Saturday, July 14, 2007
Munich, Germany Pics
at the olympic stadium
fair grounds ... blending in with the locals?
mikey having a bit of fun with the historical landmarks
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Munich, Germany
Munich, munich, munich... what to say? We had a great time as a group in Munich. our overnight train ride wasnt too bad and actually the hostel wasnt too shabby either (minus the fact that it was a 40 person room.... dont worry, we were the loudest...thanks Pat). The day we arrived, we figured out the subway system and headed out to Dachau (sp), a concentration camp on the outskirts of the city. it was absolutely crazy to see in person but a definite must while in Germany.
that night, we signed up for a tour of several beer gardens (more or less a "biergarten crawl"). we went around to some of the most famous beer gardens in munich and learned some rather interesting facts. for instance, did you know that beer isnt even considered an alcoholic beverage, it is mereley a drink that you can take and walk down the street with it. The germans just prefer to call it liquid bread...its more suitable.
We ate extra large pretzles and drank out of extra large beer mugs. PROST! later we all went to bed feeling like the pilsbury dough boy. . .literally.
there wasnt much planned for the next day so molly and i sat down for a leisure breakfast and looked up some ideas of what to do. we noticed that the summer festival was going on and that day happened to be the last day of the festival (perfect timing). even better was the fact that the event was being held at the olympic stadium... talk about killing two birds with one stone. Festival. . . check, olympic stadium. . . check! the summer festival was lots of fun. we shopped, ate food, listen to bavarian music and relaxed, just watching the crowd. we spent all day there before we even realized the time was getting very late.
we had a date at the haufbrau house (sp...i butchered that one). it was a huge hall full of leiderhosen, pretzels and, of course, beer...everywhere, beer.
we had a good time there...obviously, i have a good time anywhere with the fam, but the atmosphere makes it that much better. :)
the next day dumped rain all day...it was unbelievable! we were supposed to go sightseeing but there was no way. we walked around a bit, found a restaraunt and parked for a few hours, chatting and eating. then we headed to the cinema and actually found an english speaking movie (with no subtitles i might add) and killed 2 more hours doing that. HOT FUZZ (movie we saw) was actually a really funny movie... i give it 1 1/2 thumbs up.
it was a slow day,but a good day because we got to rest a bit. we had to catch the 10:40 pm train to amsterdam that night and its hard to sleep in those tiny beds.
so, i write this blog from amsterdam... sadly, the group has parted again and molly, michael and i are on our own.
brussels, paris, home... thats all thats left
until next time
that night, we signed up for a tour of several beer gardens (more or less a "biergarten crawl"). we went around to some of the most famous beer gardens in munich and learned some rather interesting facts. for instance, did you know that beer isnt even considered an alcoholic beverage, it is mereley a drink that you can take and walk down the street with it. The germans just prefer to call it liquid bread...its more suitable.
We ate extra large pretzles and drank out of extra large beer mugs. PROST! later we all went to bed feeling like the pilsbury dough boy. . .literally.
there wasnt much planned for the next day so molly and i sat down for a leisure breakfast and looked up some ideas of what to do. we noticed that the summer festival was going on and that day happened to be the last day of the festival (perfect timing). even better was the fact that the event was being held at the olympic stadium... talk about killing two birds with one stone. Festival. . . check, olympic stadium. . . check! the summer festival was lots of fun. we shopped, ate food, listen to bavarian music and relaxed, just watching the crowd. we spent all day there before we even realized the time was getting very late.
we had a date at the haufbrau house (sp...i butchered that one). it was a huge hall full of leiderhosen, pretzels and, of course, beer...everywhere, beer.
we had a good time there...obviously, i have a good time anywhere with the fam, but the atmosphere makes it that much better. :)
the next day dumped rain all day...it was unbelievable! we were supposed to go sightseeing but there was no way. we walked around a bit, found a restaraunt and parked for a few hours, chatting and eating. then we headed to the cinema and actually found an english speaking movie (with no subtitles i might add) and killed 2 more hours doing that. HOT FUZZ (movie we saw) was actually a really funny movie... i give it 1 1/2 thumbs up.
it was a slow day,but a good day because we got to rest a bit. we had to catch the 10:40 pm train to amsterdam that night and its hard to sleep in those tiny beds.
