Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria

When we arrived Michigan on 7 July, our first destination was at Frankenmuth. It’s one of Michigan’s tourist spot famously known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” for it’s Bavarian(German)-themed shops and attractions. We spent three fun days there. [Click here to view more photos.]

We enjoy these attractions:

• Jellystone Park Camp Resort
• Bavarian Inn Restaurant
• Frankenmuth’s Main Street
• River Place
• Bavarian Belle Riverboat
• Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
• Mini Golf

Background:

• Bavaria, with an area of 70,553 km² (27,241 square miles) and almost 12.5 million inhabitants, lies in the southeast of Germany and is the geographically largest state (Bundesland) of Germany. Its capital is Munich. Bavaria shares international borders with Austria and the Czech Republic as well as with Switzerland (across Lake Constance). Bavaria has long had one of the largest and healthiest economies of any region in Germany, or Europe for that matter.[Read more.]
• Frankenmuth is a city in Saginaw County in the U.S. State of Michigan. The area was settled and named by conservative Lutheran immigrants from Franconia (now part of Bavaria), in 1845. The German word “Franken” represents the Province of Franconia in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and the German word “Mut” means courage, thus the city name Frankenmuth means “courage of the Franconians”. [Read more.]

Jellystone Park Camp Resort We probably spent most of our time at the Jellystone Park. It’s a camping resort. They have grounds for almost all types of camping style - comfort camping - (camping with RV (recreational vehicle) or trailer homes) or the traditional - the one with tents and lesser comforts. We were parked right by the playground, and a few walks away from the indoor pool. On 9 July, my in-laws celebrated 42nd Wedding Anniversary. We were glad to have joined their celebration. It’s the first time in so many since their kids left to be on their own, that one of their kids (dear hubby) was around for their special day. At the campsite in Jellystone Park, we had wine and steak dinner that Dad-IL prepared and Matthew had noodles, that Mom-IL prepared.	At the Jellystone Park. Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 At the Jellystone Park. Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 At the Jellystone Park. Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 At the Jellystone Park. Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008 At the Jellystone Park. Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008
Bavarian Inn Restaurant We had dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, where we sample some german food and drinks. Dear Hubby sampled 4 types of german beer. He then concluded that he liked the American Style beer the most. (No surprise there). While we enjoyed a platter of 5 different meats cook in different styles, Matthew would only eat the noodle soup. The waiting staffs were entertaining in their german costumes and upbeat hospitality and the accordian player entertained us and Matthew especially. Aside from the restaurant, the Bavarian Inn also has a few shops and bakeries.	At the Bavarian Inn Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008 At the Bavarian Inn Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008 At the Bavarian Inn Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008
Frankenmuth’s Main Street The main street is the location of most of Frankenmuth’s shops, where a variation of items are available from genuine leather, fudge to flavored coffee or some unique items. Cherry flavored coffee, colorful toys, genuine leather belts and personalized items are among those that we found interesting. With its well-tended flowers and lush greenery and the authentic Bavarian architecture and landscaping, the Main Street is the area in Frankenmuth that reminded me of Huis Ten Bosch. Huis Ten Bosch is a tourist spot in Nagasaki, Japan. While Frankenmuth is built after a Bavarian town, Huis Ten Bosch is built after a mediaeval 17th century Dutch town. But unlike Huis Ten Bosch which is an amusement park, Frankenmuth is a business and residencial town.	Frankenmuth's Main Street Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008 Frankenmuth's Main Street Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008 Frankenmuth's Main Street Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008
River Place The River Place is a location of more shops. It’s an extension of the Main Street where architecture and landscaping is authentic Bavarian.	At the River Place Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008 At the River Place Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008
Bavarian Belle Riverboat We took a riverboat cruise along Caas River, which flows through Frankenmuth. It was refreshing to feel the breeze and enjoy the sights while we listened to the narration of the history of Frankenmuth and its residents.	Bavarian Belle Riverboat Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008 Bavarian Belle Riverboat Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008 Bavarian Belle Riverboat Photo taken on 9 Jul 2008
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland It’s Christmas in July for us and Christmas everyday at the Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland! It prides itself as the World’s biggest chrismas store. Bronner’s building is the size of 5.5 football fields. I was simply overwhelmed by the really big selection of everything Christmas! What’s also amazing is that all year round, the half mile long lane around Bronners are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. It didn’t surprise us to know that the electric bill costs a thousand dollars each night. We also visited the Silent Night Memorial Chapel. It’s a replica of the original Silent Night Memorial Chapel found in Oberndorf, Austria. We walked around the chapel and browsed through plaques with the hymn Silent Night is different languages with the Silent Night hymn as background music.	Bronner's Christmas Wonderland Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 Bronner's Christmas Wonderland Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 Bronner's Christmas Wonderland Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008
Mini Golf I totally forgot the name of that place where we played the mini-golf! It really looked nice from the outside, the landscape, includig the falls. Matthew joined in the fun by taking the golf balls from where it landed and putting them on the holes himself. When our strikes are getting too plenty, we always joked that we needed Matthew’s help. Of course, Dad-IL had the highest score. He is afterall a skilled golfer.	Mini-Golfing Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 Mini-Golfing Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008 Mini-Golfing Photo taken on 8 Jul 2008

