Survivor: Europe

There's no place like home....

2008-07-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all, we are finally home. Europe was an amazing experience. I enjoyed it thoroughly and am happy to be home. I thought I would post the things I love about being home and the things I will miss about Europe.

Things I love about being home:

1. My own bathroom
2. My own bed
3. Driving
4. Ice
5. Air Conditioning
6. Alone time
7. Fabric Softener
8. Dry shoes (it rained almost everyday of the vacation)
9. Diet coke is cheaper than beer
10. Spicy food

Things I miss about Europe

1. Blue sky
2. Beautiful buildings and art everywhere you go
3. Functional public transportation
4. Beer is cheaper than Diet Coke
5. Water conservation is everywhere.
6. Cars are small and fuel efficient
7. Rain
8. Everyone lives a slower pace of life
9. Self-cleaning toilets
10. People go out of their way to help strangers

I will have more reflections later on, but I am really happy to be home! Thanks for sharing in the journey.

Heather

Edelweiss Edelweiss

2008-07-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

7/09/08

Munich, Germany

Today we spent the day right back where we started three weeks and a lifetime ago: Munich. How do you say goodbye? How do you end a trip that was so long in the making and whose memories will be with us forever?

Firstly, I can’t believe that its over. Secondly, I can’t believe that it even happened.

The trip had a variety of paces, and it all seemed surreal. Like the 10 p.m. sunsets we've been enjoying.

Today, we frolicked in the place where we felt most at home: Germany. The Germans were the people we felt most comfortable with. Them and the Austrians.

We enjoyed the Marian Platz which soundly put to shame the platz in Brussels (poor Brussels!) We strolled by the area near the Hofbrauhaus. Memories of 12% alcohol danced in my head. I’ll never forget trying to park the Beast with Rick that first Saturday night. There was just no room at the inn. Here she was chugging along in a city that didn’t realize that big girls need love too. We ended up parking 10 blocks away that night and walked to the Platz area.

Today, Zack was able to finally buy the backpack he had desperately been searching for as a souvenir. He was very patient, and a real trooper.

Laura and I finally found something we liked for our house: a Nutcracker. But this handmade “Cracker”, dressed in laderhosen, will be able to stay out year round and join the rest of Laura’s collection at Christmas.

What a jambalaya experience we all had on this trip: different languages, rich culture, subtle and grand differences; the people warm and some cool. (Some too cool: see Hasselhoff blog.) Travel is a most exciting teacher.

As we took our last family portrait, I wondered: are the Europeans really much different than we Americans? We all share the same nature, but have different nurture. In the end, I gained a respect for much of the European lifestyle: the long lunches where conversation is savored as much as the food. A slower pace of life. Art in the public square. The united commitment by a city for conservation. The commitment to use rapid transit or a BIKE. And a willingness to embrace and trust strangers in a strange land like us.

I gained a new level of appreciation for what I have in the U.S. While there is much I would love to see changed, it is still home, and I love America. She is still the greatest country in the world to me.

I have a few people I’d like to thank. I want to thank my sister-in-law Heather for setting up this blog which I at first shunned, and ultimately embraced. I want to thank Rick for driving the Beast and being a great tour guide in Bavaria. I want to thank YOU the fans. I have really enjoyed this time we’ve shared in cyberspace. I will never forget the frenzied pace of plugging in somewhere just to post a blog. And I want to recognize God’s protection over us this past 21 days. We have had more than a few close calls on the road that I know without Divine intervention we would not have made it through.

And so as I say goodbye, three families having lived through “Survivor: Europe", we walk into the next phase of our adventure: life after Europe and the return HOME. We return home a little wiser, a little more cultured, and the world seems a little smaller.

God bless you, God bless America, and God bless Europe. Those Euros aren’t so bad after all.

Signing off.

Gabe

Brussels: Somewhere In Between

2008-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

7/07/08 Brussels, Belgium

Well, we have begun our downward swing back towards Munich by way of Brussels. We are all tired as we have basically peaked in Paris. So coming to Brussels after Paris really just wasn’t fair to Brussels. Plus, we only spent one full day there.

We made our way to the Grand Platz which is the hub of the city. The city in parts looks French, then in other parts appears German. It truly is a mix of new and old like Paris, but without the glory of Paris. That is Brussels: somewhere in between.

The girls went shopping at the Grand Platz center where their euros stretched much further than in Paris. The boys took a slower pace and made went to museum row in the southern part of town. There we saw a monument erected in honor of Belgium independence in the 1830’s. This structure held its own against French architecture in its beauty and majesty.

Here we visited the Auto Museum, where Rick saw his favorite car in the form of a 1969 Citron. It was part of a very nice collection which featured some pretty rare finds for car lovers.

The city is the birthplace of Art Nouveau, and that movement is featured prominently throughout many hotels and restaurants in the city.
We ate at one such establishment.

The restaurant was in a section we called Little Italy row, where there was nothing but Italian joints. Capitalism was alive and well as the owners each came out to court us for our business. “Kids eat free,” shouted one, “We are a FAMILY business.” You don’t have to ask us twice. Inside our restaurant was a pure European Union style mix: Italian restaurant, Spanish owner, Algerian waiters, a Gypsy King CD playing (incessantly I might add), and three languages spoken. We had a lovely time and a wonderful meal.

As we made our way out of the area looking for a grocery, we discovered that Little Italy was actually Little Red Light District. We spotted V.I.P. clubs, and found two guys checking out Le Val d’Amour Swingers Club.

Smile and wave boys, smile and wave!

The city was definitely more industrial than others we have visited. It was a European Melting Pot of all walks of life. Young things shopped for designer fashions while beggars awaited their scraps on the sidewalk. Street musicians sang songs deserving record contracts amidst graffiti painted walls.
And of course we found the Potty Boy statue. I’ll give you $50 bucks if you can name the artist! I can’t and I studied art in college. This statue is so small you can barely see him let alone his FAMOUS stream.

Tomorrow we arrive back in Munich stunned that we have made it full circle.
See you then!

Gabe

ADDENDUM TO BATHROOMS IN EUROPE

2008-07-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

So due to internet being unavailable for most of France, this comes a little late......

