Germany

Monday, August 13
London Stansted airport was chaotic! It was a little after five in the morning but the departure terminal was teeming with people. We didn’t have any checked-in luggage so we had priority boarding. They weighed our carry on baggage however and we were barely under the maximum. Donna had to stick her purse in my luggage because they were strict on the one piece carry on baggage. Through security, I was a little over the 10 kg limit but they let me through anyway.

I was asleep all through the flight and the plane wheels touching down at Frankfurt-Hahn woke me up.


A few minutes into the arrival area and we saw Lilibeth coming. She’s Emy’s high school classmate, married to Alex, a German guy and who lives in Germany with their 15 year old son Maurice.


She’s already given Imelda and family a tour a few days before. Lilibeth said it was raining hard when they were in Germany. The weather was just fine Monday. We waited a few more minutes and we’re almost done with our breakfast when Emy and her clan came. Lilibeth, Nido and Daniel went to the hotel and checked in while we waited some more at the terminal. When they came back, we walked a little bit to the bus terminal where Lilibeth bought some bus tickets to Mainz. Alex and Maurice met us at the station in Mainz.

From the Mainz station we took another bus ride to Wiesbaden where we went up on a tram going uphill (Nerobergbahn) where a Russian Orthodox Chapel is located. Alex had to go to work but Maurice went with us. There was a great view of Mainz up there.

We went on trains and busses quite a bit when we were there. Here are a couple of pictures of us waiting for the bus and trains.


We went and had dinner at an authentic German restaurant in Frankfurt. A lot of us tried the bratwurst with the sauerkraut.


I tried to be safe with chicken. After dinner Lilibeth and Maurice took us to the bus which is going to take us back to our hotel by Frankfurt-Hahn. Nido showed the driver our return tickets but he wouldn’t take them saying they’re no good. Lilibeth had to explain to him in German that we purchased them in Hahn. He made a phone call and relented. He ended up taking Lilibeth and Maurice with us and he dropped them off to some train station. When we got to the airport terminal, Nido called the hotel for our shuttle. They can only take five people at a time so some of us had to wait for the 2nd trip. The drive to the hotel from the terminal took less than 10 minutes.

Stacy bought a souvenir Starbucks Frankfurt mug but while waiting at the airport for our hotel shuttle it fell and broke to several pieces.

Tuesday, August 14
We were going to meet Lilibeth back in Hahn so we woke up early, had the complimentary breakfast at the hotel then got shuttled to the bus terminal by the airport. When the bus came, it was already almost full from the stop it’s made at the Frankfurt Mainz International airport so most of us had to sit at the back. When it was pulling out Donna realized she forgot her hat at the benches so yelled for the driver to stop. Giancarlo went down and got her hat while all of the passengers were looking on probably wondering why we stopped and made a U turn for a lousy hat. Like the day before, the bus ride took about an hour. When we got to the station, Lilibeth and Maurice were already waiting. We had a bathroom break at McDonald’s while Lilibeth and Emy took off to buy some bus passes. I noticed the granite table and counter tops on this McDonald’s as compared to its usual plastic tables at locations in the US.

Lilibeth took us to the Mainz Dom.

Cathedrals in Germany are called Doms. This one’s supposed to be over a thousand years old. There’s a huge farmer’s market in the plaza by its side. There were several stalls selling all kinds of fruits, flowers and vegetables. We walked a little bit more and took a bunch of pictures by the Rhein River.


This is supposed to be the biggest cuckoo clock in the world!


Her husband Alex met us for lunch and he took us to this really old German restaurant in the heart of Mainz.

After lunch Alex took off again and Lilibeth took us on a couple of train rides to the town of Rudesheim where a huge statue was erected on top of the hill of Niederwald-Denkmal overlooking vineyards and the Rhein River. We had to ride cable cars to go up the hill.

Back to the hotel, we made arrangements to be shuttled to the airport for early morning flight back to Jerez. Nido said we’ll have to wake up at 3:30 am so we can ride the first shuttle to the airport at four.

I'll have to post some of my Germany pictures here since I'm not sure which one's where:


Note: Keep in mind that I may make some corrections on the places that we've been to in Germany. I'm not quite certain I got them all right.

Wednesday, August 15
Nido startled us when he knocked on our door yelling, “It’s 3:45!” So we immediately got up and dressed. It turned out their clock set at 3:30 did not go off. Emy woke up at 3:45 feeling hot. The rooms did not have air conditioning.

I slept all through the 3 hour flight to Jerez. Robert was waiting for us when we arrived. Donna and I rode with him and the rest took a couple of cabs back to the house.

After lunch, Emy did a couple of loads of laundry then I took her, Nido, Stacy and Daniel for a walk to Puerto Sherry beach and marina. They got a first hand look at the topless scene on the beach! We came back at around 4 with Robert waiting to take me and Donna to the base so we can go to church for the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. He took Emy with us hoping to get her a one day pass for base entry. When we got to the gate, bad news – only active duty personnel can accompany guests for one day passes. We had to leave her by the gate then he dropped us off at the church. He picked up Mary (who’s already been to church at noon) and took her to the gate so Emy won’t be by herself waiting for us.

