Chilling out

The holidays are flying by.  The teenager has returned from his jaunt to Thailand in one piece with my bank account a lot lighter.  Turns out the exchange rate wasn't in his favour!  Yeah right!  Put that on a Tui add. So much for learning budgeting skills but I suppose a foreign country isn't the best place for that.

I have finally got my iphone back with wifi capability so once again I've been able to connect with the world. Thank goodness for sisters who update me on what is happening in the world...

The swarm of earthquakes in Seddon being the major news back home in New Zealand at the moment.  Wellington was also majorly affected.  Naturally I was anxious about friends and family as my hometown of Blenheim is right in the middle of the fault lines.  Earthquakes are something we live with in NZ but nobody likes to hear that there has been another big one.  The Christchurch earthquakes are still too recent in everyone's minds for us to have become complacent.  Reports from family and friends tell me that Wellington suffered severe damage which will have long lasting ramifications.  As the risk of Tsunami became real I'm sure this will also have lasting implications for our island homeland and future development.

Hopefully my house in Blenheim is undamaged.  I must say my rental agent was on the ball reporting to me the next day, stating that houses will be under closer scrutiny over the next three months.  The down side is I'm sure our insurance payments will rise significantly again.

My computer has returned to the shop for a second attempt at fixing it.  I think it's done its dash so when I took it in I purchased another laptop.  So now the whole process of learning a new operating system begins.

Windows 8... mmmm... What can I say?  I may have to purchase a 'how to' book downstairs from the supermarket to figure it out.  One problem is that I can't seem to shut any windows once I open them.   Another major problem for me is that there is no Office or Word Processing programmes on the computer.  What do I need for my blog?  Word processing - of course!  So I'll just have to type directly onto the blog rather than doing a word document first.

A third problem is that the computer doesn't have a disc drive.  No problem we thought when we bought it but how do you load your anti-virus or Office programme without purchasing online?  I feel as if my technological skills are way behind the eight ball nowadays so may need to spend some time figuring things out.

So how am I spending my days?  Well, each morning I walk around the podium at least five times.  This takes me about 20-25 minutes.  Then I swim in the infinity pool while the lap pool is under repair.  I do 10-12 lengths (or should that be curves?) then I catch some sun to ward off Vitamin D deficiency.  Then it's back upstairs for shower, breakfast and housework.  Then maybe read a bit or continue with my difficult puzzle I'm doing.  I may catch the bus into town or down to the Dr.  Then it's time for an afternoon nap before thinking about dinner.  Often I'll take my book outside around 5pm when it should be cooling down and read until dark then have another walk and swim.  With all this exercise I should be fading away but I'm not, probably due to so much sitting around during the day.

Those astute readers will have noticed I said the Dr.  Not that I'm sick but what I love about here is the accessibility of the health care, including specialists.  Therefore, I'm visiting far more than I ever would at home just because I can.  I'm having a spate of 'ologists'.  I've seen the optomologist, dermatologist, urologist and am seeking a referral to the gastroenterologist to get a preventative colonoscopy.  Each visit costs AED 30, around $10 NZ.  Prescriptions are heavily subsidised so health care here is a bonus.  I may even fit in a dentist visit which is a bit more expensive but still far more affordable than at home.

On my daily rounds I meet the same people.  I often have the pool to myself just after it's been cleaned each morning.  The lifeguards all enquire how Madam is today.  Recently I've met another kiwi guy down swimming.  I still marvel at how much sportier than the rest of the world we are.

When I was looking at holiday destinations and the huge amount it would cost for hotels I wondered why I would leave my fabulous facilities and pay to stay somewhere probably nowhere near as good.  The packing up and going somewhere for six or eight weeks will have to wait until I no longer have school fees to pay.  So I'm looking at shorter, cheaper getaways which are always available here, especially on long weekends.  Sri Lanka is a popular and affordable destination so I may head there.  Austria for a white Christmas sounds fantastic and with another sister coming next April I'm saving some local sights to visit with her.

I had a wee drama the other night when I switched my lounge lights on.  Sparks flew then the smell of burning rubber permeated the air.  I tried phoning our maintenance helpline but it was busy - 3 times!  So I switched off the fuse in the meter box and hoped I wouldn't be evacuating during the night.  The next day I changed the light bulbs then phoned again and finally got through.  Within five minutes two men with a ladder were ringing my bell.  They had the problem solved within 10 minutes, with a smile.  My dimmer switches were faulty so now I have no dimmer. The same two men had been here only a week ago to clean out my air-conditioning unit and check my electricals and drains.  One of them was so excited as he had just got his UAE drivers licence that morning and was telling me he could now leave the company and go home to Pakistan and marry his fiance.  The drivers licence would give him better work opportunities when he returned with another company.  He had to leave as no-one would give him that much time off.  It still amazes me how many men live here permanently separated from their families with perhaps an anuual or bi-annual month long trip home.  Just enough time to make another baby!   No doubt there'll be a rash of George's born now.

This same guy told me that all the workers like coming to my apartment (holy moly!) as they respect 'Madam'. 'Sir' is once again conveniently absent at the moment but due back soon!  (Men's shirt hanging in my room and shoes strewn about help reinforce this fact.)  Also my apartment is clean unlike a lot of the locals! Apparently this hero worship is brought on by the fact that I speak to them and that I don't treat them as if they are my personal servants.  I hardly ever tip them but did for the recent A/C work as during Ramadan it's customary to give to those less fortunate.  Still the tip was only miniscule, AED 10 each ($3.50 NZ).  So it's not for the financial benefits.  They do extra wee things for me now for free so it's true - What goes around, comes around!  

One door closes, another opens.

The long awaited summer break has finally arrived.  After along four weeks at school with no students it's time for me to relax and unwind after another busy year.

With the teenager packed off for a break in Thailand with friends I am free to enjoy what I like best.  Silence!  No cooking!  Meals as and when I want them!  Books!  Jigsaws!  Hanging out at the pool!  Early morning walks!  Bliss!

The one blimp on my horizon has been the lack of technology.  Why is it that both my iphone and computer have died at the same time?  My phone will not pick up wifi any more so a trip to the shop was necessary.  Over a week later and it still hasn't been fixed.  Then the computer keeps crashing due to overheating (and we all know about that disaster) so it's off to the shop at the same time for fixing.  So for over a week I've had no contact with the outside world.  Whatever did we do before?   Life was probably a lot less stressful as you don't realise how much you are at the beck and call of everyone.  I've probably left a few friends feeling decidedly left-out as I've been unable to contact them to say goodbye.

I've now got the computer back but it's still making a sick sounding whirring from the fan.  Why didn't the man listen to me when I told him it needed to be replaced?  So I'm making the most of it while it's working as I feel another visit to the shop will be in order today.

Ramadan has officially started today.  I tried to view the moon last night but it was so overcast yesterday that I never did see it.  It's like Matariki where the moon has to be a certain crescent shape for the event to begin.  Needless to say, town was crazy all week, culminating in chaos yesterday as everyone did final grocery shops in readiness for the month long fasting.

Why do they need all that food I hear you ask?  Each evening the fast is broken, usually by dates and a drink before prayer then an evening of feasting takes place.  Iftar buffets are big business here and replace the normal Friday brunches that expats frequent.

So from today no eating or drinking in public for anyone.  Dress needs to be modest, shoulders and knees covered even in our building which is reasonably western.  So no water down at the pool today.  Hopefully that will keep some of the kids away until after dark when it will be very busy.

