The Bucket List 2024

Is human knowledge only to be found in books?

As wonderful as books represent, document, and express human thoughts, they are not a substitute for direct, personal contact that comes from seeing, hearing, feeling, and experiencing things for oneself.

Can any book truly capture the exhilaration of windsurfing on Maui, snowboarding on freshly fallen powder at Mammoth, piloting a Cessna single-engine aircraft, swimming with sharks in Bora-Bora, racing a sportbike at Laguna Seca, or seeing Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway?

"The business of life is the acquisition of memories. Ultimately, that's all there is," - Carson of Downton Abbey.

 
As part of my self-development, I have created a list of experiences and travel destinations I want to see.

Ideas to Do

1. Visit the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
2. Explore Tokyo and the temples of Kyoto, Japan (Done, 6/22/2018)
3. Hike the Trolltunga Trail near Bergen, Norway
4. See an Opera at the famous Teatro Alla Scala and the Vienna State Opera
5. Walk the Great Wall of China
6. Explore Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls in Brazil
7. Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans
8. Attend ABK or Pritchard Windsurfing Camp in Baja or Maui (Done, 7/26/2018)
9. Motorcycle around Europe with Edelweiss Bike tours
10. See Northern Lights (in Alaska or Norway)
11. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
12. Visit Hallstatt, Austria (Done, 7/5/2017)
13. See the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
14. Go on a Safari in Kenya, South Africa (Kruger), or Botswana
15. Visit Machu Picchu, Peru
16. See the Seven Wonders of the World:
• Great Wall of China
• Petra, Jordan
• Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Chichen Itza, Mexico
• Colosseum, Rome
• Taj Mahal, India
• Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
17. See the Seven Wonders of Nature:
• Iguazu Falls
• Halong Bay
• Jeju Island
• Puerto Princesa Underground River
• Table Mountain
• Komodo Island
• Amazon Rainforest
18. Visit Every Continent
• Visited: Europe, North America, Asia/Middle East
• Not Visited: South America, Antarctica, Australia, Africa

Places to Visit

1. Thailand (Bangkok, Koh Samui)
2. Greece (Crete, Athens, Meteora, Vasiliki)
   
3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
4. New Zealand (Christchurch)
5. Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin)
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
7. Croatia (Dubrovnik, Plitvice National Park)
8. Iceland (Golden Circle) (Done, 7/25/2025)
9. China (Beijing, Great Wall, Shanghai, Hong Kong)
10. Switzerland (Done, 1/1/2019)
11. Iceland (Done, 7/25/2025 - 7/31/2025)
12. Southern Italy (Naples, Pompei) (Done, 9/24/2023)
13. Sicily
14. Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
15. Rio de Janeiro (and Iguazu Falls)
16. Southern France (Dijon, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Gruissan)
17. Fiji Islands
18. Botswana (Okavango Delta)
19. South Africa(Kruger National Park) and the Cape of Good Hope

Musicals to See

1. Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812
   
2. Crazy for You
3. My Fair Lady (Done, 9/22/2018)
4. Gypsy
5. Guys & Dolls
6. Funny Girl
7. Avenue Q (Done, 9/24/2018)
8. A Chorus Line
9. Wicked (Done, 8/31/2019)
10. Anything Goes (Done)
11. Kiss Me Kate (Done)
12. 42nd Street (Done)
13. Hamilton (Done)

Operas to See

1. La Traviata
2. Rigoletto
3. Tosca
4. Turandot
5. Otello
6. Falstaff
7. Porgy & Bess
8. Nabucco
9. Carmen
10. Madame Butterfly

Restaurant to Try

1. French Laundry, Napa (if I can ever get in)
2. Pizza in Naples (supposedly the best pizza in the world) (Done, 9/24/2023)
3. Sushi in Japan (done, 6/13/2018)

Windsurfing/Wing Foiling Destinations

1. Bonaire (Sorobon Resort, Dunkerbeck Pro Center) (Done, 3/28/2025)
2. La Ventana, Mexico (Aqua Ventana)
3. Tarifa, Spain (Surf Center Tarifa)
4. Lake Garda, Italy (Duotone Pro Center Torbole)
5. Cabarete, Dominican Republic (Vela Windsurf Cabarete)
6. North Shore, Maui, Hawaii (Hi-Tech Surf Sports) (Done, 10/24/1998)
7. Fuerteventura, Spain
8. Vasiliki, Greece (Nefeli Vasiliki)
9. Crete, Greece (Freak Surf Crete)
10. Columbia River Gorge (Big Winds), Oregon (Done, 6/5/1999)
11. Guisson, France

Sports Camps

1. Nico Prien NP7 Windsurfing Camp Experiences
2. Blue Zone SUP Surf Camp, Costa Rica

Ski Resorts to Try

1. Verbier, Switzerland (done, 1/1/2018)
2. St. Anton, Austria (done 12/23/2024)
3. Niseko, Japan
4. Vail, Colorado
5. Breckenridge, Colorado
6. Snowbird, Utah
7. Revelstoke, Canada
8. Nozawa Onsen, Japan
9. Meribel, France
10. Zermatt, Switzerland
11. Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
12. Mammoth Mountain, CA

