Gracie's Cousin

        Gracie is a 3 year old giraffe. This week she walked away from the ranch where she lived in Texas. The owner put up $5,000 for her safe return. She weighs 1,200 pounds and stands 10 feet tall. Not easy to hide. She was not hiding, just away from home.

         When I was in the savanna in Southern Africa, I saw large groups of giraffes.  This one, in the photo, saw me. As this guy was in a reserve he was accustomed to Americans in Range Rovers taking his picture. In groups called "Towers" these tall animals. are in herds, and as safe as Gracie. 

 

Looking at the Neighbors From The Rock of Cashel Ireland

        The Rock of Cashel is a major landmark and visitor stop for people driving through Central Ireland. It is a chapel, a cathedral, an abbey, vicars' house and a Tower House. You will pay for a guide in the cathedral but the rest is walking around. Of note: the auto park is at the base of the hill and it is somewhat of a hike.  Rather than give you  photo I have taken of the ruins, I thought I give you an idea of what you can see from the top of the rock. Indeed there is another church in ruins, but look at the green and the lush fields.

Scotland Surprize

Cafe on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

I had ordered fish'n chips and was waiting for my order.

I did not realize I looked so American.

A young man in a wheelchair started a political dialogue.

He knew more about us than I did.

This is not uncommon in Europe.

 

Simple Pleasure

In a small town in Austria there exists a small walkway to the river.

I am sure there are other such walkways in other towns and other countries.

The special feeling, however, is that the traveler has discovered it

for the first time

 

In Prague: Macarons

When we took our granddaughter to Paris, she fell in love with macarons. The French style are different from those in the US.

In other trips to Paris we were tempted to bring some home to her.

They  likely would not make it.

So, we took this photo of a shop in Prague

It would have to do as a reminder our our trip together.

Better than bringing home snails.

 

A common problem with rental cars

This is a Mercedes B Class on Lake Como early in the dew of the morning..

I like to drive and go seeking surprises. This means renting a  car.

I have driven in 14 different countries three of which drive on the left. My wife, and navigator, takes credit for us being alive.

        We use Auto Europe to rent our cars. Auto Europe is a consolidator which means you may get a car from any manufacturer. The list of various vehicles I have driven is long. However, Auto Europe has always found a fairly new car which fits our needs that we have outlined as to where we want to go. This is to say, you would not likely want a Cadillac Coverable to drive the beach dunes. You need a Land Rover.

        The biggest hint I can give you is, besides the language difference, have the rental agent tell you what the switches mean. They always give the traffic laws of their country, but how do you turn on the windshield wipers? In the Alps I had to have some not-so-hell's angels help me open the gas filter.

            Also a car may be just different. The Mercedes above was a diesel and I understand that, but to conserve fuel the engine goes off when stopped. This should be explained to the driver before he is in stop-and-go in Innsbruck Austria. Don't tell me to read the manual. 

 

Thanks to the pilot

 I have a nephew who is a Captain with United Airlines.

We are all pretty proud of him.

I was particularly proud when we flew our last flight to New York JFK.

I looked down and wondered where the heck was the airport?

You must have more skill than I to find it.

(They did find it.)

 

Giverny, France

 

I was taking with someone who had just come back from France. He

had taken a long-boat down the Seine and we were comparing notes.

When we had both gotten to Giverny we were impressed with Monet's

garden as we had seen so many paintings and prints that Monet had done of it.

This photo is a detail - not of the footbridge - but just one patch of garden.

As mentioned

I mentioned a while back that when we were in Venice

it was high tide. This picture shows St. Mark's Square

and those "tables" are actually the risers people need

to walk on when the tide is in.

 

Experience is the best teacher

      

 We once tried to plan a trip by just listening to others. Others have different values.

