The group prepares to board the M/S River Aria.
In early October, a dozen Boston-based Grand Circle associates boarded a plane bound for the Netherlands, intent on seeing for themselves exactly what travelers experience on our Great Rivers of Europe River Cruise.
Or, as participant and Travel Counselor Jeff Allison, explains, “Twelve strangers were thrown together and told to have a good time in Europe. Sounds like a scientific study of some sort, or perhaps a new reality TV show, right? But no, it’s just the latest in an ongoing series of Product Training Trips, or PTTs, that Grand Circle arranges for its associates. It’s a wonderful way for us to experience our trips firsthand so that we can better serve our travelers.”
Along with fellow Travel Counselors Christina Bylsma, Nick DiMatteo, Yiannis Ifantides, D’Ionna Willis, Quality Correspondent Andy French, and Product Marketer Cynthia Barnes, Jeff agreed to share his favorite moments from the trip. And although the group joined Grand Circle travelers for only the first half of their journey, they had plenty of wonderful places and experiences to write home about—as you’ll discover when you read their “blog” entries below.
“This was my first opportunity to see what our trips are all about,” Jeff says. “My conclusion: Fantastic! The ship was beautiful, the food was incredible, and the staff and crew just made everything better. And I really enjoyed having the chance to hang out and interact with our travelers and learn more about them and the places they’ve traveled to. Basically, everything about the trip exceeded my expectations—which were pretty high to begin with!”
Bikes and Beer in Amsterdam
by Nick Di Matteo and Jeff Allison, Travel Counselors
There is no rest for intrepid travelers. Thirty minutes ago, we arrived in Amsterdam. Everyone was jetlagged and running on just a few hours of sleep. But that didn’t stop four of us from renting bicycles—and we soon found ourselves zipping down the back streets of Amsterdam, narrowly avoiding pedestrians.
Biking here is a little bit different than in the States. Everyone is biking—they have bike lanes everywhere and there are actual parking lots for bikes! What they don’t have are helmets or anything other than single speed bikes. But it doesn’t cost much (about 7 euros) to rent a bike for a few hours, and it’s such a perfect way to see the city, which is filled with winding canals, quaint houseboats, and charming architecture.
After a short ride, we lock up our bikes and go off in search of refreshment. We stroll down narrow, curving cobblestone streets in between buildings that were built around 1700, and dip into a bar to sample the local Heineken—which is much better than any we’ve tasted back home. Finally, we zigzag back to the bike rental store through the myriad of side streets and return to the M/S River Aria, our home for the next seven days.
Jeff, left, and Yiannis found Amsterdam is best viewed by bike.
A “parking lot” for bikes.
A Dutch houseboat in a picturesque canal.
Nick, left, and Jeff enjoy a post-bike beer.
Kind Words in Koblenz
by Yiannis Ifantides, Travel Counselor
Most travelers have a particular story from their travels that they share again and again with family and friends after they return home. For me, this moment occurred during our walking tour of Koblenz, when a kind man stopped our group to share a personal story. The story was one from his youth, when he was just a young boy during the end of the Second World War.
As our group stood crowded around a plaque commemorating the bombing and eventual rebuilding of the town, this gentleman kindly interrupted our Program Director, Rita, to tell us his about his memories. His story was short and sweet. He wanted to assure us, as Americans visiting his hometown, that he did not resent our presence. He did not hate our country for bombing his town; in fact, he wanted to thank us. He wanted to let us all know that even though American soldiers bombed Koblenz, they were also among the first to help build the town back from the rubble.
He appreciated all our country had done, and he left us with the little English he had learned and practiced as a boy: “Can I please have some chocolate?” And with those words he walked away, down the cobblestone street with a smile on his face and a group of appreciative new friends.
The World War II commemorative plaque in Koblenz.
Quaint buildings like these line the city’s scenic streets.
Impromptu English Lesson
By Nick Di Matteo, Travel Counselor
The program director, Katy, was just wrapping up our tour in Koblenz, when everyone noticed seven curious teenage girls looking at our group. Then one of the tallest girls said something to Katy in German. “These girls are learning English and would like to talk with us,” translated Katy.
