Perfect -- PR Day...

I know... I just came back from a vacation... why would I need a PR Day? Well... I did... 

I got up early and did go for a run... but I could not even run for an hour... the sun was up. And it was hot... and to me, extremely hot because I just returned from Germany and Switzerland! I didn't run an hour. 

Alan and Isaiah went to work... and I received news of the passing of a colleague. She was not even 50 years old... invasive cancer... aggressive cancer!

I spent the morning reading and resting...

At 3pm, I went down to my scooter... and a neighbor who is moving put a lot of things by my scooter, which I posted to give away!

I went to run a few errands and had my massage. Then I went to tutor... On the way home, I stopped to pick up root beer and soy bean milk... and was home in time for prayer time at 8:45.

Family Time started at 9:30 and I was in bed by 11:30.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's HOT! Yes, I'm Back...

Ahhhh... to be back in Germany or Switzerland... to have weather that's in the 7-17 range...

I was on the plane early this morning and it landed in Beijing at 5:25. Going through the transit 'customs' was terrible... I finally was able to settle down and have my quiet time... 

The plane started boarding... but I wasn't in a hurry...

It took off promptly at 8:25 and I was back in Taiwan by 11:40. Alan surprised me and picked me up at the Taoyuan International Airport. That made coming back a lot faster. I was going to take the bus and the MRT... 

He didn't have lunch so we went and bought him a lunch box at one of his favorite places. 

We got home and he ate while I unpacked!

My plants were in need of watering and the house needed tidying up... 

By 5pm, I was finished... YEAH!

I laid down and fell asleep until 6:33... 

I debated... run? walk? What?

I wanted to get some soy bean milk... but it was still 27 outside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The high in Switzerland never went above 17... That crisp air... that fresh crisp air... that fresh crisp mountain air... 

I decided to have a salad for dinner... AHHHHH... the cold cuts and cheese and bread... the yogurts... the milk that tastes like fresh cream... maybe I'll open a can of evaporated milk for my coffee... 

Isaiah went to hang out with Fenny... There was plenty of food in the freezer... 

I went over what was going to happen for this coming week... tutoring, Bible study... 

I'm back...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Frankfurt Airport Post!

I was up early... in fact, I was up twice last night... Once to go to the bathroom and that was at 11:45... and then again at around 2:45.

I finally got up at 5;45 and had my quiet time and tidied up the room as instructed: took off the pillowcase and the duvet cover. I packed up everything and went to breakfast after dropping off a small gift to the gal I prayed with. It was my nice LeSportSac with three pockets and covered with hearts. 

I had told the ladies that we'd meet in the kitchen for breakfast at 7:30 and one gal made hard boiled eggs. How perfect! I had a yogurt, cucumber and tomato slices with a hard boiled egg. I didn't eat more bread or cheese. Now, sitting here, I am regretting that... ha, ha, ha... 

I then went out to buy the tickets and one of the gals from Taiwan went out with me. Bus to Frankfurt was 10.70Euro and tram ticket was 3.75Euro. I had counted out the change so that I can spend as much of it as possible. I now will only have 35cents to bring back! YEAH!

I went back to the room and took a quick shower and washed my hair. We all have to clean the shower stall after taking a shower. And at 9:33, I walked out to the front and two gals met me and we walked out to the tram together.

Tram 7 came in 14 minutes and I hopped on, waving goodbye to them. 

I got off at Luisenplatz and waited... and thought... hum? This might not be the right place. I rushed in to the bus office and sure enough, the bus was across the plaza and it was already there. I ran over there faster than the speed of light... and two minutes after getting on, it took off! 10:34... It made one stop and then headed straight to the airport.

Smooth ride... I got off and found my check in counter... and that went very smoothly. Unfortunately, I forgot to take out my toothbrush before sending the bag in... so I only have one mouth wash with me... Oh well... I even forgot my small toothbrushes that I always have with me... 

Boarding starts at 13:15... I'm heading to Peking. I am writing this and then will eat my sweet roll with Nutella... I drank my coffee already. The thermos has to be empty... 

And I will put my computer away.

The data from Taiwan ran out just as I am at the airport with WiFi. Amazing timing... 

That's what this trip has been like: amazing. People who were helpful... timing of things... finding the perfect restaurant for our meals... meeting people wherever we went... 

I had a feeling that I'd meet someone I know... so far... that hasn't happened... 

We shall see...

Yes, I'd love to do a trip each year... but I definitely won't wait... for sure in 2028... Alan goes to see the French Open for his 70th... and I am planning on joining him after the French Open. Where will we go? I have no idea... But God knows and I am sure it will be amazing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Last Full Day...

I can't believe my vacation is almost over... How can that be??? The days have flown by... How I love the food, the weather... and the experiences I have had... Traveling to Heidelberg, being there on my Mom's one year passing anniversary... Having Pam and Suz there in Heidelberg and attending an English Service for Mother's Day in Heidelberg... Staying at Goldener Falkner right on the Haupstrasse and having that elaborate breakfast... Going to Tubingen, which was a new place for all three of us...as was Lautenbrunnen, Switzerland... and now being in Darmstadt... 

I was up early and had time with Jesus and then went to the self-service breakfast... Suz and Pam have safely arrived back in the States... 

