Cincinnati Street Art is amazing! Having viewed Street Art in quite a few Cities recently, I realize that our City is very artistic. I now have a drop down category on my blog entitled “Tourist in my City” because I … Continue reading
Leaving my house thirty minutes earlier than necessary to meet friends for lunch yesterday, I had enough time to take photos of the Ohio River and the Downtown area of Cincinnati from the Kentucky side.
I didn’t expect the beautiful fog. I live 35-40 minutes from Downtown and as I crossed a bridge into Kentucky, I had to pull over on the Highway to take a photograph.
After arriving in Newport, Kentucky, I walked on to the Purple People Bridge, which is a pedestrian only bridge.
Bridges always fascinate me. I love all of the lines and angles.
This little girl is so colorful with her oh-so-long lollipop!
The fog dissipated pretty quickly…
I have some lovely shots of Cincinnati Street Art for tomorrow! Hope you have a wonderful day!
My 18 day journey through Egypt and Jordan back in February 2009 was the first time I was exposed to a culture, that at the time, seemed completely alien to my own. Although I had been to destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe and much of the Caribbean, these two Countries seemed more brazen and wild! I took a photo of the “Siq” in Petra that is really magical. If you’d like to take a peek…look here!
I managed to go on three “big” trips during 2009. There were family crises happening that I had no control over…so I decided to enjoy myself! For some of my readers, you’ve seen a few of these photos from the past.
These little girls were just adorable!!
While hiking through Petra, Jordan, we encountered this beautiful little girl. I don’t remember if she was selling something or just begging, but I was entranced!
This little boy is the epitome of “boy”! Look at his little goat! It seemed odd to me to find these children up in the Mountains. I was worried they would fall and hurt themselves.
We slept on a Felucca sailboat on the Nile River one night and this young man was one of the crew.
These lovely children were in Amman, Jordan.
These little ones were from Egypt.
So much has happened since then, I feel like a different person now!
If you live in Florida or travel with your dog…Lee County Dog Park next to Ft. Myers and Lovers Key State Park is a fun..fun place to take your dog! We arrived about 7:30am to meet a friend who took us kayaking and checked out the Dog Park while we waited for him to arrive.
One of the dog owners told us that the place becomes quite busy with dogs and their owners on the weekends. Depending on the tide…you may have to wade through a foot or two of water to get to the little island where the dogs are in the photo below. It was a bit chilly this morning to do that…50 degrees.
I spotted this bird while we were watching the dogs…
I’m becoming obsessed with reflection shots…
I have my down jacket on for the beginning of the kayaking experience. We paddled about three miles total and even ventured out into the Gulf from the coastal waterway. We stopped at Lovers Key State Park and walked around. I’ve only been kayaking once or twice before…so this was a lot of fun! Thanks Wayne!!
Yesterday, the lumberjack and I went and bought a couple of used beach cruisers to leave for the family members that let us use their condos…and for anyone else that visits. We purposely bought these type…you know…the old style where you push back on the pedals to stop and only one gear…forward!
We took a ride this afternoon. Of course, the lumberjack would have to ride by me and screech his brakes really loudly to scare me…which worked…but also made me angry! This was after the chain fell off…preventing me from being able to stop…which was scary! But…I had fun!
We’re headed to have a drink at the small beach nearby and a bite to eat…while we watch the sunset. Lovin’ Florida!!
Boarding the train in Civitavecchia, Italy, on my way to explore Rome for the first time, I was prepared for the long day ahead. Having organized my own shore excursion to save money, in lieu of purchasing one through Royal Caribbean, I was aware of the strict timeline for my traveling companion and I. Twelve hours to make our way to Rome, explore and return. I had purchased train tickets in advance and the trip was approximately 1 1/2 hrs, each way. The first stop was Vatican City and I was surprised by how quickly we were able to gain entry. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see St. Peter’s Basilica because the Pope was going to speak.
I’m not sure how I managed to get a photo in Vatican City without a person in it…
We quickly walked out of that Country and entered Rome! Next…we crossed the Tiber River. Side note: I was using someone else’s camera…mine had broken!
