Travel Memoir – Page 2 – Journeys with Eileen Diane

Travel Memoir ~ Munich, Germany

February 28, 2019February 28, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

I visited Munich in Spring and it was quite beautiful. It’s a neat city to explore with many interesting shops (yes, I did buy a cuckoo clock) and terrific restaurants. As I did not rent a car, I took a tour to the beautiful Linderhof Palace and the Black Forest.

Being in Munich, I had to go to a large beer hall. It was crowded and I cannot imagine what the area must be like during Oktoberfest (very large crowds!). I had heard that beer is the Bavarians favorite drink and it is fabulous. Everyone was in a very jovial mood. I ordered and looked about, noticing that the servers were carrying several (four?) large beer steins in each hand.

When the waitress put the beer stein in front of me, I laughed as I realized it was heavy because it was thick glass, filled with the most delicious beer. It was quite unlike the beer I had previously tasted. I immediately understood why the Bavarians love their beer.

Everyone at the table toasted “Prost” (German for “cheers”) and we drank, enjoyed the food and became merrier. Visiting a beer hall is a definite “must” when in Munich. The phrase to know is “Ein Bier, bitte” (a beer, please)

Memories of my visit to Munich are highlighted by the very warm, generous people, terrific food (especially the pastries and desserts) and Munich beer and the beautiful scenery. I treasure my short stay there as I have life-long marvelous memories of this gorgeous area.

Travel well and often and savor your journeys!

Travel Memoir ~ Tokyo Disneyland

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

My favorite memories include …

A beautiful sunny day
Great memory of my mom and I enjoying our journey to Japan and especially having so much fun at Tokyo Disneyland, truly a magical place
Many familiar rides / exhibits
- Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Peter Pan, Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, Dumbo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Main Street, etc.
Spectacular, unique to Tokyo Disneyland exhibits included a terrific panorama about the Sea … this is what probably evolved into Tokyo DisneySea, which opened late summer, 2001
“The happiest place on earth” opened its first location outside of the US in Tokyo in April, 1983 .. the atmosphere was fabulous .. familiar yet marvelously different
Adults and children seemed to love the place, enjoying the rides and open spaces
The Parade was very popular with everyone, with many smiles and lots of laughter
Everyone at the Park was very friendly and excited to be there
I’d love to return to create new memories, especially to see Tokyo DisneySea

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Travel Memoir ~ Japan

Travel Memoir ~ Rome, Italy (Addendum: Additional Photos)

February 2, 2019February 1, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

Travel Memoir ~ Rome, Italy

Rome

Trevi Fountain

Piazza Navona

Rome

Caesar

Rome

Walking along the Tiber

Rome

Moses by Michelangelo

Rome

St Peter’s

Rome

St Peter’s Square

Travel Memoir ~ Venice, Italy ~ (Addendum: Additional Photos)

January 21, 2019January 21, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

Venice

Venice – walk on planks when high water

Venice

Enjoy memories of Venice … Travel Memoir ~ Venice, Italy

Travel Memoir ~ Japan

January 16, 2019January 14, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

When I planned my first trip to Asia, I used Japan (Tokyo) as a 2 night stopover to break up the trip from the east coast of the US to Thailand. I took a one day tour to Hakone National Park and fell in love with the country and its people. I knew that I would return and have been fortunate to be able to journey to Japan many times, both solo and also with friends. Let me share some of my favorite memories with you.

I discovered on one of my first solo journeys that it is quite easy to travel about on the Tokyo train system; just do not travel during rush hour! I took the train to Ueno Park, a beautiful park with a pond and several fascinating museums. I have spent many hours at The Tokyo National Museum, with its wide range of artwork and national treasures, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and The Kaneiji Temple.

I have been fortunate to be in Tokyo during the Cherry blossoms (usually late March – early April) and this Ueno Park is one of the most beautiful at that time. Tokyo has other beautiful parks and they are all worth time to explore.

Tokyo’s department stores are interesting places to visit. Their customer service is unrivaled as is their packaging. I love the basement floors where food is presented so beautifully. And, they are terrific places to buy Japanese souvenirs. I was in a department store when they were having a French fashion and goods exhibit. Everything was exquisitely displayed. I still have the “Babar” book that I bought. Department stores also have very good restaurants and cafes, with either plastic replicas or photos of the food choices, so no challenge ordering.

I vividly remember going out for dinner and afterward drinks with friends at a Karaoke Bar. It was great fun, and as I sing “Happy Birthday” off key, I only sang with friends and sang very low. A friend noticed and laughingly said, “I did not hear you.” I responded “That was the idea.”