After breakfast, I went out for a run in the forest area behind their facility... the path wasn't long, so I had to run back and forth a few times to make 10K.

I had a quick shower and went to lunch. It was so delicious... exactly what I had hoped for: a German sausage with mustard, potato salad, carrot salad, sweet rolls, coffee with milk that tasted like cream (I poured myself a cup and drank it!), sparkling apple cider, yogurt cups... It was just so fabulous... and we sat around the table with people who worked at the place... One gentleman came for 6 weeks and that was two and a half years ago... another gal came last October for two weeks and have stayed on... the stories just are endless. 

I walked back with another staff member as I wanted to encourage her. I met her yesterday and she has such a sweet soul... I felt the Lord wanted me to tell her that she was not to become a nun but the Lord has an "Adam" prepared for her. I asked her about her journey to this place and what a testimony she has... And then I told her what the Lord had put upon my heart. She started to cry.  She has been asking the LORD and felt that she was not to become a nun, but she wanted some sort of confirmation. The day that I came in to Canaan (that's what this place is called), she was driving out and thought I illuminated 'light'. She saw my smile and wondered who I was... and for me to talk to her just when she was asking the Lord about this very thing if marriage is in God's plan for her future was just astounding! So... being here has been very interesting... 

I then needed to go and find out if I can purchase ticket for tomorrow's bus to Frankfurt Airport. Another staff member said she was on her way out so we walked and talked... she showed me where to buy the ticket and how to do it... and pointed me to the local supermarket. And that's where I picked up a few more things to bring back to Taiwan.

I made it back for Prayer time with HOP at 2:45 and the 3pm Prayer time with the sisterhood! Wow...

After the prayer time, one of the sisters opened the receptionist area so that we can buy a couple of the books. And then I was back in the dorm, having a nice chat with Isaiah. He needed to find a tithes receipt... and Mom knows everything... 

I hung up with him and packed up the goods that I bought and all my stuff... My check in is pretty heavy! I will leave at 8:30 to buy the bus and tram tickets... and then come back to get my luggage and walk to the tram. I don't know if I will be able to blog tomorrow as my flight is at 2:15... and I won't have WiFi in Peking China. 

I will be back by Wednesday, May 20th...

Pam's daughter had a brilliant idea: Do a trip a year... I don't think I can do that... but I surely won't wait another 46 years to take a trip with Pam and Suz... I pray... God's plan and timing are the best... Pam will be turning 70... maybe as part of her birthday celebration, we can take another trip together... That's a wonderful thought!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Evangelistic Sisterhood...

I was up early and I slept so early last night that I did not make my step goal... I walked a lot but since I was towing stuff... the watch didn't register the steps... oh well... I broke my streak...

I had a delightful time... and didn't want to have breakfast... but just some coffee... and then went to church at 9:10. They had English programs and headsets as a sister translated the message.

The Evangelistic Sisterhood is an order of the Lutheran Church... so the service was very liturgical with a lot of standing up and sitting down. It went for almost two hours. Then there is lunch, but I didn't want to join the lunch. It's usually a variety of potatoes... I went back to my dorm and had my own simple lunch of bread and butter. It was delightful.

I came back to the room and looked over what I wanted to donate and then went out for a walk about. There are many 'stations' set up where there is a box with verses that you can read and think on. It's really quite nice... I walked around for about two hours...

Then there is the 3pm prayer time. I went to that and was invited to join the ladies from Taiwan to visit an elderly sister who lived in Taiwan for 25 years. She has now returned to Germany because of her health. But on Sunday afternoon, she enjoys a time of having visitors and she was especially happy since there were three of us from Taiwan. We sang songs and had snacks and just enjoyed a splendid time of fellowship. 

That went for an hour and I came back to the dorm. I wanted to take a shower before dinner at 6pm. Like yesterday, dinner was very simple: cold cuts, fruit, yogurt, etc. And by 7pm, I was back in the dorm room.

I could have gone out to walk more... but I will wait until tomorrow.

Now as for happenings in Taiwan, Isaiah is sick... Alan went to a wedding in Taichung... and so, the friends I had invited never got to see Alan... the guests had to leave at 5pm or earlier and Alan didn't get to church until 5pm. Oh well... 

Abby had a children's camp and I have yet to hear how that went...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Long Day...

I was up early... and it was raining hard... but soon, while sitting in the lobby and having a mug of milk coffee, the rain stopped. The view was spectacular... what a place to have my quiet time!

I went up and packed and brought a roll and some cheese and my thermos with water and the pizza. I was off... It was difficult to say good bye to Pam and Suz. I had journal about what this trip has meant to me...

I made it to the train station and hopped on the train to Interlaken Ost and when that arrived, I found the platform for the train to Basel. 

The train was crowded... and there were people who were strangely dressed. It turned out that the BIG ComicCon was going on since Thursday... and people in Switzerland are really into this. I guess people come from all over to attend it! SO, the train station was packed... I didn't like the big city feel, especially after being in such wonderfully refreshing places... 

I had time so I walked around... as I had 5 Francs to spend. I didn't want to buy food for myself as I brought some great stuff... and I have plenty to drink. So at the end of this area, there was a candy shop. Isaiah wanted more sour candies... and I couldn't believe... there was a 50% off on some of the sour candies. So, I got four bags for 5 francs! Perfect!

