YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETONS NATIONAL PARKS, Wyoming - Sept, 2016
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow & a few short videos
This area in Wyoming becomes very crowded during the summer months. The season is very limited since snow melt in June and then rains and snow starting again around September discourages most people from visiting then. One can visit in the Winter, but getting around is a bit more difficult. Grand Tetons Park is just south of Yellowstone Park. The grand view of the mountains is spectacular! Yellowstone is at higher elevation and offers several loop drives. A lot of wildlife can be seen along the roads (Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Bears, and Bison herds). They were originally misnamed "Buffalo", but are actually Bison. Buffalo exist mainly in Africa and South Asia including India. Yellowstone is one giant caldera where deep molten lava heats overlying water to create bubbling mud pots, lakes, and geysers that erupt periodically. "Old Faithful" geyser is the most predictable erupting every 90 minutes or so and eruptions last about 2 minutes. Most of the water has very hot water often mixed with sulfur. The Yellowstone caldera (center of the crater) is the largest crater in the world. Wooden walkways are provided to allow tourists to walk fairly close to most of the sights, but warning are everywhere to NOT walk off of the walkways as the soil is very thin and careless people have fallen through - the water is around 170 - 190 F (77-90 C). After seeing the area, we definitely think a trip to Yellowstone is a "must see" location! It is beautiful and fascinating.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow & a few short videos
This area in Wyoming becomes very crowded during the summer months. The season is very limited since snow melt in June and then rains and snow starting again around September discourages most people from visiting then. One can visit in the Winter, but getting around is a bit more difficult. Grand Tetons Park is just south of Yellowstone Park. The grand view of the mountains is spectacular! Yellowstone is at higher elevation and offers several loop drives. A lot of wildlife can be seen along the roads (Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Bears, and Bison herds). They were originally misnamed "Buffalo", but are actually Bison. Buffalo exist mainly in Africa and South Asia including India. Yellowstone is one giant caldera where deep molten lava heats overlying water to create bubbling mud pots, lakes, and geysers that erupt periodically. "Old Faithful" geyser is the most predictable erupting every 90 minutes or so and eruptions last about 2 minutes. Most of the water has very hot water often mixed with sulfur. The Yellowstone caldera (center of the crater) is the largest crater in the world. Wooden walkways are provided to allow tourists to walk fairly close to most of the sights, but warning are everywhere to NOT walk off of the walkways as the soil is very thin and careless people have fallen through - the water is around 170 - 190 F (77-90 C). After seeing the area, we definitely think a trip to Yellowstone is a "must see" location! It is beautiful and fascinating.
FRANCE - April-May, 2015 (Alsace & Brittany)
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
Our time in the Alsace area of France (bordering Germany) was very relaxing. We rented a house and drove to several areas around there exploring the small towns, sampling the local wines (of course!) and strolling the quaint small towns. We also visited a castle high on a mountain top (is there any other place to build a defensible castle?!) The wine was fantastic (mainly whites) and we took several bottles with us at the end of the week when we drove to Brittany (Bretagne as they call it). We had expected rainy, windy weather, but were pleasantly surprised by the calm and beautiful weather. We rented a house right across the street from the coast and some friends joined us for a wonderful week exploring the area and helping us consume the wine and champagne!
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
Our time in the Alsace area of France (bordering Germany) was very relaxing. We rented a house and drove to several areas around there exploring the small towns, sampling the local wines (of course!) and strolling the quaint small towns. We also visited a castle high on a mountain top (is there any other place to build a defensible castle?!) The wine was fantastic (mainly whites) and we took several bottles with us at the end of the week when we drove to Brittany (Bretagne as they call it). We had expected rainy, windy weather, but were pleasantly surprised by the calm and beautiful weather. We rented a house right across the street from the coast and some friends joined us for a wonderful week exploring the area and helping us consume the wine and champagne!
Iran
IRAN - April, 2014
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April - May, 2014, we visited Iran. Although we were nervous at first, we found the people of Iran overwhelmingly friendly, warm, and welcoming! We arranged a tour of the country for 3 weeks and a week with friends in Tehran. Tom was invited to give a presentation by a hospital in Tehran to the otolaryngology (facial plastic surgery) department. It was one of the best trips we've ever taken! Iran is rich in history, art, and culture. They have many tourists from Europe and Asia, but unfortunately, not too many from the U.S. People (strangers) we met were friendly, but when they found out we were "Americans", they were even more excited and friendly. We also felt very safe travelling throughout the country usually with friends and guides. The food was basically Middle Eastern similar to Turkey. Kabobs and rice were common, but once you delve into the smaller cafes and restaurants and especially home cooked meals with friends, you find a broader variety of delicious foods. We miss our friends there and hope to be with them again some day. Hopefully, the political problems between our governments will be resolved to the point where travel and contact with the Iranian people (Persians) is easier. As they say "Inshallah !"
