Family Reunion, August 2019 – San Rafael, CA
Danube River Cruise, May 2019 – Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau and Prague
Our first river cruise. Great way to travel! Like a floating hotel (no packing and unpacking) and plenty of time to explore the cities and country along the Danube. Most of the river travel was at night – except to see the castles along the Wachau Valley.
The first day was in Budapest – an interesting city, but it was hard to appreciate given that it poured rain all day. Cold and wet. I was deeply moved by the holocaust memorial (shoes) along the river. Especially in the rain.
The trip was filled with castles and medieval buildings. Great food and beer. Friendly people! I did get to take a day-long bike ride through the Bavarian countryside. Of course with a beer stop in the middle.
We spent three days in Prague. A beautiful city. It really is “Paris -like” with beautiful architecture all around. We spent a full day in the Jewish Quarter. Fascinating and moving.
Portugal, October 2018 – Lisbon, Alcobaca, Coimbra, Porto, and The Duoro Valley
Family Reunion, June 2018 – San Rafael, CA
Spain, Nov 2017 – Barcelona, Montserrat, Toledo and Madrid
Our first venture with a tour group – went very well. I was probably the youngest in the group. Very good guide with guest speakers and guides on art, architecture, and politics. We started in Barcelona, with a day trip to Montserrat. Then high-speed train to Madrid with a day trip to Toledo.
The highlights of Barcelona were the architecture and medieval/bohemian feel – and the political turmoil was evident and fascinating to be a part of. Madrid was Paris-like cosmopolitan. Wonderful art museums and fine restaurants.
Montserrat was a beautiful day in the hills – Toledo a world heritage site with a fascinating sense of age and an interesting, ancient synagogue/church.
Family Reunion, July 2017 – San Rafael, CA
Saint Augustine, FL & Charleston, SC – March 2017
A long weekend trip to the Southeast. A few cities I have never explored. We started in Saint Augustine and then drove north to Charleston. Beautiful, interesting – great food in both cities. The weather was perfect.
Maui, Hawaii – Feb 2017
Another great AlphaGraphics Gold Circle trip. Always enjoy Hawaii – any island!
Iceland, Summer 2016
During July 2016 I had the pleasure of traveling to Iceland. A beautiful and varied country. Mike, Kina, Robin and I drove the ring highway to see the sights. The first day out we drove a loop north and east of Reykjavik. Lots of history, lakes, and waterfalls. Then we drove to the coast and traveled counterclockwise around the country.
Stunning scenery, friendly people – and all but one person we met spoke fluent English – a good thing as Icelantic is an extremely difficult language! Great geology – from volcanic activity ( a rift zone crosses the country) to active glaciers. The terrain went from barren rock (recent volcanic activity) to lush fields fed by waterfalls and rivers to calving glaciers.
Lots of birds (yes, including puffins – but I did not really get a decent picture), one reindeer, many, many sheep, and gorgeous native horses.
We ended up in Reykjavik for a few days to see the city. Very clean and interesting. The entire country has a population of about 330,000 and 200,000 live in Reykjavik!
Food? Some interesting meals – yummy seafood (especially what they refer to as lobsters – langostinos) and delicious lamb. Throw in some reindeer meat, horse meat, various animal parts and you have an interesting culinary experience.
Family Reunion, June 2016 – Lake Tahoe, CA