100 Things to Do Before You Die

1. Visit all 7 Continents (visited Europe, North America, the Middle East)
2. See the Grand Canyon (done)
3. See Northern Lights in Alaska or Norway
4. Visit Australia
5. Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef (Scuba dived on Wailea, Maui)
6. Swim with Dolphins (Inna swam with Dolphins in Xel-Ha, Mexico)
7. Go on a Safari in Kenya
8. Walk the Great Wall of China
9. See the Seven Wonders of the World
10. New Year's Eve in Times Square, NYC (visited Times Square)
11. Visit Brazil
12. Visit Greece
13. Visit Machu Picchu
14. Visit the Galapagos Islands
15. Go to Mardi Gras, New Orleans
16. Celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
17. See Iguazu Falls, Brazil
18. See the Amazon Forest and River
19. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland
20. See Stonehenge (was nearby but did not stop)
21. Sleep in a Castle
22. Stand on the Equator
23. See Victoria Falls in Africa
24. Write a Book
25. Visit Blue Lagoon, Iceland (Inna did so in 2017)
26. Attend the Olympic Games
27. Travel to all 50 U.S. States
28. Attend Oktoberfest in Germany
29. Visit Mount Everest Base Camp
30. See the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx in Egypt
31. See a play at the Globe Theater, London
32. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Orlando
33. Visit South Africa
34. Mountain bike at Soquel Demo Forest
35. Blackpool
36. Dirt bike
37. Be an extra in a TV Show or Movie
38. Ride a Camel (Boris in Israel)
39. Ride an Elephant (Inna rode an elephant on Bali)
40. Run a marathon
41. Walk on the Edge of CN Tower (Toronto, 2015)
42. Surf on Maui's North Shore (Maui 1998)
43. Windsurf on Maui (Spreckelsville, Maui, 1998)
44. Race a motorcycle on a race track (Laguna Seca)
45. Learn to ride an off-road Motorcycle (Hollister)
46. Learn to Water Ski (Lake Tahoe)
47. Pilot an Airplane (Cessna 172SP)
48. Fly on an Ultralight (Birds in Paradise, Kauai 2008)
49. Learn to sail a large sailboat (J/24 at OCSC Sailing Club)
50. Hike Half-Dome, Yosemite
51. Ride a Helicopter (Maui, Hawaii)
52. Dive in a Submarine (Oahu)
53. Go on a Road Trip
54. Shower in a waterfall
55. Travel to Italy
56. Get Married
57. Learn a Foreign Language (French)
58. Go Whale Watching (in Alaska)
59. Visit France (Paris, Nice, Lyon, Honfleur, Etretat, Mont St. Michel)
60. Go White Water Rafting (Sacramento River, White Salmon River)
61. Attend a Broadway Show (Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Cats)
62. Go Camping (Vancouver Island, Olympic National Park)
63. Kayaking (Lake Tahoe, Bora-Bora)
64. See the Mona Lisa (in the Louvre)
65. Visit Yellowstone National Park
66. See an Iceberg (Alaska Cruise)
67. Visit the Louvre Museum
68. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Vatican
69. Climb a Mountain (Mt. Tallac)
70. Go to a Drive-in Cinema (Sacramento)
71. Eat at a 5-star restaurant (Manresa)
72. Ride a jet ski (Lake Tahoe, Bora-Bora)
73. Float in the Dead Sea, Israel
74. Visit Walt Disney World, Orlando
75. Ride on the London Eye
76. Fly First Class
77. Play paintball
78. Rock Climbing 
79. See Cirque du Soleil
80. Ride in a Limousine
81. Ride a Roller Coaster (Disney, Great America, 6 Flags)
82. See NYC Times Square at Night (NYC 2016)
83. Snowboarding (Whistler, Mt. Hood, Mammoth)
84. Go to a Concert (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, History of the Eagles)
85. Start Your Own Business
86. Try Paragliding
87. Caribbean Cruise (Emerald Princess 2007)
88. Get a passport
89. Visit Spain
90. Swim with Sharks (Bora-Bora)
91. Attend a Wedding
92. Ride a Horse
93. Learn to Play Piano
94. Go on a plane/train by yourself.
95. Madame Tussauds
96. Learn to Skateboard
97. Learn to Dance
98. Visit Las Vegas, Nevada
99. See the Rock of Gibraltar (Celebrity Constellation Cruise from Dover to Barcelona)
100. See Niagara Falls, U.S./Canada (Niagara Falls, 2015)

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The Year in Sports 2024

  

 

How was 2024 in Sports? I was more active than in previous years. Tennis was my most intense activity.

• 187 days of playing tennis at Almaden Valley Athletic Club (AVAC)
  
• 97 days of Fitness at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
• 14 days of SUP surfing (Waikiki Beach on Oahu, Lihue's Kalapaki Beach)
  
• 9 days of wing foiling (Crissy Field and Coyote Point)
• 2 days of snowboarding (St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria)
  
• 2 days of cross-country skiing (Langenfeld, Austria)
• 5 days of swimming at Almaden Valley Athletic Club (AVAC)
  
• 5 days of hiking
• 2 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)

How was 2023 in Sports? Except for tennis, I was less active than in previous years.

• 78 days of playing tennis at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 12 days of surfing (Capitola, Lihue's Kalapaki Beach)
  
• 10 days of wing foiling (Crissy Field)
• 0 days of snowboarding
  
• 5 days of swimming at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 5 days of hiking in Sedona
  
• 10 days of indoor bike riding (Keiser M3i) 
  
• 2 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)

How was 2022 in Sports? Except for tennis, I was less active than in previous years.

• 146 days of playing tennis at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 18 days of surfing (Capitola, Lihue's Kalapaki Beach)
  
• 19 days of windsurfing and wing foiling (Crissy Field)
• 0 days of snowboarding
  
• 5 days of swimming at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 0 days of hiking
  
• 10 days of indoor bike riding (Keiser M3i) 
  
• 10 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)

How was 2021 in Sports? With Covid-19 raging, it turned out quite different, with much more surfing and mountain biking than in previous years.

• 77 days of playing tennis at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 42 days of surfing (Capitola, Rockpile Beach, Trestles)
• 20 days of windsurfing (Crissy Field)
• 3 days of snowboarding (Palisades Tahoe)
  
• 11 days of swimming at Almaden Valley Athletic Club
  
• 12 days of hiking (Sedona, Vasona Lake)
  
• 14 days of indoor bike riding (Keiser M3i) 
  
• 38 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park, John Nicholas Trail), with almost 60,000 feet of elevation gain!

How was 2020 in Sports? With Covid-19 raging, it turned out quite different, with much more surfing and mountain biking than in previous years.

• 77 days of playing tennis (Sunnyvale Tennis Center) before Covid-19 closed it. I miss playing tennis!
  
• 14 days of working out in the gym (City Sports) before Covid-19 locked it down
  
• 46 days of surfing (Capitola, Rockpile Beach, Trestles)
• 12 days of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island, Waddell Creek, 3rd Ave)
• 0 days of snowboarding 
• 11 days of hiking (Vasona Lake)
• 2 days of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Yamaha WR250F)
• 19 days of indoor bike riding (Keiser M3i) 
  
• 59 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park, John Nicholas Trail), with almost 100,000 feet of elevation gain!
  

How was 2019 in Sports? With colitis in September, I missed a lot of tennis and gym days. I did manage to enjoy many fantastic hikes. In addition, this was the most incredible year for snowboarding: Bardonecchia, Verbier, Mammoth, and Alpine Meadows!

• 124 days of playing tennis (Sunnyvale Tennis Center)
• 66 days working out in the gym (City Sports)
• 20 days of surfing (Capitola, Oahu)
• 15 days of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island, Crissy Field)
• 15 days of snowboarding (Mammoth, Verbier, Alpine Meadows)
• 16 days of hiking (Yosemite, Sedona, Vasona Lake)
• 1 day of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Yamaha WR250F)
• 4 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)

How was 2018 in Sports? It was my best year for windsurfing!

• 147 days of playing tennis (Sunnyvale Tennis Center)
• 90 days working out in the gym (City Sports)
• 23 days of surfing (Capitola)
• 16 days of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island)
• 13 days of snowboarding (Whistler & South Lake Tahoe)
• 12 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)
• 4 days of hiking (Santa Cruz)
• 3 days of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Yamaha WR250F)

How was 2017 in Sports? It was my best year for gym workouts!