Shopping airlines will surprise you in the difference in fare. We did not buy travel insurance for a trip depending on the insurance provided by our credit card and it took months and a call to the state Insurance Commissioner to settle. Without an itinerary you can miss things, but on the other hand you can find surprises. Your card may not include medical expense or evacuation. Plan ahead: you will need to get an all Paris Card, tickets to Park Guell and the Alhambra etc. As for not telling your credit card provider I got a phone call from a lady in Georgia while I was in Gibraltar. I told them I would be in Spain. Forgot that Gibraltar is not Spain. Call your cell-phone carrier and see if your SIM card works or if you need  another. It also helps if they tell you when to change cards. The ATM at the airport is always a better rate, plus you will need local cash for some services. Don't over pack, I did this just once. We have had to ask a neighbor to go in and find our passport and mail it to us so we could come home.  Do not buy traveler's checks. Hardly anyone accepts them. Remember an extra chip for your camera as you can fill on quickly. Yes, your phone is pretty good but Photoshop is tough. Something will go  wrong ...unplanned. It is part of the adventure.

 

The travel planning process

        So you heard from a friend or Rick Steves or by way of an ad that X is the place you will want to experience. (You don't go to just to see it,) 

1. Buy a copy of Lonely Planet - or another guide  - and read up on your                         destination. If you have access to National Geographic they help too.  

2. Check with airlines to see if they go there and how much.

3. Reserve Air when you set the date.

4. You need to look into Travel Insurance. (your credit card may include it but it         may not include medical expense or evacuation).

5. Set up an itinerary. You may want to visit something that requires a reservation.

6. How do you get to the airport? Reserve it.

7. Call your credit card and tell them where and when you are going. 

8. Call your cell-phone carrier and see if your SIM card works or if you need                  another. 

9. Do not buy traveler's checks. Either get to an ATM at the airport or just use                 your credit card. (At ATM you need a debit card.)

10. Make a packing list. Meds, copy of Passport, special clothing, etc.

11. Pack a week before. Take out unneeded things. Do it again.

 12.Give a copy of itinerary and a key to someone responsible at home. 

13. Make a list of things to do or not do when you are gone. Keep it.

14. Unless you are going to the middle of the jungles there are stores that sell                 dental floss. Unpack again.

15. Remember an extra chip for your camera ... and your camera.

 16. Sharpen your sense of humor.

                                               ...next post is about why...

 

SO... what do you bring home? What size are you?

This photo of a bookseller's window gives you an idea of the political awareness of people overseas. A book seems heavy to carry so I did not buy one. In fact, I bring home very little other than photos and memories. Two lighter exceptions for me were a shirt from Granada Spain and a shirt from Munich Germany. You see, I pack light and I ran out of clean clothes. Yes, we have used laundries in Ireland (Dingle), Verona, and Prague, but we have someone else do the work as we spent too much money to waste it on domestics. Yet, I was close to leaving and stopped to buy a cheap shirt (and in Munich a sweater as it was turning cold). And because I do not waste time, I believed the tags that said "Large". These folks must be smaller than I am. A little tight. But, now that I have lost weight right on.

 

Central Europe: Best places (in my opinion)

OK I haven't been to all the cities in Central Europe. I hear that Krakow is wonderful, but we missed it.) I would just like to recommend three. Prague is a city of old and new. It has much to communicate regarding the effects of World War II and Nazi occupation. I find it charming. The second on my list is Vienna where music meets a clean city. You must go to a concert there. The Third is Budapest. The photo above (not very good I know) is of the Chain Bridge. High on a hill Buda is great to see and look out from.  Great food. 
 

Soweto South Africa

        Soweto South Africa is a large urban township just outside of Johannesburg. It is concerned the center of the anti-apartheid activity.  It now is an important visit. Not only are some parts the poorest of the poorest it is also the home to the Mandalas, In addition it is where you will find the Pieterson Memorial a museum you will never forget. We also had lunch in a cafe near the Tutu home. Soweto is where black Africans took a stand against Apartheid.

 

The Livingstone Resort, Zambia

You go to Africa to get near the animals.

This guy can to our room to see if we had candy.

When we had none, he left for another balcony.

 

A four country European road trip in twelve days (only swung by Germany)

        We started in Rome and went to Florence and Venice for a ten day get acquainted tour. We then took the train to Verona (a little bit of Rome). After two days there we started our road trip. Our first stop was Bolzano to have lunch and visit the famous Iceman. Then it was east for four days in the Dolomites. (Amazing, I could have stayed.) Then, it was north to Innsbruck Austria. (Austria is wonderful.) from east to west with a brief swing into Germany (we spent five days later on in Bavaria.)