Our lap pool is currently closed for tile replacement which is annoying as it means I don't get to swim regularly.  The other pool is still open but it's too busy and a bit shallow for lengths.  Still, it's great to cool off as the weather is heating up.  The level of humidity has risen and my sunglasses are steamed up the moment I open the outside doors.  I usually walk around the podium at 6-6.30am so I get a bit of sun for my Vitamin D fix but before the heat of the day.  Then I head down again around 6pm just before sunset to warm up then swim.

The rest of the day is taken up with relaxing, cleaning the apartment and catching up on all those things that I don't normally have time to do.  Hopefully one of them will be getting my blog up to date!

The school year ended well for me with a successful interview for a Head of Faculty (HOF) position.  Only in the UAE would you be congratulated then told in the same email that there was no guarantee of a placement.  So transfers were eagerly awaited, particularly as our school was closing so we all had to go somewhere.

Meantime I'm sent on a Cycle 2 (Grade 6-9) Maths training course.  Someone's got their wires crossed I'm thinking so tell them I have a HOF position.  I'm getting a bit anxious by now awaiting the outcome, sure they've placed me in Cycle 2.  I currently teach Cycle 1 girls but the attraction of Cycle 2 is that you only have to teach one subject rather than the three we do now, English, Maths, Science.

So the transfer list arrives on the last week of term.  By this stage we've been sitting around at work from 8-1 daily drinking tea, reading, watching movies, and chatting.  No forward planning for us as we don't know where we'll be next year, although we did have to do 15 hours of PD.  I led 5 of these sessions just to get my hand back in with some leadership.

We eagerly scan the list.  I've been posted to the Cycle 1 girls school around the corner.  Okay.  But wait, I've been posted to a Cycle 2 girls school in Baniyas (like Siberia) to teach Maths.  Oh!  But wait, I've also got my HOF position in a Cycle 1 girls school out in Shamkha.  Yeah!  That's more like it.

Only in the UAE...

Come Sunday and we head back to our existing school to get our transfer documents which takes all morning so I leave my visit to the new school until the next day and head off to get a rental car for the week.

I've searched on the school finder for my school and it's way out past the airport.  Luckily I went for a drive out that way a few days before with my HOF to check out another school out that way or I wouldn't have had a clue where it was.  Still, I managed to turn off too early and had to phone for directions.

I arrive at the the school to be kept waiting for an hour as the 'important people' are all in an 'important' meeting.  Great start I think to myself so I busy myself helping the Arabic staff get teacher stationery for the next year organised.

Finally I'm greeted and introduced to the HOF, VP & Principal only to find out that the important meeting was a transfer for both the Principal and VP.  Totally unexpected by either so the school is in turmoil.  One VP is staying and the existing HOF is staying.  Thank goodness I think to myself as I get a tour of the school.  It is huge!!!  Over 1000 girls, 70 staff, 2 VPs, 2 HOFs, 20 English teachers for us to look after, around 50 teachers in total.

I am given an office on the second floor and over the course of the week manage to find a desk to go in there.  So it's still pretty bare and basic.  Let's hope I get a computer and other things when I go back.

The new Principal arrives to visit so I meet her on one of the days.  I meet lots of staff but with 7 or 8 leaving there will be many new teachers arriving September 1st.

I'm to be in charge of Curriculum and Classroom, two of our four Professional Standards required for teacher evaluation.  So my first job was sorting out the reading resources and organising PM writing resources for some PD at the beginning of next year.  The school seems to be well resourced but like most things here the teachers don't know the resources or how to use them.  All schools have just been provided with printed reading resources including a story and activities to complete afterwards.  A wonderful, expensive resource with a new text each week.  However, no-one seems to have given any thought to the fact that these students are second (or usually 3rd or 4th) English language learners and adjusted the levels accordingly.

Only in the UAE...

Sista Bonding - Part 4 Amsterdam (Guest entry)

Sunday 7th April Day 14

Woke after 9 hours sleep, threw clothes into suitcase and off to final breakie, still can’t do big breakie. Managed to discretely acquire lunch, cheese and biscuits and yoghurt, sure fellow travellers do not behave like this but saves us a 1st meal in Amsterdam.
Boat departure very orderly, strolled to railway station to see “Park Plaza” right in front of us, talk about easy to locate. Wow, very nice 4 star hotel with excellent service, huge room on old side but we very happy with our great deal home for next 5 nights. Travel Angel looking down on us, 1st day of sunshine all year and everyone out enjoying Sunday. Managed early check in (very, very lucky) quick cuppa tea, got our bearings and off to explore the famous Amsterdam.
Red Bus Hop on Hop Off 17 Euro departed just round the corner from our hotel, easy to find all the must see tourist sights. So much easier travelling in countries where English is spoken.
Jewish Museum left me thinking once again how and why does one race get treated so harshly for so long and now do the same to Palestine’s, need to go home and do more refresher study. I know so little it seems.
Coffee (yea the real stuff) at Hard Rock Café, sitting outside in the sunshine overlooking the canal watching the world and many canal boats cruise by. Felt very VIP as in many tourist photos. Good shopping, must have Tulip Shopping bag and little goodies. Not a lot of money spent yet.
Discovered we very close or are we actually in The Red Light District? Much education at 1st visit to high class sex shop, OMG! OMG! Not even tempted to try or buy. Many local coffee houses and many absolutely stoned people, much happiness in Amsterdam. One could get stoned just passing by.
Home for a cuppa tea, brad and banana, energy levels recharged and off for more adventures. Visit to Anne Frank’s Hause. Wow, Wow, Wow! Walking up those stairs (which did creak) and back into life for Jews in hiding in 1942 something one will not forget. Anne and the record of their life in occupied Holland still draws hundreds or more daily, was worth the wait in long queue. Tragic ending for Anne and so many been sent off to “better places” as the Germans tried to convince all Jews. Fortunately her father managed to survive the camps and published her diaries.
Amsterdam alive, is this really a Sunday night, what is a Friday or Saturday like?


Monday 8th April Day 15

After big sleep, breakfast with much choice at Park Plaza, we definitely will get our money’s worth staying here. Red Bus tour around the city, many places of interest we obviously missed yesterday. Sure is an easy city to find everything of interest.
Walked back streets to Flower Market, so so much to see, fab couple of hours shopping for tulips. Big spend of the holiday 30 silk tulips, biggest decision what colour? $60 NZ now how to get them home! A few more goodies, def not a lot tempting me. Tried much cheese and even green cheese at the Cheese shops, tram back to hotel for late lunch. We so close to everything sure do have Location, Location, Location.
Sure seen some sights, seems so strange coffee shops scattered everywhere, weird and wonderful drug paraphanilla  on sale, magic mushrooms and even “Cannabis starter kits at the flower markets for a mere $2.50. Wooden tulips, all shapes and sizes! Back to our lovely Hotel for a cuppa and some lunch then off on next adventure, canal cruise of Amsterdam, great way to see the city, buildings amazing. So many canal cruises full of tourists, where does everyone come from? This certainly is a No 1 destination (oops I lie, it’s No 2 after San Francisco. More tourists with the wheels on their suitcases clattering over the pavements than anywhere I’ve been before. Monday and the city is humming or is it buzzing? 1 hour cruise 15 Euro, quick dinner out Vegetarian with all the trimmings, even buying a meal in a foreign country can be a real mission. Delicious and much healthier than the No 1 fav chips drowned in mayo. Yuk, but the queues lining up at each shop prove they must be delicious.  6 Euro .40 for our 1st big meal out in so long.
7pm Red Light District Walking Tour 10Euro well spent, couldn’t believe so many tourists would wana be peering into windows of near naked women on a Monday night but crowds turned up, luckily our guide an Aussie and he even encouraged us all to pay big money 2 Euro for a “peep” The sista and myself squashed into a tiny little room peeking at woman!!! Mmmm, much laughter and not inspired to donate a 2nd lot of money buy hey “we’ve been and seen” Saw many sights that I’d never seen before, much dope been smoked, much suspect behaviour, much mystery. This old Nana wouldn’t wana be walking those streets without our tour group of 20 guys and a few women. Seems we came from all corners of the world, all to experience or get a glimpse of the seedy sex side of the city.
Back to hotel after 8.30pm exhausted after yet another big day holidaying. Such fun to be had.