• 228 days of playing tennis (Sunnyvale Tennis Center)
• 98 days working out in the gym (Forma Gym)
• 7 days of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island)
• 5 days of snowboarding (Whistler & South Lake Tahoe)
• 21 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)
• 3 days of hiking (Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge)
• 6 days of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Yamaha WR250F)

How was 2016 in Sports? It was my best year for tennis and off-road motorcycling!

• 241 days of playing tennis (Los Gatos Swim & Racquet Club)
• 0 days working out in the gym (Forma Gym)
• 0 days of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island)
• 1 day of snowboarding (Whistler & South Lake Tahoe)
• 1 day of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)
• 0 days of hiking
• 11 days of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Honda CRF250R)

How was 2015 in Sports? It was not my best year.

• 0 days of playing tennis
• 0 days working out in the gym (Forma Gym)
• 1 day of windsurfing (Coyote Point, Sherman Island)
• 6 days of snowboarding (Whistler & South Lake Tahoe)
• 7 days of mountain biking (Almaden Quicksilver Park)
• 0 days of hiking
• 2 days of off-road motorcycling at Hollister Hills (on a Honda CR150F)

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Best of the Best 2024

Which are the best restaurants, spas, and travel destinations? 

At the end of 2024, I am rating the following (in order of best to worst) based on my personal experience.

Restaurants

Even though Michelin has not rated it, Mama's Fish House on Maui is our favorite restaurant worldwide. It combines an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere with exceptional cooking and a magnificent tropical setting (overlooking Maui's North Shore, near the famous Ho'okipa Beach) to create an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant uses only the freshest fish caught on Maui.

At the end of 2024, I am rating the following (in order of best to worst) based on my personal experience.

1. Mama's Fish House, Maui, Hawaii 
2. The Plumed Horse, Saratoga, CA  (1 Michelin Star)
3. Lagoon Restaurant by Jean Georges, St. Regis, Bora-Bora, French Polynesia 
4. Manresa, Los Gatos, CA (3 Michelin Stars) (closed)
5. Solbar, Calistoga, CA  (1 Michelin Star)
6. Gary Danko, San Francisco, CA  (1 Michelin Star)
7. Ristrot Guivol, Turin, Italy
8. La Foret, San Jose, CA (Michelin Rated)
9. Bouchon, Napa, CA & Las Vegas (Michelin Rated)
10. Weinstube Baldreit, Baden-Baden, Germany 
11. Plachutta, Vienna, Austria
12. Mistu, Porto, Portugal
13. Humuhumunukunuku'apua, Maui Hawaii 
14. Solo, Portland, Maine
15. Araxi, Whistler, BC
16. Cucina Rustica, Sedona, Arizona
17. Lenda Viriato, Unhais da Serra, Portugal
18. Eataly, WTC, New York City (and Munich)
19. Tatte Bakey, Boston
    
20. La Toque Restaurant, Napa, CA

SF Bay Area Restaurants

1. The Plumed Horse, Saratoga, CA  (1 Michelin Star)
2. Solbar, Calistoga, CA (1 Michelin Star)
3. Bouchon, Napa, CA  (Michelin Rated)
4. Foreign Cinema, San Francisco (bad neighborhood)
5. Naschmarkt, Campbell
6. JOEY Valley Fair, San Jose
7. ASA Restaurant, Los Gatos
8. Cote Ouest Bistro, San Francisco
   
9. Chez Philippe, Los Gatos
   
10. Napizza, San Francisco
11. Red House Cafe, Monterey
12. Sotto Mare, San Francisco
13. Passionfish, Monterey
14. Cafe Beaujolais, Mendocino, CA
15. Cracked & Battered, Marina, San Francisco
16. Teleferic Barcelona, Los Gatos
17. Golden Triangle, Los Gatos

SF Bay Area Coffee Shops

1. Philz, Los Gatos, CA
2. Captain + Stoker Cafe, Monterey, CA
3. Equator Coffees, San Francisco, CA
4. Blue Bottle, Los Gatos, CA
5. Alta Bakery & Cafe, Monterey, CA

SF Bay Area Bakeries

1. One65, San Francisco
2. Tartine Bakery, San Francisco
3. Bouchon, Napa
4. Arsicault Bakery, San Francisco
   
5. Schubert's Bakery, San Francisco (Cakes)
6. Fleur de Cocoa, Los Gatos
7. Alta Bakery & Cafe, Monterey, CA

Dishes

• Apple Strudel: Cafe Demel, Vienna, Austria 
• Bread: "Country Bread," Tartine Bakery, San Francisco, CA 
• Cakes: A tie!
• Cafe Demel, Vienna, Austria 
• Extraordinary Desserts, San Diego, CA
• Croissants: "Pistachio Croissants", Thes Comptoirs Richard, Metz, France 
• Flammkuchen: Weinstube Baldreit, Baden-Baden, Germany 
• Fried Chicken & Waffles, Cafe Beaujolais, Mendocino, CA
• Gelato: Bella Gelateria, Vancouver, Canada
• Gnocchi: Osteria Nonna Gina, Siena, Italy 
• Opah, Mama's Fish House, Maui, Hawaii 
• Pancakes: "Lemon Ricotta Pancakes," Solbar, Calistoga 
• Pastel de Nata: Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon, Portugal
• Patisserie: Gerard Mulot Patisserie, Paris, France 
• Pizza: Vesuviana, Pizzaria D'Angeli, Naples, Italy
• Ramen: Matsumoto, Japan
• Sandwiches: Small World Sandwich Shop, Amsterdam, Netherlands 
• Sushi: Shou Tsukiji Sushi, Tokyo, Japan
• Tafelspitz: Plachutta, Vienna, Austria 
• Tapas: El Pinton, Seville, Spain 
  

Pizzeria

We have had pizza everywhere in the United States (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, etc.), France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Japan. So far, our favorite pizza restaurant is Pizzeria D'Angeli in Naples, Italy. We also had fantastic pizza in Japan - at Pizzeria Mar-de Napoli in Tokyo.

1. Pizzeria D'Angeli, Naples, Italy
2. Pizzeria Scugnizzo, Turin, Italy
3. Waikiki Pizza Restaurant, Bardonecchia, Italy
4. Bricks Restaurant Pizza, Turin, Italy
5. Don Kilo, Barcelona, Spain
6. Napizza, San Francisco, CA
7. Keste Pizza, Greenwich Village, New York City (Keste #1)
8. Eataly, World Trade Center, New York City ("Capricciosa" pizza)
9. Eataly Lingotto, Turin, Italy
10. Pizzeria Mar-de Napoli, Tokyo, Japan ("DLC winner" pizza)
11. Juliana's Pizza, Brooklyn, New York City (#1 Special)
12. Hearthstone in Red Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

Gelato and Ice Cream

We loved Fresco Gelateria in Sorrento and tried many exceptional gelaterias in Florence, Siena, Lake Como, Venice, and Lucca.

