Andrea Bocelli Concert at Duomo Di Milano

Best Western Jet Hotel
by Malpensa Airport

Our room at the Best Western Jet Hotel by Malpensa Airport was very comfortable.  Since it's outside the city center and at the airport, it was easy to drive to. Our large buffet breakfast included warm croissants and cappuccino.  At breakfast, we met Larry Jaster, a left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 60's. Later in the morning, we left our rental car in the hotel's parking lot and walked to the train station to catch a train into Milan city center.  A young lady on the train was also going to the Duomo and offered to help us to the Duomo.  

Best Western Major in Milan

After obtaining my ticket for tonight's concert, we checked into the Best Western Major located south of the Duomo on the yellow line of the metro.  The Best Western chain of hotels are more upscale here in Italy than in the States.  The rooms are quite large and very modern. 

The main purpose for our visit to Milan is for me to attend an Andrea Bocelli concert this evening in the Milan Duomo.  The proceeds from the 3,000 people in attendance will benefit the children's orphanage in Haiti.  I purchased my seat before we left the States for 50 euros.  My location, about 50 feet away,  had a direct view of Bocelli, between the church's pillars (these alone can be very large).  The concert was wonderful--a beautiful collection of sacred music. The Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana, and Violinist, Anastasiya Petryshak, performed along with Bocelli.  What a special treat.  Another great ending to a day in Milan.  Guess I better get some sleep--it's 1 a.m.  Good Night

James Bond 007 "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and Driving thru the Swiss Alps to Milan

We wake up to a beautiful, clear sunny day.  We have an awesome view of the alps in front of us.  All of our hotel neighbors are also on their balconies taking it all in.  Our buffet breakfast is relaxing and very filling.  Steve meets and laughs with some of the guests.  Upon checking out, we saw some of our breakfast friends.  The gal Steve was laughing with was in Muerren 40 yrs. ago. This gal,  Sylvana Henriques, was in the James Bond 007 movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. 

Sylvana Henriques--A Star from the James Bond Movie

In the 60’s, Sylvana was in Muerren with the film’s cast for 3 months to film scenes that took place at the Schilthorn Piz Gloria.  She autographed a brochure for us that contains pictures from that production.  We enjoyed visiting with her and her husband. 

Afterwards, we head down to Gimmelwald for a walk through this quaint town.  I purchase some Alp Kase from a local gal and try to soak in as much sun and fresh air as possible.  

View into the Valley

Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald

  





We’re now on our way to Milan.  Since the Sustenpass is  closed due to snow, we need to go over the Grimsel and Nufenenpass.  Steve becomes a pro at handling these steep switchbacks with the stick shift.  On both passes, we are literally on top of the alps.  The views are incredible.  Every turn brings in more snow and another awesome view.  

Eventually, we make our way into Milan and find a room at the Best Western Jet Hotel by Malpensa airport. 



Lots of Snow



The Summit of Grimselpass



They're Having a Heat Wave in So. Cal!



Breathtaking Views of the Berner Oberland

Muerren, Switzerland

Our day starts with a stop at a market.  I like to make sure we have plenty of picnic fixings for sandwiches and snacks.  We set our GPS for Lugano.  

After much discussion, and convincing, we decide to cut the day short and head up to Muerren in the Berner Oberland.  As we are trying to make our way through Interlaken (we got lost), we happen upon McD’s and get two cups of coffee, once again.   We finally make our way to the Stechelberg lift station, pack our light suitcases, and head up to Muerren.  We are surrounded by mountain peaks full of snow.  Remember all that rain in France, well, now we are seeing the results of that storm in Switzerland.  The lift drops us off at one end of town and we’re headed to the other end of this car-free village to find a room at Hotel Alpina.  They have one room left with a balcony, and what a view it is.  