Tuesday 9th April Day 16

This is what holidaying all about, sleeping in till 7.30am, watching TV, Aljazeera TV, very interesting, not what one would expect, very westernized, maybe I like many others don’t understand and still  have a narrow mind when it comes to other religions, cultures etc.
Leisurely breakie at 9am, def. in holiday mode, managed to once again acquire goodies for lunch, sure helps make the Euro’s stretch further.
24 hour tram pass for 7.5 Euro and off to finally lay my eyes on Van Gogh’s original works of art. Surprised to find hundreds of others already in the long queues also waiting. Mmmm maybe we should have spent more time preplanning and pre purchasing tickets and avoiding these tourist queues.  Still was well worth the wait, pleased I’d refreshed my knowledge on Vincent’s strange life and behaviors by reading his autobiography not long ago. Nothing in the world like standing in front of a real “Masterpiece” Much of the artworks sure did not appeal but the Sunflowers definitely up there, finances did not allow the original so just have to make do with my few wee goodies. The sister will enjoy her beautiful Sunflower handbag for years to come.
 Back to hotel, lunch and discovery of real shops just 1 street from our hotel. So much to discover and so little time. All the label shops, still nothing to tempt me, past experience tells me it’s not worth the hassle and where would more shopping fit in my suitcase? Burger King for tea, tempted to test the famous No 1 fav chips which crowds happily lineup for, maybe tomorrow. Drowned in mayo sure doesn’t appeal, not exactly a real healthy option.
Watched World News, Gaylene not happy chappy to hear her wee home evacuated as their 65 floor building tower rocking in the aftershock of Iran’s 6.2 earthquake. The joys of modern technology, and all worries sorted within an hour. Out to get some milk at 10pm and see the sights. Checked out trains for future adventures, note to self, so much easier when one can read signs, understand unhelpful service people speaking foreign language and just read English. Oh well us intrepid travelers do love a challenge.
Big mission, late night tram ride, most dangerous activity in Amsterdam has to be “crossing da road” Many, many  cyclists zooming past, some ringing their bells warning but none with any intention of slowing down Between the bikes, cars, trams the walker is in continual danger. One would not be tempted to own a car, public transport brilliants and locals happy to ride pre 1950’s bikes, just old clapped out bikes, some more up market or decorated. All bikes just locked up on footpath all nite, obviously not a lot of bike thieves. Quote to Germans from the War “Give us back our bicycles” Obviously best form of transport used here forever.
Much laughter trying to get on a tram and more confusion trying to get off once inside, is travel as confusing to “foreigners” in our wee country I wonder. Just gotta know what door to use, what button to push, what side to scan card, luckily lots of friendly, helpful locals to old Nana’s. Home with fresh milk for cuppa tea and bed by 11pm.
Looks as if NZ dollar improving, just my luck when I’ve pre-paid for Euros’ oh well the joys of travel.


Wednesday 10th April Day 17

Another leisurely breakie, finally notice many fellow tourists take extras for later, today is bacon roll and bun for me as off on yet another big adventure.
After much discussion and try to interpret signs in foreign language (the local language) finally found a bus and for 10 Euro we head off without map or much knowledge to explore the real Netherlands.
Arrived before busloads of tourists and enjoyed the beautiful seaside village of Volendam, could smell the sea and the fresh fish. Many wee shops and stalls selling very fresh fish and other goodies. Biggest decision where to shop for our “fish treat” Definitely felt close to the North Pole, looking out to sea, very bleak, grey and progressively icy cold as the day wore on. Have worn $2 NZ beanie, gloves and scarf daily, most of the day and night, dressing for warmth not glamour this trip. Intrepid travelers doing very well wearing same clothes over and over, could have left a few more clothes at home, same clothes, different day every photo.
Tried local fish in a bun, not as good as what I get at home but fresh as. Had hot chocolate and final slice of apple cake, then bus to Edam. MMM remind us why we wanted to go there? Walked miles, questioning our sanity when travel angel guided us to Edam village markets and the yummiest hot, hot chocolate of holiday delicious and only 2 Euros. Strolled down many streets, lanes, back alleys, exploring many quaint wee shops chatting to many friendly locals and finally found bus back to Amsterdam with fresh specialty cakes to enjoy for supper but no Edam Cheese.
Love our Park Plaza Hotel with Location, location, location, can easily call back, hot cuppa or soup and nibbles and we off again, no precious hours wasted getting back to hotel.
Real travelers hanging out in very busy bar for a coffee and beer before our adventure of the day. 4 Euro for an hour of shock!!! At the Sex Museum, OMG not a lot one could say, but much laughter, crowds lured into the same seedy culture as us, information overload.  Checked out recommended Coffee Shop but didn’t appeal, how old would we look just sitting, staring. Real Nana behavior.  Passport required for entry, tourists allowed? ounces only, no heavy drugs, no dealers, many rules but many, many people spending much time, major must do on most tourists to do list: Get Wasted in Amsterdam.
Amazing array of drug goodies on sale every 2nd shop, chocolate, cookers, coffee, or tea, lollipops, lollies, seeds to do whatever with, magic mushrooms, the list endless and then shops packed with rows of drug related goodies. Still we didn’t see the result of much excess, see way more NZ Friday night.
Soup and rolls for late tea, bed by 10pm, ready for last big day of holidays. Tulips may you be flowering tomorrow……..