[Click here to view more photos.]

Chilling in Michigan

We have always planned to come to Michigan to visit dear hubby’s Grandma Maxine and other relatives. Summertime is a great time to go to Michigan - not too cold nor snowy and easy to travel. 

Michael, Matthew, Dad-IL Leonard and Grandma Maxine
Photo taken on 10 Jul 2008

We arrived Michigan last Monday 7 Jul. We first stopped by at Frankenmuth. Then on Thursday (10 Jul), in time for Grandma Maxine’s 89th birthday, we came to West Branch. We have been here in West Branch for a few days now and a week in Michigan.

Matthew and I met Grandma Maxine for the first time on her 89th birthday. We also met for the first time dear hubby’s Aunt Colleen, Uncle Les and cousin Jon. They are very nice people, whom I write to once in awhile, receive from and sent cards for on every occasion. Including Grandma Maxine, I am so happy to finally have met them. For dear hubby, it has been years since he last seen them. Grandma Maxine is so delighted by Matthew, who keeps her entertained, and very glad to see dear hubby, her very first grandson!

Charlotte, Mom-IL Sally, Michael,
Matthew,Dad-IL Leonard, Aunt Colleen, Uncle Les and Jon.
Photo taken on 10 Jul 2008.

We will be staying here until late this month. So far, it has been good. Michigan’s chilly morning, cool and windy afternoons and the long daylights (the sun don’t set ’til 9pm) are some things that I’m trying to get used to. While Aunt Colleen and Uncle Les are enjoying their much awaited yearly summer vacation, everyone here is keeping themselves busy. Dad-IL and hubby does house repairs and maintenance. Mom-IL takes care of Grandma Maxine. And Matthew keeps me busy and entertains all of us.

[Click here to view more photos.]

From Florida to Michigan

First day in the RV Photo taken on 5 Jul 2008

At a rest stop in Georgia Photo taken on 5 Jul 2008

KOA Kampground, Georgia Photo taken on 5 Jul 2008

Kentucky Artisan Center Photo taken on 6 Jul 2008

Kentucky Artisan Center Photo taken on 6 Jul 2008

At the Cabela's Photo taken on 7 Jul 2008

[Click here to view more photos.]

Our vacation continues…

We have always planned to go to Michigan. Michigan is dear hubby’s birthplace. His grandmother and most relatives are still in Michigan. So last Saturday (5 Jul), our long trip to Michigan began.

It’s so convenient that my in-laws own an RV. On Saturday (5Jul), with the RV, we started the long drive interstate from Florida to Michigan. We passed by Georgia, Kentuchy, Tenesee and Ohio to get to Michigan. We enjoyed the sights so comfortably. Except for a few traffic jams and RV breakdown, the drive was smooth. There was no unnecessary stops since the RV is equipped with a refrigirator and microwave oven for food and refreshments; a spacious bed for resting and a private room for added comfort.