The train arrived and I was on... and it was really packed too... as two trains were cancelled... making this train the only one that was heading up to all the different places from Basel to Hamburg Harbor! I got off at Mannheim and couldn't find my train... What's going on?

It turned out that there was construction going on and the train was cancelled and now, a bus was provided to shuttle people to another train station where the train will start!

I didn't look at it and thought the other train station that we were being bussed to was only 10 minutes away... NO... it was like a two hour bus ride! We finally got to the train station at 3:50 and the train took off at 3:54! I had to walk really fast... and as for catching the bus, I was sitting at the wrong place and almost missed that... God worked that out as a bus pulled in and the driver got out to stretch his leg and I asked... He pointed me to the other side of the road... WOW!!! I was only three minutes away from the time that the bus was set to depart. If I didn't catch that bus... I would never have made it.

So... the train arrived at Darmstadt at 4:07 and I wanted to walk to the Main Center, which was about 1.9kilometer away. On the way, I donated the clothes Pam gave me in the Red Cross collection clothes bins. That was great!

When I made it to the Platz, the signs for the trams were so confusing. I got out the coins and bought a ticket: 4.50Euro! Not cheap... and the tram finally came at 5:20... After getting on, I had to really pay attention when the stops were announced! In about 20 minutes I heard my stop... and I saw the yellow mailbox... After getting off, I walked about 100meters and pressed the door bell and someone buzzed me in. A dear nun walked out and greeted me... It was the same lady who I have been emailing... 

I feel so blessed to be here... Two other individuals are here from Taiwan as they are here to join the Pentecostal Retreat that will be taking place from May 22nd to the 25th. And another gal from Columbia/Germany has a brother in Taipei, serving with OMF... It was just amazing all the "Taiwan" connections!

Another sister greeted me and gave me a tour of the place as we walked to the building where my room is located.  On the way, she stopped at the big chapel and we sat in silence for more than half an hour. It was very special. 

My room is exactly what I was hoping for... I wanted a silent retreat... and this place is perfect... Of course, it won't be too silent as there are people who are here... but I get to have an extended quiet time. Tomorrow... I will join the service at 9:30. And as for meals... breakfast and dinner are help yourself... Everything is in the refrigerator. You can choose to eat or just stay in the room. Only lunch at 11am is a hot meal... again, you can decide to join or just stay in your room. They have the electric hot water thermos, so I can just go and make myself a cup of hot water and have my morning coffee... I can go and do my run on Monday and Tuesday if I want... Or I can just sit and walk around the grounds... They have a prayer garden... and many places to be alone. 

I will leave here on Tuesday to head back to Taiwan. I saw several of their books which I might like to buy. And I will give them clothes to donate... including my big jacket. I don't know when I'll leave, but my flight is on Tuesday afternoon.

This is a gift from God... Of course, I will leave a donation... 

So... overall... it was a long day of traveling... I left the hotel in Lautenbrunnen at 7:45 and arrived here at around 5:45. 

After the tour and settling in, I was immediately ushered into the breakfast/dinner room... and you can just help yourself. I had a banana and an apple and a slice of cheese. They had everything... but I still had pizza to finish. So... it was not too hungry. 

I came back into my room and unpacked and plugged in the phone to be charge and used the hot spot to blog and check my email.

Yes... I will go to bed early... 

And throughout the day, I was messaging Pam and Suz to find out what they were doing... They have safely arrived in Geneva and will fly back to the States tomorrow... I sure do miss them!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Why do you think this is significant?

Seek Him First!

Lautenbrunnen... Interlocken Ost...

I was up earlier and went out for my run and it was much colder... But no rain... I had my quiet time in the lobby and ate a banana and drank two cups of coffee and then went out to run my 10K.

It was so nice... I won't be running tomorrow... I'll be running to the train station... 

After our breakfast at the Chalet, we took the train to Interlaken Ost. Suz had asked chatGPT for a walking tour... and what an adventure we had. We should have said, "Walking tour when it rains"... because this walking tour that it sent us on would have been much better if it wasn't cloudy and raining and COLD! I don't mind the cold... but it wasn't ask scenic with the rain and the cloud. We walked and walked and walked... and it was an adventure... We were out in the middle of nowhere, roaming with the cows... mooing as we walked... We finally made it to Weissenau Ruins... and that's what we saw... three pieces of a ruined castle... ha, ha, ha... We then walked for another 5 minutes and stood at the view point to see the Thunsee... ha, ha, ha... 

I was running out of battery, so we used Pam's phone and charted a course to the nearest bus stop! It was a fast ride back into town! What were we thinking?

I had to pee... and many of the restaurants were closed... and weren't going to open until 5:30! One lady took pity on me and let me use their restroom. it was a very nice restroom!

We then looked at many of the shops and decided to buy Swiss army knives... One nail cutter for Isaiah... one classic for Fenny. Isaiah was going to pay for both... I think it's a nice gift for Fenny's birthday! We then found a great bakery/coffee shop that started in 1818 called Schuh. It was delicious and Pam treated us... I felt like a royalty... I got apple pie and milk coffee! And I was able to join the prayer time! When we left there, we went back to the Victornox. I was trying to find another one of our great carry-ons as the one we have is quite messed up and can't be fixed. And we were going to buy the knives. But it was going to be an hour wait to get the engraving done. So we went to another store and met Ignasio. He did the engraving for free. Suz also bought two. 

