My Travel Bag
I have been blessed to have traveled throughout my life. It wasn't really planned, initially, it just happened due to work, vacations and family events. I have visited every state in the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii. Traveled a few time to Puerto Rico, first on business, then later on vacation. Internationally, I have traveled the East and West Mediterranean areas to include places like Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, various Greek Islands, Rhodes, Italy, Sardinia Spain, Monaco, Tunisia and Spain. Traveled to France to visit Normandy. A fast train to England to eat fish and chips in a Pub. Up through the Baltic's to visit Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden. The Caribbeans and Latin America are always fun, places like The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, Columbia, Mexico, Belize, and Cozumel. India on business and let's not forget Canada...our close relatives up north. I failed to mention my birth place, where I visited again in 2016, Panama, which is always swarming with people who know how to enjoy life! More pics to come when I have time. It's been fun all the way and I though I might share a few pics and impressions with you.
The most populous metropolitan in the world - Tokyo, Japan
What an amazing city, country and culture! What beautiful people! With visits to various temples in Kyoto, the beautiful sights of Mount Takao and the city of Tokyo and all it's personality. It was really a fun and amazing trip! And we didn't even do Disneyland! - next time, maybe - The journey began with a bullet train ride to Kyoto, where we stayed at a great Japaneses Hotel, Seizanso, sleeping on futons and bathing in the public "onsen". And the breakfast was amazing...a traditional Japaneses hotel. Then we headed over to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist Temple which literally means, "Temple of the Golden Pavilion". Then the a bamboo garden and more temples. A great dish of fried noodles at the train station; way unique and delicious. The hotel served an amzing breakfast, Japanese style! The the river and sights were overwhelming. After a few days in Kyoto, we headed back to Tokyo where we took in all the sites there. Dining at Andy's, a real treat for seafood...more than we could ever eat! Japaneses barbecue, at Yakinikuen, cook right in front of us...by us! More cool temples and the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It was topped off with a late night trip to Mt. Takao to enjoy another culturally delightful dinner at Ukai Toriyama. Simply amazing and even more so when shared with the best friends in the world! Thanks Mikel and Kim! Pics below...which seem like a lot...but really, only a few!
What an amazing city, country and culture! What beautiful people! With visits to various temples in Kyoto, the beautiful sights of Mount Takao and the city of Tokyo and all it's personality. It was really a fun and amazing trip! And we didn't even do Disneyland! - next time, maybe - The journey began with a bullet train ride to Kyoto, where we stayed at a great Japaneses Hotel, Seizanso, sleeping on futons and bathing in the public "onsen". And the breakfast was amazing...a traditional Japaneses hotel. Then we headed over to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist Temple which literally means, "Temple of the Golden Pavilion". Then the a bamboo garden and more temples. A great dish of fried noodles at the train station; way unique and delicious. The hotel served an amzing breakfast, Japanese style! The the river and sights were overwhelming. After a few days in Kyoto, we headed back to Tokyo where we took in all the sites there. Dining at Andy's, a real treat for seafood...more than we could ever eat! Japaneses barbecue, at Yakinikuen, cook right in front of us...by us! More cool temples and the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It was topped off with a late night trip to Mt. Takao to enjoy another culturally delightful dinner at Ukai Toriyama. Simply amazing and even more so when shared with the best friends in the world! Thanks Mikel and Kim! Pics below...which seem like a lot...but really, only a few!
City of Enlightenment - Paris, France
With the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and a rich cultural history, Paris...and France as a whole...is abundantly Enlightening. The people, food and overall experience was so enjoyable. I look forward to revisiting this 3 BC aged community again very soon. While I thoroughly enjoyed Paris, I also enjoy visiting the small town of Bayeux; located NW France near the Atlanta Ocean. It made a great base camp as I explored the WWII events surrounding this Normandy area. Bayeux was the first city to gain liberation from the Battle of Normandy. Discovering the "Bayeux Tapestry" was interesting, as it presented some 50 historical scenes embroidered on linen nearly 230 ft (70M) long. The scared WWII Normandy American Cemetery was tearfully moving; especially for me, as my father landed on this soil, serving as an 18 year old enlistee. Very moving for all who visit and show their respect. Further south I drove to the island commune of Mont Saint-Michel. Simply beautiful. France has so much to offer in all directions and one can get lost in its lush green hills amazing sites and friendly people.