We went home after church and Robert grilled a bunch of fresh sardines and sausages that Lilibeth had us take from Germany. He also cooked adobo (which the kids loved) and shrimps. After dinner they packed their entire luggage for their trip back to the US the day after. Then all of us took one final walk to the beach towards Rota and picked up some ice cream on the way back.

CORRECTIONS:
Below are the corrections that Lilibeth made on my Germany blog. She's our friend masquerading as a tour guide!!

a) First day- Monday - The check-in to Advance Hotel in Hahn, then the hotel shuttle to the bus terminal station in Hahn (bus line nr. 1 to Mainz)- -Mainz (arrival from Hahn, bus stop, Main train station in Mainz) then we took the train to - - Wiesbaden, where Nerobergbahn (Nero mountain), the view aerial to Wiesbaden, then we walked down to the Russian Orthodox chapel after that we ate our snacks, right! We took the bus to the city of Wiesbaden where the wine fest was (where Daniel & Stacy wanted to stay in.) From there we took another bus back to Wiesbaden train station direction to - - Frankfurt City/Main Train Station (where you took the bus back to Hahn late at night), then the next train to Hauptwache (still in Frankfurt) and we walked direction to that Restaurant where we had Dinner (Römerplatz/Frankfurt). Picture taking took place few meters away, at Frankfurt Main-Ufer opposite of Saxenhausen in Frankfurt. And again back to Frankfurt MainTrain Station for your bus back to Hahn.No, you only saw a part of Frankfurt...e bali next time dakal nako akit...

b) Second day - Tuesday - Again, bus from Hahn to - -Mainz /Train Station, and walked along the city direction to Mainzer Dom (Catholic Cathedral) where the farmer's market was, then to Rhein in Mainz. We had lunch in the heart of Mainz with Alex (Gasthof zur Sonne). Took the train from Mainz to - - Rüdesheim (Train Station), there we walked along the "Drosselgasse" and took cable cars up to that Monument - "Niederwald-Denkmal." Pose-pose-pose..... and then back to Wiesbaden train station where we missed the train for Mainz and decided to take the Bus Nr. 6A going to Mainz (the bus broke down but its replacement came in minutes) From Mainz back to Hahn and to your Hotel....

London

Saturday, August 1
We packed our luggage and Mary and Robert dropped us off at the Jerez airport. The night before, Robert gave us instructions on how to go around London to make the most of our time. He armed us with travel brochures, leaflets and maps.

The flight to London Stansted was ok. Since we didn’t have any checked-in luggage we zipped on out and down to the train station to catch the Stansted Express that will in turn take us to the Liverpool St. station where’ we’ll take the subway to our final destination – the Victoria Station. The Stansted Express took about 45 minutes. We passed by mostly country and rural areas. I was under the impression that the Stansted Express was a non-stop train ride but I think it stopped at about 3 or 4 stations.

I thought it was odd seeing a couple of naked elderly gentlemen picking berries on a field on the way!

When we got to the Liverpool St. station we asked around and found the ticket booths and got a couple of tickets to the Victoria Station. We weren’t too anxious when we got there because we’ve already pinpointed our hotel’s location on the map. It was a pretty short walk from the station, about a couple of blocks’ worth. We checked in and we were told the hotel was booked and that they’re going to send us to ‘another flat’ a short walk away. The guy at the counter accompanied us after he locked his office up and putting up a be-back-in-5-minutes sign. It was indeed a short walk away and was actually much closer to the Victoria train station. We took the same walk on our way to check in. He unlocked the place up, and showed us things like the bathroom and stuff then immediately walked out. I think he mentioned he’s going home and his reliever was coming. We did some unpacking and I stretched on the bed for a few minutes then we decided we’ll go out and explore. A few feet out on the street, I noticed my wallet was missing. We went back to the room and we couldn’t find it. So I thought the only place I could have left it was on the hotel counter so I practically ran over there to find there was another guy working. He said the other guy didn’t leave anything and didn’t think he would have taken it since he’s been working there for a long time. But since we haven’t gone anywhere there was nowhere else I could have left it and my pants had deep pockets and there was no way it could have slipped out. Donna immediately called the credit card company to report my missing card.

Checking on our map once in a while we walked towards Buckingham Palace, found it, took a bunch of pictures then we walked around St. James Park and took more pictures. Then we called high school classmate Ric Bondoc. No one answered his cell so I left a message, then we walked around some more. We went back to a Filipino restaurant named Kabayan on our way to Buckingham Palace but it was already closing down and we were told won’t open till 9 the morning after. We stopped by a small place selling sandwiches and we picked up some empanada looking things and got us a couple.

