AMSTERDAM

Matt and I had the pleasure of meeting up with friends from Denver in Amsterdam, the weekend of April 18-20. Mike and his family were visiting his in-laws for the week and generously volunteered to show us around town that weekend. It was quite a busy week for the two of us, especially for Matt who was first in Poland and then Austria before arriving in Amsterdam.

Hilton Amsterdam

View from our hotel room

I flew out Friday morning and the day started out well because when I arrived at the airport I was very early for my flight, so they offered to put me on the earlier flight (7:45am) which I accepted. After arriving at the Amsterdam airport, I took the tram into town and went directly to the hotel. We were using our points to stay at the Hilton and I was pleasantly surprised on arrival to be told that we were given a free upgrade to an executive room! The room was great and had a fabulous view of the city. We were also given access to the executive level dining room, where we had breakfast Saturday morning. After freshening up, I took the tram into the main part of town and wandered around a bit armed with a trusty guidebook and map. I pre-booked admission online to the Anne Frank House and toured the house later in the afternoon. It was quite an experience to imagine what it would have been like for 8 people to live in those cramped quarters and be hidden away for so long. It is truly sad to think what happened to all of them in the end. After that tour, I met up with our friends from Denver, Mike and Natasha. Natasha was born in Amsterdam and they were there visiting her family. On this evening, the kids were not out but we had drinks with her parents and two of their oldest friends. From there we moved on to dinner at a nice Italian place, after much walking around trying to find the place. During dinner Mike got a text from Matt that he had arrived at the hotel. Since it was around 10:00pm, if I recall, he was just going to stay in and go to bed. I showed up soon afterward.

Anne Frank House

Natasha and Mike

Following breakfast Saturday morning, we headed back into town to meet up with Mike and Natasha. While waiting for them, we watched an interesting street performer. Nothing was too different about his skills, but the language he used was horrendous. I guess that is Amsterdam for you?! Most of the day we spent wandering around and taking in the sites, stopping for beer at several locations. We went to the Heineken Brewery for a tour but unfortunately it was closed for renovations. One of the must-eat items of Amsterdam is the fries. They are served with a great mayo sauce or other toppings, but they are fabulous. We also went on a canal tour and stroll through the Red Light District. At first glance the main thoroughfare through the RLD looks like any other busy tourist area, but walking through you can be amazed by how many windows and doors there are that lead to "sinful pleasures". We ended the day having dinner with Natasha's aunts at a Thai restaurant.

Red Light District

Canal Boat Ride

Sunday morning we decided to have some of the much-spoken-about pancakes at a local pancake cafe. There were so many choices! We had a pleasant breakfast and then returned to the hotel to pack and check out. After checking out we decided to head to the train station to put our bags in lockers and get Matt's ticket to Germany. This was a lot of back and forth travel for us, but we decided to do it this way instead of leaving our bags with the concierge and having to go back once again. We couldn't quite figure out the kiosk at the train station so had to wait almost an hour in line for Matt to purchase his ticket at the counter. Not exactly how we wanted to spend our last few hours, but something that had to be done. Once that was taken care of we walked through the RLD again, which was much different yet still as sinful in the daylight, and went back to Dam Square for me to ride one of the rides I was thinking about since I saw it on Friday (as shown in pictures in my web album, you know where to find them). At around 4:30pm we sadly parted ways at the station. I got on a train to the airport and Matt boarded a train to Germany. Since then he has been gone every week, except the period of time that his parents were in town later in April. We don't like things that way, but it is just something we have to deal with right now. We are thankful for the time we do get to spend together and all of the leisure travel we've been able to do since moving abroad.

Yummy Pancakes

Booster Maxxx! Awesome ride!

Carnival in Dam Square

Girls' Weekend in Germany!

Oh boy, do I have a lot of time to make up for! Well, I finally planned an ADPI Girls' Trip for sisters living in Europe. I've always wanted to getaway with the girls and am envious every time my Zeta Phi chapter sisters plan a weekend out of town. This trip was especially exciting because those who attended had never met each other until then. So, on the weekend of 11-13 April four of us had a wonderful visit in Mainz, Germany (near Frankfurt). Two sisters, Andrea and Gina, live within an hour away of the city, Colleen flew from Naples, Italy, and of course I arrived from London. It seemed like we were old friends and conversation flowed easily. Ahhh, the bond and joys of sisterhood!