With the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and a rich cultural history, Paris...and France as a whole...is abundantly Enlightening. The people, food and overall experience was so enjoyable. I look forward to revisiting this 3 BC aged community again very soon. While I thoroughly enjoyed Paris, I also enjoy visiting the small town of Bayeux; located NW France near the Atlanta Ocean. It made a great base camp as I explored the WWII events surrounding this Normandy area. Bayeux was the first city to gain liberation from the Battle of Normandy. Discovering the "Bayeux Tapestry" was interesting, as it presented some 50 historical scenes embroidered on linen nearly 230 ft (70M) long. The scared WWII Normandy American Cemetery was tearfully moving; especially for me, as my father landed on this soil, serving as an 18 year old enlistee. Very moving for all who visit and show their respect. Further south I drove to the island commune of Mont Saint-Michel. Simply beautiful. France has so much to offer in all directions and one can get lost in its lush green hills amazing sites and friendly people.
Mayan Campus - Chichen Itza, Mexico
Just a cool Mayan campus. The Pyramid of Kuluikan, left, is certainly a highlight and one familiar to people globally, yet there are so many more things to see. The Ball Court, the Sacred Wall, the Observatory, and Platform of the Skulls are just a few. You can even see remnants of the Mayan people in the local souvenir traders. The Kuluikan Pyramid, surrounded by staircase set at a 45 degree angle, is believed to have been built between 550-900 AD and reaches up 98 ft (30M). The view is spectacular of the campus and region. Definitely a bucket-list. I marveled, once again, just how much can be accomplished as people work together for a common goal. The engineering is so amazing, that during the fall and spring equinoxes the sun's light hit the northern staircase so perfectly, it appears as if a snake runs length of the northern staircase.
Just a cool Mayan campus. The Pyramid of Kuluikan, left, is certainly a highlight and one familiar to people globally, yet there are so many more things to see. The Ball Court, the Sacred Wall, the Observatory, and Platform of the Skulls are just a few. You can even see remnants of the Mayan people in the local souvenir traders. The Kuluikan Pyramid, surrounded by staircase set at a 45 degree angle, is believed to have been built between 550-900 AD and reaches up 98 ft (30M). The view is spectacular of the campus and region. Definitely a bucket-list. I marveled, once again, just how much can be accomplished as people work together for a common goal. The engineering is so amazing, that during the fall and spring equinoxes the sun's light hit the northern staircase so perfectly, it appears as if a snake runs length of the northern staircase.
The Birth Place of Democracy - Athens. Greece
Wow! When I traveled to Athens, Greece, they were in the middle of their first economic crisis. Protesters were in the street...but not on a Sunday; everyone was home with family.
This is where democracy began. It is where we look up at the highest point and view The Acropolis; where you see the Parthenon and the Erechtheum erected on top. Athens, the center of Art, Philosophy and Politics. Like Rome, an early metropolis. It was fun walking through some of the narrow street of old town and eating the food and just seeing all the sites. Then walking to the agora of Athens, where the early philosophies of democracy, which we enjoy today, were established.
Wow! When I traveled to Athens, Greece, they were in the middle of their first economic crisis. Protesters were in the street...but not on a Sunday; everyone was home with family.
This is where democracy began. It is where we look up at the highest point and view The Acropolis; where you see the Parthenon and the Erechtheum erected on top. Athens, the center of Art, Philosophy and Politics. Like Rome, an early metropolis. It was fun walking through some of the narrow street of old town and eating the food and just seeing all the sites. Then walking to the agora of Athens, where the early philosophies of democracy, which we enjoy today, were established.
Hot Air Balloon - Luxor Egypt
I took the opportunity to glided over Luxor Egypt on a warm May morning, about 6:00am. Luxor is located in Southeast Egypt along the Nile River. It is here where you can walk through the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Where Pharaoh's and Noble Queens tombs are found buried deep into a maze of mystical tunnels and trapped doors. It is here with the boy king, Tut (Tutankhamun) undisturbed tomb was found in 1922, untouched and gave the world an insight of just how much treasures were buried with the royalties. It is also where the biblical story of Moses begins, where the infant floated down a tributary onto the Nile River where he would be found by Pharaoh's daughter.
