Christmas Markets: Vienna

We started in Vienna with the markets. I met some polar bears there that I wanted to play with. They ignored me.

Vienna is beautiful.

Christmas Markets: Prague

So, we went to many cities in November and December, all because Kate and Keith love hot wine - they also say because they want to be in the Christmas spirit. You be the judge of the motivation! Anyway, it was ok because I got to go too. Here we are in Prague, in the Old Town Square, on the Charles Bridge, and at the Palace with the guard.

Visiting Sinaia, Romania

So sorry we haven't updated in quite a while. I am sure you know it is not because we have nothing to tell! We have been exploring, traveling and generally enjoying the fall and winter in Europe.

Sinaia is a beautiful town about 150 kms north of Bucharest. It is in the foothills of the Transylvanian mountains and is the former vacation place for King Carol I and other Romanian notables. It is beautiful. Here are some pics of our adventure. The weather was terrible but the scenery was still beautiful. The building in the background is Peles Castle where King Carol spent his time when he was here. Kate took me on a trip up the mountain in a gondola. She kept me warm and safe.

We went to Turkey to celebrate Mary's b-day

We started in Istanbul. I posed for the required pictures and charmed all the tourists and Turks that I could possibly find. The beginning of a great trip.

We started the trip in Istanbul but then went to this great town, Kas on the southwest coast. It was fabulous. I made great friends with Toni. We played and played!

AND I LEARNED HOW TO SWIM!!! I even did it once without the lifevest!

I also spent time admiring the view. (and drinking the water out of the pool)

It was great to spend time with Aunt Mary and Uncle Jack. I think they really missed me and were happy to see me!

Lorraine and Bob were very tolerant of me and my annoying habits! What great people to travel with.

I like ruins but must we stop at every one? In Turkey, that's quite a lot.

So we went on another boat ride. I said, I did this already in France, but no one listened to me and I am glad they didn't! It was unbelievably beautiful. A truly great day. The boat trip passed this island where the captain of our vessel lived. The only way to get to this island is by boat. See the castle on top?

Mary and I had the right idea, I thought.

Keith got his sea legs and tried to jump overboard but I told him, No NO NOOO.

Keith thought I was funny with my portable vest. I feel like a fashion accessory!

Sunset at the pool.

Kate and Jack thought they would defy gravity and run off a cliff. Surprisingly, they both landed safely!

But I understand that Jack's landing was much smoother!

On Friday, we had a great breakfast at the market. (actually, I stayed home and slept, but they told me all about it!)

It was so charming.

Keith found a hat for the Halloween Ball. I love it.

Turkey was wonderful. Great friends, family and views. I made new friends and saw amazing things. Who knows where they will be dragging me next?

The Start of A Great Adventure

We started in Italy with a little boating, shopping and beaching.

Well, we started in Italy. Met Rick and Dianne, did some brushing up on our boating skills, saw the sights, shopped and visited another country (San Marino). Whew! Vacationing is hard work.

The David is really big (this is a replica in the main square in Florence). Notice the resemblance.

Italy and the sights!

I'm ready for the cruise, but first I had to go to the beach, the designer outlets and Lake Como! I loved Bellagio!

Italy was great. You have to go to Lake Como. No sightings of George, but we had our own George with us!

The Castelmoron and Crew

With Dave at the helm, all is right with the world.

Remember, Safety first! Always wear your life vest (if you sink when you get in the water).

We are on our way.

The first project was to find a sleeping spot in the shade.

The Crew (mostly) needed dinner in a lovely town, Buzet. Unfortunately, they didn't share.

We are getting the hang of it.

I trained Keith to take over for the captain.

Sleep is very important so you can be ready and able when the captain calls.

I also had a crackerjack crew who quickly refreshed their skills and got us on our way in ship shape. Not once did we hang from the side of a lock!

It was beautiful.

Some of our sights along the way

We are getting to be old hands at this now. We pulled into charming towns, met other wildlife (don't they know they should be wearing their life vests?), and generally enjoyed ourselves!