgin Atlantic. We were first to board again, which is always such a treat (always plenty of space in the overhead bins!) Even better, they had moved us so that the 3 of us had 4 seats to share. SCORE!
The slipper socks proved to be just a little too big for Lizzy.
The flight itself was wonderful. She entertained herself for the first few hours with Frozen Fever and Home, then got in about 6 hours of sleep before we landed in London.
September 17, 2015
We landed at Heathrow right at 10:00 am. My original plan was to pick up the rental car, check into the hotel (they had promised us our room would be ready for early check-in, so Lizzy and I could sleep,) and then Lizzy and I would stay behind to rest while Tommy went to visit his family, then come to pick us up later. Tommy wisely convinced me that was completely unnecessary, that once we dropped our bags and changed we should all go to the house, and we could nap there. He was right - that plan worked out perfectly!
After getting our rental car (which inexcusably took 1 hour to pick up), we headed to our hotel to use as our base for the first 5 days of our trip. We had stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hemel Hempsted before, so we knew what to expect. As promised, they had our room ready, which was so appreciated. We got changed out of our dirty airplane clothes, freshened up, and a little after noon headed to visit the family.
We were so excited to see everyone, and they were pretty excited to see this little face.
We landed at Heathrow right at 10:00 am. My original plan was to pick up the rental car, check into the hotel (they had promised us our room would be ready for early check-in, so Lizzy and I could sleep,) and then Lizzy and I would stay behind to rest while Tommy went to visit his family, then come to pick us up later. Tommy wisely convinced me that was completely unnecessary, that once we dropped our bags and changed we should all go to the house, and we could nap there. He was right - that plan worked out perfectly!
After getting our rental car (which inexcusably took 1 hour to pick up), we headed to our hotel to use as our base for the first 5 days of our trip. We had stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hemel Hempsted before, so we knew what to expect. As promised, they had our room ready, which was so appreciated. We got changed out of our dirty airplane clothes, freshened up, and a little after noon headed to visit the family.
We were so excited to see everyone, and they were pretty excited to see this little face.
After having a delicious "welcome home" lunch prepared by GrandMa, Lizzy and I had a nap in Ai Van's room while Daddy stayed up and visited. Or maybe he napped on the couch. I'm not sure :o)
Once awake, Lizzy and I decided to take a little stroll around Chesham. Just outside the house, we encountered a friendly pigeon that we followed for awhile, occasionally tossing him bits of rice krispie treat I had in my jacket pocket from the rental car wait earlier that day.
Once awake, Lizzy and I decided to take a little stroll around Chesham. Just outside the house, we encountered a friendly pigeon that we followed for awhile, occasionally tossing him bits of rice krispie treat I had in my jacket pocket from the rental car wait earlier that day.
Lizzy decided the pigeon's name was Hot Chocolate.
Two days later, when we saw him again, I asked her why she'd named him that.
"We gave him Rice Krispie treats, so we put marshmallows in him."
Makes sense!
After our pigeon-following adventures, we went back to the restaurant for dinner. Look at her happy face to see her favorite foods in front of her!
Two days later, when we saw him again, I asked her why she'd named him that.
"We gave him Rice Krispie treats, so we put marshmallows in him."
Makes sense!
After our pigeon-following adventures, we went back to the restaurant for dinner. Look at her happy face to see her favorite foods in front of her!
September 18, 2015
Now that we were all fully adjusted to UK time, it was time for a fun day!
First up, though, was breakfast. Throughout our trip, Lizzy absolutely loved picking her own breakfast items from the buffets each morning. For the record, she ate like a horse the entire trip, so I think she's getting ready for a substantial growth spurt.
Now that we were all fully adjusted to UK time, it was time for a fun day!
First up, though, was breakfast. Throughout our trip, Lizzy absolutely loved picking her own breakfast items from the buffets each morning. For the record, she ate like a horse the entire trip, so I think she's getting ready for a substantial growth spurt.
After breakfast, we picked up GrandDad and GrandMa and started our day by heading to St. Albans Cathedral. It was incredible! Somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 years old, there is so much history here, and it's still a pilgrimage site. We spent probably an hour here, just exploring all the wings and different areas of the cathedral. Lizzy lit a candle and said a prayer "Please God take care of my friends." Such a sweet, pure heart.
She then proceeded to light 6 more candles. We made sure to make donations appropriately. :o)
She also got a pilgrimage pin for her shirt, and insisted on wearing it the rest of that day, as well as the following day.
She then proceeded to light 6 more candles. We made sure to make donations appropriately. :o)
She also got a pilgrimage pin for her shirt, and insisted on wearing it the rest of that day, as well as the following day.
We headed outside to get some external shots. I promise the silly face shot wasn't meant to be disrespectful to the sanctity of the place, rather it was taken on Lizzy's request.
After the cathedral, we walked through the town of St. Albans. We walked past the clock tower (Lizzy loved finding this little door...and I love the saying on it!), and went to get some lunch.
While at a pub for lunch, she was delighted to find they allowed dogs into the establishment, and then started a series of bizarre riddles that continued for the next several days.
"What walks, but never sleeps. What hears, but never has a beak?"
"The answer is...a picture!"
They never made any sense, which is what was so funny.
"What walks, but never sleeps. What hears, but never has a beak?"
"The answer is...a picture!"
They never made any sense, which is what was so funny.