Thursday 11th April Day 18

Woke to the sound of raindrops, why wouldn’t it finally be raining when one is finally going for a leisurely stroll in acres and acres of gardens? Def. no heat wave during the night so head off to Keukenhoff Gardens in the same warm clothes we have worn for entire Amsterdam holiday. Reminder to self: take less clothes on future adventures.
Why are so many people visiting Tulips on freezing cold, rainy day? Tour bus full and for 40 Euro, sure da easiest way to travel, no standing freezing waiting for a bus or train for us wealthy tourists today. Much money must be paid to entrance gatekeepers at Keukenhoff during the spring, tourist operators sure on to a good thing. Very difficult for us intrepid travelers to find our own way from Amsterdam, no locals seem keen to depart with any info.
Mmmm tulip leaves sprouting through the muddy grounds, but a long way till flowering, still it doesn’t matter, we are here, yes finally. Maybe not a lot of tulips but gardens with masses color from crocus, daffodils, and many other early spring bulbs. After taking numerous photos on both IPhone 4S and new camera we enter the warmth of a pavilion, OMG flowers everywhere. Don’t need tulips outside when inside is a never ending display of the most amazing tulips, how can there be so many colors, shapes, sizes, leaves etc. More photos, many more, along with hundreds of other tulip fans all trying to capture the perfect photos, what am I going to do with all these flower photos? Enjoy and remember the day.
Also fabulous displays of every spring bulb and shrub, just so like living back in Fairlie, like stepping back into Grandma’s garden, travel ½ way round the world to have childhood memories’ come flooding back.
Finally found a decent display of early tulips outside, which is the closest one gets to tip toeing thru the tulips. Hot chocolate to thaw the body and avoid the blood freezing, body rested and warmed slightly and off on more garden strolling. Time flies when having fun and 2.30pm departure in no time. Purchased must have tulip apron to match my must have tulip shopping bag. It’s the must have 30 silk tulips that will be big worry tomorrow, how to get them home safely. Experience has taught me don’t buy glass, china, breakables but I have not previously attempted flowers. Will I ever learn? Still my silk tulips will be enjoyed for many days to come.  No idea what my favorite tulip is, so many, big decisions.
Arrived back to Park Plaza Hotel at 3pm, where it is all happening, many more visitors today, streets crowded with yet more tourists arriving (with bags clattering behind them) for a wild weekend or a few days fun in Sin City. Pleased we have room in very nice hotel not like the many hotels down suspect, seedy, side streets, up many stairs, not this Nana’s kind of holidaying now.
Final walk round the bustling streets, so much to see, shame it is so ice cold. Decided on 2nd visit to vegetarian for dinner, got it all sorted now for under 5Euro, know not to order the extras as fillings are unlimited, how do they make a profit? Obviously repeat business with such great deals.
Walk round Coffee Shops and Red Light area for one, last time, should we? Shouldn’t we? Go experience real live Amsterdam famous Coffee Shops. Hate the smell of dope so can’t see the point of sitting in a bar full of people smoking just for the “legal experience” Sure I’ve experienced that ample times without choice. So shock, horror we probably the only 2 Nana’s to travel ½ way round the world to Amsterdam and not experience “Coffee Shops” seems crazy, me who loves coffee so much but know to get a real coffee one needs a “cafe”,
Home to hotel to do final packing and enjoy sister time for the last night of our awesome holiday.


Friday 12th April  Day 19

Woke to yet another icy, cold wet day in Amsterdam, so much for the promised spring weather of 20 degrees, they dreaming. Oh well suppose we very lucky we did experience 1 warm spring day.
What has happened? My bag all packed and there is still room for more, lots more as Emirates airline limit is 30kg, seems the professional traveler / shopper than I am each trip equals less weight.
Train to airport, dragging bags through train carriages is 1 reason not to have heavy bags, after much struggling through carriages, clambering over fellow travelers and their bags, we finally located seats, slight problem 1st class. (Apparently) looked identical carriages, seats etc. only difference no one sitting in them. Fortunately wee man never came and checked our tickets so arrived at Amsterdam airport without too much hassle and stress. 1 hour before check in open, what to do? Shop or be 1st in the queue. As soon as we made the line a queue of like-minded travelers appeared behind us in no time, lucky we decided to wait as much time wasted just waiting and waiting in queues. Travelling sure can be stressful, especially the airport part of it. All those official people, put some in uniform and power goes to their head. Still I can’t be upsetting officialdom as it may result in back of queue, another queue or worse still put aside. Especially in foreign countries little old Nana from NZ does not need any grief, and there certainly many queues lining up before one gets anywhere near ones actual Emirate A380 Airbus (plane)
6 hour flight to Dubai over in no time, 2 great movies and another delicious Emirate meal and time for quick sista farewells before I shuttled off to Copthorne Hotel for a few hours rest and relaxation. Arrived and checked in by 1am (local time) while Gaylene not see her bed till well after 4am in Abu Dhabi.
On arrival hotel looking very familiar as this ‘jet setter’ has stayed a few times on previous travels. Very basic, cheap as (free) room, no hairdryer, no plugs, oh well, hot shower, clean comfy bed. Sleep, ha-ha, no way.


Saturday 13th April  Day 20

Wake up call at 6am, but didn’t really need that as one had barely shut eyes let alone slept. Bedlam in over crowded restaurant, made a nice cuppa tea, went to get toast etc. and returned to a very cheeky man obviously enjoying my cuppa. He just looked at me…….drank my cuppa tea and left, maybe he was waiting for me to deliver his breakfast also. The cheek of some people, sure that wouldn’t happen in little old NZ. Ugly cheap breakie, too excited to eat anyway.  Sure not up to the standard of Emirate flights meals that I am now accustomed.
Shuttle bus back to bustling Dubai airport at 8am and then back to yet more queues and checking in, bag inspections and doing it all over again. No scanning of the eyes like on arrival last night or the major x-ray body inspection, photo, shoes  etc. before departing Amsterdam now that was a real check, easy to get into not such an easy city to get out of.
Last minute visit to da loo, why is piddling so stressful? One has choice of 2 loos, a real one or the wee thing in the floor! Hence a queue yet again for the real one. Once again loo won’t flush, stress, all these sensor hi tech loos’ that do not flush until your departure. One day I will write a book on my “wee experiences” I sure have had many stress, shocking and hilarious experiences during my years of foreign travel. Weeing sure is not the same world-wide.



Sunday 14th April  Day 21

Arrived back in Auckland after long, long flight with the most stressful stopover in Sydney. Why we all had to exit plane and line up yet again to get checked into Aussie to then line up and depart one hour later. …….doesn‘t make sense. All over tired peoples travelling onto NZ on 20 hour flight to have to be subjected to foreign Aussie with power. My beautiful Tulip carry bag scanned and then put aside. Very rude man very rude when I politely enquired what is wrong with my bag? After rudely ignoring my question finally my bag is opened and my nearly full bottles of hair shampoo and conditioner taken and binned, I mean how I dare exceed 100ml limit for liquid. I explained he best not even think about taking my duty free perfume just purchased in Dubai.
Bag rescanned and then rescanned and then rescanned yet a 4th time. Over tired lone traveller had lost all manners by this stage and once the F word was used on foreign Aussie on power trip I was quickly warned security was to be called and I would not be allowed in to Aussie. Hello did I even want to be ……I just wana be on plane to NZ. When power hungry man starts pulling all my luggage out I did enquire if he too was going to show my dirty knickers to all fellow travellers. Very agitated man by now didn’t manage to find any smuggled drugs or food from this old Nana but OMG he did manage to finally find a small pair of rusty, broken nail scissors tucked under toiletries. Well that sure made his day. Demanded my boarding pass, and then in louder voice demanded my real boarding pass which he was already holding in his hot hand, demanded Passport and promptly took both off to photocopy and lodge a big black mark by name for future arrival into Australia. Security not called and finally after pointing fingers very close to my face space he calmed down and let me enter Australia for 1 hour where I once again lined in much bigger queue with 580 others waiting to board final flight back to NZ. Felt as if I should be on “Border Control” but lucky not filming in Aussie as when I did arrive back to friendly NZ the best country in the world I was met by large signs apologizing for delays but Border Control was filming. Lucky!!! I didn’t wana be famous.
After a wonderful, action packed 21 days, home to unpack, unwind and back to the real world. Now when is that next holiday?????