View of Jungfrau from Balcony

There’s the Jungfrau right in front of us.  Once we settle in, we attempt to walk down to Gimmelwald.  However, it’s getting dark and cold and we’re not sure if we are headed in the right direction.  I think we’ll stop there on our way down tomorrow.  In the lobby, we’re able to use the internet and get caught up with the kids.  The fog is settling in outside, however, that doesn’t stop me from walking the hills of the town.  It’s so peaceful.  The sound of cowbells and the crisp night air is wonderful.  What a great ending to a day in the Swiss Alps.

An Amazing Tour of a Winery in Volnay



Christophe Vaudoisey Winery, Volnay

Yesterday, Ned had invited us back to the winery to take a tour and so we did.  He showed us the vats where the just-picked grapes were being held.  He then explained the process from thence forward.  After getting permission, he escorted us into the wine cave’ where the barrels from last year’s harvest are stored.  Thanks to my husband and his openness to people, we met Ned and had this wonderful experience.  Something we will not soon forget. 

We were sad to leave this area, but there are others to explore and experience.  I forgot to mention we had found a brand new McD’s by the autobahn outside of Beaune.  These become important since we have not had any breakfasts included in our recent hotel stays.  This also allows us to get on the internet and do some route planning.  After several cups of coffee (they’re very small), we set the GPS to Bern, Switzerland, however, we decide to stop in Avenches, Switzerland.  We stop at a Rick Steves’ recommended B&B.  Unfortunately, their only room is full.  Jean Pierre is kind enough to escort me to a vacation apartment hosted by Virginie—La Petite Maison. 

Our B&B in Avenches, Switzerland

It’s the cutest apartment and very comfortable.  After dropping off our bags, we walk around the Roman Ampitheater—one of several Roman ruins still remaining in this town. 

I’ll continue this in the morning.  I’ve had too much wine and am now tired enough to hit the rack.  Goodnight!



Beautiful Beaune and Grape Harvest Celebrations

Grape Harvest Outside of Beaune



Beaune Hospice

We decide to stay put in Beaune.  We drove to Centre Ville and toured the Hospice.  What a magnificent hospital this was.  The tiled roofs of the buildings are breathtaking.  I actually believe Steve enjoyed this tour.  While there, we met an American couple from Paris.   

After walking around this self-contained town, we took a drive out to the vineyards.  I was able to talk to some English speaking gentlemen who were harvesting the fields.  We drove up into the town of Pommard, parked the car, and witnessed a group of 5 cars driving up the road.  The kids in the cars were yelling and screaming while the horns were honking.  Later, Steve found out from Ned Wallace, a harvester, that this is the ritual that is carried out when they are done harvesting their fields.  Ned is an American who works in Paris, but comes to Volnay every year to help with the harvest.  He was full of great info. Ned mentioned that we should not stay in this town because of the partying that would be taking place tonight.  It was fun to enjoy the harvest experience.  What timing!

After finding our next hotel in Meursault  (close to Pommard) we went into Beaune for dinner.  We had a great dinner and we met a couple from Aachen.  We had great conversation and exchanged addresses and phone numbers.  On our way back to our car, I guess Steve thought our car was missing and announced “our car is gone”.  Such panic went through my body.  Memories of our 1970 Ford Maverick quickly returned.  It had been towed in Frankfurt because it was parked too much into a pedestrian walking area.  But, joy, this time it was not happening again.  It was just parked a bit further down the street.  Thank goodness!

Montreal and Semur en Auxois--Searching for a Hotel Despite Weddings

After a basic breakfast, we said goodbye to our host, Charles, and headed off to Montreal.  We had heard it was another quaint town with a good B&B.  The town is absolutely beautiful.  It's quaint and very charming.  Unfortunately, the B&B was full due to a wedding.  The host told us “good luck” in finding accommodation since this wedding, alone, had 550 guests.  We walked around the town and found the church on top of the hill.  Steve found the gravesite of General Habert (who fought at Waterloo).  The church itself contained amazing carved pews and statues.  

Do you REALLY have to go?