Amber, Colleen, Andrea, Gina

While I arranged the hotel details, Andrea planned most of our activities for the weekend as she has been living in Germany for quite a few years now and is the most familiar with the area. On Friday evening, Gina and I were the first to arrive and dined alone near the hotel. Unfortunately, Colleen had some transportation problems and did not meet up with us until later in the evening. Andrea was finishing up work for her graduate class and did not arrive until Saturday morning.

After enjoying a delicious german buffet breakfast, we met up with Andrea at the Gutenberg Museum Workshop. (The Gutenberg Museum is one of the oldest museums of printing in the world.) We probably spent a couple of hours in the shop creating ADPI prints. I have to say that the children caught on much faster than we did and had many more prints by the end. Afterward we did a quick tour of the Museum to see the Gutenberg Bible and other "treasures". We strolled through the local market before meeting up for a guided walking tour of the city. Our guide spoke in both German and English, but it was obvious that the german dialogue was much more detailed than the one we received in English. Apparently the version given to us was a bit embellished and after deciding our attention was not being captivated we decided to duck out early and see a few sites of our own before moving on to our next "appointment".

Working one of the presses

Our finished product

Andrea very wisely made arrangements for us to join the wine tour (only in German) at Kupferberg Wine Cellar - a specialist producer of sparkling wine ("Sekt"). After a tour of the cellars we were treated to a wine tasting of three varieties of Sekt (again dialogue in german). Needless to say we were all very giddy after that activity. We were released into the gift shop where we all proceeded to buy several bottles of Sekt. Andrea took my bottles back to her place, in hopes that I would come visit to collect! Hopefully I'll make it there before she moves back to the States at the end of the summer! Otherwise, she'll have to mail them to me. Anyway, after getting drunk for "free" we headed to dinner. We went to an authentic Mexican restaurant, for more drinks...and oh, dinner. (I have not seen another authentic Mexican restaurant anywhere in Europe. ) Oh, but the night was not over yet!!! Germany is known for its spas and thermal baths, so of course we had to experience this for ourselves. We drove across the river (thanks Gina!) into Wiesbaden to one of the spas and enjoyed an hour or so in the large "heated pool". Now by this time it is about 10:00pm or so. We eventually returned to the hotel, sadly putting an end to our fabulous day.

Enjoying our Sekt!

Our "souvenirs"

Sunday morning, we took a stroll around the hotel along the Rhine River and said our goodbyes. What a wonderful weekend it was! I will treasure the memories and the new friendships I've formed. I hope I can get in a few more girls' trips around Europe before returning to the States.

Beautiful girls!

ALL Pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/Germany

P.S. I learned that Andrea and I are only four days apart in age (I'm older) and Colleen and I share wedding anniversaries (I married in 2001, she married just last year in 2007)!!!

April - the Month of Madness

Okay, not really madness but it was quite busy. I started the month off with visitors from Colorado, as mentioned in a previous post. The weekend of the 11th was my fabulous girls' trip to Germany. That was our first, and hopefully not the last, of our ADPI trips for sisters living in Europe. There was mention of a trip to Naples, Italy later this year! The following weekend Matt and I met friends from Denver in Amsterdam. It was such a great city and I was a little sad that we only had a weekend to spend in the city. Immediately following our Amsterdam trip, Matt's parents arrived for a two-week stay. It was great having them here and showing them around the English countryside.

We are back to "normal" life for now. Matt is in Germany again, a part of his weekly travels. I think he'll be off to Latvia sometime this month. Also, we will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary on Monday 12th. No big plans for that day as of yet.

More details and pictures of these adventures will follow in the next week!

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Matt in his new business suit

Matt turned 29 yesterday! However, he's not quite an old man yet, despite what some of your voice messages said! Unfortunately, he was battling a sinus infection and was not feeling well so we didn't do anything big to celebrate. His long working hours and frequent business trips really take a toll on him. When he is home he is either sleeping or working! I made him a steak dinner for a quiet evening at home. He's off again in the morning to Germany and then Poland. We won't get another whole week together until his parents arrive at the end of the month! I'm looking forward to that time!

April Visitors

Me, Kelsey, and Melissa

I was blessed to have two friends visit me this past week. Kelsey and Melissa were members of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter I advised at the University of Northern Colorado. They have since graduated and are currently visiting Europe. Their first stop was to see me in England! They arrived on Tuesday and made their way from the London airport by underground and train. I picked them up at the train station on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, they toured the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. On Thursday all of us enjoyed a trip into the city. First, I had free show tickets for the live taping of Loose Women, which is sort of the British version of The View, but much "saucier". Afterwards, we took a guided tour inside Westminster Abbey and then took photographs around the Palace of Westminster. That evening after returning to Basildon, we enjoyed a traditional british dinner at my favorite local pub & restaurant. (Kelsey had "bangers & mash" and Melissa and I had "fish & chips".) Friday they were on their own again, and toured St. Paul's Cathedral and Greenwich. Sadly, on Saturday they headed in to London for the last time - this time to stay over night to prepare for an early departure. This morning they were to head out to Paris on the Eurostar. I can't wait to hear about the rest of their travels and see all of the pictures!