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
April - May, 2014, we visited Iran. Although we were nervous at first, we found the people of Iran overwhelmingly friendly, warm, and welcoming! We arranged a tour of the country for 3 weeks and a week with friends in Tehran. Tom was invited to give a presentation by a hospital in Tehran to the otolaryngology (facial plastic surgery) department. It was one of the best trips we've ever taken! Iran is rich in history, art, and culture. They have many tourists from Europe and Asia, but unfortunately, not too many from the U.S. People (strangers) we met were friendly, but when they found out we were "Americans", they were even more excited and friendly. We also felt very safe travelling throughout the country usually with friends and guides. The food was basically Middle Eastern similar to Turkey. Kabobs and rice were common, but once you delve into the smaller cafes and restaurants and especially home cooked meals with friends, you find a broader variety of delicious foods. We miss our friends there and hope to be with them again some day. Hopefully, the political problems between our governments will be resolved to the point where travel and contact with the Iranian people (Persians) is easier. As they say "Inshallah !"
EASTERN EUROPE - April- May, 2012
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We flew to Berlin and spent several days there. It is a large city, but is "under construction" seemingly endlessly. Many cranes and construction machinery were everywhere. There's a lot to see. The museums in the center of Berlin were wonderful. We then drove to Leipzig and then Dresden. Dresden was completely demolished in WW2 and has been totally rebuilt. Many buildings have darkened (burnt) stones as part of the rebuilding. In both Leipzig and Dresden, there are wonderful art museums to visit. The Instruments Museum in Leipzig was particularly interesting. We then drove across Poland to Krakov. There, the old city is intact and interesting. We then drove to Budapest, Hungary where we ended our trip. Budapest has been rebuilt since the War and is an exciting city to explore. It is beautifully situated along the river Danube.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
We flew to Berlin and spent several days there. It is a large city, but is "under construction" seemingly endlessly. Many cranes and construction machinery were everywhere. There's a lot to see. The museums in the center of Berlin were wonderful. We then drove to Leipzig and then Dresden. Dresden was completely demolished in WW2 and has been totally rebuilt. Many buildings have darkened (burnt) stones as part of the rebuilding. In both Leipzig and Dresden, there are wonderful art museums to visit. The Instruments Museum in Leipzig was particularly interesting. We then drove across Poland to Krakov. There, the old city is intact and interesting. We then drove to Budapest, Hungary where we ended our trip. Budapest has been rebuilt since the War and is an exciting city to explore. It is beautifully situated along the river Danube.
SICILY - May, 2011
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Sicily is very nice. But we particularly enjoyed Palermo. We drove around the island and stayed in many different locations. There are Roman ruins to be seen as well as ancient civilizations' ruins from the Carthaginians. Mt. Aetna was relatively calm when we were there, thank goodness! We thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine, of course. We drove along many Baroque era towns, many of which were used as backdrops for the famous Montalbano series.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
Sicily is very nice. But we particularly enjoyed Palermo. We drove around the island and stayed in many different locations. There are Roman ruins to be seen as well as ancient civilizations' ruins from the Carthaginians. Mt. Aetna was relatively calm when we were there, thank goodness! We thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine, of course. We drove along many Baroque era towns, many of which were used as backdrops for the famous Montalbano series.
JAPAN - October, 2008
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We went to Japan for 3 weeks and then to Korea for 1 week. We used trains to get around in both countries. We were in Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima, the island of Shikoku (where we rented a car for 1 week), Kyoto, Nara and finally to Osaka for our flight to Korea. Japan is a fascinating and wonderful country to visit! We really enjoyed the food. We had okonomiyake (Japanese pancake) in Hiroshima which was delicious as well as sushi in different cities. The sights are very interesting and learning about Japanese culture was very special.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
We went to Japan for 3 weeks and then to Korea for 1 week. We used trains to get around in both countries. We were in Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima, the island of Shikoku (where we rented a car for 1 week), Kyoto, Nara and finally to Osaka for our flight to Korea. Japan is a fascinating and wonderful country to visit! We really enjoyed the food. We had okonomiyake (Japanese pancake) in Hiroshima which was delicious as well as sushi in different cities. The sights are very interesting and learning about Japanese culture was very special.
