Traveling to Southern Africa

    Southern Africa is a 25 hour flight by way of Paris. We didn't want that so we broke it up with four days in Belgium on the way and three days in Amsterdam on the way back.

    Our trip south include South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

   We went to experience it not to just look at it. Many misconceptions were dashed. Yes, any of the black Africans speak tribal languages, but in the south many speak English because they were British Colonies and it is taught in school. There are not a bunch of naked people running around or wearing beige. The men like colorful short-sleeved shirts and long pants. It is hot. Women tend to wear dresses with full skirts in the heat. But, don't think everyone dresses like this either.

    There are not animals everywhere. You have to look for them or, in our case with a pack of elephants, they find you.

    The joy is going without predetermined ideas and remember the countries have modern cities. Johannesburg has a great mall, but shopping is not why you go to Africa. (Photo is on a reserve in Botswana.)

The Sea of Tarifa, Spain

    You likely have seen a view from the Sea of Tarifa. From a ship there you can get a great photo of the Rock of Gibraltar. In the background is Spain. I took this photo from the balcony of the Rock Hotel. This is where The Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.

LA Alhambra, Granada SPain

Read before you go is a motto worth keeping.

I have mentioned Dan Brown's books on Paris and Prague.

One of my favorites is "The City of Falling Angels" about Venice

and the fire at the La Fenice Opera House.

There are plenty of guides about these places but they come clear in these novels.

The Alhambra in Granada Spain is like that.

Washington Irving wrote "Rip Ban Winkle" and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

but he also wrote "The Tales of the Alhambra" and there is a plaque 

in the room where he stayed.

 

Holyrood House

The Royal Family owns some prime real estate in Great Briton.  Most famous are Buckingham, Balmoral, and Windsor. The official residence in Edinburgh sits below Arthur's Seat at the end of the Royal Mile. Like all places owned by the crown you have to pay admission. Public places like the British Museum are free. We encourage you to tour Holyrood to see the historical objects and to talk with the docents. Of note, as well, it is right across the street from the new parliament building. Which is a statement unto itself.

THE COAST OF OREGON

We live in California near the Pacific Coast. We have had the opportunity to visit many coastal  areas around the world, but none is better than the coast of Oregon. (We have a second place in Portland.)  I suspect that it is the rough coastline and the whales. Or, maybe it is the fact that there are fewer people there. It is a rocky coast with some nice places to set up. Not like the coast of California or those along the southern U.S. states with their busy miles of white sand and warmer water. I have always felt that rather than swimming these places in Oregon are best to look at on an unhurried walk  and for collecting polished gemstones. This is a place for spending time near the surf and sharing life with the gulls.

 

 

Occupational Comparison

    Many of my friends, socially and professionally, are physicians. I never asked them if they visited hospitals when on vacation trips. I suppose not. But, I am clergy and I feel compelled to visit every church - big or small - to see "How they do it?"  I have truly enjoyed these visits, talks with other clergy, and worship in dozens of churches around Europe and the United States. In America my favorite is likely the Baptist church where Martine Luther King was pastor in Montgomery Alabama. It is difficult to pick one in Europe, but we have been to mass at Notre Dame in Paris three times. (I am Presbyterian.) This is a photo of a service. 

The BIG Surprise: Sirmione

    On the to the second to last day in traveling a four-country circle road trip in the heart of Europe we stayed at a wonderful family-run hotel on the shore of Lake Como. Our plan was for a short drive to Verona to stay the night before flying to Paris. We were early. The navigator using her guidebook of Lonely Planet saw a great visit off our planned route to the town of Sirmione. It is a wonderland of castles and views of La Garda.  We met this hippo in the center of the village. We walked the streets and enjoyed every moment of it -- until I paid the tab for lunch. In my pocket was the key to the safe back at the hotel in Como. Our passports were safe! Off we went and saw the city of Bergamo (home of San Pellegrino water) the third time. The passports were waiting for us, and we got to Verona on time for dinner, but the little Mercedes we rented zipped at high speed; the rush of air ridding the driver of his "sweat'. 