so, i write this blog from amsterdam... sadly, the group has parted again and molly, michael and i are on our own.
brussels, paris, home... thats all thats left
until next time
Monday, July 9, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
PRAGUE
After meeting up with the four other peeps, to complete our family trip, we checked into our 7 person room and settled in for a bit. To celebrate our reunion we all went out for some italian cuisine (lets just say that czech food is a little much for the stomach to handle...boiled this, fried that).
walking around Prague is spectacular, it has to be one of the most beautiful places in europe, let alone, the world! Even Hitler found it too amazing to bomb during WWII. The entire city is a work of art.
we walked all day making it through old town and up to the top of the city, playing with pats soccer ball through the streets, hitting tourists in the face with our awful aim, pissing off locals with our rambunctious behavior ... i am amazed micahel, pat and liam havent been lynched...yet ;) (please catch my hint of sarcasm...we were all having fun). At some point we headed into a chapel to escape the rain, even chatty michael was at a loss for words when he saw the elaborate stain glass windows framing the altar. next stop, the oldest pub in prague because we were a bit "tirsty."
Going out with the family always makes for great times and lots of laughter the next morning ;)
That next day we had to catch an overnight train so we had some time to leasurly stroll the city, have lunch and visit the communist museum... I had no idea!
OK, to wrap this up... we made it to munich, germany yesterday. great city so far! we are site seeing today so i will let you all know how is goes later.
only nine more nights :(... I dont even want to begin the countdown
After meeting up with the four other peeps, to complete our family trip, we checked into our 7 person room and settled in for a bit. To celebrate our reunion we all went out for some italian cuisine (lets just say that czech food is a little much for the stomach to handle...boiled this, fried that).
walking around Prague is spectacular, it has to be one of the most beautiful places in europe, let alone, the world! Even Hitler found it too amazing to bomb during WWII. The entire city is a work of art.
we walked all day making it through old town and up to the top of the city, playing with pats soccer ball through the streets, hitting tourists in the face with our awful aim, pissing off locals with our rambunctious behavior ... i am amazed micahel, pat and liam havent been lynched...yet ;) (please catch my hint of sarcasm...we were all having fun). At some point we headed into a chapel to escape the rain, even chatty michael was at a loss for words when he saw the elaborate stain glass windows framing the altar. next stop, the oldest pub in prague because we were a bit "tirsty."
Going out with the family always makes for great times and lots of laughter the next morning ;)
That next day we had to catch an overnight train so we had some time to leasurly stroll the city, have lunch and visit the communist museum... I had no idea!
OK, to wrap this up... we made it to munich, germany yesterday. great city so far! we are site seeing today so i will let you all know how is goes later.
only nine more nights :(... I dont even want to begin the countdown
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Vienna
Soooo Vienna. . . uhhhh reminded us very much of San Francisco but with a few old buildings thrown into the mix. Dont get me wrong, it was a lot of fun and much to do, just a bit of a let down after Salzburg. Today, we rented bikes and rode around town to see the sites and stopped off a market to get some makings for, what turned out to be a rather delicious dinner. We were able to use the Hostels kitchen to prepare our meal then lounged around reading for a while after. We definitely need to catch up on some rest. Tomorrow we hop on the 6 am train to the Czech Republic where we will meet up with the rest of the Bozos (Patrick, Liam, Katie and Mariel) in Prague. Time just keeps flying by!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Salzburg, Austria
Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens. . . Austria is one beautiful place or, as my old buddy Lonely Planet puts it, "Salzburg is a living symphony." Bravo!
We had a fantabulous time in the city of Salzburg. Walking the streets is a breath of fresh air (literally) and the color of the buildings and mountains are so vivid that they dont even seem real. Michael likes to say that "there is no temperature in Salzburg" because the weather is just perfect...no need to explain further. Everyday we would get up, eat our free hostelbreakfast and walk along the limestone green river. There was something new to discover around every corner. One day we just happen to stumble upon the house where Motzart grew up, we ducked into an alleyway and there it was.
The locals in Salzburg definitely lived up to my expectations as well. They were incredibly polite and maintained a deep respect for tradition. We met a group of young Austrains one night while out at the Biergarten, other than the rather bizarre hug michael received, they were a lot of fun to talk to.
