Cactus?

I ran into Elena, a friend I haven’t seen since she moved back to Arizona a few years ago.  Elena was visiting SoCal and stopped in Pizza Port on Thursday night. 

Hmmm.

Elena had a new tattoo.  She said it was a cactus but I thought she was giving me the finger.

Prague

We stayed at the Cosmopolitan Hotel for 4 nights.  Several boat cruise people also stayed at this hotel, as well as Christian (boat guest coordinator).  Christian announced on the bus ride that he would lead a 30-minute walkabout outside our hotel begins an hour after our arrival, and point out notable sights, good restaurants, etc.  Of course, we joined in.

Christian, a 5-star Boat Guest Coordinator

The city had tons of graffiti and tons of litter.  Bummer. 

Monday: 

We watched the astronomical clock and then climbed up the tower for a killer view.

View from the Astronomical Tower, with the square before the ugly booths.

Then we walked down to the Charles Bridge and went up that tower for another killer view.  Halfway across the bridge is a gold something that people rubs for some unknown reason.  The Honest Tour Guide said it is a stupid idea so we should rub the lamppost beside it instead. So Bill did.

Then we walked a long way to Letna Beer Garden for a beer with another nice view.  The Honest Tour Guide recommended this as one of the nicest views but we thought it wasn’t as nice as I expected.  We walked around at night. Buildings were lit up nicely.  Sculptures on buildings were also lit up.  Great for encouraging you to lookup.  Too much to see.

Notice the Arrows in the Statue.  Ouch!

All the sculptures had many figurines on each one that probably meant something and I just glanced at them for a couple of seconds. The best night time view was the lit-up Church of Our Lady Tyn in the Astronomical Clock square. 

Tuesday:

Our journey was to Prague Castle.  We stopped for a nosh and beer at an outdoor cafe just before reaching the Castle.  This café had an amazing view of the Charles River and Prague.  The Castle and grounds were amazing.  Our 2nd beer was at another outdoor cafe by the Pissing Sculpture where 2 men (statues) are pissing into a pool in the shape of Czechoslovakia.

The Pissing Statue

It is in front of the Franz Kafka museum. (Famous writer).  It was entertaining to watch people’s expressions when they first see it, plus all their weird camera poses in front of the sculpture.

Franz Kafka.  Weird.

Prague Misc., since we quit tracking our everyday activities:

• This was the first week of the riverboat cruise season.  We were amazed at the overall tourist headcount.  While we did see tourists in Budapest, the Prague volume was already choking the streets.  Most city blocks had a minimum of 4 tours, with 1 tour guide (identified as the person leading the pack while carrying a pole-mounted flag) and up to 40 people obediently following them.  At least they all used close proximity radios with headsets.
• We ate 4 meals of duck and sauerkraut which quickly became our favorite, 3 of which were at the same Placzenka Restaurant under the concert hall.  The beer of choice was Pilsen Urquell. 
• Dozens of booths were getting set up in Prague’s Old Town Square by the Astrological Clock.  We were told these booths were for upcoming Easter festivities.  Very ugly – we were glad we saw the square before it got ruined by those tacky booths.
• Prague has an Overwhelming endless supply of medieval and renaissance buildings covered with sculptures (churches, administration buildings, museums, and private homes); monuments, and turned off fountains (springtime).  We got burned out on the beauty.  We snuck into the National Philharmonic building through an unlocked door.  When it was time to leave we discovered we were locked in. an official-looking person with a scowl on his face had to unlock a door to let us out.

Overall Europe Trip Misc.:

• Could easily have reduced both Budapest and Prague to 3 days each. 
• Prague and Budapest cannot make a gin martini.  In Budapest when requesting a martini, we said ‘no vermouth’ so they brought us each a shot glass of gin.  In Prague, they didn’t know how to make a dirty martini so we said ‘gin martini’.  They brought martinis made with a shot of gin and a shot of vermouth.  The riverboat bar knew how to make perfect gin martinis.
• Seemed weird but the airport grocery store sold individual cans of beer.  Obviously for the purpose of drinking it at the airport.  Many were. I also had one with my lunch of an orange and banana I brought from the hotel.  Beer worked.  
• The trip was not as dressy as Bill thought it would be.  Next time better layer-able clothes and fewer dress shirts.  Most wear colored/black sneakers instead of shoes.  
• Breakfast included with the hotel is the only way to go. 
• Hotel laundry was very expensive.  $1.25 per underwear or socks.  Bill did laundry in the sink.  Glad he brought clothes soap.  We did find a reasonable laundry place in Budapest.  The manager was personable and entertaining.
• Both Budapest and Prague had few pigeons.  One of the tour guides said governments had provided bird birth control as feed.  Great idea!
• While on a walking tour of a small town, Bill noticed no one at the outdoor cafe was on a phone or device.  They were talking to each other or just enjoying the sunshine.
• Randy broke Bill’s Hobie backpack.  Hopefully, Bill got it fixed after returning home.  Sorry about that.

