Throne room: Segovia Spain

     It is interesting to me how Americans and Europeans understand history.  As a Californian, we view history as beginning around 1849.  When traveling on the East Coast of the U.S. you note that things started happening around 1649 or even 1749. Fly to Europe and history goes away back;  a church was built in the 12th Century, a town founded before history was recorded. 

     The throne room in Segovia Spain reminds one of how far along Europe was at the same time America was just being "discovered" a third time after the native Americans and Vikings....

Thoughts on the next trip

     Over the nearly one month of our next trip, we will be on three continents and in eight countries and have taken six flights. One of my flying companions, having to join us, will have had eight flights. I look forward to seeing new places, making new friends and having new experiences. The scope of this trip means that we have been planning it for nearly a year. We have not thought of everything. We will not be totally prepared for everything. That is why it is an adventure. If we had it all figured out and it went exactly as planned,  it would be more like going to the grocery store. Now, I like going to the grocery store, but I don't want it to be an adventure.  We do not come back from the supermarket with some 1,000 photos.

Google Earth

     In former days I had friends and family that posted a map of the world in their homes. They would mark the places that they have gone. I have done that with TripAdvisor map, but the one I like most stays on my computer as Google Earth. I literally go somewhere BEFORE I go somewhere and then I can go somewhere AFTER I go somewhere. I check out the frontages of hotels and destinations before putting them on my list.  One thing that we have also learned is to research places to stay on all the sites and then go directly to the website of the venues to make reservations. The travel sites change the hotel or B&B 10 to 20%. What that often means is that by booking through a second party you will often get an inferior room. Use your internet resources!

The Columbia River Gorge

      Taking the road to The Dalles along the Columbia River from Portland is a lovely drive. Checking a map you will note several places to stop. The photo above is from a look-out built years ago and which allows you to see the gorge. The photo below is of Multnomah Falls. If you zoom on the bridge you will see people which will give you the scale. It is possible to hike up to the top of the falls or just stay at the bottom and look up.

Mont St. Michel, France

This (on the left) is what most people think of when they hear about Mont St. Michel in France.

The lonely, wild abbey surrounded by a fortress as is stands in the sand makes for a wonderful photo.








When I remember Mont St. Michel, I think about the narrow walkways, the chapel, and the ramparts.


I also am reminded that a French friend old me before I went that I must have mussels and fries to eat. He was right.

Airports: a review

 CDG

PDX

          One truth about flying is that a person spends almost as much time in the airport as in the plane - and sometimes more. 

          Two of the nicest smaller airports I have been in are Verona Italy and Calgary Canada. The former because of the personnel and the latter because you do feel welcome. Calgary also has some interesting things to see.

          On my big airport list is Charles de Gaulle in Paris. As big as it is I am fond of Terminal 2F with its high-end stores and fairly good food. They have comfortable chairs and it is exceptionally clean. For those who care, they have - I'll say pretty - restrooms. 

          Another great airport is Portland International. Good shops and food - and, there is a city ordinance that they cannot charge more for things than they do in the city. Except for A gates, it is a pleasure.

          I find London Heathrow usually not very clean. Dublin would be okay if you could find your way to ground transport. Madrid is cold - not like ice cold, but like sterile cold. 

          We use San Francisco International often as well as other Bay Area and Sacramento Airports. They seem too much like home to make an evaluation. I do think the food is overpriced at SFO.

          The worst airport? I would have to give that to Detroit. The personnel make you forget anything nice about it. But, I suppose that how we like airports is how we like hospitals. It really depends on your experience and the outcome.

Pectoral Envy

 Just a couple of photos taken in European Museums. The top one in Florence and the bottom one in the Louvre in Paris. There are no statues of older men with excess fat. A guy like me can come away with an inferiority complex.

Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

 Piazza Navona was transformed into a highly significant example of Baroque Roman architecture having been the site of an arena.  There are a number of fountains, the one in my picture above is of Neptune. The piazza has been the location of many films.  Please note the two men looking out of their windows at what is going on.

Nude Beach, Dingle, Ireland

     This is the view from the beach at the end of Dingle Harbor in Ireland.  It was a fine day and we hiked out to see the view. As it turned out it was such a sunny day that a few folks had decided to get the most complete amount of sun available.  As we were not in the mood to bother them nor to join them, we stopped short of the point to take the photo above. After returning to the bed and breakfast we realized that we were wrong in thinking Ireland cannot be sunny. We had not used sunscreen and had major sun burns. Wonder about the folks out on the beach.

