American Kids Eating In Europe +

     One of our grandchildren on her trip to Scotland and France ate macaroni and cheese only until we got to Paris where she discovered steak and fries (above), Our grandson lived on strawberry ice cream in Africa except when we were going and coming through Europe where he only ate Belgian Waffles and Pancakes. Another granddaughter did try snails in France, but stuck with pizza mostly.

      I was hoping they would learn about food in other countries and there was some concern about their limited diet. I figured that they would eat when hungry and their few food choices would not hurt them in a month. 

As a kid, when traveling, I lived on hot beef sandwiches and Boston cream pie, both of which were popular in my youth. Although I do recall eating watermelon for breakfast every so often. Growing up in my family home it was eat what mom cooked or else. "Else" was not good.
 

Fascination with lamp posts

 I have photos of lamp posts from all of my trips to Europe. I used one from Paris as the basis for a watercolor painting shown in a regional art show. In each country these lamps are different. They are often either old or made to look old. Certainly they are all (with few exceptions) electrical and therefore not over a hundred years old.  I like the ones in Prague that are triples and those in Bolzano Italy that are hung with huge flower baskets.

This lamp post with flowers is located in the central city of Honfleur. Normandy France. The city is full of flowers and hanging baskets. These lamps appear to be copper that has just been cleaned. I did not climb the post to check.

Pro-peace, Anti-gun, Non-Violence Sculpture: Normandy France

Seen in various places around the world, none are more meaningful.

 

Lismore Castle, Lismore Ireland

     We had spent a week in Dublin and now had rented a car to drive around the island. Our first stop was a couple of days in Kilkenny. Then, we set out with a goal of Cobh on the southern coast. The plan was to drive "The Vee" which is a cut in the Kockmealdown Mountains. Everything was pretty and interesting.

     When I am to drive in another country, I drive the road first on Google Earth. It does take some time on the computer, but it often pays off in planning. Out of Kilkenny we made a bunch of stops and were running late. We made it to the lovely town of Lismore in County Waterford. My copilot was concerned that we might not find a bed and breakfast in which to stay. I explained that I knew where there were some and also a great castle to visit if we had time. I drove directly to the B&B and we then headed to the castle. Unfortunately it was too late for a tour, but we could see some of the gardens and the entry house. 

     So planning and running late can end up with a pleasant surprise. 
 

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

One of the prettiest and more interesting drives is taking the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Canada. Our trip began in a bed and breakfast in Banff with overnights at Lake Louise and Jasper. We concluded with a circle drive back into the United States with visits to Glacier and Waterton National Parks.

Lake Louise is lovely. We went to the famous hotel for cocktails and to watch a wedding. We actually stayed just a quick walk away. The lodge where we stayed, Deer Lodge, was a only short way from the lake and a bucket less money.
 

The Pyrenees - I guess

      I foolishly believe that every flight will work out as I plan. I allow for changes and screw-ups in every other aspect of traveling, but feel that my flight will be what I had in mind. We have not had many bad flights, nor cancelled, late or missed ones.  Yet, I have scheduled several flights with the additional purpose of seeing something on the ground. This begins with checking the flight plans and which side of the plane I will need to be on. We flew out of Verona to Paris at ten in the morning so I could see Mont Blanc - nope. It was so cloudy and rainy that I could hardly see the wing.

     In the photo above, I can see the wing but not the Pyrenees. I figures that flying from Paris to Barcelona and Madrid to Paris would guarantee a view of these mountains. They are there under those clouds. 

The moon and a tower in Seville Spain

     There are many lovely cities in Spain. On our auto trip around the country, our second to last stop was Seville. What a wonderful place. We stayed close to the old city and took the tram in, out. and around the sights. We visited the cathedral, the Alcazar, the shops, cafes and bars. We ventured out of the old town on foot and by car. Amazing parks and sites are all around. Nice people too.
 

Find the heron at Kensington Garden, London

Kensington has wonderful water features along the path from one end to the other. While on our stroll we happened upon a heron in hiding. Lots of birds in this park and in Hyde Park next door. 
 

The Tower Bridge, London England

     Some people think this is the London Bridge. It is not.  The old London Bridge was purchased and moved to Arizona USA. It is flat.  The new London Bridge is not very interesting.  This is the Tower Bridge as it cross the Thames at the Tower of London.

     If you stand on the rampart near the river, you can take this photo through the trees. The bridge is iconic and easy to identify as being a symbol of London.

     The newest bridge is a pedestrian one dubbed the "Webble-Wobble"  as it moves around during any strong wind. 
 