More Prague pics are here.

AmaWaterway's AmaCerto Riverboat Cruise

Saturday, we pulled our luggage several miles from Hotel Astoria to the boat docking location.  It was a warm day so several walk breaks were needed to cool down.  Only at the last quarter mile did Randy figure out how to hook the backpack to the pulled luggage, reducing discomfort.  An onboarding bonus was running into Alan Doyle prior to boarding via the gangplank.  Very personable.

The cruise on AmaWaterway’s AmaCerto boat was much more upscale than anticipated. On checking into our room a bottle of tasty wine was delivered to our room.  We each had a glass then we went for a walk around Margaret Island.  The island had a soft 5K running track around the island that was very busy with runners and bikers, somewhat like Manhattan’s Central Park.  We parked ourselves on a bench and watched the world go by for about an hour then walked around a third of the island.

View from Margaret Island of the connecting bridge.

Das boat.

Upon returning to the boat we saw the first of a common theme – a killer buffet was available for onboarding guests.  We had a nosh and realized each had a half sandwich from last evenings’ dinner that now seemed destined for the trash can.

First of many killer noshes and the obligatory glass of wine.  So, so good.

Most of the passengers are here because of Alan Doyle, and heavily from Canada. Lucky for use we speak Canadian, Eh. There is a small group (16 of about 120) who just happens to be on this ride and didn’t have any idea who Alan Doyle was.  Hope they like the music. These rooms are huge compared to our past riverboats.  The meals are high class, with dinners having 4 to 5 courses.  The chefs try to have local foods depending on which country we are in.  People don't dress up as much as expected. Wine and beer were available with all meals plus at a daily happy hour, therefore we consumed too much.  Morning yoga was available but never went.  The boat had a top-side pool.  We were the first ones in and almost the only ones that went in.  Most of the time it was either closed because the walls were folded down to go under a bridge or it was just too cold outside.

Why yes I'll have more wine.

Sunday: we did a spectacular evening cruise around Margaret Island, past the brightly lit Parliament, Castle Hill and docked next to the Central Market.

Monday:  bus trip around Budapest covering all the same stuff, and the guide added a lot of details.  4pm was time to cast off.  That evening was the first Alan Doyle concert and was the usual greatness. 

First of 4 concerts.

Tuesday: woke up at Bratislava, Slovakia, and did a 2-hour walking tour. The guide was very proud of his city's heritage.  Unlike Budapest which goes back only to the 1700s and 1800s, Bratislava has buildings going way back to the 1200s.  Some unique sculptures.  Peeping Tom coming out of a manhole.  A little character was built into a small recess in the building.

The peeping tom.

Wednesday:  city tour of Vienna.  The UNESCO protected inner city, district 1, is lined with huge 1 family mansions of Old.  In the afternoon, we went to Albertina Museum to see some impressionist paintings.  $50 fine for not cleaning up after your dog.  Love it. They had a designated graffiti area along the Little Danube and none elsewhere.  Bill joined a mother and her niece for an evening symphonic concert in one of the personal homes/mansions.  The ballroom held 400 seats.  They were playing Mozart and Strauss. They got back in time for the last third of Alan Doyle's second concert.  

Thursday:  early 8a start for an all-day tour involving 4 hours on a bus - neither of us was into it.  Both decided to stay on board and sail down the Danube.  This area was listed as the most beautiful section, with small medieval towns in areas dating back to the crusades.  Lock gate doors drop down into the earth to open.  Different than the clamshell gates in France.

When first entered into a lock.

And 20 minutes later.

Moved on to Grien.  Castle walking tour by a real cutie.  Her favorite word was to say caboose to describe the last person in line. The tour ended with champagne and local folk dances by a senior group in the castle. 

Friday:  we sailed overnight to Linz.  We did the morning city walk tour. Gas cost €1.30/L.  After a brunch aboard our boat, I took a bus to Salzburg. Famous for birthplace of Mozart and salt mines. Hence, its name.  For the Salzburg hour free time, I hiked up to the fortress for some photos and back down and then had a beer in an outdoor Biergarten. And then a second beer.  Why not; it’s a sunny day. 

The Captain invited us to do shots with him. Cool factor. 

The Captain walked around, looking for us so he could do shots with us.  I feel so honored.

