Category: Travel, Sightseeing, European travel, Germany Tourism

#8 Buoy catches a wave during Irma…lands on Hilton Head Island beach

Locals and visitors are having a big time on Hilton Head Island’s Coligny Beach getting a first hand view of a Coast Guard buoy.

During hurricane Irma the buoy washed ashore and it is not an item that can easily be sent back to its home with a weight of 13,000 pounds. For anyone that ever questioned the strength of these hurricanes here’s the proof that they can take you for quite a ride.

For more information: http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article173142586.html

Also a community Facebook page has been set up #savethebuoy : https://www.facebook.com/8buoy/

 

 

 

 

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Savannah Wildlife Refuge

On the Georgia-South Carolina state line is a beautiful wildlife refuge to visit easily accessible to the I95 interstate.  For travelers the easiest way to get to this worth while travelers break is to exit in Hardeeville, SC.  You will get off on Hwy 17 and  take it south toward Savannah. There are directional signs along the way. (about 14 miles)

It’s a good idea to  wear tennis shoes or boots because you will want  to get out of your vehicle to see the abundance of birds, alligators, snakes, and bugs. Plan to spend an hour on the 4 mile drive through trail.  There are also walking paths at certain sites.  We did get a glimpse of a bobcat so I stayed close to the truck.

There is no charge to tour this natural habitat of beauty, and for all you sweet hearts you may even get a few love bugs to tag along.

Happy travels, bug repellent needed

Cool tip for traveling with kids

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Technology sure has eased the pain of hours in the car with the little folks but there are still stops along the way that bore them to no end.  I discovered this inexpensive way to keep them happy campers. I  found that giving them their own camera kept them busy enough taking photos of just about everything and everybody.  To keep it interesting they are now “photo bombing” and doing “silly selfies”.  When settling in at  night in the hotels instead of jumping on the beds they seem real interested in downloading and laughing at the photos.  You never know  you may just inspire the next great world photographer.

http://amzn.to/2wweak0 Children’s camera on my Amazon link-Thank you 🙂

Munich, capital city of Bavaria, Germany

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I broke my rule of waiting for a hint of daylight to get on the road and start the day in Munich.

Our first stop was a small outdoor cafe to have brunch.  The menu offered the customary sausages and eggs.  I decided to splurge on calories and go right to the pastry menu, and since I was struggling with the mineral water, I ordered a familiar “American ginger ale”

Touring the city was spectacular. At times I stood still looking at a beautiful building, church, statue, landscape,  or just anything.  Lucky for me and my wallet that most retailers are closed on Sundays, that left only window shopping at times.  The smaller shops, boutiques and restaurants were open, so if Sunday works into your schedule there will still be plenty of places to spend the Euro.

After a full day out I checked in to my hotel near the airport to get ready for the dreaded 10 hour flight home. I choose a NH hotel, and it was very nice, very clean, accommodating and moderately priced.

The Munich airport is easy to navigate, customs took about 1 hour.  Some of the items not allowed were fruits, vegetables, dairy, or meats.   My candy bars were o.k.

Upon arrival in Atlanta it’s back through customs again, then you have to go to baggage and back through TSA screening.   This all took some time so if you have to book a connecting flight to your final destination keep this in mind.  Upon the return home I gained back my six lost hours, but I did not feel any less tired.   Overall, I would say the trip was not bad….not bad at all…..

Happy travels…I hope you enjoy the photos…..

 

 

For the love of drinking water-Travel Germany

Here’s a little tip to jot down on your  travel “to do” list, and this is a big deal.

You will not get complimentary drinking water in a restaurant and people do not offer you water from their kitchen sinks.  As a result you will have to buy it.  In a restaurant it is part of your order. They will ask you if you would like “sparkling” or “still”, or they may say with or without “gas”.  It may be pricier than beer and you can bet on the glass  being much smaller. If you would like “ice” you will have to ask for it, and they may say “no”.

To save a little on your outings or at your hotel you may want to buy the quart bottles at the grocery store or beverage mart.  Don’t be in a hurry because the selection is broad and not only do you have to decide on the gas, but also the mineral levels.  I bought the one with the picture of  a baby, I just figured I couldn’t go wrong.  If you are on a low sodium diet or have a sensitive stomach I would suggest taking some time to look into this before your trip. Also, bring a water bottle you can carry and add the cost of drinking water to your dining budget.  Happy travels !

Keeping it simple in Germany

 

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It’s been one full week in Germany, and my family here is settling back in to their daily routines. As for me I’m enjoying the quiet time. Last night my daughter asked if I would like to accompany her today and be a chaperone for my grandson’s kindergarten class field trip.  Ummmm…let me have a second to think about that, ok no thanks.

I decided to walk around the town, do some grocery shopping, be a tourist, and find a lunch café.  The custom of sharing your table with anyone that needs a seat is something to look forward to. I’m meeting some cool folks and the language difference doesn’t stop a conversation.

I did “goof up” and forgot to bring the  shopping bag I bought the other day.  Well I made the best of it by taking two of the plastic vegetable bags off the roll when I picked up the green peppers.  The customers in line and the check out lady were smiling so I had a good sense that I wasn’t in any trouble for sneaking an extra bag.

I also took note that  no one drives pick up trucks.  The cars are compact in  size and definitely  suitable for the narrow winding streets.

With this being said it was a relaxing day, and another one down.

Happy travels and I hope you enjoy the photos!!!