We have arrived in France

Now here is my question, did the people of France not learn from the Black Plague? Not only are bathrooms rank holes in the ground, but there is no soap to be found. Again, I am happy to be prepared with abundant wet wipes. Never have I been so excited to use a gas station bathroom as when we arrived in Germany and I saw the self-cleaning toilet again.

Heather

MEIN CAMP

2008-07-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

7/07/08

Many of you have begged for a blog on the infamous Beast, so I have decided to oblige. I firstly must apologize, however, if we have neglected any fan emails. We know you are out there, we feel your love and support. And we appreciate it. But being that this is our FIRST Family Vacation Blog, and our LAST family vacation, you will forgive the fact that, well, we suck at blogging. So the neglect is not intended.

Anyway, onto the blog.

Back in 2001, I traveled to the Amazon on a mission trip with my church. I liken The Beast to the Amazon. How you may ask? Well, its very easy.

The Amazon is the people’s mode for transportation, their drinking water, and their toilet. All in one. Well, its very much like that with The Beast.

It is our transportation, our living space, our sleeping space, our toilet, and our shelter.

It is a place of multitasking. Everyday we do a weird kind of dance when we have to eat, or clean dishes, or make beds. Quarters are tight, so its not uncommon to rub derrieres with a loved one on the way to the bunk or to the kitchen.

The Beast is really a Transformer: more than meets the eye. It transforms throughout the day.

Rick and Grace have the back bunks for sleeping, which are used for storage and play area for the kids while driving. It also serves as the kids movie house, when I play a DVD on my computer for them on a long stretch.

Moving onto the bathroom/ kitchen/ dinette area, we have a public space. It is our area for meals while parked, our sitting area while driving, and said table converts to a bed for Heather at night.

Laura and the kids have the bunk above the driving area. This area converts to a storage area and the “dry the wet towels” area during the driving time.

And lastly we have my area which, you guessed it, as the seventh member of the “sleeps six” Beast, is the front cab. This area is well, perfect for driving, with nice cushioned bucket seating. But the area is not so good for sleeping. We had to buy a piece of wood to stretch across the space between the seats to create some semblance of a bed. Being in the front seat does have its advantages:

I have my own personal space, my own breathing area, my own exit for those 3 am and 6 am bathroom breaks. I also have curtains to block the sun in the morning.

Recently, Rick and Laura came up with a great idea for me: why not try to sleep in the stow away at the back of The Beast? Since I sleep like an animal anyway, and the stow was FLAT, I decided to give it a try. Well, an hour into my sleep I awoke to EXTREME claustrophobia. That's right, I felt like I was in a coffin. Never before had I appreciated the front seat so much on this trip. While I calmed myself down that night, I decided to crawl back to my hole the very next night (“It puts the lotion in the basket!”).

All and all, the Beast has been a Highway Star. Especially now that we bought it a brain in the form of a TOM TOM. Yeah, we still almost hit the occasional bicyclist, lamp post, guard rail, and pedestrian BUT we don’t get lost anymore! (please refer to Munich blog 6/25/08)

With Diesel prices at $1.50 euro (about $6 bucks U.S.), the Beast has even been nice enough to at least give us about 18 miles to the gallon.

Things could always be worse: we could be in a VW camper bus. But truly in the end, like all animals we have adapted to the ways of the jungle and when we take care of the Beast, the Beast takes care of us!

Well, good night, I get to sleep in the tent tonight! Oh, yeah baby: I only have to take three ibuprofen in the morning!

Gabe

A Different Way of Living

2008-07-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my observations over the last 3 weeks:

EU Countries: small cars (and I mean really small!) small houses, small stores, small food portions, everyone is bi-lingual if not multi-lingual, scarves are very “in”, meat and cheese and bread are staples, veggies are not, public restrooms are clean.

US: big cars, big houses, big stores, big food portions, some people are bi-lingual but not many are multi-lingual, scarves are not so big, veggies and fruit are much more of a staple in our diet, public restrooms are rarely clean.

Not to say one is better or worse, just some differences I have noted between the 2 places.

** Note, one thing that is very wrong about the EU, however, is their lack of ice in drinks. Today we went to get a drink at the first fountain drink stand we’ve come across and there was no ice for the Diet Coke - AGHH!!!

Love, Laura

Lovers, Friends, and David Hasselhoff

2008-07-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

7/4/08 Paris, France

Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you
If you’re young at heart

For its hard you will find
To be narrow of mind
If you're young at heart

You can go to extremes
With impossible schemes
you can laugh when your dreams
fall apart at the seams

And life gets more exciting
with each passing day
And love is either in your heart
or on its way (Young at Heart, Frank Sinatra 1953)

Love was definitely in the hearts of some and in the hands of others. Today I’d like to blog about good old fashioned L-O-V-E Parisian style.

I mean its all over. And I mean all over. I thought Lucerne had it going on, but this is unique. Friends shared benches, along the Seine River, while lovers shared a French kiss against a wall. And voyeurism is okay. That's part of the scene: to be seen.

And if you didn’t have that special someone, don’t worry, let the city love you.

That’s what I saw in Paris today. People loving each other, loving themselves, and loving the city. This is the city where everybody is a celebrity. Whether you’re some cutie getting her picture taken on the steps of the Sacre Coure, or whether you’re David Hasselhoff being dropped off at same steps by private chauffeur.

That’s right: David Hasselhoff sighting!

Okay, so in this city where everybody is somebody, we actually saw somebody who is /was somebody. So steps out of his car, signs a few graphs, to let people know he’s arrived. Unfortunately, the crowd of about 150 gathered on the steps were busy giving money to a two-bit kid with a guitar playing Sweet Child O’ Mine. The former Bay Watch star scaled the steps with some young thing who I hope was his daughter.But anyway, you need not brush with greatness nor be great yourself to feel the love in this town. This was perfectly exemplified by five college boys playing 60’s Motown in an alley with empty beer bottles. Now, I don’t know if they were getting cash for the night’s bar tab or paying for their way home, but they loved the crowd and the crowd loved them.As we continued our passage through our stay in Paris, people of all walks were caught up in the romance of this city! Heck, there was so much love in the air, even the dogs were into into it.

So in the end whether you were young, old, human, or canine, everyone in Paris seemed young at heart!

