One of these days we'll make it to Norway. Can't wait to experience this. Make sure that you make it full screen when you watch it.

Thinking Ahead

Here we are, May 7, 2012, and, unforgivably haven't posted anything since January and the post on the Bicycle train. Not very responsible of me I know. I'm here to remedy that situation though.
As we are fast approaching our next trip to Europe, I need to start flexing fingers so we can share the up coming adventures of our trip to France this summer. For the second year in a row we are going to be in France.
But, unlike last year when we traveled on the eastern side of the country to Lac Annecy and then north to Alsace, Colmar and the Route de Vin, and Strasboug before heading over to Normandy and finally Paris, this year we are headed west to the Loire, then south to the Dordogne and over to Provence, before heading north for another visit to Paris.
This year we have decided to stay in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This is a much more lively area than the location of our hotel, Hotel du Champs de Mars, in the Rue Cler area last year. Our Paris hotel is the Hotel Europe Saint Severin. It looks great, but we won't know until we get there.
The following is a video of the Rue Mouffetard, which is pretty close to us, so you can see what the area is like.
Should be a ton of fun!

Cycle Train in Amsterdam

This is absolutely awesome. Look at those kids. By Amsterdamized - Marc van Woudenberg

Copenhagenize.com - Bicycle Culture by Design: Bicycle Infrastructure 'n Stuff in Paris & Bordeaux

Copenhagenize.com - Bicycle Culture by Design: Bicycle Infrastructure 'n Stuff in Paris & Bordeaux

Two of my favorite topics. France and cycling. More to the point bike infrastructure and how the French are adding more and more bike lanes to go along with their city wide cycle sharing programs. The bikes, in some cases are allowed to travel two ways on one way streets, and cars are required follow an even lower speed limit.

It's interesting to note that the larger the vehicle the more responsibility that the driver has to take care of smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Seems we have that a bit backward here.

Many of the cities in France, throughout Europe actually are adopting bike share programs. When we were in Rouen, France we were able to see theirs up close and personal.  Really doesn't work to well for me as the bikes, like most, don't adjust well enough to fit my frame.

Another step closer.  Today my new passport arrived.  Surprised me as it only took 3 weeks to get it.  When ordering it they say to expect at least a six week wait time.  Nice to have this out of the way.

So, passport? Check!
Airline tickets? Check!
Hotels and B and B's? Check!
Car rental? Nope!
Train? Nope!
But, they are on the agenda.

Seattle Weekend

This past weekend Jodi and I spent three days enjoying Seattle. We stayed at the Vintage Park Hotel which is just a block away from the Fifth Avenue Theater.


Cinderella is the current production. We gave some thought to getting tickets, but neither of us was all that excited to see it, and at $129 a ticket it didn't seem worth it.

On Sunday evening we went over the bridge to Bellevue Botanical Garden to see there Christmas light display. It was unlike any other that I have ever seen. The video gives a small sample of the display.



We also spent a good portion of Monday at Habitude Day Spa. Jodi had a facial, while I had a manicure and a pedicure. Until you have had these, don't scoff.

Dinner at Tulio's in the hotel was exemplary as usual. I had swordfish and it was splendid. Jodi had a pumpkin squash dish that was bland to my taste, but she loved it.

All in all this was a nice Christmas present to ourselves.

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