Saturday: not enough sleep. Morning tour walk.  Then nap and sailed to Vilshofen, Germany.  Sunny and warm.  Free time walking around the small town.  We began packing to leave the next morning.  Our packed luggage needs to be put outside our room by 7:30a tomorrow for our 8:30a bus departure to Prague.  There was a “Goodbye on boat” happy hour.  Then we went onshore under a tent for more beer, pretzels, and a polka band.  At 7:45 pm our last dinner was at the Chef’s Table at the back of the boat.  Bill’s neighbor broke her water glass and spilled water and shards everywhere.  She was embarrassed, but no biggie except for my slightly wet crouch. Most of us at the Chef’s table were pushing to get through the 5-course dinner since the last Alan Doyle concert would begin right after dinner.  We skipped out to get great seats – winning! 

Ross and Karen from Windsor, ONT.  Shot was taken at Chef's Table.  Good people.

And the last concert is a wrap!

One guy commented on Bill’s extensive wardrobe.  Really?? 

Fan crush #1.

Fan crush #2.

Sunday: move the clock ahead one hour due to European daylight savings time.  We were up at 6:30 am to shower, have some breakfast and finish packing.  The bus left at 8:31 am - a rare one minute late.  All times are given for when the bus leaves, not a rough estimate on gathering time.  Partway to Prague we took a break for a chilly walk around something burg.  Named after the river.  Usual medieval city.  We were going tired of seeing and hearing about old cities.  Info overload like at a museum.  Bill was doing his best to catch up on sleep during the bus ride.

More Riverboat Pics are here.

Budapest

My LAX outbound flight departed March 18 at 8:30am so I had rented an Avis car and zipped through Orange and LA county traffic.  I do like either early morning or late evening LAX departures to avoid traffic.  Bill and I scheduled our flights to meet at Schiphol airport outside Amsterdam.

While killing 3 hours in Schiphol I managed to sample some early morning Jameson whiskey (very tasty) and spied a leather coat, to be purchased on the return trip back thru this airport.

Quite Tasty!

Bill arrived then we continued another flight to Budapest.  We researched the most effective transportation to our hotel (MiniBUD) and were lucky to be the first group dropped off at the hotel.

Our hotel, Danubis Hotel Astoria, was ideally located at the intersection of the 2 main roads and included a great breakfast buffet included each morning.  We couldn’t have picked a better hotel.

First Beer of the Trip

I didn't order 3 double espressos for breakfast.  At least I didn't think I did.

Our adventure started with 5 days in Budapest.  Some observations on Budapest:

• Everybody smokes, especially in an outdoor cafe. So it was always a challenge to dine or drink outside. We factored in wind direction and neighbors before selecting outdoor seats. 
• Very little graffiti but a lot of cigarette butts.
• Very few dogs and everyone cleaned up after them.

Our daily walking explorations ranged from 6.5 to 10 miles.  The furthest spot, Szechenyi Spa, was only 3 miles from our hotel.  Budapest was much more walkable than anticipated and we had no need for public transportation.  We explored the Central Market Hall where we had lunch twice: the Hungarian sampler plate and later the Goulash sampler plate.  We were great at splitting all meals but getting individual beers.

Central Market Hall

Hungarian Sampler Plate.  Yummy!

We wandered several times thru the Jewish Quarter.  The largest synagogue, Doheny, was just around the corner from our hotel.  It had a very sad story of how the Nazi walled up the neighborhood into a "Jewish ghetto” with nothing/no one in or out resulting in 10,000 deaths in its 6-weeks existence.  There was no way to get rid of the bodies.  The memorial had an outdoor sculpture of a willow tree with all the names of those who died on metal leaves hanging from it.

There were numerous statues and plaques around Budapest.  Notable were:

•        Shoes on the Danube artwork.
•        Black Plague sculpture on Castle Hill.  A tribute from the 1/3rd of the population that survived.

1896 was Budapest's millennium.  Much was built for that event.

Both the Parliament building and Saint Stephen’s Church were exactly 96 meters tall indicating the balance of state vs church.  Under communism, parliament height was increased with a Russian star to emphasize the state’s role is greater than the church.

We came upon a walking protest during a walkabout.  Of course, we couldn’t read/understand the signs so Bill asked a policeman what was being protested.  The policemen responded the protests were for governmental budget cuts for academic teachings of STEM topics.  That was good enough for Bill to jump the barrier and join the protest.

Bill being a protester.

We rode the Buda Funicular up to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.  Fisherman’s Bastion had an awe-inspiring view of the city across the Danube.  Amazingly beautiful when Budapest was lit up at night, especially the Parliament and St Stephens Church.  The church at Fisherman’s Bastion had unique roof tile colors in a pattern.  These roof tiles were nicknamed Chuck Norris tiles due to their strength.

View from the Buda Funicular

View from Fisherman's Bastion.  Incredible.

