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Tuesday, August 5, 2014
last night
Greetings from Finland! We actually had a great flight on Finnair from Nice to Finland. The airplane was much nicer than American. This is the final leg of our amazing journey. We are in Finland due to a 22 hour layover. Our hotel is fabulous. It is the Kamp hotel and the rooms are like private rooms in an old mansion. We arrived at 4 and rested a bit and then walked the town. You can walk everywhere and it does not get dark until 11:00pm. We had this great dinner at a Japanese restaurant. They had this hot stone and you put tofu on it to cook. I had the teriyaki salmon. Tomorrow after breakfast we will head to the market by the sea and then we need to leave by noon to get to the airport for our final journey home
Everybody thought that this was one of their best vacations. No matter what country or city we were in we always toasted Lars with our wine glasses ( we drank a lot of wine ). He presence was felt by us on this trip. We all thought of how much he would have loved to physically be with us and we know how much Larry loved to travel. It is because of him that we were able to do this vacation. He wanted to make sure that his family would be able to live in the lifestyle that they were accustomed to. Larry was talked about constantly and our friends on the cruise felt like they knew him and joined in on our toasts to Larry. I think about the horrible summer of 2012 and how much we have all overcome since then. I am beyond proud of the kids and know that their successes are due to what Larry and I instilled in them as they were growing up. I also know that Larry was such an amazing person that we all want to constantly strive to be better human beings because of him. We miss him terribly but continue to live and love. I am grateful that we got to experience this vacation. I hope we all will maintain the wonderful friendships we made on the ship and can continue to travel with friends and family.
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Everybody thought that this was one of their best vacations. No matter what country or city we were in we always toasted Lars with our wine glasses ( we drank a lot of wine ). He presence was felt by us on this trip. We all thought of how much he would have loved to physically be with us and we know how much Larry loved to travel. It is because of him that we were able to do this vacation. He wanted to make sure that his family would be able to live in the lifestyle that they were accustomed to. Larry was talked about constantly and our friends on the cruise felt like they knew him and joined in on our toasts to Larry. I think about the horrible summer of 2012 and how much we have all overcome since then. I am beyond proud of the kids and know that their successes are due to what Larry and I instilled in them as they were growing up. I also know that Larry was such an amazing person that we all want to constantly strive to be better human beings because of him. We miss him terribly but continue to live and love. I am grateful that we got to experience this vacation. I hope we all will maintain the wonderful friendships we made on the ship and can continue to travel with friends and family.
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Location:helsinki Finland
Monday, August 4, 2014
Nice day
We had a lovely day today. After breakfast we spent the morning and part of the afternoon at the beach. The beaches in the South of France are made up of big smooth rocks. You should wear water shoes to get to the water. The private beach for our hotel has lounge chairs, towels and umbrellas and they have this mat that covers the rocks so it is easier to walk on-the beaches are not Hawaiian beaches but the water is an amazing Azure blue. I even went swimming! Afterwards we walked to the old town of Nice and enjoyed a salad for lunch and shopped for all kinds of things- yes that is right.....more French pastries. Good thing I have worked out everyday on this trip. Hope I did not do too much damage to the waist line! We did buy croissants and fruit for our breakfast tomorrow. We need to leave at 9 for our flight to Helsinki. It will be the final leg of our journey. We have an overnight there before we head back to Chicago. Overall this has been an amazing vacation. Everybody had such a good time. I hope you have enjoyed the blog. It was difficult and sometimes frustrating to write since I had to type on my phone and have trouble seeing so excuse any poor grammar as I did not proofread. I discovered that I can post pictures one at a time as separate blog entries ( very annoying ) so I will try and put some pictures from today up. I will write next from Helsinki. Nance