Le Gabe

Versailles: The Bold and the Beautiful

2008-07-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

7/3/08 Versailles, France

So Day Number Two in France we jaunted down to Versailles to check out the digs of "The Sun King" Louis XIV (1659-1715). The place is so opulent even the weather is rich. And what a beautiful day it was. Emerald blue skies were bespeckled with white puffy clouds.

The chateau is really a small city in itself. Statues of marble and bronze adorned the seemingly endless miles of the property. The grounds are opento the public, so you could easily spot a jogger or a picnic. We on the other hand decided to partake in the gardens which were neatly manicured. We also continued to partake in the ritual of expensive lunching. But hey, when in France.....

After a leisurely two hour lunch we walked over to Marie Antoinette’s chateau on the grounds, which were lovely but unfortunately 95% closed for renovation.

The main house of course was in a word: decadent . Everywhere you turned, there was gold and velvet, Rococo decor. It was simply a fabulous feast

for the eyes. I especially liked the Hall of Mirrors which were outside the royal living quarters.

My only thought was “It’s good to be the king!” But then there was that Bastille Day thing. But maybe it was worth it? I mean they couldn’t feel it right?

We finished the day with our family going to the Eiffel Tower. What an awesome structure. Built in three stages over the course of a year, the tower was completed in 1836, and currently sports four elevators to the top. Apparently, the tower is continually being painted. It takes 26 years to paint it, and by the time they are done, its time to get started again.

Our attempt to get to the top was interrupted by a slight hurricane.(no joke!) So we decided to duck into a cafe for a small dinner. By the time we left, the good weather had returned and we continued our quest. The view from top went well with how we are feeling on this whole trip: on top of the world.

Wish you were here!

-Gabe

Vive Le France!

2008-07-07T01:15:00.001-07:00

7-02-08 Paris, France

Well, we have met Le French and I prefer Le Freak say CHIC! Well, I half-jest: we are all God’s children. But I must say that the Euros enthusiasm for us piddly Americans soured once we crossed into France. I mean we pulled something right out of Monty Python’s Holy Grail: “I fart in your general direction!” But we'll see how things progress....

So after a hot and sweaty Southern California night (90 degrees/ 80% humidity) we popped up the next morning and hit the subway for the Louvre. WOW! For those of you who know, having being an oil painter myself this was a mecca experience. I must admit that when I saw Gericault’s “Raft of the Medusa” I wept openly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raft_of_the_Medusa

Now the scene was only slightly dampered by the one thousand sightseers who joined us to appreciate le art. But hey, art is for everyone.

I also got to see my friend Venus De Milo, which was unexpected. She’s still the hottest armless woman out there.

I also enjoyed the Greek Nike statue discovered in the 1863. The place in at about 108 B.C. I place it at timeless classic. And yes, Nike’s gotta be the hottest headless babe out there!

The Louvre is a city in itself. I can’t explain it other than to say the open courtyard is about 1X4 football fields in size; or at least it felt like it.

We next enjoyed a classic bite to eat at a sidewalk cafe where a canopy sheltered us from a gentle rain. I must add that the French have a few things down: wine, lingerie, bread, rudeness, and dessert! We ordered a pie, and a tiramisu. Magnific! Later we visited the Musee d’ Orsay

which held its own against the luscious Louvre with its excellent representation of Impressionist, Rococo, sculpture, and Art Nouveau. In the end, my brain was fried by the wonderful artworks. But what a lovely slow-burn it was.

We ended our first jaunt into Paris with a chocolate/coconut crepe followed by a banana crepe.

Well, I better get to sleep. The Euros are going to be up till 2 a.m. and I need to rest up for Versailles!

Le Gabe

Hi From Grace

2008-07-07T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hi from Grace,

A couple of months ago my daughter Laura bought me a book called I Love You, Mom. She personalized each page by adding notes. It was a real tear jerker.
Before we left for this trip I was rereading a wonderful poem called “What Is A Family?”. The second I stanza of the poem took on a whole new meaning. It reads:

A family is a blend of people and personalities who share A common path on their travels through this world. Under one roof and enfolded within one wonderful feeling, A family brings together a million memories Of yesterday and a dream that distant tomorrow’s Will keep them close No matter what

Those words and phrases stood out in our new reality. They are the following:
1) Under one roof - couldn't it have been a little bigger roof?
2) Close-Is 12 inches of personal space really enough?
3) No matter what- We’ve experienced some “no matter what’s”. And personally, I could do more without any MORE.

In all seriousness, God has blessed us indeed to be able to take this trip together and see the beauties of his creation. We are making lots of memories and adjusting to our small living space. Five minutes alone in the camper provides so many possibilities, one doesn’t know where to start. We’ve taught Rick the words “I’m sorry” in French. We figured since he sticks his foot in his mouth so often, he should say his name and "daysoley" (I’m sorry). We’re having lots of laugh and its a once in a lifetime opportunity.

See you soon,

Love Grace

INTERMISSION

2008-07-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Due to technical difficulties in not having a hot spot at our campground in France, our Blog will be down temporarily. We will return to posting our adventures as soon as possible.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

In the meantime enjoy the theme song from the movie Vacation, or some Clark Griswold sound bytes that might very well have been uttered on this trip.

4th of July on June 28th

2008-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

OK, I am finally posting and have to say I have been a bit intimidated. Heather and Gabe write so well and have such a great sense of sarcasm and humor. But since Lucerne, was my favorite city, I wanted to let you know I might not be coming home. Lucerne was a fabulous city - a beautiful setting of a lake with the alps in the background. It was built in the 13th century and had beautiful old buildings downtown right on the lake with a river flowing out of it. As Gabe mentioned previously, the Yodeling contest was in town and our timing could not have been more perfect!

I have to make a correction here though. There were 12,ooo yodelers (that's right, I typed 12,000) and 200,ooo visitors in town (in a city of 60,000 people normally.) All the way from Canada and New Zealand. Each area had their own outfit/costume. Unfortunately, it was a bit warm and that led to a lot of BO with so many people. Why Europeans have not figured out the beauty of daily deodorant, I don't know.

