Google Maps, Gods, and Gratitude: From Oracle to Acropolis
16 December 2025 Greece: From Delphi and Olympia to Monasteries and Mountains We traced a looping path through Greece’s layered past—standing where oracles once spoke at Delphi, where naked athletes competed at Olympia, and where Read more
Wandering Athens in the Footsteps of Ancients
14 December 2025 Over breakfast, we plan how to spend the day among the ruins and legends of Athens. The Parthenon shouts for our return, silent stones rest around every corner, ancient churches pop up Read more
Athens: Ducky Duck Pond to Aristotle to Tsarouchia
13 December 2025 Today, a change of pace. After breakfast, we walked to Syntagma and through the National Garden. We hope to see more green, fewer rocks, receive a little edification, and explore the more Read more
Athens: Ancient Stones and Modern Markets
12-13 December 2025 So many ruins, so many rocks – the Ancient Agora and the lively area of Monastriaki Square lie below the north side of the Acropolis. More carved columns and ancient history. I Read more
Athens: Marble, Myths, and More Museums
12 December 2025 Fortified with our usual breakfast of Greek yogurt and fruit, we face a full day filled with rocks, columns, more rocks, and ancient ruins. Everywhere one looks, the city is decked out Read more
Ancient Mycenae: Burial Hives and Acropolis Ruins
11 December 2025 Our final day in the Peloponnese begins with a visit to iconic ancient rock ruins before a stop-over to see a big cut into solid rock accomplished by human engineering, not gods. Read more
Into the Countryside: Epidaurus and Ancient Bridges
10 December 2025 Our protective Swiss goddess of kindness watches over us as we awaken to a Peloponnese blue sky, the sun soft across tiled rooftops and the olive-green hills of Nafplio. The church next Read more
Tiryns and Tombs to Nafplio
9 December 2025 After a delicious Mediterranean breakfast—always my favorite—we leave sea and sun to retrace our drive north before turning East. After a short 80 miles or so, we reach the sparkling waters of Read more
Olympia, Greece
7-8 December 2025 We explore warmer climes and ancient ruins, Greek myths and its heroes. The Peloponnese where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and modern Greek life exist side by side with the likes of Oedipus, Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Read more
Part IV: In Which Swiftie’s Odyssey Continues
Our Greek saga has reached the tetralogy stage. We awake to the driest streets in days, cloudy but I can see forests and rocks. I see what resembles blue in the dawn sky. Puddles have Read more
Meteora: Mother Nature at Her Best
5-6 December 2025 It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite among the monasteries of Meteora—each one offers something extraordinary. From the grandeur of Great Meteoron to the quiet grace of Varlaam or Roussanou, all are Read more
Our Meteora Cantos: Part III
5 December 2025 Stanzas from the Great Greek Comedy of Pat & Gabrielle
Monasteries of Kalabaka
4 December 2025 We drive the 134 miles from Delphi to the city of Kalabaka, a place known mainly as the gateway to Meteora. Though Kalabaka sits only about 700 feet above sea level, it Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATELINE: METEORA, GREECE Farmers determined – Reinforcing the blockades and escalating protests. Every day, the network of farmers’ blockades across Greece grows wider. Site production costs and the low prices of essential agricultural products as Read more
Among Ruins and Gods: A Modern Journey Through Ancient Greece
1-3 December 2025 I told my niece Gabrielle, “You choose a place to travel this winter—just warm and keep it simple. ” She chose Greece, and that sounded perfect to me. I hadn’t been back Read more
The Epic Greek Saga of Pat and Gabrielle
(A tale proving that true travelers aren’t just determined—they’re one cancelled flight away from full-blown heroic desperation.) Sing, O Muse, of Pat and Gabrielle—two travelers so committed to embarking on their Hellenic adventure that even Read more
“Tap In, Tap Out — The Great Japan Adventure”
October 2025 We started in Tokyo, a city so bright, Imperial Palace gleaming in light. We strolled palace gardens with proper grace, Till we lost half the group — “Wrong exit, wrong place!” We learned Read more
Oddities – Only in Japan
October 2025 One gets distracted by the talk of bullet trains, temples, history and the courtesy of Japan. Found within this mix is an assortment of oddities that may only be found among the Japanese. Read more
From Temples to Takeoff: Closing this Japanese Chapter
13 – 14 October 2025 The traditional shukubō lodging offers rest, meditation, dining on shōjin ryōri Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and the opportunity to join in the religious life. I’ve enjoyed rest and veggies, now comes my test. This morning, I Read more
Pilgrimage to Mount Koya
12 October 2025 Every day in Japan feels like stepping into a new adventure, full of surprises and discoveries about its history and culture. The country never ceases to amaze me; the old adage of Read more
Among Buddhas and Bowing Deer: Exploring Nara’s Heritage
11 October 2025 We visit a food market at the train station where we buy a bento: a chicken box lunch. We pay with our Icoca rail card. Our Shinkansen departs Hiroshima on the minute Read more
Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima
10 October 2025 From my window, the modern port city of Hiroshima stretches before me. A landscape of high-rises, tree tops, and wind streets framed by green mountains to the north and the wide expanse of Read more
Hiroshima – A History Refresher
10 Oct 2025 Today is a day for reliving history. To appreciate what I will visit later, I need to review what historians have learned and disclosed about the causations and events of 6 August 1945. Read more
Sacred Islands, Floating Shrines and Soaring Ropeways
9 Oct 2025 Sadly, too little time in this city. From man hole covers to street art and lively socks, Himeji invites one to stay, play and explore. I walk across the street to enter Read more
Racing Through Japan: Bullet Trains and Castles
8 Oct 2025 Excitement builds. After breakfast, I will officially board a bullet train. I watched them zip by while at the Railroad Museum. Now I get to ride one from Kyoto to Himeji.