We were back on the train, heading back to Lautenbrunnen!

We went to the coop and I forgot to buy Rivella... so for dinner, I had some. I will buy some for Alan to try. I also could not find the hot spicy pizza oil... 

We had dinner at Hotel Overland as it was one of the only restaurants still opened. I had goulash soup and it was delicious... and Suz couldn't finish her Rosti, so I ate some... YUMMY. I love raclette cheese! I will bring some back to Taiwan. So, I will definitely go shopping in Darmstadt!

We were back at our hotel and getting ourselves organized as we check out tomorrow. 

What a vacation this has been... I have no adjectives to fully describe my heart... To see Nancy and the house that's finished... To be in Heidelberg on the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing... To have my best friends, Pam and Suz, join me there and travel around... We definitely have elevated our traveling style... we didn't sleep in any train stations... and we had nice meals every day... 

It's going to be hard to say goodbye... 

Who knows when we'd have the chance to do something like this again... Truly... like our travel some 46 years ago... these past 'few' days have been another 'once in a lifetime' chance... Life goes on... and our mind might not be so clear... and we surely don't think we will live for another 46 years... but for today, this moment, my heart overflows...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lautenbrunnen... Wengen...

I was up and did go out for a fantastic run... 

I run so much faster even though it was chilly... I did the 10K almost within an hour... I am going to try again tomorrow... 

I had two coffees and a bit to eat before I took off... I love this little Chalet Rosa!

I got back and Pam and Suz were up! Breakfast was already being served downstairs. The gal I met last night was down there and she gave me a hug and asked that I send her the verses for today. While talking about the Bible, a man behind me said, "Oh Psalm 23... my favorite verse is Psalm 23:4!" We started talking and he is from Portland but lives on the Washington side! He's a pilot and is here with his wife. They've been married for three years. 

I finally went up to the room and had a nice shower and Pam and I went down for breakfast.

What an amazing spread of food... I love everything... little packets of Nutella... three or four different flavors of yogurt... Wow... Again, the breads.. the fruit... the cheese and cold cuts... We sat right by the windows... and the sun came out... 

We decided to take the train to Wengen and walk around there... Wow... it was spectacular... we didn't take the tram all the way up to Kleinschindegg... but it was delightful just to walk around the village. It even started snowing... We found a little coffee shop and had apple pie with vanilla sauce. Goulash soup with bread and a couple of cups of coffee... What a treat!

I was able to join/lead the prayer time... and Alan was able to get on!

Well... we headed down and we got back to our hotel room and I packed up the laundry and went to the 'wash salon'. Before heading out, I needed coins... Gabby, the chalet manager didn't have any coins... so, when I got to the wash salon, I asked the two people who were there and they didn't have any extra coins to exchange with me. On the way down, I had tried to get a coin... but no such luck.

The guy said, "Try the train station." He had tried at five places and finally he got a place to give him some coins. I went and could not find a machine to give change and went to the ticket counter. The lady was so gracious to give me two 5 francs coins... I ran back and had to figure out how to get the machine to work. Another lady was there... and I finally decided to put the coin in to see if the door to the washer would open and it did!

There were soap 'pills' there for free... and while I waited, I chatted with the lady... She's from Utah and they seem to be quite wealthy. Anyhow, her husband and daughter came in and he is a runner... So I went back to the room and got the Soochow Ultra Running shirt and gave it to him! Another couple from Australia came in...They are from Brisbane... The waiting time went by very quickly. 

The laundry was finished and I packed everything up and ran back to the room. Pam and Suz helped me to hang everything around the room... and we were off to dinner.

We made a reservation for the restaurant at Camp Jungfrau... 6pm! I ordered the pizza with Raclett cheese and pickles. It's a local favorite... And it was so good... All the meals that we have had have been so delicious. 

We walked back, going into the cemetery and it was quite 'beautiful'. There were freshly planted flowers and the gravestones were so interesting... 

Oh... I forgot to mention that in Wengen there was a Hotel Regina with a sushi restaurant. It was as if Mom was right there. We had a hotel in Pomona called Chalet Lodge... She could have come to Switzerland and opened a Chalet Regina. People would have loved her!

After dinner, we came back to our hotel and just rested... 

What's on the plan for tomorrow? Well... I for sure will go for another run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Day of Bus & Train... and Yes Lots of Walking!

I was up early and had breakfast after my time with Jesus.

It was going to be a day of travel...

We got a taxi to take us to the bus station and the FlexBus was late... and we were worried that we won't catch our train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost.

We barely made it... and the train was very crowded!

The Swiss train had no WiFi... so at 2:45 I used my data and had a call of prayer with House of Praise! Before 2:59 (which was the time that our train was to arrive to Interlaken Ost, Pam and Suz were getting their suitcases as people were getting off. The sign said Interlaken West and I kept asking, "Is Interlaken Ost the same as Interlaken West?" Pam kept saying, "I don't know what Ost mean..." 