Anyway, I got distracted - I need to move to Lucerne... They have great food, beautiful buildings, friendly people, fabulous chocolate, a lake with amazing fireworks that reminded me of our family tradition on Lake Arrowhead for several years. The echo was incredible (and unfortunately a little loud for the kids.) The fireworks did not get going until 10:30 though so we had lots of time to chat with the Suisse, since it does not get dark here in Europe until 10:00 at the earliest! How great is that! My only problem is the value of the euro so if you would like to donate to my cause, please feel free to donate to our family account (since I probably should stay with Gabe and the kids.) Call my dear friend Viv and she will happily take your $$. Hopefully she will even deposit it so we can stay.

Until France and more reasons to ditch the 951/909,
-Laura

Switzerland: Why Can’t We Be Friends?

2008-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

6/28 - 6/29/2008 Luzerne, Switzerland

After a queasy drive through the Swiss Alps, we finally arrived in Luzerne. What a beautiful country! What an un-beautiful smell however: the cows made me wish for Chino, CA!

The people here are very friendly. And since Switzerland is the land of neutrality, why not? War (the band) had it right: Why Can't We Be Friends? And/ or lovers for that matter?

All around us love was in the air. This is a romantic and friendly city. I don’t know if its the chocolates, the semi-nude lake front, or something in the water: folks are loving it here and it shows.

My first taste of this new kind of friendship occurred in the Mens side of the public showers at our camp. There I was shaving and in walks a woman, who proceeds to knock on the shower door of her male friend and walks right in. She proceeded to do some humming, and well, I don;t know what was going on in there. Okay, then!

Every where you looked folks were sharing a kiss, sharing a bench, or as I just mentioned sharing a shower. Heck, event the kids stopped fighting and shared a dance.

We found a much needed change of pace here in Luzerne. We were able to leave the Beast at the campsite and walk to our festivities. And festivities we found in the Luzerne Yodeling Festival that was going on.

http://www.luzern.org/en/navpage-FestivalLU-MusicFestivalLU-202085.html

I think there was something like 2,000 yodelers, and 10,000 spectators over the weekend. But if you’re going to get serenaded, what better place than Luzerne? And we’re not talking "serenading a cow type" of yodeling either. These folks could sing like and angelic choir and often did in the streets as they practiced for their competitions.

In the end we had a wonderful two days here and finished Day Two with a day at the lake, followed by an authentic dinner in the old part of town.

Tomorrow we head for Dijon on our way to Paris, the true city of love!

Hugs and Kisses,

Gabe

More Germany & Austria photos go to my Flickr page.

Bathrooms of Europe

2008-06-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello again. After two beautiful days of sunshine, we again were caught in the rain. However, this time, we broke with Sylvester tradition and actually took a taxi back to our camp site. The best 20 fr ever spent! We are now watching the Euro Cup finals at the campground and washing all the towels we left on the line to dry.

So today's topic, bathrooms in Europe. Now on my earlier postings, you may have noted significant apprehension about using camp and public bathrooms in Europe. Men, this fear may seem a bit absurd, however women, you know what I'm talking about. My mother, sister and I have a long tradition of finding the best and most beautiful toilets when we travel (#1 The Drake Hotel-Chicago) and I was not expecting to find any list-toppers on my trip and I have been pleasantly surprised. I have had to break out the travel toilet seat covers only a few times, as there are several innovations in toilet sanitation that have been implemented in the EU.

Perhaps the most stunning bathroom thus far was at the Swarofski Crystal Museum (yes Sam I got you something sparkly). Not only were the individual stalls clean and fresh, the sink and mirrors were amazing. The faucet flowed water through a neon blue spicket and the mirror had blue crystals backlit to create the feeling of space. It was a highlight of the museum, along with the crystal filled walls.

The other two miracles of toiletry relate to sanitation. While I have not yet seen toilet seat covers, the Europeans have this fabulous thing called SaniSeat. It is a dispenser of cleaning solution next to the toilet. You simply spray some onto toilet paper and instantly you have a hygienic seat. These are everywhere and have replace squatting in my life, which makes me happy. Even the bathrooms at the gas stations and portapotties are beautiful and clean (see picture).

If sanitation were a Nobel category, this final invention would be a clear winner....the self-cleaning toilet. That's right people a toilet that cleans itself after every use. Where did we find such a thing? At the Alpin Zoo. Now the Zoo did not see fit to clean the animal habitats, but they did invest in the finest of toilet technology. Here is how it goes. After flushing, the toilet has a retractable arm that comes out and covers a portion of the seat. The seat itself is flexible and rotates completely, allowing the arm to spray and wipe the entirety of the seat. Finally, the arm releases aromatic freshness into the bowl to alleviate any odor (peach was the scent used at the zoo) and returns to its resting state.

So begin the petition folks, we need to take a stand, clean public restrooms free of charge and free of germs. I may take this all back when I get to France, but my hopes are high!

Until next time,

Heather

All White People Look Alike...They Just Look Better in Europe

2008-06-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and family! We have survived our first week and are having a wonderful time, quarters are cramped, we have developed our own strategies for eating and getting ready in shifts, it is really quite efficient.

We are now in Switzerland and my topic today was confirmed, while all white people look alike, Europeans are more beautiful than the rest of the us. I have been here over a week and have yet to see a pimple or hair out of place. Also, no one sweats. Now it is about 85-90 degrees with about 80% humidity. We are sweating walking up part of a hill to go to a museum and a pregnant woman who walked up the entire hill in the alps, pushing a stroller in heels arrives without being the slightest bit winded or having a drop of sweat. Now I know that this is because they walk everywhere from birth and ride their bikes through the mountains by age 5, but the effect is stunning. The other idea that I had was that it was all of the mineral water that they drink. It is next to impossible to find wasser stil, almost all of the water sold and consumed is mineral water.

Not to say that all Europeans are physically perfect. Some have bad teeth and other have bad hair (mullet man will be posted at a later date). However, these imperfections do not hold them back a bit. They wear them as badges of pride, a lesson that could be learned by all....

By the way, today was the first day of using the TomTom, it was beautiful, we named her Gretel, as she drops breadcrumbs to show us the way!

Next up....bathrooms of Europe.

Heather

Castles and Dancers and Bears, Oh My!

2008-06-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Innsbruck, Austria 6/26/08

Today we had a long day but a great one.

We took a bus ride to the Alpine Zoo. We were able to see church steeples, and the mountains surrounding the valley. On the bus I played peekaboo with some school children, who impressed me with getting around at their young age.

