Die Berge, sie grüssen dich

This Autumn we travelled in the gorgeous Alps. Once again my husband, our friend Antti and I started a trip together by flying to Munich. There we rent a car but we had an incredible fortune because there was no longer the car that we had booked, instead we were given a much nicer car at the same price. Next in our plans was to buy some food but at the airport I heart that all the shops were closed because of holy day. Luckily there was one open supermarket at the airport which was very crowded. After all we were on the way to Lichtenstein.

I wanted to visit this tiny principality because not yet been there. I was also interested in seeing this famous tax haven. The scenery was beautiful. All the houses and gardens were so spotlessly clean. I had reserved two hotel rooms with the mountain view but unfortunately the weather was rainy and misty - nebelig. From the balcony we could only see some houses and the church of the village. But the hotel was cozy and we had a nice walk around the village. By car we went to have a dinner in the heart of the mountains close to ski lifts.

The next day we moved to the capital of Lichtenstein were we had a reserved apartment. It was a short but winding road down the hill. Soon the view was great! Petri and Antti rent bikes and discovered the area on bicycles while I visited local museums and had walks around the city. There were many interesting and beautiful statues outdoor because of the art happening of the year. They were made by artists from many countries. I also walked up the hill to admire the castle.

In the evening we went together to the city which had the annual celebration. The city was crowded and many were drunk but there were also families and street artists. At the end we were astonished by the fire works which were repeated ten times. Not just one show but ten! Lichtenstein could afford.

Another day we went back to the village where we had started. The scenery was amazing! We saw the whole valley and the mountains! Across the river there was Switzerland where we drove a couple of times during this visit because there were also interesting places to visit and good restaurants and cafes. On both countries we saw and heart the cows in the fields.

It was time to move on and we drove to Austria. On the way to Zell am See we stopped in Innsbruck to visit the ski jump tower and a lovely cafe. Finally we arrived to Zell am See which was packed-out with muslims. There were many women in black burkas. What was happening? At the reception we were told that this was a popular place for them to celebrate ramada. It was very noisy late by night. Two days and they were gone.


One of the first places to visit was Kitzteinhorn, in 3029 meters. To reach the top we had to take the ski lift three times. I had to buy new gloves to keep fingers warm. Next winter I can¨wear them back at home. The tips of the mountains were covered by clouds, so we could not admire the scenery. But we saw snow and rocks and the air was very thin to breath.


Zell am See celebrated the summer festival and the restaurant of our hotel was full of guests because its food was excellent. Unfortunately the weather was rainy, so Petri and I went back to our room but Antti went to see the water show. During the day we had seen the biggest waterfalls in Europe, Krimmler Waterfalls and walked a lot, so the rainy evening outside was not attractive.

The fantastic day we spent by driving on the famous panarama road of Grossglockner. First it was very misty. It was like in the fary tale when we passed Hexenküche, witch's kitchen. On the top, in 2504 meters, we could not see far away, so no panorama of the Austrian mountains. But we decided to drive forward and suddenly the sky was clear and we could admire the scenery of mountains. We also wondered the glacier that had shrinked a lot in a short period. It told its story about climate warming.

From Zell am See we travelled to Germany to visit Kehlsteinhaus, the Eagle's Nest in 1834 meters. This place had a very special location. Now I can watch historical documents with different mind. The museum and bunkers at the base of the moutain were also interesting to study.

The last night we spent in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We had the dinner at the local, traditional restaurant. Petri and Antti enjoyed Schweinshaxe, for me there was nothing suitable. The soup that I took was too salty and heavy, like sauce. We enjoyed the traditional music and dance. Luckily later we found a nice place where to enjoy cheese cake and tea.

The last day we wanted to see the beautiful castle of Neuschwannstein. The place was full of tourists. We arrived quite early, before the big crowds. However, we could not get the tickets in our schedule. So we admired the castles outside. Before reaching the airport we went for a short visit in Dachau, the place of dead and suffering. It's the dark part of human history to build this kind of concentration camp. It was the first one in Germany but there were more many and as well extermination camps in Germany and other countries. The network of this kind of camps was essential part of totalitarian ideology.