Well... I should have just said "It is not the right station1" But my brain wasn't working... 

Anyhow, we got off one station too early and had to wait for the next train... but we were able to catch our original scheduled train from Interlaken Ost to Lautenbrunnen and we walked to our Chalet Rosa! It's a delightful place... with breakfast each morning. 

The room is so nice... 

After settling down, we got ready to hike as the weather was so splendid!

We hiked for more than 2 hours and had dinner at Hotel Overland. It was kind of expensive and I ordered Oberland Rosti... unfortunately, it was more cheese than potato pancake. Suz ordered curry rice and that was so good. I ate quite a bit of hers as I love basmati rice!

We walked back to our chalet and I noticed a gal reading her Bible. So, I went to talk to her. She lives in Geneva but is originally from Rio de Janiero Brazil. I shared with her the verses I love: Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 23 and John 15:5. After reading Matthew 6:33, she started to cry. I don't know why. But I think it was God. When we finished reading all the verses, I asked her about her children and her husband. And we pray... She hugged me and thanked me... and tears continued to flow... We exchanged our contact information as I went up to the room.

Pam and Suz were up in the room already... and after Pam took a bath, I went and had my shower. I will consider doing a load of clothes tomorrow. 

We were all exhausted. 

Tomorrow... I hope to go for a run! It will be the same trail we hiked today!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tubingen... In A Day!

I was up and did not go for a run... I wanted to go and enjoy the splendid breakfast... BUFFET...

There were five different kinds of yogurt, fresh fruit, 10 different kinds of bread, hot dishes, hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs... ratatouille (very delicious), bacon, sausage links, meatballs... And a coffee machine that had 10 different choices. They even provided soy bean milk or oat milk! Oh... and three different kinds of juice... And I'm sure I'm forgetting what else... like cheese and cold cuts and salad... Trust me... I ATE A LOT!

We sat and talked and enjoyed our breakfast! We finally left at around 10:30 and did our own walking tour! We hit all the spots and walked and shopped... We had a delightful time... and ended the evening at the best dinner restaurant! It was Stevie's treat for "Mother's Day".

I bought China Oel, more gummy candies, Ritter sports, and saw a pair of shoes at the second hand store: Doghammer... usually 180Euro for sale for 63Euro. The pair was completely brand new and my size. But I don't need a pair of shoes... even though it was in green. I'd spend the money for running shoes, but not for hiking shoes... plus, the arch was just not perfect! Maybe I will regret not buying them... but still... I'm glad I walked away!

We were back at the hotel by 7:30 and started packing... We have an early day tomorrow... Onward to Zurich and then to Lautenbrunnen via Interlaken!

I was able to join the prayer time this afternoon! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Moving On...

I was up and did not go for my run... the day looked just marvelous... 

After my time with Jesus, I went down to breakfast... We could sit from 7-10... feasting... I just loved sitting there, looking out to Haupstrasse... the food was just fabulous and no one rushes you...

Pam and I went to the Castle... and walked around. But just before we got to the Castle, we saw a nice souvenir shop and we went in. I saw this simple wooden Christmas ornament that says Heidelberg and had a manger scene. So, after we walked around the castle, we went and bought the souvenirs. I just got that ornament whereas Pam got a few nice items and gifts.

Suz was already back at the hotel and having a cup of tea. I went and walked a bit more before our taxi arrived and we were headed to Haupbahnhof. The taxi was 20Euro... but it was raining... so... the gals thought it wasn't good to take the public transport... 

As we waited at the platform, the train got pushed back again and again... and finally, it said -- CANCELLED!

So, off we went to the information booth and had to re-route. And because of that, I could not join the Heaven's Bible study but I did make it for the prayer time!

We had to change several times and arrived at Tubingen by 5:40! Wow... We took another taxi that was 12Euro to our hotel. 

It was still raining... sprinkling... 

We settled into our room... and we headed off!

We will be in this quaint place for two nights, three days... the weather looks wet... please pray!

But overall, the trip has been most fantastic!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday in Heidelberg... Enchanting... Blessed...

I was up early and enjoyed having my time while the gals slept... But we had an early start as church was at 11:15 and we had a walk...

We had our breakfast in the room and packed up and checked out... 

We walked with our luggage to the Goldener Falke which was about 100 meters away! They let us drop off the luggage right in the restaurant... very safe! And we took off... I had brought my laundry thinking that the laundromat right next to the church would be opened. But it turned out that the supermarkets and the laundromats all closed on Sunday. 

We arrived at the church by 10:50 and it was nice to just sit. The service was one hour and the worship team was a group of young adults.

After the service, we found a Bakerei and bought these delicious sandwiches and ate at a table set up right on the Haupstrasse. Pam used her phone to buy the Nekar River Cruise tickets... 45euro per person. And it started at 2:30. The cruise went about 15 kilometers down and then back, taking about three hours. Drinks were free... and we had nice bread with us to munch on!

After getting off, we walked to our hotel, which was right on the Haupstrasse... VERY VERY NICE... and we get a full on breakfast tomorrow morning from 7-10am. That's going to be so enjoyable!

The room is absolutely fabulous. We opened the windows and can hear the bells from the Holy Ghost Church and a violin player right on the streets below. 