The zoo was about the size of the Santa Barbara zoo back home: small. Our favorite exhibits were the turtles, and the bears. They were the only two animals not sleeping or looking depressed.

Next we traveled to the Ferdinand II castle in the southern part of the city. It was from the 1800’s and was stocked with Medieval and early Renaissance paintings and artifacts. It was nicely preserved. I especially liked the dungeon, which was partially underground and you could feel the temperature drop by 20 degrees. I also liked the suits of armor and weaponry.

We finished the day with dinner and a show. We ate downtown Old Town Innsbruck, and then made our way to an Austrian Folk Dance Show. This was very cool. It was complete with costume, folk dancers, and of course the Bavarian oompa music. At the end they sang international songs from about 15 countries ranging from Yankee Doodle to Pomp and circumstance, including Brazilian, Spanish, and Brazilian anthems in between.

Tomorrow we travel to Luzerne, Switzerland. Its a 3 hour jaunt. To be continued....

-Gabe

The Thrill of the Fight

2008-06-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Innsbruck, Austria 6/25/08

One of the first things you learn about Europe is that folks like to be considered UNITED. It is comparable to the United States in the way we are united but love our individual freedoms. It somehow feels different over here. The Euros have the European Union (and are seeking a unifying constitution), they have the euro ($), and they share very similar beliefs about personal freedoms. They are united about global concerns and environmental issues.

Yet all this unity goes out the window when the 2008 UEFA EURO CUP is at stake. All of a sudden nationalism becomes CHIC, and it becomes cool to be a Nationalist.

I must say I haven’t seen this much passion (and danger) since covering Raiders football. There is an energy in the air. The streets of Innsbruck are filled with painted faces, various national flags, fans chanting their national anthems in the streets to boast a victory over another team. Its an entire street fair bordering on a riot situation. Rick stayed downtown and said it was elbow to elbow wall of people. Plenty of beer. Plenty of cheer. And plenty of police.

Last night, the Germans beat the Turks in Euro Cup competition and I believe they are slated to be in the final match against the winner of the Russia v. Spain game.

So while bottles AND curses fly through the air, we’ll just duck our heads and be glad they are fighting on the futbol field and not a battle field.

I guess the safest thing to do for us is to show true unity as well: we can cheer for ALL the teams...but depending on where we are at the bar, that might get us killed.

-Gabe

Fools In The Rain

2008-06-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

We drove into Innsbruck today, and what a place this is. Very much like old town Munich, Innsbruck was filled with cafes, bars, tiny alleys, hotels and lots of people from ALL over. We split up today with Rick and myself going out on our own to find an electronic store to buy a Tom Tom. So the day was filled for me, with people watching and making some cool shots there. The rest of the family went by bus to enjoy a Crystal Museum and modern art display and a few shops and another museum.

Today we learned a valuable lesson: NEVER leave without being prepared for rain. The weather changes in the blink of an eye. In fact today it actually hailed! We enjoyed the rain from a safe covering at our restaurant by the river side. The view was spectacular over looking the river. But apparently, the owners didn’t want any electrocuted Americans on their hands and moved us inside. We had a fabulous dinner which included beer and various ice cream desserts.After our final bus stop, we had about a quarter mile to walk in the rain, because like fools we didn’t bring any umbrellas today. And of course we left the vents open in The Beast so some portions got a little wet. Sometimes when your world is so small -your whole world can get rained on.

Today was also a great day for meeting friends from other lands. We met an English couple leaving our camp in at our Seefled. A German actually drove Rick and I around like a taxi driver to help us find some risers for The Beast. The guy was so nice, and took us to about four stops. Just to be safe and not be kidnapped we had him drive us back to t he bus stop rather than downtown. We also met Doctor Sandra who was in her first week of residency here in Innsbruck. She gave us wonderful directions and advice and told us about life in medicine over a cup of coffee. Back at the camp I met Marth, a Dutchman camping with his wife. Very friendly and spoke good English, Marth had a son who came to LA last year on holiday. Marth also had a very cool toy: trailer with a remote control. This thing moved by itself into position with the click of a button.

Well, tomorrow we will be prepared for rain as we head to the Zoo and a castle. And with Der Tom Tom in hand, I bet you we don’t get lost anymore.

-Gabe

The Lap of Luxury

2008-06-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

6/24/08 Seefeld, Austria

Okay. Today we stayed at Alpine Camping and I don’t know how else to start but today that the bathrooms were nicer than ours at home!

What a beautiful place. I don’t think I’ve been to a nicer place. It truly was the lap of luxury. The standard mode for camping over here is the shower/ restroom areas include a public basin area, private stalls for basins, and private stalls for showers. I think of all the times I’ve camped back home when all you get is a scratched up mirror, filthy floors, a 2”X 6” shelf, maybe a hook, and you call it roughing it.

Screw roughing it. I should have gone to Austria sooner.

Our day was spent at the Olympia Village Pool, remnants of the 1976 Winter Olympics held in Innsbruck. And yes it was the nicest pool I’ve ever been too as well. Complete with indoor / outdoor pool area, tan booth, water slide to break any bothersome bones you might have, and shower/ locker areas. The Euros are very environmentally sound and waste neither water nor energy and this facility completely exploited this.

The land and scenery continued to be lush, and we often saw flowers thriving where they would otherwise be dead in our hands. The kids loved the pool of course, and so did mom, dad, Aunt Heather and Nana. Papa Rick napped and found camaraderie with the Europeans.

We could have chosen massages, or saunas if we had chosen as they were available.

The Lap of Luxury indeed.

-Gabe

Culture and Tradition

2008-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

6/23/08

Where can you go to the highest peak in town, see nudity on the beach, and have great food in town that looks like its still in the 19th century-all in the same day? Bavaria of course. Today we went to Zugspitze peak which overlooks both Germany and Austria. We got there by rail train and then to the summit by seilbahn cable car. The temp was about 45 degrees up there in teh sun, about 35 in the shade. And the view was breath-taking!

Next we went down for lunch in the woods, and a walk along the lake where met our first Euro-nudes. Cool idea until you see someone who shouldn’t have their clothes off.

