The Lost Five Days

    The last five days have been lost "down the rabbit hole" due to being in the hospital. Those days did not bother readers like they bothered me.

    It reminds me of my trips. When I was in Africa my cell did not work many places and I felt lost by it. Years ago, before laptops I wrote a newspaper column for ten years. We went off to Ireland. Several times I had to find a Computer-Cafe to send in something. [You have to be up in years ro remember a Compiter-Cafe,] When in London I borrowed the laptop of the manager's son  and received an education. I know people do not miss these posts. That is not the point. I miss these posts and remembering my travels.

(Rabbit: Southwest Community Center, Portland Oregon USA)

 

The Jewish Memorial at Dachau

 

Looking for a Drugstore -- Europe is not a group of Third World Countries

This is a display of non-medical drinks in Madrid

Slovakia has nice mails with automatic filling of prescriptions. I got Tylenol and Sudafed (by different names). I needed foot powder in Florence. Not a problem, which formulation? Another brand of Tylenol in Verona. Blister-packed. At the Boots (Walgreens in London) needed some cough med. Druggist had to take my blood pressure because it had dextromethorphan. Sinus infection sent me to "Urgent Care" in Munich Germany. Doctor spoke English. RX antibiotics and total charge $5 USD. I am not sick a lot I just like drugstores. Too long in medicine. Been to Paris several times; red wine kills germs.

 

   

DUBLIN IS MORE THAN TEMPLE BAR

Temple Bar is the name of  a pub - good music and not-so cheap beer.

It is so popular that the whole area is called Temple Bar.

Located between the vehicle bridge and the walking bridge

it is full of night life and buskers seeking to earn your money.

Beer or no beer it is a fun visit.

Try 4 pm.

 

Is Florence Italy Worth The Hype?

    If I were to ask my grandchildren where they would like to go they likely would say Disneyland and not Florence. When they turned twelve they visited Scotland, Normandy, Brussels, Amsterdam, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tuscany, (and three trips included Paris). I fear that Florence is more for adults or at least my wife and me. You have to hunger for art and history. The galleries are amazing. You see art that you have only seen in books.

    Now, to the question. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely yes. And, you need to stay more than one day.

 

Prague, Vienna, or Budspest: Which one for a week?

St. Vitus, Prague Castle

    If you ask which is the better city to visit for a week: London or Paris? I would say that having done both I cannot choose. Of the three lovely cities of Central Europe I have some opinions;

    Prague is easy to get around by foot or trolley. If you have read Dan Brown's book "Secret of Secrets" you will like finding the places mentioned. Prague is an easy choice for a week. (If you read: "City of Falling Angels" you must go to Venice.)

    Vienna is a sparkling city with much to see, but more to hear. You can find music everywhere and while it not always rock, it  is wonderful. They make it easy to attend and my favorites include concerts that serve wine at intermission.

    Budapest is half on a hill overlooking the Danube. It is amazing at night with its lights. There are also many places to see and if you go to the bathes you will see more of the Hungarian people.

    Everyplace has its own unique character. 

 

Traveling Within The Cities of Europe

The cities of Europe can be seen in many ways. Above you see walking and bike riding.

 One of our favorites to introduce ourselves is the HopOHopOff bus.

We take them to get an overview and to deliver us from site to site.

In Rome, Dublin, Vienna, Paris and London we have used cabs.

In Bussels, Paris, and Gibraltar we hired a car and driver.

Generally the Metro/Underground/Tram is easy.

The trolly in Prague is great.

Do your homework.