black walnut visiting Europe

Subject: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 06:05 PM

I'm coming to Europe (Germany/Switzerland/England) this July. I understand Europe is filled to the brim with Mudcatters!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 07:15 PM

I've PM'd with one of you in England, and one of you in Germany. Thank you!

My daughter and I will be travelling around, visiting various friends, but if it works out to chat with any of you over an ice cream sundae or a bowl of soup at some handy intersection, that would be nice.

~b.w. (in Canada)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 07:42 PM

How very kewl! You certainly deserve this, b.w. and I am happy to hear of it!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 10:25 AM

Thanks Kat! It's my first trip overseas. I absolutely love mountains....it'll be wonderful.

I have to say that I love the PM part of Mudcat. It's been great talking to "Munchen" this morning!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: alanww
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 10:52 AM

Hi BW
Is it really your "first trip overseas"? Wow! Its up to us to help you enjoy it then. Are you bringing your harp? That would certainly lead to some transportation challenges!
Can you please be more specific about dates and places? I live in Stratford-upon-Avon (in England on the edge of the Cotswolds). There are lots of touristy things to do in Shakespeare's country.
"Abroad for pleasure, as I was a-walking ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 12:44 PM

Yes it really is my first trip across the Atlantic! My gene pool is from that direction though...on my dad's side, his dad was from Dublin and his mom from Dover, on my mom's side her grandparents came here a long time ago, from Germany.

I'll PM more details, although the agenda isn't firmed up yet...

Thanks, Alan!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 12:47 PM

Hi BW!

If you are in London for a day or so maybe some of the London catters could meet up with you!!!

Let us know more!!

Khatt

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 12:53 PM

I will definitely keep that in mind, Khatt. Thanks!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:27 PM

When in July? Cos there's always a warm welcome in Yorkshire and Hu9ll.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:40 PM

I think that the jaunt over to England might be the second week of July, all things working out as hoped. Thanks Eric!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Megan L
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:44 PM

aw BW wish you were coming north, way north :) ah well hope you have a really great time.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:46 PM

(Where is your 'North', Megan?)
~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Megan L
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:50 PM

Orkney, a 2hour swim of the north of scotland

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 02:02 PM

Hi BW - looking forward to your visit. Based on the session arranged for Kendall and Sorcha any London gathering would be well worth getting to.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 02:08 PM

Megan, OOOOOOOh! That's north and chilly sounding!

Jacqui, I think I'm headed more toward Lincoln than London but I'll keep that in mind.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 07:08 AM

BW, if you're coming Lincoln direction try the Gainsborough Folk Club at the 'Eight Jolly Brewers' pub (right in the town centre) and meet Sooz, The Villan, Gwed, Travelling Audience, Georgiansilver and me!

Our July nights are Fridays 9th and 23rd, and one of us at least is usually there (in the upstairs room) by 8.20 pm.

Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 07:09 AM

BW, should have said that we're in Gainsborough of course - small town about 18 miles north of Lincoln.
:0)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 08:04 AM

If your way leads you to or near Frankfurt, PM me. I'm living 30 km north of Frankfurt, in a town full of medieval reminiscences which I'd like to show you.

Wilfried

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: jimmyt
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 08:12 AM

BW if you would like any information of locations and B and B places in Switzerland , PM me I just returned from there and it was my third trip there   I can give you my insight of thei wonderful little country! jimmyt

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 11:17 AM

If you love mountains what're doin' in Lincolnshire!?!?! The only place flatter is Norfolk - And most of that is underwater..;-)

Get yerself up't'north where all the hills are:-)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 11:27 AM

Dave, if she wants mountains, why should she come to the UK?

It would make more sense to go to a mountain region like the Alps. Btw, only 60 miles from Munich to the Alps ;-)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Megan L
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 02:59 PM

Ach yer alps are aw very fine but oor wee mountains are something special :)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 04:48 PM

Any sessions in reasonable reach of me in West London would be of some
interest , assuming I am not gigging that night . Hope we can meet up .

