Favorite Photos: La Villa, Italy

     It was around back of the cemetery workshop, near the church on the hill in La Villa, Italy. It is the heart of the Dolomite range - the Italian Sud Tyrol.  I like to poke around places like this. My profession has brought me to many cemeteries and I find them a place of interesting history.

      I was particularly touched by this scene. It raises so many questions about a person's final resting place. There are many what's and why's here. This photo was taken in color with a small point-and-shoot Canon Camera. I felt it better to convert it to black and white. What story can you tell?

Tree of Life

     We were on safari in the Chobe National Park in Botswana. It has the largest herds of elephants left on the planet. It is heartbreaking to think of the massive killings of animals that has gone on, and still continues. We came to these trees on the trail. The are called the Tree of Life. Someone noted that there is a model of one in Disney World. This one is the real deal. 

      Unfortunately this tree cannot undo what rich men with rifles can do.  Of note here is the nest in the tree. In that way, and in its bark, it gives life. 

     There are many of these trees and I have photos of several, but I like this one as it displays the age and struggle of living in the Kalahari. Everything struggles there.

      The earth, itself, is in a struggle between Man and nature. Two forces that hopefully come to common ground for a future.

Being a good passenger

      This is a photo through the window of a 777 over Greenland. We were on our way back from Italy flying out of CDG Paris. It is a long flight even when non-stop and even longer with a stop in Detroit or JFK. This particular flight was non-stop, Paris to San Francisco. On a flight like this, people need to get along and be courteous to one another.

      You get one seat on the plane. This means that you do not pull on the seat ahead of you when you stand up or touch every seat as you make it to the restroom. Fortunately, I am tall and can use the overhead bins to steady myself. If you aren't tall enough, walk with a wide stance.

      Do not push on the seat ahead of you; the person sitting there can feel everything. Also, I wish you to know that at meal time or anytime you are not sleeping, I would appreciate you not reclining your seat. This is important in coach. I need all the leg room I can get. This is one reason I pay extra money to fly Premium because the seats recline, but the backs stay stationary.

      Go on a flight comment site and read about what to do or not do to make people around you happy. It may only be 12 hours, but a bad rest can ruin several days at the destination.

      On behalf of those flying with you next time, thank you for reading.

Between Banff and Jasper

     Following the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada between Banff and Jasper, there are many places to pull off. The photo above was taken at a place we chose to stop for a picnic lunch. We often stop and buy fixings for lunch and we have a folding ice chest that packs in a suitcase. This allows us to explore some interesting places and this one, looking down into  rapids and waterfall was striking. This was, by the way, in the early summer and note the coats on people. Take something warm or buy it there. You will need it.

Unconditional Surrender: Caen France

Unconditional surrender: The original statue was first installed in Sarasota, Florida, then was moved to San Diego, California and New York City. Other versions have been installed in Hamilton, New Jersey; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Normandy, France.

     This statue is outside the D-Day museum in Caen, France. It is a great museum and helpful in understanding the French perspective of WWII. 

 A second statue in the lawn of the museum at Caen.

The Pantheon, Rome, Italy

     It was a warm day, but the Pantheon is cool inside. We were making the rounds of several sights (sites) in Rome that can be covered easily by foot. As we came out of the building there was a group of monks having visited. One of them stood out for me.

     As a member of the clergy, people often think that we are somehow different. That is only on the surface. We may wear collars or robes, but under it all we are modern. We understand the Internet and the internal combustion engine.

     This monk has  bottle of Pellegrino (my water of choice), is wearing a large modern watch, has designer glasses and just happens to be wearing a robe. He is warm and resting. He likely has multiple years of university education and is a soccer (futbol) fan.

     Just guessing.

Paris Christmas Tree

      This old Citron was fun for a few hours, but it will make you appreciate the newer autos. Lots of things are like that. A bed and breakfast is a great place to be, but a month out of a suitcase makes you appreciate your own bed at home. 

He Is Risen

       This is very personal and I do not apologize for it.

     Fourteen years ago, on Christmas Eve, I was rushed by ambulance to Stanford Medical Center with complete blockages in both of my subclavian arteries. My plans for leading worship had to be scraped, but our Associate Pastor did well as we all knew she would. 