Rainbow Over the Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

A people only bridge over the Liffey River in Dublin, The Ha' penney Bridge was built in 1816. Cast iron it takes you near Temple Bar and Trinity College. We had taken the O'Connell Bridge toward the college from the Wynn's Hotel. It was raining in the distance, but always prepare for rain - -that is why everything is green.

 

Roman Rule: Vienna Austria

In Vienna in and around the civic buildings there is evidence of the Romans being here. Just outside, there is a dig that produced old buildings and roads. The Austrian government has left an area to see.

 

The Nice Lady That Almost Spoke English

First the confession: wife and I both took German in College and beside "good morning" I remember little. As we walked around central Munich we happened upon a large building which was obviously a museum. We went in to look around. It was a collection of wonderful things including the Bavarian crown jewels regained after World War II. There were, however, no other tourists in the building. Three guards were gathered at the entrance and one "sort of" followed us. There came a time when we needed to go to the restroom, known in Europe as "The Toilet" as there is no place to rest or take a bath. We asked her and she indicated that we needed to follow her. She could not give us directions in English, and we were hopeless in German. The toilets turned out to be on the fourth floor by the administration office. We were guided to an elevator and up and around and we could never have found our way without her. "Danke".

 

More Personal

Today is my wife's birthday.

This is a photo of at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast

near the main plaza in Florence.

 

Florence Italy Photographic Sites

 

When in Florence it is nearly required to take this photo.

Most of city pictures are taken from turn out on the road that

has a copy of "David".

This photo was taken form the Abbey on top of the hill.

We visited this abbey to attend worship and concert of Gregorian Chants.

Pandas, Penguins and Possums

On a trip you may discover something unexpected. We were on a tour of  Edinburgh and it was suggested that we visit the zoo.

Did not seem too exciting. They had pandas on loan from China and a large group of pengins marched through. 

It is on a hilllside, but the walkways are good.

The Altamont

When people think about the mountains of California they recall photos of the Showcaped Sierra Nevadas that rise to the East of the great  central valley. There are actually a number of smaller mountain ranges that can be found in the state.

The Coast Range lies to the East of the valley. One of the major roads from the valley to the Bay Area the is the Altamont Pass. It rarely snows there and is green only a short time in the Spring. This photo is from the top of the Altamontl looking North showing the Patterson Pass Road and Highway 205.

 

Madrid on your own

Spain is a much visited  country by Americans. Much of America was discovered or colonized by Spain. In California you can visit many cities with a Spanish name. Most people make sure to visit Barcelona, then Granada with the Alhamba. We rented a car and drove around the country. We like visiting in small communities.

You will wish to visit Madrid  major urban center with lots to do.

There is much to see.

We, however, enjoy neighborhood walks.

Undirected we happened on this lovely park a few blocks from our hotel.

Steeples large and small

    Along the Danube every town or city has a spire of a church or two. For generations the church has been central to the lives of community, While some churches are seldom used, they are there reminding them of the faith. Generally they are worth a visit because they are beautiful. As religion pays my bills, I go to church on vacations. Sometimes it is for services and other times for concerts or programs. One is taken by the money invested in the churches even if the population is poor.

 

The Olympics are over: The Dolomites

    The Olympics in Cortina are over. The Dolomites still stand. I hope some of you  will make that destination someday. It is a wonderful trip. These mountains are magic and the people welcoming. The top photo was was taken from a stop of the tram at La Villa Italy and the bottom was taken looking down the valley.

 

The Chain Bridge Budapest

The Chain Bridge as seen from a ship on the Pest side of the Danube.

Famous and used as a landmark.

Sorry about the break in posting. In hospital again.