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 10:57 AM

"I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills..."!

I'm so excited about the possibilities. Methinks I'm going to have to plan a second trip. Thanks each and all - I will tuck your contact information into my backpack zip pocket.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Wolfgang
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 01:14 PM

If you happen to come near Muenster (North-West Germany) and it's not weekend, there is always a spare room. PM if that's on your trip route.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 01:39 PM

I live in Cologne, which is a small village about 150km south of Wolfgang. I'll PM you.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 02:15 PM

Wolfgang...we will be starting in Muenster and going about from there! That's where my friend lives, with her family. Small world, isn't it?

Alan, I received the PM and have saved it for future reference. Thanks!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 30 May 04 - 01:43 PM

It's all starting to fall into place! First we fly over to Germany, then to England (Lincolnshire and Cambridge) and then back to Germany and drive down to Switzerland. Packing should be fun - hot, cold, rain, and snow!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 09:49 AM

Leaving Canada in one week. Unbelievable. It's all still a dream. I'm looking forward to meeting some of you over there! Compiling little address/phone book.....

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 09:59 AM

Do you know whether you will come to Munich?
If so, when?

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 10:57 AM

I was going to PM you about that later this week, MG. I'll be able to let you know soon. I hope so!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 11:13 AM

Actually, there are a few of you who will be getting PMs this week, or phone calls when I'm over there. This week we'll be finalizing the route and dates (to some flexible extent). :-)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 12:48 PM

We look forward to meeting you. Hope you have a good journey!

Khatt

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 04:52 PM

We'll be joining Khatt and Micca in London....excellent!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 09:06 PM

If you're in London with Micca and Khatt let me know when as I can get to them quite easily and would love to meet you if possible.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 03:29 AM

Hi Jacqui...I will give you a call when plans are more definate! Would love to see you again.

Khatt

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 09:09 AM

So many of you have been so generous!!!!!!! - offering places to stay and people to meet and beds in which to sleep. Thank you so much. We won't have time to be able to see you all, and we can't be in every place to share with you all of your suggestions (architecture, music, theatre, history....), but it makes me crazy with the possibility of coming back a second time, to making more of those things happen!

Last night I was reading through the emails and PMs I've received from all over England and Germany. I wish I could be clearer about our plans, but we are not in the driver's seat when we're over there, so we are having to 'play it by ear', or at least much of it. I have the flights booked so that gives us the bookmarks, at least.

If you don't hear from me between now and the end of July, it's not because I didn't wish we could have met. You've already made us feel more connected to the place just by writing. I'll have phone numbers and email addresses with me and you might get a surprise call. Khatt and Micca are putting us up in London and transport us -for which I am so very thankful - and excited.   

June has been a busy month. I taught my early childhood music classes, played harp and my cousin's wedding, sang at Eve Goldberg's wedding, played harp at JeffM's rabbi's wedding celebration, and today I'm going to the bank to figure out how to change dollars into pounds and euros, which is only one thing on a VERY long To Do list.

I'm leaving here early next week. Leaving my garden. Leaving my cats. Leaving my rabbit. Leaving my tropical fish. Leaving my husband (not forever, dear). Leaving my harp, and my guitar, and my piano, and my song circle, and my usual summer folk music festivals. Leaving the time zone. Leaving the smog (you don't have any smog over there, do you?)....

Wings fly us safely over,
Hugs all 'round,

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 10:45 AM

Don't forget to breath, darlin'!!**bg** Have a wonderful time, sorry the book isn't ready, but it should be there when you get back. Youa re going to have so much fun!

luyakat

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 10:55 AM

"If it works out to chat with any of you over an ice cream sundae or a bowl of soup at some handy intersection, that would be nice"

If you're staying with Micca & Khatt, I think It's more likely to be pints of beer in the pub (they do sell soft drinks as well).