            All across Austria to Feldkirch, Austria. (Lovely center city -  great dinner.) Then across to Liechtenstein. (Got lost. Who would know there are two cities in Liechtenstein?) When it was south through Switzerland in the rain. We have been told the mountains are pretty but the fog did not let us see them.) We stayed at Lake Como and explored. Then off on the Autobahn to Lake Garda and Sirmione  (not to be missed). Then Verona over night and a flight to Paris. This may seem like a tough trip but these countries are smaller and we actually took our time and stopped often . Not everyone has that long ... we are retired.

Vineyards in Spain and Vineyards in Napa County

Traveling along in Southern Spain you might

forget for a moment you were not home in

in the coastal area of California.

To be reminded, read the road signs.

 

Fascism in Germany and Present Day ........

Dachau, Germany: The crematorium  

One of the watchtowers with foundations of barracks.

One of the Gas Chambers

        History can repeat itself. It spread from Germany to Italy to Spain and can be seen in South Africa. Fascism can exist where one group of people think they are better than another. They use democracy to forge a new order. But, it is not him or even them that do it. It is the people allowing it to happen. Let us not be those people.

 

 

Monet's House in Giverny

        Many of us have seen photos of Monet's Garden and pond. There are many prints of his work. The biggest display is in the Musee de l'Orangeie  in Paris with his huge work of his waterlilies which can surround you. (Worth of visit.) It is in the Tuileries Garden very central to the city.

     The photo above is closer look at Monet's home in Giverny. It is not that far from Paris by car and a stop on the tourist boat ride down the Seine.

This a a window through which he could look at his garden while painting.
 

A close in Edinburgh

Where the people lived years ago.

 

Saint Martin In The Fields

In Trafalgar Square across from the National Gallery in London

stands a church where we worshipped more than once.

It is known worldwide for its music program.

Part of worship is hearing the gifted organist fill the pipes and sanctuary with sound. No one moves during the postlude.

We got there early when this photo was taken

so we could prepare.

 

  

     Let's look at why you travel and what you hope to receive from your visits. If you just want a interesting place to go, I suggest your local library. A fun place? There is always Disneyland. But, if your reasons are like mine, you want to experience a different culture and the persons that people it, you will go expecting to be changed. I am a different person after a long road trip through the Alps. I have a different understanding of the world after a sustained visit to countries in southern Africa.

    More specifically I have seen the shoes of Jews murdered on the bank of the Danube in Budapest. I have seen the hundreds of nooses in the memorial in South Africa. I walked the cemetery at the holocaust museum in Prague.  I have met a young man in Scotland that taught me about American politics. I sat chatting with a woman in Bavaria who at 101 was learning about what the Nazis were really like. I was gifted with understanding the potato famine in Ireland.

    I took a long stroll with Peter, a young man in Botswana, who wanted to learn about the United States. I drove through the back roads of Spain without much knowledge of Spanish. Well, my wife and I did it together and we learned a great deal about one another along the way. We went to be changed not to change the world.

Madrid City Hall: a sign in English: Refugees Welcome.

Not far from the hotel where we were staying in Madrid is a large municipal building. Hanging from the front is a sign which you would not likely see near our home in California. They welcome refugees. 

 

Amsterdam by small boat

        There are many cities that are dependent on water for transportation. Most of them have canals which change with the tides. Venice actually floods with some high tides. We were in St. Mark's Square and had to walk on the moveable platforms in order to get into the cathedral. 

        Bruges is one, but Paris also has some canals. The most famous is likely Amsterdam. You can see the city by bicycle or by large tour boat, but the best way is to hire a small boat as you can go where larger boats cannot go. We took one with two other couples and really enjoyed it. However, I was not sure about the couple in the stern that smoked weed all the way. By the way, Cape Coral, Florida is the city with most canals - over 400 miles of them.

 

Saint Peter's, The Vatican

Saint Peter's is a huge church which is not in Rome. When in Rome you cannot visit the Sistine Chapel because it is not there. 

The Vatican is its own nation-state which happens to be surrounded by Rome.

It is true that a visitor may have trouble figuring out the boundaries.

You can count this as another country you have visited. 

 

Saint Giles, Edinburgh Scotland

Saint Giles is a major landmark on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

It is symbolically about half way between the castle (military might).

and Holyrood (The Royal residence).

It is the home church of Presbyterianism and The Rev. John Knox.