Kelsey and Melissa in the College Garden on the Westminster Abbey grounds


Saying goodbye at the Billericay Train Station


The train arrives to take them away :-(

Long awaited trip to POLAND!

I finally got to join Matt on a trip to Poland. We were there 2-7 March. The area we stayed in is called the Tricity - which consists of the three cities Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdansk. Matt's office is in Gdansk and we stayed in Sopot at a resort hotel on the sea. The sea I am referencing is the Baltic Sea. Poland is probably best known for two things - Amber and Vodka. Great for me! In fact, Gdansk is known as the world capital of Amber. Sadly, I did not bring home any Amber jewelry as anticipated. Reason for me to return this summer! Vodka is my liquor of choice, so I enjoyed tasting the varieties in the area. We stocked up on a few bottles in duty-free at the airport on our return journey. While Matt and I did teach ourselves a bit of Polish, I was most amused when Matt ended up speaking German to our first taxi driver as that was the only common language between the two.

We flew out Sunday morning and took a taxi from the airport to the main train station in Gdansk. We stored our bags at the station and took a train to Malbork to tour the Malbork Castle. Malbork Castle was built/founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century and is listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites today. While it rained on us a bit, we didn't let that damper our visit.

Malbork Castle

We stayed at the Grand Hotel in Sopot. Highlights of the hotel are: free internet, flat screen tv (w/a few english channels), spa, workout room (which I didn't take advantage of), indoor pool, and sauna. The Polish staff was very friendly. In fact, I have to say that the Polish people as a whole seem to be very friendly and welcoming. That is why I particularly enjoyed their visit to London back in the fall. It was very nice to see Matt's Polish colleagues again.

Grand Hotel, Sopot

Beach in Sopot

Each evening we ate dinner with one set or another of Matt's colleagues. During the day, though, I was on my own. On Monday, I stayed in Sopot and went on a self-guided tour using my guidebook. (It is always helpful to do your research before you go on a trip and bring along a guidebook.) It was sunny but very windy, as to be expected on the coast. I walked from the "Opera in the woods" all the way to the end of the Sopot Pier. For dinner that evening, we ate at Sioux Classis on the Monte Cassino in Sopot - which is quite odd being a western-style restaurant in Sopot complete with prairie decor and western fayre (with a bit of mexican and egyptian menu items).

The "Crooked House" on Monte Cassino, in Sopot

On Tuesday, I took the train into Gdansk and my first stop in town was the Amber Museum. It was fascinating to see all of the items made out of Amber. Following that, I took the "royal walk" down to the waterfront. I have loads of pictures of that area, which include many of the medieval port crane. I also hit one of the shopping malls for some window shopping before heading back to the hotel. That evening we went up to Gdynia for dinner at the Barracuda. A delightful seafood restaurant. We ended the day with a nightcap back at the hotel.

Jewelry Box made of Amber @ Amber Museum

Gdansk waterfront

On Wednesday, I kept my day pretty laid back. I got a massage, a pedicure, and a manicure in the hotel spa. It was only slightly more expensive than it would have been in the States, but I did feel a little guilty for pampering myself while Matt was hard at work. I met with one of the Polish employees for appetizers before heading off to dinner with Matt and others.

On Thursday it rained all day. I decided to just stroll around the new large shopping galeria in Gdansk to avoid a downpour of a day. Ending the week, we flew back to London on Friday morning. Overall it was a wonderful trip, for me, and I do hope to return in the summer when the resort is in full swing. Hopefully Matt will be able to have a little fun next time around!

More wonderful pictures can be viewed at
http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/Poland

Belgium

Grand Place, Brussels

Sorry for the delay everyone...

We had the opportunity to visit Belgium February 19-23. I say we got to visit Belgium but it is all relative. Unfortunately Matt spent most of that time in workshops. Actually, all of his travels are for business and the only enjoyment he may get out of them is dining out in local restaurants - although I'm sure most of the table discussion is centered around work.

