onsdag 11. juli 2007
tirsdag 10. juli 2007
Tuscany / Siena
Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany, one of Italy's most appealing regions. The well-conserved medieval streets and piazzas are home to the annual festival of the Palio, a neck-or-nothing horserace which takes place in Siena's main square, the Campo. The town can be reached as a daytrip from Florence or Rome, but it's also a good place to stay for several days, soak up the atmosphere, and visit the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The town is still sometimes known by its alternative English spelling of Sienna.
Historical Siena is arranged around three radiating ridges of high ground, with green valleys enclosed within the old city walls. The town is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade .It's easy to walk around the historic centre of Siena on foot, exploring as you go, but if you're the organised type you may find it helpful to take the terzi one at a time.
The first stop for tourists in Siena is Piazza del Campo. This is the secular heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheatre of a square, lined with cafe tables and thronged with tourists, school parties and locals. The Campo is the dramatic setting for the Palio horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace, which dates back to 1250 and is still the seat of the Municipality.
The tower is an excellent way to view Siena, the views over the town and countryside are breathtaking and help the visitor understand the geography of the town.
Heading uphill from the Campo, you arrive outside the monumental green-and-white-striped Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Before the collapse of the city's fortunes, Siena had ambitious plans to enlarge the edifice into the largest in the world. You can still see the facade and one side of the new cathedral, which would have incorporated the older building as a mere transept. Work was stopped, but the grandiose ambitions of the Sienese were preserved in the freestanding striped walls.
Siena History, the Palio and the Contrade
Early in its history, Siena was a Roman colony, and the later town retained pride in its past, with many statues and reminders of Romulus, Remus and the legendary she-wolf. In subsequent centuries, Siena became a prosperous and important medieval town, a rival to nearby Florence (which it famously defeated in battle in 1270). But the Black Death in 1348, and a decline in the town's banking business changed Siena's fortunes. A large proportion of the population died, and Siena's star fell. Major building work on the vast cathedral extension was stopped, never to be restarted. Medieval Siena is so well-preserved because after the middle ages there was little development or industrialisation.
Perhaps because of its cultural and ecomonic stagnancy, perhaps because of a consequent need to maintain its own internal traditions, Siena has kept alive unusual and renowned traditions. In what is though to date back to a historic tribal system, the town is divided into 17 contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. The rivalry between contrade is expressed twice every year in Siena's biggest tourist attraction, the Palio. Horses representing the contrade (and blessed in their local churches) are raced perilously around the perimeter of Piazza del Campo; the whole event surrounded by an orgy of historical pageantry, flagwaving and heering.
Historical Siena is arranged around three radiating ridges of high ground, with green valleys enclosed within the old city walls. The town is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade .It's easy to walk around the historic centre of Siena on foot, exploring as you go, but if you're the organised type you may find it helpful to take the terzi one at a time.
The first stop for tourists in Siena is Piazza del Campo. This is the secular heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheatre of a square, lined with cafe tables and thronged with tourists, school parties and locals. The Campo is the dramatic setting for the Palio horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace, which dates back to 1250 and is still the seat of the Municipality.
The tower is an excellent way to view Siena, the views over the town and countryside are breathtaking and help the visitor understand the geography of the town.
Heading uphill from the Campo, you arrive outside the monumental green-and-white-striped Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Before the collapse of the city's fortunes, Siena had ambitious plans to enlarge the edifice into the largest in the world. You can still see the facade and one side of the new cathedral, which would have incorporated the older building as a mere transept. Work was stopped, but the grandiose ambitions of the Sienese were preserved in the freestanding striped walls.
Siena History, the Palio and the Contrade
Early in its history, Siena was a Roman colony, and the later town retained pride in its past, with many statues and reminders of Romulus, Remus and the legendary she-wolf. In subsequent centuries, Siena became a prosperous and important medieval town, a rival to nearby Florence (which it famously defeated in battle in 1270). But the Black Death in 1348, and a decline in the town's banking business changed Siena's fortunes. A large proportion of the population died, and Siena's star fell. Major building work on the vast cathedral extension was stopped, never to be restarted. Medieval Siena is so well-preserved because after the middle ages there was little development or industrialisation.
