Roman Rule: Vienna Austria

In Vienna in and around the civic buildings there is evidence of the Romans being here. Just outside, there is a dig that produced old buildings and roads. The Austrian government has left a area to see.

 

The Nice Lady That Almost Spoke English

First the confession: wife and I both took German in College and beside "good morning" I remember little. As we walked around central Munich we happened upon a large building which was obviously a museum. We went in to look around. It was a collection of wonderful things including the Bavarian crown jewels regained after World War II. There were, however, no other tourists in the building. Three guards were gathered at the entrance and one "sort of" followed us. There came a time when we needed to go to the restroom, known in Europe as "The Toilet" as there is no place to rest or take a bath. We asked her and she indicated that we needed to follow her. She could not give us directions in English, and we were hopeless in German. The toilets turned out to be on the fourth floor by the administration office. We were guided to an elevator and up and around and we could never have found our way without her. "Danke".

 

More Personal

Today is my wife's birthday.

This is a photo of at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast

near the main plaza in Florence.

 

Florence Italy Photographic Sites

 

When in Florence it is nearly required to take this photo.

Most of city pictures are taken from turn out on the road that

has a copy of "David".

This photo was taken form the Abbey on top of the hill.

We visited this abbey to attend worship and concert of Gregorian Chants.

Pandas, Penguins and Possums

On a trip you may discover something unexpected. We were on a tour of  Edinburgh and it was suggested that we visit the zoo.

Did not seem too exciting. They had pandas on loan from China and a large group of pengins marched through. 

It is on a hilllside, but the walkways are good.

The Altamont

When people think about the mountains of California they recall photos of the Showcaped Sierra Nevadas that rise to the East of the great  central valley. There are actually a number of smaller mountain ranges that can be found in the state.

The Coast Range lies to the East of the valley. One of the major roads from the valley to the Bay Area the is the Altamont Pass. It rarely snows there and is green only a short time in the Spring. This photo is from the top of the Altamontl looking North showing the Patterson Pass Road and Highway 205.

 

Madrid on your own

Spain is a much visited  country by Americans. Much of America was discovered or colonized by Spain. In California you can visit many cities with a Spanish name. Most people make sure to visit Barcelona, then Granada with the Alhamba. We rented a car and drove around the country. We like visiting in small communities.

You will wish to visit Madrid  major urban center with lots to do.

There is much to see.

We, however, enjoy neighborhood walks.

Undirected we happened on this lovely park a few blocks from our hotel.