There is no doubt that if you are looking to be wined and dined on your next vacation, then Crystal Cruises is the company you are looking for. This exclusive cruise company makes you feel as if you are staying in a luxury hotel, only it floats on majestic waterways! At least the Grand Europe Crystal Mahler ship does, it floats along the shores of
I had heard about the best Christmas markets in Europe (Christkindlmarket) for years but I wanted to find out for myself exactly what they were like. I had no idea what to expect. Now I know and I can share with you the best Christmas markets in Europe along the Rhine River. I took a Christmas Market Cruise on the Viking River Cruise ship TOR
What are Viking River Cruises like? Let's peek thru the window with fascination and find out what it is like experiencing every detail of Viking Cruises. I had heard they were the "jewel of the sea" with their ever-changing views of the majestic scenery. I had heard about the "unpack once" scenario, but what are the nitty-gritty details I need to know before I take
Have you ever wanted to take a Christmas Cruise? I just returned from a Viking Christmas and Danube River Cruise. It was delightful! Here are my thoughts: Visions of sugar plums danced in my head the first time I even heard the words "Christmas Market Cruise". I didn’t even know they existed until one day reading a travel blog and I came across an article
It was a foggy morning close to the Black Forest near Breisach, Germany where we had gotten up early to catch the bus to go into the southwest state of Baden-Wurttemberg, near Bavaria. Along the way, we saw many church steeples and stork nests, where on one steeple they actually had their own stork webcam. I have posted it here for you to view and see if
Regensburg, Germany is a Bavarian medieval city along the Danube River in southeast Germany. It is well known for its well-preserved medieval old town. It also has a famous 12th-century Stone Bridge that has 16 arches that cross the Danube River to the old town center. Located in the south of Germany, Regensburg is a popular day trip from Munich. An atmospheric and charming town,
By Cacinda Maloney Berlin Graffiti I have a hard time with the city of Berlin and have expressed my views quite frequently, but that does not mean that I do not want to go back, in fact, I do. After looking over some photographs of Berlin Wall graffiti, I thought I would share a photo collage of this complex city. Just like people can be
By Cacinda Maloney Da-Bach-na-Fahrt Raft Race, going "Wild on the Water!" For Carnival, there is another major event in Schramberg, Germany other than the parade that is not located on the streets, but instead located on the river. It is tub rafting called the Da-Bach-na-Fahrt Raft Race, literally going “wild on water”. Wobbly constructed, homemade rafts maneuver the best way they know how down a tiny waterfall, then
Guide to celebrating Carnival in Schramberg, Germany By Cacinda Maloney The anticipation was thick in the air when we arrived mid morning for our very first peek deep into Germany’s Black Forest where Carnival comes alive! Not the Carnival you may be thinking of with drunkenness and bead throwing like in New Orleans, but a traditional type that has been going for centuries.
By Cacinda Maloney Carnival in the Black Forest of Germany (Part 1 link) Carnival - Enchanting creatures lurking in the Black Forest Snap, Whip, Crack! The parade has begun with over 4000 “fools” who have gathered at the entrance to the old Black Gate and make their way down the parade route. The characters of the Black Forest begin to come alive as
By Cacinda Maloney Carnival Black Forest Germany Carnival - Enchanting creatures lurking in the Black Forest Ding, Ding, Ding! “What was that?” I hear it again. Ding, Ding, Ding! I glance over at the clock in the pitch-black hotel room and try to remember where I am. “It is 5 am!” I have been on a whirlwind tour of the Black Forest in
By Cacinda Maloney Sounds from the Black Forest, Germany Sounds from the Black Forest, Germany: I bring you sounds from the Black Forest, Germany: Cuckoo, Cuckoo, Cuckoo! Deep in Germany’s Black Forest is where fairy tales were born. The Brothers Grimm stories came alive during my recent visit here, where traditions and customs are still very much alive. I actually saw Cinderella herself,
Black Forest, Germany (Schluvchsee) Have you heard of Black Forest, Germany’s traditional Bollenhut Hat? I hadn’t either until my first visit there. Once you see it, you will be very curious about it, as it is quite unusual. Black Forest, Germany’s Traditional Bollenhut Hat People all over the world who have been to the Black Forest know the hat as
This poem, which has been called “arguably the best –known verses ever written by an American" describes perfectly the way I felt before going on my Christmas Market Cruise. Twas the Night Before Christmas Staring at the words on the page, I could hardly believe it, almost like a visit from Santa himself. But yet, there it was: You have been invited… on
Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Karma Travel: I believe in karma. Not in an Indian religious sense, although they have a good concept: any "action" or "deed" causes the cycle of cause and effect to occur. It seems that whatever I give to the universe, it usually gives it back to me in one way or another! This lesson comes as the result of karma travel.
One of the most interesting things I came across while in Berlin was a dance hall. In Germany, they call them ballhaus'. I find it a funny word that even my teenage son would get a giggle out of! So late one night, while out with other travel bloggers after a grub crawl, we went to Clärchens Ballhaus. It is one of three original dance
Berlin Tourism What a cold, dark place Berlin is. Dull grey is its color. I got a similar feeling in my recent trip to Munich, in fact, not even writing about it, as I wasn't sure what I was going to say. I don't like conflict, so this is a hard truth for me to write. I don't want to offend anyone, but I have
Wall of Berlin “There are four kinds of people in the world, Ms. Harper. Those who build walls. Those who protect walls. Those who breach walls. And those who tear down walls. Much of life is discovering who you are. When you find out, you also realize there are places you can no longer go, things you can no longer do, words you can no