This is where the fun started. Although we were equipped with three maps, locating the Pantheon was not happening. I’m usually very good with maps. I started asking people for directions. My theory from years of traveling is that unless you get a gut feeling someone’s directions are really good…ask someone else…which I did…again and again…so we arrived at the Pantheon (which I didn’t post a picture of).
Multiple people were responsible for our arrival to the Trevi Fountain…which we tossed a coin into standing backwards. That way you are assured you’ll return to Rome!
The following two pictures are obviously a street with lots of people and a street with very few!
We were guided by a few kind souls to the Spanish Steps…which we didn’t climb attempting to conserve energy for all of the walking!
I’m not sure what or where this was…but it had nice light!
Finally, armed with directions from the friendly locals, we headed towards the Coliseum.
You can almost imagine yourself living back in the “hey day” of the Roman Empire!
Rome was a City that surprised me for a variety of reasons. I was surprised that you’re just walking along and then the Coliseum is…just there…I thought it would be farther outside of the City! I did so much research on the flight, cruise, train travel and hotels that I didn’t research every City – I guess it’s nice to be surprised sometimes!
For some reason, I thought Rome would be a bit “dirty” and be more crowded, but it wasn’t!
Tomorrow we skip over to Croatia…one of my favorite places!
Our ship arrived in Venice in the early afternoon and I had purchased a ship run shore excursion to the Murano Glass Factory and a touristy gondola ride. It was my birthday…so I treated myself! Our Gondolier was a handsome man … Continue reading
I decided to pay Royal Caribbean the $150 to go on their organized shore excursion, since I had arranged all of my previous excursions. Once the cruise ship docked in Naples, Italy, I boarded a small boat and was stepping onto the small island of Capri within 45 minutes.
We boarded a bus for a unique ride to Anacapri, that took us up skinny, winding roads, past lovely guesthouses/villas and finally dropped us at a chair lift that takes you to the top of the island. During the chair lift ride, I was twisting and turning to take photos of the dramatic vistas!
I love the excitement of being somewhere new and so very beautiful! The views were spectacular! You’ll notice these photos aren’t as clear and crisp as my others…there was a haze in the sky and I had borrowed someone’s camera, since mine mal-functioned.
Island of Capri
Island of Capri
Our tour guide was Italian. I asked to take his photo and he insisted on one with both of us in the photo.
Perhaps I am generalizing here…but it seems Italian men have an air of confidence and know when to take charge! Or maybe, they try to take charge all of the time.
He led our group for a stroll through the exquisite and colorful “Gardens of Augustus“.
It was very soothing and almost like a retreat!
Gardens of Augustus
Gardens of Augustus
After our tour of the gardens, it was fun window shopping and I eventually found a seat at a quaint sidewalk cafe, and ordered a deliciously chilled Limoncello!
Don’t tell anyone, but I also bought a bottle of wine to sneak on the ship and I wasn’t the only one. When on-board drinks are $8-9 each, it’s the smart thing to do.
One of my doctors has been there and said the hiking is great. Although Capri is gorgeous, it was very crowded and touristy. If I were to return, I would prefer to explore other areas of the Island and hopefully escape some of the crowds!
Tomorrow, we sail to Venice!
Although all of the destinations on my 12-night Mediterranean cruise (taken in 2010) were amazing, I was looking forward to Cinque Terre most of all, and it didn’t let me down! In 2006, I had spent hours upon hours researching and booked a solo, three week backpacking trip to Europe, to include Cinque Terre, and because of life, had to cancel it, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit. Especially due to the recent disaster there!
After docking in Livorno, we boarded our pre-paid/reserved train…a little over one hour trip…to La Spezia and then hopped on a short regional train ride that delivered us to the last of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare. I thoroughly researched this excursion, because when you’re on a cruise ship, timing is very important! If you miss your ship, you’re “ship” out of luck!
I took this photograph of Monterosso al Mare while hiking. Everyone that I spoke to on the ship was going to Florence and/or the leaning Tower of Pisa. They didn’t know what they were missing!
This is the beginning of the 1 1/2 hour trail that we hiked from the fifth village to the fourth village, Vernazza. Although I purchased some great Merrill sandals, especially for this trip, I was beginning to get a callous on the edge of my heel. But nothing could dampen the dazzling vistas!