I took the opportunity to glided over Luxor Egypt on a warm May morning, about 6:00am. Luxor is located in Southeast Egypt along the Nile River. It is here where you can walk through the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Where Pharaoh's and Noble Queens tombs are found buried deep into a maze of mystical tunnels and trapped doors. It is here with the boy king, Tut (Tutankhamun) undisturbed tomb was found in 1922, untouched and gave the world an insight of just how much treasures were buried with the royalties. It is also where the biblical story of Moses begins, where the infant floated down a tributary onto the Nile River where he would be found by Pharaoh's daughter.
The Magic of Petra - Jordan
Petra, located in southern Jordan, is Jordan's most visited tourist site. It is believed to have been established as early as 312 BC and is the capital city of the Nabataeans; a lucrative community of traders of frankincense, myrrh and spices. It is estimated that Petra had a population of over 30,000 and though hidden, was as beautiful as any Roman City.
Petra is reminiscent of the Canyonland areas of Southern Utah. The rock formation of sandstone with its myriad of colors is stunningly beautiful. Although most people recognize this image of Petra from the the "Indian Jones Movie", there is an entire city of sand carved structures. And while these structures seem like a great place to live, most were actually tombs; where wealth family members buried their dead.
Petra was a highly guarded and secretive place, later conquered by the Romans and later losing its status as a trade leader, though a Roman road was built to the city. It would become an unknown city to the West, only to be rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig.
Petra, located in southern Jordan, is Jordan's most visited tourist site. It is believed to have been established as early as 312 BC and is the capital city of the Nabataeans; a lucrative community of traders of frankincense, myrrh and spices. It is estimated that Petra had a population of over 30,000 and though hidden, was as beautiful as any Roman City.
Petra is reminiscent of the Canyonland areas of Southern Utah. The rock formation of sandstone with its myriad of colors is stunningly beautiful. Although most people recognize this image of Petra from the the "Indian Jones Movie", there is an entire city of sand carved structures. And while these structures seem like a great place to live, most were actually tombs; where wealth family members buried their dead.
Petra was a highly guarded and secretive place, later conquered by the Romans and later losing its status as a trade leader, though a Roman road was built to the city. It would become an unknown city to the West, only to be rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig.
All Roads Lead To Rome - Italy
OK, I have to admit it, I love Rome! The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica , the
Pantheon, the Vatican and on and on. It's ancient ruins mixed with modern culture and cuisine makes it everyone's favorite place to visit and dine. There is just so much to see and everything is so massive.
I recall my first visit. I was astonished by the amazing architect of all the churches and the quaint streets with their shops and living quarters. Soon I came to realized, Catholic Churches are found at just about every corner! Each having it's own unique beauty. I recall standing at awe as I walked through ancient Rome, realizing this city have been in existence for over 2,500 years. The cradle of Western Civilization and really the first real metropolis. To stand inside the Sistine Chapel and witness the magnificent masterpieces of Michael Angelo is simply remarkable. To walk the halls of the Vatican and view all its treasures in quite remarkable. Then, to climb the stairs on top of St. Peter's Basilica and view all of Rome is breathtaking. And there is so much more. Rome give you a sense of just how small we are individually, yet how large we can be collectively.
OK, I have to admit it, I love Rome! The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica , the
Pantheon, the Vatican and on and on. It's ancient ruins mixed with modern culture and cuisine makes it everyone's favorite place to visit and dine. There is just so much to see and everything is so massive.
I recall my first visit. I was astonished by the amazing architect of all the churches and the quaint streets with their shops and living quarters. Soon I came to realized, Catholic Churches are found at just about every corner! Each having it's own unique beauty. I recall standing at awe as I walked through ancient Rome, realizing this city have been in existence for over 2,500 years. The cradle of Western Civilization and really the first real metropolis. To stand inside the Sistine Chapel and witness the magnificent masterpieces of Michael Angelo is simply remarkable. To walk the halls of the Vatican and view all its treasures in quite remarkable. Then, to climb the stairs on top of St. Peter's Basilica and view all of Rome is breathtaking. And there is so much more. Rome give you a sense of just how small we are individually, yet how large we can be collectively.