 

Flying into JFK late evening

    Usually I do everything I can to fly non-stop. I have had less than wonderful experiences in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta. But sometimes you have to stop over. In the case above, we were flying to Prague and stopping by my sister's home in Connecticut for a long visit. We often fly over their house (from San Francisco) and wanted to see them. JFK had a nice lounge for us on the way out. The car rental was easy using the tram. I must say that our usual off-site hotel was shabby, but we were only there 10 hours. The airport itself is better than I expected. The light show from the plane around 10 pm was excellent.

 

Fortifications Along The Danube

Traveling the Danube by five capitols there are fortifications which speak of a time when things were rough and tumble. That is not to say that recent history is not also filled with violence along the river. (And, inland too.)

It was a beautiful Fall day as I stood at the bow of a longboat and took these photos. I wonderful sight on a wonderful trip.

 

Planning a trip

    Planning a trip may seem like a great deal of work, but it is also fun. Let's say you want to go to Europe but don't want to take a tour.

1. Choose what country or area you have always wanted to visit.

2. Look at your bank account. I do think you will wish to budget a minimum, but     you are not doing this every day so be generous. 

3. Look at the map, Lonely Planet, Rick Stevens and the internet. Make a list of must see places.

4. How much time do you have? You are better off spending quality time than      limiting important time. The Louvre? At very least five hours or you can spend a lifetime.

5. How are you getting there? To Europe it is a plane. It is a 10 to12 hour flight        directedly from San Francisco and less from Dallas or New York. If this our first trip, I suggest looking at Premium Economy. and little more money but better experience. 

6. We fly Business Classfor the lounges but you can get them for an extra fee. You have to justify the expense.

7. When you get there how are you going to get around? Contactig tour companties in the area you wish to see or hiring a driver for a day is a great way to go. Then go back if you need to see those of most.

8. We recommend a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus the first day. You are tired and it gives      you a chance to see an overview where you can go back for a longer visit. Side benefit is sunlight if not raining.

9. We rent cars through Auto Europe who handles all rental agencies.

10. You may not wish to do this, but we carry a guidebook and look up B&B's         when we decide to stop our drive. You may wish to make reservations. If you do you have to be limited to them.

11. In a hotel or B&B asked the desk or owner: "Where would you go to dinner?" They usually have good ideas. Also ask them for places to see outside the     guidbook.

12. Keep a journal or at least a list of places where you took pictures.

13. As for pictures, we use a camera and a phone. If you are using a cellphone       contact your carrier a month in advance of leaving and get a SIM card in the     country where you are going. That can save you hundreds of dollars.  If you  have Wifi where you are staying you can Facetime for free. Remember the time     difference.

14. If you are going to collect something, make it light. I collect the round paper     coasters under beer provided everywhere. Collecting rocks is not helpful.

15. Before you go, after you have done some planning, get together to some     people who have taken the same trip and get their input!

 

Dan Brown: "Secret of Secrets" - Prague

"Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"

"The de Vinci Code"

"The City of Falling Angels"

 Read before you go and again when you get back. "The de Vinci Code" was about Paris and the Louvre. "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was about Savannah. There is a whole series of detective stories about Southern Africa. Well worth your time. The books come alive when you are there. The photo is just a street scene of Prague, but it all makes more sense after reading Dan Brown's book. When he talks about the Palace or a lonely street it will be in front of you.

 

A walk in the Black Forest that isn't black.

    Fall is a great time to visit Central and Eastern Europe. Most of the tourists are gone home and school has started. Those of us in California don't see Fall for long
but Hungary's and Germany's last a good while longer.

Golden Gate Park: Closer to Home

You will note that we enjoy traveling in Europe. That is true.

Yet, we live in one of the finest areas of the world. We live in Central California which is the world's most productive valley. From our home we can be at the beach in an hour and to the East is the Sierras, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in about two hours by car. The photo above is taken in Golden Gate Park in the heart of San Francisco. We think the City is one of the great ones as it is urbane and sometimes silly.

Some years ago we ran in the Bay to Breakers which is a colorful and fun race where almost anything goes. You won't see this in Kansas.

