Melissa's Adventures

Trip Back Home

2011-08-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Trip back to Canada was interesting.

First, my flight from Dusseldorf to Toronto on Lufthansa was over book and I was on Stand By. Maybe it was a sign for me to stay in Germany longer, who knows. But, after people started to load the plane, they find a seat for me. Lucky or Lufthansa’s fault?

So the flight was good, watch four movies and had a good lunch and snacks, plus wine with my meal. All for free!

My flight was a little delayed, got to Toronto about a hour later than planned.

Off the plane, hit customs (long line), pick up my luggage and check my luggage. Next go through security again and find my gate, where the flight will be. This leaving me about ½ hour before boarding my next flight. I was thinking what I was going to do with my three hour layover, but I guess I did not have to worry about it.

From Toronto to Edmonton, the flight was good. I tried to sleep, but for some reason I could not. I watch two movies.

Landed in Edmonton and my parents were waiting for me. My mother started to cry when she say me. And of course, my luggage was one of the last pieces off the plane.

Head home and sleep, by the time I headed home and hit the bed; it was 6:00 in the morning Germany time. Meaning I was awake for almost 24 hours. LONG DAY!

Ohhh Ahhh Moment

2011-08-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

On my travels in Koln, I came across something interesting. I was walking across the Hohenzoller Bridge in Koln and saw thousands of padlocks all over the bridge’s fence.

Ok um what the idea of the locks? Looking closer I saw names and dates on the locks.

I did a little research and found the following:

"Apparently this custom in Cologne started in 2008. It was an amazing sight. Padlocks of all colors, shapes and sizes were all over the fence.This custom was believed to have begun in China. Couples would secure their padlock and throw away its keys to symbolize locking their souls together. These love locks can now be found all over the world – Ukrain, Guam and Russia just to name a few. Their beliefs about the locks may vary per city but one thing is still true- all is done for love. And as a true romantic, it was wonderful and inspiring to be surrounded by that much love – even if it was just through symbols." ~ http://bentroad.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/the-story-of-the-love-padlocks/

So, we I get married (whenever that may be) I will be dragging him with me to Koln and putting our lock on the bridge. Romantic.

Koln Part Two

2011-08-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to hope on the train and go exploring. While I ended up in Koln.

First I went on a City Tour that took me all over the city.

Highlights -
Koln's Arean, where the Koln's Hockey Team the Sharks play
Churches
Interesting Structures
And the Chocolate Museum

After the tour, I had to go to the Chocolate Museum, who wouldn't?

I swear my mouth water the whole time I was there. First part talked about the history of Chocolate, which was interesting. Then came the manufacturing of Chocolate and you could watch the process behind glass, plus there were samples!

After the museum, I took a nice walk along the Rhine River, and it was beautiful day for walking.

Oberhausen

2011-08-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Off to Oberhausen, to the Gasometer, which is an old factory turned into a museum. The exhibit right now is called Magic Places.

Magic Places is photos around the worlds showing the natural beauty of the world and the wonders of the world – like Cathedrals,

Egypt

, Great Wall of China etc. Amazing!

Right in the middle of the exhibit, there is a giant tree – fake – but shows the natural beauty of the world.

One can talk a lift to the top and view the city.

For lunch/dinner we had chicken and rice and played two games of dominoes. We had a double feature night – Date Night and No Strings Attached.

Netherlands

2011-08-25T02:52:00.000-07:00

The plan, head to a city in

Netherlands

, where we going shopping (were five girls, we like to shop), and in the afternoon hit the beach, and swim in the ocean.

We leave, it looks like a beautiful day, the weather guy says up to 30 °C and all is good in the world.

We play good music and sing all the way. We hit the

Netherlands

border and it starts to lightly rain. No problem looks like it’s going to blow over, plus we will not hit the beach till the afternoon. As we drive, it rains harder and harder, and the clouds get darker and darker. There is no end in sight and it’s not going to clear anytime soon. We pull into a McDonalds and make the decision; the plan is not going to work. We get ice cream from McDonalds and we head home.

