The BIG Surprise: Sirmione

    On of second to last day in traveling a four-country circle road trip in the heart of Europe we stayed at a wonderful family-run hotel on the shore of Lake Como. Our plan was for a short drive to Verona to stay the night before flying to Paris. We were early. The navigator using her guidebook of Lonely Planet saw a great visit off our planned route to the town of Sirmione. It is a wonderland of castles and views of La Garda.  We met this hippo in the center of the village. We walked the streets and enjoyed every moment of it -- until I paid the tab for lunch. In my pocket was the key to the safe back at the hotel in Como. Our passports were safe! Off we went and saw the city of Bergamo (home of San Pellegrino water) the third time. The passports were waiting for us, and we got to Verona on time for dinner, but the little Mercedes we rented zipped at high speed; the rush of air ridding the driver of his "sweat'. 

Rainbow Over the Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

A people only bridge over the Liffey River in Dublin, The Ha' penney Bridge was built in 1816. Cast iron it takes you near Temple Bar and Trinity College. We had taken the O'Connell Bridge toward the college from the Wynn's Hotel. It was raining in the distance, but always prepare for rain - -that is why everything is green.

 

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 an 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.