Soon we gathered together in a circle and exchanged questions and answers in a friendly fashion. We found out that they were on a field trip and lived outside of Frankfurt. Their favorite musician was Lady Gaga and tomorrow they had an English test. Then, one of our travelers practiced her German and the girls were delighted. In the end everyone was laughing and talking with the girls. This was a unique experience we’ll always remember.
Program Director Katy, left, talks to the girls.
The girls are excited to practice their English with Grand Circle travelers.
Fruehshoppen: A Great Way to Start Your Day
By Cynthia Barnes, Product Manager
One of the things I like most about travelling is trying new food and drink. Aboard the River Aria, our wonderful Program Directors—Rita Zboron, Katy Huyskens, Leiven Van Peer, and Herbert Huetter—introduced us to the concept of Fruehshoppen, the German version of brunch. It consists of copious amounts of sausage and beer, both of which come in seemingly infinite varieties. We had Bratwurst, and another type of sausage, Weisswurst, which is made from veal. The sausages are always accompanied by soft, hot pretzels, which you eat instead of bread. There is also plenty of mustard—hot, sweet, dark, light—but it’s only eaten with the sausage, never on the pretzel!
And the beer! The ship’s bar had quite a sampling, and since we were there seven nights, I tried different ones. I started with Holsten, a traditional pilsner type, which is light in body and taste. The Germans call it Helles. There is also a dark beer or a Dunkles; I tried the Diebels brand, stronger in flavor. They also offer a variety of Weizen beers, which are unfiltered so they appear cloudy—I liked the Erdinger, which was a little on the sweet side but very good.
Program Directors (from left) Lieven, Katy, Rita, and Herbert.
A delicious Bavarian-style pretzel.
Have Frisbee, Will Travel
By Jeff Allison, Travel Counselor
Let’s see: What to pack for a River Cruise in Europe? How about the essentials: Socks, underwear, football, and Frisbee. That’s right: I always pack a football and/or Frisbee when I travel. They don’t take up much room (the football is about half the size of a regulation one) and you never know when you might have a chance to get some exercise.
In fact, we made use of the Frisbee one night in Koblenz, the German city at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. We’d set out to take some pictures of the city at night and were lingering near the Kaiser Wilhelm statue when the police pulled up. When they heard what we were up to—going to the point to play some Frisbee—they told us to have a great time. We gladly followed their advice.
Another day, in Frankfurt, I got up at 6 am to go for a run. Without any sort of plan, I would just turn down any street that looked interesting, knowing that I would eventually find my way back to the ship. I guess I got a little too caught up in the scenery, though, because my half hour run turned into a full hour! Just about everyone speaks English, but it was more fun just to say “Rhine” and have people point me in the right direction.
We didn’t play much football, but it was worth bringing. We played along the river in Frankfurt and also up at a castle in Wertheim. We had some Europeans join us who had never caught or thrown one before, which was a great international moment—as well as very entertaining for everyone.
A group photo in front the Kaiser Wilhelm statue in Koblenz.
Yiannis and Jeff—enjoying a post-Frisbee brew.
Experiencing German Gemuetlichkeit
By Cynthia Barnes, Product Manager
I studied German in college, so I always welcome any opportunity to practice my language skills. There is a German word, Gemutlichkeit that always stumps one who’s learning German, as it’s not easily translated. Some say “easy living,” “coziness,” or “comfort,” but I say it just can’t be translated: You just have to experience it for yourself!
I was lucky to find a little bit of Gemuetlichkeit when we were in Frankfurt. I stumbled upon what the Germans call an Erntedankfest—which loosely translates as Thanksgiving, but more accurately is a festival in the middle of the city celebrating the fall harvest and all the bounty—food, wine, and beer—it brings.
I intended to stop just for a quick lunch, but as soon as I’d grabbed a Bratwurst and beer from one of the stands, it started raining. As I tried to step into one of the crowded tents for some shelter, a smiling man kindly grabbed me by the arm and brought me to his table. (It’s very common in Germany that when there are no empty tables, you just join people at an already occupied table.) They didn’t speak any English, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to practice my German.