The day was ended at the village of Oberammergau. This was a sleepy little town with very little car traffic on cobble stone streets. The city is very “Old Country” and comes with its own legend. The village apparently prayed to God as a community to be spared from the plaque in 1633. In exhange for God’s deliverance, they promised to put on a play depicting Christ’s cruxifiction story every year. They were spared and the first Passion Play was created. It eventually moved to every 10 years, but continues to this day.

God definitely provides, but not always in our time frame as many already know and we have certainly learned again on this trip with troubles and getting lost.

I was also very impressed with a Catholic Church I found that was originally built in the 13th century. It had a traditional graveyard around it that was very cool to photograph. I was especially moved by the fact that all of the graves were tended to and sported flower gardens. We get so caught up in modern living especially back home that we forget our mortality. At least these folks have not forgotten their dead, their culture, or their traditions.

The night ended with more tradition as we got nestled into camp and saw the lanterns from the hikers on the Zugspitze. Apparently, it is tradition for them to hike up and light the peak at night. They even formed themselves into a huge cross that blazoned the darkness of the mountain side.

Its good to see that culture and tradition is alive in Bavaria.

Tomorrow: Austria!

More photos from our trip so far, you can go to my Flickr page.

Gabe

Linderhof Castle

2008-06-25T04:33:00.000-07:00

6/22/08

Today we went to Linderhof Castle. The castle was one of eight or so castles belonging to King Ludwig. He had passion for money, and for composer Richard Wagner. He preferred being at home rather than out being a leader. Well anyway, it was a cool castle complete with stone walls, Rococo and Baroque decor and a large fountain on a wheel cog timer.

We finished off the evening with dinner at Grainau near our campsite, where we had a delightful waiter named Stephran. He spoke about three languages (more than one impressed us of course) and had a great sense of humor. He told us how he grew up there and loves it. The place really would be called “the middle of nowhere” except for its a place people would want to be. He sent us home with a free shot of Czechoslovakian whisky. I think I could get used to this Europe thing.

Cheers,

Gabe

Starting In Munich

2008-06-25T04:26:00.000-07:00

6/21/08 Munich

Today we went to Dachau, downtown museums, and Old Town Munich at night. Starting the day at Dachau and ending it with Hoffbrauhaus, shows the vastness of the areas moods and histories.

Unimaginable is a word I would use to describe my feelings at viewing the site of such a low point in history. I noticed the three religious monuments that were present at the camp: Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant. Evil will always be present in this life, but seeing this made me think that there is nothing to stop man from repeating such acts when he takes God out of the equation. The Dachau Memorial statue summed up the emotion of the place completely.

The people in Germany have been very friendly and helpful when we get lost which has been a few times. The country is beautiful. Very green and lush. There is definitely an international mood everywhere we go. You never know who knows or speaks English, but the likely hood is that people know 2-3 languages.

It is truly great to be on a real vacation. The beginning of summer, and a place far, far away......

Euro Adventures in Toiletry

2008-06-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

From Gabe/ Munich/ early a.m. 6/21/08

Just a quick one here. Its a lesson I learned at our Obermenzink campsite in Munich. Its the #1 rule of tolieting in Europe or anywhere. In fact, its the ONLY rule. Make sure they have toilet paper in the stall BEFORE you sit down!

Okay, I admit that nothing puts a man in a better mood than food, a beer, or a good bowel. It makes our world right. So my moment came at the end of our first day (which was actually two days long). Lets just say that I had conducted a solid piece of business with a few loose ends. When it was time to close the deal: oh, yeah, thats right, the TP dispenser is on the wall OUTSIDE the stall. Luckily, my adventure turned from leaving a paper trail to finding some soap, which apparently is not a community bathroom item I discovered. I was blessed by a near empty bottle of Suave that someone left at a sink, then made my way back to the trailer to dream of never having this type of scare again!

Havent I seen this Strasse Before?

2008-06-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hello, So I know it has been a while since we have posted, several are on the way but in rural Germany and Austria, Wi-Fi is hard to come by. We are moving into the cities, so posts should come more regularly. Here is my post from day 3 enjoy....

So it has been a couple of days since I have written. This is because we have been lost pretty much the entirety of the past two days. You see, the GPS system that we were planning to take blew up the day before we left. The ride from the airport was relatively uneventful. Little did we know that we were never to find our campsite again.... We went to the grocery and got lost, we went to dinner and got lost.

Day 2 we went to Dachau. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of a people and the need for vigalance against hatred and discrimination. After trying to return to town after 2 hours of being lost (30 minute drive), the days trip also reminded us not to complain about minor inconveniences, so I will share without complaining.

So 2 hours to get from Dachau to Munich, 2 more hours to park, but hey we went to the Haufbrauhaus had dinner and beer, watched the beginnings of the football playoffs (sorry Rob about the Netherlands loss), and listened to the musicians on the streets.

Then we attempted to return to our campsite. After the first hour, we knew we were lost. By hour two, a tail light and been knocked loose due to a minor altercation with a guard rail and things became tense. Hour was one of quiet prayer and a few tears. We had stopped for directions at least 7 times. Now at this time, I must pay homage to my family, no code words were used, no arguments were had, in fact little was spoken aloud. Then we found ourselves right back in downtown Munich, where we had left 3 and a half hours before and everyone was silent as my father stopped to ask for dirctions once again. He then did the smartest thing possible, he paid a taxi to guide us back to our campground....it took 15 minutes.

New goal....buy a TomTom

Heather

Achtung Munich!

2008-06-20T07:44:00.001-07:00

From Gabe:

I think we will spend nine hours in the air to Heathrow London, and another 2 hours to Munich.

When your night becomes your day, you start feeling like you're in the Twilight Zone. Some of the best moments visually were looking out and seeing Greenland, and the luscious greens of England and Germany.

But when snacks become meals and the stink you smell is your own, you know its time to get off.

Heck, after 11 hours on the plane, I actually can't wait to get on the RV that I once dreaded.

And the kids, well, they just bounce back like a basketball. Its great to see and amazing. At least for now. We are still waiting for Rick and Laura to return with said RV.

But we've been delivered, and I got to eat an Enlgish breakfast (with BBQ pork and beans--YEAH! And I mean YEAH, I loved it. I want to do this when I get home) and I got to say danke once.

To be continued....