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Location:Nice France
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Monaco/Nice
We had a great last day on the cruise ship. Saturday morning we arrived in Monaco and the Dobs decided to cancel our prearranged tour and tackle Monaco on our own. The principality of Monaco is built on a hill right on the Mediterranean. It is filled with lush landscape , beautiful homes, expensive cars and according to Alex- gorgeous young women wrapped around the arms of wealthy older men who are twice their age. We walked from the cruise ship to the Jacque Cousteau Oceanarium and the toured the royal palace of the family of Prince Albert and Princess Grace. We had a nice visit and then went back to the cruise ship for a wonderful
Lunch and pool time. We decided to go out with friends we met on the cruise. Rick and Karen Israel and there 23 year old son Evan. The Israel's met as college students at U of I and have family in BG and Northbrook. They now live in San Francisco. We went to Cafe de Paris for dinner which is right next door to the Famous James Bond casino Afterwards we went to the casino. Lost money and left. Syd came home with us. There were no cabs so we walked back to the cruise ship. It took 30 minutes. Syd was in heals so she took them off to walk. The sidewalks were so clean her feet were not even dirty ! We got home at 1 am. Alex Carlie and Evan spent the night Rocking MonAco and did not come home until 5
Am. Alex thought be had the best night ever ! However they had to be up by 630 as our ride was picking us up at 730 to take us the 30 min to nice We had a food and history walking tour of Nice. The kids were exhausted for the tour but overall it was very good, We learned all about olive oils and different tastes from the region. We also visited the Jewish cemetery. They had two markers one was dedicated to all the human fat collected from the Jews that the Nazis used to make soap and the other contained the ashes of the Jews burned in concentration camps. It was very moving. We also saw the area where many Jews were hidden during the war.
Of course we bought pastries crepes bread and cheese and visited the famous market. Where they sell everything from flowers to cheese. We arrived at 3 back at our hotel for a nap. We all loved the cruise so much. It is sad to leave it but we had a nice day. Tomorrow we shall explore the beaches.
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Lunch and pool time. We decided to go out with friends we met on the cruise. Rick and Karen Israel and there 23 year old son Evan. The Israel's met as college students at U of I and have family in BG and Northbrook. They now live in San Francisco. We went to Cafe de Paris for dinner which is right next door to the Famous James Bond casino Afterwards we went to the casino. Lost money and left. Syd came home with us. There were no cabs so we walked back to the cruise ship. It took 30 minutes. Syd was in heals so she took them off to walk. The sidewalks were so clean her feet were not even dirty ! We got home at 1 am. Alex Carlie and Evan spent the night Rocking MonAco and did not come home until 5
Am. Alex thought be had the best night ever ! However they had to be up by 630 as our ride was picking us up at 730 to take us the 30 min to nice We had a food and history walking tour of Nice. The kids were exhausted for the tour but overall it was very good, We learned all about olive oils and different tastes from the region. We also visited the Jewish cemetery. They had two markers one was dedicated to all the human fat collected from the Jews that the Nazis used to make soap and the other contained the ashes of the Jews burned in concentration camps. It was very moving. We also saw the area where many Jews were hidden during the war.
Of course we bought pastries crepes bread and cheese and visited the famous market. Where they sell everything from flowers to cheese. We arrived at 3 back at our hotel for a nap. We all loved the cruise so much. It is sad to leave it but we had a nice day. Tomorrow we shall explore the beaches.
