Day 5: Strasbourg and day on the ship Hild

 

Note how low the river is.

I didn't go in to Strasbourg because I thought it would be too strenuous after two walking tours of me falling behind the group and getting "winded" on the hills.  Rebecca's photos are beautiful and I was correct in staying behind---I've seen beautiful German towns and although this was French, the photos looked like dozens of German towns I've been in.  They limited the number in the L group and I decided I would make space for someone who hadn't lived in Germany or visited five-six times over the years.  We didn't know why they limited until everyone got back.  It was so strenuous up a hill that they sent taxis to bring the L group back down to the bus.  (I love how thoughfult Viking is---they took great care of us).

So, I stayed on the ship and was surprised when I realized we were moving.  We had been moored on a canal and the view was pretty dull, but we moved to the main channel of the river and "cozied" next to another Viking ship.  I was confused on what was happening until I saw a gangplank connecting the two ships.  Later, I noticed people filing on board----across one ship, onto a gangplank and into our ship.  This arrangement happened several times on the trip I thought it was due to the rivers being low.

I had done some hand washing of clothes on my "free" day and had thought I could hang them outside---who would see them? Well, as close as our ship was to the other ship, I smirked when I saw someone had done just that! (not zoomed---that close)

Day 4: Basel, Switzerland

 

Sandy and I taking it easy in a cafe

We left Zurich at 8:30 AM for a trip and tour of Basel.  I joined the "slow walkers"  also known as the L group (for leisurely walkers).  I did all right until the tour guide motioned us to follow her up a long hill.  I looked back at Sandy who was also lagging behind and I said, "Want to get a cup of coffee at McDonald's"  She agreed and that gave us a chance to get acquainted.  We then caught up with the rest of the group at the bus for another trip to our first Viking ship Hild which was in a canal in France.

Our room was very nice and when I approached the chef about getting a to-go box with the lunch so that I could eat early in my room, he said "We can do better than that".  Although they don't have room service,  I just needed to go to the concierge at 5 to pick up my dinner of sea bass, potato, peppers and eggplant.  

It was delicious with that beautiful crispy skin.  I was still feeling "spacy" and decided to not go on our next walking tour in Strasbourg.  We were warned that it was the most challenging walking tour of them all, and they were limiting the L-group to just 21. (we learned the next day it was because a taxi was sent to bring them all back to the bus---that's when we decided the L stood for "lazy")

Day 3: Zurich

 

Our third day (Sept. 27) started with a beautiful breakfast buffet---very impressive---but then we got on the bus for our day's activity:  driving and walking tour followed by a boat ride on Zurich See (lake). Sadly, I took my night time medicine instead of day time:  sedatives!  

I started out walking with Rebecca in my group.  Honestly, I just wanted to take a nap---triple whammy of jet lag and sedatives and 80 years old.  I managed but when the guide took us up winding, cobble stone steep hills---I chose the steps with the building to hold onto.

Pause in the story:  I had great shoes for this (Kiziks) and planned on having a trekking pole to help me.  BUT, I'd left my trekking pole on the plane in Atlanta and my 2nd one was still packed in my big suitcase that I had not want to fool with.  So, I'm holding onto buildings because I lost my trekking pole and was too lazy to unpack the spare.

Story resumes:  I had to sit down---I was out of breath, my heart was beating quickly:  I was sweating.  One of the women in our group offered her trekking pole.  That saved the day.  I was able to at least go back down that huge hill to where the bus was waiting for us but having left a money belt and a trekking pole behind my confidence level at being able to  not lose her trekking pole hightened my anxiety level.

But, the worst of our planned day was over---time for a scenic relaxing boat ride.  It was beautiful---we sailed out to a dock where people got off and then turned around to come back.  Rebecca had heard someone say that people were getting off to walk to the Lindt Chocolate factory and museum.  Although going back to the hotel for a nap is what I wanted, I knew the chocolate factory was on her bucket list.

So, we bought a return ticket---bade farewell to our Viking travellers and headed back across the lake not giving much thought to how we would get back. The path to the chocoate factory is well marked across a path in several parks past a playground.  I was very happy to still have Pat's walking stick since the terrain was rough at times.

A hike up the hill got us to the chocolate museum where there was a cafeteria to pick up some lunch.  After resting, drinking some water (water bottle was also packed), and having lunch I was ready to tour the chocolate factory.  DELICIOUS with at least 5 spots where we could sample chocolate of all kinds.  We saw the history of chocolate how Switzerland became known for their chocolate.  It was really a wonderful museum---a tad more elegant than the 1970s tour in Hershey, PA.  It ended in the gift shop where I bought some chocolate for Pat to thank her for the walking stick.

Now came the tough part---getting back.  We'd asked people all afternoon how we'd get back and had many conflicting ideas.  So, as we were saying a prayer for guidance, a taxi pulled up and asked if we needed a ride.  I've come to accept all sorts of angels answering my prayers even those that charge 90 Swiss Francs to take us back to the hotel.  We both hopped in the taxi without giving it a second thought and arrived back at the hotel with candy, the walking stick and renewed confidence that we could make good decisions!