I called Ric again and got him this time. He said he’s at a baptismal party. He was the ninong of a friend’s kid and that he’s going to have Roland and a nephew pick us up. Roland was an old grade school friend of mine whom I haven’t seen since 1966. Ric said he’ll have them meet us at the Victoria station. Donna and I were waiting for them when I noticed an Oriental looking guy parked by the bus station on a Toyota not realizing at the time he was Erwin, Ric’s nephew while Roland was walking around looking for us. Finally, Roland and I found each other. He’s a bit older and taller but hasn’t really changed much after 41 years! Oh, and he’s missing some hair as well!

They drove us to the party being held on a hall several miles away from Central London. On the way, Roland and I were reminiscing about the good old days. Then he got a call on his cell from Ric saying he’s with Imelda and family on the way to the party as well. A few minutes after we arrived, we were on the sidewalk and here come a couple of taxis with all of them including Susan! Susan was so happy to see us and so were we. Imelda’s kids said their Mom is feeling much better and that they were on their way to Rome the morning after. Then they’ll fly back to the US after Rome.

We had dinner at the party and met a lot of Kapampangan’s over there. Then it was time for us to go back to our hotel. Lucy, another friend of Ric (I think she was related to Imelda’s husband Dan somehow) was going to accompany us on the bus along with Susan and the rest of the group. Ric and Roland were going to meet us at the station at around 10 the morning after.

Sunday, August 12
Donna and I woke up early to go to church. They’ve already shown us the night before where Westminster Cathedral was located so we walked and immediately found it. The mass was in English for a change. It was a nice church although it requires some badly needed maintenance especially the ceiling. We were told it needs almost 3000 pounds for its daily upkeep! We found out later it’s much smaller than its more famous cousin Westminster Abbey.

After church we went back to the Victoria station to meet with Ric and Roland. I saw Roland right away, and then Ric said we’ll have to wait for Susan. A few minutes later Susan arrives with a big smile on her face. She said she’s been working in London a while but has yet to actually see all the sites.

As usual, we’re short on time so it’s a whirlwind tour. Ric got us all day bus passes and our first stop was Trafalgar Square, then off to the Thames River boat cruise. Unfortunately midway to the cruise, it started to rain so we ran downstairs to avoid getting wet. By the time we got to our destination (by the Tower of London) the rain has stopped. We had a quick lunch at KFC then another bus ride towards Westminster Abbey where Sister Lita was waiting for us. We passed by Piccadilly Circus on the way, along with St. Paul’s Cathedral and a famous shopping avenue (whose name escapes me right now). One thing we noticed, there are A LOT OF PEOPLE, probably mostly tourists, in London.

We passed by Westminster Abbey and we noticed Sister Lita sitting on its short steps. There was a lot of hugging and kissing when we got off the bus. I told Ric earlier I wanted to visit Abbey Road to experience the famous Beatles album cover. But first we had to take more pictures by Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Building with the famous Big Ben clock towers.

On the bus to Abbey Road, Sister Lita couldn’t help but laugh at my ‘obsession’ with Abbey Road after Donna explained it to her. All along she thought we’re on our way to visit some Beatles museum. Then Donna told her it was actually some pedestrian cross walk that I find the need to have my picture taken.

After quite a few back and forth walk and several pictures taken, I’m happy. Then we took the bus back to Leicester Square and we had a bite to eat at Burger King. Afterwards Sister Lita had to go back. She has a guest coming to meet at their place.
Susan left soon after as well. Ric and Roland showed me and Donna which bus to take. I have to admit we wouldn’t have been able to visit all those places in London without them. Ric said to stay at his place next time Donna and I visit.

I wanted to see London by night. Our bus passes were good till 4 the morning after but weren’t comfortable on which busses to take. And since we had to wake up really early for our morning flight to Germany, we decided against it. But before turning in we thought we’d try and make arrangements for our train/bus ride back to London Stansted airport. We found out the train station doesn’t open till 5 am so our best bet will be the 24 hour busses or a cab ride. Since we’re not too familiar with the bus routes we opted to take a cab which we’re told should only cost around 10 to 12 pounds, 14 at the most. I’ve already checked on line and found out the Stansted Express’ first ride out to the airport will be at 4:30 am.


Monday, August 13
Donna and I woke up at 3:30 am and we were at the Victoria station waiting for a cab by 4. We were warned to take a ‘legitimate’ black London taxi cab so that’s what we waited for. I told the driver our destination. It was early in the morning so there was hardly any traffic but I noticed he took us to side streets and alleys and when I saw his meter reading around 15 pounds, I asked him what time the Liverpool St. station opens. He said it’s still closed and that the Stansted Express doesn’t go until 5:30. I think he was trying to trick us into letting him drive us all the way to Stansted which is another 45 minutes which I imagine will cost a bundle. But we ignored him and got dropped off at the station after the meter finally read 22 pounds.

Contrary to what the cabbie told us, the station was already open. In fact there were some people like us waiting there already and there was one ticket booth open. I was going to find out what time and where the Stansted Express was leaving when an announcement on the PA system blared that it was leaving from platform 1 at 4:30. Then we noticed a lot of people came from nowhere towards the train!