Let us know when any meet-up is likely to happen - Linda and I will try to make it.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 09:35 PM

Got the cd, today! Thank yew, thank yew, thank yew!! It is WONDERFUL!!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 30 Jun 04 - 09:57 AM

I'm so glad you like it, Kat. There should be enough on there to keep you going for a while...

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Wotcha
Date: 30 Jun 04 - 01:13 PM

Let me know if you are coming through Stuttgart ...

Cheers,

Brian

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 12:04 PM

Khatt and Micca, I'll trade you two fish and chips with salt, cider vinegar and lemon for one poutine and a beaver-tail? (Geez, I really wish I could pack a few of them in my suitcase for you.).

I'll keep you in mind Wotcha, thanks. If you PM me your phone number I'll take it along just in case.

2 days and counting....!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 04 Jul 04 - 12:30 PM

20some hours....

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 04 Jul 04 - 12:38 PM

Have a good trip!

If you come to Munich, give me a warning a day or two before...

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 02:43 PM

Any news?

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 10 Jul 04 - 05:28 AM

Hello! I think I have finally managed the time change. I slept last night at 'regular hours'. There has been no time to get in touch with anyone, we have been busy with the family here, seeing the Cathedral and churches and castles and eating in outdoor cafes (tomato-gin-whipped cream soup!) and shopping. The time has gone quickly in Munster and on Monday morning we will be leaving for England to spend a week there. I am looking forward to it. The only music I've experienced here so far was hearing a trio of instrumentalists busking on the Prinzipalmarkt. Munster is absolutely beautiful. So many bicycles - I've never seen anything like it in my life!!!

This has been my first chance to Mudcat. I miss coming here and reading the threads. To my German Mudcatters - the time is flying by and I fear not being able to contact you. I am sorry! But I am loving it here very much. It is a wonderful place to visit.

b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 10 Jul 04 - 05:37 AM

As long as you enjoy yourself, it is ok!

Although it would be nice to meet you...


Have fun!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Jul 04 - 05:58 AM

Black Walnut - enjoy the crack

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 03:35 PM

England tomorrow...
I've never had beer with strawberries until yesterday.
b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 08:30 PM

try Belgian Lamic - comes in every flower flavour and tastes like it - I am told. Stick to the the English delicay - cider. Be sure to sample some while here - though you will probably be offered Bulmers (aka Strongbow) most places. On the beer scale it would register in the Schlitz region.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 04:50 AM

Micca/Khat - are there any arrangements for a meet-up ?

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 05:33 AM

Not as yet Dave as we don't have a definate date for their arrival. I will be in Yorkshire from Thursday to Sunday so Micca will be the one to contact!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Guessed
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 06:38 AM

Warwick festival is w/e 22/24 - lots of 'Catters. (if you can find Birminham it is down and right a bit)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Micca
Date: 17 Jul 04 - 10:12 AM

They are here!!!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 17 Jul 04 - 02:28 PM

Have fun, all of you!

Cheers
Tracey Dragonsfriend
www.scorchpyro.co.uk

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Jul 04 - 07:25 PM

Due to a problem with building dust, they are now ensconced in my dining room, rather than at Miccas, but they are here, full of lemonade, milk, raspberries and potato chips. See you at the Black Lion Sunday evening!

LTS

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 02:05 PM

BW, Should you decide to grace us with your presence on Friday 23/7/04, please note that, since my post in April, the Gainsborough Folk Club has moved to 'The Drovers' Call', Lea Road, Gainsborough. Start time 8.30 pm.

J :0)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 03:00 PM

Can someone please remind Black Walnut to pick up her new luggage tag, when she's at Micca & Khatt's next? I'd hate for her to forget, & go home without it!

Cheers
Tracey Dragonsfriend
www.scorchpyro.co.uk

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 03:04 PM

Lemonade, milk, raspberries and potato chips???? Have you all been born again? This is downright scary. Not even a chocolate bar? And for that they abandoned Micca?
SINS, looking for the pods

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 05:28 PM

black walnut here,writing from the keyboard of Liz the Squeak!!!!

