A thought from a sign in Portland

I have been lucky enough to see (and touch in those days) the Liberty Bell. I have stood in Independence Hall and Old North Church. I climbed stairs inside the Statue of Liberty and looked at Plymouth Rock. Walked the garden at Mount Vernon and visited Lincoln’s home in Springfield. I have stood in the dim of the memorial, reciting the Gettysburg Address for my young children.

These things have changed me. But of greater importance to my education were visits to the slave quarters at Mount Vernon. There is Ford’s Theater where Lincoln was shot for believing in equality. I have seen the steps that the young back children walked to integrate Montgomery’s schools. I have stood in the pulpit of Martin Luther King at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church from which he saw Rosa Parks who had seated herself in the “wrong” seat on a bus. I have dug gold in the same places that the Chinese dug to make their master’s rich. There are the Japanese concentration camps in the desert. I have been to Watts.

Tomorrow is Independence Day. We beat the British, we are still to address ourselves.

 

The Straits of Gibratar

Looks like ten years ago we were standing on our balcony at the Rock Hotel and looking across the strait at Morocco. This is where Europe and Africa meet.

 

Saint Stephan's Church, Verona Italy - A surprise

View of the Church and monastery. 

Hidden back courtyard to the church.

        Where you stay is often more important than everything else on your trip. We have fond memories of  BNB's and small hotels where we met charming people. This photo is of St, Stephan's Church as seen from across Ponte Pietra (bridge). The monastery had been sold to a young couple to make into a BNB. The owner was a delight. Indeed, it is an old building, but it has a modern vibe. They are very helpful and we enjoyed knowing them. You don't get this in a hotel.

Lake Como Italy -- Bellagio

One of my favorite photos.

Those are not all louds at 2 o'clock.

At 9 o'clock those are houses hanging on.

 

Lazy Day on Lake Garda Italy

I had a camera load of photos from all around five countries

in Europe. It had been a great road trip.

A stop on Lake Garda was needed, especially for the driver.

No mountain or valley here. No famous building.

Just a swan.

 

The Tower of London

        This is  the White Tower which is part of the Tower of London complex. Rather that going on the London Eye, we suggest going to the Tower, seeing the jewels, listening to the Beefeaters, learning some history and walking the rampart with views of the Tower Bridge and river.

        This is at least a half-day adventure. Well worth it. Some hints: go at opening in the morning. It is cooler then. But, go all the way back and see the Crown Jewels without a crowd. Now work forward. Hear the speaker in the chapel telling of history. See where Mary met her maker and have lunch in the cafe. 

Gracie's Cousin

        Gracie is a 3 year old giraffe. This week she walked away from the ranch where she lived in Texas. The owner put up $5,000 for her safe return. She weighs 1,200 pounds and stands 10 feet tall. Not easy to hide. She was not hiding, just away from home.

         When I was in the savanna in Southern Africa, I saw large groups of giraffes.  This one, in the photo, saw me. As this guy was in a reserve he was accustomed to Americans in Range Rovers taking his picture. In groups called "Towers" these tall animals. are in herds, and as safe as Gracie.