Day Two: Zurich

When we got to the Renaissance Hotel in Zurich, our room wasn't ready so we headed to a cafe nearby for a roast beef sandwich.  Our hotel was in more of a suburban area with not much to see. So, we decided we should try to explore Zurich.  We went to Simon, our tour leader, and asked him how to get to the heart of Zurich.  "It's easy, "he said. "Take Tram 51 to the Hauptbahnhof and you will find "Hop on Hop off" buses."

Full of confidence we headed out ----I knew "hop on hop off" from previous trips to Europe and I know German. After 500 days of Duolingo to brush up my ancient German, I felt confident we could manage. Besides Rebecca had technology on her side with maps and Uber.

We got off at the Hauptbahnhof (main train station), looked around for any sign of "Hop on, hop off".  None. So we decided to go into a local market and ask people there. ... .most people shrugged, but one of the employees thought he could help.  He pointed to the train station and said triumphantly, "Hauptbahnhof!"  Noooo, not Hauptbahnhof but Hop on Hop off!  We left to try someplace else.  There was a Bus Depot nearby---we went over there and saw lots of Zurich tour buses but none that said "Hop on, hop off"

Meanwhile Rebecca discovered she had no cell service so we had no maps and no Uber.  I was getting tired, and sat on a bench while she went off to the bus depot office, where she asked the same question.  No one knew what we were talking about.  But meanwhile I discovered a port in the storm---Starbucks!

We had coffee, tried to use the wifi but finally gave up and returned on Tram 51 to the Technopark Station where our hotel was.  We felt bruised, battered and not very confident having failed at seeing very much of Zurich on our first day (other that what was on Tram 51 line).  My Duolingo was failing me, Rebecca had no cell service.  Oh, well we had another day to conquer Zurich.

PS:  the photo at the top of the page is a "hop on hop off" bus----we probably saw them at the Depot but had no idea that's what they were.  

Day One---heading to Zurich

 

Being more of a story teller, I want to record my thoughts on the trip Rebecca and I took. Although the trip was my idea, I started having anxiety just thinking of travelling to Zurich---my knees, my sciatica, germs. . . .Finally I decided, what's a few dollars vs. my anxiety so I upgraded us to first class for the first time.

I was blown away by first class seating in our own little pods with pillows, comforters, slippers, sleep mask, tooth brush etc. The seats converted to recliners, flat beds and all of the stages in between.  Since I was having digestive/sleep problems, I asked that they serve me dinner ASAP which they did while others were still having drinks.  And, then, we hit turbulence for several hours---I was the only one who had food.  The attendants were able to clear my tray so I could sink in my "pod" for a good night's sleep.

I slept through the shortened night and woke up to Rebecca saying, "Mom, I had a medical incident during the night" And then I noticed she had an oxygen mask.  

After I booked the trip, I checked to see what the altitude was for Zurich:  it was well below 9000 feet which is the point at which she gets sick.  I also asked about flying altitude and was told the pressurized cabins prevent people from getting sick.  A little more than half way through the flight she felt odd, got up to go to the bathroom and fainted upon coming out.  The next thing she knew, she was on the floor where they had made her a bed and asked for a doctor on board (there was one in front of me and one beside her seat).  Her blood pressure was roughly 60/30 and she was sweating.  They gave her electrolytes which she had brought and hooked her up with a tank of oxygen.  We landed after a tank and a half of oxygen.  There were wheel chairs waiting for us both (and our flights from Paris to Kansas City).  

Talking to our son-in-law, a pilot, he said it's not unusual for pilots to fly about 40,000 feet which results in cabin pressure feeling like 8000 feet. She's exploring another possiblity about falling asleep at a lower altitude and waking at a higher one. . . . .

She felt fine for the rest of the trip and was somewhat notorious at our hotel in Zurich where all of the flight attendants and pilots were.  She was introduced as the "medical emergency"----everyone was happy to see her walking around with a smile on her face but a little embarassed at the attention she was getting.

An Evening at McCrite

 

We had an interesting evening with the Butlers the other night here at McCrite. We have lunch with the Butlers most days so we knew a bit about our backgrounds.  Terry, Lowell and I were invited to their apartment to share hymnals and hymns from our two denominations..  "Pete" and Jo Ann are retired professors from Midwestern Baptist Seminary were they both taught in the music department.  

JoAnn taught vocal music while Pete taught hymnology.  She had written several books on children's music and several children's hymns.  Peter had written over 50 hymns including "Redeemed" a popular Baptist hymn world-wide (a Fanny Crosby hymn for which Pete wrote the music).  They also had donated their enormous hymnal collection to the Seminary. Here's more about the collection and the Butlers: https://www.mbts.edu/article/the-butler-collection/

While I haven't sung in a choir for a long time, I do write poetry which Lowell sets to music.  So, we shared that.  Terry, Lowell's brother, helped us better understand the theology and history of the Reorgaanized Church of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ).  Terry and Lowell brought hymnals from their church and I brought "Glory Be to God" our Presyberian hymnal.

But, the stars were the Butlers who showed us several interesting hymnals they still had in their apartment.  We shared favorite hymns and looked to see if they were in the Baptist, Presbyterian and RLDS hymnals. We also shared favorite stories about those hymns.  The evening ended with Lowell sharing recordings of him singing spirituals and  our songs.  