Panama Canal by the cruising boat

In November 2014 I started the fantastic trip by flying with my good friend to San Diego from where we took the cruise to the Panama Canal. After the relaxing sleep and morning swim in a cute small hotel we too a taxi to the port where we lined up for a couple of hours. Finally we were in the ship and our luggage in the cabin. One of the first tasks was to go through the security practice. While standing on the deck we admired the sunset in San Diego downtown. The sun was reflecting from big windows of skyscrapers. The sea was calm and a big aircraft carrier was just in front of us. My friend Tara had visited in some of those, also here in San Diego. I had planned this trip because so I wanted to celebrate my 50 year birthday. This was not my first cruise by the Royal Caribbean because ten years ago in Caribbean I had a cruise which was wonderful.

After two days on the sea we arrived to Capo San Lucas in Mexico, at the tip of Baja California, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. It's famous for the dramatic seascapes of Land's End. We enjoyed snorkeling in one of its remote beaches. It was joyful to observe the fish and life in sea. On the way back in catamaran we had a couple of margaritas in relaxed atmosphere. On the way we observed sea lions and a wale.

The ship we had learnt to know quite well so far and I even had found my routine for sea days. After breakfast to go to swim and sunbathing, then lunch and quite often a history lesson in the theatre. Then it was time to walk outdoors on the deck and to go to do exercise in gym before going to sauna and spa.  Afternoon tea I always enjoyed in cafe. Then back to cabin to dress for the evening which started by delicious dinner and ended in the theatre which had a varied and exclusive show program.

The next stop in Mexico was in Puerto Vallarta. Already in Finland I had dreamed of meeting with the friendliest mammals in the water, so I swam with dolphins in the Dolphin Adventure Center. They  are amazing animals! They are huge but so smooth in the water. I also got the impression that they are very curious. This day was great! I had a big hug with a dolphin.

The ship cruised further. Tara and I read about the possibility to visit Maya ruins in Guatemala. So from the Puerto Quezal we took the bus and traveled past volcano-guarded mountains and through villages to Iximche which was the capital of the late Postclassic Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524.  We were able to discover pyramid-temples, palaces and Mesoamerican ball courts. Some of the buildings evidence of human sacrifice. The ruins have been reestablished as a sacred place for Maya ceremonies. Our excellent guide was Maya descendant and if I remember right, about 80% of population in Guatemala are Mayas. On the way back we ate in a nice and well guarded restaurant. We enjoyed black beens especially.

In Costa Rica we had to visit a coffee plantation because in Finland there is even a coffee brand Costa Rica. On the way we admired the green landscape and watched the street life and modest huts. The standard of living was anyway higher here than in Guatemala. We had a tour in the coffee plantation Café Naranjo and learnt about the coffee process. Finally we enjoyed excellent coffee. After this visit we saw artisans in a handicraft center and enjoyed delicious lunch with different local delicacies.

Our ship now reached Panama and the famous canal. Early at the morning (at 7 am) we arrived and saw the silhouette of skyscrapers of Panama City. Soon we went through the first lock. The ship just fit into the canal. We admired the rocks cut by many workers in harsh conditions hundred years ago. The Panama Canal was ready in 1914. So we left the Pacific Ocean and raised to the big artificial Lake Gatun before descending through the locks to the Atlantic Ocean. All this took the whole day but was very exciting!

The next day we took the bus to see the coast and to visit the old bayside village Portobelo. Even Columbus had been in that location. We went to see the black Christ statue in the church and wandered around in this 16th- and 17th-century Spanish village which was attacked by many Caribbean pirates. There were ruins of forts and a museum located in the former customs building. The ruins were quite damaged because of climate. Even now we had some rain showers.

The last new country during this trip was Columbia. We arrived to spectacular Cartagena which had the silhouette of skyscrapers and high buildings. We had a guided tour in the city which looked quite wealthy. First we visited in Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most impressive and strongest fortresses created by Spaniards. It had a great view over the city. The weather was so hot! Anyway, we were excited to study the corridors and places of this fortress. Then we headed to the walled Old City of Cartagena and stepped into the 16th and 17th century. We walked in cobblestone streets, elegant plazas and admired colorful architecture. There were different kind of decorated doors and balconies, not to forget flowers. Once there were Caribbean pirates in these streets. We visited the church and the house of inquisition. Before returning to ship we made the acquaintance of modern Cartagena.

It was time to say good-bye to Cartagena and sail away. The city looked amazing! Soon we could admire the beautiful sunset. The last days on the see we spent by relaxing and preparing for home trip. It was also time to say good-bye to new friends and friendly staff. Tara and I, we were familiar with Florida but this time there was no time to stay, so we flew home straight away via New York. Our conclusion was that this trip was fantastic.