By Pamela Cootes

Sista Bonding - Part 3 Rhine River Cruise (Guest entry)

Monday 1st April Day 8

Woke very early think of home what may be missing, who dared to ruin my holiday and how can I sort if from other side of the world. Budget for texts home gone out the window, but very lucky keeping in touch so easy in 2013 with Iphones, Facebook, photos and Internet.
Even though we on relaxing cruise 1st tour departs 8.30am, wasn’t planning on setting alarm to wake extra early on holiday. Early breakie by 7.30am (complete with amazing selection of food)  all organised with coat, hat, scarf, gloves, extra socks and a few layers of thermals we check out (or is it check off boat) and onto pre-arranged bus.  Don’t think we will be needing extra water for dehydration this trip.
Bus trip to Black Forest, travel angel definitely watching over us, 1st day of sunshine, heavy coat of snow on the ground, Black Forest looking magical.
Fabulous Easter displays in trees, on front lawns, shop windows, gardens, town squares, everywhere. Easter very big in Germany, going home with suggestions for Easter projects for my Dad.  Shopping (finally!! How many days has it been?) Not tempted to purchase my very own cuckoo clock but got some wee goodies and yet another Christmas tree and bottle of Schnapps. Let’s hope it no major to get back into NZ.
While in the Black Forest we enjoyed the biggest slice of Black Forest cake ever seen (could not eat all the cream, will take much exercise to move the fat) Apple strudel and delicious hot chocolate. Yummy.
Watched professional make a Black Forest Gateau, how much cream can fit into 1 cake? Too much. Another “Must Do” ticked off my list, won’t be needing to ever eat Black Forest Gateau ever again, would never be as delicious as the real thing. How many people actually get to “do this”?
Bus trip back to Viking Sun which was waiting for us in the sun, delicious lunch of hot soup and off again on next adventure into France on the Colmar on WW2 Liberation Tour. Lucky to have our very own NZ tour guide, extremely knowledgeable on historic facts, beginning to wonder did I learn anything at school way back in the 70’s? as it seems so much I didn’t know. Can now understand (slightly) how the French felt when the Americans fought senseless battles but finally liberated 1 French village after another. The tragedy of war, so much of France wiped out fortunately a lot rebuilt from the ruins of war. Felt as if we were in a movie and would not have been surprise if a German tank came rattling round the corner through beautiful wee French villages. Visited memorial of Audie Murphy, American’s most decorated war hero. Left my poppy, very moving and yet again wonder why so many have to sacrifice their lives for war, so, so pointless.
Progress….2013 and not even a boundary between France and Germany, just The Rhine, but still a lot of deep resentment and possibly hatred. How one could forgive such atrocities, now the possibility of a joint city not just a dream, time will tell.
After tour of Colmar Battlefields, wiped out, bombed villages, etc. stopped at a local hotel for a wee drop of schnapps, the real thing. Disgusting, our breath would have been used as a flame thrower to defend the village from German invasion, very, very strong. Would need to be at $12 for a wee drink, should of ordered the real French Coffee.
Bus back to Bresiach, dressed very posh for dinner in our gold glad rags, much fun mixing and mingling with yet more like minded travellers. Sure some interesting people out there, most think we rich women from distant lands, as if!!!! Still this why one stays home budgeting for so long, all worth it in the end.


Tuesday 2nd April Day 9

Woke before 7am alarm, beginning to wonder is this a holiday? Breakie and onto bus, across the border to beautiful French city of Strasbourg. Wow, what history, walking the pavements that have been walked for hundreds of years by so many. Houses still standing after so long, build to last and survive war, fire and men.  
Strolled around streets and soaked up the atmosphere, hopefully photos will show some of the history and beauty of this city. Yet another toilet experience, the sista and fellow cruise companion did attempt visit to Hermes (the men’s) but were quickly told to get back in the long line to the Dames, which I’m sure did not mover for 10 minutes, so wasted ½ hour on toilet break, so in France don’t hold on till you have to go, go well before bladder is ready!  At least no charge this time, free to pee…….
Tour of the historical Strasbourg Cathedral, lit yet another candle so family and friends will be “well protected.” Needed the heat from more than one candle to thaw, never been so cold. So much history and so much wiped out by dropping of bombs and man’s stupidity. Beautiful stained glass windows were removed and carried to safety each local struggled to smuggle 20 kilos each only to have Hitler demand the return of the glass. Fortunately the glass survived the war and Strasbourg Cathedral was restored to its former beauty.
Managed a little shopping before back to bus, can’t believe this intrepid traveller now following a tour guide holding up a sign (I thought only real foreigners did that!) with headset attached, great way to learn the local history and still manage a little detour to shops calling my name.
Did not have any desire to part with my hard earned Euros for traditional German cuckoo clock or a stork, but were lucky enough to see many storks nesting after their return from Africa and far distant lands. Storks return means spring has arrived! Hmmmm sure doesn’t feel it just yet.
Intrepid travellers happy to put feet up and relax on board Viking Sun mixing and mingling with fellow tourists. The opportunity for Wine Tour or more shopping not appealing. Lazy afternoon, dressed for dinner (lucky we made the effort as nearly everyone dressed for the occasion.)
Amazing French meal red wine, French Onion soup, duck in orange, chocolate mousse, cheese, more wine, coffee and bed after another fun evening.
Arrived back at Room 227, curtains drawn, toilet paper folded, room spotless, I just love this lifestyle, our wee man one step ahead and everything ready and waiting for us. I was born to be spoilt and pampered.


Wednesday 3rd April Day 10

Woke in Mannheim, all these towns getting confusing, are we in France or are we in Germany? One is never quite sure. After breakfast, wrapped in our warmest winter thermals, 4 buses depart for Heidelberg where we visited ruin of the old castle. Was so cold no one keen on looking at piles of rubble from many years ago, even UNESCO sights not too impressing in the cold. Photos by the largest wine barrel in the world but our Best buy was “Mulled Hot Wine” which did help keep the body from freezing completely. Bought an angel, more history from Dutch guide, finally let loose for shopping. A bit too cold to actually enjoy shopping in the beautiful Medieval Old Town set up for the tourists, did purchases cheapest alcohol I’ve ever seen at 1.50Euro for small bottle of French bubbly, how can they sell so cheap. Big bottles range in price from 2Euro up. Obviously we have been ripped off on cruise boat where a glass wine starts from 3Euro. At least we allowed to BYO alcohol onto the Viking Sun to enjoy at our leisure.
Fabulous window display tempted us in to buy and try “Snowballs” Schneeballen, a big round ball of dried biscuit, iced and with soft filling inside. Lucky mine did have a filling, the sista was ripped off, needed more than a cuppa tea to dunk her ball into, oh well we’ve been, seen and tried, won’t be rushing home to bake these so called German delicacies. Not much money spent, but found some beautiful shops in Heidelberg, mainly a University & tourist town.
Happy to be back onto warm bus and arrived home to The Viking Sun for a special German lunch. Great music, beer, heavy German meal of meat, sausage, potatoes, bread and salad followed by Black Forest gateau. Only 1 thing to do after such a meal, feet up and relax while enjoying the view of the world passing by from our very expensive $500 large window, not warm enough to open but way better than the poor people on the lower deck.
On board visit to The Captain’s Wheelhouse followed by  tour of the galley, very busy with 9 chefs continually preparing meals for 250 people, 8 courses minimum a day = 2000 plates daily, that’s a lot of food for our small cruise boat. Very top class food served at each meal with numerous choices, nobody complaining about these options, just such a big decision what to eat. In no time back to restaurant for yet more food, my poor stomach in shock and I can’t do much more of this food overload. Fortunately most courses only “ladies size” apart from steak and chips with all the trimmings. Still will be reducing food intake tomorrow and hopefully getting my walking shoes on and partaking in some real exercise. Too cold to brave icy winds and stroll to local town where many beer halls, pubs, clubs, cafes and shops are hoping to lure tourist in and sample much local beer and goodies.
Hopefully everyone back on board before boats sails at 7am. Probably worst places to get lost in, but a bit too cold to be sleeping rough. We tucked up in bed by 10pm after another great day cruising The Rhine. Shame about the temperature.