1. Fresco Gelateria, Sorrento, Italy
2. Gelato in Bologna, Italy (near Piazza Maggiore)
3. Gelato in Florence, Siena, Lake Como, Venice, Lucca (Italy) 
4. Fresco Sorrento Gelato, Sorrento, Italy
5. DelaCrem, Barcelona, Spain
6. Bacio di Latte, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA
7. Gio Gelati, San Francisco, CA
8. Bella Gelateria, Vancouver, BC 
9. Grom Gelateria, Turin, Italy
10. Grom Gelateria, New York City (also in Florence and Siena) 
11. Kamakura Gelato, Kamakura, Japan
12. Eataly, New York City (and Munich)
13. Gelateria La Romana, Turin, Italy
14. Dolce Gelato, Laguna Beach

Spas

Our favorite spa is Aquadome, in Langenfeld, Austria (near Tyrol), but we also really liked the thermal baths in San Montano in Ischia, Italy.

1. Aquadome, Langenfeld, Austria
2. San Montano Resort & Spa, Ischia, Italy
3. H2otel / Aquadome, Unhais da Serra, Portugal
4. Friedrichsbad Therme, Baden-Baden, Germany 
5. Caracalla Therme, Baden-Baden, Germany
6. Alpentherme Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Austria 
7. Miri-Miri Spa by Clarens, St. Regis, Bora-Bora 
8. Scandinave Spa, Whistler, Canada 
9. Tabacon, Costa Rica 
10. Spa LaQua, Tokyo, Japan
11. Spa World, Osaka, Japan
12. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma, CA
13. Solage, Calistoga, CA 
14. Indian Springs, Calistoga, CA 

Hotels

Our favorite hotel is the St. Regis in Bora Bora, Tahiti.

1. St. Regis, Bora Bora, Tahiti, French Polynesia
2. San Montano Resort e Spa, Ischia, Italy
3. The Four Seasons, Punta Mita, Mexico
4. Nayara Springs Relais & Chateaux, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
5. Makanda by the Sea, Costa Rica
6. Torel Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
7. Hotel zur Pfeffermühle, St. Anton am Alberg, Austria
8. Aquadome, Langenfeld, Austria
9. H2otel / Aquadome, Unhais da Serra, Portugal
10. Tabacon Thermal Spa, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
11. Hotel Davanzati, Florence, Italy

Books (all-time)

1. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
2. Night by Elie Wiesel
3. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
4. The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
5. The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer
6. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
7. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
8. 1984 by George Orwell
9. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
10. The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
11. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
12. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
13. Shogun by James Clavell
14. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
15. Sophie's Choice by William Styron
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
17. Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada

Books (2024)

1. The Incredible Life of Hubert Wilkins by Peter FitzSimons
2. The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester
3. Kim by Rudyard Kipling
4. The Unknown Shore by Patrick O'Brian
5. The Golden Ocean by Patrick O'Brian
6. Jupiter's Travels by Ted Simon
7. Columbus and the Quest for Jerusalem by Carol Delaney
8. Table for Two by Amor Towles
9. My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee
10. Tears of the Giraffe (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) by Alexander McCall Smith

Movies (all-time)

1. The Godfather (1972)
2. Schindler's List (1993)
3. Casablanca (1942)
4. Gone with the Wind (1939)
5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
6. Dead Poets Society (1989)
7. High Noon (1952)
8. 12 Angry Men (1957)
9. The Lord of the Rings (2001)
10. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
11. The Matrix (1999)
12. Sophie's Choice (1982)
13. Goodfellas (1990)
14. Amadeus (1984)
15. Aliens (1986)
16. All Quiet on the Western Front (1939)
17. Good Morning, Vietnam! (1987)
18. Modern Times (1936)
19. Das Boot (1981)
20. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
21. The Godfather, Part II (1974)
22. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
23. Unforgiven (1992)
24. Point Break (1991)
25. Double Indemnity (1944)
26. Some Like It Hot (1959)
27. Scarface (1983)
28. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
29. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
30. Seven Samurai (1954)
31. Groundhog Day (1993)
32. Before Sunrise (1995)

Movies (2024)

1. Reagan (2024)
2. The Apprentice (2024)

Miniseries (all-time)

1. The Winds of War (1983)
2. War and Remembrance (1988)
3. Band of Brothers (2001)
4. The Pacific
5. Pride & Prejudice (1995)
6. Shogun (1980)
7. Masada (1981)
8. The Thorn Birds (1983)
9. North & South (2004)
10. Black Mirror (2011)
11. Shogun (2024)
12. A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)
13. Queen's Gambit (2020)

Rock Concerts

My favorite rock concert was Elton John's Made in England Tour at the Tacoma Dome. It was my first Rock concert, and it was a truly fantastic experience. I have also attended his other concerts, such as the Red Piano in Las Vegas, but they had a different atmosphere and intensity.

1. Leonard Cohen, HP Pavilion, San Jose, 11/7/2012. 
2. Hauser: The Rebel is Back Tour, San Jose Civic, San Jose, on 6/1/2025
3. Elton John's Made in England Tour, Tacoma Dome, Washington, on 9/9/1995
4. The History of the Eagles, HP Pavilion, San Jose, 1/29/2013 
5. Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road SAP Center, San Jose, 10/19/2018
6. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Harrah's Hotel and Casino, 5/30/2015 
7. Carlos Santana, Shoreline Amphitheater, 2002
8. Elton John's Million Dollar Piano, The Colosseum, Las Vegas, 10/13/2011
9. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Uptown Theatre, Napa, 2/23/2019
10. Postmodern Jukebox, The Warfield, San Francisco, 12/13/2015 
    
11. The Gipsy Kings, Mountain Winery, 8/27/2014. 
12. Lara Fabian 50, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 9/20/2019

Opera

My favorite opera is Carmen by Georges Bizet, due to the fantastic music and dramatic story. I am also partial to Puccini, especially Madame Butterfly.

1. Carmen, Houston Grand Opera
2. Madame Butterfly, Houston Grand Opera, 1993
3. Marriage of Figaro, San Francisco Opera, 6/21/15
4. Barber of Seville, San Francisco Opera, 11/23/13
5. La Traviata, Houston Grand Opera
6. Don Giovanni, San Francisco Opera
7. La Boheme, San Francisco Opera,  11/22/14
8. The Magic Flute, San Francisco Opera
9. Lucia di Lammermoor, Houston Grand Opera
10. Elektra, Houston Grand Opera
11. Salome, Houston Grand Opera

Musical Theater

My favorite musical is Chicago (most recently seen at Ambassador Theater on Broadway), but I am a massive fan of Kander & Ebb musicals (which also include Cabaret, Liza with a Z, and Fosse). I also like most Cole Porter musicals (Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate!) and George Gershwin (Crazy for You).