Perhaps because of its cultural and ecomonic stagnancy, perhaps because of a consequent need to maintain its own internal traditions, Siena has kept alive unusual and renowned traditions. In what is though to date back to a historic tribal system, the town is divided into 17 contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. The rivalry between contrade is expressed twice every year in Siena's biggest tourist attraction, the Palio. Horses representing the contrade (and blessed in their local churches) are raced perilously around the perimeter of Piazza del Campo; the whole event surrounded by an orgy of historical pageantry, flagwaving and heering.
mandag 9. juli 2007
Venezia
We had THE romantic and stunning dinner at the MET restaurant (Michelin star) in the garden of our hotel
Our Hotel in Venice:
Hotel Metropole:
ORIGINSThe place that is now the Hotel Metropole, has a long historical background.A painting by De Barbari dating back to 1500 documents the existence of a building corresponding to that of the Hotel.In that period the longarea of the Riva degli Schiavoni, anciently named "della Pietà", accomodated one of the major orphanages of Venice, a place of assistance reserved for orphanages of Venice, a place of assistance reserved for orphans and women.Towards the end of the XVII century, the Metropole palace became enriched by a small church where Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741) usually gave lessons to the young girls, who were staying in the orphanage. It was really between 1703 and 1740 that the master composed some of his most celebrated masterpieces: L'Estro Armonico op. III, concerts and Four Seasons "Quattro stagioni".
From 1700 the property endured numerous restoration works. They decided to build a new church, larger than the existing one: the task of this project was entrusted to Giorgio Massari who designed the present Church della Pietà which is adjacent to the Hotel.During 1880, following a further restoration, the building was turned into a hotel. 15 years later Sigmund Freud (the king of psychoanalysts in that period in Venice) stayed here in the "Casa Kirsch", this was than the name of the hotel. Freud wrote to this wife Martha "You won't receive many description. It is not possible to do so, as Venice is so intoxicating".In 1897 the Hotel Metropole appears on the list of the hotels recommended by the "Pocket Guide of Venice and it's interior" by A. Muller.The historical event which has its place in the course of the 20th century also left its mark here: following the modifications imposed to the denomination of the hotels in the name of the italianization, in 1939 the Hotel became Metropoli and from then was for some years transformed into a military hospital, returning to its original use straight after the World War II.From 1970 the Beggiato family turned the Hotel Metropole into a unique hotel in Venice, where the atmosphere based on its history is wisely measured out in a context of research and charm.
WHO WE AREThe Beggiato family, who have managed the Hotel since 1970, skilfully knew how to treasure the story of the building, preserving the structural elements and decorations of the past and creating a welcoming and evocative atmosphere.The style of decoration and fittings verify this, from the restaurant room the "Met" where everything is a reminder of music: between the beautiful original columns of the chapel, musical instruments from different ages are exhibited.The harmonious notes continue through to the adjoining Venetian lounge, with its warm red velvets which are reflected in the antique mirrors, and from there to the windows in the direction of the Bacino san Marco.
The love for art, for antiquities and for beautiful items, has always distinguished the Beggiato family. Notable family collections appear, resplendent in the showcases of the hotel: from differing ages, recuperated with a patient and competent work of visiting cards to that of corkscrews.Unusual displays of antiquities from differing ages, recuperated with a patient and competent work of research by the Beggiato family, have created a refined, subtle and nostaglic atmosphere that is not out place with the air of a "Reserche of lost time".Moreover, Proust was also a famous guest of the Hotel.
From 1700 the property endured numerous restoration works. They decided to build a new church, larger than the existing one: the task of this project was entrusted to Giorgio Massari who designed the present Church della Pietà which is adjacent to the Hotel.During 1880, following a further restoration, the building was turned into a hotel. 15 years later Sigmund Freud (the king of psychoanalysts in that period in Venice) stayed here in the "Casa Kirsch", this was than the name of the hotel. Freud wrote to this wife Martha "You won't receive many description. It is not possible to do so, as Venice is so intoxicating".In 1897 the Hotel Metropole appears on the list of the hotels recommended by the "Pocket Guide of Venice and it's interior" by A. Muller.The historical event which has its place in the course of the 20th century also left its mark here: following the modifications imposed to the denomination of the hotels in the name of the italianization, in 1939 the Hotel became Metropoli and from then was for some years transformed into a military hospital, returning to its original use straight after the World War II.From 1970 the Beggiato family turned the Hotel Metropole into a unique hotel in Venice, where the atmosphere based on its history is wisely measured out in a context of research and charm.
