The start of every trip

 This is my grandson, Lucas, and we are at the International Terminal of Air France in San Francisco. A simple plan. We will fly to Paris and go down to the lower level of CDG airport and catch the train to Brussels. We will tour there for three days and then return to CDG and catch an Air France flight to Johannesburg South Africa. We will go  on safari in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and return to Johannesburg after two weeks. We will then fly to CDG and catch the train to Amsterdam. We will tour the city there for four days and return to CDG airport and fly back to San Francisco. 

Lucas planned the trip and we had a great time. It sounds tiring, but it was so much fun that we were always ready for what was next. Every trip begins with a plan.

Switzerland

You can see by the date stamp that this was taken in 2012. We drove a whole day through Switzerland coming in at Liechtenstein and exiting near Lake Como without seeing much of anything except rain and fog.  I had routed the trip down one of Switzerland's prettiest valleys and we saw the road and that was about it. I can say I have been there, but I didn't see it.
 

Details of France: Honfluer

Oldest building

Window boxes

 Honfluer is a town on the coast of France. It is built around a harbor. One might call it quaint or interesting, I found it charming. Walking around was like being pull into another century. It is pretty and full of history. When we were there it was Bastille Day or Independence. It had fireworks and a carnival and a great celebration. It is worth a few days visit just to people watch.

Portobella Street Market, LONDON UK

 The Portobella Street Market in Notting Hill was on our bucket list for London. It was an easy bus ride from our bed and breakfast. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I collect old-fashioned beer openers and found two of them. I also priced some English toys I have.  Marietta did Christmas shopping for our family. We shared lunch and made a nice day of it.

Display of copies of famous sculpture in Legos - Portland, Oregon (also Redding, CA)

On tour of America, these Lego sculptures show both the versatility of Legos, and the skill of the man creating these pieces.  We saw these displays in both Portland, OR and Redding, CA. 

When a shopping center has been around a good while.

 This gallery shopping area in Brussels was very impressive. There are places like this in most European capitol cities. We had hired a driver/guide for the day and we saw both unique sites and average ones. This covered walk was a surprise in its beauty. Our grandson, the planner of this trip, had a long list of places to see and it was easier and simpler to hire a driver.

Visit to an African (Botswana) School

 While we were in Botswana, we had brought along books and school supplies from the US and gave them to this school.  This building was one set aside for younger grades. The school went up through high school. A large facility, they depend on outside donations to add to government support. 

Their biggest need is now computers as the classes have one machine for three students to use.

The books we brought were in English as that is their language.

Surprise in Spain

 

A year or so ago, I was in an Antiques and Collectable store in Portland, Oregon.  There I saw an old fashioned drinking glass (see left above). It was a dollar and I bought it because it reminds me of the gone-a-go days of drinking wine from these glasses. They still use them for that in Europe. I noted at the time that the bottom is marked, in English, "Made in Spain".

A couple of years ago were traveling around Spain and I found a store like we have called, "Made In Spain". Ours are "Made in Oregon".  We went in. It was brightly lighted and reminded me of IKEA. On a display near the entry were these old fashioned glasses in three sizes: wine, high ball, and water. As a scotch drinker, I knew I needed to pay 2 Euros for the high ball size. I now have a set of old-new glasses. It is complete as I rarely drink water.

ON THE ROOF OF GAUDI DESIGNED BUILDING, BARCELONA

Some minor fencing so people do not fall multiple stories to their death, the rest is multiple levels of grand design.  There are a number of these buildings. This one happens to be an apartment in the midtown location. The tall objects are vents or chimneys.
 

NELSON'S COLUMN, EDINBURGH SCOTLAND

 Right behind our hotel in Edinburgh, atop the hill, stands Nelson's Column. The top of the hill affords great views of the city. Edinburgh is a mixture of old and new.  Many photos are of Princes Street and the Royal Mile, but there is much more. The city also has a wonderful zoo and many museums. There is a great nightlife. 

The city is worth three to five days for a visit.

Time for a break on the Kalahari, Southern Africa

We traveled to Southern Africa (four countries) in July. Remembering that July is the beginning of their dry season which is our (California's) summer but their winter. We started safaris early to search for animals and took a break of coffee, tea and biscuits around 9:30 am.

 

In the evening. when the sun goes down it is not cold on the Chobe Delta in Botswana, but it is cool. A jacket and a small fire make it comfortable.  It is time for wine (or Scotch), dinner and planning for the next day. If it sounds like roughing it, it isn't. This is glamping. 

TIME TO THINK AND CELEBRATE LOCAL

 We volunteer at the Grand Theatre for The Performing Arts. We also are patrons giving our financial support. The public schools have dialed back the arts and so we seek too help in any way we can to introduce the young people to art - in every meaning of that word.

The photo above was taken at the theatre during a student Christmas Concert. I was perched in the balcony in an ushers' location. It was a wonderful time of music and acknowledging the hard work of the students.  

This same stage has hosted Willie Nelson and the Jonas Brothers and more. But, it is a place to showcase or home grown talent.

Victoria and Albert Museum, London UK

There are many great museums in London. The British Museum is a wonderful general museum. The Victoria and Albert is a favorite. It has some permanent displays - not  the least of which is its collection of Rodin sculptures - but also has changeable areas. Most London museums are free unless owned by the Queen. The Tower of London, therefore, charges. The British is free and the V&A is free, as well.

This photo is of the central courtyard of the V&A and the temporary exhibit of colorful stacking chairs in a rainbow. The café is very good and make sure you check out a loo downstairs. They are tiled and remarkably so. 