We have a nice day at home, by playing dominoes, and having fish for dinner. We will see if we can try another day.

I guess German Weather Men are as good as the Canadian ones.

Xanten

2011-08-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Off to the Roman Museum in Xanten . In 2 AC, the Romans controlled this area, and had a city called Colonia Ulpia Traiana. Today, many of its remnants are hidden only a few centimetres below the grass.

One can walk the grounds, where the city once stood and see the ruins of buildings or the reconstruction of many buildings. Plus there is an outdoor theatre, where they show plays during the summer. I will see if I can transfer from Maclab to this theatre for a year.

There is a Rome Museum, on site where you can learn more about the Roman way of life and its occupation over this area. This museum is very hands on and geared to all ages. Once again I can a hand held guide to guide me through this museum.

After the museum , off to the Eis Parlour to a midday snack. I ordered a small sundae, I hate have seen a regular sundae – oh my. Why don’t we have ice cream parlours in

Canada

, like

Germany

does?

We visit St.Victor’s Cathedral, where I was left speechless. The citizens started building in 1263. 1263 ! I love history.

For dinner, we had Homemade Pizza and played dominoes. I won one game and lost the other game so badly.

Sunday

2011-08-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

This morning we watched the movie “Morning Glory” (In English – German Subtitles) with Harrison Ford.

For lunch we had cake from a local bakery. Has anyone have any ideas on how I can bring home these baked goods? Yes there are Bakeries in Canada, but the German ones seem so much better.

After lunch, we head to Bochum to the Planetarium, to watch a film on the stars and planets. The film was put to music, and one traveled around the universe, listening to music. Nice way to spend the afternoon.

Back home, we played two games of dominoes, which I both won. For supper we had curry, chicken, and fruit over rice. I have an excellent cook here!!

After supper, we watched another movie “Easy A”, in English with German Subtitles.

Snack and nightcap and off to bed.

Lazy Day

2011-08-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is lazy day, where we rest and do laundry.

At noon, we head to a local Flea Market – Giant Garage Sale. Some stuff people try to sell are pure junk and who in their right mind will but that stuff, but who knows maybe there are people out there who will buy that stuff. I’m sorry; I will not buy bras or underwear from a flea market. There was good stuff too. One guy was selling used CD’s for 3 Euros, and he had a good collection of American Music, I picked up a few CD’s from him. I have played them all and they all are in good working condition.

For dinner, we had a BBQ, where I was told I do not eat enough. I do not eat enough, does it look like I do not eat enough. For dinner I had a chicken breast, a piece of a pork chop, some fish, a whole sausage, cooked vegetables, a salad and 1 ½ rolls and that’s a small meal. The rest of my Germany family had double or triple what I had. How can they eat all that and stay skinny? My new goal, find out this secret.

After dinner, we head to Duisburg to see the lights. It’s an old Steel Industrial Park that was closed down years ago, but at night they light of the park with various lights and you can climb to the top of buildings. I was impressed I climb to the top of one of the buildings, only 239 stairs to the top and 239 stairs to the bottom. There is always a bar and food stands, surrounded by sand for visitors. In addition, they play an outdoor movie every weekend during the summer. They had a good selection of movies they were playing all summer (Harry Potter, Thor, Hangover 2, True Grit, Zookeeper, etc) but they were all were in German.

We came home for a snack and a nightcap, and once again talked about Germany vs. Canada.

Anholt

2011-08-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Today, we went Anholt Castle, home of Prince Carl Philip – while one of Prince Carl Philip’s homes.

The castle was first built in the 12^th Century, and continued to expand from there. The history of this place is unreal, I was in History Heaven, although the plug-ins, modern lighting and phones did remind you in your in the 21^st Century. We went on a tour of the Castle and walked the grounds.

My favourite room was the Reception Room. It was a beautiful room, with huge tapestries on the wall, and decorated ceilings. In the middle of the room, was a bed. Where the Prince at the time would stay in bed and people came to him, to get to sign documents or discuss matters with him. Where did this tradition go? I stay in bed; you come to me, sounds good to me. But, the only down side is the family thought if you lay down on the bed, death will find you, so you had to sleep sitting up, to keep death away. Superstitions.