On one visit, with my mother, we left our hotel to walk about and find a restaurant for dinner. The hotel had given use several suggestions in the area. As one point, I had crossed the narrow street and gotten ahead of my mother. Three businessmen approached my mother and started to speak to her. I noticed and walked back. It turned out they wanted to make certain my mother was OK and not lost. They also gave us the name of a nearby restaurant which was excellent. Another evening, we joined a tour and had a marvelous dinner plus a fascinating Kabuki Show. To me, Japan is one of the safest countries I have visited with the most courteous and helpful people.

In Nikko, at the Toshu-gu shrine, I was captivated by the carving of the three wise monkeys: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” In Osaka, I was fascinated by the 16^th century castle, surrounded by a moat and park. And the Bullet train is not to be missed.

My fondest memories of Japan are of its marvelous people, culture and cuisine. There is a sense of serenity and timelessness plus a glimpse of the future as you journey through this complex land with its ancient customs and very up to date technology.

Travel well on your journeys and travel often.

King Kong in Tokyo

Travel Memoir ~ Paris, France

January 12, 2019January 13, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

Paris is a magnificent city, no matter the season. Imagine a beautiful city with incredible cuisine, wine, museums, parks, monuments, shopping, book stores and the most unique ambiance. Let me share some memories of when I traveled with friends or solo to this favorite city and working for an international airline I was able to indulge my love of travel and visit Paris many times.

Before my first journey to Paris, I bought a terrific guidebook (Paris Access) which was a good idea as Paris has so much to see and experience. The book arranged Paris by neighborhood (Latin Quarter, St -Germain, Louvre & Chamos-Elysees, etc) making it easy to walk about and explore this fascinating city.

I usually started my day by visiting a local boulangerie and choosing a fabulous croissant or pain au chocolat or pain aux raisins (my favorite) or … your choice is quite extensive. Later in the day, take a break from exploring and enjoy a visit to one of the marvelous patisseries. The creations are memorable and mouth watering.

Several times I stayed in the 5^th Arrondissment. It’s a terrific area for restaurants and an easy walk (or Metro ride) to the main sightseeing areas. The Mouffetard Market, on Rue Mouffetard, has a splendid selection of food to buy (cheese, bread and wine, as a start) and cute, local places to dine. I recall a marvelous French-Vietnamese bistro with the most incredible quiche and tartes. Voila!

I have spent numerous hours exploring the superb Louvre and enjoying their restaurants (one had the most delicious brownie). It does require several visits. Other favorite museums include the D’Orsay and The Centre Pompidou. For Monet, nothing beats the incredible Marmottan Museum which has the largest collection of his works; more than three hundred paintings. And should you decide to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, don’t do it immediately after lunch.

LOL, I can still recall doing that, carrying my winter coat, as it was getting warmer and warmer, as I walked up the narrow circular stairs. I heard people ahead of me groaning and laughing and shouted to them “are we almost there?” They laughingly replied, “no — still a ways to go.” And yes, the view is worth the memorable climb.

Close by short trips that I fondly recall and highly recommend include Versailles and yes, it is magnificent. On a smaller scale, take a forty minute train ride from Paris to the Fontainbleau Chateau. At both places, you will feel the France of a by-gone era. Marvel at the royal lavishness and breath-taking gardens.

There are English language bookstores including Shakespeare and Company. The department stores are well worth a visit. And Parisians do like it when travelers speak even a few words of French. Be prepared to have your pronunciation corrected, but that’s how we learn, isn’t it?

I usually traveled to Paris off-season which I prefer as there are fewer lines than in the peak summer months. And while the Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens may not be in bloom, you will be able to walk about without the crowds.

Paris is a state of mind with memories that last a lifetime. C’est magnifique!

Travel well and often!

Paris in the Fall

Arc de Triumph, Fall

Arc de Triumph

Eiffel Tower at Dusk

View from Arc de Triumph

The Louvre Museum

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Along the Seine

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Versailles

FontainebleaChateau

Fontainebleau Chateau

Travel Memoir ~ The French Alps

Travel Memoir ~ St Malo, France

Travel Memoir ~ Ireland

January 6, 2019January 5, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

I have traveled to Ireland several times, always off-season (no lines!). The weather was very similar to the Pacific Northwest (rainy), but when it cleared, it was fabulous. Two of my favorite spots are Dublin and Galway, which are marvelous cities to explore and easy to navigate.

Dublin has many sights to intrigue the traveler. Both the Book of Kells and St. Stephen’s Green left lasting impressions with me.Visit Trinity College to see the gorgeous Book of Kells. It may be crowded, but seeing the manuscript is awe inspiring and definitely a must see. St Stephen’s Green is a beautiful place to stroll, perhaps read or people watch. Check out The Irish Whiskey Museum, The Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the National Botanic Gardens and The Abbey Theatre.

