Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 5

Well this was our first full day in Washington, DC our Nations Capital! We were very excited to start seeing the sights, it was a lovely day out as well. Not a cloud in the sky! This ended up being a crazy day as well, a lot lost...but found again. (More about that later). We took the subway up to capital hill to check out the new "CVC" Congressional Visitor's Center and the Library of Congress. We also had a "Spy in the City" experience and a evening tour of the Monuments. Needless to say...a FULL day!

It is a very busy week in DC, so we do have lines from time to time. The Library of Congress was one of those places, however, we lucked out and got a tour and an opportunity to learn more about the the building and its contents, we even got a sneak peak at the "reading room." Very cool place, the kids thought. Leah especially charmed the children's reading room librarian and scored some book marks for her classmates. Noah and Guy were also very surprised to learn that Jerry Jones and his wife started the campaign to locate the reminder of Thomas Jefferson's books. The collection is ALMOST complete.

After we left the Library, we headed over to the "CVC". It is a very new addition to the capital tour experience and very informative. However, it is very busy and bustling with kids all over! That is why when you realize you have lost something, it seems like the craziest place in the world. First, I lost my very nice sunglasses (because you have to take everything off to get through security...then....Guy, lost his wedding ring. Yes, you read right, his wedding ring. It slipped off his finger. So in typical Penny fashion, I attempted to stay calm and began questioning everyone on where to go, etc..., the good news...we found both. His ring was in our back pack apparently lost when he was digging though looking for my sunglasses. I also found my sunglasses at the security checkpoint. So, a lot of stress but it all worked out.

The next activity was a request of the kids...a "Spy in the City" activity. We visited the Spy Museum, where we signed up to take the Operation Catbird Mission. Well, lets just say...it was ok for Mom and Dad, and likely a highlight for Noah and Leah. They really enjoyed the challenge. We thought you likely only needed ONE GPS device for the entire family, NOT four. However, Leah has said she wants to do Operation Slyfox next time.

Finally, we wrapped up the day with a evening trolley tour of the Monuments. This would have been great, but the trolley company sold too many tickets and we ended up not leaving right away and didn't get home until almost 11:00 p.m. It was a nice tour, but I think seeing the monuments during the day is good for first timers, like Noah and Leah. However, the MLK Memorial was stunning and impressive at night as well! All in all, very successful day. However, we will likely sleep in...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 4

Today we wrapped up our New York experience and ventured on to Washington DC via The Acela Amtrak Train. It is a quick 2 1/2 hour journey from Penn Station in New York City to Union Station in Washington DC. The kids thought it was pretty cool, the Acela train goes much faster. Leah was a bit apprehensive, but in the end she thought it was great.

After we checked into our hotel, we headed out to check out some sites. After all, it is the end of the cherry blossoms and it is the 100th year celebrating the blooming of the lovely trees. We wanted to try and catch a glimpse of a tree or two. We also thought we should try and see at least one of the Smithsonian's. We visited the American History Museum. It has changed a lot since Guy and I last visited it. However, the kids thought it was pretty cool. After visiting the museum, we were pretty hungry, so Noah found a place close by that was rated highly on Yelp. Ironically, it was a restaurant by one of the most famous chefs in DC, if not the world. We had a nice dinner with a giant Kit Kat for dessert. We ate at Central, it was great and we would certainly recommend it! We headed back to catch some zzz's and plan our next day!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 3

Day 3-New York

Wow...well where to begin. Although, we seem to sleep in late each day, we pack a lot in. Leah and Noah have an abundance of energy and a willingness to put up with our free spirited journey. (The consistent sprinkling resulted in some adjustments as we went a long too!) First, we decided not to even try for a "real" breakfast, and journeyed out for a true New York Bagel for breakfast. We found Leo's Bagels, they were delicious...but SOOO busy! Not a good place to think you could actually sit down and enjoy your breakfast.

