Thursday promised to be the only day with any hint of sun, so Alan and I headed over to Luzern. Especially if you get an express train, it's a very quick ride -- only 20-25 minutes through beautiful Swiss countryside. In this part of Switzerland, at least, farmland is still active and you can get a glimpse of how lives have been lived for centuries.
Our destination in Luzern was the New Modern Art Museum or Neues Kuntstmuseum, which is located next to the train station. Frommer's noted that it housed special exhibits plus a permanent collection of works ranging from the 15th to the 20th centuries, in addition to special modern exhibitions. Suffice it to say, that the current special exhibitions were less than impressive -- one consisted of photo montages of subjects who had been asked to perform "magic" in front of the camera. "Magic" seemed mostly to confirm the human ego, as people posed and preened for the camera. There were a few powerful compositions but mostly not. Then, there was a video and audio installation that was just impenetrable. The best exhibit, which possibly was a gesture to the permanent collection, was some cases containing small, similar rocks in rows (one spiral). When we left the exhibits area, I inquired about the permanent collection, only to be told, this was it! Okay....All in all, not worth the admission price.
We did have a very nice lunch in the museum cafe of Indonesian rice and then an apricot tart. With the sun out, we wandered through the old town, seeing the remnants of Monday's carnival celebrations. Walking over the Spreuerbrücke (Mills Bridge), we observed some major construction occurring on the lock controlling the flow of the Reuss River. It does seem like all of Switzerland is under construction.
With blue skies overhead and clear views of the Rigi and the Pilatus peeking through the clouds, we searched for an option to go for a boat tour but, alas, there were none to be found. Most of the tours were closed for the winter.
So, after picking up a plum tart for desert at Confiserie H&M Kurmann, we took the 4:10 home to Zug. Wandered down to our favorite place on the lakeshore of the Zugersee, we settled in to watch a lovely sunset. Unlike previous evenings where we were the only couple, there were many folks enjoying the sun and the relatively warm air. Earlier in the week, the ice was treacherous down here but with the 40 degree weather, it all had melted. It's been a cold and snowy winter in Zug and everyone is ready for spring.
Home for dinner, we enjoyed Aklin pork and vegetables, while watching the Olympic ladies combined.
Flickr photos.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Flower shop at 15 Arthurstrasse
We were here to help celebrate Nan's birthday so it was only appropriate that her apartment was turned into a flower shop with contributions from her sister and brother-in-law, the Cattier boys, and her godson. Oh, and I got some very sweet long stem roses from my Valentine. :-)
We had champagne with Ferdi and Suzi to celebrate and then birthday dinner was at the Bauernhof, overlooking the city lights. Alan had lamb curry, Nan pork, and I had a delicious cheese spaetzle with salad.
Flowers on flickr.
We had champagne with Ferdi and Suzi to celebrate and then birthday dinner was at the Bauernhof, overlooking the city lights. Alan had lamb curry, Nan pork, and I had a delicious cheese spaetzle with salad.
Flowers on flickr.
Safely in Zug where some things are the same, and some not.
We arrived safely in Zug, courtesy of Delta and the SBB. We were an hour late, thanks to an overflowing toilet in Atlanta but at last were safely on our way. Uneventful flight -- at times the plane was moving at more than 700 mph courtesy to some amazing tailwinds. Unusually, we pursued those tailwinds on a southerly route, over Bermuda, rather than the usual northern route.
Nanny met us at the train station and we headed home in a cab. The Zugersee looked the same, as did town and Nanny's house. Until we looked in the backyard, that is. Where once were peaceful kitchen gardens and a parking lot is now a large construction site, right outside Nan's back door. Cranes swing materials back and forth, while dump trucks haul off dirt and concrete pourers are active everywhere. The site is to become a retirement community, one of four in the canton. The Swiss take very nice care of their older population, as you might imagine, and the cost of their care is born by the canton.
In other news, Alan got DSL working at Nan's! Very exciting. No longer do we have to go to the Postplatz for wireless. It's slow and has broken once, but better than nothing.
Photos available on flickr due to upload difficulties.