WHO WE AREThe Beggiato family, who have managed the Hotel since 1970, skilfully knew how to treasure the story of the building, preserving the structural elements and decorations of the past and creating a welcoming and evocative atmosphere.The style of decoration and fittings verify this, from the restaurant room the "Met" where everything is a reminder of music: between the beautiful original columns of the chapel, musical instruments from different ages are exhibited.The harmonious notes continue through to the adjoining Venetian lounge, with its warm red velvets which are reflected in the antique mirrors, and from there to the windows in the direction of the Bacino san Marco.
The love for art, for antiquities and for beautiful items, has always distinguished the Beggiato family. Notable family collections appear, resplendent in the showcases of the hotel: from differing ages, recuperated with a patient and competent work of visiting cards to that of corkscrews.Unusual displays of antiquities from differing ages, recuperated with a patient and competent work of research by the Beggiato family, have created a refined, subtle and nostaglic atmosphere that is not out place with the air of a "Reserche of lost time".Moreover, Proust was also a famous guest of the Hotel.
søndag 8. juli 2007
lørdag 7. juli 2007
Swiss Alps / Sveitsiske alper
Today we woke up in the Swiss Alps in Saas Fee at a faboulus hotel with breathtaking view and to what a sunny day ! / I dag våknet vi i de sveitsiske alper Saas Fee, på et ganske så fantastisk hotell med nydelig utsikt i strålende sol https://evaluecard.swisscom-mobile.ch/receipt.aspx
fredag 6. juli 2007
Discovery of the French Capital / Oppdagelsesferd i Paris
Yesterday we did a discoverytrip to the French capital Paris, we started by the RER train from Disney to Paris, aprox 40 min travel, went of the train at the Ch.de Gaulle Etoile station , just aside the Arc the Triumph, then walked the Champs Elysees, we did the Eiffel tower from a view only due to heavily cuing of people , took a boat trip at the Seine including seeing Musee d Orsay, Saint Germain des Pres, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, and the an hour and a half visit of the Lovre Muse watching Mona Lisa and much much more...... We visited Gallery Lafaette.... and after that rounded of with a great dinner at a great French resturant in an very expensive street .....followed finally by the Eiffeil tower by night. There were less people after 22 pm and we succseeded taking it to the top. Then train back to the hotell in the Disney Village.
I går hadde vi en oppdagelsestur til den franske hovedstaden Paris, vi startet med RER toget fra Disney inn til Paris, ca 40 min
, vi gikk av på stasjonen Ch.de Gaulle Etoile station , rett ved siden av triumph buen(Arc the Triumph), spaserte Champs Elysees, vi gjorde Eiffel tårnet fra bakken på grunn av vanvittig mye folk, vi hørte senere at over 30 tusen hadde vært innom i løpet av dagen, vi tok en båttur på Seinen og så Musee d Orsay, Saint Germain des Pres, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, og krydret det hele med en og en halvtimes besøk i Lovre Museet, hvor vi så Mona Lisa, og mye mye mye mer... Deretter gikk vi til Gallery Lafaette.... og etterpå til en fantastisk restaurant i en veldig exklusiv gate hvor vi rundet av dagen med en nydelig middag, og til slutt gjorde vi Eiffeil tårnet til topps. Det var mindre folk etter 22 på kvelden. Tilslutt toget vi tilbake til hotellet..
torsdag 5. juli 2007
Another day in Disneyland / Nok en dag i Disneyparken
A full day in the parks (Disneyland and Disney studios), a lot of people, but a couple of hours at the end of the day only for Disney Hotel guests saved the day, we managed to try all the most exiting attractions, and the Big Thunder Montain in particular (3 times), an attraction Willam and Celine could have done over an over again, ...........
En full dag i parkene (Både Disneyland og Disney Studios), veldig veldig mye mennesker, men et par timer på slutten av dagen bare for gjester ved Disney Hotellene reddet dagen. Vi fikk prøvd alle de mest spennende attraksjonene og særskilt "The Big Thunder Montain", den kunne nok Celine og William prøvd i det uendelige,etter 3 ganger sa vi nok er nok....
tirsdag 3. juli 2007
We are enjoying the Disneyland and Disney studios / Vi koser oss i Disneyland og Disney Studios
We arrived today in Disneyland Paris after a great journey through the Champagne District. We spent the afternoon trying to catch up with the speed of our Children William and Celine, no spare time to miss, no attractions to leave untried, even though we have two more days to spend in the parks.... 
