The Tower of London

         In London there are many places to see. You likely should visit The British Museum (although the Victoria and Albert is great). I would skip the London Eye and head over to Westminster Abbey. The Globe Theater and London Bridge are newer replacements, go to the Tower of London. Plan on all day. Get there just before opening and head to the back and the Crown Jewels. Then walk back to the beginning seeing places -- you will beat the crowds. Then, there is my favorite: walk the path in Kensington Gardens and find Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park.

 

Airports around the U.S.and Europe: Good and bad

The Air France section of CDG Paris

            There is no escaping being in an airport if you travel these days. There is still the Queen Mary II to England, but you must like cruising and expanses of ocean. So, you are stuck. My favorite airport is CDG in Paris. Good chairs, good food, nice shopping. Next would be the Nkumbula airport near Livingstone in Zambia. Very tourist friendly although we had some immigration issues. Our home airports are SFO (San Francisco) and SMF (Sacramento) and PDX (Portland) Both Sacramento and Portland are under major construction and should be nice when done. Right now, they are a struggle for me (in a wheelchair). We found the airport in Verona Italy to be a friendly place. Calgary is nice.

        Now for the bad news. Detroit is unfriendly and does not seem well managed. Newark stinks. JFK is complex and you need to plan. O'Hare is huge but necessarily. Frankfurt is on the dirty side especially the lounges. Denver is pretty, but you will need track shoes for connecting flights. We have been through Atlanta a couple of times and it was okay.

        We flew into Heathrow, London a few times. One of them made a connect to Dublin. Coming into Heathrow from Dublin a big sign read, "Passengers from Ireland". We went that way and it was easy. On the way back it seems that we had used the Northern Ireland exit and had been in England illegally.

        Soon some in depth reviews. Plus, "do you really have to go through LAX?"

 

 

Journaling Trips

            One thing we do on any special trip is to journal our days. Things go fast and so does memory. Each evening we write short entries about the day, the events and the interesting people that we meet. It is fun looking back at these writings. One more thing that I do is the keeping of the maps where we have gone by plane, boat and car. At one time I used a map from Nationl Geographic, but now use Google Earth.

 

Victoria Falls from a helicopter

This is just a small slice of the Victoria Falls which is found on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The natives call it "Thundering Smoke That Rules". A good name for it. The falls are nearly a mile wide and one of the largest in the world. It creates a huge gorge which can be flown by helicopter. My wife and grandson took the complete flight.

 

Busker in Barcelona

        I have a good friend, actuary a dear friend, who during college took off for Europe with her violin and was a busker in Paris and other cities. If you have not heard the term, a busker is a street musician usually passing the hat to make a living.  While we have seen many in various large cities in the U.S. they are more popular in Europe and Great Britian. I have a number of photos which I will share.

        This busker was in Spain playing traditional Spanish music. A lovely way to stop being a busy tourist is to take a moment and listen...and toss a Euro.

 

Look who is Watching Over Trafalgar Square

George watches outside the Gallery and Ben Franklin can be found within.

It is a surprise to learn that the American Revolution is looked upon

as an English vistory over an evil king.

 

Cape Buffalo - Do Not Trust Him

 

The Cape Buffalo looks tame munching on the plants.

However, it is one of The Big Five 

which means it is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

(Photo taken in Botswana)

Beware of faked pleasantness.

Napoleon’s Tomb, Paris

 

Napoleon's Tomb is located as part of a military building. Behind the tomb is a beautiful chapel. As a member of the clergy and healthcare professional I seem always to end up at churches or cemeteries. This collection of buildings is light and airy. It is not maudlin. It is a celebration. It is not far from the home of Rodin. From one to the others they make a nice walk on shady streets.

 

McLellan's Third Law of Traveling

              The best places are always the most crowded. People flock to places like Florence (shown) and to a place like San Francisco's Cable Cars. 

         Tourists go back to their ships or hotels when it starts to get dark for a couple of reasons. One, that is where they go for the evening meal and two they are afraid to get mugged. 

      This is not to say that robbers are not out at night, but they have family commitments in the evening too and there are hardly any tourist targets.