I am in heaven. Every day of this trip has been absolutely special. I just had an oasis moment....after a lovely meeting at the Red Lion, I took a few minutes to play and sing for a while on Liz and Paul's piano....(I couldn't fit my piano nor my harp into my suitcases).

Micca met us at King's Cross near to 9 3/4, and from thence we have enjoyed MUCH hospitality and good food and beverage, and excellent sightseeing tourguides. Tomorrow night we shall be driven to Stanstead and after another bout of Germany (more cheese!!!) make our way down to Switzerland.

I have made some spectacular friends.

Hugs to all here and back home (especially to those of you who are wondering why I haven't written you lately).

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Micca
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 07:55 PM

You are VERY welcome, Debbie and Lisa,Black walnut carefully didnt mention attending a service at St. Pauls( THE St Pauls!!) today, ( I sat in, but only because it was Hayden (Nelson Mass) and Mozart ( Ave Verum Corpus) being sung) and then later a trip to the Tower of London and High Tea at Liz the Squeaks followed by a convivial evening at the BLACK Lion with Leadfingers, Liz, Limpit, CatsPHiddle. Manitas and Raedwulf (and your correspondent) and tomorrow, a trip up to Town and maybe some light recreational shopping is indicated ( they just do NOT know what happens when CatsPHidle gets loose on the shops!!) It has been a pleasure to meet you both.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: GUEST,The piano at Liz the Squeak's house
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 05:44 AM

Thank you for playing with me - it was delightful to be played properly, and so beautifully. I usually just get bashed by people smaller than I am and with sticky fingers. It's not so bad, but I wish she'd learn another tune.... Doe a deer gets very tedious on the 38th turn.

Sorry if I'm a little out of tune, it's been a while since I had my strings tweaked. And I'm sorry about the sticky key but someone small and loud had an accident with some juice.

I'm glad you didn't mind sharing my room, it's been such fun having you here. I don't get many people staying with me. And it meant that the furry things didn't jump on my keys in the middle of the night. I hope you didn't mind them jumping on you, you seemed surprised last night when one did. Don't worry, I'll get her back, I'll shut my lid down when she least expects it!

Please come back again soon, I need a REAL pianist who uses both hands!

Chuck, the piano.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 06:05 PM

All being well, they should have taken off on the next leg an hour ago (21.50 GMT). They were got to the airport on time and with no accidents, although we have since found a couple of items that were under the beds - we'll launder them and post them on if you want - you might find you'll need them!

Enjoy the rest of your trip and we'll see what we can do about the rest of Virgin's folk section that you failed to buy!

LTS

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 20 Jul 04 - 05:44 AM

We are awake (and repacking) in Munster, after a flight last night consisting of one huge giggle fit. We should be embarrassed I suppose, but it was a lot of fun and they´ll never see us again anyway.

I suppose it would be best to NOT inquire as to the shape and colour of the items found under the bed. Please use your good judgement as to weather you think they are worth the postage for a voyage across the sea. A description in a private message may be helpful.

It is a very good thing that our time in Virgin was severely limited. I escaped with major damage, but not buried yet. Khatt, you will be surely pleased to know that we found some room in Lisa´s carry on for a new skirt she bought at the Stanstead airport!!!!   

Micca, do you think that I was being CAREFUL??? Hey everyone, MICCA WENT TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :-)

More later. I must move along. Lisa wants to go out to buy a few bottles of Fanta pop to take back to Canada. Oy.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Jul 04 - 09:04 AM

Glad you arrived safe and sound in Munster and enjoy the rest of your trip. It was lovely to meet you and see the sights of London with you...including the very busy Oxford Street for essential shopping!! I think Virgin Megastore got off very lightly....I do believe you can buy online though!!!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 20 Jul 04 - 02:42 PM

Thanks Khatt. Elbowing the crowds on Oxford Street was a definite ´necessity´. I´ve hired my own 747 to get everything home.