The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The natural beauty was almost overwhelming!
The trail varied in it’s difficulty and scenery…
You can see the village of Vernazza in the distance.
It’s like a jewel jutting from the cliff…
After having some lunch in town…due to time constraints, we took the train to the first village, Riomaggiore, where we briefly looked around and headed back to the train station in La Spezia.
We had over an hour to kill at the train station, so we went for a walk and my traveling companion overheard a woman talking to a taxi driver about taking her to her ship, which happened to be Royal Caribbean. We spoke to her and within seconds we’re sharing the taxi with her to go back to the ship. Obviously, we weren’t thinking…we were over an hour away from the ship…and the woman said the taxi was only 10 euros…which is about $12 to split.
Within a couple of minutes we realized that she was heading to a different Royal Caribbean ship and I’m asking “Guido” the taxi driver if he is going to charge us anything for taking us back to where we came from. He said he wouldn’t and started making a wierd gesture with his arms and saying in his half Italian and broken English that we were tight!
Then…the lady wanted a receipt for her taxi ride and he wouldn’t give her one…gesturing and almost shouting…so she exited the taxi and on the 5-10 min. ride back to the train station, he is saying “Cacare”, over and over. Upon inquiring as to its meaning, he informed us it meant “F____ you”. He was upset with the lady wanting a receipt…so to break the tension…I requested him to teach us how to say it…so we’re all three in unison saying…”Cacare, Cacare”!
If you’re ever in La Spezia and want an unforgettable taxi ride, try to find “Guido”!
p.s. Later…I discovered from a fellow blogger that “Guido” is actually a slang term to denote someone that is lower or working class of American/Italian descent.
The first port of call on my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise was Cannes, France. I found it to be very pleasant and nice…almost too perfect! I’m not complaining…it’s just that I like the “unusual” in my travels. Perhaps not exciting enough…no sense of adventure or mystery. Anyway, after walking for hours…there were only so many shops we could look in…
A little cappuccino break…
We stopped at a restaurant and the waitresses couldn’t speak much English. One of the “specials of the day” was something with boeuf in it. The waitress kept enunciating it…boof…and finally I said, “What animal sound does it make? Moo…Moo?” She agreed that it made the sound, “Moo…Moo!” When I lived in Germany for a few years in my early 20’s, learning to communicate was essential.
Even the flower peddler is smartly dressed…
Some uncut flowers…
French grafitti…they would have to “one up” everyone else!
You haven’t experienced France unless you’ve sampled some cheese…
Look at the size of that Octopus…
The shoes match the sunglasses…dress…baby carriage and baby!!
Our next destination is one of my favorites…Cinque Terre, Italy! (I hope the clean-up efforts are going well!)
The mile long — pedestrian only boulevard in Barcelona — known as Las Ramblas is filled with cafes, shops, and oddities! My traveling companion and I were spending two nights in Barcelona, having explored some of Portugal and Spain already, before embarking upon a 12-night–Royal Caribbean cruise of the Mediterranean.
I’m busy snapping photos and my traveling companion says, “Sherry, there’s a naked guy”! I look up just as he walks by me, with a look on his face that could be described as smug satisfaction.
Luckily, I had my wits and thought to take a photo. Aren’t you lucky! I thought it interesting that everyone is ignoring him.
He could help advertise along with the billboard next to him–2 tapas and paella!!
This is the street minus him!
This guy was levitating…not quite sure how!
We all know how this is done!
There were a number of sidewalk artists and they were talented!
Another trickster…
I guess he wants to be nibbled on!
His grin looks sinister to me!
Give me more, more, more!!
Barcelona, Spain has a certain energy. A fresh, fun, and exciting spirit! Arriving by train from Madrid (a 3-hr. trip), my traveling companion and I dropped our luggage at the hotel and began walking. First along the waterfront…
Then we found a park with–of course–a fountain and magnificent statutes.
Heading towards the “Gothic” area…we saw “Street Art”…
Fun shops…
That’s me in the window…acting silly!!
Colorful veggies, fruits, bread and candy…a true Farmer’s Market!
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without viewing some of Antoni Gaudi‘s architecture. I love his whimsical style!