KOREA - October, 2008
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After our 3 weeks in Japan, we flew from Japan to Korea. We were in Seoul for a few days and then took a train to the south, Kyeongju, and Kanpo before returning to Seoul for our flight home. We rented a car for a few days to explore the area in the south of Korea. The leaves where changing color when we drove through the mountainous areas and it was quite spectacular.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
After our 3 weeks in Japan, we flew from Japan to Korea. We were in Seoul for a few days and then took a train to the south, Kyeongju, and Kanpo before returning to Seoul for our flight home. We rented a car for a few days to explore the area in the south of Korea. The leaves where changing color when we drove through the mountainous areas and it was quite spectacular.
INDIA - Jan-March, 2006
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Jan-Mar, 2006, we spent a month in the south of India and a month in the north. We travelled independently with drivers, guides and lodging arranged in advance. We found India to be very interesting and colorful.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow
Jan-Mar, 2006, we spent a month in the south of India and a month in the north. We travelled independently with drivers, guides and lodging arranged in advance. We found India to be very interesting and colorful.
SCANDINAVIA - July-August, 2005 (Finland, Russia, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
Scandinavia
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We landed in Helsinki, Finland where we spent a few days exploring the city and rented a car for 2 days to drive north into the countryside. We then were driven to St. Petersberg, Russia and spent a week there. The city and area surrounding it are very interesting. Of course, the famous art collections in the Hermitage and the Russian Museum were amazing! We were there for the "white nights" when the sun sets around 11 pm and rises again at 3 am. The amazing Peterhof palace as well as Katherine's palace are extraordinary!
We took a bus to Tallin, Estonia for a few days and then flew to Stockholm, Sweden and rented a car and drove around Sweden, Norway, Denmark and back to Sweden. We have very fond memories of our time in all of these countries. The fjords in Norway were amazingly beautiful! We booked an entire day by train, bus, and ship exploring some of the fjords. We also then drove our car along many of the fjords north of Bergen.
We landed in Helsinki, Finland where we spent a few days exploring the city and rented a car for 2 days to drive north into the countryside. We then were driven to St. Petersberg, Russia and spent a week there. The city and area surrounding it are very interesting. Of course, the famous art collections in the Hermitage and the Russian Museum were amazing! We were there for the "white nights" when the sun sets around 11 pm and rises again at 3 am. The amazing Peterhof palace as well as Katherine's palace are extraordinary!
We took a bus to Tallin, Estonia for a few days and then flew to Stockholm, Sweden and rented a car and drove around Sweden, Norway, Denmark and back to Sweden. We have very fond memories of our time in all of these countries. The fjords in Norway were amazingly beautiful! We booked an entire day by train, bus, and ship exploring some of the fjords. We also then drove our car along many of the fjords north of Bergen.
EGYPT & JORDAN - Mar-April, 2004
Egypt, Jordan, Spain, and Portugal
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow.
We made arrangements with a local agency in Egypt to book hotels and a cruise on the Nile. It was exciting to see the ancient remains of that great civilization. We spoke with many people in Cairo as well as spending some time with one of our guides' homes where we met local residents in a small town. This was before the "Arab Spring", but the tension in the air was very evident event in 2004. We then flew to Jordan to see Petra and Wadi Rum. Both places were spectacular not only for their historical interest, but their beauty as well.
We swam (or rather floated) in the Dead Sea for a little while and then flew back to Egypt for our flight to Madrid, Spain.
We made arrangements with a local agency in Egypt to book hotels and a cruise on the Nile. It was exciting to see the ancient remains of that great civilization. We spoke with many people in Cairo as well as spending some time with one of our guides' homes where we met local residents in a small town. This was before the "Arab Spring", but the tension in the air was very evident event in 2004. We then flew to Jordan to see Petra and Wadi Rum. Both places were spectacular not only for their historical interest, but their beauty as well.
We swam (or rather floated) in the Dead Sea for a little while and then flew back to Egypt for our flight to Madrid, Spain.
SPAIN & PORTUGAL - April-May, 2004
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We rented a car in Spain and traveled mainly in Andalucia (the south), and then into Portugal, and eventually back into Spain to end our travel in Madrid. We happened to be there when Sancta Semana (holy week before Easter) processions are held in many cities across Spain. It was a wonderful experience!
Portugal was very picturesque and interesting. The food appealed to us more than in Spain as it seemed more varied and interesting. There are many castles to stop at along the way in both countries.
We rented a car in Spain and traveled mainly in Andalucia (the south), and then into Portugal, and eventually back into Spain to end our travel in Madrid. We happened to be there when Sancta Semana (holy week before Easter) processions are held in many cities across Spain. It was a wonderful experience!
Portugal was very picturesque and interesting. The food appealed to us more than in Spain as it seemed more varied and interesting. There are many castles to stop at along the way in both countries.