Atomium, Brussels

Triumphal Arch, Brussels

Anyway, back to the trip. We knew a couple of weeks beforehand that he may have to go to Belgium for these workshops. We talked about me joining him, but did not make any definite plans. In fact, the week before Matt booked his travel for Germany as usual. That Monday the 18th he left for Germany. That evening he called me after dinner as usual and asked if I thought I could arrange to meet him in Brussels the next day. Talk about short notice! Luckily, I had previously asked a friend if she was available to watch Cheyenne during that week so I called her up to confirm if she was still willing and able to dogsit. Thankfully she was! I managed to book a flight and rearrange my appointments already scheduled that week.

Canal, Bruges

Town Centre, Bruges

On Tuesday Matt arranged for a car to pick me up at 5:00pm to take me to the airport. I had the early part of that day to pack and to search online to figure out how I was going to get to the hotel. Matt would be riding with a colleague from Germany. I got into Brussels Charleroi airport that evening, caught an hour-long shuttle ride into one of the city's train stations, and then took a taxi to the hotel - arriving at midnight! Matt was waiting in the bar with a couple of colleagues.

So, with the long story being the lead up to arrival, highlights of the trip are listed below.

• Evening meals with Matt and his coworkers. One guy was originally from Denver, however he and his family (Fowlers) are currently living in Germany. His wife and young children were visiting as well and were able to join us in the evenings.
• City Walking and Bus Tour (Brussels). I was on my own during the day on Wednesday and Thursday. I had a guide book and map with me, which I used to explore the city. I also did one of the bus tours to get acquainted with the area. I did not go into any museums or attractions, but just enjoyed seeing the sites.
• Speaking the language. I like to learn a few phrases of the local language of where I will be visiting. For the most part, Brussels is french-speaking. I wasn't entirely sure if I was pronouncing things correctly, but I sure had fun trying.
• Day Trip to Bruges. Matt was able to take Friday off and we headed to Bruges by train. It was about an hour train ride from Brussels. I would say that the main language is more Flemish (Dutch) than French. I am not familiar with that language at all, even having the guidebook, so luckily I didn't have to attempt to speak it. This town is much smaller and delightfully quaint compared to Brussels. It is very easy to navigate on foot. I braved a boat cruise around the canals while Matt was on a business call. While in town, we saw the Fowler family pass by in a horse-drawn carriage! We returned to Brussels late in the afternoon for dinner and to pack for our early morning flight home.
• Belgian Chocolate and Waffles. Enough said.

View full album here

http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/Belgium

White Cliffs of Dover

This was one of the few remaining places on our Must See list in the U.K.

White Cliffs

Back in February Matt and I jumped in the car one Saturday and headed south to Dover. Dover is on the English Channel, where you can catch a ferry over to France and on a very clear day see all the way across. The cliffs are very striking and are the first (or last) sight of the UK for ferry travelers. Behind the cliff face are miles of hidden tunnels that were created during the Middle Ages and later played a role in the defence of Britain during the Napoleanic Wars. The tunnels were later enlarged to become the Secret Wartime Tunnels (WWI & WWII) beneath Dover Castle.


We took the opportunity to tour both the tunnels and Dover Castle during our trip. As always, some pictures are below and the full album can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/WhiteCliffsOfDover

Entrance to Underground Hospital (we could not take pictures inside the secret tunnels)

Town of Dover

Ferry Port

Inside Dover Castle

Updates will be forthcoming!

Okay, I have several updates to post but won't have time this weekend because I am off to Poland! Yes, Poland. Matt has to go there on business again and I am finally joining him. Many of the Polish employees (that were training over here in the UK back in the fall) have been asking when I will come for a visit.

Keep checking back for the following updates!

• White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel
• Trip to Belgium
• Trip to Poland

Volunteer Team Building at Essex Media Workshop

A couple of weeks ago, the Onsight Project volunteers met at Essex Media Workshop for a teambuilding activity. Essex Media Workshop is a charity that provides training in television and video production. We had a tour of the facility and learned what happens behind the scenes of television production. We were able to put on our own talk show - 'Out and About in Essex' - and each of us took on a role in production (from Director, Stage Manager, Video, Cameramen, and Presenters). Since I was the only female who wasn't shy in front of the camera, I was one of the presenters, along with a gentlemen volunteer. The script was from a show previously produced and it was fun reading from the tele-prompter and cueing to video clips. While our show was recorded, it was only for our purposes. Sadly I won't be on televesion for real. Haha!

The Onsight Project is one of the projects I volunteer with in Basildon. Onsight facilitates community tea afternoons for elderly in local libraries, as well as provides transport and shopping assistance for elderly in the Town Centre.