From Rock Gardens to Railroads: My Kyoto Stroll
7 October 2025 I wake to a spectacular view of sunrise and dramatic clouds over the Tōji Temple, a five storied pagoda, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan at 157 feet. A UNESCO world heritage Read more
Gates, Geiko, and Green Froth
5-6 October 2025 With the morning comes cloudy skies and light rain. Our new guide, Jun, leads us through a tiny portion of Omicho Market. Omicho (also called Ōmichō Ichiba) is Kanazawa’s sprawling fresh-food market, Read more
Kanazawa in Three Acts: Samurai, Teahouses, and Gold
4 October 2025 Kanazawa’s history began in feudal times as the seat of the Maeda clan, one of Japan’s wealthiest and most powerful families. The Maeda ruled the Kaga Domain, which rivaled even Kyoto and Edo Read more
From Mountain Roads to Saké Flows
3 October 2025 Today, we depart via bus. Ultimately, we will travel about 72 miles northwest reaching the Sea of Japan, which, in China, is still the Japan Sea. We plan a couple stops in Read more
Kaiseki Gauntlet: Adventures in Tiny Dishes
2 October 2025 Imagine sitting down in a serene tatami room, shoes politely abandoned at the door. You sit on a pillow on the floor. Your feet fall into a well under the low table. Read more
Takayama Treasures: Streets, Shrines, and Shopping
2 October 2025 Takayama used to be the castle town which General Nagachika Kanamori built on behalf of his master at the end of the Sengoku era when Hideyosi Toyotomi ruled Japan. In 1692, however, Read more
Old Nakasendō Way – Tsumago to Magome
1 October 2025 A short drive takes us southerly over the 2,628-foot Magome Pass. The pass is the highest elevation along the Nakasendō Way. Surrounding mountains and the cedar and bamboo forests are outstanding. It Read more
Tsumago: Exploring Jizō and Vending Machines
30 September 2025 After a delightful evening in Narai followed by a Western breakfast, I enjoy time to wander Narai’s streets. The village seems a good place to buy lacquerware and woodcrafts. Not being a Read more
Steps Through Time – Sipping Miso, Skipping Tea
29 September 2025 This morning, we begin our days of train travel. For someone from the U.S., I am always impressed by the development and efficiency of public transportation around the world. In most of Read more
Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani
28 September 2025 Today, we again travel by coach: direction northeast 190 miles to Yudanaka. Distance doesn’t amount to much but the slow, busy roads take most of our day. Once we arrive, we will Read more
From Megatropolis to Awesome Nature
27 September 2025 I depart the massive, bustling megatropolis of Tokyo. I won’t complain, as my destination for the day includes another icon of Japan: Mt. Fuji. I’ve jetted past the mountain in the past, enjoying spectacular Read more
Tokyo: Thunder Gates, Tower Views and Floating down the Sumida
26 September 2025 Om Mani Padme Hum Buddha give me serenity and patience Carrying my backpack, I walk to a new hotel, bracing myself to join a tour group. It feels a bit like handing Read more
“Tokyo: Trains, Temples, and Childhood Idols”
25 September 2025 I can’t believe that Godzilla was the last of his species. If nuclear testing continues, then someday, somewhere in the world, another Godzilla may appear. Godzilla, King of the Monsters Unfortunately, Dr. Read more
Tokyo: Rainbow Bridge to Iconic Statues: A Tokyo Primer
24 September 2025 I’ve read that there are no fewer than eighteen ways to say “hello” in Japanese, which means I’m visiting Japan eighteen steps behind. When I learned the Russian alphabet, at least I Read more
Touchdown Tokyo: Smart Toilets, Godzilla, and Me
23 September 2025 The last time I visited Tokyo, I never actually made it past Narita Airport and a nearby luxury hotel—an unplanned overnight courtesy of United Airlines. My grand cultural immersion consisted mostly of jet lag, Read more
FRANKFURT AIRPORT
30-31 May 2025 We laze in charming Würzburg as long as possible. Temperature reaches mid-seventies and the sun is blasting. However, sadly, we must board an ICE direct train from the Hbf to Frankfurt’s Airport. Read more
WÜRZBURG, GERMANY
28-29 May 2025 After visiting Würzburg in 2021, I wrote: “The Nuremberg Residenz is too groß and grand, Bamburg Residenz too small and simple, but Würzburg Residenz is just right.” I enjoyed my visit to Read more
Then – There are the Walls!