After breakfast we headed a couple of blocks over to the Stanten Island Ferry, so that we could catch a glimpse of the Statute of Liberty. (The statute is being restored so there was very limited access to the statute on the island). The kids enjoyed the ride and couldn't believe it was FREE! Yes, it is true--FREE! The view of the Statute of Liberty, the city and the harbor were amazing and brought back memories from our trip to Seattle a couple of years ago.

There appeared to be a break in the weather so we decided to head uptown and catch a glimpse from the top of the Empire State Building (Leah & Noah were excited to see it, as ELF was filmed here-their favorite movie)! In the end, we (Guy and I) thought it was really a rip off/tourist trap, where you really need to drop almost $100 just to get to the top...then they want to sell you more junk. Cool view, gotta do it once, but overrated! After all of this and only a bagel, we had to grab some lunch and figured we should head toward Central Park. Leah was getting tired of walking so she actually convinced Noah to give her a ride on his back to the restaurant. We ended up at Mickey Mantle's Sports Bar. It was ok food, but a typical sports bar, but Noah LOVED the sports memorabilia. We even got to sit in Mickey's personal booth. Afterward, we intended to walk across to stroll through Central Park, but it started to sprinkle again--so Dad splurged! We ended up getting a covered horse and carriage ride through Central Park. It was amazing, by far my favorite treat so far. The kids loved it as well-I think Dad did too! Our driver even dropped us back down near Time Square. We did some last minute shopping for treats and had a picture or two taken to prove we were in Time Square. Then another subway ride, back down to Wall Street! Back to rest up for another day...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 2

Day 2 in New York City. We attempted to grab a good breakfast to start out our day, but both places we tried to get into had a 2+ hour wait. How is that possible? So we walked around checking out the neighborhoods. The kids found the architecture and fast pace amazing within the city. We checked out Grand Central Station. (The whispering room was really cool!) We strolled down 5th Avenue and checked out all of the shops. Leah of course visited the American Girl Store (however, no doll this time)! Noah and Dad visited the Oakley store, but Noah was the only one that walked out with a new pair of shades. (They were able to customize them to his baseball team colors, of course!) We also visited the big FAO Schwarz store and played a tune on the Big Piano. We of course had to grab some candy from the Sweetz shoppe! Leah was very excited to make up her own assortment of treats.

We also had the opportunity to visit St. Patricks Cathedral. This was pretty special too, but the kids were amazed that it was a "real" church because so many tourists were there checking it out. We also decided to check out some additional "trains" & "automobiles." We relied on public transportation to get around, so lots of subway and taxi rides. The kids really did enjoy the subway. "Too bad we don't have any subways at home!"

We ended our day in Soho, where I was convinced to get a new pair of glasses. Apparently mine are pretty "dated." A lovely saleswoman at Ilori was able to help me find a pair. Those of you that know me well enough, know this was a bit out of my comfort zone, as none of the frames looked like those I tried on at Costco.

Finally, we needed to grab a bite to eat, the kids wanted some New York Pizza, so we headed over to Little Italy for a quick bite. Then a quick cab ride home to rest up for our next adventure.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 1

March 30-August 6, 2012

The Cierzan Family departs for yet another Planes, Trains and Automobiles adventure! This is our 4th Journey, this year we are heading east. We left Minneapolis via Delta Airlines for our first stop...The Big Apple! We are spending some time in New York City so the kids can see what all of the excitement is about. All they knew about New York, is what whey see on TV.

We first arrived at our hotel in the financial district, The Andaz, in the financial district. It is amazing! Very contemporary, but lovely. The kids especially like the free minibar, but Mom loves the free Latte's anytime I want them. (Thanks Dad!)

