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We have arrived! It's now been 25 hours since we woke up - neither of us slept on the plane and it was delayed for over an hour, customs was hell, blah blah, all the usual travel stuff. We have made it home safely to Medicine Hat.

Thanks to everyone for sharing in such a great adventure with us. We really recomend having a blog. We always swear we'll keep a travel journal but never do. Having a blog enabled us to quickly let everyone know how and what we were doing and served to write down some great memories for us.

Thank you again to everyone who commented and enjoyed reading our blogs. We definitely enjoyed sharing them with you!

Back In Prague

Well, the day started with the obligatory checking of the time on the TV every half hour (because no hotel room in Europe comes with a clock, and neither of us wears a watch). We got up at 0410 (happened to catch a little of the Canucks/Flames game live at that time), and got ready to catch the train from Bratislava to Prague. We passed our "friendly" security guards en route to the Taxi stand and proceeded on our usual "white knuckle ride" through town. Got to the train station, where we saw several versions of Jesus hanging around. Oddly enough none of them floated above the water, and probably have not bathed in many a fortnight either.

We were intent on buying a Harley-Davidson T-shirt for Darin. We searched high and low throughout Budapest only to discover that the shop had moved and we were unable to get there in time. No worries, we knew there was a big one in Prague and were more than confident in our abilities to use the tram (actually SJ is more than confident in R's ability to read foreign transit as she would have had them in Berlin by now!). So after checking and deciding we were up for the challenge of taking the transit through areas no tourists should enter we were on our way. We took the tram as far as we dared and then started to walk. It didn't take us long (or much of a look at the old guys out on the corner drinking beer - obviously cousins of the train station Jesus') to realize we were as up to this challenge as we were the Thai women. So naturally we tucked our tails between our legs and high tailed it out of there. We stopped in at a hotel and asked them to call us a taxi as we were still determined to get this damn t-shirt. We ended up getting the hotel taxi driver who was really quite indescribable. On the outside, an old gentleman, in the car, Mario Andretti who didn't know where he was going! Back to wondering if Simba was going to be an orphan. We finally found the Harley Davidson shop only to discover that even though on the web they said they were open, they in fact were closed. So the taxi driver took us back to the hotel and charged us 20 bucks for the pleasure (that's code for terror) of his driving! So alas, there is no Harley Davidson t-shirt for Darin.

Shall spend the rest of the night relaxing as our flight to Frankfurt is fairly early tomorrow (Monday 9th). We shall arrive in Calgary on Monday 9th at 1555. An hour or so through customs and then the drive home to Medicine Hat. Upon arrival in Med Hat we'll post one last blog to let everyone know we made it home safely. Keep checking, as soon as we're home we will begin downloading our photos and post them to this blog.

Bratislava Day Three

Well day three was our relaxing day, walking around the Main Square, doing some packing, and indulging in the fine art of chocolate taste testing around various cafes in Bratislava. We have had a whirlwind of a holiday the last couple of weeks and are getting ready to come home. We are sure that we will curse ourselves in a week for looking forward to coming home, but we can't wait for a good bed, a nice shower, and hospitable Canadians (not to mention we miss our "Search and Rescue Golden" lots!)

Bratislava Day Two

Had another relaxing day today. Walked up and checked out the Bratislava Castle. Wasn't nearly as impressive as all of the others we've seen; however, you get the sense that Bratislava is just starting to build its tourist trade and in five years it will be a site to see.

We're off just out of the city tomorrow to check out some Gothic ruins that are supposed to be cool. Bratislava is a great way to end our whirlwind trip as we're both very relaxed and enjoying the slower pace.

Countdown is on Dave! Only three more days and Simba the "retired search and rescue" dog has to come home from his great adventures. We're excited to see him, we're not sure how excited he'll be to leave his life of heroics and valour. We're sure he's been petted and loved enough to keep him going. No one will be as happy to see him go as Doc! Poor Doc, been totally displaced by a fraudulent war vet.

Bratislava Day One

We have arrived in Bratislava, Slovakia! Our experience tells us that train travel in Europe is highly over-rated. The trains do not, in fact, run on time! However, we always manage to arrive safely to our next destination so we're not really complaining.

R found us a great flat to stay in while we're here. It's right off the main square so it's quiet but within two minutes of all the action. It's also the safest set of flats in the city being that we're located directly next door to the American embassy! Now, neither of us would normally be happy with that but it's Slovakia so we're feeling fairly confident that we're safe. There are cops and spooks everywhere, including hanging out in the doorway of our building. We always say hi, they sometimes respond. There's also the guy directly across on the rooftop to act as a sniper if we should need. SJ is a fan of the guy being "incognito" in his jeans - it's only his flak jacket and rather large gun that gives him away (R is as anal as ever and tells SJ it's actually a submachine gun)! SJ left the flat this morning to get a newspaper with breakfast and as she was walking by the guard shack on her way back, felt like giving a third base coach hand signal as a joke. She rethought as she didn't want to have to explain to her army husband that she thought she was being funny and subsequently got thrown into an Eastern European jail!

