Escape to the Italian Lake District, 32 Anniversary, 2007

Italy was our planned escape to the warmth we've missed during the Yorkshire spring of cold and rain.

We jumped up and caught our taxi and took poor george to the Red House doggie resort (better know as dog prison!). This was the first trip to the Leeds/Bradford Airport via the new bus service which leaves every hour on the hour. What a great way to go and only $34 round trip.

We flew Jet2 straight into the Bergamo Italy airport. The owner, Mario, of the bed and breakfast picked us up and then drove to the B&B click to see, La Valletta Relais, where we stayed. You won't meet a finer proprietor then Mario and family. We freshened up and Mario took us back to the old town of Bergamo for dinner.

We wandered about looking for the restaurant Da Mimmo one of the top four dining experiences in Bergamo. We were seated in the outdoor garden area after a glass of bubbly in their deli across the small lane. White table clothes, great smells, lots of people having a Saturday night out. As usual, we were very fortunate to even get a place to dine. Dinner was great, I ate a slap of meat that covered the whole plate. Ya'll may not believe this but I couldn't finish it. It was about two and a half inches thick. Bet dined on a local specialty, lake trout with italian veggies.

We ended our saturday night by walking back to the center of old town and had a gelato as we waited for mario's shuttle back to La Valletta and the 11pm bed call.

Bergamo is a splendid little hill town in northern Italy. Our sunday began naturally with a walk about on the perimeter of the hill top road. Everybody walks no wonder these Italian people are so good looking. They keep their shapes and legs by climbing up and down these hill roads on into their nineties. I had people older than me passing as if I was tied.

La Vellatta sits on the side of a hill above old town Bergamo. It over looks the city. The birds are unbelievable we even heard real cuckoos. That was a first for us. We stolled down the hill to town. We visited a hillside garden, a war memorial park and took a Funiculare up to the top of the hill for a castle look see.

We spent the whole day walking, looking, dining and broke up those tourist moments with gelatos. After so much fun we voted for a quiet night on the outside patio of La Vallatta. We went back to last night's Da Mimmo deli and purchased vino and delicious food stuff. That night on the patio we were joined by this english couple we had met that very morning. We told tales and drank the vino until mario and family retired for the night.

Monday morning Mario takes us to the train station for our trip to Varenna on Lake Como. It started out a cool and wet day. The train trip seemed quick even with a small lay over in Lecco. That Betty is an expert at figuring the foreign train schedules. We made it to Varenna and got off in the middle of a gully washer. We walked down the hill to the ferry station on Lake Como. Our hotel the La Olivedo, can be viewed by clicking Here!!!!

Our room was in a Villa, never stayed in one of those before. Man was it nice. The bed, although beautiful, we slept like it was a concrete slab. With all the fun the night before we took one of those rainy day naps till the 7:30 dinner of 3 courses for about $30 in La Oliveda dinning room. Laura who runs every aspect of the hotel and staff hit it off well with us. I think otherwise life at the La Oliveda may not be so nice. I just addressed her as Miss Laura and we got on good.

Our Italian lake tour started nicely with a grand walk through the Villa Monastero's Gardens. It was just a little overcast with periods of sun. We love lake Como. All the Europeans with the bucks owned and developed property here mostly the Kings and Queens of several nations. I can't explain the beauty of this place. I have come to know the unimaginable. We toured the properties of four of the finest gardens known to man. I'll never forget the side of a hill covered in roerdendiums the size of large oak trees. We usually spent half our days in the various gardens around the lake. We reached them via various means of marine transport.

Of course, we walked everywhere when we got to these little lake ports of call. We love Italy especially Lake Como. It has moved to the top of the list o places most likely to visit again and maybe again. The views around the lake were facinating to see snow caped mountians and palm trees all in one vista.

Our next Italy trip will be for some stop over time in Venice, everyone swears it's the best of Italia!