Our first stop once we arrived was to a trip over to see the new 9/11 Memorial. It was an amazing process to get into see what they have done so far. A lot of security. The kids found the pools especially cool. Noah of course found the lone "Survivor Tree." It was very small, blooming with lovely flowers and very well cared for.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles III

Since our last Planes, Trains and Automobiles trip really ended up being all about Planes. We felt it was appropriate to call this trip: Cars, Cars and a Boat! This adventure (which I am having to reflect upon) was taken August 15-21, 2011. (I didn't journal this trip, as I was too sick and couldn't sit long enough to type. Needless to say I had surgery to replace discs in my neck and plate added to my anatomy a couple days after we returned).

This adventure (hand picked by the kids) included a stop in Wisconsin Dells, a journey to Chicago, a view of the famous air and space show (from our room-The Penthouse Suite at the Fairmont-more about that later) a Cubs game and a visit to the world famous American Girl Place!

Norway Day 7, May 3, 2011

Well this would be our last full day in Norway! We left Bergen and began our journey on the Norway in a Nutshell Tour to Oslo. This was to be a LONG travel day, but perhaps the most scenic! That was certainly the truth! Our only first matter of concern at the Train Station--what to do with all of our luggage. Well--we had to take it with us every leg of the journey! Something we weren't expecting. However, we managed! Luckily all of our luggage had wheels. Our first segment took us on a train to see some of the stunning country side, the 2nd leg was on a bus-what a thrill, literally! We drove down a road that was the only road that connected Bergen to Oslo until 1984. It was one lane and had a 19 degree drop and is the steepest road in all of Europe. (Mom closed her eyes the entire time!) Big mistake, as the view was stunning! The third leg was a boat trip up a fjord! WOW!!! What can I say, it was spectacular. Something everyone should see. Worth the trip! We sat outside and although the weather was cool, our couture norwegian sweaters kept us warm!

Finally, the boat ride ended in Flam a quaint and beautiful little city, however, we felt that we were dropped off to buy lots of junk. There were shops for tourist all over, but not much else going on. However, the view was stunning!!! From Flam we embarked on a journey to Mrydal by train, we started at 2 meters above sea level and within an hour we would be at 866 meters above sea level! The train ride was spectacular and we even made some friends on the train from Austrailia (they enjoyed teasing Mom for her inability to look out the window at the stunning view). We left Mrydal on another train on our way into Olso. It was a longer ride, but still shared a lot about the landscape of Norway.

Needless to say our final approach into Oslo found us tired and anxious to find the airport hotel we were staying in. We gathered our belongings and had to laugh at our final warning as we departed from the train: "keep your belongings close as thieves are working here." Something we had not heard, experienced or even thought about the entire time in Norway, it was a very safe experience!!!

However, after tucking ourselves in at a mere 1:30 am, we were exhausted and ready to embark on our long journey home in 6 hours!!!

Mom successfully completed her pilgrimage! However, not sure when she is going to plan a return trip. Hopefully, our norwegian relatives will come to Minnesota next-it would certainly be cheaper!

Norway Day 6 - May 2, 2011

Today our plan was to experience Bergen! Bergen is a really neat city and one that should be visited if you decide to remortgage your home and visit Norway. First, Mom finally took my advice and took some melatonin. She slept soundly, until I had to wake her at 9 am! (She of course jumped out of bed, as she didn't want to miss out on our "included" breakfast buffet. That saves us nearly $50+ a day!)

Our day started out a bit rough, as the tourist center sold us tickets to a bus that wasn't operating yet, and we tried to convince the native norwegian speaking bus driver, that he had to take our tickets! Wrong bus-he said and kicked us off! After clearing the matter up we made amends with our driver and jumped back on. It was a whirlwind tour of the city, but it was great, as we NEVER would have seen it all. The buildings are very unique and very close to one another. The irony is that the city is VERY old! Some buildings dated back to 1400. It is very much a port city with a lot of water traffic. We even got to see a ship with an ice breaker on the front-it was really neat.

After our tour, we thought we would grab lunch and coffee. We ordered coffee and took out our sandwiches that we made at breakfast (something we have done nearly every day). However, Mom apparently didn't think the napkin was good enough for her today, she said she grabbed a bad from the room for her sandwich. I don't know about you, but look closely at Mom's bag-I don't think it was meant for sandwiches. Needless to say, I didn't use a bag! (Besides it is written in english-no excuse there!).