We had a great time and hope to repeat it again.

Grow with Change

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

As Summer drifts into Fall, I’m ready to move on from the blistering heat of Summer.  I am looking forward to the turning of the leaves, the cooler temperatures, apple cider, everything spice flavored —-OK maybe not the  Pumpkin Spice Toilet Paper you can get on Amazon. 

Transitions can be hard—-whether it’s the seasons, or our lives.  We don’t know what to expect—-some days are beautiful with 70 degrees and some are still brutaly hot.

Many of us are also going through transitions in our lives with the passing of a bridge partner, living without a spouse, losing our independence, moving from our home of 50 years.  Even changing our cleaning schedule can be hard.

Fred Rogers famously noted, “Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind.”

He also offers hope, “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” 

Feel that loss on one hand, but on the other hand, try new foods, sit at a different table, meet new friends, take a painting class, read a new author.  

Grow!

 

 

The Pinball Machine

Sometime my brain is like

a pin ball machine

Darting from ding to ding.

That’s the point

Get as much done as quickly as possible.

Ding-ding-ding-ding

Type a poem, while eating breakfast,

Still thinking of protein powder on Amazon,

wondering how the grands are doing in college.

Am I packing enough underwear for my trip?

And of course remembering to wish my Love

Good Morning, 

Zing-zing-zing

Ding-ding-ding

But, by the end of the day, I’m exhausted

physically and mentally—-every ounce of ideas and energy,

wrung out—-

wanting nothing more than a quiet night

holding hands with my Love.

At night, if I see a movie or meet friends for Bunco:

it’s like putting in another coin for another round of pin ball.

But,  I’m slow to hit

the buttons to complete a task.

The dings are slower—softer less inviting.

I drag myself to bed: body seeking rest.

But, as I lay down, my brain is still flipping that damn ball:

ideas zinging around the recesses of my brain:

Hour       after      hour. 

Later, with my 10th trip to the toilet,

body weak from fatigue,

I finally slip into fitful sleep.

Not restful sleep, not recharging sleep—-

no REM, or deep sleep.

Like a pinball zombie, i awake in the moring , dragging my feet,

Fixing breakfast, needing my walker,

The zing has zonged and the ding has donged.

Alienor

 Alienor Aquitaine:  

“Trees are not known by their leaves, nor even by their blossoms, but by their fruits.”

Marie Countess of Champagne

Alice Countess of Blois

Matilda Duchess of Saxony

So Alienor, I know about you,                                                             

but I do still have a question or two. 

No, I’m not going to ask 

if you really rode to the Crusades 

with a band of Amazon warriors.

I’m not even going to ask 

what it was like to be married 

to the King of England and the King of France 

For sure, I’m not going to ask 

about your lovers or your schemes against Henry II.  

That is none of my business.

I’m your 24th great granddaughter, 

descended from Marie, Alix, Eleanor and Matilda

(John, too, but you were right about him).

What were my ancestors like?

I wonder if any of your daughters were like you—-

a strong-willed woman. 

Your “fruits” were not as well-known as you.  

I know about their titles: 

Eleanor Queen of Castille

“Queen of this” or “Countess of that” 

But what about 

their character, 

their values, 

their intelligence?

Royal titles mean nothing to me.  

You’ve had novels and plays written about you, 

but tell me about them. 

Were they respected and admired?

Were they benevolent leaders?

You had tumultus relationships with your husbands:

 Louis VII and Henry II.  

What did their husbands and children think of them?

You had 10 children—-5 daughters and 5 sons.  

We know your sons were not strong or principled.  

What about your daughters?

What about your daughters?

'S e Alba mo dhachaigh

 I’ve lived entirely in the Midwest

But my home is Scotland Lowlands

There I see people who look like me

walking down the cobblestone street

shopping in the small grocery stores

with a grocer to greet us:

small, lean, freckled with brown hair 

that is red in the sunlight.

And eyes of green and hazel-

smiling in recognition of my heritage.

I love the dim gothic stone churches

with the Celtic cross which invites me 

to pray and sing

Be Thou My Vision:

Riches I heed not, not vain, empty praise:

Thou mine inheritance, now and always.

Thou and thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven my treasure thou art.

I love the bag pipes

and the kilted pipers

calling me to remember a time

in the deep recesses of my heritage

when those pipes called my ancestors

to stand taller remembering the vision

of Scotland greats like Malcom and Margaret.

I love the mist and the fog

Hiding the stone homes

until a veil slowly lifts to show

green meadows and stone walls

beyond.

I love the dark rooms 

with windows too small and cloudy

 But a fire in the stone fireplace

chairs beside it 

soaking in the warmth

a quilt thrown over the back of the chair

when the fire becomes embers.

It beckons me to sit and reflect.

I love the window seat 

that looks out on a beautiful wild

garden of red and orange flowers

Feet propped in the seat

my back againsr the wall

reflecting on the beauty of life:

the irony of this American feeling

at home in

the Scotland lowlands 

where my ancestors left many years ago.