Kennedy Family Travels

This is a tough one to start. I’ve been teaching middle school for 30 of my 32 years in education. When I started teaching 8th grade Night was a book that was in my curriculum. It still is today. Previous to this trip, I had toured Dachau, the first concentration camp, but today we would visit the setting of Night: Auschwitz, the biggest concentration/killing camp created by the Nazi regime. This was a big moment for me.

The tour picked us up just outside the hotel after a gorgeous buffet breakfast with Polish flare. There were pastries , sausages,Polish pancakes, pickles and meats as well as yogurts and vegetable shots, which were everywhere.

We drove around the city picking people up for the day in our red tour van. We spotted some beautiful restaurants around our pick up spot and we were all anticipating the day.

The bus ride took about an hour and a half to get to the site. They are very strict about tickets and the whole process so we made sure to follow the rules and expectations. Our guide met us inside and we were off and running. The heat was intensifying and there wasn’t much cover. The information was overwhelming and hard to hear. All the kids had read the book, and after we chatted quite a bit about the impact of the day. It was heavy. It was hard to see, especially the children’s belongings. But it’s important to know.

They did show us the hair collected from prisoners, but no pictures were allowed. That brought tears to my eyes. This was all very hard to take in and realize these things are from real people.

Next we had some lunch and then went to Birkenau/Buna camps, which were the additions when they needed more space. This was known as the reception center for Auschwitz and where the prisoners would be taken off the trains and registered at the camp, their number tattooed on arms, no matter your age. Elie Wiesel was A7713, A for Auschwitz, the number his new identity. Much of this camp was demolished by the Nazis, who were trying to hide evidence of what they had done. There was a cattle car there, one that would have brought the prisoners to the camp in the dark of night. Replica bunk houses were there as well, showing how prisoners lived. The remains of gas chambers are also here, but not much is left.

While we were here, storms appeared to be rolling in and we received several notifications on our phones of orange warnings and to be careful. The storms rolled up but literally separated and went around. Then we headed back to the bus for our ride into Krakow. It was a heavy day.

Now we were headed back to Krakow to explore and grab dinner. As we were staying in Olde Towne, it was a literal 5 minute walk to the square. It was a beautiful night and the square was filled with people enjoying dinner and drinks. We were able to catch the trumpeter fireman who plays from St. Mary’s Basilica on the hour from the tower window, we walked and shopped, with Jake and Diana trying several local delicacies on the way.

While we were all checking out the square, Max, Seamus, and Catherine headed up to Wawel Castle to do some exploring of their own. There is a fire breathing dragon near the Castle that is there to protect Krakow. Honestly we needed several more days to see all the amazing things just Krakow has to share! Oh and the kids all walked to a large Warhammer store too; unfortunately they do not take pictures like I do🤪

Now it was time for dinner! Jake and Diana found a great place outside for all of us to enjoy. The food was amazing and we had fun with the manager!

Now we were off for a night cap. Seamus, Catherine, and Max headed back up to check out the dragon, but unfortunately he did not breathe fire for them. The rest of us wanted to try some Polish vodka before hitting the hay for the night.

After a successful day in Poland, it was time to head for bed. Tomorrow is a major travel day! Off to Prague we will go; rain and storms coming to Krakow so it’s the perfect segue! Good night!

Early today, Monday, we headed off to the train station to catch our train into Krakow, Poland. We knew it was going to be crazy as the tracks were under construction and Todd and Dee had to fix the train situation prior to our arrival. The first part of the journey was a bus to Frankfurt and then trains into Poland. The Ubers arrived, because with 10 people we needed more than one, and off we went! Unfortunately UberXL is more like a medium here, and we were squished!

On the way to the station we received a frantic text from Todd: WRONG STATION. TURN AROUND! Yep. Panic time. Unfortunately our driver was done with us, so he dumped us out in front of the Ostenbainhaup station. We needed to get to the central station and fast! I found some police officers on a break and they gave us some information. Off to the cabs we went! Of course the guy would only take four people, so two cabs we took and fast!