Thursday 4th April Day 11

Surely I can’t be halfway through my fabulous big OE adventure already, feel as if I‘ve just left home. What happened to 11 days? Luckily I will have great memories and photos to drool over and reminisce about, yea time sure flies when you’re having fun.
Finally feel as if on holiday as 1st laze in bed till after 7am, nice feeling not having to rush and be on bus with 200 fellow travellers by 8.30am.
Very minimal breakie, slice of toast and ½ cup tea, finally taught the staff how to make a decent hot cuppa, real problem for everyone as water is never hot, (unless we request extra hot which is zapped in microwave) Have resorted to Mocha chinos as coffee crap, ordered 2 espresso’s for 2Euro and even with my additional instructions not how I like it. 11 days and I’ve had 1 decent coffee, seems like a lifetime ago in Abu Dhabi (that was with much input from me the coffee expert)
Leisurely morning cruising da Rhine, watching fabulous villages and castles from the warmth of Viking Sun lounge. This is the ideal way to travel. Not even tempted to depart boat and bus to Marksburg Castle complete with many uneven cobblestones and steps, icy wind not inspiring outside adventures today. I need to stay healthy.
Biggest decision daily: do we eat lunch upstairs oh la la casual or dine downstairs in the restaurant where we waited on and pampered and served our every whim. Some days we managed to check out both, hot soup a preferred favourite.
Arrived beautiful city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel Rivers meet. What better way to get our bearings and see the sights but from 8 Euro trip on gondola across the Rhine in the warmth. This is the way to travel, not having to wait for tour guides, fellow travellers etc. just go where we want.
Shocked to see the tulips, leaves struggling only a few inches high and not a flower in sight, let’s hope they are growing at a better speed in Amsterdam. Doesn’t look as if we will be tip toeing through tulips unless dramatic changes in the weather in next few days. Just our luck to come to Europe early spring after the coldest March in history for over 100 years.
Certainly getting our money worth from cabin window, we sure “have made it” been able to lay in bed and watch the world float by, even if below freezing and window has not been opened much was definitely one of our best buys “1000 window”
Strolled along river and checked out many cruise boats parked along the Moselle (where the 2 rivers join) Viking Sun looks da best and certainly felt like rich travellers from distant lands when locals walking by drooling and probably saying “1 day that will be us” You gotta have travel dreams.
1st afternoon sleep, so body must finally be on holiday, 1 hour Nana Nap and woke fresh as and rearing to go.
Dressed for dinner (as most fellow travellers also do) and with our $3 bottle of bubbly in our ice bucket we had pre dinner drinks at minimal cost. Professional budget travellers are we! Well sometimes.
Yet another fabulous 4 course dinner mixing and mingling with Americans, stimulating conversation (except for the deaf couple) food choice not as good as most nights. Strange tasting fishy shot drink, cold pumpkin 3 ways not the best, fortunately delicious pork, lemon sorbet, cheeses, and much wine. One never knows what one will end up with on one’s plate, not a problem to return or re-order if not to your taste. At least we won’t roll off boat 10 kilos heavier as size of meals served in dining room “lady like”.
Luckily we did not purchase “Silver Service Alcohol” upgrade at an additional 150 Euro as ample delicious tasting house wines managed to make its way into our never empty glasses every night and lunch if so desired, plus of course speciality beers for those who preferred.



Friday 5th April Day 12

Pulled back the curtains from our big window to watch the world pass, not the best view, smoke belching from chimneys, polluting the world from what is apparently a nuclear reactor (didn’t see any sign advertising this landmark) Sure makes NZ look clean and green in comparison.
Arriving in Cologne, not the most exciting looking city, definitely not the warmest as we froze even with numerous layers of thermals on. Best buy gotta be my $2 NZ beanie and gloves that have been worn continually since arriving in Geneva after the heat of Abu Dhabi, (which seems a life time ago)
Tour of the famous Dom, Cologne Cathedral; might be large but not very inspiring, dark grey / black from the outside. Many tourists strolling around sightseeing, ideal targets to be sucked in by city con artists / mime artists. Watched one lone tourist hand over much money, 3 artists = 3 notes. Could see the hands out and pressure to keep parting with his hard earned Euros. Poor guy probably paid 20 or 30 more Euro than he expected, coins were not accepted by local con artists. Let’s hope his 1 photos was amazing, we thought some the ugliest fat angels we’d ever seen. Just another con and trap for tourist to be departed from their money.
After tour of Cathedral not tempted to roam off and see Cologne, so back to the warmth of Viking Sun, finally bodies started to thaw after hot chocolate and another delicious soup for lunch.
Watched many tourists strolling past probably wishing they too were relaxing in the warmth of our lovely Viking Sun cruise boat. Spent a lovely relaxing afternoon once again mixing and mingling, reading and praying for increase in temperature before we have to sample Cologne City famous beers on our German Friday night experience. Nana at home knitting sounding a better option in this cold, maybe da locals just keep on drinking till they have no feelings.
Yet another fabulous dinner, 5 courses plus bread, unlimited red or white house wine or local beers, followed by tea or coffee. No one would ever go hungry on this cruise.
Can’t believe 8 day cruise coming to an end so quickly and had meeting with all the departure rules and regulations, tipping staff, feedback etc.
8.45pm we finally departed in 2 groups, 8 keen party animals in each group to try “local Cologne Beer Hause” 20 Euro experience, much money for 3 wee beers which would of cost 3Euro max but we’ve been, seen and soaked up the Friday nite atmosphere. Strange behaviour had in Germany, many, many beer hauses but each only sells the one brand of beer!!! What if your mates drink another brand? I asked. Well you just get new mates, mmm don’t think that will work in NZ pubs. Next surprise, the waiter just keeps on bringing beer, only small 5 oz. glass in trays but no one pays till the end of the night!!! OMG imagine dat. Just a mark on a coaster per glass, very dangerous I think and what happens if you partake in more small glasses than you can afford?
Also one can manage quite a few additional beers as no one needs to leave the table, wee man just keeps on replacing empty glasses. Recipe for disaster. Joined very vocal locals trying to sing, need to be brushing up on beer drinking songs for future pub crawls I think.
Visited largest beer Hause in Germany and the world, wow, one definitely could get lost, many floors, bars, steps up and down, lifts, sure like stepping back in time and next minute we down in the catacombs, a different experience. Wonder how many get lost never to see daylight again. It could easily take an hour to find the door.
Rushed back to our Viking Sun as workers untying ropes, obviously very keen to depart Cologne for next port. We very keen to stay and experience a real night pub crawling in Cologne, I could see us crawling back to Viking Sun if the time had allowed.
Kiwi ingenuity yet again, Baileys and ice bucket from our room, posh glasses from the bar and a few nightcaps before bed, always so much to look at as we cruising da Rhine.
Asleep after 1am, only problem phone / texts not working, but luckily can still keep in touch with friends and family on Facebook. Can’t even ring Telecom to complain.
5 seasons in Germany, shame we have only experienced the 1: winter. Best season sounds to be Carnival Season which starts on 11th of 11th Month and continues till Easter. Many celebrations celebrated, continual street parties, sounds what we needing in NZ. Christmas on this side of the world a must on the bucket list.