We’re now on our way to Semur en Auxois.  In centre ville (the center of town), we stop at the Notre Dame church.  I am on a mission to find a hotel listed in Rick Steves’ book and Steve is guarding the car and filming a wedding from the car.  The hotel room is scant and dingy—o.k., I’m picky.  We check out other hotels only to find them booked because of weddings.  Yes, it’s a Saturday and everyone is getting married.  

Driving back down to Beaune gives us the same results.  Everyone is booked.  In this town, tour busses are everywhere.  We finally find the “last” room at B&B Hotel.  I guess it’s better than sleeping in the car.  The bathroom contains everything in one big, open space.  The shower has no walls.  I wouldn’t want to wipe all of this down. Staying here is a last resort situation.

 

Two Towns with the Same Name--Vandenesse and Vandenesse en Auxois

View from Chauteneuf-en-Auxois

With no breakfast and, most of all, no caffeine, we head off to Vandenesse—where I think a great Chambre is located.  It’s raining and, like usual, the French are passing us by on the “autobahn”.  The pummeling rain doesn’t slow them down.  As we’re headed for our destination, we drive on a red road, off the autobahn, into beautiful vineyards.  Even though it’s drizzling, you can see the activity in the fields—everyone in high boots harvesting grapes.  Once again, we come across a McD’s sign.  It’s in Autun and we’re headed there.  Yeah, a Grande Cafe and a Grande Latte.  We set the GPS for our destination only to find out that we really want the town of Vandenesse en Auxois.  I had found the wrong town on the map.  Yes, now I remember.  Many towns in Europe have the same name—or a variation of the same name.  Caught again.  Upon arrival at Manoir de Serrigny we were able to get the last room.  We have one of  four rooms in this beautiful 18th century mansion that is close to the medieval castle of Chauteneuf-en-Auxois and the Canal de Bourgogne.  Our room is up several flights of stairs to the top floor (attic).  It’s huge and elaborately decorated. 



The French Hilltown of  Chauteneuf-en-Auxois

 After dropping off our bags, we head for Chateau Chauteneuf—high on a hill.  Steve hesitated a bit (b/c of the stick shift), but then went for it.  We were rewarded with a small, quaint hill town with an awesome view of Burgundy.  This is what I was looking for in France.  

Hamburger w/eggs and My Crepe

We had a great meal at L'Oree Du Bois--crepes, a burger with egg on top, and a glass of rose’.  Upon our return to Vollenesse, we walked along the canal and around this small town.  



Upon returning to the Manoir, we decide to enjoy the living room on the main floor.  A cat snuggles up to me and we just enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the room. 

Manoir de Serrigny Living Room

Later that night you could hear the rain drops on our attic window.

Off to Burgundy, France--A Night in Saulnot

                              

During our breakfast, Steve was passing dog biscuits through the window.  The dogs just love him.  After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hostess and dog friends and head off to France via Basel.  And what do we find before crossing the border but another McD’s.  Yeah, they have a McCafe—lots of coffee to keep us awake and we’re able to get on the internet for free. 

We cross the border into Switzerland to gas up (cheaper here) and drive until it is dark.  We cross the border, again into France and head toward Beaune.  

  

                   

"Hotel" in Saulnot

It's getting late and we now have to find a Gite, a chambre (room)—something, somewhere to stay.  We follow a Gite sign only to find out it’s full.  However, the owner, who speaks not a word of English, is sweet enough to drive us to a “Hotel” in Saulnot. The room is small and the beds are something like Hansel & Grettel slept in.  Oh, well, 40 euros, and it’s clean.  This is a small town that barely warrants an empty circle on a map.  We take an evening walk around the town, have another “picnic” dinner and call it a night.

A Drive Through the Black Forest

After a great buffet breakfast with homemade breads, soft boiled eggs, cheese and meat, we headed off to Fribourg to see if we could exchange our car for a diesel—no such luck.  But, we found a McDonald’s.  They have free internet—the zimmers do not.  However, you have to have a local German cell phone number to get internet at McD’s.  So, Steve bought a German sim card at a local market for his unlocked phone.  However, after a lot of time and frustration, he could not get it to work without first registering it.  We should have bought it at a phone store where they register it. 