Here's a little heads up for anyone who is so inclined to travel Eastern Europe. There's nowhere to do laundry in any of the countries we've been in. We have asked, and searched high and low. The only thing available is to either pay through the nose and get the hotel to do it, or to pay through the nose and get dry cleaners to do it! So alas, SJ has entered into the oblivion of domesticity. She did indeed wash her husband's dirty drawers by hand in the bathtub! She is sure there are Gods up there laughing at the irony.

Bratislava has arox. half a million people and so far seems very laid back and a great city to end our whirlwind trip in. The people are surprisingly friendly and it's inexpensive - maybe not as cheap as Prague but definitely cheaper than Vienna and Budapest. Day two will be about seeing the sights.

And, we're sure you're all sensing the theme here, we have tried Slovak beer and yes, it is damn good! Slovak wine is apparently where it's at, but we're consistant in our love of beer and are enjoying trying all the new ones immensely.

Budapest Day Three

The Day of decadence!
Unfortunately the Terror Museum is currently closed for renovations so we didn't get to experience that. That led us to a free afternoon in which we decided to spoil ourselves.

After a very healthy lunch of Bailey's and hot chocolate along with two different kinds of fantastic chocolate cake we went shopping for a bit and then had the experience of a lifetime.

We treated ourselves to an hour and a half Thai massage. We went in, changed into these pajama type things and then laid down on these mats. Two very small and very nice Thai ladies came in. It was all relaxing at first and then suddenly we felt knees to the small of our backs and it was on! We were twisted and contorted in every way imaginable, with lots of "chops" to go around. SJ opened her eyes at one point and saw one Thai woman doing the samba on R's back - walking all over it! R heard SJ moan loudly, looked over and saw her on her stomach with her legs back behind her, caught in a reverse Boston Crab that would have made Andre the Giant proud. Then at another point, SJ had her hands locked behind her head, and was put into a full nelson. R had confidence she could get out of the hold, unfortunately, SJ let him down and allowed herself to be dominated and put to the mat for the 3 count. It was a veritable symphony of cracks, moans, groans, and yelps (and of course laughter from our Thai hosts as they put us through their own version of the "Terror Museum"). And of course at the end, being the polite Canadians that we are, we thanked them graciously for beating us into submission, and tipped them well for it! Over all it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and if we had more time, we would most certainly go back tomorrow for the second round, confident that we could take them this time.

Tomorrow it is off to Bratislava, Slovakia for more adventure and a new type of beer.

Budapest Day Two

We had a great tourist day today. We started off with our traditional breakfast of a kaiser roll with ham and cheese, and of course chocolate cake for dessert! (Honeymooners need sugar to keep the energy level up, for walking of course)...

We started with a stroll down Andressy Street, past the beautiful Budapest Opera House. A large spire caught our eye, so we checked it out, and it turned out to be St. Stephen's Basilica. What an opulent sight that was. We went inside and found the most amazing cathedral, complete with St. Stephen's very own 1000 year old mummified hand (we even have a picture or two to prove it).

We then went walking down the beautiful Vaci street market towards the Danube River. It was a very misty and romantic day, very cool, perfect in every sense. After a long walk along the river Danube, admiring the gorgeous scenery, we came across the old Chain Bridge which connects the cities Buda and Pest. We decided to follow the path across the bridge and go towards Buda Castle. Going up a gondola which is on tracks (if that makes sense?!)we were privy to some of the most beautiful scenery Eastern Europe has to offer. At the top we walked over to Castle Hill which is the last of the ruins from the Budapest Castle. It's on the edge of a set of cliffs overlooking the Danube and directly across the river from the Parliament. So we wandered around there for the afternoon stopping for lunch and looking around. It was one of the best days yet.

From there we came back to our hotel area (perfect location, two blocks off the octagon which is the huge shopping district in Pest) and went walking to find supper. A lot of beer later, we're posting our Day Two a day late! It was a great night, lots of laughs and a lot of beer. So now it's actually day three, noon and we figure we should get started on our last full day in this fantastic city. We're off to the Terra Housa which is the famous spy museum.

Dave, thanks for the email about Simba. Glad you're having a good time with him. We hope he behaves himself hanging out in your office all day posing as a vet!

Budapest Day One

We have arrived in country number three! The train ride from Vienna to Budapest was packed but we managed to find some seats. It rained most of the trip and the rain has continued in Budapest. The rain isn't debilitating more like a BC coast drizzle. This city is busy with crazy drivers but is still full of charm and beauty. More than once we've both pondered our dog becoming an orphan because of crazy cab drivers!

There is so much to see here, we're expecting the next two days to fly by. Budapest is actually made up of two cities, Buda and Pest. We're staying in Pest which is the old city. The buildings are huge and everywhere you look you see detail and great architecture.