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Friday, August 1, 2014
Boats...boats and more boats
Hi everyone
We were so looking forward to visiting the beautiful Cinque Terre or the five towns of Italy. Let me describe this shore excursion:
Friday we were tendered off of Portofino Italy. It has an amazing shoreline of colorful homes on hilltops by the sea. Scattering the shoreline were cute little cafés and shops. We did not spend time in Portofino. Instead we started what turned out to be the most ridiculous waste of a shore excursion and it lasted over 10 hours! First we took the very rocky tender boat to shore. We met our tour guide and then walked to another boat that took us to another gorgeous town of St margherita. From there we met our coach bus. We then took a one and a half hour scenic bus ride to the first if the five towns. We walked down steep stairs and cliffs through the crowded town. We walked to the sea front to pick up another very rocky boat to get to the next town. This was also hot and crowded. We had lunch in a cafe. Pizza and pasta. It was good but the town was basically a square lined with cafés and fast food stands. We were there for an hour and then yes we got on another rocky boat to go to the next town. By this time Sydnie was extremely sea sick. The barf bag was her friend. This final town. It starts with an m. I think it is Montmorroso. Something like that. Was the nicest of all. It had a beautiful beach nicer cafés and shops. We had a wine pesto and olive oil tasting. Wish we had lunch in this town. After the tasting we walked to a train station and waited on the hot and crowded platform for over a half hour. Took the train to another town where the bus was wAiting for us to take us the one hour drive back to St margerhita where we took a boat to Portofino in order to get the tender to the ship. We realized that we should have just taken the train to the nicest town and then spend a few hours there to really enjoy it and then go back. Normally people hike from one town to the next. We went all that way to have lunch when we could have had a more relaxing day and wonderful lunch right in Portofino. I know I should not complain. After all how often does one have lunch on the Italian Riveria? We still enjoyed the scenery and other parts of the trip. I just don't like when things are poorly planned. We arrived back on the ship after 7 and showered and got dressed for the white night dance party and Mediterranean buffet on deck. Everybody dresses in white. The music and food were good. We had a nice end to the long day. Of course it was not the end for the kids as they went to the casino and the hung out with their friend ti almost 3 in the morning. Everyone is sad for this cruise to be over as we are all having an amazing time. We will be spending our last day in Monte Carlo. We cancelled the 3 hour excursion which seemed like mostly a bus tour. We will go to the famous Jaque Cousteau Oceanarium and explore on our own. Fortunately we are docked on shore. Until the next blog. Arrivaderchi
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We were so looking forward to visiting the beautiful Cinque Terre or the five towns of Italy. Let me describe this shore excursion:
Friday we were tendered off of Portofino Italy. It has an amazing shoreline of colorful homes on hilltops by the sea. Scattering the shoreline were cute little cafés and shops. We did not spend time in Portofino. Instead we started what turned out to be the most ridiculous waste of a shore excursion and it lasted over 10 hours! First we took the very rocky tender boat to shore. We met our tour guide and then walked to another boat that took us to another gorgeous town of St margherita. From there we met our coach bus. We then took a one and a half hour scenic bus ride to the first if the five towns. We walked down steep stairs and cliffs through the crowded town. We walked to the sea front to pick up another very rocky boat to get to the next town. This was also hot and crowded. We had lunch in a cafe. Pizza and pasta. It was good but the town was basically a square lined with cafés and fast food stands. We were there for an hour and then yes we got on another rocky boat to go to the next town. By this time Sydnie was extremely sea sick. The barf bag was her friend. This final town. It starts with an m. I think it is Montmorroso. Something like that. Was the nicest of all. It had a beautiful beach nicer cafés and shops. We had a wine pesto and olive oil tasting. Wish we had lunch in this town. After the tasting we walked to a train station and waited on the hot and crowded platform for over a half hour. Took the train to another town where the bus was wAiting for us to take us the one hour drive back to St margerhita where we took a boat to Portofino in order to get the tender to the ship. We realized that we should have just taken the train to the nicest town and then spend a few hours there to really enjoy it and then go back. Normally people hike from one town to the next. We went all that way to have lunch when we could have had a more relaxing day and wonderful lunch right in Portofino. I know I should not complain. After all how often does one have lunch on the Italian Riveria? We still enjoyed the scenery and other parts of the trip. I just don't like when things are poorly planned. We arrived back on the ship after 7 and showered and got dressed for the white night dance party and Mediterranean buffet on deck. Everybody dresses in white. The music and food were good. We had a nice end to the long day. Of course it was not the end for the kids as they went to the casino and the hung out with their friend ti almost 3 in the morning. Everyone is sad for this cruise to be over as we are all having an amazing time. We will be spending our last day in Monte Carlo. We cancelled the 3 hour excursion which seemed like mostly a bus tour. We will go to the famous Jaque Cousteau Oceanarium and explore on our own. Fortunately we are docked on shore. Until the next blog. Arrivaderchi
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Location:Portofino Italy
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Bastia Corsica
I seem to be writing these very late at night so I apologize that they are short. Please check Facebook for pictures since I can't post pictures and write because it won't post with this very week wifi.