We made it to the central station in record time but missed our buses. Next obstacle: find the Hursts and Gerkes. Jake was on the phone with me and while he was reading off track numbers, I had letters. This place was huge! Eventually we were able to find each other, and back up to fix our tickets we went! Sweat pouring, hearts racing, we had a plan. It would take 4 different trains and 12 hours, but we would make our way to Krakow! Now we had three hours to wait!

First thought: food. We grabbed a quick bite and some coffee and then several of us went for walk to Brandenburg Gate. It was a beautiful morning in Berlin and the kids did a great job leading our tour through town. They shared lots of information including how their government building has a glass dome at the top so the people can look down on the government working. We traversed a park where there was a Holocaust Memorial. We saw the Embassy and chatted with a guard who was super nice! Next to the Embassy is the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled Blanket over the balcony. Meanwhile, across the way the German government was experiencing a protest of the new tank supplier being Israeli. They were glued to the building. No joke.

Now it was time to board train number one into Dresden, Germany. Now every time we had to show our tickets, the ticket collector would inevitably say, “TEN? Oh my.” Now with this being train number one, we were novices. Checking the boards. Asking conductors. But we made it on and settled in for a bit.

At the Dresden station we had about 60 minutes to switch trains. We grabbed some snacks and paid to use the bathroom. It was 1.50 euro to use the bathroom. We made it back up to the platform and jumped on the train.

Next train switch was at the Polish border. Each stop became a bit more rural. It was a quick transfer and we found our way without a problem. We were feeling pretty good about our train game at this point. We should have known better!

When we arrived at the last station before Krakow we had about an hour and change. Food was on the agenda and the Hursts headed over to KFC, which is super popular here in Poland, while the Kennedys went to McDonalds. Food was procured and I checked out the station a bit.

Now as we’re getting close to the time to head back up we get a frantic message from Todd that the train was there and to get there now. With lightning speed we jumped up, dumped our trash and sprinted out the door. As we were all separated we jumped on the train as soon as we got to the platform. The Hursts were waiting for us but didn’t get on until they knew we were there. Joe, Todd, and Jake were frantically searching for the mystery cars 269 and 268, enlisting the help of several people: an Englishman who searched the whole train and a man now known as “Front Butt” who was more hindrance than help. Mi scusi was quickly becoming the phrase of the trip at this point!!!

As it was almost time to go, we said screw it and just sat down in open seats, with no air conditioning. No one would help us. This was a three hour train ride with no air. It was hot. The windows were down, but it didn’t help much. Jake and Diana wandered up to the front car and brought beers back. The train police came around and asked if it was alcohol. Jake replied “ I don’t know, you tell me. I can’t read this!” The guy moved on and we cracked up. About this time we realized the train car in front of us had Harry Potter compartments that we probably were supposed to be in. Jake decided if anyone came and told us to move he was going to abracadabra their butts🤣. By the end of the trip the conductor wanted to get home because he was flying down those tracks into Krakow!

Finally we made it to Krakow Glowny, the main station. It was only a ten minute walk to our hotel so we took off with ten suitcases navigating across the cobbled streets. No one fell! Our hotel was called the Campanile Prime in Olde Town and was the perfect place to rest up for tomorrow’s big adventure!

Now we hadn’t had dinner yet and it was late so we ventured out looking for anything open. Of course, we found the Irish Pub, Bulls. We had drinks and pretzels and chips for dinner that night. The entertainment was top notch and we laughed until we could no longer keep our eyes open and it was time for bed!

Now it was time for some sleep!! Tomorrow we would be heading to Auschwitz to tour. Poland, you’ve been warned!

Finally the Kennedys landed in Dublin! Progress!! We now had about 10 hours before the flight to Berlin. So, in true Kennedy fashion, we stowed our bags at the Smarte Carte station at the airport and headed to Grafton Street in Dublin. Coffee was our first thought, so off to Starbucks we went!

