My husband and I promised our three grandchildren that we would take each of them on a special GRAND adventure (so named because we are GRANDparents traveling with GRANDkids) when they turned age 13.  Of course, it seemed so far away, until our grandson, Garrett, celebrated his 13th birthday on July 4, 2009. That’s when this all-American boy and his young-at-heart grandparents began their GRAND Adventure to wonderful northern European destinations.

In addition to the three of us, our good friends Peggy and Jerry along with their 13-yr. old grandson, Nick also joined in the GRAND Adventure! For months leading up to the trip, the six of us planned, shopped, emailed, made schedules, etc., all in preparation for the 16 days of travel  to the capitals of the Baltic countries. Actually, we all agree, in addition to the magnificent time we had together on our adventure, the diligent planning was definitely a big part of the excitement, and it really paid off. We experienced no disruptions or big issues.
 
Our first stop was London, where we had accessed AAA.com to book the Best Western Phoenix Hotel, conveniently located just north of Hyde Park. It was absolutely perfect and easily accommodated two grandparents and a grandson in each room.  A hearty breakfast was included in the price, so we started each day with solid fuel!
In London, we became the ultimate tourists. We scheduled a bus tour throughout the city and visited the Tower of London, where we also viewed the magnificent British crown jewels – WOW; stopped by Westminster Abbey and Big Ben; cruised on a short segment of the Thames River; walked across the Millenium Bridge; visited St. Paul’s Cathedral, reviewed the popular changing of the guard, and more. After a dinner of traditional fish ‘n chips, we fell exhausted into our beds that evening.

The second day, as the two grandmas set out for an excursion to Harrods department store, the grandpas and grandsons were picked up by their local guide for the half-day Harry Potter tour. We actually viewed the sixth segment of the Harry Potter movie series together in London on the day we arrived, so they were geared up to visit the sites and sounds of Harry Potter’s London.  They weren’t disappointed! Before returning to the hotel via the subway, these four travelers took a ride on the famous London Eye, the giant observation wheel where they had a 360° view high above the city for 30 minutes.
 
The next morning, the driver of our pre-reserved van packed the six of us and our 16 bags into the vehicle and drove for two hours to the coastal port of Dover. Yes, the white cliffs of Dover really are WHITE and very beautiful. Our cruise ship departed mid-afternoon and we spent a day and a half at sea before our first port. What’s not to love –  our spacious mini-suite, copious quantities of food, thrilling evening presentations, onboard activities too numerous to mention and more! The 13-year olds were in nirvana and the grandparents were also quite happy onboard our luxurious floating city! We experienced four full days at sea during our cruise. These days offered us some rest and relaxation when we weren’t enjoying the ship’s amenities with our grandsons.

Our first port was Copenhagen, Denmark. We visited the little mermaid statue, made famous by Han Christian Anderson’s famous tale; drove through the time-honored Tivoli Gardens; viewed the changing of the guard at the palace of Prince Frederik and his wife, the Crown Princess Mary; and sipped drinks at the local ice bar where everything is made of ice, including the glasses.  Remember Danny Kaye singing “Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen"? That catchy song was running through my head while we toured the “wonderful, wonderful” city.
 
The next day we were in Berlin, Germany.  We accessed the services of General Tours through whom we hired a private guide and driver to show us the highlights of this historic German city.  After a two hour van ride from the cruise port of Warnemunde into Berlin, we viewed the last remnants of the Berlin Wall, the massive Brandenburg Gate, the museum with the rebuilt ancient city of Pergamon, memory evoking Checkpoint Charlie, and more.

At lunch, we eagerly snarfed down Germany’s newest fast food rage.  It’s called Currywurst – a spicy sausage with curry-infused ketchup and more curry sprinkled on top. In fact, the Currywurst museum just opened in Berlin – we barely missed it! I’ve included the simple recipe, so you can prepare it at home and become a gourmet hero.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound kielbasa
Tomato sauce or ketchup
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion salt /1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper/1 pinch paprika/Curry powder to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to broil/grill.
2. Pour tomato sauce into a large saucepan, then stir in the chili sauce, onion salt, sugar and pepper. Let simmer over medium heat, occasionally stirring; bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer another 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, broil/grill kielbasa sausage for 3 to 4 minutes each side, or until cooked through. Slice into chunky pieces.4. Pour tomato sauce mixture over sausage, then sprinkle all with paprika and curry powder and serve.

