Europe Christmas Market Memories

What a beautiful memory. It was almost exactly a year ago when we went to Europe on the Collette Vacations Mozart Musical Tour, flying into Munich, then traveling by bus to Salisburg, Vienna, and Prague. We visited the Christmas markets of each city as well as other attractions.

The picture above is of my wife looking at the wares of one of the vendors at the Salisburg Christmas market.

I know these are pictures of a trip taken a year ago, but at this time of year the recollections of our experiences remind us of a trip that was almost enchanted and fairytale like. It was indeed a dream experience.

Outside the castle in the Prague, The Czech Republic. As you can see, even the Segway didn't distract the guard from his task.

In the main square of the Old Town in Prague. The Segway performed admirably over uneven terrain such as old cobblestone streets. I could not have walked on some of those surfaces at all. How 'bout that hat? On the tour I was used as a guidepost because I stood out so prominently. Everyone could see me. With the Segway I was also able to go on the city walking tours in each of the three cities we stayed in. Our tour director, Karina, directed me around a couple of places with steps. She was awesome. I got her to ride the Segway once. She could really use on on the tours. Great fun!

Even though the areas we visited were not as handicapped accessible as places in America, the Segway made it very easy for me to get around.

I have to offer my thanks to Collette Vacations for the way they handled the Segway. We traveled by bus to several of our destinations and our bus driver, Peter, loaded the Segway in the baggage compartment and always promptly unloaded it for me when we reached our stopping place.

Ho, Ho, Ho! Running into what I'm sure is the original Kris Kringle in the Salzburg Christmas market was a real treat.

Gluwein was a real treat on a cold day or night. Gluwein is a very popular drink at the Christmas markets. Gluwein stands were very common in each of the cities. Served hot, it is a spiced wine drink that tastes much like our hot spiced apple cider. I'm sure the flavor was enhanced by the cold. The drink warms twice; first when you hold the cup in your hands and second, when you drink it. Gute Gluwein!

Fall Walk w/Grandson

The earlier part of the week was warm and the weather was particularly suited for some late outdoor activities. The wind was blowing, the leaves were swirling around. You get the picture. My oldest grandson (aka Lil' Beaver) is picked up 3 days a week from kindergarten and spends the afternoon with me. We have been 'walking' around the neighborhood on nice afternoons, and on this particular day, he came in (my wife picked him up) and asked "Grandpa, can we go for a walk?" Now what grandparent worth their weight in salt is going to refuse a request like that? As you can see, the Segway comes in handy once more. At some time later, I'll post a picture of me 'walking' my Golden Retriever, Autumn.

Taking It Easy At Home

Things seem to being going some better. Getting out of the low bump I've been experiencing due to the steriod IV's. One of the newer symptoms I've been experiencing recently has to do with dizziness that seems to whoomp on me all of a sudden, usually in the late evenings. I lay down on the couch, which helps, however after a while, my legs begin to have muscular problems and I need to stand up. Being dizzy and standing up is not fun, so I found another unique use of the Segway (at least for me). During some of my dizzy times, I go get the Segway and use it to balance me as I stand and watch TV. Of course, it doesn't cure me of any dizziness, but it makes it much more comfortable for me to stand up and help alleviate leg muscular difficulties.

What an amazing machine (or have I said that before?)

Segwayman Update

Well, even though the weather here in Central Kentucky is fall beautiful, we did not venture too far from home this weekend. The good ole MS has been acting up a bit, causing us to curtail some of our activities. We did, however, go to a couple of larger stores, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Lowe's. Great trips. No, seriously, I am very grateful that I am still able to do those things. Even though I do have my darker moments, I'm not into extended 'pity parties'. Definitely not fun.

The Segway is (as usual) such an unbelievable help to me in these mega-stores. I began using it after I visited Wal-Mart a few months ago, and was stumbling around (even with the cane). I gave in and used one of their motorized wheelchairs. Never again! At least not for me. I felt like I was getting in people's way, had a hard time reaching items and felt like people were looking down at me. I realize that some people need to use them and I applaud them for using the motorized chairs to get around. But while I can still stand, give me my Segway. I figuratively ran into a couple of my former aids at my school and I told them 'This is the last time you'll see me in one of these things if I can help it". The Segway goes with me now - easier for me to use and a heck of a lot more fun. I can get all around the stores with ease. Now my wife has to hunt me down now when she's ready to go. I have begun to carry my own cell phone, which she makes liberal use of in order to keep tabs on my whereabouts. I attach a wire bicycle type basket on the handlebars and then shop 'till I drop. Fun.

An 'Incredible' evening

Incredibles

Pictured above are (from right to left); my 'Incredible' grandkids, beginning with AnnMarie Rose Stacy (age 3), Samuel Pruitt Stacy (age 1), and Tanner Michael Stacy (age 5).

I Segwayed along after them and their parents as they Trick-Or-Treated through the neighborhood, remembering all the time what great fun Halloween is for kids (no matter what the age).

For me, it was truly an 'Incredible' experience.