Trees in Bloom, Northern California

The trees are in bloom all over Northern California. The whites, reds and pinks give the land a hand-painted quality.  It is very pretty. Those of us with allergies have to take the pain with the pretty. In the photo above, taken from Highway I5 near Williams California you see a shadow just above the tops of the trees before you see the clouds. Those shadows are the foothills and the soaring Sierra Nevada Mountains. Obviously named by the Spanish explorers after their own mountains.

Stained Glass: Church in Feldkirsch, Austria

      As a glass artist, I enjoy seeing glass in all forms. From ancient Egyptian bowls in the British Museum to the relatively new in the Cathedral in Barcelona there is wonderful work. Some very surprising artistry can be found in the smaller cities. This photo of of a window above the door in a small church in Austria. Very different.

Cape Buffalo

     No need to trim the grass on this island in the Chobe River (Botswana) as the Cape Buffalo do nice work. I note that this was taken with a long lens from a small boat in the river as these animals rank as one of the top five killers of humans in Africa. There was no reason to doubt it. Photo by Mike McLellan

Going to another country does not have to be expensive

     We live near San Francisco and it is a fairly expensive trip to Europe. We still go every year. But, what if you want to explore another country at on a smaller budget? One great place is Alberta, Canada. A flight from San Francisco via Seattle to Calgary is about $500 (RT) on Alaska Airlines. A rental car is about $35 day. Leaving Calgary and stopping in Banff  or actually cheaper to stay in Canmore, take the road to Jasper. You will see lakes like that above. (You can stop at Lake Louise and have lunch, but staying there is expensive, except in the hostel.) On the return trip stay in Calgary as it is a a nice city. With food this trip is not prohibitive. The USD is strong. The only big expense is alcohol as it is heavily taxed in Canada. You may catch the bug to visit other countries, so start saving now.

The Eiffel Tower

     It is the most visited and iconic man-made attraction in the world. Over a hundred years old, it was designed to be taken down a few years after being erected, but too many people - French and non-French - wanted it to remain. I have found it comparable to the Grand Canyon and the Empirestate  Building. It is more interesting and iconic from a distance. The closer you get the less you see of it. It is huge and dominates the skyline, but it -especially at night- is better seen from a few blocks away. 

     We are preparing for another trip to Europe and, as we are staying along the Seine near the tower, we will likely go up. (In fact I am buying tickets when they become available 90 days out.) But, I would rather get a picnic and and sit on the grass and look at it from a block or two away. The newest member of our traveling team will certainly want to go to the top. It is important to say you did. For me, on the other hand, I am the type who would rather go to a Swiss Beer hall and see the Matterhorn from he bottom.

Waiting for the Train, CDG

Paris' main airport has a rail station as part of it. You not only can take the train

into the city, you can take it to many places outside the city.

The train system also connects with other systems to take you

just about anywhere you wish to go in Europe. People are waiting for a train coming i

through the dark area to the left center of this photo.

European Trains

     This is a photo of my grandson and me on a train from CDG Paris to Brussels, Belgium. The European trains run on time, have First Class with food and beverage service, and are comfortable. We have taken trains in Scotland, England, France, Belgium and The Netherlands and found them to be a great way to travel. The only downside for us is that the porters are gone and you need to handle your own luggage. Always take a strong young man with you to help with it. Photo by Marietta McLellan

Tree of Life, Botswana

Disney has a copy of one of these at their parks.

This is a real one in Chobe Botswana.

Note nest.

Photo by Marietta McLellan

Balcony Window In Barcelona

In my hunt for windows and people looking out, 

here is one from Barcelona, Spain. 

The Baptistery of St, John, Florence Italy

A beautiful octagonal building constructed between 1059 and 1128 the Baptistery is across a narrow street from the main church. It is the place where people enter the faith by baptism.  It is known for its golden doors and interior mosaics. A special tour takes you up to the second and top levels from which you can see the art close up. If you go, you must know that it is not a climb that is easy upon those with fear of close places or heights. The stairs are narrow and tight. But, it is absolutely worth it.

Photos by Marietta McLellan

Greenland from 35,000 feet

     Flying to Europe takes you over a variety of places before your destination. Flying into London can have you fly down the whole of Scotland and England. Some flights take you over Iceland. Most non-stops out of San Francisco to, say Paris, take you over much of Canada making the longest over water flight being across Hudson Bay. The photo above was taken from a flight to Dublin. That is Greenland (green?) from around 35,000 feet.

Favorite Photos: Zebras

Three Zebras, South Africa

Photo by Mike McLellan

Waterton Lake, Canada

     This photo was taken from the Prince of Wales lodge in Waterton National Park. The park adjoins Glacier National Park at the border with the United States. It is well worth the trip to explored both side of the border there. Both parks are simply beautiful. Waterton is less crowded; you can see that by the absence of boats on a summer day above. 

     You have to have a passport now to go from one park to the other. In former times, all you needed to cross the border was to tell the agents where you were born. As a child, we crossed in to and out of Canada often and I knew to speak loudly "Kansas City, Kansas" when asked. 

    Canada and the United States have long been special friends and were created by the immigration of the same nationalities. Let us hope that our friendship continues. 