     On Christmas morning my family came by to celebrate the holiday as I lay in bed. I was not sure if I would see another Christmas. That day was spent in tests by people who would have rather been home with family and I understood completely. At one point my blood pressure peaked and they called the Rapid Response Team for me. The following day I went into surgery to have a Dacron tube grafted in across my chest and down my arm. Within an hour it failed and I was back in OR getting it fixed. It was an attempt to save my left hand from gangrene. (It worked for about a year before occluding and by that time I had new growth of arteries around the clot.) 

     My body and mind had changed in an instant. No longer strong and invincible, I was harmed, depressed, and without much of a future. I had to quit my job, which you must understand was a loss of identity too. I was isolated from my friends. I am not sure how much was physical and how much was mental.  

      Under the care of several doctors I became over medicated and went into kidney failure. I should have listened to my primary physician. I ended up three days before another Christmas in the ICU of the medical school in Portland, Oregon. A team of young doctors - like the ones I work to support now - took away my medications and put me on water and sodium bicarb. After  a couple of months I was lucid and back to the gym. 

     Since then, I have returned to my work and career, my volunteering, my art, and traveling. The travel you see here is post-resurrection. Indeed, I know a little about receiving new life. 

     As today is Christmas Eve, I reflect on the bounty that is mine. I no longer need anything nor want anything - the definition of a very rich man. My riches mean a responsibility to give to others. I was not given new life to waste it on myself. 

     I wish you all a Merry Christmas and, if you need it, a Happy Easter with new life, wholeness and joy. God bless us, every one.

Grandson and Grandfather on Safari

    One of my favorite photos - not because it is a great photo - because it shows two guys getting to know one another by taking on an adventure.

Plaza in Brussels

      I suppose this photo of the main plaza in Brussels does not do it justice. It is the meeting place. It is where people gather for Christmas Fairs and demonstration. It is the location of the City Hall. It is busy even on a rainy day.

Won't you be my neighbor?

     This is a photo of the street fair in Mulnomah Village, the area we live in part of the year in Portland. It is a neighborhood and has some unique features in a big city. People you pass while walking say "hello" and "good morning" and they have never seen you before. People smile. People with dogs introduce their dog to you. Clerks in stores can remember what you bought last time. There are a minimum of a dozen good restaurants within a short  walking distance. Drivers stop for you so you can cross the street (except one intersection that has no marked crosswalk to keep you on your toes). I love my home town in California, but it is good to have a second place to go that is just as nice.

This poster is all around our neighborhood

     In this photo an elderly man is carrying this sign in the Annual Multnomah Days celebration is our part of Portland. It is a common sign around here. It is a summary of the values held by most in this area. It affirms the various people around us. I guess one could see this as a liberal statement , but it is really only a statement about the basic rights and values of all human beings. If that is liberal or left-wing, then so be it. But, the folks showing this sign would say that they affirm those on the right who go by the label "conservative". We are all in this together. 

Trim Castle, Ireland

     Trim is not very far from Dublin. It is a lovely town with a castle ruins. The movie "Braveheart" was partly filmed there. Interesting as Braveheart was about William Wallace, Robert The Bruce, and Scottish Independence. Mel Gibson, by the way, is not highly regarded by some people in the town of Trim.

This is a bidet in a four star Roman hotel

     When in another country you may have to adjust to some things. The above is a bidet and it is not for washing your feet. They are found all over Europe. Toilet paper is expensive and rough. People like to be clean.

     If you are shopping at 2 pm in Spain and the store lights go out, it is not a power failure. You need to conclude your shopping and leave. This odd event means that people will go to a local tapas bar for food and refreshments. They will return to the shop round 4 pm. It is a great idea that has taken off in the UK and other European countries, but has been missed in the United States.

     If you get hungry in Austria around six, get a snack and a beer and wait until around 9 when places open for dinner. It seems late to us, but they have large breakfasts, good late lunches and live longer.

    If you want two of something in Italy and think that a nonverbal peace sign will do it, you are wrong. You will get three. They use their thumb for one. One plus a peace sign equals three.