Anyway we are loving this cruise. Spent the day on the French island of Corsica. It is very mountainous and has a lot of wineries. We road to the lovely town of St Florent. Tasted wines had crepes for lunch and of course bought wine and baguettes cheese and pastries back to the ship. We shared these delicious treasures with people that we have become friends with. Spent a few hours on the pool deck enjoying the Mediterranean sun. We are now headed for Portfino Italy. We have a long tour tomorrow. We are going to cinque terre.
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Anyway we are loving this cruise. Spent the day on the French island of Corsica. It is very mountainous and has a lot of wineries. We road to the lovely town of St Florent. Tasted wines had crepes for lunch and of course bought wine and baguettes cheese and pastries back to the ship. We shared these delicious treasures with people that we have become friends with. Spent a few hours on the pool deck enjoying the Mediterranean sun. We are now headed for Portfino Italy. We have a long tour tomorrow. We are going to cinque terre.
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Wednesday, July 30, 2014
A day of relaxing
We ended up staying in Marseille because high winds were in the area and we could not go to Sanary Sur le Mer France. Although it was very windy, it was quite warm. We had a lovely day at the pool. In the afternoon we walked around Marseille in search of more French pastries. The city is not as nice as Avignon. We found a patisserie and bought our goodies however yesterday's patisserie was so much better. We are officially French pastry snobs! We had a great time with all the friends that we have met on the ship. The kids had massages. (Mine is tomorrow). Overall we are loving the cruise. It is very relaxing and the food is pretty good. Tomorrow we will be on the French island of Corsica. We have an afternoon tour of the wine country. The kids have been out with their friends until 230 am. I am long asleep. Sorry I can't post pictures. Wifi is not that strong and this blog won't post with pictures. I have posted some on Facebook.
Alex found out last night that he did not get into NU. However he found out today that he has so far at least 5 on campus interviews with big Chicago law firms at U of I. He is an alternate at 4 other firms. One is Greenberg Traurig. I think that is pretty good considering his grades are from DePaul and not U of I. If he was at DePaul he never would have the opportunity to interview with these firms since they don't come to depaul Anyway it is close to midnight. Au Revoir
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Alex found out last night that he did not get into NU. However he found out today that he has so far at least 5 on campus interviews with big Chicago law firms at U of I. He is an alternate at 4 other firms. One is Greenberg Traurig. I think that is pretty good considering his grades are from DePaul and not U of I. If he was at DePaul he never would have the opportunity to interview with these firms since they don't come to depaul Anyway it is close to midnight. Au Revoir
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Location:Provence France
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Dobs go wild at the Patisserie
Hi everyone
I was having so much trouble posting blogs. I discovered it was because I have too many pictures. I think I can only upload with one picture. We have had a wonderful few days on the cruise. Today we went to the popes palace in Avignon France. I guess the popes moved here when it was not safe to be in Rome. It was very interesting. We then had a wonderful lunch at a French restaurant and then had free time to explore. We had do much fun eating French pastries. Everything was so delish. Alex took some great pics on his camera so you will have to see them later. My favorite was the cream filled torte and the beignet. They were like little donuts filled with cream. Also loved the macarons and the chocolate croissants. It is almost midnight and I feel like one now. We bought more to take back to ship. I am tired so I will hope this uploads and write more tomorrow.
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I was having so much trouble posting blogs. I discovered it was because I have too many pictures. I think I can only upload with one picture. We have had a wonderful few days on the cruise. Today we went to the popes palace in Avignon France. I guess the popes moved here when it was not safe to be in Rome. It was very interesting. We then had a wonderful lunch at a French restaurant and then had free time to explore. We had do much fun eating French pastries. Everything was so delish. Alex took some great pics on his camera so you will have to see them later. My favorite was the cream filled torte and the beignet. They were like little donuts filled with cream. Also loved the macarons and the chocolate croissants. It is almost midnight and I feel like one now. We bought more to take back to ship. I am tired so I will hope this uploads and write more tomorrow.