As we finished up our time in St. Albans, the drizzle and overcast skies cleared to reveal a beautiful sunny afternoon. Our next stop was Butterfly World!
It was a wonderful little place. We spent a fair bit of time in the butterfly house, and Lizzy was pretty intent on taking photos with her camera.
It was a wonderful little place. We spent a fair bit of time in the butterfly house, and Lizzy was pretty intent on taking photos with her camera.
Next was the ant house, which had an amazing setup showing leaf cutter ants travelling from one zone of the building to the other along open-air ropes. (Sorry the photo is blurry - really hard to focus on something so tiny!)
We visited several more areas of the place, including the playground and this huge ant sculpture before they needed to head back to the restaurant to get ready for service. Lizzy, exhausted after so much fun, had a nap in the car heading back to Chesham.
After dinner, we plus Daddy's sisters walked over the pub across the street to watch the first match of Rugby World Cup. We had a great time, and Lizzy had ice cream and played iPad games.
September 19, 2015
This day was utterly perfect! Not only was the weather spectacular, it was packed with family, a castle, and lots and lots of fun.
After yet another yummy hotel breakfast (they somehow taste so much more delicious when included in the room rate), we headed to pick up assorted members of the family (Mum and littlest sister Jo) to head to Knebworth House.
This day was utterly perfect! Not only was the weather spectacular, it was packed with family, a castle, and lots and lots of fun.
After yet another yummy hotel breakfast (they somehow taste so much more delicious when included in the room rate), we headed to pick up assorted members of the family (Mum and littlest sister Jo) to head to Knebworth House.
We arrived right at opening and had no idea what a treat we were in for. After a light lunch, which included Lizzy getting to do a delightful "build your own lunch box" (which she loved to do, since she got to choose any 5 items from many wonderful choices), we headed onto the grounds.
Also please note she's still wearing her pilgrimage pin from St. Albans Cathedral the day before!
Also please note she's still wearing her pilgrimage pin from St. Albans Cathedral the day before!
We encountered perfectly manicured English gardens and a terrific hedge maze which, knowing Lizzy, had to be conquered a number of times.
Afterwards, we trekked through the dinosaur trail, meeting about 40 life-sized beasts. That was a LOT of fun! She was pretty excited to find the triceratops, since that's her favorite.
Forty-five dino-filled minutes later, the four of us walked around the great house. It was absolutely stunning, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
As we were admiring it, we saw Granddad and Anna, so we went to meet up with them. Of course, this meant another trip through the maze and an impromptu photo shoot with the great house as the backdrop.
Then it was on to the adventure park, with ziplines (super fun!), playgrounds, a truly spectacular fort, slides, bouncy house, and more fun.
We left after another hour or so of playing in the beautiful English weather, and she fell asleep in the car.
We returned to the family house for Lizzy to finish her nap. As you can see, she was VERY comfortable on the couch! We then went down to the restaurant for dinner.
We returned to the family house for Lizzy to finish her nap. As you can see, she was VERY comfortable on the couch! We then went down to the restaurant for dinner.
After, we and the girls took a walk to get some chips and other assorted goodies, and went back to the house for Lizzy to entertain us all with her Taylor Swift repertoire and dance moves.
As we said our goodbyes and were driving back to our hotel, she said "I love them all dearly."
We all do.
September 20, 2015
Another big day today - our Rugby World Cup match. After breakfast, we hopped a train and bus to the incredible Wembley Stadium.
As we said our goodbyes and were driving back to our hotel, she said "I love them all dearly."
We all do.
September 20, 2015
Another big day today - our Rugby World Cup match. After breakfast, we hopped a train and bus to the incredible Wembley Stadium.
For the second day in a row, we had spectacularly blue skies and warm temperatures. So, we took our lunch outside of the stadium and had a little pre-match picnic. Lizzy discovered the joys of Pret-A-Manger.
After some playground time, we went to the Fan Zone for face painting and pre-match fun.
Eventually, we took our seats to watch a top-notch rugby match. It was a great experience! Also a world record crowd for a rugby match - 89,019, with a striking likelihood Lizzy was the youngest fan there.
After the return journey home, Daddy went to retrieve some kebab and chips for dinner while Lizzy and I got cleaned up and ready for bed. The next day was going to be another big day!
September 21, 2015
Lizzy has been watching the Harry Potter films for the last few years (only the first few, the latter ones are a little intense yet), and had a wonderful time at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. In fact, we all did!
We took a lot - and I mean a LOT - of photos, so here are the favorites and the others are in the gallery below.
The highlights: Butterbeer, Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts model (simply incredible), watching Lizzy "fly" on her broom, and buying some every flavor beans (yuck!) and Lizzy getting Fang.
But first - check out how she decided to start our day:
September 21, 2015
Lizzy has been watching the Harry Potter films for the last few years (only the first few, the latter ones are a little intense yet), and had a wonderful time at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. In fact, we all did!
We took a lot - and I mean a LOT - of photos, so here are the favorites and the others are in the gallery below.
The highlights: Butterbeer, Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts model (simply incredible), watching Lizzy "fly" on her broom, and buying some every flavor beans (yuck!) and Lizzy getting Fang.
But first - check out how she decided to start our day:
After our wonderful time at the studios, we headed to get Lizzy an England Rugby Shirt (100% her idea, everyone, I promise!) then back to Chesham to visit the family and have dinner.
September 22, 2015
The fantastic days continued with yet another incredible day. Could this be, dare I say, the best trip ever?