Barcelona, Spain

 Narrow walkway by the cathedral.

Painting of that spot by street artist.

     An artist (a teacher working summers) had a easel set up to do some watercolor work. We walked by and were struck by his work. As always, we attempted to haggle the price which was 25 Euros. Nope. After paying, the police who cruise around ridding the area of people selling things in front of stones, swept the walkway. The painter was not in a league with people selling cheap sunglasses  still packed up and was gone. A number of folks we met wanted the painting and, I suppose, we could have made money on it. Instead, it is now framed and one the wall of our bedroom.

Keeping well in Airplanes

     Any frequent flyer will tell you that is very easy to catch something at 30,000 feet. For one thing folks are very close and secondly the air is drying.
     On an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to London, my seat mate coughed and sneezed his way to LHR. I tried to avoid germs, but it didn't work and I caught a bad cold. It is not expensive to be treated, but if not a member of the EU you have to work at it. In a week I was well and just inconvenienced, but I would have rather stayed well.
     This is not surefire, but over thousands of miles we have learned to carry Wet Ones wipes and before touching anything in our seating area to clean the tray, the armrest and the backseat pocket.  If there is a video screen get that too.  Before boarding we put a small amount of Neosporin in our nostrils. Triple antibiotic also works - this keeps your nose moist and kills germs. Also do drink plenty of liquids.
     We are not into vitamin C or oral products, but ask your friends what works for them. Staying healthy is important when you spend money on a trip.

I love Paris in the Springtime...

      Yesterday it was 110 degrees at our California home.  The electricity went out at around 7 pm and did not come on until sometime in the night. We are used to air conditioning and having a dishwasher and watching TV or working on the computer.
     24 months ago we rented an apartment in Paris about 1/2 block from the Louvre.  It was hot in Paris (or as the song says "it sizzles"). The only form of air conditioning we had was an open window. There was no need for a dishwasher as we ate at corner cafes. Why would anyone need a computer? It is Paris. An evening walk along the Seine is better than Facebook; those are real people enjoying other real people.

The Mosque Below the Rock of Gibraltar

Carl Mesilio (Gibraltar Inside Out Tours), the well-known guide of Gibraltar, took us for almost a day long tour of the City/State/Country. After seeing the Rock, we went all around the perimeter of Gibraltar. Here in the above photos (Carl took the top one) you see the mosque that stands at the base of the rock. It is a reminder of the long presence of Islam on both sides of the Mediterranean. From the mosque you can see Morocco only 14 miles away. There between the mosque and the ocean is a beautiful park with walkways and a lighthouse. Except for the wind coming in off the Atlantic, it is a great place to spend time thinking about how close Europeans are to Africans both genetically and geographically.

Airport Security

     In an airport in Europe they took a photo of me at one end of the process and then compared it electronically to me as I boarded the plane. At another airport I put my passport on a reader and then proceeded after having a computer checking my face. Facial recognition is making things safer and quicker. I have TSA PreCheck, but I must go through additional screening. I get patted down, swabbed, and scanned. I wear a leg brace (sometimes two) and always tell TSA about them when being checked. They are all great about it and I never really have any problems. There is just a little inconvenience.  I prefer being checked than having someone else go unchecked.
     If the security check bothers you, as it does most people, here are a few hints:
     1) Go slow. Take a breath and do not let the line behind you make you rush. Rushing slows the process down.
     2) Think ahead and have everything out of your pockets, your watch off, any heavy jewelry, your cell phone, coins - all in the tray provided.
     3) Realize that the TSA agents are protecting you from bad guys and in order to do that they have to check you out as if you might be one.
     4) Don't resent the agents. They are there to make sure you arrive safely.
     5) If you screw up or leave your cell phone in your pocket or if your underwire bra sets off the metal detector - smile. They deal with folks like us all day everyday.
     6) Smile... oh, I guess I said that.

