Southwest of Toledo Spain

Grain grinding

To dream the impossible dream.

 

Church cemetery in La Villa Northern Italy (Sud Tyrol)

 

African crafts

We visited a small village in Zambia. They had a market where they sold crafts that they made.  They only accepted crisp American dollars, which we brought along. I had met a young man named "Peter" and we walked the village together. Nice young man. When we got to the market I bought one of his bowls. It means a good deal to me. He wanted very little for it, but I paid double as it was well worth it. He was being enrolled in a trade school and upwardly mobile. I wish him well.

 

What going abroad can teach you.

 There is a new world of wonder in a Scottish castle and formal gardens. You can see that taking your time can make a difference. There are products too. We rented a flat in Paris and someone left behinds a washing detergent called Persil and we liked it. It finally came to America and we buy it here. I came back from Germany liking beer more and from Scotland understanding scotch more. We came back from Italy liking a whole group of new "discoveries".  We hope, as you travel, that you are open to trying new and different things and making your own "discoveries".

Notre Dame, Paris

Candid photo of Notre Dame staff getting ready on Sunday morning.

We have worshipped at the cathedral a few times.

 

From I5 just North of Eugene Oregon

Part of today's adventure

 

Department of State makes good call

 Report from the department of State (I subscribe to their notification site). "Afghanistan: The situation in Kabul continues to change quickly, including at the airport. Do not call the U.S. Embassy for updates. Gates may change daily - we will provide updates via email. The U.S. Government cannot ensure safe passage to the airport." They suggest you not travel there.

Venice

Looking across the Grand Canal where it meets the Mediterranean at Venice. We went out to see the statue in the photo and over shot the island. We got off the water bus and discovered the harbor and

the nicest café. Note water level.

 

Gibraltar Tunnels

The Rock of Gibraltar is honeycombed with tunnels, many of which date to the late 1700's. This photo is of a tourist checking one out. We hired a car and driver for the day and were taken around to all of the sights. It was smart as the road up the rock needs an experienced driver. I left our rental car at the hotel.

 

Park Guell, Barcelona Spain

 This is a common shot of a Stairway at Park Guell in Barcelona. It is a great visit. If you go, you will need tickets in advance. You will get a time to enter. It is a substantial walk up from the bus stop but that is a good way to see the neighborhood. You can also take a cab that will drop you at the entrance.

The view of Barcelona is good and it is just a wonderful piece of design you can walk in and through.

Old tower part of the wall to the old city of Prague

This tower marks the entry to the old town in Prague. Our hotel was a block from it and we spent six days exploring, getting lost and discovering lots a great things.

 

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava bridge tower seen through the mist. 

Photo by Marietta McLellan

Such a major landmark that it appears on the socks

my wife bought me.

 

Warning regarding certain places in Africa

If you are traveling to southern Africa, especially Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, make

sure you check with the State Department regarding health conditions there. A very low

number of people have been vaccinated against Cov-19.  As well,

Zimbabwe always requires a Visa and shots. Malaria pills are a good idea. 

(Photo taken in USA summer - South Africa winter or dry season. Cool.) 

 

Favorite Places

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California Coast

 

Marble Canyon near Banff Alberta Canada

Great hike. Not hard.

 

Things are looking up in Barcelona

 

Color on the street in Prague

Prague is a great city - full of color and history.

Street vendors - Photo by Mike McLellan (as are the rest unless noted)

 

Purchases in Europe

The arena in Verona Italy

In Verona I needed some Tylenol. It is expensive. Bring your own.

In Florence I bought foot power because in was hot and by leg brace was

bothering me. Easy.

We have rented flats in France and everything needed is

available in local shops; except black pepper. They had white pepper.

I bought a hair brush in Granada Spain.

I got cough meds in London. 

Cold in Munich; picked up a sweater.

No need to carry a bunch of things.

 

 

Brussels Belgium, Mini-Europe

Step inside and become a solder.

 

A gathering of friends: Botswana, Africa

 

Photo by Lucas Meurisse (then aged 12)

Tips

Amsterdam 

At one time the best day to book flights was Tuesday; it is now Sunday. Remember to check with the State Department before booking. The State Department has guidance on all sorts of issues as well as Visa information. If you are going to Europe you can pack very light and include a foldable bag. anything you do not have you can buy there and not have to lug it that direction. Besides it is fun to shop for necessities in their drug stores and small shops. Do not take Euros with you. Stop at the airport upon landing and use an ATM. I will warn you that in Prague you can get too much if you under estimate the exchange rate. Get your phone set up as a world phone before you go and use it for GPS as well as communicating. I use Consumers Cellular and it costs me little or nothing. Make sure you switch back upon return.

 

Prague at night: The Municipal Building

We make a point of walking at night and early in the morning when visiting new places.

The locals are out and the places give off a different feeling.

Prague (central) is like that. It is lively at night and full of laughter.

 

Verona Italy: The Arena

 Better kept than the colosseum in Rome, the arena in Verona is nearly complete and still used for various events. When we were there, they were preparing for an opera. 

Montmartre as seen from Galleries' Lafayette. Paris

 

Paris: City of Beautiful Bridges and Buildings

I am not sure how many times I have flown in or through Paris, but I have spent several weeks there on different trips. It is a fun city that is full of life. We have never met some of those "unfriendly" Parisians and that may be because we never looked for them. Right now the Seine shores are filled with sand and chairs making it a beach for the residents. Great idea given the weather.
 

Red Rock Area Near Sedona Arizona

Great area for hiking or just enjoying the scenery. 

 

View of The Alhambra, Granada Spain

 

The Alhambra has a variety of buildings built over a number of years. This is one side of a wall which faces the city of Granada from the top of the hill.

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara is a hill and ancient ceremonial and burial site near Skryne in County Meath, Ireland.  An easy trip from Dublin. We took a tour bus to it and Newgrange.

 

Face of the astronomical clock in Prague CZ

Pretty amazing since it was constructed so long ago.

You cannot miss this as it is in the central city.

 

Off the crowded path in Barcelona

Small park. Uncrowded. Interesting art. Bus stop.

 

Public art in Bratislava Slovakia

Lots of pubic art. Fun visit. Demonstrations last week and a U.S. State Department warning, 

but it is over now.