Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Exploring Bulgarian History

12 May 2019

Driving in, around, over and through the striking landscape of steep cliffs and the very green Balkan Mountains, I am surrounded by the lush flora and fauna of the Bulgarka Nature Park. The mountain range forms the watershed between the Black and Aegean seas. Shipka Pass, at 3820 ft., marks the border between Stara Zagora and Gabrovo province. During the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-1878, the pass was the locale for a series of historic battles fought between the Russians, aided by Bulgarian volunteers, and the Ottoman Empire. With Russian assistance, these battles led to the independence of Bulgaria, an event Bulgarians have never forgotten. Today, my cousins will share this part of their history with me. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Bulgaria – Finding My Roots

София, България – Sofia, Bulgaria

History and DNA Cousins  –  9-11 May 2019

One should question who we are even if we think we know the answer. We soon become part of the globe and its history. Unraveling a shared past brings us closer together. 

I last visited Bulgaria in September of 2016. I fell in love with Sofia and Plovdiv, all of Bulgaria for that matter. I did not know at the time that one of my closest DNA cousins is Bulgarian. Primal Instinct, subconscious reaction? It is exciting to be revisiting Bulgaria and meeting my cousins. (more…)

By Pat, ago

NOLA – Mardi Gras 2019

28 February – 10 March 2019

It is impossible to accurately describe Mardi Gras unless you have experienced it with a local.

Mardi Gras is not what I have seen on TV over the years. Well, it probably looks like that down in the renowned French Quarter among the tourists and drunks, but Mardi Gras is definitely not like that in other areas of the city. It still is a crazy experience but not ridiculously crazy. 

How did I see Mardi Gras? 

(more…)
By Pat, ago

No Guarantee One Will Like Travel

January 12, 2562 BE

There is no guarantee that someone will like travel.

When I moved to California 50 years ago, I had never been west of Des Moines. I had no idea what to expect other than it was my decision and my new job. So, if it was a bad decision, I could just move back? Probably it would have not been that easy.

When I first traveled in 1972, some 84 countries and seven continents ago, I had no clue what to expect. I had never traveled out of the country, let alone on my own. In both cases, I made the right decisions for myself and have never regretted the adventures.

Last Christmas, I gave my niece, Mikaela, the gift of travel. “Anywhere you want to go,” I said to this novice, 15-year-old potential tourist. I was hoping for something easy, familiar, comfortable. She chose Thailand. Thailand? Are you sure? Yes, she was and thus, Christmas of 2018 we traveled to Thailand. It was full of surprises for the both of us.

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By Pat, ago

Pattaya Beach – Pick Your Style

3-6 January 2019

Woman cannot live by culture alone.

There are various ways to get the 175 miles south from Kanchanaburi to Pattaya Beach. Trains depart for Bangkok with transfers from there. Buses and vans will accommodate. We have been there and done that. I opt for air-conditioning, a comfortable ride and guaranteed seat; a taxi service wins my day. Taxis, unlike in western countries, are fairly reasonable in Thailand. No exchanges, no transfers, just door-to-door service, for about $100. I chose convenience as we are driven south to Pattaya Beach, located on the east side of the Gulf of Thailand. (more…)

By Pat, ago

The Elephant’s World – Meeting the BIG GIRLS

2 January 2019        Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Today we stock up on little ripe bananas and drive out to visit the Big Guys and Gals of the Thai jungles.

Eco-friendly tourism is popular. Recognizing the impact that travel and tourism has on the environment, more groups are becoming ecofriendly both with the environment and the creatures struggling to live within it. Tourism can love an environment to death. So too with its animals. As an individual I may not be able to eliminate cruel practices, but I can make efforts to support more humane treatment of animals. Today, it is the elephant of Thailand who captures our attention.

Minimize impact, build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

(more…)

By Pat, ago

Kanchanaburi, Thailand – Marching to a Lurid Ditty

31 December 2018 – 2 January 2019

What does New Year’s Eve look like in Thailand? We are about to find out.

Jane, our hostel host, assisted us by arranging a direct van to transport us north to Kanchanaburi. There were several options from bus, mini van, car hire or train. Each has its positives but it is the time factor that makes up our minds as travel time can range from 2 to 6 hours. We choose the quickest transport and arrange for a van to drive us 80 miles northwest to the small city of Kanchanaburi. We have a seat to ourselves in a packed van that speeds us north for less than $5. From the bus station, we take a short tuk-tuk ride to our hotel. We are getting to be pros at this transport thingee. (more…)

By Pat, ago