We have been there twice. Worship is a tad dry. 

 

The Helpful Hints of Mike

   

 When you are in Florence do NOT go to restaurants and cafes that advertise in English. Look for the places where Italians eat. You are in Europe for a reason. Learn at least three words in the local language "Yes", Thank you", "Please". Our experience is that almost everywhere people speak English or know someone who does. Try their language and you will find the English speakers. It took me several days to say "thank you" in Czechoslovak. Stop when entering at the airport and buy a fast pass for places of interest. When you go immediately to the front of the line you will thank me. If going to Africa or Costa Rica bring at least one hundred dollars in one dollar bills. They welcome American money. We like Bed and Breakfast inns over huge American style hotels. You go to Scotland to meet a Scot or two. Plan ahead and still be flexible. More to come.

 

Street Market Food: Prague

    There is a street market across from the Municipal Building in Prague. It was only a block or so from our hotel and at the beginning of the Old City walls. They sold flowers, fruit, and leather goods. Of course they also sold food and beer. It was Prague after all. I saw this young woman with a sandwich consisting of sausage, kraut, and cheese. It look too good to pass up. And while I have a strong desire never to post pictures of food, this was not food. It was an adventure. This photo is of it as it had been placed on a picnic table. I had to work fast because it did not last long. Prague is wonderful and this has to be included in the trip.

 

Long Lost Relatives

        This is the loch at Fort Augustus Scotland. It is the last control on the Caledonian Canal before it meets Loch Ness. We have been there more than once as it is worth revisiting. Our first road trip brought us to the town and, as most always, we headed for the Visitor's Center to get a suggestion for a place to stay.

            The person at the center looked at our name on the registration and seemed to go sky high. She said, "You must go to the Caledonian Hotel up the hill. It  is owned by the McLellans."  Actually, both the owners and I spell our names MacLellan, but in America the "a" gets lost.

           Chris MacLellan owns the hotel and it is fairly large and well kept. The family took us under their wing and got out all of their genealogy and we had a lesson on our heritage.  We were treated like visiting cousins and we are.

            If you are ever in central Scotland stay the night at the Caledonian and tell them I recommended them.

 

The Statue of David by M... Donatello

There are a variety of statues of David in Italy.

There is one in Rome and two in Florence (not counting the copies).

This is my favorite. About six feet tall by Donatello.

David the young boy with Goliath. 

 

Just another Scottish Castle

To those who wish to be a knight, king or queen, it is easy to pretend in Scotland. There are castles (and manor houses) everywhere. Many are open for tours as the owners need the extra money to keep the places up. Just imagine living with history all around you.

 

Memorial Post At The Beach At Normandy

Memorial Day embraces all of those lost to battle for America's freedom.

This photo is of the point that was central to D-Day.

The holiday began as Decoration Day and the tending of the graves of those who died during the Civil War. As a child we were still calling it Decoration Day and most cemeteries were not perpetual care. Our family would pack up gardening tools and some plants and drive to Mount Pleasant Iowa to tend the graves of my grandparents. I did not know them as they had all died before I was born. Having said that, they were still part of my history that needed tending. 

For us it was not only the war dead, but those who went before us.

 

Memorial Day Weekend

Normandy France is a beautiful place with the ocean and small forests around.

Something else should strike you.

If you watch "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Longest Day"

you will remember the terrible sounds of bombs and rifle fire,

What will strike you in Normandy is the quiet.

As you walk though the headstones of various faiths there is silence.

Out of respect or emotion, there are no words.

 

Tell me what it is like at the top

In Canada it was Marble Canyon. It Scotland it was a memorial high atop a hill. In Vienna it was a tour of the palace. They were all met with my saying, "Tell me what it is like at the top". I don't walk well and never did. Seems like a lot of cool things mean we have to climb. I don't climb. The Eiffel Tower has a lift and early entry for folks with disabilities. I take the lift. Travelling means choosing what you wish to do with the limits you have. Fortunately the folks I travel with don't feel guilt leaving me at the bottom looking up. You see a lot from the ground.

 

Pulpit in cathedral: Gablergasse, Austria

You have been warned before that I like taking photos of pulpits.

In Protestant churches they are center of attention during reading and sermons.