Black Forest Mascot

After driving back to Bonndorf and sitting in the lobby of the Schwarzwalder Hotel that had free internet, Steve was able to decipher the messages in German to register the phone.  Earlier that evening, we had dinner on our balcony—brotchen, salami, cheese, brie, kartolfen salad, and wine under the full moon.  A nice way to recover from jet lag.

Arrival in Zurich and Off to the German Black Forest

  

Upon landing in Zurich, and retrieving our bags (no customs hassles), we find the train station in the airport to head for Singen, Germany.  After reviewing the train schedule (I had printed it off before leaving home) we buy our tickets and board a later train that has only one transfer – Steve preferred to wait than to transfer with only  3 minutes – he hates public transit.  We’re on our way to Singen, Germany to pick up our rental car that we arranged through AutoEurope. 

Passing the Swiss countryside brings back memories of previous trips.  It’s so pristine.  Yeah! - we’re here.  Once arriving in Singen, we check a local map outside of the train station, and walked down a few streets to our rental car location—Europcar.  We’ll be driving a Renault Megane station wagon.  Unfortunately, it’s not a diesel.  We’re off to Bonndorf im Schwarzwald, Germany to find a zimmer (room).  After a few stops and inquiries, we come upon Ziegelhof Gastezimmer on the outskirts of Bonndorf.  The room is 40 euros and has a balcony with a view of the farm.  The toilet is outside of our door, however, there is a shower in our room.  I've never seen this configuration before.  Our beds are very comfy with down comforters.  After such a long day, we decide to take a nap.

Steve with Casey & Vera

The Farm
Where We are Staying

Casey & Vera, who look like Golden Retrievers but aren’t, greeted us with protective barks.  By the second day, they were Steve’s best buddies.  After our nap, we walked  around the farm before heading into town for our first schnitzel meal.  The pommes frittes were awesome.
We were home, once again.

Our zimmer is located on a farm that appears to process grass into a mulch.  Walking past the enormous hills of fermenting grasses, we smell this aroma that can’t be described – maybe like ammonia.  (Later in the trip I find out that this fermenting "stuff" is used to produce bio-diesel which many European cars use.)

Goodbye to West Point and Off to Zurich, Switzerland

New York City

After a restful night in the Thayer Hotel, we sent off our reunion clothes, got breakfast at McDonald’s and set the GPS for JFK.  Yes, after several adjustments, Steve got the GPS to work.  Thank goodness, because the GPS on the phone would not take JFK as a destination—it needed an address.  Our Garmin worked perfectly.  I don’t know how we would have done it otherwise.  We arrived with lots of time to spare.  Since we’re travelling on an international flight and Steve is permanent platinum with American Airlines, we were able to go to the Admiral’s Club.  At this time, we have five more hours until we land in Zurich.  Our exit row seats have lots of leg room.  We seem to be hitting a LOT of turbulence, even the flight attendants agree this turbulence is strong.



Brunch at Thayer Hotel and Sharing Memories

The Beevers & Fursts
Thayer Hotel

We started a tradition with the Furst’s at the last reunion—to have Sunday brunch at the Thayer Hotel.  Cindy and John also joined us.  All three of their kids are West Pointers. We also ran into Dan Drummond and his family.  They happen to live by San Diego.  After more stories and catch up, we said goodbye to everyone.  We then took advantage of all the grads being gone and walked around Trophy Point.  Later that evening, we listened to taps and  took in the lights of the barracks and the Cadet Chapel.  The plain at night. The stillness of the evening.  We watched as the lights in the cadet rooms were slowly going out.

Every time I look at this photo, my eyes tear up. 