Rothenberg, Germany – 25-27 May 2025 The walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a dream come true for lovers of medieval architecture—and for anyone who ever wanted to pretend they were on castle patrol. Read more
ROTHENBERG, GERMANY
25-27 May 2025 Rothenburg is a Bavarian village often included on river cruises. It’s located on the Tauber River, which flows into the Main River, and the Main River connects to the Danube through the Read more
NUREMBERG – AKA NÜRNBERG
22-24 May 2025 I fell in love with Nürnberg when I visited in 2021. I forever love a walled city with turrets and moats. Actually, I fell in love with Nürnberg artist, Albrecht Dürer. Or maybe Read more
Platz Cruising in Regensburg Germany
21 May 2025 Regensburg proves to be a wonderful old city filled with beautiful architecture, a grand cathedral, historic plazas and cafes. The Danube weaves through the city as church bells toll from soaring towers. Read more
REGENSBURG, GERMANY
19-20 May 2025 Departing Munich’s Hbf, with a train leaving about every hour, we travel about an hour and a half to the city of Regensburg. We settle into a 6-person compartment to zip through green Read more
PRIEN AM CHIEMSEE, GERMANY
16-17 May 2025 Using the DB Navigator App, we purchase tickets on a EuroCity train south to the lakeside resort of Prien am Chiemsee. Prien seems like stepping into a picturesque postcard with beautiful lake Read more
MUNICH, GERMANY
14-15 May 2025 After the huge crowds in Paris last month, I hesitate to hope for a better outcome for Munich. Lots and lots of people are traveling, flights are full, popular destinations crowded. Good Read more
WHY TRAVEL?
12-13 May 2025 11-13 May 2025 I face the epic dilemma of an experienced global traveler: Option one, revisit those spots from years ago, where I’ve likely forgotten everything except the name of that one Read more
Take the Train from Marrakech Going North
16-17 April 2025 I take liberties with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Instead of “Take the train from Casablanca going south,” I leave Marrakech upon the highways going North to Casablanca. It nears the end of Read more
Marrakech – History and Hikes
14-15 April 2025 Crosby Stills & Nash spoke of “saving all my money Just to take you there.” They sing of “Blowing smoke rings” and the “Striped djellabas” of Marrakech. They also spelled it Marrakesh Read more
Marrakech, Maroc
13 April 2025 Whoopa…. Would you know we’re riding On the Marakesh Express? Would you know we’re riding On the Marrakesh Express? They’re taking me to Marrakesh All on board the train All on board Read more
Essaouira, Maroc
11-12 April 2025 We close the door on our comfortable stay at Dar al Hossoun in Taroudant. Leaving the cats and peacock behind, we continue our progress westward. For the past few months, I have Read more
Taroudant – “Little Marrakech” of Maroc
10 April 2025 The city of Taroudant looks large and enticing. As we enter the city, I see miles of adobe walls enclosing the old Medina. The entire area looks relatively untouched by modern man. Read more
Anti-Atlas and Taroudant, Maroc
9 April 2025 Thomas Lawrence, soldier and archaeologist, served in Saudi Arabia during WWI as a liaison between the British government and the Arab tribes. Such reality never gets in the way of location shooting Read more
Quarzazate, Maroc
8 April 2025 Early morning, we motor up the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Itinerary notes “we travel west.” This appeared commendable. I love fortresses/kasbahs. But then, yikes! Our vehicle points north into the gorge. Read more
Todra Gorge, Maroc
7 April 2025 True, sunsets are gorgeous. Libation in hand, quiet evenings, good company: it’s a wonderful time. Meanwhile, sunrises, though often gorgeous, depends upon timing. Sunrise at Merzouga Dunes is 6:59 am. This is Read more
Sahara Desert and Camel Dung
6 April 2025 This morning, I am moving – slowly. Food has little appeal. I head for our bus. The day’s itinerary leaves no room for laggards. The drive will be long but broken up Read more
Erfoud and Morocco’s Sahara Desert
5 April 2025 There always seems to be a tour day of sit-and-ride. This is it. I generally love these days. With professional drivers, I enjoy sitting back and watching the scenery roll past my Read more
Volubilis and Meknes, Maroc
4 April 2025 Here, within a Mediterranean country, I consider myself a breakfast person. My breakfast usually includes olives, cheese, amlou (a delicious spread of honey, almonds and argan oil), croissants, maybe a baghrir (a Read more