Saturday 6th April Day 13

First day woke feeling lousy, am I over tired, over eaten or just exhausted? This is why we have room with a view from very expensive window, definitely had money’s worth lazing in comfy beds watching the world float by. This sure is a great way to travel.
Sighted 1st windmill, cold, bleak, dreary looking day in Holland, not the welcome we were hoping for. Cruised from 10pm Cologne arriving in Rotterdam at 2pm so many miles travelled, scenery now very different. The land so flat, much housing built along the river. Obviously much money spent to avoid floods on The Rhine.
Cuppa tea delivered by the sista to my bed (no room service for food or drinks) and very quiet morning hopefully recharging da body batteries. As long as I only tired and not getting sick after been out for days in such chilling temperatures.
Missed breakie, missed Dutch cheese tasting missed Jenever Gin tasting, missed playing Sjoelen (Dutch board game) happy to relax in room 227 where last of laundry hopefully drips dry before we depart. Amazing how one can wear same warm clothes day after day, not much use for lighter layers, but we have made effort and dressed for dinner. We definitely rich white women from far corners of the earth, how else could we afford to be here? Germany is the furthest country in the world from NZ.
Tulips on tables  throughout the boat hopefully not the only tulips we get to admire unless a heat wave breaks out by 9am tomorrow when sadly we have to depart back to been an Intrepid Traveller carrying our own luggage, finding hotel in freezing temperatures, not too inspiring.
Dragged my tired body out of bed by 12, vitamins obviously haven’t even kicked in today. Very small lunch and back to bed and me “asleep” in the day. This never happens! Big decision stay in bed or go on 3 hour tour of Windmills, good choice as was so amazing to finally be there, (along with numerous other busloads of tourists )Locals surely must get sick of 1001 photos daily.
Pinch me, I’m here, yea really here. Seems unbelievable sometimes to actually be standing somewhere one has dreamed of for so many years, well at least since 1968, 45 years since I first became aware of Holland, traditions etc.
Coffee and most delicious apple strudel, a couple of little souvenirs and scenic trip back to our Viking Sun Holland is so flat, so clean, so many bikes. Never seen so many bikes and cyclists that own the pathways, NZ sure could model our tourists cycling paths on Holland, more bikes than cars. Everybody rides a bikes, all shapes, sizes, ages etc.
Quick change into our posh clothes and final farewell Captains Dinner, very posh. Formal farewells of Viking Sun staff, think we were at an Awards Dinner, much applause, but we know they only want our money and a big tip. Rebel as usual as we New Zealanders not used to tipping, so decided to give all to our very own cabin steward and waitress who finally learnt to make a decent hot cuppa tea.

The Captain’s Dinner: What an amazing menu for our final meal….
1st course:
Salmon, Caviar & crisp potato cake
Or Red Oak Leaf Lettuce & Caramelized Pear salad
Soup course:
Forest mushroom velout’e with bacon, mushroom & truffle sabayon
Entrée:
Pan fired shrimps with a green pea puree & bouillabaisse sauce
Main Course:
Filet Mignon & Seared Foie Gras with glazed vegetables, rissole potatoes, fresh black truffle & Madeira sauce
Butter Poached Jumbo Prawn & Saffron Vanilla Beurre Blance with squash & mascarpone risotto cake
Or Sweet Corn Cake & Eggplant Ratatouille braised fennel, cherry tomatoes & celery velout’e
Followed by Dessert Medley,
Crepe suzette, crème Brule & yoghurt ice cream or Fresh Fruits which was then followed by
3 Cheese plate accompanied by apricot chutney and crackers.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Coffee and more wine…….
Couldn’t last the meal, so slipped away from dinner before desert and tucked up in bed by 9pm. This is not like me, need to be fighting fit for Amsterdam and more adventures.


By Pamela Cootes

Sista Bonding - Part 2 - Abu Dhabi to Switzerland (Guest entry)

Good Friday 29th March: Day 5

Happy Easter, awake and up before 2.30am alarm even rings, Gaylene feeling a little better so is coming on holiday. Thank God. Internet connection working, what more could I want and need? Safe travels as big day ahead. This be the last time I’m hot for a while, where are the winter woollies?
Felt as if I should have been checking out of “Sun Tower” not just walking out with concierge and security guys who know you, very friendly place to live. Taxi to Emirate bus depot for 4am departure, 2 hours later check in Dubai airport, great timing, arrived just before the queue of fellow travellers.
3.30am Dubai looks magical, huge buildings just reaching up to the sky, it’s a competition to build the biggest, tallest, and most dazzling stand out tower, amazing designs:  much, much money spent.
Flying out of Dubai early morning fabulous views from Gaylene’s window seat, no wonder you can find Dubai from space, Palm Island, the Map of The World and many islands built by dredging sand, who ever came up with the idea to “build an island? Smaller plane B777 allowed us amazing views as we flew over many places once I would never imagined been anywhere near. Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, still with so much unrest and danger in this part of the world.
Fabulous view looking down on mountains covered in snow, somewhere near Albania, just a reminder of what is ahead for us “winter in Switzerland”
Can’t get much better than flying across the world following online map “where in the world am I?” Flying over Serbia so close to where my penfriend Gradimir lives in Novi Sad, just wish I had the opportunity to be finally meeting him after 40 years. Oh well I think there will be at least 1 more trip to Europe for this ‘intrepid’ high class traveller before I pack the passport away. This is 5th and definitely not final trip to distant lands in Europe. Gotta keep those travel dreams, nothing more exciting, a gap in the clouds, can see land as we fly over Novi Sad. This is so amazing.
Another great Emirate flight, so excited flying over the Italian Alps, perfect weather, sun shining, shame not sitting on the other side of plane to see The Matterhorn. Only glimpse of mountains and then back to thick cloud, rain and then snow. Arrived Geneva airport to cold, snowy weather. Best shopping: Duty Free Baileys.
Easy to locate train and eventually  purchased very expensive 2nd class train ticket Geneva Airport to Engleberg, 88 Swiss Francs $114, not so easy reading instructions when not in English.  Shopped for some nibbles plus with the food we bought into the country from the plane and bananas I still carrying from Abu Dhabi we all sorted for a few cheap meals.
No such thing as Border Control here, even though we did declare food.
Nothing better than 4 hours travelling through Switzerland, past Lake Geneva, Lake Luzern, Bern and many other cities and towns with snow falling and the land sprinkled in white snow, what a magical sight. Fabulous Swiss houses, just how I imagined, 4 stories with barn on bottom for the animals. Had yet another toilet experience, why are toilets the world over so very different? Was crying with laughter explaining to da sista.
Eating our Swiss cheese and bread, drooling over the scenery and just on que nice wee man arrives with tea and coffee trolley. $5 for bestest coffee, I’m happy as, so easily pleased.
Mad dash when train arrived in Luzern, only 3 minutes to purchase next ticket, locate and race to platform 4, of course it just had to be other end of station, we somehow made it just in time. Why does the scenery just keep getting more and more magical as covering of snow gets thicker, stopped at a few beautiful wee villages high up in the Swiss Alps, climbed slowly through a tunnel for 10 minutes then Wow, Wow, Wow. OMG we just about screaming with excitement, lone fellow traveller thought we crazy women. No words to describe thick as snow covering beautiful mountain village. Greeted by loud music and very happy fellow travellers yodelling in the 1st hotel. Looked up high to see The Terrace Hotel in all its glory, OMG I in heaven. 2 crazy Nanas taking photos and definitely on cloud 9 or maybe we are even higher.
We don’t ever wana leave. Not sure if my cheap $20 boots will handle this snow, but wearing our $2 NZ beanie’s and many layers to protect us we climbed up to our Hotel, (via rock tunnels and lifts) to arrive at Old Charm Hotel, just like stepping back in time, this hotel da place to visit since way back in 1905 when it famous all over Europe for the Hot Pools.
Could just see outline of some mountains in the twilight and snow, I’m sure travel angel will provide the bestest views tomorrow for next big adventure climbing every mountain, or maybe just one, Mt Titlis. Definitely a Julie Andrews’s moment, think I saw the Von Trapp family high in Swiss Alps.
Welcome Ms Burborough, you have been upgraded to Room 352, wow thanks but mmm what were we originally getting, very basic but comfortable room with ½ Mountain View. Oh well.
Checked out lobby, after a couple of Baileys celebrating Good Friday and finally with internet access we relaxed watching fellow travellers, very friendly peoples.  This is da place for winter fun in the sun and snow.
Totally lost sense of time again as changed yet again, in bed by 9.30 many, many hours since I woke at 2am in the heat of Abu Dhabi, what 1 can experience in 1 day! This is up there The Bestest, yea sure couldn’t get a gooder Good Friday. Shared magic blue tab with the sista who is still so sick but luckily she is here to experience this day with me.