Nanny met us at the train station and we headed home in a cab. The Zugersee looked the same, as did town and Nanny's house. Until we looked in the backyard, that is. Where once were peaceful kitchen gardens and a parking lot is now a large construction site, right outside Nan's back door. Cranes swing materials back and forth, while dump trucks haul off dirt and concrete pourers are active everywhere. The site is to become a retirement community, one of four in the canton. The Swiss take very nice care of their older population, as you might imagine, and the cost of their care is born by the canton.
In other news, Alan got DSL working at Nan's! Very exciting. No longer do we have to go to the Postplatz for wireless. It's slow and has broken once, but better than nothing.
Photos available on flickr due to upload difficulties.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Islanders v Thrashers
Hockey trip finishes up with a family outing to the Thrashers v. Islanders in the Coliseum. Here are some pics:
Winter Classic 2010!!
The day dawned wintery and cold but not too cold for the 2010 Winter Classic game of the Flyers v. the Bruins. All week long the forecasters had projected warmer temperatures into the upper 30s with the potential for rain. However, it ended up perfect -- a gray, wintery day with zero wind. Trooping through the streets of Boston, we headed to Fenway along with the hoards of Flyers and Bruins fans.
After we entered, we went up and up and up, all the way to the very top, right adjacent to the big Fenway press box. We were in Private Box 6, row F, which was the very highest row. It was really luxurious seating -- we were at kind of a bar, with bar stools, overlooking the entire park. Sitting next to us were some Flyers fans, who while clearly favoring the wrong team, were actually pretty good guys. We had a good time chatting and swapping stories.
The pre-game festivities were highlighted by a flyby by a B2 bomber, who wafted over the stadium making literally no noise. It was pretty spooky.
I won't say the game was the most exciting one I've ever seen -- dominated by defensive play. The Flyers outplayed the Bruins for all but about two minutes but unfortunately, those were the two minutes in which the Bruins scored two goals to take the overtime victory. Made the crowd happy, for sure, but not our new friends.
The best part of the game was the atmosphere -- looking down at the bright rink and then out at the Boston skyline. The light was a beautiful, clear, wintery gray that then drifted slowly into early dusk. Awesome!
After we entered, we went up and up and up, all the way to the very top, right adjacent to the big Fenway press box. We were in Private Box 6, row F, which was the very highest row. It was really luxurious seating -- we were at kind of a bar, with bar stools, overlooking the entire park. Sitting next to us were some Flyers fans, who while clearly favoring the wrong team, were actually pretty good guys. We had a good time chatting and swapping stories.
The pre-game festivities were highlighted by a flyby by a B2 bomber, who wafted over the stadium making literally no noise. It was pretty spooky.
I won't say the game was the most exciting one I've ever seen -- dominated by defensive play. The Flyers outplayed the Bruins for all but about two minutes but unfortunately, those were the two minutes in which the Bruins scored two goals to take the overtime victory. Made the crowd happy, for sure, but not our new friends.
The best part of the game was the atmosphere -- looking down at the bright rink and then out at the Boston skyline. The light was a beautiful, clear, wintery gray that then drifted slowly into early dusk. Awesome!
Last day of 2009
The last day of 2009 dawned gray with low clouds, as we looked outside our 28th floor room at the Copley Park Marriott. After a leisurely waking, we decided to head out and explore Boston before heading to Jamaica Plain to meet up with Bill for lunch. Walking off the elevator, we realized that in fact the Marriott is park of a complex of hotel, conference center, and mall, so we were able to walk some distance through what looks like a very nice mall until we reached an exterior door.
Once there -- magic -- it was snowing!! For two transplanted northerners, it was a welcome sight and Alan characterized it as his best birthday present. Grabbed a quick Starbucks and headed back to Copley Park to see how the ice sculptures were developing. There were part of First Night, an all day celebration of the year's end that featured arts events, walking tours, concerts, parades, and fireworks. Looked like a lot of fun and reason enough to come spend NYE in Boston in the future.
The ice sculptures were under active development and it was fun to watch them chisel and saw away. We both were interested to see that the chain saw was a Stihl. :-) The snow kept coming down and we walked over to the Boston Commons and joined the crowds slip-sliding on the iced over ponds. We both were glad for our hats, gloves, and scarfs as the snow really did start coming down -- I think it must have accumulated a couple of inches.