 

Brussels and The Europe Union

 

When we took the train from Paris to Brussels we were surprized in the closeness of the two cities.  We are used to the vast distances in the United States.

Brussels is a pretty city with lots to do, but we were taken by its worldview. Brussels is the home of the European Union and it is obvious that they see and feel their close relationship to other countries.

This is the central square - indeed it was a rainy day.

On a walk in Barcelona a South American Bird

    Since my childhood disease I have not found walking fun. I hurt. But, that does not keep me from trying. Often I will need to stop while my wife walks on ahead. But there are many reasons to walk. We were in Barcelona returning from a visit to Park Guell. (Worthwhile visit. Get tickets online and be on time or else...)

    As I ambled around a bend (I always amble) I saw a parrot on a road closed gate. I like the windows. That was brought my eye there in the first place.  I find that parrots are only present in Spain when have escaped their cages. They are from South America. Enough have found freedom to have some small families in town.

 

Sidetracking

We were zooming along the road from Innsbruck to Liechtenstein when I proposed we take a quick trip into Germany so we could say we were there. We headed over the border not far to Mittenwald.  I need not have done that because since then we have spent a good portion of time in Germany. Coming back to Austria, I saw this village between the trees and stopped to take this photo. I just liked the scene.

Photos you must take

Here I am in the guardhouse of the Spain's National Palace in Madrid.

You just must do it.

Like people posing pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower.

Timing a photo at the One O'clock gun at Edinburgh Castle.

My favorite is getting into famous pulpits,

Think of more?

 

Village School Botswana, Africa

When we were in Africa we took school supplies and books to a village school.

The students speak English as well as their native language because the country was once part of the British Empire.

Look closely at this photo and see how many students share computers.

There are between two and four at each place.

The computers are old models brought in from European Schools. It was fun to get to know some of the students, but made me wonder how these kids learn like that.

 

Neuschwanstein Castle - 5,845 miles way

    It was Fall in Bavaria and we took off for Neuschwanstein from Munich because almost everyone does. This is a different view than you usually get, but this is what it looks like from the road up. You will wish to take the shuttle to the top. Even at that, the ride is a tad wild. You can walk down like we did, but be warned that it is steep. The castle is fun, but the view of the valley is wonderful. In the Castle you will find treasures but the are lots of stairs just like all castles.

Warm day/Carousel rides

This man was out hustling  ice cream in a plaza in Granada Spain.

Behind him is a Carousel.

Two things struck me about this.

I am reminded about how much I enjoyed the common life in Granada. It has the Alhambra, but the city is walkable and friendly.

The second thing is the fact that there are still Carousels around Europe. While a few countries in the world have "Eyes" like London, the old school carousel is still going strong: Florence, Paris, and large and small towns.

Granddaughter aboard in a small town in Tuscany.

 

Tourist vs. Travelers

This is the front of a horse cart in Seville.

This is one of most beautiful plazas I have ever seen.

The time you spend on a carriage ride you can spend on a stroll in a park.

We were covering some area in in a park and descovered

The Plaza de Espana with it water features and beautiful tile.

Tourists see the former, Travelers see the latter.

 

Rubbing statues

Any number of cities have myths around rubbing statues. In Verona it is Juliet's breast. In Florence it is the nose of the pig (boar).  On the Royal Mile in Edinburgh it is the foot of a leader. And this one in Munich.

 

And back again

There are cetain familiar places that end up in many photos.

As I fly over Mount Hood Oregon U.S.A, some six times a year,

it is both a mountain and a symbol of an adventure.

    

 

Making a brief trip last four weeks and a life time.

View of Prague from the castle

      Say you have always wanted to visit Prague. Work spoils the desire because you only get one week vacation.

    First buy yourself a good guidebook. We like "Lonely Planet".

    Second, don't just look at the pretty pictures. Read it.

    Third, go to other sources like watching a Rick Steves series or check out                 National  Geographic.