We checked out of our first hotel, thus ending phase 1 of the 3 phases of our trip (that we spent nearer to the family.) We loaded the car to head into London to drop our bags off at hotel #2 (right across from Kensington Gardens), return the rental car, and meet up with the family to start our London adventures.
Stop 1 was the British Museum speed round. Lizzy wanted to see the mummies, so we did that and then hit the main gallery highlights, including of course the Rosetta Stone (when I was last there 19 years ago, it wasn't behind glass), and the Parthenon Galleries (guess it's now bad taste to call them the Elgin Marbles.)
September 22, 2015
The fantastic days continued with yet another incredible day. Could this be, dare I say, the best trip ever?
We checked out of our first hotel, thus ending phase 1 of the 3 phases of our trip (that we spent nearer to the family.) We loaded the car to head into London to drop our bags off at hotel #2 (right across from Kensington Gardens), return the rental car, and meet up with the family to start our London adventures.
Stop 1 was the British Museum speed round. Lizzy wanted to see the mummies, so we did that and then hit the main gallery highlights, including of course the Rosetta Stone (when I was last there 19 years ago, it wasn't behind glass), and the Parthenon Galleries (guess it's now bad taste to call them the Elgin Marbles.)
She was soooooo excited to find this bird-headed sphinx.
Lizzy loved the Parthenon Galleries, and took various family members around to the friezes, explaining what was happening in each series. Look at her gestures! Our little tour guide in training.
She also loved the Assyrian Lion Hunt carvings, and became a little tour guide again, telling her Daddy about what the carvings meant.
Alas, the museum bored everyone but Lizzy and me apparently, so the two family tour guides acquiesced and we headed out. We did grab a nutella waffle from a food truck outside the Museum for a yummy snack!
Next we wandered around Covent Garden, and Lizzy continued her pigeon chasing adventures for awhile. She also chose a Bulldog postcard at a corner shop, and had me transcribe the following message to Winston:
Next we wandered around Covent Garden, and Lizzy continued her pigeon chasing adventures for awhile. She also chose a Bulldog postcard at a corner shop, and had me transcribe the following message to Winston:
Onward to Chinatown, to get bubble tea. In Chinatown, there is an amazing bakery just on the other side of the gate at Gerrard Street. When we were there in November 2013, I got the sweetest little photo of a 2 1/2 year old girl gazing at the beautiful creations. It just so happened history repeated itself.
After dinner at a lovely Thai restaurant, it was time for our sunset booking on the London Eye. Lizzy was so excited to see Parliament and "Big Ben" (I know that's not the clock tower's name, but alas, that's how it's colloquially known) - look at her little face!
As we crossed the bridge, we passed by this creepy Invisible Man, and she had to stop to investigate. She's still talking about him weeks later.
One of my new favorite photos of all of us!
After the 4D movie (loved by all!) and a short wait in the champagne lounge (with perfect views of the Eye and Parliament), it was time for our flight. We did the champagne experience, which featured a private capsule with a guide, and an extremely excited 4 year old.
She got a second glass of juice (in her "fancy glass") and then was so excited to see the Queen's House!
This was us with our capsule host:
After our perfectly-timed, fantastic sunset views over London (did I mention it had drizzled all day, up until we made our way to the Eye, at which point the clouds cleared? Yeah. That's how my trips always work out.), we headed to the arcade. Lizzy tried bumper cars for the first time with me, and then won a jackpot on a 50p play. She chose a Pac-Man stress ball as her prize, which she loved.
Exhausted after a huge day, we took a hot bath and then crawled into bed.
September 23, 2015
Lizzy loves tea. Iced or hot, she loves it. Takes after her Daddy, I suppose. So, since she's been practicing using her "best manners", we booked afternoon tea for the three of us at Grosvenor House.
She had been looking forward to this for WEEKS. We got dressed up very nice, and two hours before our booking time, left our hotel to walk across the length of Hyde Park. She played at the Diana Playground, then we saw lots of waterfowl at Round Pond, walked around the Diana Fountain (which is beautiful), and walked and walked and walked some more, until we arrived at tea right at 1:00 pm.
September 23, 2015
Lizzy loves tea. Iced or hot, she loves it. Takes after her Daddy, I suppose. So, since she's been practicing using her "best manners", we booked afternoon tea for the three of us at Grosvenor House.
She had been looking forward to this for WEEKS. We got dressed up very nice, and two hours before our booking time, left our hotel to walk across the length of Hyde Park. She played at the Diana Playground, then we saw lots of waterfowl at Round Pond, walked around the Diana Fountain (which is beautiful), and walked and walked and walked some more, until we arrived at tea right at 1:00 pm.
We chose Grosvenor House since they are particularly child-friendly, even having a separate tea menu for children (which includes a stuffed bulldog at the end!)
I had requested, if possible, to be sat a table with a couch near the windows. They did not disappoint - I think we had one of the best locations in the entire venue! Lizzy was so excited to arrive and get seated.
I had requested, if possible, to be sat a table with a couch near the windows. They did not disappoint - I think we had one of the best locations in the entire venue! Lizzy was so excited to arrive and get seated.
The service began with a tropical fruit dessert refreshment for each of us, which was quickly followed by the tea itself.
