Henri - HUT search

Henri is still looking for a replacement hat.  He's tried these on to see if one might be a good fit.

This is the Lepre-Gnome look.  Color doesn't seem quite right.

The Mexi-Gnome...This one does look good but still not right although it might help ward off the Chupacabra.

The Witchie-Gnome hat...maybe for Holloween.  A bit too big and somber.

Or maybe the country farm. This is a definite NO!  Looks more like he's wearing a flying saucer.

Perhaps the Cowboi-Gnome for some Rodeo stints on the side when not gardening.

Henri will continue to look for an original Gnomie hat.  In the meantime, he will search the picture files for more Euro travel posts. 

Found a new Artist

Just before going to Europe I came across the music performances of Max Raabe.  I am a officially a fan.






Max und his orchestra are coming to Sacramento.

Last night in Guaire, Ireland

Not much happening with Henri as far as the hat issue.  Did some visiting with authentic Irish locals and got to see their new brood.  They are friendly as can be but still can not get used to the Irish dialect.  It just gives me a headache trying to concentrate especially knowing they are speaking english.  I guess they also think we speak with an accent.  Henri did tell me he also made friends with a another guy in Germany but he is just now telling me.  This guy is a mister fix it,  if it is broke (kaput), he can fix it.  This guy is lean and mean; and his mantra is that the customer comes first.  Henri really befriended this guy and promises to visit him again.

They are best of buddies.

Tuesday is on to Dublin, the Irish Capital for some last minute shopping.  Perhaps we can hook up with Bono or Sinead or Dolores, although it would be great to run into Christy Moore.  Who knows what awaits the adventurous travelling Gnome, Henri.   On Wednesday, it is off to the USA and back home for some decompressing.  It has been a fun filled vacation trip seeing friends, family and friends.  It was a LOVELY, GORGEOUS and fun filled time.  However, it will be back to reality and the day to day grind.  Henri has lots of catching up to do with all the Sacramento Gnomes back home.  

The persistent song

I have to admit that there was one song which has been persistently stuck in my head.  It started in Amsterdam when I saw an advertisement for Salt 'n Pepper doing a show and of course I immediately thought of their big hit.  I am purging it slowly out of my head as the vacation trip comes to a close. 




BTW:  Henri has been in consultation with the Princess of Ireland to see if a replacement hat can be located.  The first suggestion isn't too keen.

A picture of the consultation.

Hat just isn't right....

Popular song

Check out this song.  I heard it played a lot in Germany and Ireland, too.  Catchy tune...  This will be the song which will be associated with this trip (2010) to Europe. 

Ireland: Land of the Leprechans

9/24-9/25

Arrived unscathed in the Emerald Isle.  The weather could not be any better, lots of sun and the Irish are running around like it was 100 degrees.  More like upper seventies.  There is some bad news.  Henri lost his hat during transit from Wein to Dublin.  He is devastated about this loss.  His hat had been in the family for hundreds of years, it was passed down over several generations.  Irish officials for Aer Lingus have received Henri's request for assistance.  Although not hopeful of recovering the hat, Irish officials are pretty slow to act on issues, Henri will be looking for a temporary hat.  Meanwhile, the stay in Guaire, County Wexford has been going well.  Henri is looking for his distant cousins (the Leprechans of the O'Sheat family).  The moon is full tonight so  things look promising in locating relatives.

If you never have been to Ireland, rainbows are plentiful and the hills and valleys are every kind of shade of green one can imagine.  Sunday will be spent in Dublin Town checking out an antique fair and who knows what else may happen.  

Above picture of Crown Jewels in Austrian Tresury.

 Came upon a Vietnamese (not Viennese) restaurant.  There are plenty of food eating choices in Vienna.

Hum, must translate this:  Guess it means "day exit and not free stopping"

 A bit of an Irish meal...potatoes are KING.

This isn't a Leprechan.  He is a crazy Irish toddler running around the Hood.  Seems to be wired up, A.D.D.

Germany to Wein

9/21--9/24
Off to Vienna via train from Munich. It was a five hour trip. Got to see some of the beautiful countryside as the train moved along. Arrived in Vienna at approximately 2 pm. Henri suggested a slow paced afternoon just walking around getting acquainted with the city. It is Old world and new world at the same time. Amazing that some of the architecture and statues throughout the city are so old

Henri got up early for breakfast which is included in the hotel price. Not the kind of breakfast we have in the states. More like bread, meats, cheeses, juice, boiled eggs, yogurts, cereals...looking for the big omlettes or the Denneys big meals, not here. You can probably find such a menu but one would have to look around for it.

Went around town checking out the museums, statues (there's lots of them), some grub and a fantastical tort for desert. Went to the Shoenbrunn Palace a visit not to be missed while in Wein. Getting around town is pretty easy with the mass transit or one can do the hard core walking tour.

Left Wein to Ireland in morning and arrived in Dublin around 3pm. It is about a 3.5 hour flight but once in Ireland had to do the Customs thing. Once arrived in Gorey, County Wexford had the first PINT of Guinness, it was the best. Henri split to seek out his distant cousins, the Irish Leprechans so do not expect to see him for a bit.

View of the Schonbrunn Palace

Henri's meal:  Real Vienna Sausage

One of the many fountains.

Delicious: Ham and cottage cheese sandwich.

View of Vienna from the top of the St. Stephans church dome.  300 plus stairs to get to the top.

Henri posing at Schonbrunn Palace.  It is so massive that a one day trip is not enough.

Another statue in front of a public building.

The architecture throughout town is amazing.

Vienna is all about music and culture.  Did go on a tour of the Opera Haus.

Stopped by a local church.  Henri had to take his cap off in respect.

In memorium monument to the Jewish people who died due to Nazi persecution.