. . . . see ya,
j'bu

Rail trip to Paris, Spring 2007

We were up early in anticipation of our rail trip to Paris. Sometime before 5:30am Bet and I started getting ready for the 7am rail departure. We had a first class trip to London’s King Cross booked. Once there we jump on the tube to Waterloo station where the connection for Eurostar train to Paris was waiting to take us through the Chunnel to our final destination. George knew.

For me, the tube provided the disappointment opportunity of my Paris trip. The London Underground is a pretty darn good service and somehow I managed to leave my prize possession backpack on the Bakerloo line. This was just plain bad. Thanks to Bet, who filed the lost and found claim, I eventually moved on and realized my digital camera, favorite hat and worldwide travel pack were gone forever. Even though we’ve traveled to and thorough London it’s always accompanied by some apprehension. My guess it’s the 10 million people in the area.

Now Paris was the prize, we got to the Hotel de Vigny via taxi around 3:30 pm. Our Eurostar trip was very comfortable, the food was better than our trip to Bruges and the wine flowed freely. It reminded me of the good old days of international air travel. We’ve been to Paris before but these are the best accommodations and weather we’ve ever experienced. We cleaned up a little and hit the sidewalks. We walked the districts from the Champs Elysees passed Notre Dame. We had a late night dinner at a small café off one of the side streets. That’s where you find the unique restaurants off the beaten path.

This is the first time on my travels through France that I have felt totally comfortable with the people, places and things. I mean everyone I encountered seemed welcoming and warm. This is really what I’ll remember about Paris in the future. I’ve gone away with a totally different view of France in general.

Sunday we jumped up and by 9:30 am we were on a train to a town forty minutes outside of Paris. The train was packed with people. Bet and I had to split up for seats. I talked to a polish IT Sales type guy the whole trip who lives in France and was looking for work. I gave him our company name and sent him to our London Offices. If he gets hired, it would be good for our eastern European and Russian ventures.

Anyway, next to the train station we rented bikes and took off to find Monet’s home and gardens. First thing, it was a beautiful trek but this old butt of mine is no longer build for cycling. We ate ice cream while queued up to view the property of the French master. What sights, they were remarkable. My favorite was his house. He must have been like me with the focus being on the cooking, dining, and wining. I like all the French oak and the pastel painted rooms. After our garden view, we were back in Paris to see Monet’s paintings and mural of these very gardens.

Sunday, was national Election day. Can you imagine 85% turnout? They vote on Sundays. At the end of the day, my favorite candidate Sarkozy captured the election. He’s a winner and may even set the French on the right path. How is it going to be without the hate-everything-american government? Hello, welcome to this century. We may well be their best friends but time will tell. On this day we were doing our daily ritual of evening wine and snacks. We had walked by the English and US embassies. Very strange the sight of heavily armed police of all sorts blocking off the streets on the street in front of the embassies. We ended up at a small corner café on the Rue le Concordia. Loads of young people milling about and heading on down the street to join the Sarkozy rally. Right in front of us a crowd had gathered to view the big plasma screen TV behind us to watch the goings on. The Sarkozy rally at his head quarters which was just a couple of blocks away and was the center of all attention.

Monday morning early, we found the Metro underground to north Paris’ burbs where they have 6 hectors of Flea market, antique and everthing you can think of stuff! I don’t know what a Hector is either and we spent about four hours there browsing blocks and blocks of markets. We finally gave up and had fabulous French food and wine at a corner café. We have yet to encounter a bad meal at any of these great little bistros.

Today we’re headed home. You’ve heard about the 35 hour French work week. It’s Tuesday and we’re out shopping early in the district for that sort of thing. Two stores were open, wow. We head back to the Champs and our Hotel. Come to find out there’s a parade today. Full military and police brass are on display today. I like marching bands and the like.