1. Chicago, Ambassador Theater, Broadway, New York City 12/18/2016, 9/25/2018
2. Fiddler on the Roof, Broadway Theater, New York City, 12/23/2016 
3. Cabaret, Orpheum Theater, San Francisco 
4. Anything Goes, Golden Gate Theater, San Francisco, 1/19/2013 
5. Grease, Orpheum Theater, San Francisco 
6. Monty Python's Spamalot, Orpheum, San Francisco 
7. My Fair Lady, Vivian Beaumont Theater, New York City, 9/22/2018
8. Kiss Me, Kate!, Orpheum, San Francisco 
9. Saturday Night Fever, Orpheum, San Francisco 
10. 42nd Street, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London, 7/15/2017
11. Mary Poppins, Orpheum, San Francisco, 5/12/2013 
12. The Book of Mormon, San Francisco, 1/7/2014 
13. Showboat, War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, 6/13/2014 
14. Aladdin, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 4/17/19
15. Mamma Mia, Orpheum, San Francisco
16. Phantom of the Opera, Orpheum, San Francisco, 8/21/2015
17. Cats, Neil Simon Theater, New York City, 12/24/2016 
18. The Lion King, Orpheum, San Francisco
19. Les Misérables, Orpheum, San Francisco
20. Avenue Q, New World Stages, New York City, 9/24/2018
21. Hello Dolly!, Orpheum, San Francisco
22. Mathilda, Orpheum, San Francisco, 7/23/2015
23. Wicked!, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 8/31/2019
24. Fosse, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
25. Hamilton, Orpheum, San Francisco, 8/17/2019
26. Miss Saigon, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 11/15/2019
27. Evita, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
28. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
29. Annie, Portland, Oregon

Theater (Drama & Comedy)

I am incredibly partial to William Shakespeare's dramas, especially Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear. Having seen them long ago, I have yet to be exposed to more recent productions.

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Geary Theater, San Francisco, 11/20/2019
2. Emma, TheatreWorks, Palo Alto, 12/4/2015 
3. Les Liaisons Dangereuses, New York City, 12/22/2016 
4. Disgraced, Berkeley Rep, Berkeley, 12/12/2015 
5. Cyrano, TheatreWorks, Mountain View, 4/24/2016 
6. Outside Mullingar, TheatreWorks, Palo Alto, 10/7/2016 
7. The Hard Problem, Geary Theater, San Francisco, 10/19/2016 
8. Daddy Long Legs, Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto, 12/3/2016 
9. Oleanna, Houston, 1992

Hiking Trails

Half-Dome was the longest, most challenging hike I have done. It has fantastic overlooks of Yosemite Valley. However, the other hikes in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon are also excellent.

1. Half-Dome, Yosemite, CA 
2. Little Horse Trail to Chicken Point, Sedona, Arizona
3. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon 
4. Dipsea Trail, Sausalito, CA 
5. Devil's Bridge, Sedona, Arizona
6. Big Basin Redwoods, Boulder Creek, CA 
7. Sanborn County Park, CA
8. Castle Rock State Park, CA 
9. Mt. Shasta, CA 
10. Point Lobos Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 
11. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral, CA 
12. Huddart County Park, Woodside, CA

Ski Resorts

My favorite place to ski and snowboard is St. Anton am Arlberg, in Austria, but I also love Whistler in British Columbia. Whistler usually has great snow with minimal elevation gain, excellent, inexpensive restaurants, and a tremendous youthful vibe (with many other nearby activities such as tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, & snowmobiling). It also has a fabulous Scandinavian Spa! In addition, I also enjoy the fantastic powder at our local Mammoth Mountain.

1. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
2. Whistler/Blackcomb, BC, Canada
3. Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, CA (best California powder)
4. Verbier, Switzerland
5. Solden, Austria
6. Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe, CA (best local powder)
7. Mount Hood Meadows, Mt. Hood, Oregon
8. Palisades Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, CA
9. Alpine Meadows, Lake Tahoe, CA
10. Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe 
11. Mt. Bachelor, Bend, Oregon 
12. Mt. Rose, East Lake Tahoe, NV 
13. Sierra-at-Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, CA
14. Bardonecchia, Turin, Italy (the most delicious food of any resort)
15. Sugar Bowl, Lake Tahoe, CA (closest resort) 

Mountain Biking Trails

1. Soquel Demo Forest, Santa Cruz, CA
2. John Nicholas Trail, Los Gatos, CA
3. Almaden Quicksilver County Park, San Jose, CA
4. Saratoga Gap & Long Ridge, Saratoga, CA
5. Santa Teresa County Park, San Jose, CA
6. Joseph D. Grant County Park
7. Limekiln Trail, Los Gatos, CA
8. Monte Bello OSP
9. Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA

Off-Road Motorcycling Trails

My favorite place to ride off-road dirt bikes is in Hollister SVRA. I have taken classes with Brian Garrahan and have ridden multiple 4-stroke and 2-stroke motorcycles.

1. Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister, CA
2. Carnegie SVRA, Tracy, CA
3. Metcalf, San Jose, CA

Windsurfing/Wing Foiling Spots

My all-time favorite place for windsurfing is Spreckelsville Beach on the northern shore of Maui. However, windsurfing on Lac Bay in Bonaire is outstanding and ultra convenient! I also enjoyed windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge ("The Gorge" near Hood River, Oregon) at Sherman Island in Rio Vista, Coyote Point in San Mateo, and Crissy Field in San Francisco.

1. Lac Bay, Sorobon, Bonaire
2. Spreckelsville, Maui, Hawaii
3. Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
4. Crissy Field, San Francisco, California
5. Sherman Island, Rio Vista, California
   
6. Coyote Point, San Francisco, California
7. Swell City, Hood River, Oregon
8. Rowena, Hood River, Oregon
9. Event Site, Hood River, Oregon
10. 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA
11. Waddell Creek, Santa Cruz, California

Surfing Spots

1. Trestles, San Clemente, CA
2. Ala Moana State Park, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Rockpile Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
4. Huntington Beach, CA
5. Surfer's Point at Seaside Park, Ventura
6. "The Hook", Capitola
7. Newport Beach Pier
8. Dolores Beach, Laniakea Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
9. Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach, CA
10. Pleasure Point, Capitola (great beginners' spot)
11. Steamer Lane, Capitola (experts only)
12. San Clemente Pier, CA
13. Manresa State Beach, Capitola
14. Kalapaki Beach, Kauai (for SUP surfing)

 

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Enjoying Lumagica Christmas Light Show

Sunday, December 29, 2024 

At around 18:00, we decided to see the Lumagica Christmas Light show in Innsbruck.  This was a major highlight of our stay in Innsbruck, and we are so happy that we did not miss it.