The second floor was the Family’s Art Collections, the collection dates back to 1645. The Third floor is where the Prince stays when he is in town and it off limits to the public. One has to wonder if they put a flat screen TV up there or is everything the way it should be?

During World War II, 70% of the Castle was destroyed, but Prince Carl Philip’s Father made it his goal to restore the castle, and his son continues the preservation of the Castle.

On the grounds, there was a small maze, one can go through. Five minutes and you’re out. But, there was a nice lake, flowers, roses and statutes in the grounds too.

After the Castle, we headed to the

Netherlands

. I expected a border like between

Canada

and US. No, if it was not for a sign saying Welcome to

Netherlands

, I would not have known we crossed the border.

Netherlands

, we head to a famous Farmer’s Market, where we had fish for lunch, and did some shopping. Plus, we had to have Esi before leaving.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can bring back some of this fresh baking I am having or seeing. I am going to miss this when I get back to

Canada

We played a couple of games of Dominions when we get back to the house, and then we had Chinese Food for dinner. After dinner, we talked about

Germany

and

Canada

, what is the same what is different, and no life is nothing like Desperate Housewives. TV, oh!

Tomorrow is Lazy Day, where we take it easy.

Ruhr

2011-08-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Off to Ruhr – to visit the mining town, but now a museum and old equipment.

This place is enormous; it would take one, three or four days to see all the grounds.

The museum is on three floors, one floor focuses on the present day Ruhr, one floor on History of Germany and the last floor focuses on Ruhr History. It was fascinating, but overwhelming with information. I had an English Headset, since most of the exhibit was in German. One of my favourite parts what reading the stories of people living in Ruhr during the 20^th Century.

We had our packed lunch at the car and since it was a beautiful day, why be inside. We drove to a lake and walked around the lake for a bit and had Esi. I saw a German Duck – looked like a Canadian Duck, but it qüacked instead quacked

We had a good storm hit us here, but to me this was a normal Alberta Lighting and Thunder Storm, for everyone else it was big and scary. This town is not used to this much rain, because the streets started to flood.

For supper we had Turkish food, and watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show, with German subtitles. Good way to learn German, watch the movie and read the subtitles. Let’s do the Time Wrap Again.

Tomorrow the Castle – maybe a Duke?

Side note – watching 2 ½ Men and The Simpsons in German can be quite funny.

One of many stories of Ruhr

German Duck

Ruhr Musuem

Nice Lake

Artifact from Rhur Musuem

Colonge

2011-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Opa & Oma and Erika and Konrad left today for their bus tour – bye

Now the old folks are gone, we shall have so fun – no disrespect intended.

Today, of five girls ( Me, Marion, Hannah, Lena, and Kerstin) are heading to Colonge to see the Dome. When I think of Dome, I think of the Butterdorm or a Sports Dome, so I had no idea what were we going to see.

We take the Autobahn to Colonge, where we did speeds up to 150km/h – shh don’t tell my parents we were going that fast, they might get concern. I can think of a few people who would love to drive the Autobahn and go those speeds and do not have to worry about a speeding ticket.

In Colonge, the Dome is the Cologne Cathedral – words cannot describe this place. WOW.

Thanks goodness there were English Speaking Tours for me to attend. It was so interesting to learn about the history of the Cathedral. Did you know that construction of the Cathedral started in 1248, and was completed 500 years later. Me history nerd, so this was right up my alley, and I can go on and on about facts about the Cathedral, but I will stop, because I may bore you all.

One more thing, when I was there, they had a small service and I got to hear them play the organ, in this huge Cathedral. It was beyond words. Beautiful! Yes I like to listen to organ music.

After tour and many pictures, off to lunch at MacDonald’s. The food taste the same, as it does in Canada, but their ketchup packets are much bigger – Canada take notes.

Next – Shopping. Michelle, you would have thought you died and gone to Heaven if you were here with us today. It was never ending shops – we shopped for four-five hours. We stopped half way for ice cream break. I bought a shirt, earrings and a little something for Mom and Dad. Mom/Dad you have to wait till I come back home to see what I bought you.