. . . . see ya,

j'bu

Horse drawn carriage and their lessons; Krakow, Poland

While in Krakow, we saw a dozen of the above horse and carriages on and around the square. Back in York, I came across this polish tale of a good man’s dirty work . via the inyourpocket site (read it all there). He picks it up and then gives back. The money quote for me:

The purpose of Mr. Piatek's mission is not only to provide extracurricular cultural events for poor children. He indirectly aims to link people by creating a cycle of generosity. He prefers being paid not in money, but only by what is needed. While Mr. Piatek is essentially a simple mind, he surpasses many intellectuals by recognizing the intrinsic value of even the smallest things and the relative worthlessness of money. He says, "People who were unfortunate in life believe money is the only measure of value." Mr. Piatek learned early on that life offers much more than money. He simply detests beggars who idly sit at church doorsteps begging for change. He knows firsthand that if you are active and willing you can work for what you need. So when the clippity-clop of horse hooves is accompanied by the plop-plop from the horses' behind, rest assured the fast-pedalling Mr. Piatek will soon arrive. To support Mr. Piatek's charities, money can be donated to the Dom Dzieci (Children's Home), collected by volunteers with badges on the four corners of the Rynek. Or, you can try giving Mr. Piatek a donation for his foundation directly. 'Tis the season.

The Krakow city streets and walks which we continuously traveled were mostly free of litter. I did notice lots of dirt work going on in the center of the city. Street construction and renovation were everywhere we went. Like little obstacle courses, we continued on shopping and walking. Everything was alive with people mostly tourists, school children and numerous pretzel sellers. I noticed some graffiti but not many panhandlers. We were not approached by anyone for handouts and felt comfortable just about everywhere we went.

Once we headed to Kazimierz (Old Jewish) Quarter, some of the more run down areas we walked were places we kept moving through. We like everyone else seem to enjoy the churches, castle, merchant hall and plus the general attitude of the polish people we encountered.... see ya,

j'bu

My Birthday in Eastern Europe; Krakow, Poland

Yep, just turned 59, can’t believe it. We started my b’day early like 5:30 I think.

George knew something was up. He was laid out in our open suitcases. That look on his face said, “I want a go!” We began our trek. Family unit assembled at the front of Westgate. Taxi to the Red House doggie resort, little george interned till the scheduled Saturday jail break by an accomplish friend Robbie.

For us, we taxied to York Railway Station where we jumped a train to Manchester Airport. A couple hour flight to Krakow, Poland and we’re met by the Polish Driver to take us to the downtown. We speak no polish, but I did learn how to say “Pivo!” polish for beer, self preservation you know. The first pole we met was very patient with us. He spoke only with gestures but listened and pointed well. He escorted us first to the Cash machine then to a taxi out front. For all our travellin’ club buddies, it’s very important to get local money first.

After a twenty minute ride our taxi guy dropped us off at the front door of the Amadeus Hotel. I did get some shut eye, but we’ve been traveling for about fourteen hours. So we were glad to see our room. You won’t believe which big headed Georgia boy photo of an honored guest we spied. I took a snap of his picture but won’t display it here in difference to our democratic buddies. His name has some relation to a lizard.

We immediately made our way down to center city is search of food and drink. There were signs of snow all about. The temperature was at the freeze point and air was cold and filled with mist but it was still warmer here than it was in York, UK. We walked about looking for jazz clubs, evidently a favorite here. We were a little put off because all seemed to be down a small alley and then down underground. So we just keep walking and taking in scenery. This night Krakow was filled with mostly students and couples wandering about.

The perimeter of center city has been renovated with a circle of green space around it where most of the medieval walls once stood. We walked the parks and discovered Café Bunker. A large café of steel, plastic and plexy glass which was built on the side of a museum. We eased on in not sure what we were getting into. It was warm. Now our fluent polish came in handy, you know our order “PIVO and VINO” and got it right. Who knew? Some of my polish coworkers had informed me there was no word for wine in polish, cause they drink Vodka!

We did a one and run. Around the next block or so and we picked a restaurant to explore. You know we are in a foreign country. Apprehensively, we stiffened up and followed the signs two levels below ground through caverns of brick and stone to a big wooden door. We entered a long rectangular room with a large group of guys leering at us. Now we understand, they wanted to make sure we closed the door behind us. We made our way around the corner to other rooms of tables and people, still no, you know hostess. Finally another room, hostess, paintings, flowers, tables, comfortable benches, large jars of unknown brews, wines, bar and great food smells. This we came to find out is Krakow. Most of the bars, restaurants, jazz bars are all hidden away in these under ground caverns of brick and stone.