Glacier National Park

     Glacier National Park (USA) and Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) are actually one spanning the border between the two countries. In fact, you need a passport to go between the two although they are divided by a man made imaginary line.  I am not sure which has the most beautiful lake. Waterton is wonderful, but McDonald in Glacier is amazing too.  The photo above is of McDonald looking toward Canada. Neither park is as crowded as others we have been in. But, midsummer the campgrounds and hotels fill up. Our trip there was part of a road trip. We flew to Calgary and rented a car. Then it was Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Glacier, Flathead Lake, and back to Banff and Calgary. It took us over two weeks. Much of the time we were sighing and inhaling in wonder of the beauty.

Pre-drive the more difficult roads on Google Earth

We were on a road trip through the Irish Republic. I chose a back road that ran through what is called "The Vee" - a cut in the mountains between Cashel and the Southern Coast. Taking it took loads of time although worth it. We got to Lismore, took a brief look at the gardens and castle, and realized we had better get a  place to stay. My wife wondered where the local Tourist Office was, but I said that I knew of a Bed and Breakfast down the highway and then turn left. She looked at me like I was crazy. Maybe. But, I had "driven" that road several times on Google Earth!

The Seine, France

     We were riding in the bus shuttle to our car at the Sacramento Airport and a fellow traveler saw my luggage tag and asked me about some of the places we had been. One question was about taking a long ship down the Seine from Paris to Honfleur.  Did we like it? What did we see? 

     The answer is we absolutely recommend it. I was not sure that I would enjoy it, but with views like the one above and below, how could I not?  Plus great food and wine and visiting the towns along the way.

Out the airplane window: Mount McLoughlin

     The Horizon flight yesterday was on a Q400 turboprop painted for Boise State. It was very cloudy below, but one mountain peak stood out. I am guessing it is Mount McLoughlin near Lake Of The Woods, Oregon. We spent time at the lake a number of years ago.

The Irish Republic: Two Views

      Two views of the Republic of Ireland. The top view is of Grafton Street in Dublin. It is the main shopping street of the capitol. The bottom photo is a town near Ballydehob on the south end of the island. Both were taken about lunch time. This gives some idea of differences between the urban and rural areas. (Photos by Mike McLellan)

The South Tyrolean Alps, Italy

      In the Dolomites of Northern Italy there are surprises around every corner...and there are many corners on the narrow roads. As you travel those roads you can meet a bus, some sheep, a bike tour or, in the case above, a chalet on the edge of a sandstone cliff. To get there you follow the road around and up the mountain for a rewarding view of the valley. From the valley you can look up and wonder how they built the building. You need to remember that this is snow country near the Olympic site in Cortina. Other than our own neighboring Yosemite, these are the most amazing rock formations.  This area is not easy to get to, but worth it.

The Roman Theater in Verona, Italy

     Because I am always talking about trips, people will ask me questions like "What is the best place to see in Verona?" I am glad to deal with those questions, but first I have to translate them. First, I did spend several days and nights in Verona and loved the city, but it was only a a few days so I did not see all of it. Second, what I think is wonderful you may not like. Third, sometimes I get caught up with the local folks so much that I don't pay attention to some things.

      Case in point is the old Roman Theater in Verona. It was only a block or so away from  our bed and breakfast. I was taken by the fact that it is still working theater. I like theaters. I spent my time looking at the rigging and the way the stage was set. I also do not do stairs very well, so my wife climbed up to the top level were the more ancient aspects of the place are located. So, I only saw part of the place. In my opinion it was a good visit, but if you only have a day in Verona, there are other places I would recommend. I am saying that whatever I say is my opinion based on limited facts.

The top of the Gaudi House, Barcelona, Spain

Someone explains that George Lucas probably visited the Gaudi House before designing Star Wars.

Interesting fact is that this building predates Star Wars and George Lucas by nearly a half century.

Mount Shasta, U.S.A., from 25,000 feet

This photo was taken yesterday from the window of a Horizon flight between Sacramento California and Portland Oregon. The view is of Mount Shasta. It actually is two  peaks. The one at the top of the photo is Shasta and the lower one, with what appears to be a crater, is Shastina. Much of the white shown is glacier although there is still snow.

Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

An Apology to London

 (Photo by Mike McLellan ... The other London)

    An apology from someone not responsible for injury is both unnecessary and likely meaningless, but here goes. You British folks are as nice as they come. You have been though some tough times of late. Britain is one of our favorite places with London as one of our favorite cities - I know from my statistics that I have a good many readers there - we have some things in common. One thing we share is bewilderment at the American President's criticism of the Mayor of London. Not sure what that is all about, but I am sorry for it. The same President has shown a less than gracious attitude on many things and Prime Minister May has been very kind. Please know that most of us over here are in your corner, After all we were a colony for a long time, and generally speak the same language. I'm sorry if anyone over here disrespects you, if that makes a difference. 