While we were finally spending time outside the airport, the Hursts were embarking upon the Berlin walking tour. There were many highlights and Patrick the tour guide was accredited with 94, 876 “ok oks” throughout the tour!! Luckily they shared the knowledge with us the next day❤️

By the end of the day the Kennedy family was on their Aer Lingus flight into Berlin! The reunion was eminent!

After greeting us at Hotel Berlin with beers and planning, everyone was ready to hit the hay and prepare for a long day of travel to Poland. Exhausted but excited, here we go!!

Honestly, the title is probably one of many Vacation trilogy references in this post. Because right now, we truly are in that 9th level of hell. Also known as the Charlotte Airport. Where I have been sitting, waiting, hoping, and praying to finally embark upon a winged goddess, also known as a 747, and fly through the blue skies to Dublin. Alas, it has not happened yet. So here we sit, since 6:45 yesterday evening.

The trip started out well enough. We made it to CVG without much ado, loaded up, and made it rather quickly to Charlotte. Then things changed.

After landing, we found our gate and headed that way. Joe and I sat down for refreshments and the boys grabbed coffee. And the first delay came. Fine, it’s an hour. Then, after about 45 minutes, the second delay. Thirty minutes. We got this. Little did we know….. Next delay to 10:55 (originally we were to take off at 9:10). Then, hey, let’s board this puppy. Ok, everyone lines up. Oh hold up there folks, the moose needs to check the plane first and make sure it’s ready. At this point, I’m chatting with the gate agent about boarding tips. Found out she’s from Poland and grew up in Germany. She tried to help. As we were chatting, I see the pilots leave the plane. Crap. I’ve been reading enough about American Airlines I know what is happening next. “Folks, the moose at the front said we’re going to try to get pilots and take off at 2:00 AM.” Sure. Because not two minutes later, we hear “Folks, I’m sorry to say we’re delayed until 7:00 pm tomorrow. Oh, and because it’s late, there are no hotels available!”

So we line up to get another flight to salvage our Saturday and Sunday. No go. I break out in hives. Joe and I try to find alternatives because we have an Aer Lingus flight at 5:00 out of Dublin to Berlin. I go back down to try to get into Frankfurt. Nope. Has to be within 300 miles of Dublin. The boys have walked the entire airport 16 times now. Patience is gone. We’re defeated. So the boys go to find us seats for the night.

We were up all night. Meanwhile we have Todd and Dee trying to cancel and handle things in Berlin. Joe had to rebuy our flights to Berlin. We miss the walking tour we were so looking forward to doing. This has been rough. Noise cancelling headphones are miracles. Honestly, I’m pretty sure you can smell me from the pictures.

So at this point we start day 2 still in Charlotte hoping we get out at 7:00 tonight. Panera bagels to refuel. A long day of waiting is ahead. As Seamus said, “Things are going to turn around now!” Hopefully we don’t Heck it up-yes, we love The Middle. Watch it.

Here’s hoping the moose at the door changes the sign tonight.

Today we headed down to Stanley Village for breakfast at You Need Pie! We all know I love pie, but I restrained myself and didn’t have pie for breakfast 😉. We did have some really good food though!!

Next we picked up water at Safeway and wandered around the hotel for a bit before heading down to shop in Estes Park. Not much has changed and there are lots of little shops to peruse. We even found an Irish pub where we will have dinner tonight!!

The staircase

Now we were heading back up the mountain to hike a bit more. This time we headed in through the Fall River entrance and up to Deer Mountain trailhead. It was much colder today, but I saw the forecast and by Sunday it’s supposed to be 80! The sun came out though and it was great. The wind was whistling and although we didn’t reach the summit we had some great views. Next we drove up to Many Curves lookout, and there the road closed. Trail Ridge Road will not open again until May. I was secretly hoping we could sneak up, but no luck’

Next it was back to the hotel to get ready for our Shining Tour of the hotel that evening. We checked out the grounds a bit and had a glass of wine at the 217 Wine Bar with the most magnificent views you can find. Then it was tour time! I’ll let the tour photos tell the tale, but we did learn there had been a bear at the hotel foraging in the trash the night before!!! I wish we would have witnessed that scene!!!