We arrived late this afternoon and of course first thing on the agenda was sampling some Hungarian beer. So far, so good. Not as good as Czech beer but better than Austrian beer! Aren't we the connoisseurs! Having an early night tonight, time to catch up on some sleep. We seem to be sleeping in these crazy four hour intervals. Hopefully tonight we'll get some much needed rest.

As a side note, much to our disapointment we missed the Salvador Dali exhibit as it had already left Vienna.

Vienna Day Three

We spent for the most part a quiet day relaxing. Went to the Schloss Palace by taking the subway. Was a very lovely castle, but packed with people. Vienna is a great city, definitely for the rich and affluent.

Dave, we both laughed so hard there were tears in our eyes reading about our boy's great adventures posing as a retired Search and Rescue dog. The only thing that dog searches for are the treats we hide first thing in the morning! No wonder he feels he is dominant over Doc. What a life you're treating him to. Last time we left he was mad because we were gone, this time he's going to be mad we're coming back for him! Neither of us have ever been up the gondolla in Banff it hardly seems fair the dog would be before us! We're becoming increasingly worried about our dog's sense of morality since it appears he's becoming a world class con artist - acting like he is an old war vet as opposed to the lazy dog who sleeps all day and only perks up at the sound of TimBits! We can only imagine how he is soaking up the adoration and attention of the masses.

It is currently raining in Vienna; however, we leave on the train for Budapest in about an hour so hopefully the weather clears up.

Vienna Day Two - Happy New Year!

Spent the day wandering around the beautiful city of Vienna. We went to St. Stephen's Cathedral which is the must see of Vienna. It was breathtaking and haunting. From there we went to the Museum Quarter to the Leopold Art Museum. We studied the art and quietly made fun of all the snotty art critics! Saw works from artists like Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh. We went to another museum looking for the Salvador Dali exhibit but it had moved. The woman working at the information desk could not tell us where it was now located so we will search around during the next day or two and see if we can locate it.

Tonight, New Year's Eve is what really topped it off. We went down to the Prater (giant ferris wheel) which was the end of the famous New Year's Eve Trail - the big party scene - and drank in a pub until nearly midnight. From there we took our champagne outside, and waltzed to Mozart directly under the most amazing fireworks display while the clock counted down to midnight. We wouldn't believe it could have been so perfect if we hadn't experienced it ourselves!

On that note, we want to wish those we love the most, health and happiness for 2006!

Vienna Day One

After possibly the worst train ride ever we have arrived in beautiful Vienna. The train was two hours late due to weather. To two Canadians it wasn't any worse than a cold day with blowing snow on the prairies but nonetheless we made it.

Randy switched our hotel to a more central location - on the New Years Eve Trail so we're right in the heart of Vienna. We couldn't ask for a better location. There is so much to do here it most likely won't be possible to see everything if you count New Years Day the majority of sites being closed and us being hungover!

Tammy, there is a huge Salvador Dali exhibit at one of the museums that is a must attend. I thought of you when I added that to our list of things to do-see.

And of course, to the best brother in law around, Brad happy 38th birthday! We're thinking of you but are too cheap to call! Hope you have a great day.

We have now had supper and a couple of beers so we're done for the night. Shouldn't have married the army guy - my liver is going to remain in Europe at this point.

Dave, Simba wants to eat all the time. We usually give him two cups in the morning and a couple of treats at supper. If you want to split it up, that's more than ok. We were in another cool place tonight for supper and of course there were dogs there. You definitely could score the girls if you lived in Europe with Doc! There was a gorgeous springer spaniel singing away to the radio which made us both miss our boy. Hopefully he has his genders sorted out and there have been no more disagreements.

Leaving Prague

There are a few things we should comment on that seem unique to Prague that we don't want to forget later. First, this may be the friendliest dog city in world. Everywhere you go, there are people walking with dogs. Dogs are welcome in the nicest restaurants, welcome to go around and visit with the customers. You can take your dog on the trams, they are welcome virtually everywhere. We can only imagine the day Simba is allowed to go into a restaurant and sing for his supper!

We've used to the tram as our means of transportation to get around the city. For as surly as the people are, all are quick to jump up and give up their seats to the elderly and those with children.

For a city that is incredibly clean, with no visible litter no matter which part of the city you're in, tourist or otherwise, there is an aboundant amount of graffiti. It is everywhere, on the nicest old buildings to trash cans. Never have we seen so much. Not offensive but "tagging".

Lastly, the way they eat. We suppose we'll discover if the rest of Eastern Europe is the same, but the food is very fresh and non fattening. To cut open an apple it turns brown right away which tells us there are no preservatives. The bread and the produce are very fresh given it's the middle of winter.

We're really enjoying people's comments. Everyone is making us laugh and we're happy to share such an amazing trip with those we care about most. Keep those comments coming! Off to Vienna we go!