Thanks also to Micca for the CD of photos. If he ever shows anyone those terrible ones of me, I´ll throw him into the Thames river. Other than that, they are great photos and I really appreciate having the descriptions along with them.

I´m sitting here thinking of trifle for some reason. Must stop that. Liz makes more fantastic desserts than the corner bakery. Paul, I wish I´d heard you multi-instrumentalize - that would have been a sweet treat as well.

To the rest....I didn´t realize that the English were still into bowing and kissing ladies´ hands. You learn something new every day.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 05:51 AM

Some blokes will do anything to get a snog.....

(Snog - serious kissing of members of the opposite sex, not a dyslexic describing what you sing).

LTS

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 11:01 AM

We're back home, as of late last night (European time)!!!! The last part of our journey was Switzerland. I didn't know that Switzerland could hold so many mountains, or so much cheese. I loved the sound of the cow and goat bells!

For some added drama, I had an allergy attack on the 747 just as we were landing down in Toronto, and got whisked up to the emergency medical section with my very own attendant, which was a rather exciting way to end a most amazing trip.

Still eager to hear what we left under your cot, Liz!
Micca, you'll be interested to know that I took 32 films in for processing this morning. Yikes. And that doesn't even count my daughter's photos.

Hugs from here to there,

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 11:47 AM

Good to know you have arrived safely (even with drama) back home!
It was really good to meet you and we are enjoying listening to your CD. Hope our paths cross again sometime soon.

Love
Khatt x

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 12:38 PM

SOON would be awesome!

Now listening to my new Davy Spillane CD (with Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas etc)....love that Virgin Records store. Wouldn't have found it in the London Maze without your delightful assistance, Khatt.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 03:24 PM

I just woke up from a nap. Jet lag. I woke up remembering how I walked on a glacier last week and how I fell into a crevace...only one leg went in, and only up to the knee, but a bit unnerving nontheless.

Lots of memories.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 03:30 PM

Glad to hear you are back home safely and that you enjoyed your trip.

Next time, you have to promise, you come to Munich! ;-)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 11:29 AM

I promise, MG! Sorry about that; we had a fast drive down from Muenster to beyond the Rhinefalls, barely stopping for gasoline! Munich was out of the question.

Here's a promise I can fulfil now. I was asked to give a summary of the trip. Here is a VERY brief outline:

- Munster Cathedral, university, Peace Hall, more churches, walking, shopping
- castles
- raclette
- beer with strawberries
- too much whipped cream
- Lincoln Cathedral, Castle (the Magna Carta)
- Stratford-on-Avon, Cornish pasties
- Lincoln Ghost Walk
- Cambridge - toured the university with a student friend of ours
- London - met Micca at the Harry Potter station
- with Micca to Cutty Sark, under the Thames, Grenich......
- stayed with Liz, Paul and Phoebe
- St. Paul's Cathedral - sung eucharist, lunch at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- Millennium Bridge, Tower of London, The Lion (small Mudcat gathering)
- with Micca and Khatt to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard
- shopping with Khatt (Virgin Records!)
- Liz (an amazing cook by the way) drives (on the wrong side of the road!!!!) to Stanstead
- back to Muenster, down to Switzerland
- walk on Dievolezza glacier and fall in crevace (one leg only, so I was retrieved)
- visit Guarda and Alvetern
- The Devil's Bridge
- Gotthard Pass (love the marmots!)
- cows, goats, wildflowers, waterfalls
- crazy drives through mountain passes (why don't these roads on cliffs have FENCES??????!!!!!!!)
- more raclette
- climb to fortezza
- to Zug
- fly back to Toronto from Zurich

That is SUCH a short and incomplete list. We did so many things and had SO MUCH FUN!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 11:43 AM

- crazy drives through mountain passes (why don't these roads on cliffs have FENCES??????!!!!!!!)