From a small boat in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

      Just as in places like Brussels, we prefer to spend  little more and get a private or at least a small group tour. While we like the Hop On Hop Off buses, they often provide commentary through recorded message. You cannot ask questions or modify the route. We use them as an introduction to a city, but the smaller tour gives us time at the places that most interest us with someone as a guide.           These photos are from a small boat tour in Amsterdam. On this one we had an English speaking guide and shared the boat with a few other Americans. We toured the canals and harbor. This ship is near the Maritime Museum.

     In Paris this summer we plan on hiring a car and English speaking driver to take us to the places we have missed on former visits.  I do not mind driving on the highways in Europe but  - as I wish to see something myself - I leave to cities to someone else.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

     Here on the West coast of the Irish Republic is Muckross House, Gardens and traditional farms  It is in County Kerry not far from Killarney. It sits next to two lochs (lakes) in Killarney National Park. The top photo is of the manor house and the bottom photo was taken from the veranda of the house. You can see a horse drawn buggy at center-right. 

     This house and green surroundings are emblematic of the Emerald Isle. Happy St. Patrick's day to everyone including those of us wearing ORANGE today as a symbol of our genesis in the United Kingdom's Northern Ireland.

The Irish Pub

     This is but one example of the pubs I visited or photographed in Ireland. The pub is a necessary part of the culture. Like the corner bar in Midwestern America, it serves as meeting place especially in the cold and rain. The homes are small and a gathering place is needed and enjoyed. It is not just alcohol. It is food and fellowship and a place to exchange information. Before the internet or the daily newspaper, it was even more importantly a center of communication.  

     When I have visited pubs in Ireland (Scotland and England) I have found myself to be welcomed and a stranger at the same time. People want to get to know about me, but I have always stayed just outside the membership. 

      Pub food is comfort food and usually very good as the owners want people to keep coming back. Lastly, if you wish to be an instant Irishman. buy a round and learn to play darts.

The Wild Atlantic Way: Dingle Harbor, Ireland

The mouth of Dingle Harbor in Ireland is short hike from town and worth it. While people party in the pubs, a lone dolphin and you will listen to the sound of waves on the rocks. Lovely. Could only be crafted by the  Lord of St. Patrick.

View From The Rock of Cashel, Ireland

     From the Rock of Cashel, one can see out across a wide green valley. From one side there is the view of an old abbey and church which proudly stands in ruin. It is something you expect and hope to see in Ireland.  I took this photo using the longest lens' setting on my zoom.

Rainbow over the Half Penny Bridge, Dublin

     If you have ever wondered why the rainbow plays such an important part of Irish lore, the answer is simple. Rain. It rains often and that accounts for why Ireland is green, as well. It does not rain all of the time, but showers move through often followed by a wonderful sunny day. While we were in The Republic of Ireland a few years ago, we traveled along the West Coast making a swing from Cobh to Galloway.  The sun was out and we thought nothing of it - being Californians and all. We took a lovely walk out the Dingle Peninsula to the end of the harbor. Taking our time, we returned for dinner with a great experience and an even greater sunburn.  Remember to wear sunblock even on an overcast day, and especially on a sunny one! 

River Boyne, The Irish Republic

We were crossing a bridge to the Hill of Tara when I took this photo of the River Boyne.

It shows why Ireland's color is green.

River Liffey, Dublin, IE

O'Connell Bridge

On an evening stroll along the Liffey.

Newgrange, Irish Republic

Older than the pyramids, Newgrange is a celestial observatory.  

ST. Patrick's Day Series

Hardware store in Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Mike McLellan.

In Barcelona, Spain

The old in the midst of the modern;

that is Barcelona.

Zebra seen in South Africa

Cute.

Bookshop Window in Johannesburg South Africa

     It is always fun to see what people are reading in other countries. The photo above is of a display just inside a shop window in Johannesburg. A good variety.

The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

     The expression is that "It is all in the details". This certainly applies to the Alhambra. The Alcazar, palace and grounds are a maze of details. You can spend - as Washington Irving did - months looking at the large picture and small details of this interesting place. Best way to see it is to purchase a tour in advance with a guide and following the tour amble back and around to see things you may have missed, If a beautiful day, spend some quality time in in the Generalife (gardens and upper palace). 

Feldkirch, Austria

     Feldkirch, Austria is a lovely town where Austria, Liechtenstein and  Switzerland meet. We had a wonderful visit there and recommend it highly as a place to include in your travels. 
     One thing I noted (and photographed above) is that the Schmuck Family has a high profile in town. It is something you notice because of the usage of the term in the Jewish Community in the USA. I am sure that the Schmucks are not schmucks. 

Window Shopping, Brussels, Belgium

     In one of the internal malls, created by putting a glass roof over the street between old buildings, there are many specialty shops in Brussels.  This shop window caught my attention with its lace, tatting, and needlework.  Really finely done and the display was eye-catching. You would miss this if in a big hurry.

Lessons from across the pond...

     I am proud to be from the United States. Yet, people who think we are the best at everything must not have been any place else. Lets take laundry detergent. In Paris we rented a flat and cooked breakfast. We also had a washing machine and went out to buy something to use to clean our clothes. Found a great product that is now sold in our own country, but France was way ahead.

     Tapas - the Spanish afternoon tea - is one great idea. Take off at 2 pm and sit in a relaxing setting and have a glass of wine and some light food. And, speaking of tea, the British have a good idea there. While Americans are running on empty, they stop for tea and sandwiches and "bits".

     Sure, we have some great things here in the USA, but we can also learn from of neighbors.

On the Bay at San Francisco

Statue with Ferry Building in the background. Close to home.