There were many Street Performers along the sops, from Balloon Artists, to Singers, to people playing all sorts of Musical Instruments from Violin, Drums, Tuba, Guitar, ....

Most of the shops play American/Canadian Music, not German Music. Does Germany have any German Pop Artists?

Head back home for supper, and Season Finale Grey’s Anatomy – in German of course. McDreamy and McSteamy have much sexier voices in Canada.

Off to the Mines tomorrow.

Dusseldorf

2011-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I did something today and not sure if my parents are going to like it.....

Today, I went to Dusseldorf by myself, that’s right myself.

I took the train to Dusseldorf, only took an hour. The train system here is really nice and fast.

Once in Dusseldorf, I took a guided bus tour of Dusseldorf and learn about the history and the twisted tower. Rhine Tower – which was part of the tour – gave us a great view of the city and the Rhine River. The tour was done in German, but they provided headphones to hear the tour in English. The only problem is that English version was not always on time – look on your left to see this building and I see a park instead or look at this building and we passed it already. For the most part was on time and learned lots.

After the tour, I took off on foot and took in the sights and sounds.

First, I cannot believe there are not more accidents here, or anyone here knows to look around and be aware of their surroundings. I was walking along, and this women stops right in front of me. I thought why who stopped suddenly in front of me; I could have walked right into you. She stopped, because I train was going by. I looked around, there are no gates or rails that come down, and everything is wide open. If one listens, the train does ring a bell to warn one. In addition, what I sometimes thought was sidewalks were roads and what I sometimes thought was roads were sidewalks. But drivers here are more aware of their surrounding and people, and look around when driving or turning. Alberta Drivers need to take a few notes on this.

I visited the St. John’s Church, St. Maximilian Church, and St. Andreas Church. They are so beautiful. At St. Andreas Church someone was playing the organ while I was there, and I just sat and listen to the lovely music.

There is tons of shopping, they have many American stores, and they have a Tiffany’s and a Prada. And the cafes and bakeries - so many little cafes with tables out front and bakeries with fresh baking. One’s mouth could water all day

I must look friendly or something, because people were stopping me and asking questions. I have to tell them me don’t speak German, can’t help. I must have one of those faces.

Speaking of which, I am know in the neighbourhood as The Canadian. Yesterday, when I left the house to go for a walk, the neighbours saw me and pointed at me and said – German Words, German Words, The Canadian, German Words, German Words. Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing, guess we will see.

Did you know Public Washroom in Germany are not free? I had to pay One Euro to use the Ladies Restroom. Really! Tourist Industry not making you enough money, you have to charge to use the restroom. Hmmm.

Also, one can drink on train. I guess no matter where you go, there is always that one obnoxious guy on the train/bus. He had his beer and was singing away, and tries to flirt with the ladies. This was not a young guy either; no I would say 50, maybe 60’s.

You can tell I made it home safely and off on another adventure tomorrow. BYE!

View From Rhine Tower

St. John's Church

Rhine Tower

Exploring

2011-08-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

Today I explored the town. I went downtown and check out the shops, which there were not many, but checked out their supermarkets. I was looking what products they have and what were the same or different, I look on the other side, and their supermarkets sell alcohol - a nice selection. This is nice, instead of making two stops – one for your groceries and one for drinks – in Germany one only has to make one stop.

Is so green, there are so many little parks or nice walkways one can walk or bike. Germany has lots of bike lanes for convenience. Most people I see riding bikes are seniors, without helmets. Some go a nice steady pace, while a few are zooming down the road like death is right behind them. I wonder if there are many bike accidents. I have not seen a single person riding a bike wearing a helmet.

I found where the train station is – this information can be dangerous.

My grandparents are so worried I am going to get lost or kidnapped; they keep saying your parents would not like this. My parents know I can look after myself, and I have better sense of direction than my mother does. In two days they be gone on their bus tour and me and the cousins will go off. They have everything planned out on what we are going to do while my grandparents and their parents are gone. I know some of the plans, but I guess I go with the flow. I will not complain – I look forward to seeing new things every day. I know one day we will head to the Netherlands and do something.