We spent a morning at City Park’s Szechenyi Thermal Bath Spa in Hero’s Square.  It had numerous indoor baths and 2 large outdoor hot baths.  Each bath had a sign showing the water temperature.  Finding our way within the building was not intuitive, and we had to ask for directions to get to the outdoor baths.  Of course, there was the obligatory overweight male in a speedo playing chess.  There was a lap pool as well as one ice pool.  We spent time in one outdoor bath then tried the other bath and discovered the second bath was much, much warmer.  Ahhh.  It’s understandable why residents make a thermal bath part of their daily ritual.

Thermal Bath Spa entrance

Afterward, we wandered about Hero’s Square, stopping to have a post-bath beer and nosh.

There is a famous statue of Jesus holding a baby (his mother) in the Matthias Church.  This is controversial because that may imply re-incarnation.

More Budapest pics are located here.

Costa Rica in January/February 2019

I was hoping to have a good 4 weeks of surf vaca in Costa Rica after cutting short in December 2018 due to an elbow injury.  The elbow was still tender but everything was paid for.

Delta changed their flights replacing the redeye with an 8am departure from LAX.  LA traffic isn’t so bad when you depart Solana Beach at 3am.  I had made arrangements at Lagodima and asked they leave keys in the outside lockbox and to leave the gate open.  And it all worked.

The Holden board LOVES Costa Rica waves.

Returning to Nosara brings back all the familiar spots and people.  At the first night dinner at 10 Pies, a couple sat next to me.  They looked familiar and after some discussion, we realized we had met last year on the beach. 

Michael, Denise, and me at 10 Pies.

The second week was spent at Rob and Ann’s place.  Wow, the foliage has filled in!  Rob and I had some fun surf sessions in the southern beach.  Evenings were cooking lessons and good conversations.

Rob in the Casa driveway.

Enjoying the southern end of Nosara beach.

I joined the Cymer crew in Santa Teresa for a week.  The shuttle company tricked me into buying two seats, saying they wouldn’t do the route unless at least 2 people were on it and that no one else had booked a seat.  Imagine my surprise when 4 others boarded the shuttle.  Then the shuttle covered the whole peninsula, arriving in ST after 6 hours and 2 bus changes.

The hotel, Casa Cecilia, was nice.  The location was on the beach with lounge chairs and hammocks under palm trees.  ST was 1 long dusty road – I am guessing over 2 miles long.  But a market and some restaurants were within walking distance.  A hotel bonus was filtered and a chilled water dispenser available anytime.  The hotel manager, Macarena, even offered to give me a ride to the market on her motorcycle.

ST surf conditions were challenging for me.  The waves were closeouts with few corners.  And very steep.  The Holden surfboard was never used and I got plenty of practice with takeoff drops on the Rusty board.  Scary.

The Cymer crew arrived a few days after me.  Their first day involved Chris moving into Casa Cecilia, Jeff into a nearby hotel, and Bob, Graham, and Tavo at a luxury home.  At the time they had 2 rental cars that made it easier to get around ST.

Chris, Jeff, Tavo, Bob and Graham.

My hotel room view thru the screen.  How did she get in the picture? 

Graham while on a beach hike, exploring rocks.

I was getting worn out by 2.5 weeks of surfing but the Cymer crew was determined to maximize their surf time.  My sessions were mostly 1, maybe 2, a day.  Chris and Jeff wanted to get in 3 sessions. 

Bob at an ST sunset viewing party.

Chris played town host, guiding us to a sushi place, chicken Joe’s, a burger place.  One evening Chris cooked at the luxury home.  This dinner included some rather tasty rum drinks.  Yummy.

Chris at work.

Iconic statue at Chicken Joe's.

After a week at ST, the Cymer crew took off and I booked again with the evil shuttle company to get me and my boards to Nosara.  I managed to get in several Nosara surf sessions with better waves and familiar faces.  All was good again.

Back at a Nosara beach with Jim and Maggie.

The returning Delta flight also had changed to departing LIR at 5pm, arriving at 9:15pm.  After getting a rental car, the LA traffic wasn’t bad with me arriving at home just before midnight.

A lone star at sunrise, last day.

The Infamous Stringdusters @ Belly Up

At the usual Thursday night Pizza Port gathering of Cymer surfers, Bob asked if anyone wanted to go to see the Infamous Stringdusters tonight.  Bob had an extra ticket due to a cancellation so I joined Bob, Kathy, and Julie. 

I am not really a bluegrass fan but the Stringdusters brought such high energy that I thought a few of the instruments might catch fire.

End of Thursday Night Surfing Season

Captured after Sunset

This was the end of the Cymer surf team Thursday night surfing season, due to the daylight savings time change.  We might continue to meet at Pizza Port for a pint but jumping into the Rockpile surf after work will have to wait until March 2019.

From left:  me, Bob, Graham, Dave, James, ???, Michael, Valentina, and Chris.