Dad, this next part is for you. We knew that prior to visiting Salzburg that our main goal was to see Hitler's Eagles Nest which rests in the Bavarian Alps on the boarder of Austria and Germany. We woke up early one morning and chartered a bus high into the mountains. From there, we took a steep, one lane mountain road up to the top. I have never seen a better view in my life! The Eagles Nest took 13 months (working day and night) to build. 150 million Euros later, the house was presented to Hitler on his 50th birthday. Gee what a gift. . . Unfortunately, Hitler was afraid of heights (among many other things) and only visited the mountain top house approx. 10 times. We wondered the premises, taking pictures of the view and of the stone fireplace (a gift from Mussolini himself). The fireplace was missing various pieces and chunks of stone from the US army gathering well deserved souvenirs. It was all very incredible!
We had a fantabulous time in the city of Salzburg. Walking the streets is a breath of fresh air (literally) and the color of the buildings and mountains are so vivid that they dont even seem real. Michael likes to say that "there is no temperature in Salzburg" because the weather is just perfect...no need to explain further. Everyday we would get up, eat our free hostelbreakfast and walk along the limestone green river. There was something new to discover around every corner. One day we just happen to stumble upon the house where Motzart grew up, we ducked into an alleyway and there it was.
The locals in Salzburg definitely lived up to my expectations as well. They were incredibly polite and maintained a deep respect for tradition. We met a group of young Austrains one night while out at the Biergarten, other than the rather bizarre hug michael received, they were a lot of fun to talk to.
Dad, this next part is for you. We knew that prior to visiting Salzburg that our main goal was to see Hitler's Eagles Nest which rests in the Bavarian Alps on the boarder of Austria and Germany. We woke up early one morning and chartered a bus high into the mountains. From there, we took a steep, one lane mountain road up to the top. I have never seen a better view in my life! The Eagles Nest took 13 months (working day and night) to build. 150 million Euros later, the house was presented to Hitler on his 50th birthday. Gee what a gift. . . Unfortunately, Hitler was afraid of heights (among many other things) and only visited the mountain top house approx. 10 times. We wondered the premises, taking pictures of the view and of the stone fireplace (a gift from Mussolini himself). The fireplace was missing various pieces and chunks of stone from the US army gathering well deserved souvenirs. It was all very incredible!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Salzburg Pictures
Me looking at The Eagles Nest
View from the top would be an understatement
We just got done hiking up to the Fortress in Salzburg
Salzburg, Austria
One of the many alleyways in Salzburg with shopping and eating
We went to a Biergarten to sample the secret recipe for beer created by the Autrain monks... delicious. Prost!
View from the top of Hitlers Eagles NestOk, so I know I havnt written anyting about Salzburg yet but I am too excited to post the pictures so far and will just have to tell you about it later.
Florence Pics
Looking at the Ponte Vecchio
On top of Michelangelos Square
Michael posing in the Boboli gardens... how cute ;)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Update
In Salzburg, Austria at the moment. It only took one transfer train, an overnite train and an early arrival of 4:10 am to get here. we are tired but excited to explore the city! I have a feeling the we are going to love it here, the air is crisp (like michaels morning train breath), the streets are clean and when you step outside of any building, you have a panoramic view of beautiful green mountains. Did i mention that the sound of music was filmed here...no wonder!
Florence
first things first, we literally threw our bags in our quaint little hotel room and headed straight for the Duomo. It was even more MASSIVE AND enchanting than i remembered. THE WEATHER WAS WARM BUT IT WAS SLIGHTLY DRIZZLING, luckily it actually shortened some of the rather lengthy lines to get into the building. our feet were tired form all the traveling but it didn't stop us from climbing the 462 stairs up to the top of the duomo to view the entire city of Florence. poor Michael's legs were a little shaky looking over the railing. a treacherous journey such as that deserved a break at JJ's Cathedral Pub in the middle of the Duomo Square. once refreshed we made our way to the top of Piazza Michelangelo to snap a few pictures and get a more peaceful feel for the tourist crowded city. Florence never fails to amaze! Parmesan cheese, delicious wine and food, fashionable shopping, and of course some of the most famous artwork in the world. one could get lost wondering the streets for weeks. Unfortunately our time was cut short, but we made the most of our time and had a great visit. we were able to accomplish a lot; take a tour of the Ufizzi, the Duomo, walked till our feet were numb, flooded our hotel bathroom, got michael probed in the arse by an old man's umbrella and eve made a few pub stops ;).
