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This blog is about the adventure of traveling and especially the interesting people that you meet. We will share stories about people and places we have encountered from around the United States, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, Mexico, The Vatican, The Netherlands, Belgium, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and more. This is not a travelogue -- we leave that to Rick Steves -- this is a collection of fragments in the journey of life.


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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Rick Steves is to blame

     There are many travel sites on the Internet and I read a good many of them. A couple of writers of late have encouraged people to stay away from Venice, Lake Como, and Pisa. They say that they are now overrun by tourists. When I was staying for a few days in Dingle, Ireland I heard locals complain that Rick Steves had raved so much about their place that there were foreigners with cameras everywhere. 
    My photo above is of Lake Como at Bellagio, Italy.  It doesn't look that busy to me, but then I was a tourist. I do know that it is a relief in Venice when everyone goes back to their cruise ship. When that happens (about dinner time) the city is a great deal less crowded.
     Many cities in the world would love to be overrun by tourists. What a boon to their economies that would be. Sure, on the downside, the locals would have to deal with the yokels. Tourists are a mixed blessing.
     But, don't blame the messenger.  When a travel writer likes a place and people read about it and show up, that is not the writer's fault. It is their job.  If a place is wonderful, it is attractive. That is just the way it is.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Liechtenstein in the rain

This is evidence, from four years ago, that I...
"do not have sense enough to come in out of the rain".
That umbrella has been in 12 countries!

Monday, November 28, 2016

Textures of The Alhambra



The Moorish Alcazar in The Alhambra is full of wonderful textures. The Muslims will not depict any living figure so their art is made up of symbols, words and designs. There is great beauty in it.
As one strolls - if you can call it that with all of those other folks in front and in back - you need to take in the world building, but also focus on the details.  The details are amazing.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Cooking Lessons in Barcelona


Sure. Those who know me will laugh.  He took cooking lessons? Indeed.
We went to a cooking school in the Gothic Section of Barcelona. Through narrow walkways and passed wonderfully old buildings until we came upon the modern and brightly lighted kitchen where two classes made lunch. A very complex recipe, but we had class A chefs and enough experience between us. I specialized in cutting up vegetables and making sure everyone had the right wine. They did let me stir a few things. Great meal, good experience, I will likely stick to art classes.  

Thursday, November 24, 2016

La Sagrada Familia , Barcelona


Let there be light. (Photos by Mike McLellan)
Today is Thanksgiving and I am grateful for many things and many people.
Most importantly, I am grateful to God for another Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Interior Alcazar, Seville, Spain

Photo by Marietta McLellan
There a many Moorish Palaces - alcazars - in Spain.
All are lovely. The one in Seville seems most restored.