Edinburgh Castle getting ready for the Tattoo

Seating up and getting ready for the annual Tattoo. Edinburgh Castle.

 

Rose Window, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Rose window in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This photo taken just weeks ahead of the fire.

 

In The Chobe National Park, Botswana

This little guy got in my tree photo. There are not many trees where the local animals like to eat them.

On safari #3 in Chobe National Park in Botswana on the Zambia border.
 

Door to a private garden in Honfleur France

This is one of my favorite photos. It is not because it is good, but because of the memories it holds. It is of the open door to a private courtyard in the town of Honfleur in Normandy. This town on the Seine Estuary is absolutely lovely. Cobblestone streets lead from the waterfront with its colorful boats passed buildings built long ago. Along the waterfront cafes provide a nice place to sit, sip wine, and watch the ebb and flow of people. The modern harbor is a sharp contrast to the old city, but together they make for an interesting visit.
 

Calgary Alberta Canada

     This is a photo of just another small park in Calgary. Calgary is a wonderful town with a busy center city and many great amenities for those who live there or visit there.  The Stampede Grounds is impressive. Just outside of  town is the Winter Olympic venue. It is a town that is easy to get around with light rail. And, it is pretty. Alaska Airlines flies in from Seattle and the airport is clean and welcoming. 
 

Cooking Class in Barcelona Spain

     We try not to be in a hurry when we travel. Taking time out for half a day's cooking class in Barcelona happens only when your schedule is more relaxed. I do not cook (much). I am pretty good at cleaning up after meals and washing dishes. For me to take a cooking class is way above my comfort level. Here we are making paella a meal served in Spanish homes for centuries. It can be easy or complex. My job in the process was opening the wine bottles, pouring water, and stirring for a few minutes. Fun.
 

An Evening Stroll in London

     Our favorite Bed and Breakfast is only a few yards from the British Museum. It is an easy walk to Trafalgar, St. Martin In The Fields, and the Theatre District. The bus stops outside and the HOHO bus stops there too. Very convenient. 

     One half block up and a left turn and there are some great restaurants and a number of pubs. We find that a stroll after dinner is a great way of seeing a city. We have hints about places to visit after dark in Florence, Venice, Paris, Prague and London posted here. What this photo shows is the Rising Sun Pub not far from our hotel. In is very near the University of London School of Architecture. 

     I understand that some people would be afraid to walk in the evening in a big city. We are not. We also like renting a car and making our own plans and stops.  This is not for everyone. We like surprises and finding things off the beaten path. 

     By the way, note in the photo that it is just near dusk. You need to remember that London is far north and places like Edinburgh even farther. The sun does not go down until much later than in a place like San Francisco, USA.
 

Street Markets

A close up of the large street market in Munich, Germany.

Many Christmas items even in October.

 

The Clock At Rouen, France

     In Prague you have to see the town clock. That is true of Munich too. Most cities have a church or town hall that hosts the official time.  In Rouen, France, right off the Seine River is a lovely town center and - no surprise - a town clock.  See the clock on the way to the museum which focuses on Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in Rouen at 19 years of age.
 

Feldkirch Austria: A Treasure of a Town

Feldkirch is a medieval town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, bordering on Switzerland and Liechtenstein. I have read where Austria is beautiful, but not very friendly especially in restaurants. That is not our experience. In fact, we visited Feldkirch Austria on a road trip through five countries in Central Europe. The old center city is lovely. We had a glass of wine at an outdoor café and then went to a local restaurant. We, being Americans, were very early for dinner. but welcomed warmly. Our German is not good and their English no better, but we had great service and probably one of the top ten meals we have had anywhere. Feldkirch is a great visit. 
 

Mini Europe, Brussels Belgium

On our way to Zambia, we stopped in Brussels. My grandson wanted to

see Mini Europe, a site near the Olympic Village that shows you, in miniature, 

the famous buildings in Europe.

It was fun.

 

Lots of photos of King Ludwig's Castle, but here is one looking out from the castle

The Valley and lake as seen from the castle

Photo credit: Marietta McLellan

 

The Prettiest Shopping Mall I Have Visited

     I have been to shopping malls around the United States and 26 other countries from Brussels to Johannesburg. I have been to nice inside malls in places like Bratislava, Slovenia and a remarkable outside mall in Woodburn, Oregon.  This mall pictured is at St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, Ireland. It is the prettiest I have been to. We had lunch upstairs and checked out the shops. For those as old as I am, this reminds me of  Sutro's Baths, long gone now, from San Francisco.