Saturday 30th March Day 6

Woke after 8 hours sleep at 5.30am to the most magical view of mountains and watched daylight appear. Please may the sun shine and we can get up to the top of Mt Titlis.
Nothing like that fresh air hitting your chest as window from our room with ½ Mountain View opens. Wonder what the temperature is???
Enjoyed delicious breakfast in large hotel dining room with the bestest view, watching snow fall off the trees, mountain scenery just so amazing. Discreetly stocked up on goodies for later (dried fruit and nuts) added to our chocolate to keep us going. Sure other guests also getting additional goodies at breakie to eat later.
Checked out and off to finally climb Mt Titlis. Very, very, very cold. Quick detour, best buy was to hire $29 ski pants, so with new expensive socks and my $20 ugh boots from K Mart heaps of layers of merino I warm as.
Amazed at how many skiers, where do all the people come from? Purchased ticket for everything and off we go for big adventure, this def. the way to climb a mountain, via 3 gondolas, 1st was a normal gondola for 4, then lined up with crowds of foreigners for the bigger gondola. Amazing how it managed to get up the mountain with so many squashed in, then finally packed into the world’s only rotating gondola with 360 degree views. So squashed, no photo opportunities, then again it only white out there. Definite nip in the air, minus 7. Lucky we well wrapped up, my $2 gloves, scarf & beanie doing great.
Played in the snow, trudged thru the snow to check out different activities, Glacier Grotto Cave, Ice Flyer Chairlift, and Bridge Cliff Walk. Didn’t feel the need to build a snowman. Relaxed with our breakie leftovers and finally had our long awaited for Hot Chocolate 10,000 up Mt Titlis. Many laughs as we were given cup of hot water and milk to which we added sachet of chocolate, still tasted delicious as. White out conditions by 12 when we descended after shopping at the highest shop I have been to for magnets that will remind me of my adventures in the years to come when I am not holidaying and just home.
Arrived back at Hotel Terrace exhausted, I mean it hard work trudging thru thick snow up mountains and fighting thru the crowds of Indian, Malaysian and Chinese tourist taking over.
Cup of hot water from the bar (a wee trick we learnt as all fellow tourist request this as it costs nothing) we then added our own sachet of soup, sat lunching with no one thinking we were out of place, picnic in posh hotel lounge. We can holiday on a budget. Finally had to return very warm ski pants and depart the most beautiful village of Engleberg by train to Luzern.
Arrived 1 hour later, after seeing many spring bulbs sprouting thru snow on the Swiss Alps, farms with 4 storey houses, animals tucked away inside on the ground floor, no wonder, way too cold for them outside. Didn’t see or hear any Swiss yodellers on the Alps, the only ones were falling out of hotel in Engleberg after partaking in too much alcohol.
Arrived back to Lucerne, very easy to locate Hotel Alpina after exiting railway station was just across the road, city didn’t look so beautiful in freezing cold, rain and snow.
Well wrapped up in our thermals we set off to explore the city, found old city easy as, crossed the beautiful bridge, old paintings amazing, still burnt panels left and obvious replacement parts to the bridge. Unable to take photos to justify the beauty as once again fighting our way through crowds of foreign tourists. Doesn’t anyone stay in their own country?
Short walk and found Fritschi, famous restaurant with amazing artwork both inside and out. Checked outside menu and went into the warmth, have you a reservation Madame? No but fortunately we were seated and ordered “Swiss Cheese Fondue” Waitress horrified she won’t be making big profit from rich sisters from distant lands, no drinks, no extras.  Much laughter as we mastered the art of fondue etiquette, dipping hunks of bread into the fondue mix of warm melted cheese and wine. Yummie! Demolished the lot, hell we will never need to eat cheese again. Paid the bill, no idea if you tip in Switzerland so left a 2 Franc tip ($2.50 NZ) think we were the entertainment as fellow diners very aware we were there.
Back out into the freezing cold, biting wind and snow flurries and home to Hotel Alpina after purchasing hot Moroccan Mint tea we ready for bed by 7.30pm.  Shattered on a Saturday night, no night clubbing for these 2 Nanas after what our bodies have had to deal with today. In deep sleep after fabulous relaxing massage from my very own personal masseuse (didn’t even know of sisters hidden talent) and ½ magic tab, asleep in no time by 9pm.
Woke to phone call from Robin with shattering news of house been robbed. What a way to ruin my holiday, only thing I can’t live without, laptop gone and I know so much not backed up. Big security lesson to be learned, my photos, genealogy, diaries etc. As long as bank accounts can’t be accessed will just have to stress till I get home and pray laptop located by then. Best $1000 camera and memory cards also gone plus some alcohol. Put hold on bank accounts (but not da visa) ….I am holidaying with it and cannot worry till I get home.


Easter Sunday 31st March Day 7

Woke to snow in Luzern, looks beautiful but freezing cold. Yummy breakfast at next door sister Hotel Monopol, heading back to our hotel to pack when the sound of church bells pealing lured us to a beautiful church. Quick visit and prayers on Easter Sunday, church crowds a bit like NZ, not many. Maybe staying in the warmth of ones homes more appealing that the icy cold temperatures outside. Since snowing heavily sightseeing more of Lucerne not an option so decided on 11.30 train to Basel. Heavy snow falling and once again nothing better than train travel through Postcard Picture Perfect Switzerland especially on top story of 2 level train.
Arrived in Basel, 1st impressions huge and industrial. Another toilet experience at railway station where one pays 2 Euro to use toilets but men also have the bargain option of 1.50 Euro wee if they select the PIS option. Many men paying 2 Euro so not sure what they doing, no such thing as segregated loo’s, all the big spenders are mixed together. Found exit from railway station and after much effort trying to read maps and tram timetables in foreign languages and with help from some friendly locals, we managed to purchase ticket to a stop near where our Viking Sun Cruise Boat was awaiting us. Intrepid travel not easy in foreign country. Tram travelled through Basel, fabulous Inner city. I so wana be shopping here. (have to be another visit, too tired and cold in these minus temperatures to be going far. Warm cruise boat sounds way more appealing at the mo.
Relaxing afternoon in Room 227 and checking out our new home and fellow travellers. Kiwi ingenuity; managed to enjoy a few Baileys from our own cabin supply while sitting relaxing in lounge. We definitely rich white women from other side of the world, why else would we be here?
Late dinner, many, many complimentary wines later with our new found friends and a great fun 1st dinner aboard the Viking Sun. Upstairs for welcome briefing where we even had to leave wine which one could not consume! Obviously we did not have enough drinking training….
Looks as if fun week ahead. Bed 10.30pm ready for 1st big day cruising, 2 outings I will be needing my vitamins.

By Pamela Cootes