Japanese Garden, Central California, USA

          We attended a wedding yesterday at Micke Grove Regional Park between Lodi and Stockton California USA.  Within the park, where the wedding was conducted, is a Japanese Garden.  There are many such gardens in California as many Japanese immigrated to the United States, especially prior to World War Two. These folks were farmers and many owned substantial land in the Sacramento Valley. It was these Americans who were sent to internment camps during the war.  The gardens are a legacy and reminder of their history.

          Before the wedding we took a stroll along the paths and around the ponds. This photo was taken with my smart phone deep in the wooded area. We came up to this space with its lantern and summer lighting. One can see that these spots are very important in highly populated areas.

Standing with London

The National Gallery to the left, St. Martins straight ahead, Trafalgar on the right.

        London is a great city with wonderful, brave, people. We consider it our favorite community in Europe for that and other reasons.  The people of the United States - your former colony - stand by you as we have done in two World Wars. And, in countless other ways, we have clasped hands across the Atlantic as good and loyal friends. Forgive anyone in our nation that does not understand nor read history. Forgive those who believe that one nation is more important than hundreds of other nations gathered together as one. We are in this together. 

Monte Gordo, Portugal

     We have been fortunate to either live near a beach or able to visit some beautiful beaches over the years.  There is something fascinating about the ocean, the waves, and the sand.  Last year on our road trip round Spain, we took a side trip to Monte Gordo Portugal for lunch. 

     We drove along what is the Portuguese Riviera and pulled into an uncrowded parking lot. A few steps away was a long boardwalk in the sand that went halfway out the beach to a "T". The boardwalk then went right or left with cabanas and restaurants dotting it. 

     At a bright, clean and busy place we sat down to have beverages and lunch. A nice young man who spoke English took our order. (Likely this is a place where the British go for sun.) We could sit in the shade of the awning and watch a few people walking on the beach and now and then running into the Atlantic Ocean.

     There and then, we pledged to go back to Portugal. We have heard folks talk of Lisbon and the various villages and if Monte Gordo is any indication, it is a place for us.

      In Spanish (and Portuguese) "Monte Gordo" means, I think, "Fat Hill". It must mean something else or refer to something we did not see. No fat. Not much of a hill.    

Switzerland is too big...

     Switzerland is considered a small country, but it is way too big to not give it at least a week to visit it. We were coming from Liechtenstein to Lake Como near Milan. I just simply did not set aside enough time for a visit. It was raining hard and all I personally saw was the road ahead of me. I did stop a couple of times to pick up chocolate and CocaCola, but did not see much. We did meet a very nice clerk at a small grocery store who was very helpful and gracious. As I only had Euros I now have my change in Swiss Francs. I will need to use them some day. I want my relatives to choose to visit that country or I will regret it.  I even planned to fly out of Verona over Mont Blanc and  all I saw was clouds.
     Now, what did I learn? I knew it before, but learned it again. You have to take your time. No matter how small a place, you have to invest in it. You cannot know four countries in a week. You can see them, but not know them. So, I kept my Swiss Francs and I am ready to go. I will check the weather first. (Photo by Mike McLellan)

Park Güell, Barcelona Spain

     Park Güell is one of the major works of Gaudí in Barcelona. It is high on a hill overlooking the city. Above are two views: one from the top of the main structure (that is the Mediterranean out there) and the second one of that structure.  What is amazing is that these designs date from the early 1900's. 

     The least expensive way to get there is to take the bus or the HOHO bus to the bottom of the hill and then walk up to the top. You should go on the internet and get a reserved time and ticket well in advance or you will wait in a long line. A warning about the hill; you need to be in fairly good shape to climb it. Once you are up, there are steps with which to deal. 

      Another suggestion is to make sure you read up on the artist/builder Gaudi before to go to Barcelona. He is an interesting character and learning about him will help you understand what you are seeing. As for the HOHO (Hop On, Hop Off Bus), there are multiple lines by color but well worth the price to see the city. Lots of hills and things to see.