        We are careful, but we often go out in the early evening when the temperature drops, and the number of people is lower. Places like Florence, Venice, London and San Francisco have a different feel in the evenings. Don't be frightened and don't be stupid. Go out for a stroll after dinner.

 

 

Scoland is more han Edinburgh

A green road in the Highlands

The Toll House on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh

        I know that you will want to see the capitol of Scotland. Besides the Royal Mile there are places like the National Gallery and one truly wonderful zoo. Heaad over to Leah Walk and see a little about urban living.

        Yet, as much as like love Edinburgh I wish to say that all of Scotland is a good visit. Many wonderful small towns are missed by people in a hurry.

 

Oregon Coast, USA

        The Oregon Coast is not as busy as the California Coast save in some of the cities. It is rocky, often cool, and green. There are places where surfers hang out and others lie on the sand to get a tan. Having lived and visited this coast it is a place where you can unwind. This photo was taken from the Circle Road in Tillimook. While you are in town stop at the cheese/ice cream plant. 

 

Arizona Rainbow

On our way from Phoenix to Las Vegas a storm was brewing.

Good thing about storms is there is often a rainbow.

 

Cooking Class in Barcelona

        We have taken a variety of classes while overseas. In Barcelona we were able to gather with others to make a Paella Dinner. A lovely and fun meal. The cafe was in the oldest part of the city which made a good environment. Everyone had a job to do. My task was opening the wine.

 

When Summer Is Not Summer

       July and August are considered warm months. They are times for T-Shirts and shorts. The top photo is a group of kids in South African in July. Note that all but one is bundled up with sweatshirts and more. July is Winter in this area.

        The second photo shows a San Francisco landmark. People travel out to California in the summertime and most of it is hot. Not San Francisco. The ocean brings in cool air. The sweatshirt people make most of their money then. It is not t-shirt and flip-flop weather. Come to California to be prepared for hot and almost cold weather.

 

 

A small village in Zambia

      While in Zambia we stayed at the Livingstone, a very nice lodge. It sits on the Zambezi River giving a view of Zimbabwe across and not far to Victoria Falls. It caters to western tourists. Not far from the Livingstone is a small village which caters to western tourists by selling handmade goods. They accept only dollars and prefer crisp dollar bills. These two places are worlds apart. One is like a European hotel, and the other is a collection of mud huts. In the later I made a brief friendship with a young Zambian by the name of Peter. His goal was to get an education and move to a modern city. I suspect that he doesn’t remember me. I remember him vividly.

The Island of Tatihou, France

   Tatihou as an island off the coast of Normandy, France. You can reach it by boat, amphibian or walking based on the level of the tides. It is an UNESCO Heritage site and is dominated by fortress-like structures that served to protect its portion of the coast. It is a great visit. Nearly alone you can watch the waves, see the towers, identify the birds and buy lunch (not kidding). There are gardens to explore and hikes to take. There is a museum.

    Never heard of it? Neither had I when we took the boat out for a visit.

 

Ferris Wheel: hmmmm.

Bastille day at Honfleur France and my wife took three girls up on the Ferris wheel. One girl noted that there were no seatbelts, and another found that she could open the door on the gondola. Watching from the ground I did not know this and am glad I didn't.

 

Park Guell, Barcelona

Park Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudi a leader in modernism.

It has a variety of features and levels. The person pictured is standing under the columns that support the plaza. The park was built between 1900 and 1914.

The park is atop a hill. I suggest you take a cab or bus to it and then walk down.

Tough climb in the heat.

 

Rome, Italy by day and night

           

This photo was taken from the Hotel Diana rooftop, a bar, lounge and way to see Rome. To the left of center is Saint Peter's  Basilica in the Vatican. The Hotel Diana is just a few blocks from the train station (Termini) and a brief walk to the Forum and the Colosseum. Rome is a large city with special sights to see all around. We got around easily by bus ... or once by Roman taxi: if you did not believe in God before you started you mumbled prayers on your way.
 

The Bapristry, Florence Italy

        You need to know someone in the know. The famous golden doors (or actually a copy) sit outside. Inside the Baptistry is the place where people were declared Christian before being able to go across the courtyard to the Duomo or Cathedral. There is a hidden doorway that you likely would not see, but it goes to th galllery where women would go to see the service. They did not have women clergy as we have today. From this gallery you look down on the main floor and are also closer to the ceiling with its art. I think you just need to ask. We did.