CUBA & YUCATAN, Mexico - November, 2002
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Cuba is a beautiful island to explore. We rented a car along with another couple and drove through some of the island's back roads and old colonial-style cities. Surprisingly, there were hardly any pictures of Fidel, but many of Che Guevarra. People we met were extremely friendly and hospitable. We spent several days in Havana eating, dancing, and exploring back streets as well as "walking the Malecon". The food was rather basic, as we expected.
Upon our return to Mexico, we rented a car and drove through the Yucatan province from the west coast to the east. The pyramids were amazing as well as many of the cenotes (underground pools where the top has caved in to expose them). It is an interesting area to meet and experience local customs, food, and the Mayan culture.
Cuba is a beautiful island to explore. We rented a car along with another couple and drove through some of the island's back roads and old colonial-style cities. Surprisingly, there were hardly any pictures of Fidel, but many of Che Guevarra. People we met were extremely friendly and hospitable. We spent several days in Havana eating, dancing, and exploring back streets as well as "walking the Malecon". The food was rather basic, as we expected.
Upon our return to Mexico, we rented a car and drove through the Yucatan province from the west coast to the east. The pyramids were amazing as well as many of the cenotes (underground pools where the top has caved in to expose them). It is an interesting area to meet and experience local customs, food, and the Mayan culture.
New York & Montreal/Quebec, Canada - October, 2002
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We drove through the Hudson River valley north to Canada. Along the way, we stopped at some of the many famous mansions, and historical homes along the river. The beauty of the area in the Fall when the leaves turn color is spectacular! Quebec City and Montreal are fascinating cities to explore. We brushed up on our rusty French in Quebec.
Click on the picture on left to see a slideshow.
We drove through the Hudson River valley north to Canada. Along the way, we stopped at some of the many famous mansions, and historical homes along the river. The beauty of the area in the Fall when the leaves turn color is spectacular! Quebec City and Montreal are fascinating cities to explore. We brushed up on our rusty French in Quebec.
WEST - (4 corners area) - May, 2001
Southwest (Arizona, Utah, Colorado)
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We rented a 4-wheel drive Chevy in San Francisco and spent a month exploring Colorodo, Mesa Verde, Arizona, and Utah. We did this in the spring as it's not yet too hot or cold and the desert cacti are in bloom. Some of these areas were used as backdrops in old "western" movies. The 4-wheel drive car allowed us to explore some of the rough dirt roads in the area. The desert cacti bloom in the Spring, so we saw quite a variety. Exploring the "slot-canyons" was a thrilling experience!
We rented a 4-wheel drive Chevy in San Francisco and spent a month exploring Colorodo, Mesa Verde, Arizona, and Utah. We did this in the spring as it's not yet too hot or cold and the desert cacti are in bloom. Some of these areas were used as backdrops in old "western" movies. The 4-wheel drive car allowed us to explore some of the rough dirt roads in the area. The desert cacti bloom in the Spring, so we saw quite a variety. Exploring the "slot-canyons" was a thrilling experience!
TURKEY - Oct, 1999
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We started in Istanbul, then flew to Capadoccia, in the middle of the country where we met our guide for the area. We then drove with our guide to Ankara where we visited the "Pink Palace" (the Turkish equivalent of our White House). Tom's father supervised the building of the Pink Palace in the early 20's where he met regularly with Attaturk, the country's leader.
We then flew to the south of the country, rented a car, and drove along the southern border visiting old Greek ruins. We ended up in Ephesus along the Aegean, and then flew back to Istanbul and then on to Rome, where we spent a few days before flying home.
We started in Istanbul, then flew to Capadoccia, in the middle of the country where we met our guide for the area. We then drove with our guide to Ankara where we visited the "Pink Palace" (the Turkish equivalent of our White House). Tom's father supervised the building of the Pink Palace in the early 20's where he met regularly with Attaturk, the country's leader.
We then flew to the south of the country, rented a car, and drove along the southern border visiting old Greek ruins. We ended up in Ephesus along the Aegean, and then flew back to Istanbul and then on to Rome, where we spent a few days before flying home.
CALIFORNIA SIERRA - Summers, various years
The Sierra (California)
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These are photos taken over the years of our annual camping trips to Kirkwood, Silver Lake, and Alpine Lake in the California Sierra on Hwy 88 and 4. We usually fish for trout in the lakes as well as hike and relax. As we grew older, we found it increasingly difficult to set up a tent and sleep on the ground, so we bought a tent-trailer to make it a little easier.
These are photos taken over the years of our annual camping trips to Kirkwood, Silver Lake, and Alpine Lake in the California Sierra on Hwy 88 and 4. We usually fish for trout in the lakes as well as hike and relax. As we grew older, we found it increasingly difficult to set up a tent and sleep on the ground, so we bought a tent-trailer to make it a little easier.