Easy to answer: there is no cattle or sheep on that side of the road, so no need for fences to keep these animals out of the road ;-)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 11:54 AM

Good answer! I kept telling my friend who was driving to keep her hands on the wheel and to quit pointing out scenic landmarks. I was continually ready to die.

At one place, I watched a sleeping cow slip slowly down a mountain side and right under her 'fence' boundary. I was told that sometimes cows fall off the mountains. Poor cows. "Sounds like an instant BBQ!", said JeffM.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 12:50 PM

- crazy drives through mountain passes (why don't these roads on cliffs have FENCES??????!!!!!!!)

I can answer that question:

on the cliffside of the road there is no cattle/no sheep. So there is no need to keep these animals out of the road. Therefore no fence is necessary ;-)

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 12:55 PM

Oooops - I got an error message on the first attempt (which I noticed only now as I was called away from the computer) - so I answered again without checking ...

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 03:01 PM

That happens to me too sometimes.

Micca...I just showed my husband the photos on the disc. Thank you again!!! Nice to have some pictures to look at together before my own ones are processed (I get them back on Sunday).

~d

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 07:05 PM

I hasten to point out that I only drive on the wrong side of the road from Walnut's point of view......

And I blush at your other comment, because I didn't really do much cooking!

LTS

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 07:14 PM

No, Liz, not only from Walnut's point of view!

That is my point of view as well. And that of the majority of mankind!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 31 Jul 04 - 06:54 AM

Hey, MudGuard...if we followed that line of reasoning, then one could say that we minority group of folkies are listening to the wrong kind of music, since the majority of personkind listens to pop.

Be gentle with Liz, she's only doing what she was told. And it was kind of fun, actually, like a midway ride.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 03 Aug 04 - 03:15 PM

Who wants to see my photos???? Only 6 albums. :-)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Micca
Date: 03 Aug 04 - 03:18 PM

Yes Please!!

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 03 Aug 04 - 03:34 PM

Excellent. C'mon over!!!!

~'nut

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: MudGuard
Date: 03 Aug 04 - 03:40 PM

I'd like to see them. But I don't know where to go.
They are NOT in the Mudcat photo pages...

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 07:51 AM

Oh, sorry! I meant that I'd just sorted out my photos at home. I will get some of them scanned for you to see. I'll include a Mudcatter group photo. Patience please, as I'm off to The Woods Music and Dance Camp in a few days.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 10:06 AM

Could any of you translate this for me, please? "Ich Pfeife wie ein Murmel". It was on the label of the marmot I bought. I got a huge kick out of the sound of Swiss marmots. Our Canadian groundhogs are quiet.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 06:27 PM

Sure you don't mean Marmite?

LTS

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 07 Aug 04 - 01:01 PM

Hi blackie - Murmel is the shortened form of Murmeltier = marmot.
Ich pfeife wie ein Murmel = I'm whistling like a marmot.

There is a fine (GE) student song about the marmot, and its sexual behaviour in the last stanza, which I have translated thus:
And sometimes the marmot
goes to a secret place,
and there it meets the marmotess -
and so it multiplies.
[Then maybe it whistles really orgiastically.]

Do you think you will make it to Germany?
Maybe you could stay in Europe till next May to join the nexr Eurogathering in France?

Wilfried

Subject: RE: black walnut visiting Europe
From: black walnut
Date: 08 Aug 04 - 08:53 AM

Ah yes...and then the Marot family feeds marmite on toast to their 22 babies, and they all live happily ever after! (I prefer trifle, Liz, in case you're keeping track.)

Sorry I haven't put any photos up on the Mudcat yet. I've been really busy and next week I'm away again.

I was in Germany for about a week, Wilfried, but we stayed put in the Muenster area, until our mad dash drive down to Switzerland with 5 women in the car plus luggage plus picnic food. That was something to behold. We were careful to park in the shade, as one of my suitcases was already stuffed with fine chocolate.

Will I be back some day? I sure hope so.

~b.w.