 

Wenceslas Square, Prague, CZ

  It was just ab

It was just about time last year for the Christmas Market to come alive in Prague. The market takes over Wenceslas Square. The name of  good King Wenceslas brings back memories of carols in his honor. We did not think we would see the square at night as it appeared a long  way away from our destination. we were on our way to  see the Black Light Theater. Turns out that they are about 50 yards apart.

The evening light, the brisk temperature, and the fun attitude of the people make this a great visit.

(Aside: this is also the location of major political unrest and revolution.) 

Santa

 Huh?

Annual Christmas Outing on hold

 Each year, Frances Williams, my mother-in-law, would take the whole family on a Christmas Outing. Several years in a row, she hired a limo and went out looking at Christmas lights around the Portland area. Another year we rented a trolley to tour the city. Following her death at 102, we decide to take on the challenge. Almost always starting with dinner at a favorite place, we went to a play or concert or traveled to see Christmas lights somewhere. Last year we went to a restaurant and garden southeast of Woodburn , Oregon to walk among their lights. Fun. In today's Covid-cold we are all in our individual homes pulling out photos of Christmases Past and looking forward to next year.

Botanical Gardens in Madrid Park, Central City

 

In the center of Madrid there is a large park. It was very near our hotel. We had been out for a walk when we entered the park at the botanical gardens. Amazing. Both inside and out the gardens were full of plants. A good place to wander or to picnic, the gardens are a pleasant place to spend some hours. When done, it is out the gate toward downtown and tapas.

The Chain Bridge over the Danube at Budapest.

 Budapest is a lovely city which strides on both sides of the Danube in Hungary. There are several bridges. This one is called the "Chain Bridge" because -ready- it suspends the roadbed on chains This photo was taken by me from the top deck of a British registered longboat.

Christmas Market, Munich Germany, Fall 2019

 

The Christmas Markets' are closed this year due to the pandemic. Last year, when we were in Munich, they were just starting to open up in the end of October. Lots of creativity and color.

Prague as seen from the Castle

Bottom center: stairway down hill from castle.

 Charles Bridge Left Center

The Scottish Parliament Room in Edinburgh

Glass and ash wood and plenty of light wood

and white paint makes this room ultramodern.

It was just completed but not open on our first

visit. On our last visit, it was busy with

government.

 

It is not always sunny and dry in California

A murky evening  in fall.

 

Fall in Bavaria, Germany

 

Take the German Alps, especially the Bavarian Alps around Munich,

add the first frost of winter, set up a white shed, and there you have

the beginning of the color season.

Photo by Mike McLellan '19

Details of the Alhambra, Granada Spain

 

In the Firth of Forth, North of Edinburgh

 Just west of the Firth of Forth bridge, you can take a boat tour. It leaves near a restaurant and goes under the bridge. Out in the middle of the firth is a monastery and a ruin. They are available to visit. On the way out there are sea lions on the buoys and  great views. We went on a beautiful sunny day, Photos above of the bridge and front and back of monastery.

RENTAL CARS IN EUROPE

      In the Italian Alps I got caught up in a Porsche Road rally. I was driving a Mercedes B class which is small. It was a diesel. I got out of line quickly, but for them not quickly enough.

     We use an auto broker for rentals. It is Auto Europe. More car for the money and other perks,

     I have rented in Southern Scotland, Northern Scotland, The Irish Republic, England (All drive on left), Spain and, Italy. In addition we have driven these vehicles in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Liechtenstein. 

     We do like to leave the driving to others, but we also like to go along the countryside and stop where we want to stop.

Favorite Cities in Europe

 

Granddaughter Sarah Boehringer atop Montmartre, Paris

      Every time we fly to Europe we try and have our layovers or changes of planes in Paris. We like Paris. We don't know all of the city, but we can do well in the center. Of course, the airport is not actually in Paris. It is 60 Euros from the Louvre and a little more across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.

       Second on my favorites is Verona, Italy probably tied with Prague. Wait, where should I put London? I really like London. I know the center city well and it is walkable with a bus pass. You do well making a long stop in London. There are plenty more and I am open to debating. For example, I could easily spend a month in Kenmare, Ireland or Budapest - a magnificent city.

Lake Louise, Canada

     Our last trip to Canada was in August. Alberta in the summer is pretty and surprising. You will need your coat and gloves. The Icefields Parkway goes along substantial glaciers and it can be cold. At Lake Louise we spent the night and made a point to have prosecco at the bar of the lodge. We watched a wedding through the widow and went on a hike along the lake. If you travel in this area, don't miss the smaller lakes and the waterfalls. If you continue north, Jasper is a nice town to visit. 

 

HIGH UP ON THE SIDE OF MT. ST. MICHELE

 

GIBRALTAR/SPAIN/NORTH AFRICA

Windows and wine in the evening THE ROCK HOTEL, GIBRATAR

SHIPS COMING INTO SPANISH BAY BY GIBRALTAR

RAINBOW FROM AFRICA TO SPAIN

 

Egyptian Glass - the British Museum

 

The American Bar, Prague CZ

Large room in basement of the Municipal Building, Prague

Stained Glass Window detail in the American Bar.

 

California's Central Valley

 Once covered by Live Oak trees, the Central Valley of California is now the most productive agricultural valley in the world. It is an amazing place and I have lived there over 60 years. That one oak in the center of the photo stands along the frontage road north of Sacramento. The camera is pointed East toward the Sierra Nevada mountains (hidden by the clouds). Photo by Mike McLellan from an auto at 70 miles per hour with a Samsung Smartphone. 

On my walk in Multnomah Village, Portland, Oregon

Rock wall where dog and I turn up the street.

 

Amsterdam Window Boxes

 The center of Amsterdam is built up leaving little space for gardens. This means window boxes are just about everywhere. The city is built on a series of canals serving as streets and each canal has a narrow roadway for ground access. There is very little jay-walking in Amsterdam.