Adventure Culinary Travel
Good morning Zurich! I got to cook in our little apartment kitchen before we set out to explore! We had some amazing coffee at a famous Zurich cafe, and then explored the pristine train station. After a bit of a freak out over finding something from our favorite brewery ever, we took a relaxing walk through the park along the river.
Read MoreThe beginning of our next adventure! After a celebrity chef breakfast in Heathrow we flew in to Zurich for a couple days in the city, our first time in Switzerland. We were impressed with the pristine condition of the city and the beautiful views while also being floored by the price tags. We watched some kayak polo, had spectacular chocolate, wandered the narrow alleys, and tried a local dish of ‘cheese poured over everything’!
Read MoreThis past weekend I took the second part of my sailing certification – the ASA 103. This class was to build on the basics we learned in 101, providing a more in depth look at the rules of the water, the operation of the boat, and of course the safety measures that are so important out on the sea. The is the second class in line to have the certification to bareboat charter! “Bareboat chartering” is renting a sailboat without a captain accompanying us, where I would be free to take the boat out on my own. Without certified proof that I am capable to do this, most rental agencies would not likely hand me the keys to a half-million dollar sailboat...
Read MoreToday seemed like a great day for a hike! Sure, it’s a bit warm … and by “a bit warm” I mean it’s sweltering hot. That great fireball in the sky has been cooking everything in its path, especially all the plants on our back patio. I doubt they are surviving this summer.
But the good thing about being in the woods is all that wonderful shade.
Philly has its share of nice parks. Fairmount Park is the main one, and it’s definitely huge. While we do like to bike through there it isn’t really a “hike through the woods” type park. So where do you go to get away into the woods when you live in the heart of a huge city?
Read MoreI’ve lived in or on the immediate outskirts of this city for most of my life. Aside from that summer down the shore, or the few years I lived upstate for a job (where I met Elizabeth!), I have always lived within sight of the Philadelphia skyline. I learned the city by the same adventurer’s mindset that I still have when travelling, eagerly exploring all its neighborhoods and all of the exciting ins and outs that a major city offers. I spent many hours of my formidable years riding the el train through the west end of the city to downtown, then walking to South Street, Center City, or through the historical areas. It was during these formidable years that I would dream of...
Read MoreSecond day of classes started in the morning with a lesson on knot tying. I remembered most of them from my old boy scout days, and it’s amazing how readily that knowledge comes back to you even after all these years. Clove hitches, square knots and two-turns with two-half hitches were practiced, along with the bowline (rabbit runs out of the hole, around the tree, and back in the hole). The bowline took a try or two to...
Read MoreA new adventure began this weekend as I started classes for the ASA sailing certification! The ASA (American Sailing Association) has a curriculum of classes designed to train someone in the operation, care, and legal regulations of a larger sized sailboat. ASA 104 (or the equivalent level locally if not in the US) is required in order to charter a sailboat in many cases, and in general it is a good idea to have the hands on training they provide. These classes lay a solid foundation to...
Read MoreWe got to the Frankfurt Süd station really early. We had our little breakfast of coffee, orange juice, and the ubiquitous ham and cheese with rolls continental. When the doors opened and we got off the train, we stepped on a smooth white blanket covering the ground. We got snow! It was still 5-something am and the city was still sleeping. I'll admit, I did wish I was still sleeping too! Rather than figure another train just to get to town quicker with nothing yet open, we decided to enjoy the snow and the calm quiet with a walk. Not too far from Frankfurt Süd station is a part of the city we loved when we were here a couple years ago. Sachsenhausen is a nice...
Read MoreLast night was a late one, so we slept in a little on New Year's Day. It was our last day in Vienna, so we did need to force ourselves up and pack. We left our happy little room behind and took that long winding staircase down to the lobby. Good we were able to leave our bags to spend the day unburdened. We headed out for breakfast and stopped at a place called Point of Sale. My dad actually knows the owner, but we knew he wasn't around so didn't bother asking. We never met him before anyway. His place did have a great breakfast though – ham and eggs, rolls, orange juice, and of course some melange. All so good!
After the big party and waltz that is the New Year celebration, Vienna has a...
Read MoreAs the day went on, we saw more amazing architecture, found a hidden gem that was lost to time, and spent time in another wonderful cafe. As the clock ticked toward midnight we were serenaded by opera and orchestra music, and we waltzed in the new year Vienna style!
Read MoreIt’s New Year’s Eve, and tonight we celebrated in Vienna! We picked up some things in the Nachtmarkt which led to a horrifyingly embarrassing yet hysterical experience! Surviving that, we settled into an outstanding cafe, found Johann Strauss in the park, and visited Vienna’s famous cathedral…
Read MoreSurprised at how empty the city seemed, we ventured off to find some excitement. A nice market lined street and cross over the river eventually led us to the UFO. Beam us up!! After surviving our abduction and braving the frigid wind for an outstanding view, we sought out an amazing little restaurant that was well worth the effort!
Read MoreAn easy side trip from Vienna, we took a train out to Bratislava! We were in the right place at the right time to happen upon a changing of the guard at the presidential palace, then we ventured through the old town for cafes, churches, and a crumbly old yet still beautiful abandoned street. We couldn't resist the inner tourist coming out when we found our way to the old square!
Read MoreCafe hunt successful, we enjoyed a Viennese Melange. Vienna does have the best coffee! I got to visit one of my favorite buildings in the whole world, then had another dose of fine art at the Kunsthistoriches Museum before finishing the night out by returning to a great restaurant we went to soon after we first met!
Read MoreWe're back in Vienna! We truly love this city. After a tasty breakfast and some language issues, we stroll through the Nachtmarkt, ogle some impressive architecture, and find my dad's old apartment! We stand at the steps of the Rahlgasse, which we climbed at the very start of our travels and relationship. We journey through the life of Egon Schiele at the Leopold Museum, where I take a liking to a certain naked lady, before heading out to the park and a cafe hunt!
Read MoreThere was a steep hill that led up to a park. We made the pilgrimage, and were rewarded with the best views of the city! We tried some Stroh Hüttenpunsch and visited some shops before grabbing the train to Vienna. Then it was time for late night Serbian food near the Nachtmarkt!
Read MoreMorning in Salzburg! We get a simple yet amazing breakfast with our favorite coffee before venturing out to the cathedral. We found a really cool old cemetery, took the tram up to the castle, got creeped out a bit in a marionette museum, and found a cute little local specialty shop. If all that wasn't enough, we also found a pretzel truck!
Read MoreAndechs, home to one of my favorite breweries in the world!! Beer was had for sure, but first we had our jaws dropped at the most beautiful monastery church we've ever seen. After getting one of my favorite beers right from the source, we drive back to Munich, then take the train to Salzburg....
Read MoreWe took the hike up the mountain to Neuschwanstein, the castle that defines the phrase "fantasy castle". We admire the castle from close, from far, and just stand in awe of its beauty... which helps to distract us from the biting wind as we cross the narrow, bouncy bridge that spans the mountains! We hike our way back down, grabbing a local donut snack, before visiting the lonely little church at the base of the mountian.
Read MoreWe woke to a beautiful day in Fussen! We took a little hike along the bluest water we've ever seen, then ventured up to the mountains to see some castles! First we visit King Ludwig's first castle Hohenschwangau, and begin the incredibly scenic hike up to the famous Neuschwanstein!
Read More