The man was from the outskirts of Frankfurt and was there with his wife and friend, and we struck up a friendly conversation. They were curious to know how I’d learned German. After I explained that I’d studied it in college, the wife shared stories about how she’d worked for a wealthy family in Beverly Hills who wanted to have some authentic German cooking. As we talked, other people came and left the table. They talked about rising costs of real estate in Frankfurt, what part of Germany brewed the best beer (Bavaria won), and made jokes about themselves and each other.
So now, I have a new definition for Gemuetlichkeit: Shelter from the rain, warm food, cold beer, friendly people, and a lot of laughs.
A Wurst stand at the festival in Frankfurt.
Cynthia and two of her new German friends.
Happy Shopping in Heidelberg
by D’Ionna Willis, Travel Counselor
After an unsuccessful shopping day in Amsterdam, I decided to redouble my efforts and “Shop my way through Germany.” I enjoyed buying souvenirs in Cologne, Koblenz, and Mainz, but the real fun began in Heidelberg. I purchased a T-shirt for my brother, earrings for my best friend, and then, out of nowhere, I saw the cutest gray ballerina flats … and they were only 15 euro. Christina and I walked into the store but instead of just buying just that pair of shoes, I also left with a pair of boots and two watches!
The store owner then directed us to his wife’s store, just a few minutes’ away, to find matching handbags. Upon arrival at the store, we were greeted with Champagne and fancy crackers … talk about hospitality! Instead of bags, though, we became fixated on jeans and tops, until we realized that European sizing is completely different from ours.
Since I couldn’t figure out the sizing, I reverted to my trusty “size trick.” which involves taking the jeans and wrapping them around the circumference of your neck. If they can comfortably wrap around, and both ends meet, the jeans will fit. Sounds funny, but it works. I demonstrated this for the store associate and the other customers, who were skeptical. They were amazed when I later tried on the jeans to prove that my method worked, and that the jeans fit perfectly. I swear, no one spoke a word of English, and I’ve never had so much fun in my life!
D’Ionna, left, and Christina, right, enjoy some complimentary bubbly.
D’Ionna shows off her trusty—if unorthodox—“size trick.”
Proof that neck circumference relates to great-fitting jeans.
Liquors, Brandies, and Jams—Oh My!
By Nick Di Matteo, Travel Counselor
I gaze up at the traditional German architecture as I walk down the quaint cobblestone streets of Heidelberg. I soon stumble upon a small shop full of liquors, brandies, and jams. The shop’s name is Obst-Brande-Likore.
I walk in and notice they have free samples. I sip the wild gooseberry, peach, and raspberry liquors. I am in heaven. Next I sample several brandies. Then I taste the jams and spreads … everything is delicious. All the spreads and liquours are from the Heidelberg region. I highly recommend this shop to anyone. They have perfect gift-size samples of everything and will happily wrap them up for your plane ride home.
Nick discovered this Heidelberg shop.
Inside, the store is filled with heavenly fruit-flavored liquors and jams.
Wonders of the Rhine, Mainz, and Ruedesheim
by Andy French, Email Correspondent
It’s astonishing to wake up on the Rhine. On each side of the river, castles loom and appear, as if by magic, from the morning fog. It’s a sunny, beautiful day, and I can’t believe our good luck. The sun comes through the mist, illuminating the castles and towns. The commentary from the bridge spins fairy tale names for them: Maus Castle, St. Goarshausen, Rheinfels Castle.
The scenic banks of the Rhine River recall a bygone era.
Fairy-tale castles like this one abound in the German countryside.
Later, we head into Mainz. I never realized what fantastic towns were hidden along these rivers. Where the Rhine and Main Rivers meet, the old town of Mainz is heading into the future. A plaza of modern art and buildings of glass and steel gives way to streets of charming, ancient houses. In the very modern Gutenberg Museum, we see three Gutenberg bibles and an original illuminated manuscript, each a priceless treasure from the past.
For dinner, we head out on an optional tour to Ruedesheim, and I now know what the Germany area of Disney’s Epcot Center must be based on. We turn into the garden of a small restaurant and find ourselves seated near an oom-pah band. A huge platter of roast pork, sausages, and sauerkraut makes its way to our table, and beer flows freely. We laugh and joke all through dinner, caught up in the party spirit of this region that seems both ancient and modern: Truly timeless.
The colorful streets of Ruedesheim.
A platter piled with roasted pork and Wurst.