The menu was no PETA delight. Meat, meat and more meat with then some more game. I had a grilled thin piece of beef, some greens and other veggies. The steak had a peppery taste. Come to find out a garnishment was tiny reddish greens. Wow, what a meal a fat boy’s delight.

We finished the first jammed pack night walking around the city square so to speak. A cool but spooky bugle was playing as we eased around. It was playing and then would stop for a moment and then continue. It emanated from the largest of the Church of St Mary’s stipples on the hour. Bet digs out the trusty guide book and informs me of the legend. Set in medieval times, a lookout would scan the area for invaders or other dangers. At first sight, he would play the bugle to warn. On that night, he was killed with an arrow to the neck as he played. A Moment later another picked up for him and finished the warning melody. Even in our sleep that night we would wake hearing that bugle’s lullaby from our room off the square.

Zywiec is the polish beer, like maybe our Bud. I thought the above signage was interesting all over one door. We passed many doors around the city as we did the shop till you drop thing. I wondered why there were so many money exchange bureaus (Polish: "Kantor wymiany") seemed like there was at least one on each block. Prices for goods and services were excellent, especially compared to the UK’s. We made a few purchases of amber, and glass products. I enjoyed seeing all kinds of Eastern Europe products at the huge Cloth Market in the center of the square.

I was struck by all the priests, nuns, monks and what not religious folks in this town. Poland is 90% Catholic. There are several seminaries, and monasteries located here. There are numerous huge churches all around town. We went to quite a few and peeked in. I’m over this church viewing thing. Between Italy, Yorkshire and now Krakow it seems like I’ve see them all or at least as many as I care to see.... see ya,

j'bu

Long weekend in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Our first question, why isn’t this place called Holland, you know with the wooden shoes, wind mills and land of tulips? The short story, there was a number of Dutch provinces with Holland the largest one and the smaller provinces collectively referred to as the Netherlands. At some point in time the Dutch people choose their country’s name to be the Netherlands. Now that I’ve been there, I think the bike should be added to the Icon list.





A short flight, train and taxi to the Hotel Prinsenhof in Amsterdam and we were in the heart of the city shortly after work on a Friday at the end of September. At the hotel a note is tacked on the front door to pickup our keys at the corner bar. It was 10:30 pm, cold outside and inside the bar it was warm. We retrieved our keys and lingered with the locals which were friendly and enjoyable. Great first impression of the city, our room a little different story but had the all important ensuite bath. Amsterdam which was created in a man made fashion is pretty much laid in identical small rectangular plots of land. The buildings are pretty much the same internal like design which is 4-6 stories and straight up. Ours was about 14 foot flights (5 of ‘em) of 6-7” deep steps to the top floor. We even had a ladder to our big window to the outside world. We loved it except maybe the bath which was circa another time.



The first morning we eased around the canals and streets till we encountered a pancake house in one of the numerous parks. The city was filled with people, bikes, boats, trams and some cars. Mostly bikes of every imagination. We visited all the museums, art shops that we came across. In between those we ate and drank at all the local places that took our fancy. We sought out and found the Mexican food a very rare occurrence in York. Guacamole and tequila all around that was our ticket. The locals with whom we mixed were very nice. Most all the natives had the ability to speak and communicate effectively in English.





We were real comfortable in Amsterdam and enjoyed our view of life there. The many differences to our York home became apparent at the Sunday market we stumbled across as we walked about the city. One street extending a half dozen blocks filled with a significant variety of vendors featuring meats, vegetables, flowers, clothes, appliances, crafts, art and techie stuff. You really don’t get that kind of market here. It was quite enjoyable and memorable.

… see ya,

j'bu

Christmas in Sicily, 2006

Fogged in at Heathrow, with a prediction for fog through the weekend…that’s what we had had for the 3 days prior to our Saturday departure to Catania, Sicily for Christmas through New Year’s. Mt Etna is the backdrop of Catania.