Hopped on the orange T line to head for Jamaica Plain. We really were impressed by the T system in Boston. We bought passes and didn't do anything but take the T or walk, including transport to and from the airport. Once in JP, we took a right up the hill to Bill's apartment which we found with no trouble. Inside, we met the famous dog Rocky (he has a FB fan page), my cousin's pug. Gotten at a shelter where he was described as mean and untrainable, he's nothing of the sort--a well-behaved, sweet dog who clearly adores Bill.
With the snow coming down, we got into Bill's truck to go to one of his favorite pubs for lunch. It was quite a bit of fun traversing the streets in rear wheel drive but luckily Bill had had lots of practice steering into skids with his old truck. Lunch was served fireside with chicken curry for Alan and a burger for me and lots of catching up.
Alan had chosen a birthday dinner in the Northend at Taranta, which offered an intriguing combination of Italian and Peruvian food. We got there early and walked around; everyone was at the bakeries getting little boxes of cookies. The restaurant was crowded and quite loud but we had a nice server and most of the food was good, including an amazing tuna entree enjoyed by Alan. By the time we were done with dinner, it was almost time for fireworks on the Bay, so we took the opportunity to call the Reichels and wish them a happy new year, and then followed the crowds down to the Bay for the big show. A quick trip back to the hotel via the T and we were more than ready for bed. 2010 here we come!
Once there -- magic -- it was snowing!! For two transplanted northerners, it was a welcome sight and Alan characterized it as his best birthday present. Grabbed a quick Starbucks and headed back to Copley Park to see how the ice sculptures were developing. There were part of First Night, an all day celebration of the year's end that featured arts events, walking tours, concerts, parades, and fireworks. Looked like a lot of fun and reason enough to come spend NYE in Boston in the future.
The ice sculptures were under active development and it was fun to watch them chisel and saw away. We both were interested to see that the chain saw was a Stihl. :-) The snow kept coming down and we walked over to the Boston Commons and joined the crowds slip-sliding on the iced over ponds. We both were glad for our hats, gloves, and scarfs as the snow really did start coming down -- I think it must have accumulated a couple of inches.
Hopped on the orange T line to head for Jamaica Plain. We really were impressed by the T system in Boston. We bought passes and didn't do anything but take the T or walk, including transport to and from the airport. Once in JP, we took a right up the hill to Bill's apartment which we found with no trouble. Inside, we met the famous dog Rocky (he has a FB fan page), my cousin's pug. Gotten at a shelter where he was described as mean and untrainable, he's nothing of the sort--a well-behaved, sweet dog who clearly adores Bill.
With the snow coming down, we got into Bill's truck to go to one of his favorite pubs for lunch. It was quite a bit of fun traversing the streets in rear wheel drive but luckily Bill had had lots of practice steering into skids with his old truck. Lunch was served fireside with chicken curry for Alan and a burger for me and lots of catching up.
Alan had chosen a birthday dinner in the Northend at Taranta, which offered an intriguing combination of Italian and Peruvian food. We got there early and walked around; everyone was at the bakeries getting little boxes of cookies. The restaurant was crowded and quite loud but we had a nice server and most of the food was good, including an amazing tuna entree enjoyed by Alan. By the time we were done with dinner, it was almost time for fireworks on the Bay, so we took the opportunity to call the Reichels and wish them a happy new year, and then followed the crowds down to the Bay for the big show. A quick trip back to the hotel via the T and we were more than ready for bed. 2010 here we come!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Winter Classic Adventure begins!
As most of you know, Alan's birthday is December 31st and as many of you know, this year we are celebrating with a hockey road trip. Two Thrashers road games v. the Bruins and the Islanders sandwich attendance at the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic in Boston, featuring the Bruins v. the Flyers.
The fun started yesterday, leaving sunny Atlanta mid-afternoon. Hartsfield felt very at home since we'd just been there Sunday (I actually identified with George Clooney's character in Up in the Air....) and the flight up to Boston was pleasant and quick. Our bags arrived (yay) and we were ready to navigate Boston's rapid transit system, the T. Google said all the surface streets were "red," so it seemed the optimal and cost-effective strategy to employ. Two transit passes later, he hopped on the airport shuttle to the blue line and were on our way. Very impressive and navigable system, although the cars on the green line appear fairly aged. Made our way to the Marriot Copley and checked into a nice room overlooking the Charles River.