On the first night, we stopped by KOA Kampground in Georgia. It’s for rest for the drivers (Dad-IL and Hubby) and recreation for the rest of us, Mom-IL and me and Matthew especially. At the campground, we enjoyed the playground and a quiet night with other campers, who were celebrating 4th of July weekend.

By the next day (Sunday, 6 Jul), the drive continued. We stopped by Kentucky Artisan Center where we saw a really nice view of Kentucky at a hilltop. At the Kentucky Artisan Center, we browsed through a lot of crafts and products made by local artists. We also stopped by Ohio. By very late evening, we were already in Michigan but still too far from our destination. Our first stop in Michigan is at Cabela’s. At the RV rest stop, we spent the night!

On Monday (7 Jul), our vacation continued from Florida to Michigan.

I’ve never heard of Cabela’s, but it’s supposed to be a really famous outfitter shop. Dad-IL loves outdoor recreation like camping, hunting, fishing and golf, so this must be his favorite store. He did browsed through a lot of stuffs and he literally got lost in the stuffs. Mom-IL browsed through the very few outdoor outfits. Hubby enjoyed looking at the guns and knives, while I enjoyed looking at the displays of stuffed dead animals, looking at the aquarium and taking photo’s all over. (I know, I’m such a tourist!) And Matthew, except for a few tantrum episodes, he was relatively behaved tagging along.

Later on, we went to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria. It’s one of Michigan’s tourist spot famous for its Bavarian(German)-themed shops and attractions. It has so many attractions including the big Christmas shop. We stayed in Frankenmuth for three days before going to West Branch to dear hubby’s Grandma Maxine.
-

At the Cabela’s, I kissed a frog and it turned into a prince King. Photos taken on 7 Jul 2008

Fun in Florida

Matthew and Grandma Sally Photo taken on 21 Jun 2008

Matthew and Grandpa Leonard Photo taken on 21 Jun 2008

-

Lawn Mower Men, Daddy and Matthew Photo taken on 23 Jun 2008	Mowing the lawn.In Japan, We lived in an apartment building in the 2nd floor. So we didn’t have a lawn. It has been a really long time since dear hubby mowed a lawn! And Matthew really enjoyed the ride …
Walking Gus Photo taken on 25 Jun 2008	Walking Gus. Gus is my in-laws beloved pet dog. Also, living at an apartment building restricts us from having a pet and other reasons :). Matthew enjoys the walks with Gus and even volunteers to hold his leash.
Mary Hollad Park. Photo taken on 25 Jun 2008	Fun in Mary Holland Park. Matthew can’t resist the swing and walking by the pond.
Mr. Buck, Charlotte and Dad-IL Leonard Photo taken on 28 June 2008 Dad-IL Leonard, Mr. Buck and Michael Photo taken on 28 June 2008 Matthew with Mr. Buck and Ms. Vi Photo taken on 28 June 2008	Airboating. My in-laws are blessed with very nice friends who also treated us as family. Mr. Buck and Ms. Vi welcomed us into their home. Mr. Buck even gave us a wonderful tour in his airboat to a nearby lake to see some alligators. We saw a few but the alligators were too small or too quick for picture taking. Click here to view more photos.

Fun Facts About Florida

Lightning Capital of the World

The Sunshine State is also known the Lightning Capital of the World. Florida is not the Lightning Capital of the World for nothing. I have seen lightnings even in broad daylight. The odds of being stuck by lightning are like the odds of hitting the lottery, but if you live in Florida your odds are unfortunately greatly increased.

Florida averages 10 deaths and 30 injuries a year from lightning. Since 1959, Florida has had more than 350 lightning-related deaths and more than 1,000 injuries. [Read more]

State of Lakes

Florida is also known for its lakes. There are more than 8,000 lakes in Florida of varied types and sizes. In every turns and corners in Florida, a sight of lakes and houses with docks in them are so common. [Read more]

El Lagarto (The Lizard), The Alligator

I have seen a few alligators, but they are too small or too quick for picture taking.

The highest populations of alligators are found in Florida and Louisiana. In Florida, alligators can be found in almost every single body of water, with the highest concentrations being in the Central Florida to South Florida region. [Read more]

Ain’t No Mountain in Florida

At 345 feet (105 m) above mean sea level, Britton Hill is the highest point in Florida
and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state. Needless to say, there are no mountains in Florida!

