The Royal Family

      The gates to Buckingham Palace in London. I post this photo because I enjoy watching the British Monarchs.  They are more fun than watching the ones who think they are kings and queens of the USA. This is an extra post as I have to work tomorrow. 

Roman Aqueduct , Segovia, Spain

     When entering Segovia you likely will travel under this aqueduct built by the Romans. It is impressive for how long it has been there, the clever engineering and the fact that in my hometown you can hardly drive anywhere because of the potholes in the streets. Our more modern infrastructure is not as long lasting.

Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy

     Let's pretend. You are an official from some small kingdom in Europe and come to Venice. You are taken on a tour. One place they will take you is the shipyard and show you how they can and do build a warship a day. If you are not impressed by that, or the great food with spices from around the world, they invite you to the Doge's Palace.
     The Doge is the head guy in Venice and to get to the room where he will meet with you, you have to climb a stairway with the ceiling pictured above. If that doesn't impress you, there is more, but that ought to do it. (Photo by Marietta McLellan)

Botswana

     It is rumored that President Donald Trump of the United States does not think very highly of the nations of Africa saying that they where not as lovely as his country. Now, I will admit that I think that the United States is a beautiful and wonderful place to live, but look at the picture above. It is a photo of these ancient "Trees of Life" overlooking what is likely the Chobe River plain in Botswana. I have stood in a place like this with a glass of wine in hand and watched similar sunsets. Tell me that this is a ... well, you likely heard the President's word. This photo is not mine. It was sent to me. If it is yours I would like to credit it. Great shot.

The Seine

You can barely see the Seine in the lower right of this photo. That is where it is in summer.  Right now it is way too high. May the great museums and buildings be safe during the flooding.

Trip Planning

     I suspect that, with all of the wonderful places in the world, choosing is hardest. Where do you want to go? I want to see great places I have been and I want to go to new places. I want to go to a country or city that I spent time in, but missed some things I really wanted to do.

     Our next trip is designed by our granddaughter. We said, "Where do you want to go?". There are certain limits: no amusement parks and no places that the State Department considers highly dangerous.

     We will go where our wanderlust first took us, to Scotland for two weeks and then to one of our favorite cities, Paris in a rented flat. The apartment is near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine (expecting that the river level will be down by then). Granddaughter will make a list of destinations. We have a couple of suggestions like Versailles and the Cluny. I also can imagine a half day in Galeries Lafayette. 

     Books, tour guides, websites, recommendations of friends - all adds up to an itinerary which will be flexible leaving room for surprises.  (Photo by Marietta McLellan) 

Peyto Lake, Alberta Canada

     For many months after this photo was taken, it was the desktop of my computer. The color of the water, the glacier cut walls, the moodiness of the day - all play on my memory. It was July on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper, Canada. It was cold and clear. A wonderful memory.