Imperial City of Fès, Maroc
2-3 April 2025 Fez/Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, becomes the most impressive. The medieval city was founded in 789 BCE by Idris I, the first ruler of the Idrisid dynasty. His son, Idris II, expanded Read more
Rabat, Maroc
2 April 2025 We depart Casablanca for the 54-mile drive northeast to the city of Rabat. It is sunny and warm; the ocean is a brilliant blue and I relax. We are a group of Read more
Casablanca – No, Rick Wasn’t Here
1-2 April 2025 Let’s first clarify the facts. No one filmed the iconic film Casablanca in Casablanca. Rick’s Café never existed. Whispered rumors were that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart didn’t even like each other Read more
Morocco Bullet Train
31 March 2025 When March came, my weather at home was stormy, cold and wet. I suppose I could say the month entered like a California Mountain Lion. Today, here in Tanger, March is exiting Read more
A Weekend in Tanger
28-30 March 2025 Whether spelled Tangier or Tanger, this vibrant Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar thrives where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Since Phoenician times (around the 3rd to 4th century BCE), Read more
Tanger, Maroc
30 March 2025 Before visiting, I research two items: free walking tours and if Hop on Hop Off buses operate within the city. Tanger offers both. Because of time constraints, we chose to avail ourselves Read more
Tétouan and Chefchaouen
29 March 2025 We depart Tanger. Today, we visit two cities of northern Morocco. Picked up at our hotel, we meet Mostafa, our driver, and begin to learn more about Morocco’s culture and history as Read more
Tanger, Maroc
28 March 2025 While I traveled to parts of Morocco in 2010, I thought it a good time to update my impressions and learn more about this country. Actually, it was my niece who chose Read more
Paris Both Under and Above Ground
Thursday, 27 March, 2025 We have enjoyed some wonderful walks about the city. Parisian streets are busy but clean. Drivers appear polite when we cross a street – they no longer seem to aim for me Read more
How to Visit Paris on 8 miles a Day
Wednesday, 26 March, 2025, sunny and cool I believe if one desires to know and understand a place, one walks it. Best learning about Paris by walking and using its fabulous Metro. There exists miles Read more
A Masterpiece of Absolute Monarchy
Tuesday, 25 March, 2025 Early train, Museum Pass in hand, reservations booked. We set off to explore Versailles. Tourists, go that-a-way. Take your patience and good shoes. Be patient or stay home! Château de Versailles Read more
Much Ado About Paris – All Deserved
24 March, 2025 Paris beckons. Some cities remain timeless, majestic, and full of charm. They offer a tapestry of culture, history, food and drink. Paris holds that promise and more. I have visited Paris numerous Read more
Paris – City of Light
23 March 2025 There are cities in the world that deserve repeated visits. Being the greatest on any list is an honorable position. Paris fits that description. I rejoice in visiting the City of Light Read more
Alignements of Carnac – “Long Way for Rocks”
22 March 2025 “I was looking into Carnac, France” my niece messaged me, “because they are famous for their 10,000 standing rocks. It’s about 1.5 hrs from Rennes and might be a little far to Read more
Saint-Malo, France
19-21 March 2025 In fall of 2019, I visited this city and thought “a perfect stop. I wish I had more time.” Well, the time has come as Gabrielle and I lodge here for the Read more
Cap Fréhel, Brittany, France
20 March 2025 Departing Saint-Malo, we drive west through farm land, lush forests, and small villages to the headlands of Cap Fréhel. Occasionally, we spy peeks of bays and a rugged Brittany coast. Stone buildings Read more
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
19 March 2025 Caught up on blessed sleep. Weather is sunny and cool. With rain predicted for later in the week, we adjust plans accordingly. After a coffee and biscuit, my niece Gabrielle and I Read more
Rennes, France
18 March 2025 Sometimes the most challenging part of visiting a foreign country is pronouncing your city of destination. One wrong inflection, and I would find myself hundreds of kilometers from my room for the Read more
A Bumpy Start