If not renting a car (I didn’t), you can take one day tours to many parts of Ireland or do as I did, and take the train to another area. I took the train to Galway, in the western part of Ireland. As the miles went by, I marveled at the numerous shades of green. Galway, a harbor city on the Atlantic, is a beautiful place to walk about. It has many pubs, fabulous Irish seafood and the people are grand.

One day I flew to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands. The very small plane departed Galway Airport in the rain (well, drizzle) and from my first glimpse of the island, I knew it was enchanted. I was only there for a few hours but loved the beauty and solitude and the people. I also enjoyed the hearty soup and Irish bread that I had at a B&B that served lunch. It is on my list of places to revisit.

Ireland has several Castle banquet evenings. I went to two and enjoyed both, though each was quite different. My favorite was in the Galway area at Dungaire Castle, located on the water. The banquet food was delicious, there was harp music and readings from the works of William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Sean O’Casey and John Millington Synge. It was an unforgettable mystical evening of beautiful music and poetry.

The other banquet I attended was at Bunratty Castle, which is close to Shannon Airport (western Ireland). It took place in the Great Hall; the meal and entertainment were very good and it was great fun. Many people (myself included) go to the banquet prior to flying to the states the next day. After the banquet, many of us went back to the Bunratty Castle Hotel, where we recounted our travel adventures with much laughter. A fitting end to an Irish journey is indulging in an Irish Mist or Irish Coffee with fellow travelers.

Memories of my visits to Ireland are highlighted by the very warm, generous people, the great food and drink and the spectacular scenery. There are magical places, especially in western Ireland, where, if you close your eyes, you can imagine ancient Celts or Druids and feel their presence. And don’t forget the leprechauns. Who knows, you may meet one or two as you journey about this magical isle.

Travel well and often.

Travel Memoir ~ Nepal (Addendum)

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

Addendum: I found some additional slides to share of my incredible journey to Nepal. They brought back fabulous memories, including taking a local bus from/to Katmandu and Annapurna. When you go, definitely take a tour of Mt Everest by plane. It is breathtaking and not to be missed. Enjoy the link below.

Namaste

Travel well on your journeys and travel often.

Travel Memoir ~ Nepal

Travel Memoir ~ The French Alps

December 22, 2018January 13, 2019Journeys with EileenDiane

A friend and I traveled to France off season (fall) and loved it. We spent time in Paris, took a train to Geneva where we had arranged a car rental and then we headed for the majestic Alps.

Our trip included Albertville (stopped there for lunch), then onto Chamonix for several days, followed by stays in Val d’Isere, Megeve and Annecy. Let me share my memories of two favorite spots, which were our journey’s highlights: Chamonix and Annecy.

Chamonix:

We stayed at the terrific Albert 1^erwhich was central to the town with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc. Upon our arrival, we shopped for a picnic: bread, local wine (a Gamay and an Apremont) and cheese (triple crème) and enjoyed our fabulous goodies on our balcony surrounded by incredible beauty.

Taking the cable car to Aiquille du Midi above the town is a must. The cable car ride is thrilling and the view is spectacular. You are among the mountains and clouds. It is an awesome experience that will stay with you long after your visit. There is a small cafe where you can enjoy coffee and a snack while enthralled by the view.

A favorite pastime in Chamonix was walking about, marveling at towering Mont Blanc, stopping to enjoy coffee and a pastry, sitting outside, taking in the view. A favorite restaurant was Atmosphere, on the Arve River. The meals were superb, capped by fabulous meringue desserts.

For a different view of Mont Blanc, take the tunnel under the mountain which connects France and Italy (the Aosta Valley). Great way to spend a day, explore the area (very narrow streets) and indulge in Italian cuisine.

Annecy:

Called “The Venice of the Alps,” you will enjoy walking about the many canals and exploring this beautiful city. Walk the cobble stoned streets, stop for a pastry and take in the beauty all about. Check the schedule and browse and shop at the local markets. The variety of foods is quite incredible. As you walk about, stop and take photos of the Palais de l’Isle, which is one of France’s most photographed attractions. It is a local museum, only open in warmer months.

As you walk about, you will discover many terrific restaurants. Two dishes to try are the local Savoyard Fondue and Raclette. Once after eating a fondue and looking at the dessert menu, a woman at an adjoining table advised us not to have ice cream for dessert, as it would not go with the cheese fondue we had just eaten. Who knew? While both dishes are traditionally Swiss, the French have made them their own. Bon Appetite!

All that was needed was a sense of adventure, a smattering of French and a small French phrase book. People were friendly and helpful, cuisine marvelous, weather was great and the fall colors spectacular and no crowds. Off season travel has its advantages.

Travel well and often.