The famous Sagrada Familia’s completion is planned for 2026…the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. He designed it to have 18 towers, 12 for the 12 apostles, 4 for the 4 evangelists, one for Mary and one for Jesus.
In 1926 Gaudí was hit by a tram. Because of his ragged attire and empty pockets, many cab drivers refused to pick him up for fear that he would be unable to pay the fare. He was eventually taken to a paupers’ hospital in Barcelona. Nobody recognized the injured artist until his friends found him the next day. When they tried to move him into a nicer hospital, Gaudí refused, reportedly saying “I belong here among the poor.” He died three days later and was buried in the midst of Sagrada Família.
I know this isn’t a very good photo…but it’s so tall…hard to fit it all in, so I’m only showing a small portion…
Tomorrow we’ll enjoy “bare buns” in Barcelona. Oh, and thanks so much for reading!
Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal is a wonderful day trip from Lisbon. In less than an hour by train, you can step back in time and feast your eyes upon a splendid castle that dates back to the 8th century! The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the view of the surrounding town from within the fortress walls is…so European!
The Pena Palace was built in the 1840’s and even has a drawbridge. I took this zoom photo of the Palace from the Castle and then we walked to it.
Here is the view as you’re approaching…
Whenever I’m exploring something or somewhere new, I get a rush from the anticipation and literally have to hold myself back from running to it! It’s a photographer’s dream!
The Pena Park surrounds the area (Palace and Castle). We hiked through a small section of it and would have seen more, but it wasn’t clearly marked and we got lost a few times.
Upon arriving back in Lisbon, we boarded our overnight train to Madrid and upon arrival in the morning…immediately boarded a three hour train to Barcelona, Spain!
I absolutely love Lisbon, Portugal! It’s smaller, less crowded and more quaint and the pastel colored homes are darling!
During my visit back in 2010, I spotted a man taking this (half) mannequin into a building…what perfect timing!
I wonder what stories this gentleman could tell us?
One of the reasons I want to travel a lot before I retire is that I can easily walk for miles and find treasures like this tucked away on side streets!
While having lunch at a sidewalk cafe, this young man with an accordion began playing for the guests…so of course I had to dance!
My traveling companion and I met a group of people next to us and as you can see…we hit it off! I forget what we were laughing about…but it makes me laugh again!
I can’t resist taking photographs of animals…
or flowers…
or trees with pretty purple leaves…
and especially young couples in love!
Tomorrow join me in the stunning Sintra, Portugal!
One of the many delights of Europe is the architecture and Madrid was no exception! Every where you turn there is a new fountain, statute, or plaza!
I have a split personality…probably because I’m a Gemini. Anyway, I currently live on five acres surrounded by woods, with a 70 foot deck to enjoy it. I love it! But, I would love to have a place in the City. To be in the center of the action and be able to walk to the grocery, etc. For now, I can imagine what it would be like to live in a building like this.
Lovely gardens…
The next destination of my three-week whirlwind European vacation was Lisbon, Portugal. We took the 10:30pm night train and I slept on the top bunk. Although this night train looked much newer than the one I took in Cairo, Egypt, it was much noisier. I didn’t sleep very well! But, who cares about sleep when you’re in Europe.
See you in Lisbon!
The famous Alcazar Castle is located in the enchanted village of Segovia, Spain, which is surrounded by a medieval wall, and the village itself has twisting alleyways and pedestrian streets where cars are banned. Located 22 minutes from Madrid via fast train (which is how we traveled) or just over an hour by regular train, makes it a perfect day trip to include in your itinerary while in Spain!
Originally, I thought the Alcazar Castle was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney when creating Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disney world. Actually it was the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. But, this castle was where Columbus secured the financial backing necessary, from Queen Isabel, to discover America.
I took this photo from within the castle…
The gardens were amazing! This shot was taken from above looking down (obviously).
The world-renowned Roman Aqueduct, the largest and best preserved of its kind anywhere is a massive architectural marvel.
This 16th-century Cathedral, a prominent landmark as one approaches from any direction, was impressive.
I’m not sure what the history of this is…but I like it.
This little girl agreed to be photographed while her Mother stood by.
I hope I’ve convinced you to visit Segovia. You’ll fall in love!