The tickets were 19.90 euros per person and there was a long line queued up to enter. I could purchase tickets online or in person (and decided to purchase them in person).

Lumagica was amazing with fantastic, colorful decorations of butterflies, birds, and other creatures frequently set to music. We took hundreds of photos and were amazed at the creativity. 

It was so much better than the Christmas light show at Vasona Lake (in Los Gatos).

Here is a short video of the show:

During the show, we told Alex about it and encouraged him to see it. He purchased tickets later and saw it by himself.

Links

• Lumagica  (Christmas Light Show)

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Visiting Schloss Ambras Innsbruck

After breakfast, Inna and I decided to walk to Schloss Ambras Innsbruck (a 4.2km/1-hour walk through downtown Innsbruck).

As we walked through Innsbruck, we noticed the various shops (including numerous hair salons). When we reached the south part of Innsbruck, we noticed some of the uglier/cheaper housing (rectangular apartment buildings where probably pensioners/retired people reside). We saw excellent public transportation everywhere, including buses, trams, and scooters. There were plenty of bicycles around, too (even during winter).

We were tired from the long walk to the castle, and next time we will take the bus.

Here are a few details about Ambras Castle:

Schloss Ambras is a late Renaissance castle now a national museum housing portrait collections, art & an armory.

According to Wikipedia: 

Ambras Castle is a Renaissance castle and palace located in the hills above Innsbruck, Austria. Ambras Castle is 632 meters (2,073 ft) above sea level. Considered one of the most popular tourist attractions of Tyrol, Ambras Castle was built in the 16th century on the spot of an earlier 10th-century castle, which became the seat of power for the Counts of Andechs. The cultural and historical importance of the castle is closely connected with Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) and served as his family's residence from 1567 to 1595. Ferdinand was one of history's most prominent collectors of art. The princely sovereign of Tyrol, son of Emperor Ferdinand I, ordered that the medieval fortress at Ambras be turned into a Renaissance castle as a gift for his wife Philippine Welser. The cultured humanist from the House of Habsburg accommodated his world-famous collections in a museum: the collections, still in the Lower Castle built specifically for that museum's purpose, make Ambras Castle one of the oldest museums in the world.

We reached the castle from its North side and had to hike uphill to reach the upper and lower castles. 

Initially, we were tired and cold from the walk and stopped by the Upper Castle (which had an open cafe) to warm up. We ordered a hot chocolate and an affogato (the cafe did not accept credit cards, and we only had 10 euros in cash on hand).

While Inna rested at the cafe, she encouraged me to visit the armory, as she was not interested in looking at medieval armor and weapons.

I walked to the lower castle, purchased one adult ticket (14 euros), and started the tour of the following galleries:

• Armory of Heroes
• Chamber of Personal Armor (and Turkish Chamber)
• Baroque Armory
• The Chamber of Art and Wonders
• Ambras Hall of Antiquities
• Spanish Hall (skipped by me)

I enjoyed getting a closer look at the shiny armor from the 16 - 17th centuries. I was particularly impressed by the giant armor created for Bartlma Bon (he must have been over 8 feet tall!)

Some of the armor is from the 30-Year War. According to Wikipedia:

Archduke Ferdinand II's idea of a museum was a novelty: he systematically collected armor from famous personalities of his time. 

He presented this armor "to the eternal memory" of that person - mostly military commanders - in the "Heldenrüstkammer" (Heroes' Armoury); some on display today still in the original 16th-century showcases. 

His "Rüstkammern" (Armouries) contains very rare examples of arms and armor from the 15th century which originally came from the collections of Emperor Maximilian I and Archduke Sigismund. 

Armour for tournaments like the German joust or the German course, and the armor of the court's giant Bartlmä Bon, who took part in the tournament in Vienna in 1560, can be seen. 

The "Leibrüstkammer" (Court Armoury) includes the archduke's private armor and the armor of the court of Innsbruck. Ferdinand's collection of armor was one of the most important of its kind, not only because of the collection idea but also because of the quality and quantity of his objects. 

After finishing the tour, I returned to Inna at the upper castle, and we caught the "M" bus to return us to the Innsbruck Hotel.

 

Schloss Ambras Innsbruck Report

Highlights

• Visiting the Armory of Heroes, Chamber of Personal Armor
• Spanish Hall
  

Lowlights

• Lunch Eatery did not accept credit cards (only cash)
  

Links

• Schloss Ambras Innsbruck (castle)

 

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Visiting Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck

We rode the Nordkette Funicular one level down to Alpine Zoo, where we spent a few hours looking at the following birds and mammals:

Mammals

• Beaver
• Chamois
• Elk
• Otter
• Wolf
• Sheep
• Cow

Birds

• Common Raven
• Bearded Vulture
• Golden Eagle
• Black Woodpecker
• Hermit Ibis
• Snow Grouse

Here is a short video I recorded of a woodpecker:

After finishing touring the zoo, we stopped by for lunch in the Zoo's Cafeteria.  We selected the following:

• Boris: Espresso, Spaghetti Bolognese
• Alex: Beef Soup with pancake strips, Spaghetti Bolognese, Hot Tea
• Inna: Beef Soup with pancake strips, Latte

We enjoyed our lunch and then rode the Nordkette funicular back to downtown Innsbruck. We tried to find a coffee shop (but one was very busy), so I went home to rest, while Inna decided to go shopping and Alex wanted to work out at a gym.

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Innsbruck, Austria

Inna reserved four nights at the Hotel Innsbruck from December 26 - 30, 2024. We wanted to explore the Christmas Markets, visit popular local museums, and ski in the area.

I sent an email to the Hotel Innsbruck, to inquire about snowboard rentals in the area:

1. Where is the best/closest snowboard/ski rental shop (near the hotel)?
We recommended „Die Boerse“ for rental equipment
https://www.dieboerse.at/en/

2. Are there snowboard storage lockers in the hotel? If not, where do you recommend to store them?
You can store your snowboard in our ski depot anytime you need it.

3. Is there a hotel ski shuttle to Nordkette? If not, how do we get there?

According to your reservation, you will stay four nights in our hotel, therefore we can send you the day of your arrival the ‘welcome card’ with which you will be able to use all the public transport in the city as well as some discounts. Here is the form:

https://www.hotelinnsbruck.com/de/innsbruck-aufenthaltsplaner-vom-innsbruck-team/welcome-card/

Just around the corner from the hotel is the bus stop „Marktplatz“ and there you can take the bus ‘J’ heading to Hungerburg.

4. Which ski resorts can be easily reached by train?

5. Is there any cross-country skiing nearby? (If so, where and how far away?)

We have also information on our website about the ski resorts near the city and how you can reach them:

https://www.hotelinnsbruck.com/en/destination-innsbruck--stay-planner-by-innsbruck-team/skiing/

Thursday, December 26, 2024

On arrival at Innsbruck's train station from St. Anton at 12:11, we boarded a taxi (at the curb) and were quickly dropped off at Hotel Innsbruck. Our driver was not sure that all 3 of our large suitcases would fit but somehow squeezed them in the car.