     Let's say you are in Paris and you want some cheese. You go to a cheese shop called a "fromage" shop in France. You open up with, "Give me a half pound of Cheddar". You may get no response. You have spoken English. What would you do if someone came up and stated rattling in Korean? Even if you knew Korean, you would find them both odd and rude. You want cheese? Say "Bonjour, Madame. Pardonnez-moi, mais parlez-vous anglais?" They will likely respond in English and ask you what you want. The only thing you need to learn to say in French is "Hello Madame. Pardon me, but do you speak English?"

     In Africa, on Safari, looking for a Seven-Eleven is useless. Take everything you need or do without. It is just the way it is.

     When in Rome.  

Lake Como seen from across from Lecco, Italy

     The view from the veranda of our hotel was remarkable. It looked across the narrows of Lake Como toward the town of Lecco. To the left (North) is Bellagio and to the right (South) is the road to Milan. This is a good place to headquarter for a visit. The Hotel was the Bella Vista (Pretty View) and aptly named. The owners were super friendly and helpful. We loved our stay.

Give him a camera...

Photo taken by my grandson, Lucas, while we were on safari in South Africa.

PORTLAND ZOO-LIGHTS

Christmastime in Portland, Oregon

Mount. St. Michel, France

Daring man turns back on surf.

Venice, Italy

A favorite photo. A building on  canal in Venice. The photo was taken from

a gondola and you will see other photos, by other people, of this building.

Rick Steves

Rick Steves ran a segment yesterday (on our TV) on the Highlands of Scotland. In it, he showed many of the places we have been. One was a visit to a farmer who shows how he raises sheep dogs and works with them. Interestingly, we were there at the same place this summer. This is a picture of a young woman with one of the puppies. She also got a chance to shear sheep.

California Fires

 This year's fire between Redding California and Lake Shasta. 

We visited the site and it beyond sad.

My wife's family home and childhood school are no longer.

We can only imagine the damage in Paradise, California USA

Notre Dame, Paris

I take loads of photos, but this one - by my 12-year-old granddaughter at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris - in absolutely wonderful. It tells the whole story.

The Earth that does not exist

     This is a wonderful, but false map of much of the world . First, it is not all inclusive (most of Asia is missing). Second, it is a projection that makes the land at the equator a different size than it really is in comparison to others. Third, countries do not come in pastel colors. They are mainly in greens, browns and beige as seen from space. Lastly, they do not have actual borders except by governmental decree. Sure, we like the nationalism that comes with borders, but if based on land features Montana and Alberta Canada should be together, for example. Historically, Europe is all one place as they have traded people and ideology back and forth.  We are good at dividing things up.

Underground Passage: MacLellan Castle. Kirkcudbright, Scotland

One likely only goes to Kirkcudbright Scotland to see the site of

"Five Red Herrings", the mystery novel.

Or, they are MacLellans (That is the way I spell it) seeing the

manor house or castle.

We've been there. This is the servants passage on the ground floor.

Sunset on the Zambezi

The sun goes down on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

We were on a pontoon boat cocktail cruise out of the Livingstone Lodge, Zambia.

Just outside Banff, Alberta, Canada

Come hear the water roar just outside Banff. A beautiful spot.

Coming from the US? Remember you need a passport.

The Pantheon, Rome, Italy

     Inside or outside I find the Pantheon an interesting visit. One has to consider its age, reason for being, and amazing dome. I find it more awe-worthy than the Colosseum.  

Central Edinburgh or Portuguese Beach - Which is better?

Neither... they are just different, and you need to experience both.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower as seen through the  decorative fence. 

Thankful for telephoto

Picture may be a little fuzzy, but I was glad that we had some distance between us. He was not happy with us and our safari vehicle being in his territory. Photo taken on a preserve in South Africa.

Columbia River

     The Columbia River Valley east of Portland Oregon changes quickly from green to gold as the river climbs to high desert and away from the ocean. While at the mouth of the river it is rain forest, farther in, it turns to grasslands.  High bluffs with extended views are found on both sides. It is an excellent day trip from Portland to The Dalles.