After lunch we decided to do some shopping in the famous Bergen Wooden Houses, we called it couture shopping! I think it is more expensive then Rodeo Drive. In fact (not exaggerating-a woman spent $25K on sweaters and souvenirs in front of us. Didn't even bat an eye. Mom and I merely gasped!)

Mom did secure a famous bracelet that is only made in Norway, it is made with Reindeer leather, silver and pewter. Of course, we found other treasures, but you'll have to wait and see them! Hint-we may have a norwegian sweater in our luggage!

We are trying to pack up for our final excursion, Norway in a Nutshell-Trains, Buses and Boats! We are leaving Bergen first thing in the morning and heading to Oslo. Hope to have some great pictures tomorrow.

Norway Day 5 - May 1, 2011

Today, was a travel day of sorts. We departed from Trondheim and headed to Bergen, Norway. We had to fly on Norwegian Air, what a treat! That airline has figured it out, how to make everyone happy, comfortable and on time! It was only a 50 minute flight, but I snuck some pictures from the air. We checked into our hotel, the Radissson Blu, Norge- it is a wonderful hotel. The room is fantastic, apparently we were upgraded as VIP's to the business class!

Since we are only here for a couple of days, we decided to start our sightseeing adventure. We headed out into the mall toward the famous fish market. (It is like a giant Nicollet Mall around here.) First, we had a quick stop for a couple of Norwegian Draft beers at a very popular restaurant for locals: Pepe's Pizza (you read right, the norwegians LOVE pizza). We weren't hungry yet, so we got two drafts for a mere $27 american dollars. There was a quote we read in the Norwegian Air magazine that was right on--"you need to remortage your house and put your 11 year old to work, to enjoy a long weekend in Norway." Now we know why Grandpa Nilsen left! Beautiful country, but not sure how people can even drive around here. Gas I thought was the same as ours, so I politely remarked to someone that ours was just as expensive-I feel your pain. However, he remarked "no, not really, we pay 3.00 a liter and there are three liters in a gallon." Yikes no wonder why everyone drives little cars around here.

We ended up taking the famous Floibanen furicular, Bergen's most popular attraction. It is like a giant tram that runs up Mount Floyen from the City Centre. The view at the top is stunning as you can see, but Mom elected to hang out by the Troll and stayed clear of the railings! (See any family resemblance?) It really was neat.

Then we headed back to our hotel, but first caught a glimpse of a rather unique McDonald's. (Note all of the kids in the red pants---it is a big deal around here. Apparently all high school seniors have to wear those pants and do crazy things May 1-17th! That is why they are crawling on the ground. (Noah-I tried to get you a pair, as I knew you would wear them to school-but no luck! You have to be a high school senior).

We are back in the hotel and getting things together for a day of sight seeing tomorrow. Who knows what adventure we may encounter.

Norway Day 4 - April 30

Well we are starting to adjust, but Mom is still feeling "drunk" from the jet lag. She won't take the melatonin!!! (Miracle drug for me!) The only beer she has been drinking is Ginger Ale (they actually make a special ginger ale here in Trondheim that is wonderful!)

We got up rather early again and had a delightful breakfast in the hotel. Arfin and Brit Nilsen asked if they could see us again today and take us around downtown. We accepted their invitation. As typical in Norway they arrived right on time and were excited to share their city with us. They took us for a 5+ mile walk, with a coffee and pastry break (typical in Norwegian culture-Uncle Art, now we know where you got your love for coffee. You would fit right in!). Mom of course had another norwegian ginger ale.