Vi ankom i dag Disneyland Paris etter en flott kjøretur gjennom Champagne distriktet. Vi tilbrakte ettermiddagen løpende etter William og Celine, de hadde ingen tid å miste,, ingen attraksjoner som skulle forbli uprøvd, selv om de vet at vi skal tilbringe ytterligere 2 dager i Disneyparkene.
søndag 1. juli 2007
Europe leg 2 / Etappe 2 Kiel-Koblenz-Luxenbourg-Paris
We started slowly from Kiel to warm up the Lexus RX 300 for free speed limits......
More then 200 hundred horses that has been told by the Norwegian speed limits regulations to slow down, now finally could run to new record highs....... But as in all sports it is important to warm up... After some miles we was cruising in 140-160Km/h and approaching Koblenz in the early afternoon (some trafic jam due to work on the roads, else a very nice tour. The kids enjoyed video and play station an the back seats. We enjoyed some sightseeing in Koblenz, the second oldest town in Germany where the Rhein and the Mosel river meet before going to sleep in a old traditional local Hotel . Monday we spent a day driving through the Mosel valley, just fantastic , then to Luxenbourg for a night in a busy business environment... Tuesday we spent driving through Champagne with a visit in several local towns as well as a guided tour in Mercier, an old Champagne house from 1858, in the town Epernay. Then we headed for Paris.
Vi startet sakte fra Kiel for å varme opp vår Lexus RX 300 for de kommende motorveier med fri fartsgrense, Mer enn 200 hundre ville hester som har vært temmet alt for lenge av de norske fartsregler, kunne nå endelig få utløp for kreftene mot nye fartsrekorder... Etter noen mil lå vi elegant i cruisehastighet 140-160 kilometer i timen og nådde Koblenz tidlige ettermiddag. (noe veiarbeid men ellers en veldig fin og rolig tur gjennom Tyskland). Barna koste seg med video og playstation i baksetet.. Vi rakk litt sightseeing i Koblenz, then nest eldste byen i Tyskland , hvor Rhinen og Mosel elvene møtes, før vi gikk til sengs i et gammelt tradisjonsrikt lokalt hotell. Mandagen kjørte vi gjemmom Mosel dalen helt fantastisk, til Luxenbourg hvor vi tilbrakte en natt i et travelt forretningsmiljø. Tirsdag kjørte vi gjennom Champagne med besøk i flere lokale byer, og en flott guided tur hos Mercier, et gammelt Champagne hus helt tilbake til 1858 i byen Epernay. Deretter kjørte vi til Paris.
More then 200 hundred horses that has been told by the Norwegian speed limits regulations to slow down, now finally could run to new record highs....... But as in all sports it is important to warm up... After some miles we was cruising in 140-160Km/h and approaching Koblenz in the early afternoon (some trafic jam due to work on the roads, else a very nice tour. The kids enjoyed video and play station an the back seats. We enjoyed some sightseeing in Koblenz, the second oldest town in Germany where the Rhein and the Mosel river meet before going to sleep in a old traditional local Hotel . Monday we spent a day driving through the Mosel valley, just fantastic , then to Luxenbourg for a night in a busy business environment... Tuesday we spent driving through Champagne with a visit in several local towns as well as a guided tour in Mercier, an old Champagne house from 1858, in the town Epernay. Then we headed for Paris.
Vi startet sakte fra Kiel for å varme opp vår Lexus RX 300 for de kommende motorveier med fri fartsgrense, Mer enn 200 hundre ville hester som har vært temmet alt for lenge av de norske fartsregler, kunne nå endelig få utløp for kreftene mot nye fartsrekorder... Etter noen mil lå vi elegant i cruisehastighet 140-160 kilometer i timen og nådde Koblenz tidlige ettermiddag. (noe veiarbeid men ellers en veldig fin og rolig tur gjennom Tyskland). Barna koste seg med video og playstation i baksetet.. Vi rakk litt sightseeing i Koblenz, then nest eldste byen i Tyskland , hvor Rhinen og Mosel elvene møtes, før vi gikk til sengs i et gammelt tradisjonsrikt lokalt hotell. Mandagen kjørte vi gjemmom Mosel dalen helt fantastisk, til Luxenbourg hvor vi tilbrakte en natt i et travelt forretningsmiljø. Tirsdag kjørte vi gjennom Champagne med besøk i flere lokale byer, og en flott guided tur hos Mercier, et gammelt Champagne hus helt tilbake til 1858 i byen Epernay. Deretter kjørte vi til Paris.
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