Throughout, she kept using her "best manners", putting in her own milk and sugar, stirring so gently and properly. Next out was Lizzy's food service:
Which was then followed by the grown-up sandwich course with treats on top of the tower. She decided to eat the cucumber sandwiches (no surprise there!), which was fine as they kept bringing more of anything we requested.
Finally came the heavenly scones course. Lizzy (who fell in love with blackcurrant jam on this trip) took hers with that and cream. Tommy and I had rhubarb-ginger jam on ours. They were delightful!
After we were stuffed beyond belief, they let us go choose from a selection of "to go" cakes. She chose a box of macaroons and hummingbird cake (which we kept until our last night in England, eating it at the airport hotel!)
She also got her stuffed bulldog, which she promptly renamed from Grover to Winston.
It was a fantastic time! We certainly ate a lot in our two hours.
She also got her stuffed bulldog, which she promptly renamed from Grover to Winston.
It was a fantastic time! We certainly ate a lot in our two hours.
After tea, we gave Lizzy a choice of what she wanted to do before going to see Lion King that evening: Go toy shopping at Hamley's, or go back to the hotel to take a nap.
She chose a nap :o)
So, we headed back to the hotel and napped for about 2 hours, during which time Daddy headed out for an evening with his friends.
She and I awoke and headed out to go meet up with Ai Van for the Lion King Musical. Lizzy had never been to a musical, but she LOVES the Lion King, so I figured this would be a good first experience.
In this photo, she's showing me how big her heart is because she was so excited to see it.
She chose a nap :o)
So, we headed back to the hotel and napped for about 2 hours, during which time Daddy headed out for an evening with his friends.
She and I awoke and headed out to go meet up with Ai Van for the Lion King Musical. Lizzy had never been to a musical, but she LOVES the Lion King, so I figured this would be a good first experience.
In this photo, she's showing me how big her heart is because she was so excited to see it.
Ai Van found us at the designated time, and we headed to our seats. Not bad!
Lizzy absolutely loved it. For 2 1/2 hours, she sat completely focused on the action on the stage. She was so jazzed up about it! She even used the little binoculars. It was a wonderful experience for her, and one of the favorite things she did on her entire trip (according to her.) Ai Van and I had a great time too!
September 24. 2015
Daddy was out a little too late the night before, so Lizzy and I decided it was going to be a girl's day to the museums! First, we went downstairs for breakfast. Lizzy insisted we get a photograph of both of us in our sparkly attire (her My Little Pony dress and my Ravenclaw house shirt) in the bathroom (her idea for this photo, not mine!)
Daddy was out a little too late the night before, so Lizzy and I decided it was going to be a girl's day to the museums! First, we went downstairs for breakfast. Lizzy insisted we get a photograph of both of us in our sparkly attire (her My Little Pony dress and my Ravenclaw house shirt) in the bathroom (her idea for this photo, not mine!)
We (quietly) went back upstairs to get ready to head out, when she decided she wanted to wear her Slytherin shirt, since I had on my Ravenclaw shirt.
Appropriately dressed, we headed to Notting Hill Gate to catch the tube to the Science Museum. We had gone here last time we were here, but now she's much older and SO MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN EVERYTHING. I answered probably 200 questions about science - every topic imaginable. Let's just say that by the end of the day (after both museums), my voice was gone :o)
Appropriately dressed, we headed to Notting Hill Gate to catch the tube to the Science Museum. We had gone here last time we were here, but now she's much older and SO MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN EVERYTHING. I answered probably 200 questions about science - every topic imaginable. Let's just say that by the end of the day (after both museums), my voice was gone :o)
My, how she has grown.
After several hours at the Science Museum, we walked on to the Natural History Museum to see the dinosaurs. Fortunately, I didn't have to do as much talking here, since she already knows so much about that topic!
We only stayed at the Natural History Museum for probably an hour. She did make one of her favorite purchases in the gift shop, though: a dinosaur egg that took 3 days to hatch, revealing a surprise dinosaur inside (we ended up hatching it once we were in Munich - it was a stegosaurus.)
We headed back to the hotel, stopping to get some Nando's to take back with us on the way, since we knew Daddy wouldn't have eaten yet.
Lizzy and Daddy watched tv while I got to take a well-earned nap and rest my voice :o)
in the evening, we met up with some friends for yummy Korean BBQ, and then we walked around London for a bit before having some gelato. Look who found the Muffin Man!
We headed back to the hotel, stopping to get some Nando's to take back with us on the way, since we knew Daddy wouldn't have eaten yet.
Lizzy and Daddy watched tv while I got to take a well-earned nap and rest my voice :o)
in the evening, we met up with some friends for yummy Korean BBQ, and then we walked around London for a bit before having some gelato. Look who found the Muffin Man!
September 25, 2015
Our original plan for the day was to meet up at the London Zoo with some old friends of ours, but their little boy was up sick the night before so they couldn't make it. However, since Lizzy had her heart set on going, we proceeded on. What a wonderful day it was! The zoo was uncrowded - at times it felt like we had the place completely to ourselves. The weather was utterly perfect, and we enjoyed several hours here.
Our original plan for the day was to meet up at the London Zoo with some old friends of ours, but their little boy was up sick the night before so they couldn't make it. However, since Lizzy had her heart set on going, we proceeded on. What a wonderful day it was! The zoo was uncrowded - at times it felt like we had the place completely to ourselves. The weather was utterly perfect, and we enjoyed several hours here.
All the fun of the day led to a little girl who fell asleep pretty quickly on the bus ride back.