Day 6 in Hawaii, Aloha means Goodbye

This is the sixth and last in the series of our Days in Hawaii. All photos are taken on June 13, 2008. Click photo to enlarge the photo.

Days in Hawaii:

• Day 1 in Hawaii, Jetlag and Waikiki Beach.
• Day 2 in Hawaii, Beach Bumming
• Day 3 in Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center
• Day 4 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Part 1
• Day 5 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and Beach Bumming, Part 2
• Day 6 in Hawaii, Aloha Means Goodbye

Driving at Waianae Beach

The good thing about renting a car on vacations is that vacation does not actually end even after checking out of the hotel. We checked out of the hotel at quarter ’til 11, had lunch, and off we drove around O’ahu Island in the afternoon.

Our flight  to Denver, Colorado connecting to Tampa, Florida wasn’t until early that evening that we had an afternoon to spare. We visited sick Tom (dear hubby’s younger brother) in his place at Waipahu and then we drove O’ahu Island upto Waianae for sightseeing. We saw more beaches with higher waves and a few more mountains. It was great way to calm down and quietly say Aloha Goodbye to a wonderful Hawaiian Vacation.

Day 5 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and Beach Bumming, Part 2

This is the fifth in the series of our Days in Hawaii. All photos are taken on June 12, 2008. Click photo to enlarge the photo. Click here to view more photos

Days in Hawaii:

• Day 1 in Hawaii, Jetlag and Waikiki Beach.
• Day 2 in Hawaii, Beach Bumming
• Day 3 in Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center
• Day 4 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Part 1
• Day 5 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and Beach Bumming, Part 2
• Day 6 in Hawaii, Aloha Means Goodbye

So we went back to Pearl Harbor to visit USS Arizona Memorial. The day before we couldn’t get a ticket for the ferry ride to the memorial. So we came early. At 7am, the line was too long that dear hubby decided that Matthew and I should stay in the car while he wait in line to get our tickets.

An hour later, Matthew was getting fuzzy in the car so I decided to pack him in his stroller so we can look for dear hubby to give him a break. When we found dear hubby he was almost at the front. It was a good thing that we got to him before he reached the front since you can only get a ticket for yourself and not someone who was not there. Or I’d be out of luck (again), since he won’t be able to get a ticket for me. We got our tickets and waited for our turn. We have a lot of hours to spare so we decided to tour the Museum again.

A brief movie was shown about USS Arizona and an announcement was made - Silence must be observed at the memorial. It is afterall, the final resting place of more than 900 sailor, who were killed that day in 1941. It never occured to me that a lot of souls could still be wandering around that area.

Photo taken from Remembering Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona

Arriving USS Arizona Memorial.

Background: Wreckage of one of the gun turrent foundation.

Background: The wall of names of the fallen crew members.

The battle-scarred and submerged remains of the battleship USS Arizona are the focal point of a shrine memorial erected by the people of the United States to honor and commemorate all American servicemen killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. [Read more.]

When we got there, we saw a few remains of the battleship. We thought we could see the ship under through the waters but the waters was too dark that day to see anything. The massive wall of names of those who died there, and who could still be down there, is depressing, but we were happy to be there to learn about their sacrifice to their nation. Matthew, except for a few moments, behaved well and was also whispering throughout the whole time.

The tour at the memorial was brief but it was worth the wait and coming back for.

Beach Bumming. We dedicated the afternoon of Day 5 at the beach. After our failed attempts in Day 2 to get Matthew to the waters, we tried again. This time, together, dear hubby and I, we held him in the waters and jumped for every wave that came. Somehow, having us together, made Matthew calm down. And having to jump at the waves gave him something to look forward to (jumping) for every wave that came along. Although, his grip was still tight, not crying this time was definitely an improvement. Later on, he was enjoying the waters and would let go of one of us.