The Wages of Air Travel

2008-06-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

When you go into a situation with no expectations there is both blessing and curses. At first when you don't realize just how long your flight really is, there is bliss. Then somewhere over Greenland when your night is becoming there day, thus begins the wages of air travel!

The spaciness, the hunger, the food. In general it went fine, but man it took so long. We were spared by a Barrackite from San Francisco who showed us mercy in sharing her fruit with a very hungry Ellie. A blessing. Then 2 minutes before touch down, this same woman decided to stretch and do a yoga performance in the aisle for all to see. A curse.

Full lavoratories.

Full bladders.

Watching 27 Dresses 27 times

Kids not sleeping, preparing to save meltdown for a foreign land.

Getting so hungry that you eat like an animal.

Realizing when the air turns un-fresh that everyone on the plane did too.

My name is Gabe Acosta
and this is the longest day of my life.

To be continued.....

Technical Difficulties

2008-06-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, with less than 24 hours until our flight departs, the sylvester/acosta clan is already experiencing technical difficulties. Indicative of our trip? Perhaps....

1. My dear friends who had agreed to loan us their TomTom programmed for Europe plugged it in today and it started smoking. Sadly John Cleese will not be directing us from country to country, but rather we will be dependent upon maps. Having driven with my family long distances on numerous road trips, I foresee multiple arguments over which road to take and how to get from place to place. These arguments will occur between my father, my mother, and my sister. Blissfully, I have downloaded the entire first season of Wonder Woman and the most recent season of My Name is Earl so at inappropriate times, I will burst out laughing, which may not help matters, but that is the joy of being directionally-challenged: no one ever asks me to read the map!

2. My phone will not work in Europe. In the same way that the United States has rejected the overwhelming use of the metric system, the United States has decided to go their own way with phone service. Apparently, the rest of the world is on a GSM network, while the United States is on a CV something or other system. Now some phones (those whose price range is over $400) come with a system that is compatible as do some networks, however Verizon has not seen fit to convert.

So not only will we be lost, but we will be unable to communicate with one another......But maybe if I bring my Obama books, the residents will be kind enough to point us in the right direction.

So until tomorrow!

Heather

"Just Tell Them You Love Obama!"

2008-06-18T15:55:00.001-07:00

So when anxieties hit you, its usually because of fear of the unknown. The best remedy is to talk to folks who've gone before you to Europe and pick their brains about what to expect.

So I was talking to my work friend Jason about Europe. He allayed many of my fears just by sharing his own experiences. Fears about getting mugged, or hustled, or feeling lost quickly fell away:

"Oh, there's plenty of other tourists around"

"They all pretty much speak English over there."

"We didn't have any problems."

And finally, the best advice I've gotten so far:

"Just tell them you love Obama!"

My friend made the point that, well, Europeans are very excited about Obama, and they love him. And by the same token, they could love you for loving him.

I guess that could really smooth things over. "Tell them you love Obama...."

Yeah, right.

Well, I guess if I get in a bind, I could fake it.

Gabe

Sharing Is Over-Rated

2008-06-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

From Gabe:
So the topic of packing came up a few weeks back over a Europe planning trip. The topic turned to sharing items to conserve space for packing. One person would bring all said items for the group. Okay, that’s fine; I can share to a point. For example, let me know who has the drugs and I’m good. Thats useful sharing. But suddenly, the next thing I knew, Laura is talking about one person bringing the fingernail clippers, tweezers, and scissors so we all don’t have to bring our own.

Whoah!

The background here is that may facial hair grows like a jungle. This means, in addition to regular shaving, I have to use scissors to free ingrown hairs and tweezers to pluck them out. Not to mention my nose hairs. Sharing these grooming items simply crosses the line. I think I can best express myself Dr. Suess style:

Will you share
your tweezers man?

I do not think so,
Euro-man.
I will not share
my tweezers man!

I will not share them
How can you?
When most nose stuff
sticks like glue!

I will not share them here or there
I will not share them anywhere!
I will not share them on the road
I will not share them if you goad

I will not share them with my wife
I will not share them my whole life

Scissors prick my pore
Just look
They’ll still be mine
in Innsbruck
I will not share them
in a hostel
I do not will not
share my nostril

I cannot
will not
care to share
that same tool
that pulls your hair

I fear this topic
will be debated
but sharing of this kind
is over-rated

How I Roll....

2008-06-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some of you are aware that I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Unfortunately, it is not the kind that makes me keep my apartment or my car clean. Rather, it is the type that keeps me awake at night worrying that a brush fire is going to burn me alive. Generally, I am able to pray, meditate and use coping skills and I manage just fine. However, as the trip nears, my craziness grows. During this trip I am going to encounter two of my three most anxiety provoking situations, flying and being a passenger in a vehicle driving in the mountains. I have also noticed a bit of a germ phobia. Thus, today's topic. And yes, I know I am crazy.

Last week, I went to my general physician. I explained the vacation that I was set to embark upon. After a brief fit of laughter, he ask "So what do you need?". This was the response that I was seeking. By the time I left, I was holding the golden ticket, a prescription for Ativan. While I believe it is important to use all non-medical interventions prior to turning to benzos, these are desperate times. As the prescription was filled, a smile crept across my face....I was going to make it! You see, when it comes to flying, I prefer to fly Mr. T style. For those of you not sure of the reference, Mr. T played B.A. Baracus on one of the most fabulous TV shows of the '80s, the A-Team. Whenever the Team had to go to another country to fight the day's battle, B.A. Baracus would respond "I ain't gettin on no plane", at which point someone would give him a glass of milk laced with tranquilizers and he would wake up at the destination spot, completely unaware of his journey. In my ideal world, this is what would happen to me and I would merely wake up calling someone a "fool" for taking me on a plane.

My last flight was to Chicago with my friend Samantha. We flew Southwest and found seats in the front of the plane. The set up was cockpit, bathroom, emergency exit, and then seating. Every time someone got up to use the bathroom, I had a vision of them going to the emergency exit and opening the door, mistaking it for the bathroom and all of the passengers would be vented out of the plane, meeting their doom. So what did I do? I became the aisle monitor, directing everyone that came up by my seat to use the correct door and to not linger around the emergency door, as the giant warning "exit" sign and complicated locking mechanism was not enough to thwart the ignorance of the passengers. Yes, I know I am crazy.