She finished her nap at the hotel, and then Ai Van came to join us for dinner.
September 26, 2015
It was our last day in England. Granddad came to pick us up from our London hotel after breakfast, so we could spend time with them at home. Lizzy had some postcards to mail, ran around Chesham trying to find Hot Chocolate the pigeon again (she found him!), and we spent the time drawing, playing, and having fun with everyone.
It was our last day in England. Granddad came to pick us up from our London hotel after breakfast, so we could spend time with them at home. Lizzy had some postcards to mail, ran around Chesham trying to find Hot Chocolate the pigeon again (she found him!), and we spent the time drawing, playing, and having fun with everyone.
A little after 3:00, it was time to say goodbye to the family. We loaded in the car, and Granddad drove us to our evening destinations: Tommy to a pub near Twickenham to watch the England Rugby Match, and Lizzy and I to our hotel by the airport.
She and I got all checked in after he dropped us off, and we were happy to learn that, since we were on the Executive Floor, we could enjoy evening drinks and canapes. To us, this equated to free dinner! She wanted to wear one of her dirndls since tomorrow was Germany day.
She and I got all checked in after he dropped us off, and we were happy to learn that, since we were on the Executive Floor, we could enjoy evening drinks and canapes. To us, this equated to free dinner! She wanted to wear one of her dirndls since tomorrow was Germany day.
After dinner, she and I went back to the room to finish packing, eat the Hummingbird cake from Grosvenor House (it had been in the fridge the whole time!), take a bath, and set realllllllly early alarms for our flight the next morning to Germany!
September 27, 2015
Four o'clock in the morning came really early, but we were excited to head off to the next phase of our trip. Soon after waking and dressing, the luggage carts came rolling up to our door, followed very quickly by the cab we had ordered the night before. We were on our way to Munich!
September 27, 2015
Four o'clock in the morning came really early, but we were excited to head off to the next phase of our trip. Soon after waking and dressing, the luggage carts came rolling up to our door, followed very quickly by the cab we had ordered the night before. We were on our way to Munich!
At the airport, we had breakfast and did a bit of duty free shopping of some final British souvenirs, and Lizzy picked out a little London bear for her best buddy. Soon, we were at the gate and first aboard our aircraft, again!
She's such a travel pro. After a short bit of time playing a game, it's sleep time within a few minutes after take-off. She knows what to do.
She's such a travel pro. After a short bit of time playing a game, it's sleep time within a few minutes after take-off. She knows what to do.
The flight from London to Munich is relatively quick, and shortly we were on the ground. Our bags were awaiting us at the carousel, just minutes after landing. My, the Germans sure are efficient! Within 15 minutes of wheels down, we were through customs and immigration, and at the rental car counter. Fifteen minutes after that, we had our rental car - upgraded to a van since we had so much luggage :o)
We headed straight to our house for the next 5 nights, a beautiful house I'd found in a really nice area of Munich. The owner was expecting us, and we were able to get our bags up and get settled in right away. It was amazing!
We headed straight to our house for the next 5 nights, a beautiful house I'd found in a really nice area of Munich. The owner was expecting us, and we were able to get our bags up and get settled in right away. It was amazing!
Once we had gotten settled and changed out of yucky clothes, we wanted to find some lunch and get a few essentials for the kitchen. But, since we were in Germany, Lizzy wanted changed into her dirndl and to have her hair braided.
We headed out in the car on a little adventure to see what we could find. We ended up having lunch at an Italian Trattoria, strangely enough. It was delicious, and Lizzy (despite eating 4 pieces of pizza) ended up eating lots of Daddy's saltimbocca!
We were all pretty tired (and full) at this point, so we decided to take the easy route and get our essentials at the next door gas station. These essentials included My Little Pony Kinder Surprise (a Germany and Austria-only exclusive!) and beer.
Fortunately, German gas stations have plenty of beer.
We headed back to our house for a well-earned nap, having been up since 4:00 am that morning. After a few hours, we awoke feeling much better, and decided to stay close for dinner.
We walked about 5 minutes to a fantastic local restraurant I'd found (thanks google maps!) before our trip. This place was SPECTAULAR! The menu was all in German (they did eventually give us an English copy!), but we knew what we wanted: schnitzel! Lizzy demolished her kid's schnitzel, and the grown up portion was enough for two meals. Oh, and those pretzels! And that beer! It was heavenly.
We headed back to our house for a well-earned nap, having been up since 4:00 am that morning. After a few hours, we awoke feeling much better, and decided to stay close for dinner.
We walked about 5 minutes to a fantastic local restraurant I'd found (thanks google maps!) before our trip. This place was SPECTAULAR! The menu was all in German (they did eventually give us an English copy!), but we knew what we wanted: schnitzel! Lizzy demolished her kid's schnitzel, and the grown up portion was enough for two meals. Oh, and those pretzels! And that beer! It was heavenly.
September 28, 2015
Our original plan was to get up early this morning and go to Austria on Monday, and our last day (Thursday) would be spent doing Munich tourist stuff and going back to Oktoberfest. However, looking at the weather, it looked like the best day for Austria was going to be Thursday, so we ended up flip-flopping those two days. It worked out great! (Well, apart from the tobogganing, but we'll talk about that in a bit.)
Daddy went to the grocery store to get some more breakfast items - including Lizzy's beloved croissants and blackcurrent jam - which we enjoyed before getting dressed and hopping the U-Bahn to "downtown" Munich.