However, whatcha gonna do, so off we go on Friday, via train, to London to spend a day at a lunchtime concert at St Martins-in-the-Fields, the afternoon at the National Gallery, and a nice dinner at a Covent Garden eatery. Up at 4:30AM on Saturday morning to catch our 6:40 flight, we woke to no fog (must be living right) and minimal crowds. So, off we go to Rome, and then to Catania, Sicily.

As planned, we met our travel buddies Ric and Jane at the Rome airport, we traveled with them last Christmas to Albertville, France, part of the French Alps Haut Savoie region, but that’s a whole nother story…suffice it to say we took the warm clothes on that trip. Well, wouldn’t you know, the one time we took absolutely nothing on the plane, our bags go missing (maybe we’re not living right). It’s a boring travel story but on the 3rd day, I feel like I’m telling a resurrection story here, our bags rose from the dead and appeared in Catania. Woowee…let the fun start!

Highlights of our trip included a Christmas day trip to Taormina for lunch at the beautiful Hotel Timeo (Jim and I managed, just barely, to look presentable with our clothes we had been wearing for 4 days), a trip to the top of Mt Etna (its an active volcano folks…but we braved it…not too scary in the winter with all the snow on top…lots of people skiing), a trip to Syracuse to see the Greek ruins and its old-town on the island of Ortygia (voted by all of us as a wonderful place to visit…the Piazza del Duomo was beautiful), and some of the best seafood meals we’ve ever eaten.

To top it off, the house we rented was great, it had beautiful terraces looking out over the Ionian Sea (excellent for al fresco breakfasts), was surrounded by fruit orchards (lemons, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, kumkwat, avocado – all shamelessly plundered by our group – fresh squeezed juice every morning), was within an easy walk to Acireale for shopping and exploring, and had a sweet fishing village that was located down the hill, accessible via a footpath that was an old Roman road. All in all, just what we had wanted for our winterbreak.

see ya,

b'bu

Musicmen’s bench of fame in Spain

While wandering around Vitoria Spain, we found ourselves in a beautiful park. There were so many enjoyable sights about but I enjoyed these the best.

It was warm and sunny; it reminded me of a fall day in the redclay state but without the footballs in the air. There in the park for everyone’s enjoyment was a couple slated benches with the names of many noted music men. I captured a small view of a couple of my favorites’ names. While I sat on those benches, I thought of all those times, music, joints and venues from growing up in the south. The UK and evidently Spain have a great appreciation for these blues and jazzmen.

Speaking of footballs, my bad doggies won a game number two. I listened to my internet link at “State”. This ability makes the world so much smaller. They deserved the win. Our boys have been playing very hard this year and needed some payback for their efforts. Well we got there work cut out for us this weekend when these State bulldogs meet those other bulldogs from the redclay state. It’s only been a half a hundred years since we wiped up on those dogs in Athens, Ga. My good buddy judge jim says this may be our best chance. That’s why they play the games. That’s what I always say. Hopefully I’ll be a happy puppy come Saturday night. Go dawgs!!!! ....
see ya,

j'bu

Northern Spain - Basque country .... we love it!

Life in the north of Spain seemed luscious. We left Laguardia and drove across the mountain range north. We snaked around for sixty miles or so. The roads were great almost like new. It took a couple of hours to get to San Sebastian where we stayed for a couple of nights before heading for Bilboa.

San Sebastian and playa de la Concha, that’s the ticket. We stayed right at the midway point of this half moon bay at the Hotel Niza. The perimeter of the bay was bordered by a huge pedestrian and bike path. I was about four miles end to end. The weather consisted of intermittent bursts of rain and sun shine. The sun, blue sky and clouds dominated the day. None of this seems to bother the locals. They walked, ran, surfed, and played on the beaches day and nights. Late September was a good time for us and the locals it seemed.

At the eastern end of the bay, old town laid. Wow what a great place, the atmosphere was alive with easy going people of all ages. Everyone stayed up later than we could. We had a unforgettable time. We’ll probably make a trip back too.