We checked into Hotel Innsbruck and dropped off our bags. as our room #320 was not yet ready. We decided to eat lunch and looked around for nearby restaurants.

At first, we stopped by Altstadt-Schmankerl, but it was closed (December 26 is a major holiday in Austria), so we continued to another highly rated Greek restaurant, Akropolis.

We sat down at Akropolis and ordered the following items. All the dishes were excellent but service was a bit slow and uneven.

• Drinks: Hot Tea x 3
• Soups: Kotosoupa (Chicken Broth)
• Appetizer: Tzatziki with Pita, Octopus
• Alex: Samos Pfanne
• Inna: Juvetsaki
• Boris: Mousaka

The Tzatziki was excellent and the Chicken Soup was delicious too. My Mousaka was delicious and Alex loved his lamb (Samos Pfanne). Overall, we ate a tasty lunch! I wished the waiter was better at refilling our hot tea. I had a sore throat and wanted to drink a lot of hot fluids.

After lunch, we explored the downtown area, stopping by the Christmas Markets (sampling hot chocolate and warm Gluhwein). We took many photos of the Golden Roof and the many colorful creatures attached to buildings.

We also stopped by the Dieborse Ski Rental shop but it was closed. Even though we arrived during its normal operating hours (15:00 - 18:00) and had an "OPEN" sign, the door was locked and no one was inside. Other ski shops were also closed (the day after Christmas appears to be a major holiday in Austria). 

We returned to the hotel and rested for some time. Alex, and then Inna went to use the saunas and the pool. Since I had a severe cold, I decided to rest in our #320 room.

For dinner, we decided to walk downstairs and eat at the Hotel's Zirbenstube Restaurant. Today, the restaurant had a live pianist playing the following songs: 

• Autumn Leaves
• Girl from Ipanema 
• Ochi Chyornye
• The Godfather Theme

After looking at the menu, we ordered the following:

• Alex: Lamb Filet, Hot Tea
• Boris: Tomato Soup, Seafood Platter (scallops), Hot Early Grey
• Inna: Beef Soup, Seafood Platter, Radler, Hot Tea
• Dessert: Chocolate Souffle

The Tomato Soup was not bad, but the Seafood entrees were of average quality. 

The Chocolate Souffle was too dry. I did enjoy the live piano music and the service was quick and efficient.

Friday, December 27, 2024

I woke at 08:30, showered, and dressed. When both Inna and Alex were ready, we walked downstairs for breakfast at Hotel Innsbruck.

After sitting down, I ordered some a la carte items and others from the self-serve island. Overall, the breakfast selections were of average quality (a bit disappointing for a 4-star hotel):

• Alex: Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Coffee
• Boris: Omelet (with vegetables, ham), Peach Yogurt, Coffee
• Inna:  Deli Meats, Latte, Hot Earl Grey Tea

Other than the basic omelet, there was nothing particularly remarkable in the buffet. I was hoping for better quality pastries and more variety of cold cuts.

After breakfast, we dressed warmly and decided to go for a short one-hour hike recommended by ChatGPT - the Nordkette Panorama Trail.

 

To reach the trail, we walked from the Innsbruck Hotel to the Altstadt Station (bottom station of Nordkette Funicular). I purchased 3 adult tickets for Hungerburg (where the trail was supposed to begin) and for the Alpine Zoo (which we also wanted to visit). 

We did not find the exact trail and instead walked along Hungerburgweg to Aussichtsplatz Steigerruhe and turned around (when the trail got steep). There was a lot of snow and a steep drop-off (and we did not want to take unnecessary risks).

Although we saw a few skiers and snowboarders at Nordkette, there were only a couple of open trails and the snow was melting.

We explore the Alpine Zoo next, about which I write in a separate blog post here:

• https://www.wisetrips.net/2024/12/visiting-alpine-zoo.html

We returned to Innsbruck Hotel (and Alex decided to use the hotel's sauna), while Inna and I strolled the old town, taking photos. 

I had made reservations for dinner at Restaurant Zum Wohl Tirol at 19:30. When Inna returned from shopping, she rested briefly, before going to dinner.

We met Alex at Restaurant Zum Wohl Tirol but the wrong one! There are two identical Restaurants Zum Wohl Tirol near each other. I had made reservations at the other one and we walked over. After sitting down, we ordered the following items (see menury.com for the menu):

• Soups: 3 x Tom Kha Gai 
• Boris: Radler (30cl), Chicken Tschakka
• Inna: Hot Tea, Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger - Innsbruck Edition
• Alex: Hot Tea, Pulled Pork Cheese Fries

The drinks were brought out quickly but the Tom Kha Gai soups and the entrees took some time (20+ minutes). They were all delicious!

The old town was mostly deserted at 22:00, and I thought there would be more life on Friday night.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

I woke at 08:15, showered, shaved, and dressed. When both Inna and Alex were ready, we walked downstairs for breakfast at Hotel Innsbruck.

I ordered the omelet and coffee from the waitress and picked up others from the self-serve island. Overall, the food was of average quality, and we selected the following items:

• Alex: Scrambled Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Coffee
• Boris: Omelet (with vegetables, ham), Plain Yogurt, Coffee
• Inna:  Omelet (with vegetables, ham), Latte, Hot Earl Grey Tea

After breakfast, Inna and I decided to walk to Schloss Ambras Innsbruck (a 4.2km/1-hour walk through downtown Innsbruck). 

 

I write about Schloss Ambras (Ambras Castle) in a separate blog post here:

• https://www.wisetrips.net/2024/12/visiting-schloss-ambras-innsbruck.html

On the way back from Schloss Ambras, we decided to stop for lunch at Das Schindler (on the 2nd floor) and Alex met us a few minutes later. We ordered the following items:

• Soups: 2 x Beef Boullion
• Boris: Radler, Large Wiener Salad
• Inna: Small Wiener Schnitzel, Hot Tea
• Alex: Large Wiener Schnitzel, Hot Tea
• Dessert: Apple Strudel

The Beef Soup was excellent and my salad was tasty. Inna and Alex liked their Wiener Schnitzel. The Apple Strudel was small but delicious.

We strolled a bit around downtown and near the Inn River.

For dinner, Inna made reservations for 19:30 in Il Convento (a nearby Italian restaurant we had visited many years ago). After walking 5 minutes there, we waited to be seated (about 10 minutes, while our table was being prepared) and then were led downstairs. After looking at the menu, we ordered the following items:

• Drinks: San Pellegrino x 2
• Alex: Filetto di Manzo (Beef)
• Boris: Insalata Misto, Ravioli Ricotta
• Inna: Insalata Ricola, Tagliatelle Tartufo
• Dessert: Chocolate Tort with Pistachio Ice Cream

While table service was spotty, the entrees were excellent. My Insalata Misto didn't have any dressing and it tasted fine (once I added olive oil and balsamic vinegar). The Ravioli Ricotta was excellent (I could tell the pasta was freshly made). Inna raved about her Tagliatelle Tartufo. Alex's beef (Filetto di Manzo) was also exceptional.