Our original plan was to get up early this morning and go to Austria on Monday, and our last day (Thursday) would be spent doing Munich tourist stuff and going back to Oktoberfest. However, looking at the weather, it looked like the best day for Austria was going to be Thursday, so we ended up flip-flopping those two days. It worked out great! (Well, apart from the tobogganing, but we'll talk about that in a bit.)
Daddy went to the grocery store to get some more breakfast items - including Lizzy's beloved croissants and blackcurrent jam - which we enjoyed before getting dressed and hopping the U-Bahn to "downtown" Munich.
We got off at Sendlinger Tor stop, as I wanted to be able to walk through one of the three remaining Gothic gates in Munich (luckily spared the Allied bombing - guess they were handly navigational landmarks for pilots.)
A short stroll past the gate was something I'd wanted to see for a long time - the Asam Church. The story behind this place is pretty incredible. The oddest thing to me is walking down the street with all these normal looking buildings, and then there's this incredibly ornate church front. Lizzy loved looking inside at all the random decorations and touches - she found the golden skeleton and the sunshine!
A short stroll past the gate was something I'd wanted to see for a long time - the Asam Church. The story behind this place is pretty incredible. The oddest thing to me is walking down the street with all these normal looking buildings, and then there's this incredibly ornate church front. Lizzy loved looking inside at all the random decorations and touches - she found the golden skeleton and the sunshine!
We continued our northward journey, arriving in Marienplatz around 11:30. This was utterly perfect, as the Glockenspiel sounds at noon. We grabbed some lattes and hot chocolate, and sat at the tables and ate. The weather was quite pleasant - light jacket weather and just a tiny bit overcast - so it made for a lovely diversion until we moved into location about 5 minutes before the Glockenspiel began its show.
After that amusing diversion, we walked over to the Frauenkirche (just to say we'd been), then Lizzy continued her pigeon chasing in the Marienhof.
After letting her run a bit, we continued North towards the Odeonsplatz. Even the Tommy Hilfiger store was happy to provide you with your Tracht needs. Lizzy LOVED spotting all the dirndls!
It was very important for me to find the Golden Line that runs down an alleyway just before Odeonsplatz. Please take a second and learn about why it is important:
https://tenmonthsinmunich.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/toeing-the-golden-line/
Once Lizzy is old enough to understand, we will take her back to Munich and let her walk it again, and learn about what it means.
https://tenmonthsinmunich.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/toeing-the-golden-line/
Once Lizzy is old enough to understand, we will take her back to Munich and let her walk it again, and learn about what it means.
We continued through Odeonsplatz. After a quick photo op, we hopped back on the U-Bahn because we couldn't resist knowing that Oktoberfest was 5 minutes away!
The Theresienwiese U-Bahn stop exit dumps you literally right in the middle of Oktoberfest. We all had the same reaction - what gigantic carnival did we just land in?
We were surrounded by every kind of carnival ride and game imaginable, with an occasional gigantic beer "tent" interspersed. How bizarre!
Well, of course Lizzy was like a kid in a candy store (or a kid at a carnival?). She immediately identified a number of fun houses, and zeroed in on a favorite that she tried - it was a hoot!
Well, of course Lizzy was like a kid in a candy store (or a kid at a carnival?). She immediately identified a number of fun houses, and zeroed in on a favorite that she tried - it was a hoot!
We walked around for a while, then decided it was time to try a tent. We first tried the Lowenbrau tent but found it very crowded, so we went to the next tent which was the fantastic Paulaner (my favorite!) tent, where we snagged a whole table without a problem.
First up: Beer (and lemonade) and pretzels!
Lizzy was content to eat her giant pretzel for lunch, and wouldn't even try the stew or veal sausages we ordered:
The band playing stopped every two songs or so for the Bavarian "Prost" chant. Lizzy caught on after the first one and insisted we do it each time!
Then there was dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. Followed by a rose for our girl!
Then there was dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. Followed by a rose for our girl!
After a few more beers and lots of fun, we decided to go try the ambiance at a smaller tent. But first, the fun house with Daddy and some horseback riding! There may or may not have been a treat somewhere along the way, too.
We found a nice small tent, enjoyed some Hacker-Pschorr Beer and a rice ice cream dessert, and Daddy and Lizzy danced some more.
In the late afternoon, we'd had a pretty big day so we decided to head back to the house and call it a day. On our way back, we stopped back in central Munich to get Lizzy something from the Bayern Munich store (she wanted a rubber duckie!) and pick out our tracht for the next day.
However, I need to show this. Every year, we've gone to the local Oktoberfest around the corner from our house, and every year I've taken a photo of Tommy holding Lizzy.
Obviously, we had to do the same thing at the REAL Oktoberfest. Look how she's grown!
However, I need to show this. Every year, we've gone to the local Oktoberfest around the corner from our house, and every year I've taken a photo of Tommy holding Lizzy.
Obviously, we had to do the same thing at the REAL Oktoberfest. Look how she's grown!
September 29, 2015
Tuesdays at Oktoberfest are Family Days, where rides cost less and there are many more children. We got all dressed up in our lederhosen and dinrdls, and headed down to our U-Bahn stop.
Tuesdays at Oktoberfest are Family Days, where rides cost less and there are many more children. We got all dressed up in our lederhosen and dinrdls, and headed down to our U-Bahn stop.