 

As the Lights Go Out in the Cadet Barracks



West Point Parade, Lunch in Mess Hall and Football Game

View of the Hudson
From the Library Terrace

 

Another busy day is ahead of us:  parade at 9 a.m., early lunch in the cadet mess hall, and a football game at noon.  The parade brings back such great memories.  There is nothing like a parade at West Point.  The cadets emerging from the sally ports, the traditional army music played by the band, and the cadets passing and reviewing.  Even though today's parade has been scaled down (only two regiments), it is still wonderful to view such a tradition.  Thirty-seven years ago I watched Steve every Saturday morning, before a football game, pass and review in a parade--such memories. Our only disappointment for today's parade was that “Thumper”, a traditional, West Point Cadet marching song, was not played.  Furst and Beev were at the front leading the pack of 1975 grads.  They looked good. 

After taking pictures of the guys on the steps, we walk into the mess hall.  The very familiar surroundings and that familiar smell (can't describe it) brings back a lot of memories.  I had many Sunday brunches in here when Steve was a cadet.  We would always leave with several cartons of milk (for Steve, refrigerating it on his outside window sill) and fruit for my apartment. 

 

Lunch in Cadet Mess Hall

Handsome Dudes from Company B-4

Today's lunch in the mess hall was yuk.  Some type of ugly sausage on sauerkraut, perogi swimming in melted butter, broccoli with melted cheese wiz and spice cake (o.k., that was good).  We had to eat something.  After all, we were going to have to climb up hundreds of steps and walk up the hill to Michie Stadium.  Furst led the way around the Lost 50’s to the stairs up to the Cadet Chapel.  From there we made our way up to the stadium. Passing through security, with wands, makes you realize, again, how our country has changed. 

Football Game Against North Texas

What a beautiful day for a game.  Even better, we beat North Texas (whoever that is), 24-0.  We actually made a few passes and they were completed.  Yes, there is hope for Army.  They’re having a good season so far.  After the game, we wanted to see if we could find a player from Irvine High School.  While waiting for the team to emerge from the locker room, we noticed an older, distinguished gentleman and his wife greeting and hugging the players.  Turns out they moved to Highland Falls just to watch and support the team.  Supposedly, he is a very big contributor to the team.  How special is that?  The team is their “kids”. 

Michie Stadium



Army Mascot

After the game, we met the Furst’s at Grant Hall for coffee.  Where did all the antique furniture go?  They made the place into a cafe’ with a flat screen TV.  How sad.

We had one last company function to attend.  We had all decided to get together one last time at an Italian restaurant in Tarrytown close to our hotel.  What fun we had.  Wish we lived closer to see our classmates more often.  Thanks, again, Rick.

 

Oldies but Goodies of Company B-4

From the Left

Steve Beever, Dave Blackledge, John Backof, Rick Cantwell, Steve Furst, 

Tom Wallace, Mike Pickney and Russ Killebrew

First Day of Our West Point 35 Year Reunion

United States Military Academy, West Point
Cadet Barracks and Chapel

 

Trophy Point

View of the Hudson River

Friday, September 17--Later that Morning

West Point Reunion

The alarm goes off at 9:30.  We have a luncheon at West Point from 11-1pm.  Thank goodness we don’t get too lost and we make it to Ike Hall at noon.  After checking in, I get a glimpse of our good friends.  We’re here, together again, after 35 yrs.  Steve & Patty Furst, Russ Killebrew & fiance’ Nita, Angie & Tom Wallace, JB & Linda, Dave Blackledge & wife, Rick Cantwell, and Mike Pickney.  While the food is marginal, the hugs and conversations are priceless.  For the next two days, we’ll play catch-up.  After the superintendent’s briefing about how hard the cadets have it (the Corps has), we hike over to the Cadet Store and the new library. 

Class Dedication Plaque
for the 
Terrace of Cadet Library

New Cadet Library

 

Our class dedicated the new 1 million dollar outdoor terrace on the 6^th floor of the library.  There is a magnificent view of the plain, Trophy Point and the Hudson from this location. 