17/18 March 2025 In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside you. – Deepak Chopra Chaos is chaos no matter how you experience it. You either adapt or die. – Pat Bunyard Always Read more
On The Road Heading West
3 January 2025 Nancy and I ushered 2025 into the world in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The land is grand, the food good, the culture exciting. But, it is always good to head home with Read more
Santa Fe Arts & Culture
2 January 2025 Another slow morning, waking to a chilly room and a hot cup of coffee. The Inn is quiet as we walk across to breakfast. Kitchen will cook to order. Times like this, Read more
Laid Back in Sante Fe
1 January 2025 Nancy and I enjoy a leisurely morning waiting for the sun and temperatures to rise above 40°. Our previous excursion found us in the north of Finland seeking the Northern Lights. I suggest, Read more
Santa Fe, New Mexico
31 December 2024 We awake to a clear, crisp morning in Santa Fe. Skies are blue and cloudless. Northwest winds bring the feel of snow in the air although snow has not fallen since November. Read more
New Mexico Road Trip
From Geologic Features to Cultural Diversity 30 December 2024 El Malpais National Monument features an informative Visitor Center and several routes or trails open for exploration. It is an easy visit on I-40 in Grants.
ROAD TRIP!
From Deep Craters to Painted Rocks 29 December 2024 We awake to cold. Frosty has visited overnight. We continue east through desert. We have a full tank of gas, practically a steal at 2.79 a Read more
ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP!
Get your kicks on Route 66 28 December 2024 Heartfelt appreciation for hot coffee this morning. We may be in high dessert, but it is cold out there. We pack up the “Prius mule team” Read more
ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP! ROAD TRIP!
Central Valley minus Grandma Joad 27 December 2024 A road trip is an anonymous freedom on four wheels! Radial tires humming along open roads with endless horizons stretching out before me. Every mile brings a Read more
Rio – Historic or Shabby Chic?
27-29 September 2024 There exists far more to Rio than sandy beaches, Carnival, and volcanic plugs. The city is a jumble of wide chaotic streets, a fusion of colonial and modern, and a population of Read more
Rio de Janeiro
25-26 September 2024 Rio is sort of like Cher. It only needs one name to be recognized.
Free-Range Thoughts – Brasil
24 September 2024 Life is good. I sit in the hotel bar in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying a cold Antarctica Original Cerveja, catching up on writing, watching YouTube, checking out news, hearing English around me even Read more
Hotel Mato Grosso, Pantanal, Brasil
23-24 Sept 2024 No rush this am, yet the birds don’t know – or care. I am awakened at the first light of dawn by the raucous Curicacas. Their antics act as my avian alarm Read more
Porto Jofre – Yaguará Patricia and Mikaela
22 Sept 2024 I awake to an opera of birds. One cannot describe it as a symphony as it is too discordant, too raucous. The Curicaca’s endless squabbling as they chase about the grounds and Read more
Porto Jofre – Searching for Yaguará
21 Sept 2024 The native Tupí-Guaraní word for jaguar is yaguará or “he who kills with one leap.” When it comes to jaguars, this is an excellent description. To watch a jaguar stalk and pounce Read more
Porto Jofre – Exploring the Pantanal
20 Sept 2024 The Pantanal alarm clocks awake everyone around 5:30 am. The raucous and slightly crazy Curicaca scurries about the grounds and trees screaming and screeching to start a new day. Some consider their Read more
Porto Jofre, Mato Grosso, Western Pantanal
19 Sept 2024 I met a wonderful Danish couple, Ingrid and Gunner, while cruising the Rio Negro. Second day here in Pantanal, I did a double take as they were sitting at the table next Read more
Pousada Piuval, Pantanal, Mato Grosso – A day of flora and fauna
18 Sept 2024 A red sun appears above the horizon. Birds chirp and sing. The air feels cool. It’s 5:30 am. I climb aboard my wagon and Guia Tim motors around the immense grounds and Read more
The Pantanal, Mata Grosso, Brasil
16-17 Sept 2024 I arrange Uber pickup for the short ride from my hotel to the airport. The morning is cool but hazy. My bag is crammed and I am thinking: how can I lighten Read more
Foz Do Iguaçu
16 Sept 2024 Say hallelujah! I get to sleep in. Exhausted, I sleep for 9 hours. The temperatures range in the low 60s with intermittent sprinkles of rain. I am informed this is unusually cool Read more