Time is just flying by and before i know it we will be back telling our stories in person.
miss and love you all...
Time is just flying by and before i know it we will be back telling our stories in person.
miss and love you all...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Venezia!!!
After a long travel day of hopping plains and buses, michael, molly and i made our way to our destination in Venice. we stayed in a great little campsite just outside the main city. it seems as though everybody thought that was the way to go because the campsite was pretty full. The site included a restaurant, Internet, pub, pool and market...not to shabby ehhh? We were craving a good Italian pizza and wine, so after settling down we headed to the pizzeria and had a long leisure dinner outside, then it was off to bed in our sardine can of a room, where i needed a boost to get up to the top bunk (i felt like a kid again ;).
The next morning we took the bus to venice and walked around all day. I will say, the blistering sun felt so nice after the week of rain in ireland. We saw a ton, San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Doges Apt. to name a few. There were lots of people but you just have know that the end result is well worth the crowds. The next day we lounged by the poolside in our campsite and headed to venice for dinner on the town. We accomplished so much the previous day that we were able to relax and just meander through the alleyways eating gelato. Venice, with all of its history and architectural beauty was a great way to start off the 3 week backpacking journey ahead.
Molly and michael are loving every second (they told me to let everyone know).
Next stop, Firenze (my old stomping ground)!
The next morning we took the bus to venice and walked around all day. I will say, the blistering sun felt so nice after the week of rain in ireland. We saw a ton, San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Doges Apt. to name a few. There were lots of people but you just have know that the end result is well worth the crowds. The next day we lounged by the poolside in our campsite and headed to venice for dinner on the town. We accomplished so much the previous day that we were able to relax and just meander through the alleyways eating gelato. Venice, with all of its history and architectural beauty was a great way to start off the 3 week backpacking journey ahead.
Molly and michael are loving every second (they told me to let everyone know).
Next stop, Firenze (my old stomping ground)!
Tis True (Ireland)
ok, so it is about tiem I put down my book and pick up a pen (or err i guess keyboard) and finally document my experiences on my european family escapade. after begining the trip with a few wrong turns, driving on the opposite side around county claire, we finally made it to Balleyhannen (sp) castle in Quin. I guess you could say that we were offto a rocky start for ireland. hey, travelling hours without sleep is enough to make you cranky to your best friend, let alone, your family. the mood soon changed once everyone was settled, showered and had a little food/guinness in ther tummies ;). Our castle was, dare i say the word, awesome! Decorated in your average castel motif; suits of armor, heavy drapery, candles, cobwebs and mice, it felt as though we were truly living and experiencing life in the castle days ("roughing it" to keep it short...only joking).
We began the trip with a medevil family dinner at Bunratty castle. All 16 of us crowded around a single table and listened to irish folk music and stories from a little man in tights. After, what i would guestimate to be about 100 glasses of mead (irish honey wine) the family was having a rip-roaring, jolly good time. Michael even participated in a little skit the included him leading a song for the audience.
the fam took plenty of day trips as well. We went to Blarney castel in cork and kissed the blarney stone (even though we found out that the locals like to "piss" on it as night, hey, a little sacrifice for some good luck never hurt....mmm delicious). We headed to Cong village and walked around, even took a tour of where the Quiet Man was filmed. Do i even need to anounce that my dad was in "Duke Pattyfingers" heaven (sorry inside joke).
Next destination, the Aran islands. We biked around the main islands all day in spite of the horendeous downpour. Neddless to say, a hot bowl of soup and an irish coffe was a must.
Galway came next, a fantastically bohemian city nestled along the bay. Lots of shopping and eating was done here along with some run-ins with some very intersting locals.
Dublin was last on the list, I love Dublin! St. Patricks cathedral, Trinity college, temple bar, and the Guinness factory, there was so much to occupy yoursefl with.
The last day in ireland was spent hanging around the castle and just letting everything sink in. A family dinner was in order, along with a bit of mischeif from the kids...by "kids" i mean those aged from 17-26 ;). Overall, I had a great time in Ireland! I would have to say though, that calling the Irish alcoholics would be a bit of an understatement, they can sure drink. But, I would also have to point out that this trip made me even more proud of my irish heritage. The irish are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered, willing to give you their own jacket or umbrella if need be (both of those instances actually happened).