Update Grandparents

2011-08-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

My Opa (Grandpa) and Oma (Grandma) are doing great.

They leave Wednesday for a ten day bus tour to Opa's home town.

They are reconnecting with people the have not seen in years, and like me are eating to much.

Oma's complaining that Opa is not eating enough, I tell her she always tells him he is eating too much in Canada, so now he does not kow what to do.

They say hi to everyone back in Canada and say send them money - he he he

New Line

2011-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Deutsche nicht gut, ist Canadian

Meaning

Germany not good, is Canadian - so be nice and help me

50th Anniversary

2011-08-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Wow!

I know 50 years of being married to the same person is a big deal, but compare to Germany, we Canadians are dropping the ball.

One night all the neighbors got together and decorated the front entrance with a giant wreath with gold roses and ribbons. After the couple comes out of the house and offers everyone a drink, then the neighbors sing, another round of drinks, sing again, more drinks, and then we eat.

This is the night I bonded with the family (the daughters and granddaughters). They started to play music, German music, so I am not paying much attention. Then I hear something different, I thought I must be hearing it wrong, no Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing. I start singing along, and so do all the relatives. It's one of their favs. Who knew? The rest of the night we listen to the classics and dance - Good times

Next day is the big party - over 120 in attendance. The hall is so beautiful! Check out my pictures from that night. THE FOOD - I have never seen that much food. If I had only taken a little of everything, I would had to make three trips back to try everything.

After, various people did skits and songs, most not related to 50th, but good all the same. There is one I took notes and will perform when I get back to Canada.

For the first half of the night, it's German music, than the daughters ask the DJ to play the good stuff, which means Canadian & American Music. Here I am in Germany dancing to Kate Perry - Califorina Girls, thinking does any else know what she saying or are they just dancing.........

Fun Fun Fun night

Really!

2011-08-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I understand I am in a different country, but do I have to do these security checks on Facebook, Yahoo Mail and Blogger everytime, which takes forever and is hard to since I have to translate the page first, but it's all in German. AH!

My vent for the day

Picture Time

2011-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Erika and Konrad Place

Neighborhood Party

After neighbors decorated - we drink

Ask few people why does sign mean - no one seems to know

At the Hall - Where we celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

Lots of people - around 120 in attendance

Beautifully Decorated

Erika and Konrad at Party

Erika and Konrad at party - words cannot explain

How To Stay Thin in Germany

2011-08-14T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have figured out on how to stay thin in Germany. When one sits down, food is brought out and put in front of them and drinks are served, but if one remains standing, this does not happen.

Therefore, I will be standing a lot, and then I do not gain 20 pounds while here in Germany.

Yeah right

Germany Day One

2011-08-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

Its official I have landed in Germany. Oh boy!

Customs was easy, had to say where I was going and get my passport stamped. Five seconds.

I quickly ducked in the ladies washroom to make myself presentable, yeah right. I look liked The Night of the Living Dead. There was nothing I could really do with my carry-on stuff to fix this look. Hopefully the relatives understand I been on plane for long time.

My Opa (Grandpa) and Maureen came to pick me up from the airport, and drove me back to Erika and Conrad’s house. I was told it was about an hour drive from the airport – I was misinformed. It was only 15-20 minutes and we arrived. The best part, the Autobahn – where we were doing an average of 130-140.

After meeting Erika and Conrad, we of course have to eat. Breakfast again for me, then it’s off to bed for sleep. It was 7:30 in the morning when I arrived, but around 1:00 in the morning my time. I needed sleep!!

After couple of hours nap, I meet the rest of the family.

My goal for this trip is to meet a young dashing single Duke. I am on my way to meeting this goal, today the Mayor stopped by to congratulate Erika and Conrad on their 50^th wedding anniversary. The Mayor brought a huge, I mean huge gift basket for the couple and enjoyed cake with us.