Since we got to the hotel about 6:30 and the game was at 7pm, there wasn't anything else to do but don jerseys and head back to the green line. Quick trip to the North Station where all we had to do was follow the streaming Bruins fans. Our seats were great -- same corner as Atlanta but in row 4 (their zamboni entrance is in the opposite corner) so we got to see the Bruins attacking first period. Unfortunately, we got to see them a lot as they quickly scored.
It was a rather sad game to watch as a Thrashers' fan. We were close enough to the ice to see facial expressions and it was clear no one was having any fun out there. Ilya looked despondent as did Antropov. The veterans tried to keep it together but only Evander Kane had any real energy. Pavelec clearly couldn't see the puck and was pulled after three goals. Moose did his usual show of flash and style to keep it 4-0 but that's all he could do. I have two words for the Thrashers: fore-check.
The stadium was older but you could tell the franchise had more money -- the jumbotron was enormous and HD. And the advertising much greater. Two thumbs down for the bathrooms which were not sized for a sell-out crowd. Food was 50-50. We split a great roast beef sandwich from the Carvery which was excellent, but the sausages were only so-so. More variety of food, though. Very different crowd, obviously. A sellout and much more colorful commentary and advice to the refs. The mood reminded me a lot of high school...and not in a good way. Makes me realize how much I've changed, living for twenty years in Atlanta.
There was one noticeable difference from Phillips Arena -- the guys cleaning the ice wore all their clothes!
We got back to the hotel room and watched An Education, which we both thought was excellent.
Alan's birthday has dawned (at least for me -- he's still asleep) gray but no rain. We will meet up with cousin Bill today and then tonight we are venturing to the North End for dinner at an Italian-Peruvian restaurant called Taranta.
Forecast looks like tomorrow's game will go! I think our seats are kind of behind home plate up at the top on the third base side.
The fun started yesterday, leaving sunny Atlanta mid-afternoon. Hartsfield felt very at home since we'd just been there Sunday (I actually identified with George Clooney's character in Up in the Air....) and the flight up to Boston was pleasant and quick. Our bags arrived (yay) and we were ready to navigate Boston's rapid transit system, the T. Google said all the surface streets were "red," so it seemed the optimal and cost-effective strategy to employ. Two transit passes later, he hopped on the airport shuttle to the blue line and were on our way. Very impressive and navigable system, although the cars on the green line appear fairly aged. Made our way to the Marriot Copley and checked into a nice room overlooking the Charles River.
Since we got to the hotel about 6:30 and the game was at 7pm, there wasn't anything else to do but don jerseys and head back to the green line. Quick trip to the North Station where all we had to do was follow the streaming Bruins fans. Our seats were great -- same corner as Atlanta but in row 4 (their zamboni entrance is in the opposite corner) so we got to see the Bruins attacking first period. Unfortunately, we got to see them a lot as they quickly scored.
It was a rather sad game to watch as a Thrashers' fan. We were close enough to the ice to see facial expressions and it was clear no one was having any fun out there. Ilya looked despondent as did Antropov. The veterans tried to keep it together but only Evander Kane had any real energy. Pavelec clearly couldn't see the puck and was pulled after three goals. Moose did his usual show of flash and style to keep it 4-0 but that's all he could do. I have two words for the Thrashers: fore-check.
The stadium was older but you could tell the franchise had more money -- the jumbotron was enormous and HD. And the advertising much greater. Two thumbs down for the bathrooms which were not sized for a sell-out crowd. Food was 50-50. We split a great roast beef sandwich from the Carvery which was excellent, but the sausages were only so-so. More variety of food, though. Very different crowd, obviously. A sellout and much more colorful commentary and advice to the refs. The mood reminded me a lot of high school...and not in a good way. Makes me realize how much I've changed, living for twenty years in Atlanta.
There was one noticeable difference from Phillips Arena -- the guys cleaning the ice wore all their clothes!
We got back to the hotel room and watched An Education, which we both thought was excellent.
Alan's birthday has dawned (at least for me -- he's still asleep) gray but no rain. We will meet up with cousin Bill today and then tonight we are venturing to the North End for dinner at an Italian-Peruvian restaurant called Taranta.
Forecast looks like tomorrow's game will go! I think our seats are kind of behind home plate up at the top on the third base side.
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