Thursday, September 3, 2009

Plains, trains, and a heavy backpack: Cody's transformation into a pack mule

Saturday, August 29 - En route to Berchtesgaden, Germany via Philadelphia, Zurich, and Salzburg


From Arrival in Zurich

Amanda    My parents took us to the airport and my dad had some English Muffins with egg and Canadian Bacon ready for us to eat when we got to their house.  Thanks Dad! These were delicious.
We checked in and went right to our gate. We flew to Philadelphia and had a short layover there. We stopped to get some Chik-fil-a, one of my favorite places. I was so hungry. I got a chicken sandwich and fries and my all time favorite Homemade Lemonade with easy ice. It's my favorite because it's so tart and sweet at the same time. Cody had chicken nuggets with fries and a coke. I was feeling kind of sick before we landed in Philadelphia; a headache and a little nausea. We both felt much better and enjoyed it. I had to pack up mine and take it with me to the terminal as we were about to leave shortly. When we walked up the the terminal, they were boarding, so we made it just in time. Yeah!! Once on the plane, I was finishing my snack and it began to rain.
Cody    A myriad of thunder and lightening began what became a 4 hour wait on the tarmac.  Just as we began to taxi out, the captain informed us that the entire airport was being turned around and to expect a 2 hour delay.  Just as the captain came over the PA to let us know we were now first in line to take off, Amanda leaned over and said, "It would be just our luck that they will turn the airport around again before we take off."  Sure enough, Amanda jinxed us (thanks Amanda) and the captain told us all the planes had to take off in the other direction.  One more two-hour do-si-do and we were finally Switzerland bound.
Amanda    He was definitely stressed out that we weren't going to leave when we had originally thought, and listening to the crying child didn't help either. 
At one point, I got up, stretched my legs, and walked around. I was so glad I had gotten something to eat before boarding as I wouldn't have made it that long. Eventually we ate dinner while watching a movie. Cody was smooth sailing after that and ready to catch some Zs as he said. I slept too after the movie was over and quite well for an airplane ride.
Cody missed it as he was brushing his teeth in the bathroom. When I woke up, I was trying to see as my eyesight was blurry. I used one of the masks you put over your eyes, like you always see in the movies, and I guess it pressed my eyes a little too much. This was the first time I've ever used one of these and it may be my last. I also think they were dry because of the air here. I can see just fine now; 5 hrs. later.
As we were coming in to the Zurich airport, we saw a wonderful view of the Matterhorn. Cody missed it as he was brushing his teeth in the bathroom. 
We took off to find our luggage which didn't take long at all to get from the plane. We headed to get something to eat and ate lunch a very relaxing delicatessen at the airport train station. We had tasty sandwiches. We called my friend Stefanie to let her know we made it okay. We validated our Eurail passes, headed to the Hauptbahnhof, the main station, and on our way stopped at our first restroom or water closet where we had to pay money to go in. There were turn styles and everything. It was like entering and exiting the Metro in Paris. It was called Mc Clean. They also offered showers and the like. You can see it below in the picture where Cody stood. I have to say they were really clean. There are people working there to keep them clean all the time.


From Arrival in Zurich


We got on the train for Salzburg, our first destination. We got on the train in 1st class even though we didn''t have a reservation. Some didn't have any reservations so, we stayed in the car and took naps. The seats pull out from the walls. We also enjoyed the scenery when got on as you can see from the lake and photos we took. What fun and what beauty God has created for us to see. Pictures cannot do justice for places like this. The best of all, is to see it for yourself. Just click on the photo above and you can see all the photos from the countryside while on the train. I am blogging as we are still on our way to Bertchesgaden, Germany.


From Arrival in Zurich

Oh, mom, thanks so much for the mini hand sanitizing wipes, these have already come in handy many times and it's only the 2nd day of travel. These are so great!! Thanks again. We are doing well and can't wait to get out and see the countryside, take a nice hopefully hot shower, eat some great German food, and take a nice/hike and walk in Bertchesgaden.

Album: Arrival in Zurich

5 comments:

  1. Amanda and Cody...your naturals at this blogging thing! We enjoyed reading all of your stories and looking at the photos. Can't wait till the next installment!!! Love and Hugs

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  2. Great narrative and wonderful pictures. Glad you all are having a good time now....travelling is not what it used to be....keep these good blogs coming..looking forward to hearing more about the trip..Love you both and the the litte one too!!!!!!!!!
    Dad

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  3. Dear Amanda and Cody.. thanks for the news - I'm excited for you ... and looking forwart to seeing you soon in person :-)!!
    love, Steffi

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  4. Sooo fun! I hope you guys have a blast!!

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  5. Amanda & Cody,
    It was so nice to get an update and see first hand what you have seen so far.
    I'm so excited for you both.
    Take care and enjoy your time together!
    Love,
    Mom

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