After we went to a Chapel to have a small service in regards to the 50th. The Chapel was located where the old people live till they die, (they could not think of English word for seniors home - too funny).

After back to Erika and Konrads place for - you guessed it - drink and food.

Long day - off to bed

Wow! I love Lufthansa!

2011-08-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

I want all other airlines to take notes, please.

First, this plane is huge. I mean I was in the 42^nd row and there were ten more rows behind me. But, I was lucky and got a window seat to check out everything.

Once we were in the air, the Flight Attendants came around with drinks. I do not mean the usually pop, water and coffee, but alcoholic drinks, and it’s FREE. Only minutes later we each get a snack and it’s FREE. I am thinking this is great, but it gets better.

After, the Flight Attendants come around giving everyone a hot towel and it’s FREE. Boy, does that ever feel nice. This is service. FYI, I am not in first class, I am in the back of the airplane.

Soon it supper time, and once again it’s FREE and hot. I had pasta with tomato sauce and peas, (who has peas with their pasta?). On the side there was rice, and a bun with cheese. For dessert, a brownie.

After dinner, the Flight Attendants come around with wine, and it’s FREE. By this time, I have only been on the plane for 2 ½ hours, what’s next?

Everyone has a mini TV in front of them, with the latest movies, and it’s FREE. I watch Kung Fa Panda 2, Gnomeo and Juliet and Furious Five. What a selection of movies, TV shows and music to listen to. In addition, we each were given a set of headphones to use, it was Free. I had my own of course, but the gesture was nice.

I also slept for a bit, so the Flight Attendants could have come around with more stuff, but I might have missed that.

Come morning, we had a delicious breakfast. Fresh fruit cup – Blueberries, Watermelon, Kiwi and Strawberries, a bun with cheese and a granola bar, with your choice of coffee, tea or juice.

Just, before we landed, everyone got a hot towel again.

Bonus, I was not freaked out about going over the ocean, like I thought I was going to be. I guess I was too distracted with everything else.

So other airlines are you paying attention to this kind of service I received and it was all FREE. I think the other airlines need to get their act together right away.

Oh I forgot to mention, we each got a pillow and a blanket for the trip to use, and it was FREE! This is a great start to a vacation.

Best part I take Lufthansa back home again!!

Chicago O’Hara Airport

2011-08-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

The flight to Chicago was uneventful, mainly because I slept most of the way. I woke up just in time to feel the turbulence – shake and rattle.

Arrived 10:30 am Chicago time.

My neck a little sore from sleeping weird – Heather can you come to Chicago and give me a quick neck massage, it would be wonderful. They should have it as a service here, they would make a killing.

Breakfast/Lunch was an Italian Sausage Flatbread Pizza from La Tapenade – Mediterranean Cafe. It was delicious.

How many Starbucks does this place have? I have seen four already and I have not seen the whole airport yet. Do you think they have a Tim Hortens around here?

Well, I guess I will go exploring, since my flight does not leave till 4:30pm. Wish me luck!

P.S. This place is huge.

Edmonton International Airport

2011-08-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

It is interesting that even through I booked my flight through Air Canada, I do not fly on any Air Canada Airplanes.

I will be flying United Express from Edmonton to Chicago, than Chicago to Dusseldorf on Lufthansa. I should be in Germany by 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Going to through Customs is always fun. You feel nervous, even though you know you have done nothing wrong. The guy at Customs speaks better German than I do.

My biggest fear in flying over the ocean. I know there are hundreds of planes that fly over the ocean over day, but being over water for a long period of time freaks me out. I think I will try sleep.

Sitting here gives me a chance to people watch, and watch the bird. Yes, a sparrow is inside the Edmonton International Airport hopping around. I seem to be the only one to notice him. Wonder how long before someone find's him.

Gotta run they are calling my flight!

Intro

2011-08-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

It's close to 6:00 in the morning and here I am sitting at the Edmonton International Airport, waiting for my flight.

Where I'm I going? Dusseldorf - Germany

Follow me on my adventures for the next three weeks as I explore Germany and hopefully do not get into much trouble.