I have some favorite ones. They are, as we say,

all ten feet above contradiction.

 

Walking along the Seine in Paris

(Couple of relatives looking at the river.)

        In a number of visits to Paris, I have always enjoyed watching the river and even boating on it. However, I would never swim in it. That was until the Olympics were held, once again, in Paris. There was a big effort to clean it up and make it even nicer. I watched on TV while people went swimming and others gathered for events.

 

Inside the Castle: Prague CZ

The castle, really a collection of building, in Prague commands a high hill overlooking the city and the Charles Bridge. There are many rooms and things to see. We had lunch viewing the city and then attended a string concert. A great way to spend an afternoon.

 

Why do you travel?

Barcelona, Park Guell

        Some  people travel so that they can say that they where there. Others travel to learn about other places. Some people travel because they are bored. Others travel to check something off their bucket list.

        Why do we travel? As we grow older it is more and more difficult, but there are still things to learn and citizens from other places to meet. Number one reason we travel like we do is that we did not go to Zambia to see more tourists from the U.S. with their cell phone out so they can have a quick photo of a place that they don't remember the name of. We try to stay awhile.

Wenceslas Square, Prague CZ

        We were on our way to see five Central European Capitols and chose to fly into Prague. In our youth we had heard about the struggle for independence with the Soviets. There are two squares: Old Town which is very much tourist and Wenceslas which it a commercial and political center. At night the latter is full of people strolling along. Some are going to the theater as we did and others just enjoying the evening. Many people just go to the Old Town Square and the huge clock, but they miss the history and sights of Wenceslas.

 

I collect beer can and bottle openers

        All over Europe and the U.S. I have been on the look out for old openers. I found a great beer bottle tap in a thrift shop on a backroad in Ireland. I grabbed a rare one in a second-hand store in Edinburgh, My favorites are three openers featuring the last three Popes from Rome.
 

Beer tasting

Ordinarily I am a wine drinker. I grew up close to the great wine producers of the Central Valley of California.  However, when in Rome ...

The European nations  pride themselves on the beer thus I needed to test them.

Guinness is the pride of Ireland and I don't like it. In Ireland my vote goes to Tennent's.  In much of Europe the house bottled beer is Heineken a product of the Dutch although they are starting breweries in other places. Italy and France are into wine production so you might as well join them. Peroni leads the way in Italy.

The photo shows some of my research in Munich. All around I would judge that the beer in Prague CZ all-in-all is my favorite.

Petting The Pig in Florence

In Verona you need to fondle Juliet's right breast. It is tradition.

In Edinburgh you have to pet the Greyfriars Bobby (dog).

In Munich it is some nameless young woman in the street market.

However:

In Florence Italy it is the pig (really a boar)  just off the Plaza República.

The lines are long. If you pet the pig, put money in its mouth, you are not only blessed you make sure of a return to Florence.

Now:

There is a secret. During the day the line is long and folks are bringing coins to put in its mouth. If the coin is washed out the luck is good. My hint for you is that following dinner go for a walk in the Plaza. There is a Merry-Go-Round and lover's walking, and lights dancing off the walls.

And then there is the bronze wild boar called "The Pig". No one is around. The shops are closed and there is no line. You don't have to put money in its mouth or pet it. You can just enjoy the myth.

 

Tea Break On The Botswana Savanah

Most safaris start early in the morning. There are two reasons. One: it can get hot in the afternoon. Two: the animals are smart enough to use those cooler morning hours for activity. Besides wine hour in the camp, a fun part of some safaris is a stop in mid-morning for tea, biscuits, and small sandwiches. No alcohol at this point. You have to be on your guard for animals who want to share.

Duncan and his wife were our guides and we traveled in specially converted Toyota trucks which, in four-wheel-drive, were better suited than Landrovers.  

 

In A Scottish Country Garden

 

While Peter Rabbit's home was in the Garden District of England, one might expect him here. There is something well-organized and relaxed about gardens in Scotland. These gardens are an extension of the manor house or castle -- and even the small homes around.  Maybe it is that many days are a little gray and flowers and living thing brighten the day. For whatever reason they are a pleasant place.

Always Turn Around

From the highest point in Paris you can visit Sacre-Coeur Basilica. WOW. 

From the steps of Sacre-Coeur turn around and see Paris.