During the trip, my father and my sister will be driving. My father is the king of looking everywhere but the road while pointing out landmarks and my sister has difficulty giving up the right of way or even following behind another car on the road. Now most people would be able to adjust to both of these situations, noting the numerous statistics that state how safe flying is and the guard rails keeping vehicles from going off the cliffs, however I am someone who is all about "the odds". I figure, if a person is in a car crash, they have decent odds of survival. If a plane crashes or an RV goes off the edge of the Alps, odds of survival are significantly reduced.....hence the Ativan. And yes, I know I am crazy.

As for the germs, I never considered myself to be phobic about germs, until I realized the number of public restrooms that I would be using on this trip. So what did I do? I went to Target, because I knew Target would have an answer for me. And did they ever! Not only did I pick up several travel-sized rolls of toilet paper and sanitizing hand wipes, but I found the motherload...travel packages of toilet seat covers. That's what I'm talking about!!! Now granted they are made for children and have colorful pictures of balloons and kittens on them, but my derriere will not have to have direct contact with a public toilet for the duration of the trip. And no, that is not crazy, that's just right.

Until next time,

Heather

A Whole New Reality

2008-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

From Gabe:
Sometimes a mother-in-law sums it up perfectly. So I'm talking with Grace and Laura the other day about the trip, when I make the comment to my wife "I think you're in for big surprise on the actual size of this RV." (We had a friend whose in the RV business over here, tell us Sunday that 21' in Europe was more like 16' of livable space.) To which she frowned and told me that I was being negative again.

Suddenly, Grace steps in and in a very Chicagoan-style berating tone blurts to Laura, "Hey, you listen! Gabe is right! Laura, you need to prepare yourself for a WHOLE NEW REALITY!"

That's right: seven various personalities. Varying baggage of the kind that you don't pack but just bring with you. Five countries. One RV that just got smaller.

A whole new reality indeed.

Scotchgard and Glycerin

2008-06-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

So with 13 days left to go, the panic is beginning to set in. Phone calls are exchanged regarding two primary topics: Packing and Glycerin.

Packing

This week I purchased a 30" duffel bag. "And for my next trick, I will attempt to pack enough items into said bag to last for three weeks, while remaining under the 51 lb weight limit per bag for airline travel within Europe." I attempted a "test-pack" session and I believe I can pack enough clothes for 6 days. Now my parents believe that there is a laundromat around every other corner and that we will be able to wash our clothes on a regular basis. As I have friends who have lived and traveled throughout Western Europe who state otherwise, I am less hopeful.

In desperation, I went to Target the other day, because I knew target would have a solution for me. I looked at the label of Scotchgard to try and figure out if coating my clothing in it would prolong the wearability of my clothing. Do I coat both the outside and inside? Can it be applied directly to my skin? How long will it last? Will it react with my daily Febreezing of my clothes? My decision was made when I read further down the label to the ingredients and warnings, which indicated a possible cancer risk. After a moment of ambivalence, I finally backed away and resigned myself to the possibility of being odoriferous.

Glycerin

As for the other topic for today... Apparently, Glycerin is a substance that will immediately ensure that your bags are ransacked by searched. Also, Glycerin is in everything, shampoo, lotion, make-up so packing without it is virtually impossible.

Since my bag will be searched, what is the etiquette regarding communication with TSA? Should I put a note in my bag, advising them that I barely passed high school chemistry and therefore completely lack the ability to convert Viva Glam IV lipstick into explosives? Should I leave a small tip in the hopes that they will repack my bag in the same way as I have? As I pondered these questions, I went on the TSA website, and found that many other things I was planning to bring are also banned: Firearms, cattle prods, meat cleavers, sabers, bow and arrows, throwing stars and grenades. With those items out of my bag, I may just be able to fit in a 7th day of clothing!

Only 13 days left! Next time, "How I Roll"......

Heather

P.S. Code word final choices:

Heather-Obama (my man rocks! McCain...watch out!)
Grace- Loosey Goosey (can't say it without a smile!)
Laura- Chaka Khan (Let me Rock You Chaka Khan 'cause I Feel for You)
Rick- Killer Tomatos (rent the movie, it's fabulous...you will never look at Ketchup the same)
Gabe- Gabe's is a bit different, it involves the motion of pumping a shotgun and making the
sound at the same time (yeah it is a bit frightening....)

Now the kids do not have code words, although we might reconsider.....

Feedback Needed

2008-05-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so although I am the family member with the HR job, my sister is the true peacemaker and does a wonderful job seeing both sides. However, in an effort to do some "Conflict Resolution" training PRIOR to our trip, we are each choosing one word to use whenwe have reached the end of our rope. This word, when used, will signal that we are done. Don't taunt, joke with or even talk to us anymore - just let us have our space (even if it is only 12 square inches in the RV. ) And if you do make the mistake to keep talking to us, then you have been warned - it's your own fault for what may happen. As you can see, though, we are attempting to keep the humor alive, even as we warn each other to just stay back.

Heather - Obama (she is the only Democrat on the trip - bless her liberal heart...)
Mom - Loosey Goosey (Mom likes to have plans set and this word helps her be flexible - go MOM!)
Dad - ???
Gabe - ???
Laura - ???
Zack - does he really need a word - not sure...
Ella - pretty sure that tears will be in place of a word for her

Thanks for your suggestions - Here's to Survivor: Europe!

24 days and counting........

2008-05-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, my father Rick, announced to the family that he wanted all of us to take a family vacation to Europe. Plans were formed, time-off requests were submitted and joy was in the air. I mean really, who would not be excited about traveling through Europe for three weeks? Then the announcement came: We would be touring Europe in an R.V. A tiny R.V., designed for six tiny Europeans. For those math experts out there, this may strike you as a tad odd, given that there are seven in the Sylvester/Acosta clan.

Given this information, our plans began to change. Can a person survive three weeks with one pair of shoes? Can a 5'10" person sleep in a 4'6" bed? Would we draw straws to see who got strapped to the top of the R.V. when we traveled? How many public restrooms are there in the countryside of Germany?

This blog will narrate our journey, the laughter and the pain. Different members of the clan will be blogging to give you the full gamut of the experience. Come, join us on the adventure as we begin Survivor: Europe.

Heather