The Smoke That Thunders: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

        "The Smoke That Thunders" is what it is called in the local languages. It is fitting. A visit to Victoria Falls will be long remembered. A few of our party took a helicopter flight over the falls and then down the Zambezi River canyon. Others hiked along the edge of the drop. You can visit it from the Zambia or Zimbabwe sides. You need a low-cost visa to get into Zimbabwe. Indeed the smoke thunders. You will know you are there a long time before seeing it. For your visit bring along fresh water and a poncho. The poncho is needed if you don't want to get wet... you will still get wet.
 

Amsterdam Bridges

    We hear a good deal about the canals of Amsterdam. They do make the city unique, but we forget that with the canals come bridges. Depending on the channel these bridges may be stationary or open wide to allow barges through. The one above swings up out of the way. Both canals and bridges make a water tour interesting in Amsterdam.

 

The Olympics Is Are Cortina, Italy

If you have ever gone to an Olympics or even to a site where they have been, there is a certain awe about them. Some are in disrepair but it does not rob you of the vision of great athletes doing amazing things. We have been to many. Yet, one real standout for us was Cortina in the Dolomites of northern Italy which as been the site of two Winter Olympics. This photo shows flower festooned hotel with the wonderous mountains in the background. 

 

Street Lights

    I have dozens of photographs from all over Europe of street lights. Each country or even city has their take on what one should look like.  Some are actually gas light convert to electric. Others are more modern made to look like old ones. The one above is in front of a church in Paris.
 

Train Travel In Europe

We have taken a bullet rain from Rome to Florence and then again to Venice. Quiet and fast. We have taken the slow train from Venice to Verona. Seeing the sights. We have taken the train  from Paris to Brussels and back along with one from Paris and to Amsterdam. We caught a narrow rail across the width of England's Hadrian's wall. There was also the flyer from Carlyle to London. Munich to Dachau was serious, Spain from Barcelona for Madrid nearly flying. The trains are on time and welcoming. Don't judge European like those in the U.S.A.

(Here we are waiting for the train from Tuscany to Paris.)

Traveling to Southern Africa

    Southern Africa is a 25 hour flight by way of Paris. We didn't want that so we broke it up with four days in Belgium on the way and three days in Amsterdam on the way back.

    Our trip south include South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

   We went to experience it not to just look at it. Many misconceptions were dashed. Yes, any of the black Africans speak tribal languages, but in the south many speak English because they were British Colonies and it is taught in school. There are not a bunch of naked people running around or wearing beige. The men like colorful short-sleeved shirts and long pants. It is hot. Women tend to wear dresses with full skirts in the heat. But, don't think everyone dresses like this either.

    There are not animals everywhere. You have to look for them or, in our case with a pack of elephants, they find you.

    The joy is going without predetermined ideas and remember the countries have modern cities. Johannesburg has a great mall, but shopping is not why you go to Africa. (Photo is on a reserve in Botswana.)

The Sea of Tarifa, Spain

    You likely have seen a view from the Sea of Tarifa. From a ship there you can get a great photo of the Rock of Gibraltar. In the background is Spain. I took this photo from the balcony of the Rock Hotel. This is where The Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.