Stevie, Suz's son, wanted to treat us to dinner for our Mother's Day Celebration. We are going to have dinner at a place with table cloth... that means it's going to be super super super NICE! We also want to walk up to the Schloss for an evening view...

I'm so glad we extended our stay in Heidelberg... 

I will go for another run tomorrow morning... and there is no rush as our train is at 13:56.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Funicle & Castle Courtyard...

 I was up early... and did go out for a nice 10K run... Absolutely enjoyable...The path was much nicer with fewer obstacles... I still had some stairs but overall, it was delightful!

I got back and the gals were up... and getting ready. But still... we took our time before taking off at around 11am to take the funicle up to the castle and go inside the courtyard and see a few 'museums' before taking the funicle up to the highest point. The cost of everything was 17euro per person. We didn't get back down until 4pm and had Doner for our "lunch". We ate the whole thing and could not imagine eating more for dinner. We decided to go to the bakery and buy a few desserts for our evening 'meal'. Then we walked back to our hotel room to rest. There were so many tourists around that it was quite crowded... and the weather got really warm.

So... it was nice to be in our room... but we plan to go out again for another walk on the other side of the Nekar River.

We will check out and be in another hotel on Sunday... which includes breakfast for Monday. It's a great treat... as we head to Tubingen on Monday afternoon... it will be our final day in Heidelberg at a fancy hotel with our breakfast at the hotel.

I hope to get another run in on Monday...

So, we did leave at around 6:30 to walk across the Old Bridge and through the Winding Walled Path that comes out on Philosophen Weg and we sat there and talked until we had to go back down as it's difficult to walk down in the dark.

We were back around HaupStrasse and Suz and Pam got Eis (Gelato) but I'm not into sweets... and there are no pomme frites stands... We sat at the ice cream shop and finally walked back to our hotel at around 10pm. The place was still filled with people eating at outdoor cafes...

Walking by the Schloss is always special... no matter what time of day it might be...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Moore Haus & More...

I was not up too early... as I was up a few times with diarrhea... I think I ate too much at dinner time... and I have not had a full slice of pork chop or so many fries... 

So... I had my time with Jesus and did not go for a run even though the weather was so perfect.

At around 9am, we went out for breakfast. I just had some delicious bread and soup... and I bought extra delicious bread that I chewed on throughout the morning.

We then went up to Moore Haus as the lady in charge had time to give us a full tour. To get to Moore Haus, we walked the "Killer Stairs". We had a full two plus hours tour... It was delightful!

We then went to the castle and walked around some more... 

On the way down, we stopped at a gift shop and I bought two magnets. I realized that in all these years, I never had a magnet from Heidelberg. 

We dropped everything off at our hotel room and went out to walk the Haupstrasse... and do more shopping. I bought more Haribo candies... and we stopped at the supermarket as I wanted some sparkling water... it felt great on my tummy!

We found a great garden cafe and stopped to have cake and coffee... and I finally felt good enough to have some coffee... and we're talking about coffee topped with a great huge spoonful of fresh whipped cream. It's not coffee... it's a dessert!

We came back to the hotel room and it was already 4:30pm. I missed the Prayer Time... 

We finally went out to dinner at 8:30... and had Italian food... I had a salad and a baked potato. 

We also bought more dessert to bring back to our room but we were all too full to eat... 

We walked at least 19,000 steps. And we will walk more tomorrow.

The weather has been fantastic!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

One Year...

I did not sleep well... It wasn't the bed... I just tossed and turned... but I still got up before dawn and had my time with Jesus... 

I drank the rest of the carrot juice... had my coffee... ate the bread with cheese... and at around 7:45, I went out to run. I had charted the path... but I couldn't just run without thinking... It was unfamiliar... Yet the weather was fabulous... I warmed up quite quickly... 

The 10K went fast... I was hoping to finish in 63 minutes, but with the few obstacles that I encountered, I couldn't... obstacles such as men cutting the grass and trees... having to go up some stairs... crossing this plank style steel bridge...  

I got back and took a shower and made myself a mug of milk tea (from the packets I brought) and proceeded to finish the second bread with slices of gouda cheese.

I wanted to figure out a way to charge my computer and while waiting for it to charge, I fell asleep... it was fabulous! I napped for two hours. 

When I woke up, I got a message from Pam and Suz. They've arrived and will take the 13:51 train from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg Altstadt and I'll be there to meet up with them! 

I blogged for House of Praise. I finished the discussion questions from the Sunday sermon! I checked my emails. It was just a very 'chill' morning... which flew by so fast. I feel that way about this whole year. 

As for Pam and Suz, I think they might want to rest a bit... but we will eat out this evening... and they will most likely sleep early. Tomorrow we will go up to Moore Haus!

I am going to hit publish... even though the day is not done!

Today was to be a day of Reflection... and it is Thursday, which is also my usual PR Day (my Sabbath Rest Day). I didn't get on to write more of my reflection about this year... Perhaps at the end of my trip I will do that... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First

!

I Made It...

I was up early and enjoyed being alone... in what I call the "Upper Room"... 

I went down at 6:30 and had my three in one coffee packet and my breakfast... delicious!

Serge and Nancy came down at around 7:15 and their friend, Hegette, came down around 7:45am. We sat and chatted and the time flew by. 

