Travel

Poznań Poland

21-22 July 2014

Each city has its history

Each city has its history

I’m confused. From the moment I arrived in Poznań I have been direction-challenged. Thankfully, my iPad gets me around. Just 125 miles northeast of Wrocław, Posnań has been a Polish city since the early 1900s and became a cruelly occupied city, first by the Germans, then by the Communists. But the real story of Poznań is the 1956 Uprising.
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By Pat, ago

Wrocław Poland

19-21 July 2014

13th century Town Hall

13th century Town Hall

Entering Wrocław’s Rynek, or old market square, is a jaw-dropping experience. Its gothic town hall is an architectural masterpiece. Surrounded by a colorful plethora of citizens’ houses, filled with restaurants and strolling multitudes, the Rynek is a perfect square for rubbernecking. I immediately wish I had longer to visit. Wrocław has been designated a European Capital of Culture for 2016. I say don’t wait. Go now.

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By Pat, ago

Kraków Poland

16-19 July 2014

Rynek Glówny - Main Market Square from Cloth Hall to St. Mary's Basilica

Rynek Glówny – Main Market Square from Cloth Hall to St. Mary’s Basilica

Wow, now here is a city! Walkable historic center, lively, inexpensive, clean, good food and beer, cafés and street shopping. I immediately like the old-world atmosphere of Kraków. Its awesome main square is filled with the noises, conversations, horse carriages, music, and clinking glasses and cups of locals out to enjoy their city. I am happy to be here sharing it with them.

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By Pat, ago

Bratislava Slovakia

12-16 July 2014

From St. Michael's Gate overlooking town hall tower, UFO, St. Martin's and Bratislava Castle.

From St. Michael’s Gate overlooking town hall tower, UFO, St. martin’s and Bratislava Castle.

Rarely in the 21st century can I travel in a country before the tourist explosion changes everything. I like Bratislava because it feels ‘eastern European.’ Travelers call it the “new Prague” and this could be true. Under its layer of grime, crumbling facades, Communist apartments and historical city center lies a fascinating, fun and up-and-coming travel destination. Not many Americans come here so book now before the hoards overrun this city as they did Prague.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Nome Alaska

20140624-235145-85905412.jpgPicked up a button at the Visitor Center that says “I love Nome” and I do. But I get ahead of my story.

Writer’s are taught to answer the five ‘Ws’ – who, what, when, where, why.

Answers are: me, achieving a travel goal, today in Nome. The why is a little more complicated.

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By Pat, ago

Alaska’s Inside Passage – Among soaring eagles and floating glaciers

15-19 June 2014

Tlingit robe on Kake

Tlingit robe on Kake

Cloudy and a comfortable 50° as we dock in Kake on Kupreanof Island. The island, named for the governor of Russian America, may have been visited by Sir Francis Drake in 1579, but it’s greatest fame comes from resident Tlingits being bombarded by the US Army in 1869. The 52×20 mile island is now home to 600 residents and the world’s tallest totem pole at 128′ (built to celebrate the centennial of US purchase of Alaska). Talked with a carver and a weaver; locals are sparse but friendly; saw many eagles, a black bear cub, and numerous ramshackle houses. The low islands in the bay are where they bury their dead. Today, Father’s Day, this island isn’t any livelier.

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By Pat, ago