After dinner, we strolled around downtown for a bit, taking photos (until we felt a bit too cold).

Sunday, December 29, 2024

I woke at 08:15, showered and dressed. When both Inna and Alex were ready, we walked downstairs for breakfast at Hotel Innsbruck.

After sitting down for breakfast, the waiter kept ignoring us. Inna finally got hold of a waiter who fetched us coffee (Inna made the hot tea herself). I selected the following items from the breakfast island selected the following items:

• Alex: Scrambled Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Coffee
• Boris: Plain Yogurt, Coffee
• Inna:  Poached Egg, Latte, Hot Earl Grey Tea

After breakfast, we decided to stroll around the Inn River (which flows through the city) for a few hours. It was nice to see various houses and other people strolling. We saw a lot of dog walkers and bicyclists.

Around 12:30, we stopped by Der Bäcker Ruetz - Mariahilfpark (a local bakery chain) to warm up. We ordered the following items:

• Boris: Espresso, pastry with poppy seeds
• Inna: Latte, pastry with cream, water

While eating, we thought that Alex might want to join us (for lunch) and messaged him. He came over and we also ordered an additional wiener-schnitzel sandwich. The pastries were pretty good but the schnitzel was just average.

After lunch, Alex decided to head to the local Starbucks, to program, while Inna and I decided to visit the Hofburg Palace & Museum. We purchased 2 adult tickets (10 euros/person) and walked on the 1st and 2nd floors. We learned a bit about the Hofburg Palace and Maximillian. According to Wikipedia:

Maximilian I (22 March 1459 – 12 January 1519) was King of the Romans from 1486 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 until he died in 1519. He was never crowned by the Pope, as the journey to Rome was blocked by the Venetians.^[2] He proclaimed himself elected emperor in 1508 at Trent, with Pope Julius II later recognizing it.^[3][4][5] This broke the tradition of requiring a papal coronation for the adoption of the Imperial title. Maximilian was the only surviving son of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, and Eleanor of Portugal. Since his coronation as King of the Romans in 1486, he ran a double government, or Doppelregierung, with his father until Frederick died in 1493.^[6][7]

Maximilian expanded the influence of the House of Habsburg through war and his marriage in 1477 to Mary, Duchess of Burgundy. However, he also lost his family's lands in Switzerland to the Swiss Confederacy. Through the marriage of his son Philip the Handsome to eventual queen Joanna of Castile in 1496, Maximilian helped to establish the Habsburg dynasty in Spain, which allowed his grandson Charles to hold the thrones of both Castile and Aragon.^[8] Historian Thomas A. Brady Jr. describes him as "the first Holy Roman Emperor in 250 years who ruled as well as reigned" and the "ablest royal warlord of his generation".

After the museum, we stopped but the Golden Roof area to try the local Sauerkraut vendor and ordered a hot dog with sauerkraut, It was delicious (and much better than any hot dog in California)!

We walked a bit further along the Inn River and then returned to see the Lumagica Christmas Light show.  

I have a separate blog post about it here:

• https://www.wisetrips.net/2024/12/enjoying-lumagica-christmas-light-show.html

For dinner, our hotel concierge made dinner reservations at Ottorburg for 20:00. After waiting about 10 minutes to be seated, we looked at the menu and ordered the following items (our waitress brought out the bread rolls quickly, but hot tea was slow to arrive).

• Alex: Hot Tea, Chicken Breast Toscana (Huhnebrust) 
• Boris: Radler, Tafelspitz, Salat der Saison
• Inna: Gruner Veltliner, Hot Tea, Wilderpfand (Deer) 
• Dessert: Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

My Tafelspitz (Boiled Beef with potatoes) was pretty good, though not at the level of Plachutta in Vienna. 

Inna's Wilderpfand (Deer) was not bad. Alex liked his Chicken Bread Toscana. Ottorburg was reasonably priced and well run (though service was a bit slow in bringing our hot tea).

Monday, December 30, 2024

After our usual tasteless breakfast, we ordered a taxi for 10:25 and checked out of our room (packing all of our belongings in the 3 large suitcases). After the cab dropped us off at the Innsbruck Train Station, we found platform #31, waiting for our train to Otztal/Langenfeld. I had pre-purchased 3 train/bus tickets using the OBB app on my iPhone (the day before).

We almost missed our train, since was parked much further ahead and we didn't realize it was the right train for Otztal. Luckily, we managed to board the train right before it departed.

After getting off in Otztal, we boarded bus #320 for Langenfeld (where Aquadome is located). Once we reached the Langenfeld Gemeindeamt Bus stop, we got off. It was a bit of a walk to Aquadome (I was surprised there was no closer stop). (It turned out that there was a closer stop but Google Maps was not aware of it).

Innsbruck Trip Report

Highlights

• Viewing the amazing Lumagica Christmas Light show (a major highlight!)
• Walking around the old town and marveling at the cute decorations
• Seeing alpine birds and mammals at the Alpine Zoo
• Dining on fresh Italian pasta at Il Convento 
• Dining on excellent Greek Food at Akropolis restaurant
• Dining on delicious burgers at Restaurant Zum Wohl Tirol
• Visiting the amory at the Schloss Ambras Innsbruck (far away, need to ride the bus)
• Visiting the Hofburg Palace to see paintings and beautifully furnished rooms (no photos allowed)

Lowlights

• Catching a cold (sore throat and runny nose) for both Inna, Alex, and I
• Poor snow conditions for snowboarding at Nordkette and other nearby resorts
• Poor response from Dieborse Ski Rental 
• The shop responded eventually to my emails, but too late to rent skis
• Mediocre Hotel Innsbruck 
• Check-in / check-out had usually only one person working, so lines were long
• When I shattered a wine glass, I sent out an email and got no response
• Unimpressive breakfast buffet with slow service
• Uninspiring dinner (slow service, mediocre food)

Links

•  Restaurants
• Akropolis (Greek)
• Das Schindler (Austrian)
• Il Convento  (Italian)
• Ottorburg (Austrian)
• Restaurant Zum Wohl Tirol (burgers)
• Der Bäcker Ruetz - Mariahilfpark (cafe & bakery)
• Hotel Innsbruck (hotel, spa, restaurant)
• Nordkette (ski resort and funicular)
• Alpine Zoo (zoo)
• Schloss Ambras Innsbruck (castle)
• Lumagica  (Christmas Light Show)
• Hofburg Palace (palace and museum)

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