Our next stop was Tallin, Estonia. It’s quaint, it’s easy to maneuver on your own, and offers very tasty outdoor dining. We also rode the little touristy train throughout the downtown area. We admired the magnificent church and, of course, purchased the ever popular t-shirt featuring the designs of a local artist. Only once did I feel ill at ease when an elderly man approached and offered to sell me a trinket, but when I declined, he declared, “USA, go home.” I was surprised since tourists – and their money – are well received throughout these countries.

Our cruise shipped docked for two days in St. Petersburg, Russia. As a child growing up in the ‘50s, we were taught to fear a communist attack on our country while we scurried home to our basement makeshift bomb shelters during the practice drills. It’s amazing to know now I am able to freely travel throughout this awesome city, formerly Leningrad, enjoying the most fabulous sites with my husband, grandson and friends.  I will never forget the magnificence of the famous Hermitage palace/museum, the breath-taking Church on Spilled Blood, opulent Peterhoff, and Catherine’s “modest” summer palace – every attraction was more historic and beautiful than the next. We ate cabbage pie, blinis, borscht, and, of course, sipped Russian vodka. Our grandsons were just amazing – they were eager troopers who endured hours in museums, galleries, churches and more.
 
We all enjoyed an evening folk show featuring beautiful costumes, wonderful music (of course, we didn’t understand one word but who cares?), and amazing choreography. Our private guide, Nadia, and driver, Uri, contracted through General Tours, were incredible. They took us on the subway, to a local market, to a local pub, and for some exclusive souvenir shopping. Nadia shared many personal stories about growing up and raising children in the city. Sometimes I still pinch myself as a reminder that I was, indeed, a visitor in Russia!

A talking garbage can, a robust farmers market, an eclectic modern metal sculpture, and the beautiful churches – these are my memories of Helsinki. Unfortunately it was raining, so the skies were gray so this colorful port city wasn’t at its most scenic that day.  Garrett had a stomach ache, so we eager to get back on the ship for his sake. In talking to others later, we’re told Finland is really colorful and scenic. You should explore it for yourself.

We all collectively agree that the port we’d most like to visit again is Stockholm, Sweden, our final port of call. After a local boat tour throughout the waterways of the city, a visit to the restored Vasa  17th century battleship which sunk twenty five minutes into her maiden voyage, and some leisure time in the heart of the city, we enjoyed the 4-hours of amazing  scenery from the deck of our cruise ship as we left the port to return to the high seas. There were hundreds of green islands that are part of the archipelago where the locals are said to retreat in the summer to their tiny, but private getaways. We learned the city is now home to global high-tech industries, but the blend of the old and new is euphoric.

I’ve spent much time recalling our ports of call and the activities in which we engaged while on the GRAND Adventure. But, one of our goals in taking this trip with Garrett, was to open his world before he fully enters it. We wanted him to visit other cultures to experience the similarities and the differences. And we wanted to be there with him while he explored the world. We also want to further cement our “bond” with him before he’s enticed into the typical teen’s social flurry.  I can confidently state: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Both the grandsons absorbed the history, the architecture, the foods, and the sights/sounds of these Baltic capitols.

And, I think I’m correct when I say they also had fun with their grandparents. There were really no generation gaps, no barriers between us. But … I must say Garrett and Grandma did have just a FEW disagreements when I’d send Grandpa to accompany Garrett into local restrooms. Of course, Garrett would  just roll his eyes when I shared my GRAND wisdom, “Garrett, you just never know about strangers!”  OK, there might have a little generation gap, but grandmas do know best, don’t you think??

We’re planning ahead for another GRAND Adventure in three years when we take our two 10-year-old granddaughters to new and exciting locations. We’re already thinking about where we’ll go, what we’ll do, etc. As I said earlier, the planning is half the fun!