Serge and Nancy drove me to the local station and I took the 'tram' to Brussels and got on the train to Koln Main Station. I didn't have to rush and at Koln Station, I bought my favorite pretzel rolls and a cheese and veggie sandwich and got on the train. The ride was great... the scenery... the seats... I didn't go and sit in a cart... I just sat at a place with a table. At 2:45 I joined the HOP Prayer time!

The train arrived a bit late but at around 15:52, I was at Heidelberg Haupbanhof. The map said it was a 3.1km walk to Haupstrasse and I decided to walk... why not? It just felt right... the weather had forecast rain, but the sun was peaking through the clouds... and it just felt good to walk. It was a walk down memory lane!

I passed the Aldi Sud... the mall where the Chinese restaurant used to be... the McDonald's... The Kaufhaus (which is no longer there) and the Mueller (that is a great place to buy fizzy vitamins and China Oil). 

I got to Hotel Sudpfanne at around 5pm and checked in. I dumped my stuff and took the items to mail... found the nearest post office and walked over! The package is on its way to the UK. 18.88Euro!

Then I walked to Penny, the Supermarket... passing lots of bookstores... and the churches... and I heard organ music and walked in. I wasn't in any hurry... 

At Penny, I saw Haribo Candies... and so many great desserts... the kind that Alan would love... I decided to get some now... no desserts... just the candies. I also decided that I wasn't going to run but just meander and walk around... I also bought my favorite carrot juice, soybean milk, special German rolls and cheese! YIPPY! 100% carrot juice for 60NT$! That was my dinner!

I slowly walked back to the hotel and made some tea, drank the carrot juice (it was a good size carton) and a glass of soybean milk!

It was still light outside... so I went out again... this time with my jacket. The wind was picking up! I walked to the bridge, took some more pictures and came back to the hotel.

I wanted to sleep early... and wake up early... 

I will go for a run tomorrow morning after my quiet time...

Tonight at 9:33 (which is May 7th, 3:33 Taiwan time) Mom passed away... 

It is a gift that I am here in Heidelberg... Tomorrow will be a reflection day... A whole year has flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Nice and Chilly!

I was up early... and just had a nice relaxing morning. 

We had breakfast together... for me, two eggs, and cheese! And coffee...

Nancy took me to this great park. She sat and sketched while I ran my 10K! It was so nice and chilly... no rain, even though rain was predicted. It was 11 degrees, but the real feel was like 6! Wow...

We came home for lunch and she made a huge salad and steak! Wow... so delicious!

At 4:45, we went out to dinner... Pomme frites mit mayo... it was one of the most famous places in Antwerp!

We walked around the area and that was so nice... and came home at 7:30. I blogged and checked my emails and packed. 

They will take me to the train station and I will head out to Heidelberg tomorrow!

This has been an amazing vacation! And it's only started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

And I'm Here...

What a day... 

The flight from Beijing to Frankfurt was super crowded... the food was great... I'm not too picky and the flight attendants were all super attentive... I guess that's why they are called Flight Attendants???

I drank lots of coconut water, which was super refreshing. And they had delicious tea. But I did not have any coffee or Coca Cola... For the 'midnight snack' I had a chicken bun. Then for breakfast, I had congee. The mid-flight snack was just chocolate cookies. I took three as they'd be good before a run!  

The fight landed and the airport seemed so huge... I'm thinking: Have I been to this airport before? It was like a maze and not very many restrooms... and no hot water dispensers... I finally found a restroom and then went through customs and got my bag... That was all done very efficiently. 

I tried to ask about the donation box. No one knew where it was located, although they all knew that there was one: somewhere. I found the post... but it doesn't open until 9am. DARN IT!

So I proceeded to find the long distance train ticket counter... wow... it was in an 'office'. And the train ticket to Antwerp was not 'cheap', more than if someone buys it via the internet. I got the ticket for the 8:48 train from Track 7. So, I walked down and stood on the platform. A train came at 8:39 and I got on... and in two minutes, it took off. And I was thinking: something is wrong! I looked at the seats and they showed that they were reserved from one point to another point and the destination point said: Dusseldorf! What? I said out loud: is this train going to Dusseldorf? The passengers all looked and three or four of them actually responded with a nod! In utter shock and disbelief, I said: I need to be going to Brussels!

One lady said: Let me see if I can help! She got on her phone and started typing! "The best thing you can do is take this train and get off at Koln. BUT, this train is going to Koln South. You need to take a "S" train to Koln Main! And then...perhaps you can catch the train to Brussels." She wrote down everything, including the track number and the time. If not, what would be the next train from Koln Main to Brussels! And from Brussels to Antwerp! The worst case scenario: I'd get to Antwerp at 3:34 instead of 12:03! 

Well... I stood all the way to Koln South... and before getting off, I thanked her. I run to catch the S Bahn (train). I took the train one stop to Koln Main. I run to the track... WOW... ICE 316 was late! By 12 minutes! But now, I might not catch the 11:33 from Brussels to Antwerp as the train now is delayed and won't arrive to Brussels until 11:38! The train to Brussels was so packed... The conductor said that if the seat has a green light, it is available. But every seat had a red light! It turned out that several trains were cancelled and the lights were all jumbled! Thus, everything was showing RED! I sat down as the aisle was packed with people. And soon, people came who had the reservation for the seat I was sitting in. I walked down to the next cart... no seat... And I walked down to the next cart: now the lights were changed! GREEN was appearing quite often. I found a seat and sat down and read my Bible and prayed, just giving thanks!