Class of 1975 Display in Library
Steve's Picture is Toward the Top of the 7

We then get coffee at the shop on the first floor and see Steve’s graduation photo in a display case as part of a tribute to his class.  It was one of several photos that made up the number 75.  (I’m now remembering we wanted to go back and get it—darn that memory).   Then, we were off to Ike Hall for dinner.  At the class memorial at the cemetery (which we did not attend) a classmate donated $10,000 for drinks at dinner.  Dinner was great.  We got to see and visit with more classmates.  We eventually made it back to the hotel at 11 pm and set the alarm for 6:30.

We'll Get There, Eventually

After circling in a holding pattern around Newark, we landed, picked up our car at 1:30 a.m., and set-up our GPS unit.  I know I haven’t lived in the area for 35 years, however, I just knew I had never seen these town names before.  As we pass mile marker 12, I’m wondering what state border we’re 12 miles from.  It was Pennsylvania. We’re heading west. At 3 am, eastern time, we take the next exit and call Sean.  Hey, kid, mom & dad need help—we’re lost.  Guess our Garmin isn’t working.  Thank goodness we had a cell phone with GPS that eventually got us to our hotel.  Our heads hit the pillow at 5 a.m. 

Saying Goodbye for Six Weeks

Our 12 noon flight gave us time to do last minute packing of our day backpacks.  All of our activity the last few days has left our Golden Retriever, Copper, anxious and wondering what’s going on.  As we’re loading up our daughter’s car, he is literally attempting to get in—any way he can.  He even jumped up onto the car and peered into the window at me.  Our son had to pull him off.   I then just lost it.  My two boys are going to be best friends for the next six weeks.

It’s always nice to depart from our local John Wayne Airport; so convenient, so easy.  However, sometimes, because of connections, it doesn’t always pan out well.  After all, other parts of the country often experience “weather”--something we’re not used to in Southern California.  So, here we sit, in Chicago, already delayed two hours because Newark Airport is closed due to a storm.   Currently, our arrival in Newark is scheduled to be around 12 p.m.  One advantage to our early morning arrival will be that no one else will be on the road as we attempt to make our way out of Newark airport and head north to West Point.  Since we didn’t Google map our hotel, we’ll be totally dependent upon our newly purchased Garmin Nuvi GPS system.   Could be interesting. 

A Garmin GPS Dilemma and the Final Packing--Do I Have Everything?

Unlike most of our trips, we have been planning this trip to Europe for several months.  However, there are always last minute purchases and things to do.  After finding out that there were no more “free” GPS units available for our AutoEurope rental car, I immediately went on E-Bay, found a Garmin auction that was ending in two hours, and won the bid.  It didn’t include a car charger, so I ordered one along with a case only to find out later (after receiving the GPS) that the charger wasn’t going to work.  I guess Garmin GPSs only charge with official Garmin car chargers—not after- market chargers.   At 8:50 pm, the night before our trip, we find out that Best Buy had what we needed.   I dashed out the door and got to the store with two minutes to spare, only to hear the gates closing.  After some pleading, the manager was nice enough to let me in to make my purchase. 

I have determined that it doesn’t matter how much I’ve prepared for the final packing, I’ll still be up into the early morning making final preparations.  Maybe it’s nervous energy or just the fact that I’m trying to put too much in the luggage and need to eliminate stuff.  This trip was doubly difficult because I’m packing for two separate occasions—a college reunion and a 5 week trip to Europe.  Current plan is one backpack luggage, two roll-a-boards, two small backpacks and one satchel. We’ll be shipping home a box of reunion clothes which will free up one piece of luggage—room to bring home lots of wine.  I threw in bubble wrap and 2 gallon size zip-locs for this purpose. I'll eventually get some sleep.  Thank goodness we have a later flight out of John Wayne.

Trip Research and Planning

The countdown begins today, Monday.  We still have many loose ends until our departure this coming Thursday.  Every day we have a FedEx, UPS, or USPS delivery that we need to be home for.  Monday, a new camera, Tuesday, letters from Schwab Bank with our ATM pins, and Wednesday our Garmin GPS.   Steve was assigned to stay home while I ran errands and went to the gym to get in a few last spin classes.