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First night /day on cruise
The Dobs have finally arrived on the cruise. The boat is lovely. We were greeted with champagne and a fruit plate. So far, the food has has been delicious as well!
Although most people on the boat are between the ages of 50 and 80, the kids found a few friends and had a lot of fun the first night.
Today we went to our first excursion to Gerona/Roses, Spain. We visited the Dali Museum and it is the largest surrealistic object in the world. It was an incredible museum full of some wild art.
Next, we head to the Jewish Quarter to explore.
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Although most people on the boat are between the ages of 50 and 80, the kids found a few friends and had a lot of fun the first night.
Today we went to our first excursion to Gerona/Roses, Spain. We visited the Dali Museum and it is the largest surrealistic object in the world. It was an incredible museum full of some wild art.
Next, we head to the Jewish Quarter to explore.
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Thursday, July 24, 2014
We arrived in Dusseldorf
Guten tag from Dusseldorf!
Well we made it to Germany. Our plane was very old. As a matter of fact, the armrest on my seat was broken and the flight attendant felt bad so she gave us all those first class goody bags( they contained socks, lotions etc). She also gave us endless supplies of wine- yes even the peons who sit in the back of the plane get free wine on international flights. This is due to the merger with US air. The flight was very uncomfortable. Absolutely no legroom! Anyway, we arrived and walked to the Sheraton airport hotel. We all slept for a few hours (no sleeping on flight)showered and then took a cab to Alstadt. It is the old town. It is filled with sidewalk cafés. We had a nice outdoor lunch of quiche, salads fresh fruit oj and homemade assisted breads. It was very good. Alex was holding out for the Doner kabobs. He had them when he was in Berlin on the Chabab service trip and had been raving about them since. Dusseldorf is beautiful Although I kept thinking about what Germany was like in the 30's and 40's and I am so grateful that a Jewish
Person or anyone for that matter can walk around and feel safe. If only it was like this in everyplace. If Germany can come this far from darkness to light then
Every country can make it happen. Anyway we are off in a few hours to our final destination-Barcelona. Until then. Nance
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Well we made it to Germany. Our plane was very old. As a matter of fact, the armrest on my seat was broken and the flight attendant felt bad so she gave us all those first class goody bags( they contained socks, lotions etc). She also gave us endless supplies of wine- yes even the peons who sit in the back of the plane get free wine on international flights. This is due to the merger with US air. The flight was very uncomfortable. Absolutely no legroom! Anyway, we arrived and walked to the Sheraton airport hotel. We all slept for a few hours (no sleeping on flight)showered and then took a cab to Alstadt. It is the old town. It is filled with sidewalk cafés. We had a nice outdoor lunch of quiche, salads fresh fruit oj and homemade assisted breads. It was very good. Alex was holding out for the Doner kabobs. He had them when he was in Berlin on the Chabab service trip and had been raving about them since. Dusseldorf is beautiful Although I kept thinking about what Germany was like in the 30's and 40's and I am so grateful that a Jewish
Person or anyone for that matter can walk around and feel safe. If only it was like this in everyplace. If Germany can come this far from darkness to light then
Every country can make it happen. Anyway we are off in a few hours to our final destination-Barcelona. Until then. Nance
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Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Dobkinsdoeurope2014
Hi everyone
Today we leave for Barcelona Spain (via Dusseldorf Germany). We will stay for a few days before boarding the Azamara Quest cruise ship for a cruise to the south of France and Italy. I will be writing on my phone so blogs will be short. Hopefully I will be able to upload fabulous pictures. Of course I will need Wifi to post anything. Looking forward to sharing our trip with you!
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Today we leave for Barcelona Spain (via Dusseldorf Germany). We will stay for a few days before boarding the Azamara Quest cruise ship for a cruise to the south of France and Italy. I will be writing on my phone so blogs will be short. Hopefully I will be able to upload fabulous pictures. Of course I will need Wifi to post anything. Looking forward to sharing our trip with you!
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Crazy getting ready
Hi,
This is just a test. Leaving for the airport in two hours-still packing, Trying to figure out this blog.
This is just a test. Leaving for the airport in two hours-still packing, Trying to figure out this blog.
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