 

Going up or down the Danube by riverboat: some places to remember

      These photos are day and night shots across the Danube from the Pest side looking at Budapest, Hungry. It is one of the loveliest cities we have visited whether day or night. When I was young there was a revolution here of the locals against the Russians. Today the city is alive and free. We found it to be a wonderful and welcoming place.

     The riverboats will stop in Vienna, and we suggest going to one of the wonderful concerts held in the evening around the city.  We saw/heard opera, ballet and Mozart.  

     The real surprise was Bratislava, the capitol of Slovakia.  I admit knowing nothing about this historic and yet modern city. It is filled with art and community sculptures.  One sculpture of note was of Ronald Reagan who they appreciate for encouraging the Russians to take down the wall and reunite Central Europe. 
 

Notes on Motorcycles in Spain (and other EU Countries)

     This is a photo I took of a line of motorcycles in Granada Spain. There are plenty of these all over Europe and especially in larger cities. It is very hard and expensive to park in the older parts of cities with their narrow streets. People have given up their cars for motorcycles. They are more convenient. For those of us in the United States, we see these two-wheelers, but if you are like me you would outlaw them on the freeway. In general, we don't know how to share the road. Europeans deal very well with the variety of transport - including bicycles - on their busy streets.

Details of Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain

     Park Guell is on top of a hill in Barcelona and gives you a view of much of the city. (You can also see the city from the fort near the Olympic site.) The park is going to be a half day experience and worth it to those who take the time. Taking the bus to the base of the hill and walking up, or a cab to the entrance, will bring you to the line for those with reservations. In the summer you MUST have reservations for a certain time. It is crowded. The reason for the crowds will soon be evident. It is unique and charming. This is a feast of architecture designed by Gaudi. These photos are of a wall holding back the slope under the huge viewing plaza.

Creek in Sedona Arizona

The creek at the Creekside BNB, Sedona Arizona.

An oasis in the red rock area.

Sedona is a great place to view raw nature and human-made art.

 

Getting Around Prague CZ

Prague is easy to get around. The tram system is inexpensive and clean.

Be warned: when you get aboard validate your ticket.

It seems easy to skip and get by for free, but the tram people come through

and check on occasion. Big fine. We saw it happen to scofflaws. 

Let's talk rental cars

Nissen in Ireland

Mercedes in Italy

     I have driven many rental cars in the United States and Canada. That seems easy. I have also driven them in Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. That is pretty easy too.

     We use AutoEurope as our rental agent. They have always come through. No problems with them. As for driving in Europe, you need to read up on the laws and street signs before you go. Some are different. As for driving on the left, my copilot has always been helpful reminding me which lane after making a stop for lunch or petrol. The motorways like the Autobahn are not tricky. Just choose your speed and stay in that lane.

     The roads are good in Europe. The drivers seem better than in the US and it may be that the roads often are more narrow and the speeds higher. The European drivers are very alert. They do honk their horns some, but they rarely carry guns or have road rage over little things. If you seek forgiveness, some countries have "Visitor" signs for your back window. (Not a good idea as it advertises that you have luggage to take.)

     By auto you see more and stop when you like.

 

      
 

Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth - memories of her 50th Jubilee

The White Tower, Tower of London

     The first time we were in England was twenty years ago. It was the 50th Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth and things were buzzing. Even when we got to Scotland, the flags were flying and the kind words spoken. It was a national party; a celebration of a lady. In Scotland we visited her summer home, Balmoral, and there things were low key, but still she had been monarch for fifty years. 

     

Balmoral "Castle" garden

     When I was young, I remember how much my sister was excited about Elizabeth's coronation. It made the young Queen a superstar among young women. I was, as a 9-year-old boy, unimpressed.  I now wish I had paid more attention.

 

Packing for One Month In Italy

Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

So, the first thing we think about - after our destination - is what to pack. I have a packing list for overseas as well as for the USA. For overseas I make sure I have my medication, good worn-in shoes, my favorite toiletries,  and clothes for a week (because I can wash things out or find a day laundry almost everywhere). I have a foldable hat and a jacket that rolls up the size of a burrito. I bring a small flashlight, my cell phone (tell your carrier you need world access at least two weeks ahead), and a Swiss Army knife (in your checked luggage). Most everything else I can buy in the countries I visit. I do not mind shopping for things as it is educational. Do not overpack. The people you meet will not know you are wearing the same shirt over again. Everything you take needs to be carried. Pack your luggage and then go back and take things out before you go.