Yeah for Ireland...
off to italy
We began the trip with a medevil family dinner at Bunratty castle. All 16 of us crowded around a single table and listened to irish folk music and stories from a little man in tights. After, what i would guestimate to be about 100 glasses of mead (irish honey wine) the family was having a rip-roaring, jolly good time. Michael even participated in a little skit the included him leading a song for the audience.
the fam took plenty of day trips as well. We went to Blarney castel in cork and kissed the blarney stone (even though we found out that the locals like to "piss" on it as night, hey, a little sacrifice for some good luck never hurt....mmm delicious). We headed to Cong village and walked around, even took a tour of where the Quiet Man was filmed. Do i even need to anounce that my dad was in "Duke Pattyfingers" heaven (sorry inside joke).
Next destination, the Aran islands. We biked around the main islands all day in spite of the horendeous downpour. Neddless to say, a hot bowl of soup and an irish coffe was a must.
Galway came next, a fantastically bohemian city nestled along the bay. Lots of shopping and eating was done here along with some run-ins with some very intersting locals.
Dublin was last on the list, I love Dublin! St. Patricks cathedral, Trinity college, temple bar, and the Guinness factory, there was so much to occupy yoursefl with.
The last day in ireland was spent hanging around the castle and just letting everything sink in. A family dinner was in order, along with a bit of mischeif from the kids...by "kids" i mean those aged from 17-26 ;). Overall, I had a great time in Ireland! I would have to say though, that calling the Irish alcoholics would be a bit of an understatement, they can sure drink. But, I would also have to point out that this trip made me even more proud of my irish heritage. The irish are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered, willing to give you their own jacket or umbrella if need be (both of those instances actually happened).
Yeah for Ireland...
off to italy
Sunday, June 24, 2007
ireland
Just a few of the Ireland Pics. Michael, Molly and myself are currently in Venice and the weather is so nice (a big change from ireland, let me tell you). we are still having a great time just running around with all the energy in the world. Italy is beautiful...those pictures will come next. until then
Ciao Ciao (i am so happy i can use that again)
Ciao Ciao (i am so happy i can use that again)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Where'd the sun go?
ok, well in case everyone is wondering, yes, we are here and having a blast! There is no internet cafe in the village of Quin, which is where we are staying while in Ireland, so it might be awhile before I can post some pictures :(. Then castle is a riot and is actually the whole shabang, I am talking stone walls, heavy wood doors, a spiral staircase and ghosts in the dungon (wouldn't be complete without it). We have be going nonstop from day one, visiting villages and castles, ruins and pubs. Today we took a ferry to the Aran islands and rode our bikes (in the rain) through the fields and rodes. It is absolutely beautiful here. It is no wonder that the people are so white and the fields are so green,I think the sun doesn't like to be seen in Ireland. I will tell you one thing, I know exactly where we all get our looks from, everyone has a familiar look about them. alright well I am spliting my internet time with Molly so I better give her a shot at the computer. I will give an update as soon as I can.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Begin the countdown
As you all know, the Nohr family is packing up our fiddles, shillelaghs and pasty white butts and heading back to our over-emphasized roots of Ireland. Nestled in, what I imagine to be rolling fields of shamrocks and dancing leprechauns, awaits the castle that we will soon call home for the duration of our stay in Limerick (aka “Stab City” due to a problem with knife attacks). This Friday, June 15th the Clan of 16, about the average size of just one Irish-Catholic family, will hop the 11:00 am flight bound for Shannon airport... and so the journey begins. After a week of fun with the family, Molly, Michael and Myself will be branching off from the group for a 3-week journey throughout Europe.
I can’t wait! Going back to Florence and sharing that experience with my family is a dream come true!
But, lets take this one country at a time… first stop, Ireland umm lets try that again… first stop, the pub!
An Irish toast to my Family:
May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
Here’s to the trip!
Sláinte (cheers)
I can’t wait! Going back to Florence and sharing that experience with my family is a dream come true!
But, lets take this one country at a time… first stop, Ireland umm lets try that again… first stop, the pub!
An Irish toast to my Family:
May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
Here’s to the trip!
Sláinte (cheers)
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