    Four, read Dan Brown's "Secret of Secrets", it is about Prague. 

    Five, check your flights and night's stay. The Internet is a wonderful resourse.

    Remember your passport. No Visa needed for CZ.

    SECOND WEEK; put down general plans and revise and know that it all will         not  be perfect. Revise again

                         FLY TO PRAGURE --- -one day early to beat jet lag.

    Enjoy all the things you want and dream about. Take photos (better if you             keep a journal of photos.) I don't, it takes time to write them down and if you         have an iPhone it remembers for you.  Go to locally suggected places to eat.

     My system is to ask the person at the desk: "If you were going out to a nice            dinner where would it be?  

     Don't spend time in stores to buy trinkets. Do that when you wait for your             plane home and also get rid of local money.

                          FLY HOME

    ONE WEEK to unpack and decompress.

    Every day from then on you will have memories and photos and warm feellings.

                     

 

The Lost Five Days

    The last five days have been lost "down the rabbit hole" due to being in the hospital. Those days did not bother readers like they bothered me.

    It reminds me of my trips. When I was in Africa my cell did not work many places and I felt lost by it. Years ago, before laptops I wrote a newspaper column for ten years. We went off to Ireland. Several times I had to find a Computer-Cafe to send in something. [You have to be up in years ro remember a Compiter-Cafe,] When in London I borrowed the laptop of the manager's son  and received an education. I know people do not miss these posts. That is not the point. I miss these posts and remembering my travels.

(Rabbit: Southwest Community Center, Portland Oregon USA)

 

The Jewish Memorial at Dachau

 

Looking for a Drugstore -- Europe is not a group of Third World Countries

This is a display of non-medical drinks in Madrid

Slovakia has nice mails with automatic filling of prescriptions. I got Tylenol and Sudafed (by different names). I needed foot powder in Florence. Not a problem, which formulation? Another brand of Tylenol in Verona. Blister-packed. At the Boots (Walgreens in London) needed some cough med. Druggist had to take my blood pressure because it had dextromethorphan. Sinus infection sent me to "Urgent Care" in Munich Germany. Doctor spoke English. RX antibiotics and total charge $5 USD. I am not sick a lot I just like drugstores. Too long in medicine. Been to Paris several times; red wine kills germs.

 

   

DUBLIN IS MORE THAN TEMPLE BAR

Temple Bar is the name of  a pub - good music and not-so cheap beer.

It is so popular that the whole area is called Temple Bar.

Located between the vehicle bridge and the walking bridge

it is full of night life and buskers seeking to earn your money.

Beer or no beer it is a fun visit.

Try 4 pm.

 

Is Florence Italy Worth The Hype?

    If I were to ask my grandchildren where they would like to go they likely would say Disneyland and not Florence. When they turned twelve they visited Scotland, Normandy, Brussels, Amsterdam, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tuscany, (and three trips included Paris). I fear that Florence is more for adults or at least my wife and me. You have to hunger for art and history. The galleries are amazing. You see art that you have only seen in books.

    Now, to the question. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely yes. And, you need to stay more than one day.

 

Prague, Vienna, or Budspest: Which one for a week?

St. Vitus, Prague Castle

    If you ask which is the better city to visit for a week: London or Paris? I would say that having done both I cannot choose. Of the three lovely cities of Central Europe I have some opinions;

    Prague is easy to get around by foot or trolley. If you have read Dan Brown's book "Secret of Secrets" you will like finding the places mentioned. Prague is an easy choice for a week. (If you read: "City of Falling Angels" you must go to Venice.)

    Vienna is a sparkling city with much to see, but more to hear. You can find music everywhere and while it not always rock, it  is wonderful. They make it easy to attend and my favorites include concerts that serve wine at intermission.

    Budapest is half on a hill overlooking the Danube. It is amazing at night with its lights. There are also many places to see and if you go to the bathes you will see more of the Hungarian people.

    Everyplace has its own unique character.