The train arrived in Brussels and I run to Track 11 from Track 5, where the train to Antwerp Central was to be... but it is already 'late'. I looked up at the sign on Track 11: Antwerp Central, 11:33. What??? A train pulled up... I asked several people before just hopping on: Antwerp Central. And they all nodded! I get on... I arrived at Antwerp Central at the original time of my original purchased ticket! 12:03!!!! 

The station looked huge... Again... I'm thinking: was this station like this some four years ago when I came with Isaiah and Abby??? 

Nancy and Serge were there already... and they took me to the coffee shop where I had sparkling water! I was so thirsty!

We drove to their place and I'm amazed! "Is this the place I was at where it was only a shell and nothing much was built up around the area?"

Their place is beautiful! They took out a delicious spread of cheese and cold cuts and we sat and talked and talked and talked. At 2:45 (which was 8:45 Taiwan time), I got on and prayed with those at House of Praise. And after that,  I got a tour of their place and they put me up in their huge guest room with my own bathroom!

I unpacked and then went out for a walk about... I didn't find a running route.

I didn't want dinner... I came back up and changed into my pajamas. I blogged and I went to bed by 7pm.

Wow... what an amazing day!

The Lord did it... He carried me through! 

He can redeem all our mistakes. 

He provides people who are so very helpful on this journey when we take a 'wrong turn' or in my case, hop on a 'wrong train'!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

And I'm Off...

I was up early... and wanted to attend the 9am service. I walked down and paid a few bills on the way to church. The service was quite long... And I sat net to a neighbor from our complex! And her husband was leading worship!

On the way back, I stopped to get fun breakfast breads for Isaiah to bring to work and I was home.

I got online and booked a few of my train tickets. Suz has done most of the tickets... I still need Frankfurt to Antwerp, but I will buy that after I land! I want to find the church donation office and the post office. Then I'll head on the train and most likely be in Antwerp by or before 3pm!

I packed up my stuff, ate lunch, took a shower and hopped on the scooter with Alan. He was going to church for discipleship. He dropped me off at the MRT Station where my mom had her day care center (I thought that was pretty special!) and he took off. I got on the MRT. I then took the bus to Song Shan Airport and bussed to Taoyuan Airport, Terminal 2! The check in counter did not open until 16:10!

I had over an hour! 

Good time to check things...

And after checking in, I went up to the gate! Why not? I wanted to sit and think and blog... and watch the service. I had invited a couple of people to the service... I thought I wasn't leaving until Monday night! God is in control! 

I'm here in Frankfurt! Couldn't send anything in Beijing!

So many came to church... what a miracle! 

The flight from Taipei to Beijing was very nice. But the plane was quite old... I had a whole row of seats... and the food was quite decent!

Four hours in Beijing and I slept and walked around. And at 2am, we boarded. PACKED like sardines...

I'll write more later... but I'm off to donate coats and then take the train to Antwerp.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Getting Ready!

I was up early... even though I went to bed at 1am... and I did go for a run... only 10k... with only 23.63K this whole week... Hopefully, I will be doing more runs when I am in Europe! The weather looks chilly!

I did a load of laundry as it was overflowing... and then went out to tutor! The hour flew by and I was home by 12:40!

I ate a nice salad lunch and then started packing!

I don't want to bring a lot but I have three coats that I want to donate to the homeless in Germany. I had gifts of snacks for Nancy and Serge. I have a gift to mail to someone in the UK. And I'm only bringing in carry on but it weighs a bit, so I will be checking that in! YEAH!

WI made dinner reservation for 5pm and met up with Angel and got my phone!

After dinner, I got home and tried to get everything taken cared of... That was a lot of work.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It Was... (Fill In the Blank)

I was up early and again... no run...

I had tutoring at 10:30... and that went long!

Alan and Isaiah came to church as I wanted them to drop off the books and the dish dryer. We took off to Mega PX Mart and while they ate, I shopped. I also walked over to Costco and bought stuff. We headed back to church as my scooter was there... and they went home.

I headed to the Grand Hyatt and met up with a dear friend. We hung out until after 11pm. She had the Hyatt Club Lounge Privilege, which meant we could eat a buffet meal on the 22nd floor. I never knew! The meal was delicious... and they had carrot juice! FRESHLY SQUEEZED... I totally enjoyed myself! What a feast.  Oh... I should mention that around 8:39 there was an earthquake. So... I definitely felt the shaking. 

I scootered home and got gas and got home at 11:45. I forgot my cell phone at her hotel... but that's ok. I don't like thinking that I must have my cell phone! And I hope to see her tomorrow... with Alan and Isaiah for dinner!

When I got back, the recycling was an absolute mess... I got that sorted and went up and blogged and checked my emails. 

I'm just two day away from taking off... Wow... 

So... what did you write for the word in the 'fill in the blank'?

I'll give you a hint: I'm exhausted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!