 

Canada has already been made great

Just one of many clicks of the shutter

        I would say that I hate to get political, but traveling is a radical political act. A trip to Canada will clearly show you why they don't want to be the 51st state. They are sensible people who have gun control, available healthcare, and a head of government that puts them first. The act of travel is radical because it breaks down all your belief that you are special from a place that is the very best. All places are special and have unique factors to be very proud about. Canadians need to be who they are and they are proud to be it. What a wonderful nation.

 

A certain sadness: Venice Italy

                Photo of St. Mark's square from across the channel on a "less-busy" part of Venice. 

           I find that what is happening in Venice a shame. The huge tourist ships come in and not only erode the foundations, they pour thousands of folks with cameras ashore. Now, I admit I was a tourist with a camera, but we did not go to see a brief view of a couple of famous places. We came to visit the people and learn about the city. We visited the rebuilt opera house and talked with the staff. We had long walks late at night when people were back on the ships. We had dinner in the almost deserted square in the heart of the ghetto. (It is difficult to find.) We visited the Museum of Glass on Murano for a long time. 

        I am not suggesting that people not visit. Their economy is based upon tourism, but I see why they must charge admission. Although it makes it seem like an Italian Disneyland. I do suggest that you come by train and spend several days getting to know the people.

 

Giverny, C.Monet and Impressionism

Look closely and you will see my wife and granddaughter on the bridge.

One of the most famous gardens in the world is

Monet's in Giverny.

Taking a path around the garden and along the pond makes one think they are miles from the busy life. Then into the area of Monet's house giving an idea of the day-today envronment of the man.

(There is also a gift shop.)

Giverny is close to Paris. When in Paris, there is a less visited museum: 

Musee de L'Orangerie

where you can surround yourself with his paintings and murals.

A place for meditation.

 

The Alhambra, Granada Spain: The Owners

        I have noted before that it is difficult to get tickets at the Alhambra on your own. It is best to get a guide. They hold most tickets. They will explain a good deal including the stay of Washington Irving, who was a long term resident.

        The experience is one that you will not forget and the town of Granada is wonderful in itself.

        About this photo. The Alhambra has cats like Gibraltar has apes. They are around to take care of things. The cats are well cared for and healthy. You will see them all around.

        As for Washington Irving, I read his book "Tales of the Alhambra" many years ago (and again before this trip) and it is worth reading before you your visit.

 

The Victoria and Albert, London

       Oddly, as a glass artist, there are two pieces that stopped me in my tracks. This photo shows a monumental piece hanging from the ceiling in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Of all the museums there I think I like the V&A the best. (Even the restrooms are artistically done.) The second favorite glass work is the ceiling in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. They are different and both wonderful.

        

Lobby of Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

 

The Parliament Building in Budpest (On the Pest side of the Danube)

To check the scale of this building, look at the bus. This is huge, lovely and easy to spot from a boat on the Danube. The mooring for boats is just to the right.

To the left is a memorial to the Jews killed by the Nazis.

 

A shrine in Prague Castle

If it isn't churches for us, it is castles. That includes alcazars in Spain.

The attaction is history but it is also fun to see how rich people used to live.

Even when you die you get treated right.

 

Donatello's Mary Magdalene

 

A surprise: while visiting the little-known museum behind the Duomo in Florence I was taken aback by this sculpture by Donatello. I really like his "David". But this is haunting. It is grief, it is guilt, it is amazing. This is wood carving. He also did a crucifix in a church near the central plaza which has great emotion.

Sirmione, Italy on Lake Garda

    It is amazing what you dicover when you are not on a tight schedule. We were on our way from Lake Como to Verona Italy. A leisurely drive except for two larger cities. We were way ahead of plans and so on the map we see "Sirmione" and then looking it up in a guide looked like a nice stop for dinner. WOW. It is an ancient city built at the edge of Lake Garda. It is filled with interesting places including a castle and a beautiful church. It is also a resort.

    ANd. it is also where, when I went to pay for dinner, I discovered that I had the key to the safe back at our hotel in Lecco. Not important you say? Ah, but our passports were in that safe. I will always remember Sirmione. ...and the road.