After a short ride, we were back at Oktoberfest! Of course, she wanted to do the fun house right away, so I went with her. The day prior, I hadn't given much thought to all the air jets in the floor, since I was wearing jeans. It was a different story in a dinrdl, though! :o)
We decided to spend some time at Oide Weisn, a part of the fest that is set up to reminisce, about what the fest "used" to be like. Since it was family day, rides were only 1 Euro! We spent several hours here. We had lunch and Hofbrau beer in a tent that was centered around a large open area where silly, trick bicycles were ridden. Lizzy found two little girls (also in dirndls) to dance with. After lunch, we rode lots of rides (she loved this little carousel from 1928) and had a lovely nutella crepe.
We decided to spend some time at Oide Weisn, a part of the fest that is set up to reminisce, about what the fest "used" to be like. Since it was family day, rides were only 1 Euro! We spent several hours here. We had lunch and Hofbrau beer in a tent that was centered around a large open area where silly, trick bicycles were ridden. Lizzy found two little girls (also in dirndls) to dance with. After lunch, we rode lots of rides (she loved this little carousel from 1928) and had a lovely nutella crepe.
We went back to the main part of the fest for the funhouse (again) and a mouse side show!
Oktoberfest was so much fun for all of us!
September 30, 2015
No way we could come to Munich and not take a tour of the BMW Factory. I had booked the tour months in advance. At the time of booking, they asked me how old the child was that we would be bringing on the tour. When I told the lady "she will be four", she immediately tried to dissuade me, saying how long the tour is, there aren't any bathrooms, she would be bored, etc. Basically, we will allow it, but you really shouldn't.
Well, they don't know Lizzy.
After our breakfast on the balcony - the ONLY TIME during the entire trip when Lizzy would wear socks (I brought 16 pairs of socks for her, and she wore 1 pair for 30 minutes) - we hopped in the car to head over to BMW Welt (world) for our day of fun.
We started out poking around the public displays.
September 30, 2015
No way we could come to Munich and not take a tour of the BMW Factory. I had booked the tour months in advance. At the time of booking, they asked me how old the child was that we would be bringing on the tour. When I told the lady "she will be four", she immediately tried to dissuade me, saying how long the tour is, there aren't any bathrooms, she would be bored, etc. Basically, we will allow it, but you really shouldn't.
Well, they don't know Lizzy.
After our breakfast on the balcony - the ONLY TIME during the entire trip when Lizzy would wear socks (I brought 16 pairs of socks for her, and she wore 1 pair for 30 minutes) - we hopped in the car to head over to BMW Welt (world) for our day of fun.
We started out poking around the public displays.
After a bit of fun, Lizzy and I went up to collect our tour tickets. Once again, they said "we don't advise taking small children. The tour is very long and it will be difficult for her." I thanked them for their concern, and took the tickets.
Since our tour was from 11:30 - 1:30, we grabbed a light lunch in the BMW cafe before tour time.
Since our tour was from 11:30 - 1:30, we grabbed a light lunch in the BMW cafe before tour time.
We weren't allowed to take any photos on the factory tour, of course. However, Lizzy LOVED it. She kept her little earpiece in her ear throughout the tour so she could hear the guide. She was enthralled by the robots (even still talking a few weeks later about the robot doing a maze for our enjoyment!), and she even got to go up front, behind the yellow line, with the guide to see things more closely.
Maybe other 4 year olds wouldn't have enjoyed the tour. Lizzy isn't a typical 4 year old.
After the tour was over, we played around some more.
Maybe other 4 year olds wouldn't have enjoyed the tour. Lizzy isn't a typical 4 year old.
After the tour was over, we played around some more.
Can you find her?
After a great day, we headed out in late afternoon to go get some early dinner. We all wanted to go to the yummy place around the corner again. We had the same waitress, who not only remembered Lizzy's lemonade preference, but was stunned that she loved sauerkraut so much!
October 1, 2015
Our last day in Europe was, quite possibly, our best. We got up and hit the road around 7:00. Look who was excited to visit her fifth country!
October 1, 2015
Our last day in Europe was, quite possibly, our best. We got up and hit the road around 7:00. Look who was excited to visit her fifth country!
As we headed East out of Munich, through the Bavarian countryside towards Austria, the scenery became more and more beautiful. Lizzy was so excited to see the mountains!
Our original plan for the day was to start off with tobogganing in Strobl, spend the afternoon in St. Gilgen, and spend the evening and have dinner in Salzburg. This plan was also made a) originally assuming a late-night arrival back in Munich would be fine, as we would have gone on the Monday and b) that there would not be a several-mile long traffic jam coming back at the Germany/Austrian border due to passport controls due to the Syrian refugee situation.
So, as we drove past the border into Austria and saw the already-pretty-long-at-9:30 am traffic jam, and knowing we had to get up early the next morning for our flight, we scuppered the idea of Salzburg for dinner. This would just give us more time for tobogganing and the mountains, so no problem!
So, we headed through the Austrian Alps towards Strobl, arriving at the toboggan run right at opening time. Except it was completely deserted? What?
Turns out they closed for the season on September 30. We missed the world's longest dry toboggan run by 1 day :o( (Well, just gives us a reason to come back!)
Undeterred, we turned around and headed the 10 minutes back to St. Gilgen. This actually ended up working out utterly perfectly, as we ended up hiking up the mountain and spending WAAAAAY more time up there than I had originally planned on.