Bilboa, Spain is a big sprawling city. It seemed grey and industrial. Although parts of it were spectacular, the city fathers have made the effort in it’s makeover. We stayed at the reasonable Hotel Arriaga, located in the center of the old city by the river. The Guggenheim Museum has been the catalyst for the renovation for the central area.

The area around our hotel was jammed with people, all enjoying themselves. At least this area was alive with activity all day long. When we headed out for the return trip at 6am people were still in some of the cafes. Viva la basques! . . . .
see ya,

j'bu

Haro a small city in Riojo region, seems like a normal place in Spain

Haro was a very short drive from LaGuardia maybe 20 minutes southwest. The newness and shine was off the city but the people were very down to earth and pleasant. We liked it a lot. We walked, shopped and eased around the parks and narrow streets. Betty bought shoes and picked out the lunch spot of the day. See how our travel always involves eating and drinking. Our sinful behavior occurred at the Mesan Martin café hidden down and around from the city’s main square.

Like most cafés we’ve been to Spain, you enter through the bar area. Mesan Martin café was special. We were the first and it was after 2pm. We ordered from the menu of the day. It’s a two course meal with bottle of wine and desert. We paid about 15 bucks for each of our meals. Each course is a meal in it’s own then you top it off with a substantial desert. As our food was prepared the café filled with patrons and soon there was a buzz about. Service was great and the food was even better. The aromas and tastes of the place still occupy my little memory banks.

It lightly misted through out the day. We walked the old town section of the city. We hiked to the top of the hill for a view of the old church. Each town has one or more. There really were not many tourists in Haro. We spotted another couple. Recognized them by their maps in hand. We sat and waited the mist out while enjoying the regional wine and people . . . .
see ya,

j'bu

Biggest city in Riojo region, going to Logrono, Spain

Logrono is less than an hour away from LaGuardia our homebase. The biggest deal was finding maps, street signs and parking. Once this was accomplished, we spent about six hours shopping, eyeballing the architecture, buildings, churches and enjoying the old downtown.


While bet shopped, I sat having a beer at an outside café in a pedestrian area. Very enjoyable, the Spanish have a very easy going life style. The remaining time bet and I just eased around walking everywhere our feet would carry us. For once we didn’t eat, like we finally skipped a meal.


We returned to LaGuardia and dined on Serrano ham, machenogo and goat cheeses in the plaza of the small town. The plaza was filled with tables provided by the wine shop & corner bar. People of all ages, locals and tourist were gathered just enjoying the gorgeous weather, food and drink.

At dusk the plaza’s clock put on a show for the folks. This clock does a Glockenspiel thingie at 8 pm. The clocks doors swing open and three dancers come out and do some spins and turns.

With this we call it a night and retreat to our quarters at the Marixa and watch the night fall over the Rioja vineyards.

We sipped big red Rioja wine to warm us from the cool of the night .... see ya,

j'bu

Bodegas of the La Rioja region, going to LaGuardia

Just love that word, “Bodegas”. Most Spanish places the word means small shop, wine shop, wine cellar, you get the idea. I just like the way it sounds. Anyway the villa Laguardia Click here for photos!!!! had plenty of them and this little village is our home base for the tour the La Riojo area. Laguardia is a small walled village with the walls varying to about three stories. It pretty much sits on the highest hill in wine country. Inside the walls there are three main drags each about 400 yards long which are a little more than a two car widths wide. These mostly pedestrian ways are spotlessly clean. You can’t image with all the residents and tourist traffic here. All three streets have bars, bodegas, groceries or residences. The buildings are mostly three stories high with either a vendor or a double door entrance hall. They usually butt up to each other and are built right to the edge of the street. All three streets end at an area Click 4 more photos!!!! in front of the church.

We stayed at a prime location just out side of the walls the Hotel Marixa. Marixa is a 10 room hotel with the best view and the best basque restaurant in Laguardia. Our room had an outdoor patio with bench, table and two wicker chairs that overlooked the whole valley’s vineyard . . . .
see ya,

j'bu