Trondheim is a very unique city that has some stunning architecture. Our first stop was to the Nidarosdomen, (A catheral) a famous protestant church where King Olav is buried. It was stunning inside (however, they wouldn't let me take any pictures, so I can't share that with all of you). We did get one of outside. We also were able to see Scandinavia's oldest secular building, once the Archbishop's palace, and now home to the royal crown jewels. After our coffee break, they took us over to the Gamle Bybrua (old town bridge) where they took a quick shot of Mom and I on the waterfront.

After our lengthy walk, I think Arfin could have walked the entire city (but Brit was worn out) we headed back to the hotel for a late lunch and to say our final goodbyes. Goodbye was hard for Mom (aways is!) and Arfinn said "see you next year and bring Uncle Art." It was sad to leave, as we had finally mastered our communication gap, when you don't understand, you just just laugh, smile and say yea, yea. They laugh too and then move on to the next subject.

Well we are going to rest up for our transition to Bergen tomorrow. We get to sample Norwegian Air. Their local airlines that only travels within Norway.

Norway Day 3 (Continued)

We have really enjoyed visiting and the view from Arfin and Brit's home is stunning, however, the jet lag was proving too much for Mom during our visit, my favorite remark from Mom was when we were talking about Norwegian holidays and Mom asked; "Do you celebrate Thanksgiving too?" (Sorry Mom-I had to share, I am still laughing about it).

Norway Day 3 - April 29, 2011

We woke up and had a WONDERFUL breakfast at our Hotel. The Norwegians believe in very hearty breakfast buffets, a special treat for us. (Included in the room price, saved us likely $50) They even have you make sandwiches to take with for an afternoon snack. Arfinn Nilsen our Norwegian Cousin met us at the Hotel and picked us up in his very nice Mercedes Benz and gave us a lift to explore Buvika (the Nilsen Homestead) and treated us to some wonderful Norwegian hospitality.

Our first stop was the family church where everyone was babtized and where many of the Nilsen's are buried. (Of course, I had to take lots of pictures of gravestones, but they were lovely). We also learned that one of the Nilsen's son's was the first and only people that were involved in a political murder in Norway's history. (He had the largest tombstone! He is considered a hero of sorts). Arfinn also took us to the family home, which is in the same spot, but has been remodeled overtime. (He arranged to get us access to the home, which was right on a fjord). That was extra special for Mom!

Afterward, he invited us back to his home to meet his wife, Brit and his grandson, Orjan and a reporter. Yes, you read right a reporter, someone is doing a story on our visit, apparently the relatives of the Nilsen's are famous! Can't wait to see that article, notice I didn't say read it-as I don't think we will ever be able to read it.

Brit treated us to some coffee and norwegian pastries. Afterward, we had a real norwegian meal. I have no idea what I ate, but I have a picture of it. Yes, I did eat it!

Norway Day 2-April 28, 2011

We have arrived in Trondheim Norway! A smaller airport, but our luggage made it and we are ready to meet our relatives, of course after some sleep. The language however, and the cost of transportation has been a challenge for us. Everything in Norway is VERY expensive. So we elected to grab a bus to our hotel, The Britannia Hotel in downtown Trondheim. We didn't understand the driver, and he didn't understand us...so we were dropped off about 4 blocks from our hotel. However, we found our way! The hotel is very historic and nice, but nothing like we are accustomed to in the United States, very small and simple. We decided to grab a bite at a close retaurant that was supposed to be good, one beer, one pop and some pizza-$54 dollars later, we had to laugh. Needless to say, the jetlag had taken us over, we tucked in at 2:00 p.m. in afternooon.

Patty and Penny's Norwegian Pilgrimage...2011

Day 1...Yes, it is true, I have accompanied Mom on her journey to reconnect with her Norwegian roots. After months of email exchanges with her Norwegian Relatives (using google translator) we have embarked on a long journey east. (With nearly 3 weeks of planning under our belt)! We made it to the airport with plenty of time for Mom to learn that Delta, no longer cares about customer service. Despite the fact that our tickets said we could be upgraded to 1st class, they gave our seats to someone else and stuck us back in coach! Ouch-long ride--with no sleep!