At the Pikake Terrace

Later that day we strolled Kalakaua Avenue for dinner. Matthew, too tired from the day’s activities at the beach especially, slept while we were looking for a decent place to eat. We decided that we will follow our noses. We shall go for any place where we can smell something delicious. Our noses led us to a hotdog stand. But we went further to this lovely poolside restaurant. At the front area there’s a stage, where it seemed like a show was coming up. It looked interesting. It was at Pikake Terrace at the Sheraton Princess Hotel.

With the poolside ambiance, the music, the good food, what made the restaurant extra special is that dear hubby and I can finally just dine like it’s a date. With only a sleeping baby to look after since Matthew was sleeping throughout dinner, we were able to just dine and enjoy the night.

Day 4 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Part 1

This is the fourth in the series of our Days in Hawaii. All photos are taken on June 11, 2008. Click photo to enlarge the photo. Click here to view more photos

Days in Hawaii:

• Day 1 in Hawaii, Jetlag and Waikiki Beach.
• Day 2 in Hawaii, Beach Bumming
• Day 3 in Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center
• Day 4 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Part 1
• Day 5 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and Beach Bumming, Part 2
• Day 6 in Hawaii, Aloha Means Goodbye

For me a must-see in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor. I must be so influenced by history or the movie ‘Pearl Harbor’, that I think a trip to Hawaii will not be complete untill I’ll see the remnants of Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor, afterall, holds a great historical value.

Background History:
The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941 brought the United States into World War II. [Read More.]

At the parking lot, a lot of signs of security instructions were posted. It’s such an inconvenience that even diaper bags or camera bags are not allowed inside any of the historical sites. But considering the heavy crowd, they can’t helped it that it has come to that extent.Our main purpose of going to Pearl Harbor is to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. We went there early afternoon, thinking that it shouldn’t be a long drive from Waikiki. We arrived there disappointed that the ferry going to the USS Arizona Memorial is already full for the rest of the day. It has been filled up since before lunchtime. We tried to get a reservation for the next day, but it’s first-come, first-serve. But we were welcome to tour the USS Arizona Museum, which we did and learned more about USS Arizona. Background History: The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiʻi, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. [Read more.]	USS Arizona's Anchor The torpedo that sank USS Arizona USS Arizona's Museum by the waters
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park is just around the corner. Unfortunately, babies are not allowed inside the submarine due to narrow and dangerous pathways. So Dear Hubby and Matthew played at the park while I toured inside the submarine. Anybody who is claustophobic will never survive a brief tour inside a submarine or worse work and live there. It was very uncomfortable inside it. And I just couldn’t imagine anyone living in such a cramp environment.It is important to note the this submarine before it was open for the public, has survived WWII and has been given the name of Pearl Harbor Avenger. Background History: USS Bowfin Submarine was launched on 7 December 1942 and completed nine successful war patrols. It was acquired from the U.S. Navy in 1979 and opened to the public in 1981. In 1986 she was designated a National Historic Landmark. [Read More.]	At the Waterfront Memorial Inside USS Bowfin Submarine At the USS Bowfin Subm Park
We toured USS Missouri Memorial with great anticipation. It is afterall historical as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender during WWII and it’s a really big battleship. There were a lot of space where Matthew ran around, unfortunately too many areas where he bumped his head too. Background History: USS Missouri secured its place in history as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces on Sept. 2, 1945, ending World War II. The ceremony for the signing of the Formal Instrument of Surrender was conducted by Supreme Allied Commander, General Douglas A. MacArthur. [Read more.] It has survived WWII, Korean War and even the Gulf War in the early 1990s. On January 29, 1999, USS Missouri was opened as a museum. [Read more.]	At the USS Missouri Museum At the USS Missouri Museum At the USS Missouri Museum

We went to Hickam AFB after Pearl Harbor to restock on baby food, and to look around. Hickam AFB is far wider, bigger in space than Yokota AB!

We ended the day by going for a ridiculously expensive cheese burger that didn’t even come with fries or any side dish. The restaurant is called Cheese Burger in Paradise. We always saw the place packed with people through the our hotel room’s window. We decided to try it not knowing they serve only varied kinds of cheese burgers. I can’t complain about the taste for how right can they prepare a cheese burger to improve its taste? It was good but not that extra-ordinarily good, but we just can’t overcome it’s price …