So, no toboggan, no Salzburg, but still the best day of our trip.
Here we are getting ready for the cable car. Lizzy was "nervouscited!"
So, as we drove past the border into Austria and saw the already-pretty-long-at-9:30 am traffic jam, and knowing we had to get up early the next morning for our flight, we scuppered the idea of Salzburg for dinner. This would just give us more time for tobogganing and the mountains, so no problem!
So, we headed through the Austrian Alps towards Strobl, arriving at the toboggan run right at opening time. Except it was completely deserted? What?
Turns out they closed for the season on September 30. We missed the world's longest dry toboggan run by 1 day :o( (Well, just gives us a reason to come back!)
Undeterred, we turned around and headed the 10 minutes back to St. Gilgen. This actually ended up working out utterly perfectly, as we ended up hiking up the mountain and spending WAAAAAY more time up there than I had originally planned on.
So, no toboggan, no Salzburg, but still the best day of our trip.
Here we are getting ready for the cable car. Lizzy was "nervouscited!"
Heading up, up, up! The ride to the station near the peak took 15 minutes.
Once at the top, the amazing vantage points took our breath away. We also found FREE WIFI ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP (!!!) so we Skyped with Gay. It was 6:00 am where she was, but it was a great call!
Lizzy loved this very large reclining rocking chair, which also helped me deal with the brief altitude dizziness I was feeling from the thin air!
Lizzy loved this very large reclining rocking chair, which also helped me deal with the brief altitude dizziness I was feeling from the thin air!
It was utterly spectacular up there. We initially weren't going to climb to the top, but Lizzy really wanted to.
Just kidding - that's not how we climbed to the top! :o)
Fortunately, there were nice paths to lead us to the top of the mountain. We stayed up there for quite awhile, just looking at the majestic views for miles, most stunning of which were the incredibly blue Alpine lakes.
Fortunately, there were nice paths to lead us to the top of the mountain. We stayed up there for quite awhile, just looking at the majestic views for miles, most stunning of which were the incredibly blue Alpine lakes.
There were two paths leading down from the top of the mountain. Lizzy and I took one path and beat Daddy coming down the other path. She thought that was great!
There was a lovely restaurant near the cable car station, so we decided to continue enjoying the views and eat there. We were joined during our meal by a friendly cat. As usual, Lizzy ordered her meal then decided to eat most of my hearty vegetable, noddle, and beef stew. It sure was yummy! She also kept the little Austrian flags that were put into our meals.
After our yummy lunch, we got a few more photos and then headed back down the cable car to spend some time down in St. Gilgen.
We walked around town for awhile. It was so picturesque.
We eventually ended up down at the lake, which was as blue up close as it was looking down at it from the mountaintop.
Around 3:30, it was time to leave, as we knew we'd have a fair bit of traffic crossing the border, and we still had to finish getting the bags in order for our departure the next morning.
What should have been a little over a 2 hour drive took nearly 3 1/2 due to the traffic. Fortunately, a tired little girl slept almost the entire time.
What should have been a little over a 2 hour drive took nearly 3 1/2 due to the traffic. Fortunately, a tired little girl slept almost the entire time.
We arrived back to the house a little before 7:00, and decided to to grab some kebabs for dinner. We all ate, finished packing, and got a good night's sleep before 6:00 am's alarm.
October 2, 2015
Two and a half weeks after our journey began, it was time to return home. We loaded the car and headed to the airport shortly before 7:00. Dropped the car off, got the bags checked, grabbed breakfast, did some duty free shopping, and it was time to board.
Darn it - we were the second to board this time. It's okay though, the elderly couple in front of us needed extra time :o)
We got all settled in. Someone was excited to be heading home to see Winston!
Two and a half weeks after our journey began, it was time to return home. We loaded the car and headed to the airport shortly before 7:00. Dropped the car off, got the bags checked, grabbed breakfast, did some duty free shopping, and it was time to board.
Darn it - we were the second to board this time. It's okay though, the elderly couple in front of us needed extra time :o)
We got all settled in. Someone was excited to be heading home to see Winston!
The flight was 10.5 hours, but was very comfortable. Lizzy slept nearly 4 hours.
We arrived in Atlanta right on time. Customs, bags, and immigration were relatively quick and painless. We had a 4 hour layover before our last flight home, so we had dinner at BW3s and walked around ATL for awhile.
While we were at Atlanta, I put my hair up on a messy half ponytail on top of my head. It looked atrocious, but tired as I was, i didn't care. Lizzy saw my impromptu hairstyle and said "Mama, you look smashing!"
Flight to Indy was uneventful. She played games the entire time.
Our limo took us home, and she dozed off on the ride back from the airport. She was quite disoriented when we got home, but snapped out of it as soon as she saw Winston.
She greeted him with "SNUFFLEPIG!" which is now his new nickname.
What a great trip. We made so many huge memories that will last a lifetime.
While we were at Atlanta, I put my hair up on a messy half ponytail on top of my head. It looked atrocious, but tired as I was, i didn't care. Lizzy saw my impromptu hairstyle and said "Mama, you look smashing!"
Flight to Indy was uneventful. She played games the entire time.
Our limo took us home, and she dozed off on the ride back from the airport. She was quite disoriented when we got home, but snapped out of it as soon as she saw Winston.
She greeted him with "SNUFFLEPIG!" which is now his new nickname.
What a great trip. We made so many huge memories that will last a lifetime.