The Halloween game was strong at the Stanley

Little children ghosts run here

Joe and I embarked upon an anniversary adventure to Estes Park, Colorado for a long weekend. We are even staying at the famously scary Stanley Hotel. Growing up, I travelled to this majestic town every summer with my family, but I hadn’t been out since 1988. While some things have definitely changed, there’s a lot that hasn’t!

Frontier flew us here pretty uneventfully and the sun was just coming up when we arrived. We grabbed our little Bronco rental car and headed for the mountains.

The drive was pretty much as I remembered it to be; once you turn in Lyons, you’re really on your way up along the Big Thompson River. It’s weird what your mind can recall!!

Aside from a new roundabout, everything looked familiar! The Holiday Inn we stayed in multiple nights is even still here! My picture of that turned out terrible so I’ll try again later!

After coffee and some nourishment we were off to Rocky Mountain National Park to hike before check in to the hotel. They couldn’t renew our pass due to the government shutdown, but the rangers on duty were awesome and friendly. Off we headed to Bear Lake trailhead, where I remember hiking as a kid. I’m not sure how my parents put up with us on those hikes😉

Off we go. No he did not walk that far ahead. I was taking pictures. Shocker

The trip back down the mountain was much easier and we decided we were up for a bit more hiking so we headed up to Alberta Falls. Everyone on the trails was friendly and kind; it’s such a fun thing to experience!

Now it was time to check in to the Stanley Hotel. Somehow I didn’t get any outside pictures yet so I will do that today! The hotel is beautiful and lots of Halloween decorations abound. The hotel staff are all dressed as well. Tomorrow we have our The Shining Tour and I’m sure that won’t disappoint! Dinner was at The Post here on the grounds of the hotel and was amazing. We stopped at the bar Cascades for a quick drink before exhaustion overtook us for the night. More hiking in the Park tomorrow!!

Today we had a true Irish day: rain! Joe tried to convince me it was a fine, soft rain. Nope. It was rain. Big drops. And wind!! I broke down and bought an umbrella to try to stay a bit drier. We foraged out into the weather to head over to the National Museum because Joe and Max wanted to see the bog people who had died and been preserved in a bog!

Unfortunately the bog people were not on display this summer. The boys were very disheartened by this, but they trudged on through the rain. They had closed the entire second floor, so it was a quick trip.

Next we were heading to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library.

Finally we made it into Trinity College and the line to see the Celtic Book of Kells. They are restoring the Old Library and have pulled many of the books to fireproof and protect them due to the age and condition of these books. I loved the library. Very cool experience. When Joe and I saw it 20-some years ago there were no tickets, no lines, no one around. Very different experience today!

After this we headed back to the room and had some lunch before resting up for our ghost bus tour that evening. We knew it would be a late night since we didn’t start until 9:30.

Joe and I have done this tour before and loved it. There’s some history shared and some scares along the way too! Highly recommend this tour if you find yourself in Dublin!

After a nap I headed out to shop and found the original Guinness Storehouse so of course I called Joe to come over!

Now we were delayed on our tour because they had to switch out buses. No big deal, it just made it darker for us. Almost everyone on the bus was from the Midwest! We saw the Doctor’s College that started the idea of body snatches and supposedly inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Our guide said there was a female writer who penned a very similar story earlier that may have inspired the story as well. We think it was called Camilla by Irish writer Sheridan Le Fanu, and it predates Dracula by 25 years. They really tried to scare us but it was all in good fun!

Now right outside these gates Seamus made a discovery that excited him. Lorian Studios, one of his favorite game makers, had a studio there! He was way more excited about this! I don’t have a photo though!